Darius's Hobbies

Even if Darius was not expecting anything much different from being a guest here in the Rudolf Estate, compared to being the normal person he was for three years; he was still being amused by the people surrounding him. When he chose to kick Nicholai and ran to his designated room, he ran into a familiar Omega. That Omega was part of his old pack.

"Second Master Darius, hello…" The Omega manservant bowed at him with a smile. "Second Master, please let me be your ward while you stay in the estate."

"Why are you still kind to me? Didn't you hear what I have done?" Darius didn't dismiss the servant. He even opened his door for the Omega to come in. "You should have hated me."

"Second Master has forgotten." The servant only kept a smile as he took a quick look at the room as if memorizing the items and where they were. "The elders are not fond of us and treated us with little worth. Only Second Master speaks to us like we're also werewolves like him. Moreover, you saved me from the humans. My allegiance is forever yours."

Darius felt pained when he heard that. It was true that he had protected a lot of them from the humans, but his sins were supposed to be duly punished. It's just a shame that this servant had devoted himself to the wrong person. If he didn't come today, how long would this Omega even wait?

The father only sighed and sat on his bed. He ended up gesturing at the dresser. "I'm going to take a shower and change. Can you guide me around? Your ass of a new Alpha didn't tell me where to go."

"Most certainly, Second Master." The servant moved to gather clothes from the dresser as if it had been clockwork for him.

"…hey, what's your name again? I barely meet any of you outside pack gatherings. Sorry, I already forgot your names." Darius scratched his head, even seemingly embarrassed of his memory.

"Second Master, I am called Sancho. It would be my utmost honor to be of service to you again." Sancho bowed down moderately as he already had clothes on his hands. He then collected the two towels and hung them from his arm. "Second Master, should I carry these with you to the common showers, or will you return here to change?"

…

The common shower room was not that bad; in fact, it was comparable to one inside a popular college gymnasium that Darius once broke into. It was clean and odorless, with the humidity controlled. Darius walked in to see if he could get a cubicle that was not too close to the doors. He walked to an empty cubicle and got the items from Sancho. The servant stood before the shower to keep anyone away.

Darius found two collapsible boxes installed underneath the shower. He formed the boxes and placed his things inside, the old clothes separated. The plastic mesh basket at the side had toiletries ready. There were multiple one-time use shampoos and soaps, but Darius thought of bringing his own toiletries next time. He just needed to make sure it wouldn't collect water.

A lot of things ran through his mind while he was taking a quick shower. However, under the cool water drizzling overhead, he forgot to deliberate seconds into it. After a few more minutes, he stepped out in his fresh clothes, his trousers wrapped around the other sweaty garments. He also inevitably folded his bath towel, letting it dry inside his room instead.

"Hey, Sancho, are there any recreational rooms here? What could the others do to pass the time?" Darius had his hair towel on his head to continue drying it as they walked.

"The soldiers would train in the higher training grounds. The servants could stand around the mansion to watch the scenery or come to the Arts Hall to sew or read books," Sancho answered while greeting the other maids and servants quietly with a nod. "Though, I don't recommend for you to come there. May I know your hobbies, Second Master? I might be able to find a good place for you to spend time."

Darius slid his eyes to Sancho. "How about Nicholai? He couldn't be drinking apple juice all day, right?"

"First Master normally isn't home. There were days that he would stay away for a week." The servant giggled softly. "He seemed to have stayed home now that Second Master has come here. May I ask if Second Master is connected to…?"

The father suddenly waved his hand to dismiss the servant's thoughts. "Look, I don't think there will be anything intimate between the two of us. I just happened to be taking care of his nephews and niece."

At these words, Sancho asked, "If Second Master had the chance, would he… not take care of them to avoid coming back to this city?"

Freeze. Darius froze for a few seconds before turning to the servant. However, his once gentle gaze was then freezing with a coldness that even emanated in his whole body. "Those children are my world now. Not the city, not the pack. If I could redo everything, the only thing I'd change… is the fact that I didn't stab Nicholai when I had the chance."

"…Second Master, I don't think First Master will find trouble with you if you stab him now."

"Did he send you?! Will you also tell me that he's okay with getting beaten up by me?" Darius clicked his tongue before rubbing his neck with the edge of the towel. "He's not home… probably because he was looking after them from a distance. I don't know, I never asked."

"I understand, Second Master." At this, the servant assumed his servile attitude again. "First Master has built a lot of facilities here in the Rudolf Estate, but he has yet to be seen using the special rooms for now. Perhaps, now that he had been staying longer, his preferences will show."

They arrived at the Second Master's room. Sancho entered after Darius, soon collecting the laundry basket so he could place the sweaty clothes inside. He hung the towel on a special swirling hanger. "I just remembered that a pool table had been delivered here days ago. Maybe Second Master would like to see the Games Hall? However, a lot of Gammas tend to stay there, not to mention Sir Rook."

Darius scrunched his face. "I don't like playing pool. I'm bad at it. I'll just find a good spot where I can see the garden and the playground."

"The Rose Pavilion, then." Sancho smiled. "I will walk you there, Second Master."