Let's play

Old Winger sat in his laboratory with a frown expression while he opened the letter. The old man was slightly aware of what the letter might contain.

The old man eagerly opened the letter he had received feeling a sense of curiosity and impatience. His expression turned shocked when he read the contents of the letter

The swords which Dany stubbed Drey with had another deadly chemical coated in them. He remember that the venomous chemical disappeared a few days after the cobra was burned. Old Winger had an idea who might have stolen it, now the few pieces were falling into place he was more worried about what to expect in the future.

Drey's special abilities will be revealed sooner or later and he might lose control.

Despite his attempts to remain calm he couldn't help but wonder how Drey remained so composed in face of such danger.

The elderly man's breathing becomes labored and he nervously fidgeted in his seat. The letter slips on his shaky hands, and perspiration beaded on his forehead, revealing his distress.

His legs swayed as he searches for relaxation which he didn't get. He ponders how Kira would think we she came to the realization she's leaving with a cobra as her lover. The chain of fear and doubts of Drey turning back to his childhood self haunted him.

Old Winger's gaze moved from the letter on the floor to the items laid out on the experimental table. He proclaimed, "Poison Master let's play," a triumph simile formed on his face, showcasing his strong jawline and impeccable teeth.

It appears that despite being warned, Reagan remains unwavering. The elders who oversee the continent have visited Rosario multiple times. Despite the old man's good reputation, the elders have maintained their cautious stance, only acting when the situation has escalated to conflict.

However, he had foreseen the outcome of his reckless son's action. In his pursuit of more power, he left no stone unturned, even involving his second son.

He constantly warned Regan about the dangers that come with possessing excessive power. Things he kept warning Regan about, but his son wanted more than being a renowned king. Regan would always reply, "more power more loved."

Jerome woke up when the night fell.

"Are you planning to sleep here tonight?" Grandfather walked over with a steaming bowl full of porridge. He handed it to him and picked up his bowl, heading outside. Jerome followed as the two sat together on the stone seats.

"Are you trying to chase me out of your house again?" Jerome asked.

"No," Grandfather chuckled. " I simply thought you might like to have dinner with me."

The stars were glittering in the sky. Jerome enjoyed watching them with their grandfather, as the two ate their porridge.

"To be honest, I have no inclinations tending to mature men," Old Winger teased. As he savored his porridge while gazing at the stars.

Jerome frowned but then knowing this old man's nature of annoying people he assumed with a smile. Raising his head and facing him, he was silent for a while.

"What's the plan for Rosario?" Jerome asked.

Humming unhurriedly, he shook the bowl of porridge mixing it before he replied,

"You'll find out when the time is right." This was not an uncommon response from grandfather, and Jerome didn't mind. He appreciated the old man's ways of handling things.

He will swim in the miseries of Rosario.

"What about us grandfather?"Jerome asked.

"I know you won't mention us to Drey," Old Winger implored, his expression pleading. "He already had more on his plate we wouldn't want to load him."

"You never know grandfather my tongue might slip," he replied gently, his voice was harmless, and the panicked old man suddenly stood.

"Y-you!" Even though grandfather knew of Jerome's uncontrolled tongue he's loyalty to him can't be weaved.

"Even the great King Winger can be threatened?!" Though Jerome asked, he had a playful smile, "I had no intention of bringing it up, you should be relaxed." This side of Old Winger usually surprised Jerome.

Gently patting the Old Winger's shoulder, together they walked back to the house where Jerome picked the herbs the old man had previously placed on the table, bidding him goodnight he left.

As Jerome passed by the farm, the darkness of the night enveloped the area. His mind was heavy with thoughts, and he was filled with regrets.

"Sir Jerome?" Markus called out and rushed out to catch up with him. Jerome let out a deep sigh, it seemed as though he was not in the mood for the company.

"How have you been, Sir Jerome?" Markus asked hesitating slightly at first.

" How do you think I'm doing, Markus?

Jerome responded, his tone indicating that he was not in a good mood.

Markus used to give a grandiose sense of self but after realization hit him, he came to understand the gravity of their presence he humbly altered his demeanor.

"Sir Jerome, I wanted to inquire about the well-being of little Kira. She is currently staying at the castle."

"Ah, little Kira. How are managing it all, Markus?"

"I'm sorry Sir. But manage what?"

"Coating death."

"Aaah!"

"Refrain from using that name, Markus it won't bring you any good luck." Jerome just gives him a warning since he has heard from Richard they were working well with Kira, but Drey won't.

"But Richard calls her Little Kira and we all do," Markus said as he followed Jerome.

"You're not Richard," Jerome said as he turned and grabbed him by the neck. Choking him Jerome threw Markus on the ground before walking away.

As Markus watched the man disappear into the shadows, he couldn't shake off the sensation of the fingers that had gripped his neck moments before. He unconsciously brought both hands on his throat, as if to reassure himself that he was still in control of his own body. The memory of Sir Jerome's deadly glare was still fresh in his mind, leaving him feeling vulnerable and disturbed.

"Why does he hold so much animosity towards me?" He muttered in the dark as he struggle to raise from the ground, wincing at the pain in his backside from the fall.

"Oh it's you," Markus had the voice in the shadows with a hint of annoyance as he stood and dusted off his clothes. The sound of a sarcastic laugh had initially led him to believe that Jerome had reappeared but upon further inspection, he came to realize it was another person.

"What brings you here?" he asked squinting his eyes to get a better look.

"You messed up, the old man is trying to give you a friendly warning to stay away." The old man then walked into the darkness.

Markus stood there confused. "Friendly warning. Is he referring to attempting murder?"