What Now [2]

In the end, Deon managed to sleep for a few hours. Though his mind wouldn't allow it, his exhaustion was enough to ignore any mental barriers.

Deon opened his eyes to the sound of Yven's footsteps inside his room. His sense of hearing had grown sharp enough to pick up even the faintest noises.

He watched her tiptoe into the changing room, and once she disappeared, Deon sat up cross-legged on his bed.

He held the cube between his hands, but he didn't train. He felt like he simply couldn't—his mind and heart rejected the very thought of doing anything. Deon felt as if he was waiting for his execution without lifting a finger to stop it. It was a strange sensation, as if he'd surrendered before even trying.

'Is this helplessness?'

Deon contemplated the thought. Accepting it seemed easy—but he just couldn't.

'Surely I can't be this powerless... can I?'

And yet, so far, Deon hadn't done a single thing to try and protect his place. He'd thought about running away, but the idea was laughable in itself. What would he even do if he escaped? With the resources House Eirenios had at their disposal, they'd find him in seconds. Running away was nothing but a death sentence in disguise.

'The answer is here.'

That was Deon's belief—if he was going to save himself, then the answer shouldn't be far from where he was now.

'If I explain my situation to Vierenna? Maybe she'd listen if she learned about her mother's connection to my state...'

Even so, Deon wasn't sure. Why would she listen to a complete stranger? Even the fact that he'd claimed to be her brother for the past few days wouldn't help...

"G-Good morning, sir."

Yven's nervous voice cut through Deon's thoughts. He turned toward her to find her standing at the entrance of the changing room, holding a neatly folded pile of clothes in her small hands.

"Good morning, Yven."

Deon responded, gesturing for the girl to continue her work.

Yven bowed slightly before heading toward the door. But just before she could leave, Deon's distinct voice reached her ears.

"If you can, bring coffee with milk... now."

He didn't look at her, but Yven gave a small bow after setting the clothes in the laundry basket.

"As you wish."

She answered and closed the door behind her.

Yven remained standing outside her master's door for a few moments. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something felt... wrong with him.

He definitely looked sad. That much was evident from his face.

Regardless, it wasn't her place to meddle in her master's affairs unless he asked for it personally. What she needed to worry about now was carrying out his order.

Deon sat at the wooden desk in his room. As if acknowledging his presence, the faint yellow reading lights illuminated the desk's surroundings.

He didn't flinch from the light—it was gentle on the eyes. Instead, he reopened the book on the table to the page where he'd last stopped and resumed reading. This time, Deon wasn't doing it to gain knowledge about the world. What would be the point if he died without ever using it?

He sat down to read because he simply had nothing else to do.

At some point, Yven entered with his coffee with milk. Even in these times, its taste remained as superb as ever. But not even that could ease his thoughts.

Time continued to pass, and the room was no longer as dark as before. Deon turned from his desk seat toward the massive glass windows, watching the sun rise.

The more time passed, the greater his anxiety grew. Vierenna's usual intrusion into his room never came—she was long overdue, yet nowhere to be seen.

Deon went to change, preparing to head out for breakfast. He couldn't just sit around waiting anymore.

His choice of clothes was random, but as always, elegant. He grabbed the doorknob, ready to leave...

But his steps came to a halt—recoiling slightly.

The same Vierenna stood before him now, wearing the same surprised expression as Deon.

"You didn't wait for me!"

"You were late!"

They spoke at the same time.

"You... ugh?!"

"No, ugh?!"

Both of them flinched at each other's responses.

Deon fell silent, letting her speak first.

"You should've waited for me. Where were you even going, anyway?"

"Breakfast, obviously."

Deon answered nonchalantly, stepping outside and shutting the door behind him.

Vierenna's sharp gaze softened as she pointed at him accusingly.

"You don't love me anymore?"

Deon rolled his eyes and walked past her.

"No, you were just late."

Vierenna caught up to walk beside him.

"I didn't think we had a schedule."

She leaned forward, trying to catch a glimpse of Deon's calm expression.

"So you still love me?"

Deon glanced at the wicked smile on her face but didn't let it get to him.

"I'm not answering that question."

He quickened his pace, descending the spiral staircase toward the first floor.

...

Breakfast with Vierenna passed quietly, with occasional teasing—but that had already become the norm. Just like yesterday, she showed no signs of suspicion toward his true identity. And that brought Deon no comfort—only more tension and doubt.

After breakfast, she helped him with his swordsmanship training. His Sword Sense allowed him to pick up on all her teachings quickly, and he was progressing steadily. Deon felt he might even land a hit on her if they fought again—of course, three against one.

After training and a quick bath, Deon planned to return to the mana training he'd neglected that morning. But before he could enter his room, Vierenna—who'd accompanied him from the training room below the mansion all the way to his door—suddenly grabbed his hand.

Deon's heart skipped a beat, but it quickly calmed under her light grip.

'My anxiety isn't helping me.' He thought.

He probably seemed far too on edge to her, but he couldn't help it. Fear was starting to grip both his mind and heart. Every second of Vierenna's silence only deepened his uncertainty—especially when he was certain she suspected him.

"Do you want to meet me in the back garden?"

It was a question—a question she asked with a gentle voice and a gentle smile.

'Is this the moment of confrontation?'

Deon couldn't be sure. He didn't sense any ill intentions from Vierenna. Not even the sense of danger he'd felt from her yesterday was present today. Everything was confusing, and Deon forgot how to answer—he simply watched her without saying a word.

"Oh, you probably want to train... You didn't this morning, after all."

She let go of his hand, her expression slightly sad.

Deon clenched his teeth and spoke despite every instinct screaming at him not to.

"It's not like that. I'll meet you."

Vierenna's smile returned, something that was evident in her body language.

"Alright, I'll see you at sunset. Don't be late."

And with that, she left.

Deon stood frozen—neither entering his room nor stepping into the hallway—his mind flooded with thoughts.

'How did she know I didn't train this morning?'

The answer was clear. She'd been watching him, and she made sure to tell him that. Vierenna wasn't the type to make slip-ups that could expose her.

She might not show it, but both her intelligence and strategic mind were exceptionally high. Deon had come to learn that from her teachings—whether in magic or swordsmanship.

Deon wondered again why he'd accepted her invitation.

'Am I making a mistake?'

Most likely! But Deon couldn't afford to stay passive anymore—he had to do something.

And a plan—a stupid plan—was starting to take shape inside his chaotic mind.