The rich aroma of steak filled the living room.
"Lian, go ahead and eat first. I'll go grab some water," Zigh said, pushing himself up and heading toward the kitchen.
Lian remained still, his eyes fixed on the meal before him.
"No eating?" Outer whispered into Lian's ear.
"How should I eat this, Outer?"
"Just bite it."
"No. I'll wait and ask Zigh."
"That Eosvile will only get more arrogant."
"Even if he's arrogant, he is still my bodyguard."
"As Lian wishes."
A few moments later, Zigh returned from the kitchen carrying a tray. On it sat a pitcher of water, two glass tumblers, and a large bunch of fresh grapes.
"You haven't touched it yet?" Zigh asked, setting the tray on the table.
"I... could you show me how?"
A faint smile played on Zigh's lips. He's being surprisingly honest today, he thought.
He noticed Lian stealing quick glances at him.
Zigh sat across from him and unwrapped his own steak. He paused, frowning at the utensil provided. Why is there only a plastic fork?
He looked at Lian's steak and realized the problem. "There's no knife," he muttered.
"Is something wrong?"
Zigh ran a hand through his hair. "Lian, did you get a knife in your packaging?"
Lian shook his head.
"I thought so. Wait here, I'll grab one. You can try the grapes while I'm gone; I've washed them thoroughly."
Lian nodded.
Back in the kitchen, Zigh rummaged through the utensil drawer.
"A knife... ah, there's only one sharp one left. I can't exactly bring a meat cleaver out there, can I?"
He sighed and grabbed the single steak knife he found.
Returning to the table, he sat back down.
"Lian, listen. You hold the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces like this. Understand?"
Lian nodded. "Understood."
"Here, use the knife. You can cut yours now."
Lian took the knife and began carefully slicing the steak. Once finished, he handed the knife back.
"Here, your turn."
Zigh let out a small chuckle.
"What's so funny?"
Zigh took the knife, still smiling.
"Nothing. You just have a unique way of doing things."
Lian didn't respond, choosing instead to focus on eating. Zigh followed suit, cutting his steak exactly the way Lian had.
"Lian, didn't you say you used to work at a restaurant?" Zigh asked between bites.
"Hmm... yes. A roadside seafood place."
"I see... and how is the steak?"
"It's good."
Honest again, Zigh noted. That's twice in one sitting.
"Why are you just staring?" Lian asked, breaking Zigh's train of thought.
"Ah, it's nothing." Zigh quickly took a bite. "You're right. It is good."
Suddenly, Zigh winced. "Ugh..." He instinctively reached up to nurse his nose.
Lian's eyes softened, his hands gripping his three-quarter shorts tightly. "Does it hurt?"
"Ah... a little. It's fine."
Lian stopped eating, his plate only half-finished.
Zigh watched him closely. Is he feeling guilty for hitting me?
"Lian, are you full?"
Lian remained silent and forced himself to finish the meal.
Once done, Zigh picked a grape and popped it into his mouth. He could feel Lian's intense gaze on him.
"Is there something you want to say, Lian?"
Lian fidgeted. "I want to... I want to know what the Oleander Organization is really like."
Zigh tilted his head. Why the hesitation? Don't tell me...
"You've been spacing out a lot. Why?"
Zigh forced a smile. "Oleander is an international illegal arms smuggling ring operating within Echo. They also deal in prohibited drugs."
"I see... I thought it was just a small group. It's global."
"Are you afraid?"
Lian shook his head. "Where is Eripe?"
"Eripe is the city where Miss Edelweiss lives."
Lian's eyes widened. The temperature in the living room seemed to plummet instantly.
"Lian? Calm down..."
The black depths of Lian's eyes grew even darker. "Zigh... can I make Elfinder disappear?"
As if responding to his host's rage, Outer transformed into a thick, black mist that began to fill the room.
"Lian... I know you have a deep connection with Miss Edelweiss, but you can't let your emotions take over like this!"
"Zigh... do you realize I could wipe out a city in the blink of an eye?"
Zigh clenched his fists. "Lian, I know. Outer told me... with that power, all of Echo could vanish."
Lian smirked. "Outer is right, Zigh."
Zigh tried to pour water into Lian's glass, but his hands shook so much that water spilled across the table.
"Lian, drink. Please. Don't be like this..."
"Are you afraid of me, Zigh?"
"I..."
Zigh looked down at his trembling hands, unable to finish the sentence.
"Do you have a photo of Elfinder?"
Zigh looked up. "What for?"
"He's a fugitive, isn't he? I'm going to hunt him down."
"Lian, I'm asking you to stay calm. You can't just charge in."
Zigh paused, a realization hitting him. Wait... if I think back to that sniper... Outer's methods might be effective, but the evidence...
A small, dark smile crept onto the corner of Zigh's mouth.
"Oh, and Zigh," Lian added, his voice returning to a calm, deep tone. "I haven't told you something interesting yet."
"Does it involve Outer's power?"
Lian smiled. "I have two other bodyguards."
Zigh's jaw dropped. "You mean... I'm not the only one?"
"Of course not."
Zigh clenched his teeth.
Lian let out a small, dry laugh. "You can ask them for help."
"You seem quite confident. Do they have special abilities like yours?"
Lian tilted his head. "I don't know. But I believe a world boxing champion with the rank of Major and a Lieutenant Colonel should be helpful enough, shouldn't they?"
Zigh stood up abruptly. "Lian, what are you talking about?"
"Calm down and sit back down, Eosvile."
Zigh hissed through his teeth but complied. "Lian, how did they even become your bodyguards?"
Lian stood up to leave. "Ask them yourself. They're currently being treated at the hospital. You can ask Rhea for the location."
Zigh sat stunned.
Lian climbed the stairs and disappeared into his room. As he left, the heavy, frigid air in the room returned to normal.
Zigh leaned back against the sofa, staring at the ceiling. Lian is a complete mystery... but one thing is certain: Miss Edelweiss is deeply connected to him.
He closed his eyes for a moment. That empty gaze... it was almost like...
Zigh shook his head and groaned, ruffling his hair. "Ah, forget it."
He stood up to clear the table, moving to the kitchen to put the remaining grapes in the fridge and wash the dishes.
Who are these other bodyguards? he wondered as he scrubbed. A Major... a Lieutenant Colonel... these aren't just random people.
He exhaled. And now a Colonel is joining the ranks of Lian's protectors. How annoying.
Once finished, he ran his hand through his hair. At least Lian is still under control for now.
He touched his nose. "Argh... I need an ice pack."
Zigh grabbed some ice from the freezer, wrapped it up, and sat at the dining table, pressing it against his face. How does that skinny man have so much strength?
As the condensation began to form on the pack.
If we follow Lian's lead regarding Elfinder... we might stop the smuggling quickly, but we won't pull it out by the roots.
He sighed.
But if I cooperate with these other bodyguards... maybe we can actually dismantle Oleander. Just like Lian said.
He dumped the melted ice, grabbed a first aid kit, and cleaned his injury with alcohol. "Ow!"
Zigh winced at the sting, waiting for it to dry. I used to get beat up all the time in amateur boxing matches... but Lian's punch... why was it so heavy?
He applied some gel ointment to the swelling. His frame is so thin... but those bones... no wonder it hurts so much.
After tidying up the kit, he made his way to his room. When he entered, he found Lian sitting on the edge of the bed.
"You're not sleeping?" Zigh asked, approaching him.
"Not sleepy yet."
Zigh noticed Lian's knuckles were red and swollen. I knew it.
"Lian, is your hand okay?"
"Yeah. It's fine."
Zigh observed him. Lian seemed calmer now.
"Lian, did you really only work at that restaurant?"
Lian looked up at him. "No. Why?"
"What else did you do?"
"I worked as a construction laborer. Building high-rises."
A faint, knowing smile touched Zigh's face. Yeah. That makes sense now.
"Will you come with me tomorrow to meet the other bodyguards?"
"No way."
Zigh folded his arms. "Why not?"
"You're noisy. You ask too many questions."
"Fine," Zigh sighed. "At least tell me their names."
Lian looked away. "Nox... and Ron Eosvile."
Zigh froze, his eyes widening in shock. "What?! Eosvile?"
To be continued...