Before Ron lost consciousness, Haze made his way to Yurin's manor. With stark white walls, soaring crystal pillars, and a floating structure suspended above a lake encircled by perpetual glaciers and cascading snow, the estate stood entirely isolated from the rest of the world.
Yurin stood in his courtyard, surrounded by trees as translucent as ice. The breeze stirred the manor lord's brown hair, while his emerald gaze locked onto the ruby-eyed guest.
"It has been a long time, Haze."
"Save your pleasantries, Yurin."
"Abrasive as ever."
Haze tossed the two silver-haired youths onto the ground before him. Tendrils of ice snaked out from the floor, catching the pair just before they collided with the mirrored glass.
"Haze, a little gentleness wouldn't hurt."
"Tell them never to lay a finger on my great-grandchildren again."
Yurin sighed, observing the twin youths who shared identical features. "Did these two cause trouble again?"
Haze's ruby eyes ignited with power. The lake surrounding Yurin's estate surged upward, forming a roaring waterspout that dwarfed the ancient glaciers.
A sharp burst of light erupted from Yurin's emerald eyes, flash-freezing the colossal torrent. "Haze, can you explain without bringing down the sky?"
"They're the ones looking for a fight—especially Ashil," Haze spat, pointing toward the youth.
"Fair enough. I understand."
"Remember this, Yurin: I will never forget what they did to my blood."
Yurin studied the fiery-eyed man. "What is it you want me to do, then?"
"Teach them proper manners and how to conduct themselves."
Yurin smiled, tightening his fist. "Gladly."
Haze glared, his ruby eyes still shimmering with residual aura. "Were it not for my father-in-law, I would have punished them with my own hands."
Closing his eyes briefly, Yurin thought, Sir Charon... this grows more convoluted by the second. He cast a glance back at the twins. You two are a relentless headache.
The brown-haired manor lord stepped closer to Haze. "I will teach them proper decorum."
"You had better."
A subtle smile played on Yurin's lips.
Haze scoffed and closed his eyes. A blinding pillar of light erupted from the glass floor, piercing the sky, and the ruby-eyed man vanished within it.
The frozen vortex shattered, dissolving into a shimmering cascade of sparkling dust.
Yurin kneaded his temples. At least he didn't demand more...
Ashil slowly opened his eyes. "This place... Vashil!" His gaze frantically swept the area until he found his twin still unconscious. Breaking free from the icy vines, he rushed to his brother's side.
"How touching... checking on your beloved brother the moment you wake, Ashil Eosvile."
Ashil froze. That voice... Master Yurin, he thought, stiffening in realization.
Slowly turning his head, Ashil immediately bowed. "Forgive me, Master Yurin."
Beside him, Vashil's vision cleared. "Ashil..." he muttered, his eyes widening as he registered the presence standing before them. He quickly shattered his own icy bindings and pressed his forehead low. "Master Yurin..."
"Stand," Yurin commanded.
Both snapped straight into flawless, rigid postures.
Yurin casually flicked his wrist through the air.
Snap!
Both twins' heads snapped sideways, bright red handmarks blooming across their cheeks.
Ashil and Vashil stared in utter shock.
"Why..." Vashil stammered.
"You involved yourselves in an incident with Haze's great-grandchild."
A sharp memory of Rhea's estate in Echo flashed through Ashil's mind. Could it be one of them?
"We—"
"Vashil, stop. We were in the wrong."
"What!? How was it our fault?" Vashil snapped back.
"Watch your mouth, Vashil! The fight we caused..."
Vashil's eyes widened further. "It can't be..."
Yurin clapped his hands together with a dry chuckle. "Splendid. So you do realize you were the ones stirring up chaos."
The corners of Yurin's lips curled upward as the snowfall heavy-set around them.
Ashil bowed deeply. "Master Yurin, we..."
"Do you have any idea? This incident has incensed both Haze and Sir Charon—"
Glimmering golden dust began to dance alongside the descending snowflakes.
This golden particle effect... the ringleader arrives, Yurin mused.
A young man with garnet-brown eyes materialized amid the swirling golden dust.
"Greetings, Master Yurin."
Yurin crossed his arms. "What do you want?"
Honest offered a smooth smile. "I merely came to retrieve my guards."
"Oh? And why now?"
Vashil glanced toward Ashil, but his older brother subtly shook his head.
"Pardon my impropriety. Urgent matters required my attention, forcing me to leave them behind temporarily."
Yurin let out a quiet laugh. "It seems your uncle and grandfather are furious, Young Peaceraft."
Honest rested a hand over his chest. "As is expected."
Yurin began walking past him.
"Wait, Master Yurin. If you refuse to hand over my guards—"
"Is that a threat?"
"Master Yurin, I am simply stating facts. Madam Hilda and your daughter, Amica, would hardly be pleased if these twins remain here."
Yurin clenched his fists. "They require discipline."
"If this concerns my nephew's plight, they have already apologized. Isn't that right, Vashil?"
"Correct!" Vashil answered loudly.
Ashil could only nod along.
Yurin looked up into the sky. He truly is Avalon's son...
"Master Yurin," Honest continued, "I know you are a dear friend of my uncle, but to prolong a dispute over a youthful misunderstanding that has already been resolved—would that not be excessive?"
Vashil's eyes lit up. "Yeah—"
Ashil immediately jabbed his elbow into his twin's ribs.
"Ow! That hurt," Vashil hissed under his breath.
"Read the room," Ashil shot back.
Yurin let out a weary sigh and turned around. "If you wish to take them, obtain your grandfather's permission first."
"Rest assured, my grandfather is a wise and compassionate man."
Yurin's emerald eyes locked onto Honest's pleasant smile. He doesn't hesitate to exploit his own grandfather's kindness.
"Do we have an agreement, Master Yurin?"
Yurin revealed a glimmering orb. "Fine. But I'm noting down your words."
Honest nodded. He really prepared for this outcome, huh?
A young man with garnet eyes produced two golden feathers. He tossed one toward the twins and crushed the other in his palm. Fine golden particles enveloped them, and their forms gradually dissolved into nothingness.
Left alone in the silent courtyard, Yurin stared at the empty space. He and his family are nothing but a plague on my peace.
A sudden blizzard swept through, and the emerald-eyed master slowly retreated into his sanctuary.
***
The pillar of light descended upon the central sphere within Kazerin's domain.
Brilliant light materialized directly before Ron, Rhax, and Oelivert.
They fell silent as Haze stepped out from the radiance.
"Is there a problem, Oelivert?"
Oelivert stepped forward, while Ron and Rhax both turned their heads away in unison.
"Master Haze... the young masters appear to be at odds over my explanation."
"Regarding what?"
"Your authority as The Law of the World."
Haze tilted his head. "Is that all?"
The two brothers set their jaws.
Oelivert closed his eyes. Master Haze, could you show a fraction more consideration for their state...?
"Why the silence?"
Oelivert lowered his eyes to the floor. "My apologies—"
"Oelivert, you don't need to report everything to Master Haze," Ron interjected.
Rhax glanced back at his brother.
Haze closed the distance until the tips of his boots nearly brushed theirs.
Ron averted his eyes entirely, while Rhax hung his head low.
Haze reached out, placing his hands atop both their heads. "Mature faces, yet you act like children."
Flushes of red crept up Ron and Rhax's necks.
Rhax shoved Haze's hand away. "You—"
The ruby-eyed patriarch pulled both his great-grandchildren into a sudden embrace. "No matter how old you get, you are still boys to me."
Ron bit his lip, remaining stiff and silent.
"Let go," Rhax grumbled.
Haze released them with a light laugh. "Still curious about my power?"
"Lost interest," Rhax snapped.
The patriarch turned his gaze toward Ron. "Nothing to say?"
"None of your business."
"Oh? What about that black-haired man staying at my father-in-law's estate—"
"Don't you dare touch him, Master Haze," Ron warned.
Rhax pouted. Still overprotective as ever...
Haze chuckled. "You truly care deeply for him, don't you?"
Ron remained silent.
Haze turned away. "It is late. Rest here tonight. Oelivert, make the necessary arrangements."
"At once, Master Haze," Oelivert replied with a respectful bow.
Haze departed, the guards outside bowing deeply as he passed.
"How did he even get here so fast?" Rhax complained.
Ron crossed his arms, glaring at their attendant. "Did you inform him, Oelivert?"
Oelivert adjusted his collar. "Indeed."
Rhax clicked his tongue in annoyance.
Ron massaged his temples.
"Ahem… young masters, I shall prepare a change of clothes. You may rest on the beds in this chamber."
"Why are there two beds here?" Ron questioned.
"I… That is..." Oelivert faltered.
"Here we go again," Rhax muttered.
Oelivert's opal eyes flared with light.
Ron and Rhax's eyes widened in alarm.
What is he planning now? Ron thought.
Damn it, he's trying to force us to sleep! Rhax realized.
A lifelike illusion flickered into view—Haze standing hand in hand alongside a young maiden inside the room.
To be continued...