The palace had never looked busier—from the royal family to the lowliest servants, everyone was in motion. They all rushed about, preparing for Raiden’s ceremony that evening.
Raiden, however, was restless. With Leo and Levi absent, he felt strangely bored—an emptiness that had been building for a while. Despite never viewing them as anything beyond useful tools, he was forced to acknowledge that he’d become more reliant on them than he’d ever anticipated.
Raiden wandered through the palace, watching the preparations and giving out strained smiles as he attempted to pass the time until it all ended.
"Eighteen, huh?" Raiden murmured, stepping into the ceremonial hall.
He observed the servants arranging tables, with others bustling up and down the grand staircase that dominated the entrance. Portraits of the kingdom’s golden ages adorned the steps, walls, and floor alike.
Raiden was turning eighteen today, it seemed. He hadn’t known his birthday coincided with the ceremony—he couldn’t recall his last one. This would actually be his first birthday celebration ever.
In his previous life, he’d only tracked years, never months or days. His parents had deemed such celebrations meaningless, convinced he could die at any time.
The realization made him crave Leo and Levi’s presence even more desperately; his mind began spiraling from one thought to the next.
He remained there for several minutes before releasing a heavy sigh and turning away, slipping his hands into his pockets as he walked.
On reflection, he didn’t just accept his parents’ rationale for avoiding birthday celebrations—he believed it had genuinely saved him from unnecessary stress.
The ceremony was burdened enough, and now it coincided with his birthday? Alora really meant to destroy him prematurely through her scheming.
After some aimless roaming, Raiden started making his way back to the library. Near the courtroom, by the staircase to the upper floor, he caught sight of Freya, Soul, and Speed.
His expression darkened in an instant as he strode quickly toward them.
"Hey..." Freya waved at him with excitement.
"What are you doing here? Who’s guarding the book?" he demanded, confusion written across his face.
Freya’s hand dropped slowly. "What?... We heard there’s a ceremony for us, and it’s your birthday."
Raiden smacked his forehead in exasperation, finally understanding why he needed Leo and Levi around.
"I mean the book... Who’s protecting it?"
Having June protect the book wasn’t necessarily a poor decision. She’d shown sufficient strength to prove her capability, but Raiden would have been more comfortable with at least one of his own comrades present. He didn’t trust June enough to completely delegate his responsibility to her.
Before he could say anything, Speed interrupted. "Soul and I don’t want to be here, so we’re returning soon."
Relief washed over him as he smiled, but he questioned whether he truly cared about the book or was simply stressed and seeking a distraction.
"But can I speak with you before we leave?" Speed asked as he motioned toward the corridor to Raiden’s right, which led to the entrance of the throne room.
Speed’s request puzzled Raiden at first—he wasn’t usually one to seek private conversation. But he gave him a firm nod, and they started walking away from the others.
But Raiden’s expression darkened as he finally absorbed what Speed had said earlier. "Wait... are you two leaving because you’re corrupt crest bearers?"
Speed looked startled. "Not really, but we can’t rule it out entirely since the kingdom hates our kind."
"Well, I don’t personally want to be here, and you know Soul isn’t great with people."
That made sense. Soul had always had difficulty connecting with people—apart from Raiden, Speed, and Levi, she couldn’t even talk to Freya. Speed’s reluctance was likely due to his scarred face, and he had no intention of removing his mask. Raiden could understand their reasoning, but loneliness still gnawed at him.
Soon, they arrived at the throne room entrance and stopped for a moment.
"About Soul, thank you," Speed said, bowing his head slightly.
Raiden wasn’t confused; in fact, he’d been anticipating this for some time.
"I know I told you before that we wouldn’t be your slaves—something I still stand by—but despite that, you went out of your way to help Soul."
They started heading outside the palace. "Not only do we get to eat and sleep somewhere luxurious, but you’ve done more for Soul than I ever have as her brother."
"Now she can use her ability. Not perfectly, but still better than before, and that’s all because of you."
Raiden smiled internally. He had successfully gained Soul’s trust and devotion, securing Speed’s loyalty as well, despite Speed’s lingering doubts. It was as if he could predict Speed’s words before they were spoken.
"I won’t be your slave, but you should know that so long as Soul trusts you, I will too. And I want to repay you in my own way." He stopped walking for a moment, and Raiden did the same as Speed’s voice grew colder and more threatening, his golden eyes boring directly into Raiden’s gray ones.
"But hurt my sister, and trust me, I don’t care if I’m your contractor—I will kill you with my own hands."
Raiden held his gaze for a moment. His nervousness about the evening’s ceremony kept him from even managing a masked expression, much less offering Speed an appreciative response.
He merely offered a faint nod, his face unreadable, and they started wandering aimlessly through the palace with neither saying another word.
Raiden was absorbed in wondering how he could learn anything about Leo and Levi, and even if he hadn’t been preoccupied, his pride wouldn’t have let him bring up a topic unless absolutely necessary. Speed was similar—after his emotional moment, his ego prevented him from being the one to start talking.
Soon they were back at the courtroom’s entrance, where Freya and Soul were waiting for them. As soon as they arrived, Speed signaled to Soul that it was time to go, and she waved at Raiden over her shoulder as they left.
"Show me around, Raiden," Freya said with excitement. "This is my first time in this palace, and it’s absolutely huge."
As soon as the words hit Raiden’s ears, he felt a wave of listlessness, but he knew returning to the library would just make him overthink things.
"Okay," he said, starting to walk with Freya following behind. "I’m going to hate this day," he muttered under his breath.