He left the confusion behind with a sigh and got out of bed with some effort. His body felt lighter than before, but a constant throb in his head reminded him that he wasn't fully recovered yet. To one side, on a carved wooden chair, rested three sets of clothing—clean, folded with almost ceremonial perfection. It wasn't his usual peasant garb, but a luxurious outfit, similar to what nobles wore: red with golden details. Surprised by the gesture, he began dressing while his thoughts wandered through a sea of unanswered questions.
As he stepped out of the room, the golden glow of the hallway nearly blinded him. This was no ordinary place. Despite being indoors, it gave off an oppressive aura. It wasn't a house; it looked more like a palace pulled straight out of an extravagant fantasy. The walls were lined with silk wallpaper, adorned with golden frames holding paintings of noble faces and ancient battles. Hanging chandeliers, forged from celestial crystal and solid mana, cast a warm, almost solar light that made the crimson carpets shimmer like liquid fire. The tall, arched windows revealed gardens bathed in sunlight, making the whole place feel immaculate.
The air smelled of floral incense, faint but constant, as if trying to caress the soul of anyone bold enough to admire its beauty.
The maids passing by glanced at him with poorly concealed discretion. Some whispered, others merely smiled and giggled amongst themselves. None dared stop him. None seemed afraid. Just an odd mix of curiosity, admiration... and perhaps, something more.
"What the hell is this place?" he murmured to himself as he walked, guided by the memories embedded by Angel.
Eventually, he arrived at a sunlit hall, illuminated by the natural light pouring in through a massive stained-glass window. There, seated at a round table made of white marble, waited Aurus Remus.
The professor looked up as he approached.
"I see you're feeling better. I'm glad. Come, eat something and let's talk."
William hesitated for a few seconds. Aurus's gaze wasn't hostile, but there was something in his eyes... a studied calm, almost unnatural. Like someone observing a wounded beast, unsure whether to heal it or put it down.
Even so, William sat down. Not because he trusted him, but because he fully understood that if Aurus wanted him dead, he already would be.
A plate was set before him: perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon, and a flawless stack of golden pancakes. To the side, a small bowl of butter and another of dark, thick honey.
The smell hit him hard. Not unpleasantly, but rather the opposite. It was a familiar scent. Warm. Homely. A routine long gone, from a past life where he had this kind of breakfast almost daily, never imagining he would miss it so deeply.
He started eating. First with caution. Then, with genuine pleasure. The flavor was authentic, and his stomach thanked him for every bite. For the first time in days, he felt his body relax, as if all the tension melted away with the warm butter.
The only problem was the sharp pain that flared from time to time in his temple. A reminder that something inside him was still broken.
When he finished, Aurus made a small gesture with his hand. A maid approached with a tray holding a glass teapot, a white porcelain box adorned with gold and embedded rubies, and two transparent cups.
As the girl carefully placed everything on the table, Aurus began to speak.
"I must admit, going through your file was quite interesting. You arrived not long ago, didn't you? Good physical performance. Several incidents with nobles. And yet... your results are above average."
William said nothing.
"Ah yes... even those little cafeteria scenes. You have a knack for attracting trouble."
As he spoke, he opened the porcelain box with almost devout delicacy. Inside were silver tea leaves, as if woven from moonlight threads. With golden tongs, he began placing them one by one into the teapot, unhurriedly. Each movement was rehearsed, ritualistic. The sound of the leaves brushing the glass was soft, almost hypnotic.
"I was young too, you know," he continued, stirring the water with a small crystal rod. "And I made mistakes. Many mistakes. But the greatest one was not knowing who to trust."
William watched him, fascinated and unsettled at the same time. The rod's motion, the bubbling water, the subtle aroma now filling the air... it all lulled him into a strange calm.
Until a voice snapped him out of the trance.
"Alert!" Angel's voice boomed urgently in his mind. "Unknown energy detected. Not hostile, but concentrated in the teapot. Ingestion not recommended."
William blinked, shaken. He looked back at the teapot. The water was now a light, translucent brown. No leaves floated. No residue. Not even sediment. Even peering inside, the leaves seemed to have completely dissolved.
Aurus poured two cups and, without a word, slid one toward him.
William accepted it. Not because he trusted the man, but because he had no other choice. Fleeing wasn't an option. Refusing, even less so. The only thing left was to play along... and pray it wasn't poisoned.
He held the cup in his hands while Aurus adjusted his posture and took the first sip. He did so naturally, without looking at William, as if it were just another part of his daily routine.
William waited a few seconds. Watched. Nothing happened.
Then, he brought the cup to his lips and drank.
The sensation was immediate.
Like a stream of ice sliding down his throat, passing through his chest, and then—like a refreshing wave—rising to his mind. The sharp pain vanished. All tension evaporated. It felt as if someone had washed his brain with pure water.
And just as he was marveling at the relief, Aurus spoke with a faint smile.
"Is your head feeling better?"
The question fell like a blade.
William didn't answer right away. He simply stared at him, knowing that this man understood far more than he let on.
And that everything—absolutely everything—was far from a coincidence.