The Son of Hades

Yushan was running eagerly, giggling as he glance at his back to see Giovanni with his furious expression. "Yushan! Come back here, you i***t!" Yushan giggled once more as he heard his friend's frantic voice. Every person that they come across gave them a curious expression — probably thinking why those two noble creatures are roaming around the town. "Go catch me then! If you can, I'll give you a price!" Yushan yelled in his mischievous voice. Giovanni was furious and agitated, fluttering in rage. While running, he suddenly collided with something massive, causing him to stop abruptly and feel dizzy. Yushan, who had been running ahead, noticed Giovanni's absence and turned back to see what happened. To his surprise, he found Giovanni on the ground alongside a young boy. Giovanni angrily shouted, "What on earth?! Are you blind, you wretched beggar?!" He glared at the young boy with intense hostility. The young boy remained motionless, not daring to lift his head, fearful of upsetting the annoyed noble in front. It was evident that the young lad's feet were injured, as there were several bandages wrapped around his ankles, and even one covering his left eye. Just by looking at him, anyone would be filled with compassion, except for Giovanni, who considered himself superior and unyielding in his attitude towards the less fortunate. His cold-heartedness contrasted sharply with the pitiful condition of the young lad. "Look what you've done to my clothes! You idiotic fool! You've ruined my exquisite attire with your filthy body! Do you have any idea how expensive my clothes are? How can you pay for it?!" Giovanni raged. Though it was merely a bit of dust that had stained Giovanni's cloak, his garments were of the highest quality and came with a hefty price tag. Moreover, Giovanni was extremely conscious of his image and detested anything that might tarnish his reputation. Even a minor blemish like a speck of dust was enough to send him into a fit of fury. "I apologize, young master—" "Did I permit you to speak?!" "Gio, enough! What's gotten into you?" Yushan couldn't bear to watch any longer. He stepped in and took hold of his friend's arm, trying to intervene. "Are you bullying someone again?" Giovanni's scowl deepened, and he forcefully pushed Yushan away by his elbow. Yushan winced in pain. "I can't believe you, Yushan! I'm not the one at fault here! It's that beggar who caused the collision!" Giovanni protested. Yushan shook his head and sighed, rolling his eyes at his friend's stubbornness. He glanced at the young boy still on the ground, feeling sympathy for his situation. Yushan gently touched the young boy, trying to help him get up. "Are you alright?" he asked with concern. "I...It's fine," the younger boy replied, looking at Yushan curiously. His voice trembled slightly, but he seemed to be trying to assure Yushan that he was okay despite the evident pain and fear he was experiencing. The young boy appeared astonished by Yushan's striking appearance. Yushan was dressed in a pristine white cloak with a touch of elegance from the small silver earrings adorning his ears. Despite his disheveled hair from running, his overall demeanor exuded charm and grace. The Sapphire on his cloak caught the boy's attention, serving as a visible symbol of his noble status. Yushan noticed the boy's fascination and couldn't help but grin, radiating even more brightness and allure. His friendly gesture and warm smile seemed to ease the boy's fear, creating a brief moment of connection between them. Watching how the filthy young lad gazed at Yushan with admiration like he's some sort of treasure only fueled Giovanni's anger further. "Why are you staring at him, you tramp?!" Giovanni yelled once more, unable to control his temper. Before Yushan could intervene, Giovanni exerted his force, causing the boy to fall to the ground once again due to the sheer strength of his actions. Yushan was taken aback by Giovanni's harsh behavior, feeling both disappointed and concerned. "Gio?! Why did you push him?" Yushan quickly approached the young boy once again and extended his hand to help him get up. Giovanni was taken aback, his jaw dropping in disbelief at what he had just witnessed. "Yushan?! Don't touch that tramp! Who knows how filthy that boy is!" he exclaimed, revealing his prejudiced mindset and disdain for those he deemed beneath him. Despite Giovanni's objection, Yushan disregarded his friend's biased remarks and continued to assist the young lad. "Gio, apologize!" Yushan insisted firmly, glancing back at his friend while continuing to support the young boy to stand. "Apologize?! That boy you're holding should be the one kneeling in front of me! Moreover, why are you helping that s**t?! Take your hands off him...!" "I won't stand by and watch you mistreat someone in need, regardless of who they are," Yushan asserted, his voice unwavering. "Everyone deserves respect and assistance when they're hurt. It's about empathy and compassion, qualities that seem to be missing in you right now." The seriousness of Yushan's statement made Giovanni silent. Yushan didn't give him any more attention. Giovanni was spitting nonsense. He was already used to his rotten personality so he no longer force him to apologize. Given by his personality, Giovanni would rather eat dust than to spit those words out of his mouth. He gave his attention to the young boy instead. "I apologize in his behalf. Gio has a bad temper. I am Yushan from Arcadia. What's your name, little one?" Yushan's words were spoken with a gentle and kind demeanor, his smile conveying warmth and understanding. The young boy, Xrintheil, stared at Yushan for a moment, clearly taken aback by someone asking for his name and speaking kindly to him. "Xrintheil," he conceded coldly. Yushan's eyes widened in surprise at the coldness in Xrintheil's voice, but he didn't let it deter his curiosity and genuine interest in the young boy. "Xrintheil? What a beautiful name you have! Where do you live? Why are you wandering by yourself?" Yushan inquired, showing a keen interest in learning more about Xrintheil's life. His rebellious and curious nature often led Yushan to defy the social norms set by his aristocratic background. The rules of his upbringing might have dictated that he should not befriend someone of lower status or wander in such places, but his kind heart and open mind allowed him to see beyond these restrictions. "I don't have such thing to call home. I am roaming around here to find some shelter and food for me to eat," Xrinthiel shared, revealing the difficult circumstances he was facing. Yushan's curiosity and empathy deepened upon hearing Xrinthiel's response. He could sense the young boy's vulnerability and the harsh reality of his situation "Is that so? You can come with me then. I can treat you to lunch! Just for your information, Xrintheil— I am loaded. I have lot of fortune in my pocket. Do you want to come with me?" Yushan smiled purely. Xrintheil's lips parted in surprise, and for an uncertain reason, his cheeks heated with embarrassment Giovanni couldn't tolerate the situation any longer and barged into the conversation, expressing his disapproval loudly. "What?! Yushan—How dare you invite that beggar?!" he shrieked, clearly agitated. Yushan frowned at his friend's outburst. "Gio, you're drinking vinegar again. Here—here! Let me treat you also as a prize for catching me." Yushan playfully teased, showing Giovanni his silver pouch. "You can just treat me alone! Don't let him come with us!" Giovanni demanded, still adamant about excluding Xrintheil from their company. Yushan sighed, feeling exasperated by Giovanni's stubbornness. He glanced at Xrintheil and gave him a reassuring smile, silently indicating that he wouldn't be swayed by Giovanni's negative attitude. Then, he turned back to Giovanni, wrapping his arm around his shoulder. "You're such a glutton, are you? Can't you see that poor thing? He looks malnourished! He needs to eat plenty, or else he will collapse on the ground," Yushan pointed out, trying to appeal to Giovanni's sense of reason. "In addition, there's no harm in treating someone with a little kindness. Why don't you try it for once? It can't kill you." "Shut up!" Giovanni retorted, still refusing to see reason or show any sympathy for Xrintheil's plight. "Well whatever! Let's go, Xrintheil!" Yushan pulled Xrintheil along as they left Giovanni behind. Despite Giovanni's annoyance, he couldn't bear to let Yushan be in potential danger, so he reluctantly followed the two. Meanwhile, Xrintheil couldn't help but ask, "Why are you helping me? We just met a while ago." Yushan seemed surprised by the straightforward question. "Hmm?" he paused, considering his response. "I just felt like I needed to. Everyone deserves kindness, no matter how long we've known each other. What happened to your feet, anyway? Where did you get that injury? And what happened to your left eye? Oh—?! Am I being too inquisitive? You don't have to answer my questions if you are uncomfortable discussing about it—" "It's fine." Somehow, Yushan felt the other boy become comfortable. "I got punished for running away in the orphanage, that's the reason why my feet's like this..." Xrintheil told him. "Why did they chastise you with that sort of penalty? Aren't they supposed to take good care to an orphan like you?" Yushan's face looks extremely annoyed. As Xrintheil stared at Yushan's face, he couldn't help but notice the unmistakable signs of nobility. The people from the North were known to be affluent, and Yushan's appearance seemed to confirm the stereotype that he was a privileged youth who enjoyed squandering his family's wealth. "What?" Yushan questioned when he felt Xrintheil's gaze on him. "How old are you?" Xrintheil asked, perhaps attempting to understand more about this enigmatic boy who showed him unexpected kindness. Yushan appeared momentarily stunned by the question before replying, "I am thirteen. Why?" Xrintheil looked away, not elaborating further on his curiosity about Yushan's age. Xrintheil looked away. "Nothing." "How about you?" "Ten..." Xrintheil's revelation that he was ten years old left Yushan visibly surprised, with his eyes widening and his lips parting in astonishment. "T..Ten?!" Yushan exclaimed, clearly taken aback by the boy's young age. "Why...?" the boy mumbled. "N..Nothing!" Yushan quickly tried to lighten the mood, laughing awkwardly. "It was just... hmm, you are so tiny, and I thought you were younger than ten— Oh! Pardon me! That was offensive—" Yushan stumbled over his words, realizing that his initial comment might have come across as insensitive. Xrintheil chuckled. Yushan's eyes widened even further, surprised to hear it for the first time. "Am I that tiny, brother? Are you saying that I am cute?" Xrintheil playfully teased with a light smirk on his lips. Yushan's reaction to Xrintheil's teasing was nothing short of amusing. His jaw dropped, and his face flushed with embarrassment. "How can you say such thing?! And don't call me brother!" he protested, feeling uncomfortable when addressed with such a familiar term. Xrintheil seemed genuinely puzzled by Yushan's reaction. "Why? You are three years older than me, and I don't know how to address you..." "Just call me by my name!" Yushan insisted, preferring a more formal address. "But it is disrespectful for me to call you by your name," Xrintheil explained earnestly. "Psh!" Yushan crossed his arms, still flustered by the situation. "Whatever! Call me whatever you want then!" Xrintheil smiled and somehow, he is pleased to see Yushan's flushed and embarrassed face. Upon reaching the shop, Yushan wasted no time in ordering plenty of delicious foods for their lunch. The table was soon filled with an array of delectable dishes, and they both dug in, savoring the meal. As Yushan watched Xrintheil hungrily devour his food, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for the young boy. The sight of Xrintheil eating so quickly, likely due to his previous hunger and lack of proper meals, tugged at Yushan's heartstrings. 'What a pity,' Yushan thought, recognizing the difficult circumstances Xrintheil must have faced on the streets. Yushan's gaze was filled with a mixture of emotions as he continued to observe Xrintheil. A glimmer of affection and concern flickered in his eyes as he watched the young boy enjoy the meal. He gently rested his hand on his own cheek, supporting his elbow, and kept his gaze fixed on Xrintheil. As Yushan continued to observe Xrintheil, he could sense an aura of hidden emotions within the young boy. There was something mysterious about him, a depth of emotions that seemed intense and potentially dangerous, both to others and to himself. Yushan could feel the weight of these emotions, recognizing that they might stem from a traumatic experience or a difficult past. Xrintheil's appearance is truly extraordinary and captivating. He possesses a stateliness and ethereal beauty that sets him apart from the typical faces one might encounter. If he were cleaned and properly dressed, he would undoubtedly be a true embodiment of elegance and grace. His face appears as if chiseled by divine artisans, with a mesmerizing charm that captivates all who lay eyes upon him. His hazel and colorful eyes add an alluring depth to his gaze, although they also seem impassive the longer one stares into them. His nose is finely pointed, and his rosy lips resemble the hue of an apple, adding to his captivating features. Xrintheil's mid-length hair, with its nighttime hue, further enhances his mysterious aura. His milky skin, though Yushan may have a paler complexion, is equally noticeable and adds to his overall allure. What a pity indeed! He thought, referring to himself in a self-deprecating manner. He couldn't help but think about how Xrintheil's beauty and charm would undoubtedly attract attention and admiration from girls in the town, including nobles and even royalties. "Hmph!" Yushan frowned, a hint of green-eyed jealousy evident in his reaction. "What's the matter, brother?" Xrintheil asked innocently. "Uh..." He laughs awkwardly. "Nothing, nothing! Go eat more. There are plenty of foods you can eat here. Just leave the bills on me, okay?" Xrintheil smiled. "Thank you. I really do appreciate your help." He gazed at him intently. "Is there anything I can do for me to repay you?" "What?" Yushan blinked. "No! No! You don't have to hehe!" "But I also like to help you..." Xrintheil said, making Yushan gasped. "But I have no idea..." Xrintheil eyed him seriously. "What about you make me your slave, brother?" Upon hearing Xrintheil's unexpected suggestion, Yushan's eyes widened in shock, his jaw dropping in surprise. He stared at Xrintheil with a mixture of astonishment and disbelief, as if to say, "Are you serious?" "Do you have any idea what you're saying?!" Yushan exclaimed seriously, clearly taken aback by the proposal. "Yes. I want you to be my master, brother..." But Xrintheil's face is more serious. Yushan chuckled nervously, feeling the weight of the situation and not knowing how to respond. "X..Xrintheil, I don't need a slave—" he tried to explain. "Why?" Xrintheil cut him off, determined to express his desire. "Perhaps you already have someone?" "No. It's not like that," Yushan replied, trying to clarify that he didn't have anyone serving him. Undeterred, Xrintheil continued, "Then I will be your slave. You don't need to worry about me. I just really want to repay your kindness, and this is the only way that I can do it..." Yushan's concern for Xrintheil's safety was evident as he expressed, "My place is dangerous for you." Xrintheil's response revealed a steely resolve born from his difficult upbringing. "Believe me, I was born and raised in such a particularly dangerous place. I'm already used to that kind of stuff," he stated without any hint of emotion. Yushan couldn't help but be captivated by Xrintheil's resilience and strength, even as he noticed the delicate beauty of his face. "Brother..." Xrintheil smirked, addressing Yushan in a teasing manner. "Don't sympathize with me... Once is already enough." Yushan was startled by Xrintheil's words, realizing that his concern might have come across as pity, which Xrintheil was clearly unaccustomed to or uncomfortable with. "I..If you really want then... I guess, I can probably... find a way?." Yushan sighed heavily. "Really?!" His face brightened. Yushan's scowl returned as he realized the implications of what he had just agreed to. Bringing Xrintheil with him would be no easy task. He would need to find a way to explain this decision to his entire clan, including his parents, who might not be as receptive to the idea. The thought of their reaction made Yushan feel anxious and apprehensive. He knew that it wouldn't be easy to convince them, especially given the social norms and expectations surrounding their station. Yushan's perspective began to shift as he realized the potential benefits of having Xrintheil as a companion. While Giovanni was his usual companion, his constant complaining and scolding had started to bother Yushan. With Xrintheil, he saw the opportunity for a new playmate who might not be as critical or uptight. Having Xrintheil by his side could bring a refreshing change to Yushan's mischievous hobbies and adventures. He felt a sense of delight at the thought of sharing experiences with someone who seemed more open to fun and excitement. Furthermore, Yushan's compassionate nature wanted to offer Xrintheil a chance for a better life, away from the dangers he had faced in his past. Meanwhile, Xrintheil was quietly staring at Yushan's delightful prospect of having Xrintheil as his new companion Yushan have no idea at all what the little boy's actual identity is. Hidden within the recesses of Xrintheil's being, however, was a darkness that few ever glimpsed. Buried deep within his heart, a twisted and vengeful personality lay dormant, patiently waiting for the right moment to emerge.