Elias continued, not missing a beat. "The Dravenhart lineage is marked by their striking red hair—a symbol of their bloodline. Among their children, the eldest is Vivienne Dravenhart. She is known for her elegance and commanding aura, much like her mother. Vivienne is a skilled beast tamer herself and is often seen at political gatherings representing the family."
"After her comes Andrius Dravenhart, whom you've already met. As the second child, he is the presumed heir, bearing both strength and composure. He has been trained rigorously since childhood to succeed the Duke."
"Yeah, I've seen that guy's work already," Hiroshi said, rolling his eyes.
"Following Andrius is Seraphine Dravenhart, the third child. She is fierce and spirited, known for her mastery in swordsmanship. She commands respect among the guards and is often seen training with them."
"A warrior? I didn't expect that," Hiroshi commented with a grin.
Elias inclined his head slightly. "Yes, young master. Then there are the twins, Cedric and Cyrus Dravenhart, the fourth and fifth children. They are eight years of age. Cyruz is playful and curious, while Cedric is known to be more reserved and strategic."
"Twins, huh? That's new," Hiroshi replied, nodding his head.
"Indeed. And then comes you, young master Axelius Dravenhart. You are the sixth child, and your presence within the household has always been... unique."
Hiroshi's eyes narrowed. "Unique how?"
Elias looked thoughtful. "You have never displayed any mana affinity, unlike your siblings. This has caused... misunderstandings and occasional discord."
"Yeah, no kidding," Hiroshi muttered, recalling the harsh words from the dining table.
"And finally," Elias said, his tone softening, "there is Ellory Dravenhart, the youngest. She is only four years old, but her potential for magic and taming is already evident. She is adored by all, particularly for her sweet nature."
Hiroshi listened carefully to Elias. Then he said, "So Vivienne is the daughter from the first wife, Andrius and Seraphine are from the second, Cedric and Cyrus are the duchess's sons, and I'm the son from the third wife who died from sickness. Ellory is the duchess's daughter too. They all have the duke's red hair, but I got my mother's hair?"
Elias quickly tried to comfort him. "Still Young master, you are the only one who has the duke's eyes."
Hiroshi grimaced and said, "Fair enough."
Owen tsked and said, "You only got the eyes, idiot. Why do you sound like you own the place?"
Hiroshi scolded back, "Don't ruin my fun, party pooper!"
Elias tilted his head, curious. "If I may ask, young master, who are you talking to?"
Hiroshi raised his eyebrow, then stared at Elias for a moment. Suddenly, he stood up and walked over to Elias. Looking up made his neck hurt, but he gave Elias a sharp look, signaling him to lower his gaze. Then, Hiroshi grabbed Elias by the collar firmly.
Hiroshi tightened his grip on Elias's collar, his eyes cold and sharp like a blade. His voice dropped low, almost a growl. "Listen well. If you want to live without trouble, you will obey me fully. Whatever I order, you do it without question. No secrets. No betrayals. If you break this, I won't just punish you—I'll make sure you regret it for the rest of your life. Understand?"
Elias's eyes widened with fear. He swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Hiroshi's threat. "I… I gave my word to Lady Hermione, your mother. I promised to protect you and stay loyal—always. I swear, young master, I will keep that promise."
Hiroshi's cold stare didn't soften, but he released Elias's collar slowly. "Good. Remember this moment."
lias blinked and tried to calm down from the shock. After a moment, he asked again, "Young master, who are you talking to?"
Hiroshi looked at him plainly and said, "I befriended a slime. Unfortunately, I'm the only one who can see and hear him."
Elias's eyes softened, but he didn't say much. "I… I understand, young master."
Hiroshi frowned, not happy with Elias's reaction. "What's that look? You think I'm lying? That who I'm talking to is just in my imagination?" Elias shook his head quickly, trying to show he believed him. But Hiroshi was still not sure. "If you think it's fake, just say it. Don't pretend."
Elias hesitated, then said softly, "No, young master. I don't think that. I believe you."
Hiroshi stared at him a little longer, then said, "Good. Because Owen is real. And he's trouble."
______
Hiroshi strolled down the long marble hallways of the Dravenhart mansion, his hands stuffed casually in his pockets. Elias walked a few steps behind, head bowed respectfully, while Owen bounced around in Hiroshi's mind, his tiny voice echoing through his thoughts.
"What are you gonna do now?" Owen asked, his tone curious but with a hint of concern.
Hiroshi snorted, his lips curling up into a grin. "Are you really asking me that? Seriously, Owen, what else?" He stopped in the middle of the hallway, spreading his arms wide as if embracing the luxury around him. "Enjoy this life!"
Owen paused before responding, as if digesting those words. "So... you're just gonna take advantage of Axelius's wealthy life? In the manhwas I've read, the reincarnated guys usually follow what the body wants... you know, like seeking revenge, fulfilling wishes, protecting the family, that kind of stuff."
Hiroshi laughed, almost doubling over from the thought. He resumed walking, his boots tapping lightly against the polished floors. "Come on, Owen, don't be such a killjoy! This is not a manhwa, okay? This is reality! Look around you, man!"
He waved his hands dramatically at the towering pillars, the shining chandeliers above them, and the beautifully carved statues that lined the halls. "We have it all! Food! Water! A damn roof over our heads! And not just any roof—a damn mansion, Owen! A freaking castle!"
Owen was silent for a moment before speaking up again. "Yeah... but, I don't know, man. It feels wrong somehow. Like... aren't you curious why Axelius was treated that way? What if there's more to this family than you think?"
Hiroshi rolled his eyes, waving his hand dismissively. "I don't care what this kid was going through. He's gone now. I'm here." He patted his chest confidently. "And I'm gonna live this life peacefully. Away from monsters, away from danger... away from everything that can kill me. I'm done fighting, Owen. Done."
Elias, who had been walking quietly, finally turned back to Hiroshi, his brows raised. "Is there anywhere you would like to go first, Young Master?"
Hiroshi shrugged, stretching his arms behind his head lazily. "I don't know... maybe the library? Or the kitchens. Surprise me."
Elias bowed his head slightly. "Very well, Young Master. The library is not far from here. This way, please."
As they continued walking, Owen's voice came back, softer this time. "I still don't know, Hiroshi. Something feels... off. This isn't like you."
Hiroshi just smirked, shoving his hands deeper into his pockets. "Get used to it, Owen. From now on, I'm living the easy life."