The Grounds Keeper

Chapter 16 An Arrow From Cupid

Chapter 16: An Arrow From Cupid

Eathon awoke with a groan and ran a hesitant hand over his jaw. The healing bed had done its job, but the phantom pain of his brutal fight still lingered. He stumbled to the sink, washed his face, and stared into the mirror, still amazed by the lack of bruises after the hardest fight of his life.

He fashioned a bath from his shadows, filled it using a hose from the tap, and relaxed in the warm water. As he soaked, questions swirled in his mind—was his ability to use magic outside his robe due to being the Groundskeeper, or was there something else at play in this room?

After drying off and brushing his teeth with a mended toothbrush, he stepped out into the Green Class District and was struck by the beauty of the night sky. Fresh air filled his lungs, and peace settled over him. Then, his ID buzzed.

Cerberus Captain Theo Vassilios Defeated - Reward: 3000 Credits Cerberus Enforcer Richard Defeated - Reward: 200 Credits Current Balance: 3360.5 Credits

The payout shocked him. Finally, he had the means to improve things—tools, food, clothing for the children and priest. It wasn't everything, but it was a start.

He walked along the canal, headed toward the Little Stone Bistro. The night was calm until a splash in the water startled him. He pulled out a drenched Professor Cupid, who grumbled about missing everything and smelling of brandy.

Cupid, a mix of comedy and wisdom, sensed a heart in pain. Eathon offered to help, not realizing what he was volunteering for. Cupid leapt into action, shaving and styling Eathon before conjuring a sleek, sage-green suit complete with glowing accessories. Then he handed Eathon a strange bouquet of withered stems.

"Don't lose these. They're her birthday present. Say 'happy birthday' first," Cupid warned.

Before Eathon could ask who, Cupid vanished. Under the twin moons, the stems bloomed into radiant moonlight lilies. Ahead on the path was Tatzurie.

Eathon grinned. "Tatzurie!"

She was stunned by his transformation—from rugged to refined, a gentleman in green. When he handed her the lilies and said, "Happy birthday, Tatz," her heart cracked open. It was her first gift in six years. Tears welled, but this time they were of joy.

"Where are you planning to take me?" she teased, linking arms with him.

"There's this place by the canal—"

"The Little Stone? I made reservations," she said with a smirk. "Let's go."

They raced to the bistro, playful and competitive. She beat him, barely. Inside, she transformed her robes into a radiant green dress, matching his look perfectly.

Louis, the host, recognized Eathon. Tatzurie diffused the tension, and they were led to a private room.

They sat on the floor, knees tucked under, traditional-style. Eathon struggled with the position but followed her lead. She explained the custom: Kaiseki Ryori, a multi-course meal in honor of her twin brother. It was their 20th birthday. Only she had survived an accident years ago.

Eathon was stunned. "I'm sorry. I can't eat your brother's birthday meal."

"Please do. Better than eating alone."

Louis brought out fragrant Azumaichi sake. They toasted.

"To good health," Eathon said.

"Kampai," she replied.

As they drank the warm rice wine, unfamiliar yet comforting, Eathon felt a new appreciation for her culture and pain. For once, he wasn't fixing anything. He was simply present—and that was enough.