Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 59: Amidst the Shadows of Reprieve

Within the master chamber of the Sullivan home, only the crackle of the fireplace and its warm glow, reflected in every brass, glass, and polished surface, serve as the sole signs of life in the room. More noticeable than the man draped in a velvet robe, lounging in a finely crafted leather armchair, staring blankly at the flame and barely holding an empty tincture bottle between his fingertips.

Although his sitting position makes it hard to see, he's quite tall, with his legs stretched out and his feet nearly touching the fireplace grate. If anyone knew what Elek looked like before he fled, this man could almost be mistaken for him.

The differences are slight. They inherited their father's black hair, narrow but defined jawline, and his tall stature. Both have their mother's eyes, but while Elek's share the same gentle aquamarine hue, Ervin's appear darker and more intense. A gaze that can make someone feel uneasy, as if he's dissecting every part of you.

While his gaze at the fire appears mindless, the reflection in his Glass Eye almost makes him look like he's deep in thought. At the moment, he's enjoying a peaceful quiet and letting the euphoria of the tincture relax his tension. With the usual responsibilities of a Mage Head, drowning in funding requests from the guilds, overseeing Estranus Flower production, managing the 'Dragonfly' aircraft, and finding time to bed with each of his requested suitors, he takes a moment for himself.

And dealing with Elek.

Though he has Elek, who remains as meek as Ervin remembers, something has changed in him. That encounter in Elek's room, the first time they spoke in years, he was confrontational. He openly insulted their father, insulted him. The moment he entered the room, Elek immediately displayed his resistance.

Where did that kind of gall come from?

He might be caged, but he was ready to fight like a cornered animal with that cane, fully aware of what could happen. It wasn't until he was pushed to the edge of unconsciousness that he finally surrendered to his submissive nature.

Even as children, scraping and conning for Coin to survive, Ervin was always the stronger-willed one.

'I have the power. I hold the final say. I carry the burden while he runs away to play with bones in a sandbox. So why does it feel like I still need to prove something?'

Frustrating. It's all frustrating.

All he wants is a moment.

But alas, a knock at the door.

Though Ervin was sure he had a little more time, the now noticeable chime of the mantle clock, fading into his awareness, only reminds him how punctual Roland is.

"Come in," Ervin calls to the door with a touch of irritation.

A twisted, narrow shape of sunlight trails along the floor and climbs up the front of the fireplace and the wall, Roland's shadow like a haunting specter to Ervin.

"Good morning, Your Lordship. Your breakfast is ready," Roland greets him in that usual bland way, as if he's said it a million times before.

"I don't wish to come downstairs," Ervin groans.

I presumed as much, Your Lordship. I have already taken the liberty," Roland answers, his tone clearly showing he is aware of Ervin's condition.

The gentle rattle of a trolley as Roland brings it in, the soft click of the door closing, and the sunlight fading away. Once the rattling stops, Ervin slowly lifts his hand, knowing Roland is about to turn on the lights as per routine. The bottle, which was in his weak grip, drops and shatters on the floor.

"No lights, for just a little longer."

There is a moment of silence.

"I must be able to see to prepare your breakfast properly, Your Lordship."