Upon the break of dawn, Rist gently stirred from her slumber. A glance at the nearby form revealed Kelfin, still deep in his peaceful slumber. A soft smile graced her lips, a soothing reassurance washing over her. She felt a sense of satisfaction; she was glad she was able to lend him aid. The previous night's dinner had plagued her with worry. His weary eyes and burdened demeanor had painted a bleak picture of his life that she could barely begin to conceive. Thus, seeing him in such a serene sleep eased some constrictions around her heart. Extricating herself gently from the soft bed, Rist felt the call of nature. She took a moment to ensure her movement didn’t disturb Kelfin, and cautiously assessed his demeanor to make sure he didn't slip into one of his horrifying nightmares. Once reassured, she soft-footedly exited the room. Navigating through the hallway, she unexpectedly encountered Satil. "Ms. Rist, a good morning to you,” the man greeted her, subtly adjusting his butler uniform. "I am Satil, Kelfin’s butler." He darted a glance into the room she had just exited, his curiosity piqued. She decided not to worry about what he thought. She responded with a nod. “I remember. Good to meet you in person.” Threading a responsive nod with a relieved smile, Satil said, "Indeed, it's gratifying to hear you are capable of speech now. That serum can be nasty.” Rist agreed, "Yes, it can. but Kelfin gave me the counter serum and insisted that I drink plenty of coffee as well. He mentioned it has helpful effects." Satil’s nod signified agreement. "Indeed, it does. Now if you will, do join us in the kitchen. Corish can make you some breakfast." Rist looked at him, hinting at her immediate requirement. “I need to get across the hall first, and then maybe some clothes.” Satil cast a brief glance at the bathroom door, smoothly masking his momentary surprise. "Of course, these necessities must not be overlooked. We will await your presence in the kitchen in a short while.” Rist's heart raced as she hurriedly dressed and made her way to the kitchen. After two weeks of complete isolation, it felt strange to hear voices echoing through the house. As she approached the kitchen, she recognized Dath's voice, and her curiosity was piqued at his comment about someone being "the best-looking one there." Stepping into the kitchen, Rist locked eyes with Dath, who had a mischievous smile on his face. His charm and confidence were evident as he extended a hand towards her and introduced himself, "Rist, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Dath." It had been dark last night so even when Kelfin opened the tinted privacy window, she hadn’t gotten a good look at Dath, only a silhouette showing he had a long ponytail. She hadn't noticed the scar that slashed across one side of his face, crossing over his eye. The eye had been replaced with a prosthetic implant that closely resembled the original eye, but upon closer inspection, Rist noticed the subtle differences that set it apart from his other eye. However, she merely gave it a passing glance, not wanting to make him feel self-conscious about it. “I'm Corish,” the man at the stove introduced himself. “How would you like your omelet?” “You don’t have to go through that trouble,” Rist replied. “It’s my job. I'm making omelets today. How do you want yours?” Corish insisted. “The one you made before you left was excellent,” Rist said fondly. Corish hesitated for a moment, a frown forming on his face. Rist smiled. “You don’t remember it?” she guessed. “It was cheese and mushroom.” “I didn’t make it. Kelly did. He made all of the food you two ate while we were gone,” Corish explained. “He what? But he can’t cook,” Rist protested in disbelief. “He told you that?” another man at the table asked, seemingly amused. “He ruined dinner the first night. I had to make something,” Rist recalled. “Rist, this is Hurmis, and that’s Froll,” Satil interjected. “And Kelly most certainly can cook.” "He probably was trying to get you to relax," spoke up Corish, softening up toward Kelly, "He excels at most things he does. It can be a little intimidating." Rist was left utterly amused and bemused by the revelation. "Being at the camp, hearing those stories doesn’t help," Dath said with a sigh. Rist shrugged nonchalantly, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I was only there a short time. Kelfin grabbed me as I was getting off the ship." Dath's expression darkened as he shared his own experience. "Lucky you. That’s where this happened." He gestured to his eye, which glinted in the sunlight filtering the window. "One of the guards hit me with the shovel I’d been using to empty a latrine. Naturally, it got infected. I almost didn't survive." He paused, his voice filled with bitterness. "Kel sponsored me and got me to a doctor. He then sued the intake for abusing people. They cut my debt to the cost of the trip itself and paid all the medical bills except for my actual eye," he finished with a rueful chuckle. “Kelly paid for that since I needed two eyes to drive.” Rist echoed his sentiment with a similar bitter laugh. "Lucky you," she said sarcastically. She rubbed her arms nervously, still not sure if they could add to her debt. "They called the next day and claimed my debt was double what he originally paid. They threatened to take him to court." Dath frowned. His prosthetic eye glowed, changing from gray to green. "Nevertheless," interjected Froll, attempting to provide solace, "Their claims won’t hold up. The signed paperwork they signed is legal and binding.” Intent on diverting the conversation quietly brewing, Satil turned to Dath, "What have you uncovered?" Dath shook his head slowly, "Nothing substantial as yet. I’m still running that other search. I can only run so many with my limited computing resources." "Kelly provided him with the eye available. It doesn't merely provide him with normal vision, but it can magnify or minimize objects and can also see great distances," Hurmis elaborated. Dath chimed in, “And I can see in the dark and infrared. And I can access the internet." He then abruptly exited, murmuring "Something odd" under his breath. Satil followed him with his eyes, concern etched on his face. “He usually doesn’t have any issues. Before he was a transfer, he was a hacker. He got caught but rather than having him arrested, the accountant had him work for him. He was used as a scapegoat. The accountant was embezzling money and knew he was close to being caught so he framed him. Because they had no proof who did it, but Dath was the new guy, he was blamed and sent to the transfer camp.” “The intake hid his past too?” Rist ventured, trying to decipher the hidden meanings behind the simple statement. Unapologetically, Hurmis shook his head. "Kelly didn't bother with any kind of background checks. He met Dath and he agreed to sponsor him on the spot. No questions asked. Later on, he realized Dath could be of service as a driver for his errands. He had to teach Dath to drive." “I thought maybe he didn’t know how,” Rist admitted. “Kelly needs a driver because he can’t keep his license,” Hurmis said. “He’s a maniac behind the wheel. You rode with him in the two-seater.” “I thought he was showing off, trying to scare me,” remarked Rist, a faint shudder sliding down his spine at the memory. Satil shook his head somberly, "Unfortunately, he always drives that way. And has lost his license several times. That’s why Dath won’t let him drive.” Satil paused, inhaling deeply as he glanced around at the other staff. Perhaps they saw the question in his eyes and, as if giving a silent answer, Froll nodded his approval while Hurmis simply shrugged. “Kel gets so overwhelmed with people’s emotions and having them override his own that he will take risks for the thrill to override what he feels from others. Driving recklessly is one way. He has an old motorcycle he races too." Satil's voice sunk lower, heavier with each word. "We keep an eye on him to help prevent him from getting out of hand. Mr. Mor had him committed because he thought Kel was trying to kill himself.” “He mentioned being in the hospital after Marza died,” Rist recalled. “No, not then. You see, at that time, Kelly was spiraling - neglecting his need for food and sleep until he collapsed. His body simply gave out,” Hurmis clarified, giving a weary sigh. “No, not then. He wasn’t eating or sleeping and collapsed. This was before I came to work here. I met him in the hospital. I heard voices. They thought I had schizophrenia. Mental hospitals are not pleasant places for anyone, but for an empath, it’s one of the worst places to go. He had been brought in for a suicide watch, but his emotions were so erratic they kept him there longer. We were roommates. Satil paused for a beat, collecting his thoughts before continuing, "He confided in me about his empathic abilities and how the other patient's emotions were taking a toll on him. I allowed him to imprint on me, leading us to spend significant time together. And during that time, he managed to identify that the voices I incessantly heard were far from imagined delusions. I’m deaf, but I have an implant to allow me to hear. An accident I had been in caused my life chip to interrupt the workings of the implant, leading me to pick up on broadcast signals. Once this malfunction was fixed and I returned to hearing only what was intended, the doctors thankfully took my word seriously regarding Kelly's condition. This led to him being isolated, which subsequently improved his emotional state. They came to understand that his previous antics were merely thrill-seeking attempts to experience his own emotions. That’s when he moved out here to get away from everyone. He extended an offer to me to work for him and help keep a check on him. I became his butler.” Satil's story hung in the silence before Hurmis broke it, "Our relationship with Kelly is more than just that of domestic staff," he stated, his eyes reflecting a warm affection. “We essentially function as his caretakers. Our duties extend beyond household chores to providing mental and emotional support to him. I grow herbs for teas that help him control his emotions and calm him when he’s overwhelmed. And Corish ensures he gets his meals on time as Kelly tends to forget to eat.” Rist nodded his agreement to Hurmis’s words. “And to take his medication. I can’t recall the number of times I’ve had to remind him about that.” Corish brought over a plate of eggs for Rist. “You did? Good. Fortunately, that’s only for a short time longer. Dath makes sure he doesn’t kill himself while heading into the city and acts as a bodyguard while there. Froll makes sure he doesn’t spend his entire fortune in half an hour. He’s got a good head for making money, but saving it is another story. Satil helps him remember his medicine, and his appointments, doesn’t skip his doctor checkups, and sleeps.” Satil interjected, agreeing with Corish. "Yes, Rist. Your role is not an easy one. You need to get Kelly out of the house, help him maintain his secret, and act normal around people. You have to make sure he doesn't isolate himself in a corner, avoiding everyone." Rist observed, "Zela seems to enjoy doing that, though. I had already guessed that Marza and Kelly were lovers, but I had wondered if there was something between Kelly and Zela as well." Satil shook his head, correcting her. "No, Rist. Kelly and Zela have more of a brother-sister relationship. Zela tends to be more emotional, which doesn't align with Kelly's needs and preferences." Meanwhile, Corish interrupted their conversation, bringing their attention back to the plate of eggs. He inquired, "How are the eggs?" Rist, pleasantly surprised, responded, "Great. The student has surpassed the master." “Student?” Kelfin asked as he entered. “You revealed my ruse.” Satil readily responded, “We felt the necessity to share certain critical information with her, Kelfin.” Kelfin frowned at the divulgence, “You told her about my hospital stay.” Satil responded with empathy, “She needed to know. She should hear the truth from us, rather than becoming swayed by office rumors.” Acknowledging the truth in his words, Kelfin nodded his agreement. Then suddenly, he turned towards Corish, “Do you think I could have some ham with my eggs this morning?” Corish responded warmly, “Of course, Kelfin. As long as it means you’re eating, you can have whatever you want.” “I had trouble with dinner last night,” Kelfin confessed, “The table was set too close. And Zela’s latest theory is I have enochlophobia. I’ve allowed her to believe it for now.” Satil proposed gently, "You might consider revealing the truth to her. Your friendship spans over a century, and in all that time, there hasn’t been a single problem between you two.” "Except for her incessant habit of draping herself around my arm all the time," Kelfin retorted, dismissive. "With the truth at her disposal, she'd probably relent," Satil reasoned assertively. Looking around, Kelfin frowned, "Where's Dath off to?" “He was doing some research and needed quiet,” Satil explained. Froll chipped in, providing additional details. "He was simultaneously running two separate queries." Kelfin raised an eyebrow. “On what?” "It's Ms. Rist," Satil said gesturing towards her direction. “Last night he started looking into why he hadn’t found that her sister worked for Ghel. This morning, she mentioned a mix-up in her debt amount. He started looking into that and he found something odd.” “He’ll unravel it. I don’t need him yet.” Kelfin waved it off. In agreement, Satil nodded before advising, "Your duty for today is to rest. No tackling office work." "I’m going back to work tomorrow," Kelfin protested. "That’s precisely why you need to rest today," Satil insisted firmly, "You are still recovering yet you had the audacity to attend a party. Do you want your health to deteriorate further, leading to another hospital admission?" “Kelfin…” Rist started. “Call me Kelly or Kel outside the office, please,” Kelfin requested with a soft smile. “Kel,” Rist started again, respecting Kelfin's preference. “Take it easy today.” There was a gentleness to her voice, laced with genuine concern. “You’ve been working hard to get caught up," she added, acknowledging the long hours and unwavering dedication Kelfin had shown over the past several weeks. Satil continued. “I’m going to lock your office door. You are going to rest. Rist and I are cleaning out her closet. It’s time to donate Marza’s things. Tomorrow she and Froll will go through her finances so we can go shopping.” Despite their well-meaning intentions, Kelfin was defiant. "I must return to work tomorrow. I need her assistance." “You won’t be there all day,” Satil pointed out. “Kelly, I know you. You’ll be lucky to last until lunchtime. You’re pushing yourself too hard because you were gone so long. I’ve already spoken with Mr. Mor. You’re only working a half day. Tuesday, I’m taking Rist shopping for anything she needs, after lunch.” Despite feeling provoked to dispute, Kelfin was abruptly halted by Corish placing a plate of scrumptious breakfast before him. The enticing aroma of the freshly cooked food wafted up to his nostrils. “Please start eating,” Corish retorted in a calm and collected voice, full of determination and authoritative assurance. He leaned back in a composed manner, implying an unspoken confidence in their team's proficiency. “We have everything under control. We’ve been doing this long enough. Dath is the only one who hasn’t been here for a new companion.” However, Rist playfully jested to loosen the serious atmosphere, "His eggs are more appetizing than the ones you make,” prompting a competitive tension between Corish and Kelfin on whose egg preparation was superior. Kelfin responded, noting the fairness in the comparison, “Well, his are freshly made. My batch was a reheated one.” Rist threw in a comically threatening remark with a piercing gaze in his direction. "Be careful, or I might have to feed you again,” she warned assertively. Kelfin, perplexed, raised an eyebrow at the mention of this past event. "Again? I don’t remember that. When did that happen? During last night’s dinner?” Gradually clearing the air of the exaggerated dramatization, Rist matter-of-factly replied, “It was only a couple of bites. I pretended I was trying to get you to taste something.” Offering his gratitude, Kelfin responded sheepishly, “Thank you. I admit I was pretty bad last night.” "Which is precisely why you are resting today,” Rist voiced her concern in a caring tone. While keeping an authoritative eye on him, she picked up his fork, scooping up some egg in a welcoming gesture. However, showing his attitude, Kelfin curtly interjected, “I am perfectly capable of feeding myself.” Grabbing the fork from Rist, he took a bite of the food. He then made a declaration. “Tomorrow, Rist can pick her favorite muffins. Let’s include ambrosia and bacon too.” Satil chimed in with his own quip, teasing Kelfin, “Tired of eating your own cooking?” Amidst this warm exchange, Corish interrupted with a practical realization. “For all that, I’ll need to do some grocery shopping,” he announced looking around. Kelfin merely shrugged noncommittally, as if he had anticipated this requirement. “You should discuss that with Dath.” Catching up on the conversation midway, Dath strode in casually. His usually prosthetic eye now matched his other perfectly. “Talk about what exactly?” he questioned Kelfin, slightly puzzled. “Corish was just saying he needs to go grocery shopping.” “Not surprising,” asserted Dath in an understanding tone as he poured himself a cup of strong coffee. “After all, we’ve been away for two weeks.” Rist inquired, eyes full of curiosity, "What discoveries did you make about me?" Taking a sip of the coffee, Dath replied with a sigh of frustration, "Your documentation is in shambles. It's a maze of disorganized paperwork. I'm handing it over to Froll to get it in order." Froll, looking less than excited about the task ahead, rolled his eyes and replied sarcastically, "Oh, brilliant. Thanks a lot." “And, boss, I have the card set up with the music out in the gardening shed since it won’t be used until spring. I told the others.” Kelfin, always appreciative of good work, responded, "Thanks for that. Since I’m supposed to be taking a break, I’m inclined towards going for a ride. Is my motorcycle in working condition yet?" Hurmis grimaced and confessed, "No, not yet. The oil filter remains disassembled. It's resting on my workbench." He glared at Dath. Dath grumbled in return, "You have your workbench in my garage. The filter is taking up a small corner of it. I planned on assembling your bike today, right after preparing the other vehicles for the winter season. Corish has to make a trip to the store first. Is there anything particular you need us to get for winter-proofing the yard?" "Nothing specific this time around. Thanks for asking," Hurmis responded. Kelfin sighed, “Well, since you are all ganging up on me again, I guess I’ll see you at lunchtime. I’ll be in the library if anyone remembers who signs their paychecks.” Glancing at the room one last time, Kelfin picked up his coffee and exited the room. With a puzzled countenance, Rist asked, "Does this mean he is angry with us?" Shaking his head, Dath provided reassurance, "No, not at all. We go through this routine regularly. It's part of our job." Corish started collecting Rist's used plate and silverware. Rist quickly intervened, "I'm perfectly capable of cleaning up after myself." Corish, nodding appreciatively, reassured her, "I'm sure you are. I've seen you do it on numerous occasions. Still, this is my job. Besides, you and Satil have a rather daunting task to complete. You're to sift through sixty years' worth of clothing. Would you like more coffee?" "No, I'm good for now. Thanks," Rist declined. Understanding his decision, Corish replied, "Perhaps later then." *** “Don’t worry. Things aren’t quite as bad as Corish claimed,” Satil assured Rist as they entered the bedroom, diffusing the tension that Corish’s claims had earlier induced. “Marza didn’t keep everything. And I did manage to clean out a few things Kel wouldn’t miss while he was in the hospital.” Rist asked, her voice etched with concern, “He didn’t want to get rid of her things? He’s mentioned her a little, but not much. I didn’t want to push.” “I’ve been with Kel for three hundred years. I’ve never seen him so close to anyone. The only fight they had was he wanted her to get a life chip and she didn’t want to. When she started to age, he cared for her neglecting his own health. When she was gone, he wouldn’t let me get rid of anything. We made an agreement. He could keep it until he found a new companion. You’re here, so it goes. But since you have nothing, we’ll keep what you can use that won’t remind him of her.” He started to sort through what was in the closet. “I tucked the things she usually wore in the back when Kelly said he was going to try the intake for a companion, figuring whoever came would need some clothes and hoping something might fit.”Satil directed her attention towards the closet, beginning to sift through the contents. “When Kelly first mentioned the possible intake for a new companion, I tucked away the clothes Marza often wore towards the back of the closet. I hoped that whoever arrived could use some additional garments, and with a stroke of luck, something might even be the right size. He pulled out the elegant dress from the preceding night, squinting at it with curiosity. “I don’t remember this one.” Rist clarified, “That’s new. Kelfin had that made for the Gala last night.” Recognizing its fine craftsmanship, Satil asked, “Zela’s work?” Rist nodded. “She does good work. You’ll be able to wear that again. And those two suits. You aren’t quite the same size as Marza.” “Zela said I was a little smaller. Kelfin wanted her to make the dress based on her size.” “That would have never worked for a dress like that. Fashion is not one of Kelfin’s areas of expertise. He does fine for every day, but more important events I help. And forget women’s fashion. He knows nothing. Most of the things Marza never wore were things he bought for her on a whim. She never had the heart to tell him she didn’t like the clothes or they weren’t suited for her. She always said they didn’t fit. He’d ask me to have them altered. Usually, he’d forget about it before I had time to do it so I never did. Some will look better on you.” Rist then wondered aloud, while perusing through the clothes, most of which were unfashionable, yet exhibited little signs of wear, “And what’s going to happen with the rest of this clothing?” Satil responded with a clear plan in mind, “They will be donated to various charitable organizations and secondhand stores. We could have taken some to the intake camp, but the likelihood of them actually handing it out to the transfers is uncertain.” Rist nodded approvingly, “That’s a good idea. It would be such a shame if these items went to waste.” Satil agreed wholeheartedly, “Kelly would never think of throwing out perfectly good clothing. He might leave it untouched for so long that it’d degrade, but I make sure to prevent that from happening. Once we’re done with the selection process, Dath will take the clothes into town and distribute it, probably after he drops both of you off at Mor’s.” As she continued the process, Satil handed Rist some of the clothes. “Try these pieces on while I continue with the rest. I need to see how well they suit you.” Rist then wondered aloud, while perusing through the clothes, most of which were unfashionable, yet exhibited little signs of wear, “And what’s going to happen with the rest of this clothing?” Satil responded with a clear plan in mind, “They will be donated to various charitable organizations and secondhand stores. We could have taken some to the intake camp, but the likelihood of them actually handing it out to the transfers is uncertain.” Rist nodded approvingly, “That’s a good idea. It would be such a shame if these items went to waste.” Satil agreed wholeheartedly, “Kelly would never think of throwing out perfectly good clothing. He might leave it untouched for so long that it’d degrade, but I make sure to prevent that from happening. Once we’re done with the selection process, Dath will take the clothes into town and distribute it, probably after he drops both of you off at Mor’s.” As she continued the process, Satil handed Rist some of the clothes. “Try these pieces on while I continue with the rest. I need to see how well they suit you.” *** Kelfin found himself reclining on the plush couch within the quiet confinements of the library, his eyes running over numerous personnel reports that filled the screen of his tablet. In the coming days, he would have to buckle down and initiate the annual performance reviews. Another looming task would be to hold strategic interviews with potential new hires, a measure taken not only to bring in talent but also watchful eyes that could quickly weed out any possible spies infiltrating the team. He contemplated on how he would justify this added scrutiny to the recruits. Traditionally, he would simply sit in during the initial interviews, nothing as rigorous as this. The overall ambiance of the house had gently returned to its usual rhythm as the staff, peeled away their worry as they assured themselves that Kelfin was no longer teetering on the brink of a relapse of last spring. Rist had seamlessly transitioned into the role of caretaker, her emotions still striking a chord with Kelfin, yet nothing indicated a brewing storm. Surprisingly, she seemed to be meshing well with Satil. Froll, on the other hand, seemed to be wrestling with some issue or project, frustration radiated from him across the house. Kelfin figured it might have something to do with Rist's debt, considering he had sparingly spent anything from his own pockets, except, of course, for Rist’s new tablet and that lavish dress. Unless, Zela had exorbitantly overcharged him for the dress, the source of Froll's woes had to be the financial complications related to Rist’s debt. Kelfin would ask Satil to check on him. If he did it on a day he was supposed to be resting, they’d all have a fit. Easing the tablet onto the side table, Kelfin sunk further into the plush couch, closing his eyes and letting his mental defenses fall away. It felt as though he was suspended in mid-air, as his mind searched for other emotions. He didn’t find any beyond those in the house. He was too far from the city. He needed this after last night. Ideally, he would have sought solace in the pool, the tranquil waters serving as a perfect buffer against the cacophony of emotions, much like muffling loud sounds. But the nippy weather outside didn't permit this delightful circumstance. He wondered whether Froll could be consulted about installing an indoor pool downstairs, a considerable space primarily relegated to storage. Nevertheless, this plan would be deferred until Rist’s precarious financial situation had been resolved. As Kelfin kept dipping deeper into the realms of relaxation, he felt a powerful pull towards sleep. However, he resisted surrender, fearing that slumber would drag up disturbing nightmares. Moreover, he didn't need to recharge. His tranquil solitude was suddenly splintered by a polite knock on the library door. Satil, ever reliable, was there to check up on him and possibly bring his comforting cup of tea. “Come in,” Kelfin said, pulling himself up into a seated position. With a somber expression, Satil handed over the daily necessities. “Your tea and medication," he stated, carefully placing the tray on a nearby table. The sight of the tablet created a crease in his forehead, a sign of his concern. Kelfin eyed bottle of medicine, echoing the question he asked every day, “How much longer for the pills?” Satil shrugged in response. "The doctor will examine you at the end of the month. His words will dictate how long we continue this routine." Kelfin let out a hopeful sigh. “Hopefully he’ll say I’m done, that I've healed enough." Satil's concern deepened and his admonishment showed he was more than just an employee. He cared about Kelfin. “If you don’t like this schedule, take better care of yourself. If Marza had realized how much you were overlooking your health, she would have had a fit.” A bitter laugh escaped Kelfin. “She would have had me committed. But she was too far gone. And if she hadn’t been, I wouldn’t have been so occupied with her to remember to eat.” Satil didn't hold back his reproach. “Or sleep. Or exercise. You should have asked for help instead of taking it all upon yourself.” Kelfin, not wanting to dwell on past errors, tried to divert the conversation. “How’s the sorting coming?” “It's going well," Satil replied, grateful for the topic change. "I don’t think she’ll need as much as we first thought. She will need a few things. And you might want to talk with Zela about a couple more dresses.” A smile tugged the corner of Kelfin's mouth. “She looked very good last night.” “She did indeed. The security camera’s footage failed to capture her true allure, especially when compared to the morning’s news.” Satil said, subtly revealing the unexpected news. Upon hearing this, Kelfin's brow furrowed in surprise. “She was on the news?” Satil nodded, “Indeed, you both were. One of Mor’s top executives resurfaces after months of isolation and he brings a beautiful woman with him. The media called about a story.” Kelfin felt a swell of anxiety. “What did you tell them?” “I stuck to the script we’d discussed," Satil reassured him. "You’d been on bereavement leave and had some health issues. You went away for a while to recover, you met her there.” Kelfin nodded, relief washing over him. “Thanks, Satil." His gratitude was heartfelt. It was certainly a complex reality they were navigating. He took a sip of his tea and swallowed the pills. He sipped more of the tea to wash them down. Have you managed to check on Froll yet? He appears to be rather wound up," Kelfin asked with a concerned gaze. "I had plans to visit him right after this. I promise to update you if he has any significant information to disclose," Satil assured him. “Anything you think I can handle in my fragile state,” Kelfin hastily added, amending Satil's commitment. Satil responded with an arched eyebrow and a rather stern look, “It’s your money. We’ll make sure you know.” "Much appreciated. Also, arrange for Dath to keep a vigilant eye on Rist during your shopping expedition. I don’t want the media to pester her." Kelfin requested. “I’ve already spoken to him. And he’ll escort you two into Mor’s when you go,”. Satil answered in agreement. Nodding in acknowledgment, Kelfin attempted to ease Satil's concerns. "Quit worrying, Satil. I’m fine. And I’m doing what you asked and relaxing. And I’m not as bad as you think. I had it rough at the party, but I got a good night’s sleep last night. It helped." Satil displayed his skepticism quite clearly, "Is this so?" he queried. Kelfin expressed confusion at this response, "What's the issue now?" Satil took a seat beside Kelfin, adopting a serious demeanor. "Kelfin, your personal relationships are solely your business. And I know Marza wasn’t your first companion to become your lover, but…” "Wait a moment. Lover? No, Satil, I'm not sleeping with Rist," Kelfin vehemently disagreed. "However, she was in the same room as you this morning. Her bed hadn’t been slept in." Satil pointed out. "We did not have sex, I assure you of that. She merely spent the night beside me, her hand in mine, preventing any nightmares that might have occurred. That was the extent of it. And, she proposed this arrangement willingly. And tonight, I’ll be back in my own bed so I won’t wake her. And she made the offer. The first couple of mornings I woke up to her holding my hand because I kept waking her," Kelfin explained in defense. “Are you sure she has no ulterior motives?” Satil probed further. “She’s good at controlling her emotions, but not that good,” Kelfin defended. Satil pondered, absentmindedly stroking his chin. "Depending on Froll's findings, I might instruct Dath to delve deeper into her past." "Do remember, I didn't get him that ocular implant so he could hack the conglomerates," Kelfin reprimanded. "You undoubtedly did it out of empathy, wanting to help him regain his sight," Satil agreed, standing to leave the room. "Also worth noting, Rist was a mere corporate employee." With these parting words, Satil exited. Left alone, Kelfin stared pensively at the closed door. Sometimes he wondered who worked for whom in this house.