Javander sat on the edge of the bed, hands resting on his knees, his hair still damp from the ice and his expression was empty, eyes staring at nothing. Even the air around him felt heavy.
What's his purpose in life...
Zaylknork shifted awkwardly, standing a few steps away. He scratched the back of his head. "You're still breathing, aren't you? That's something to live for."
Javander didn't look up. "If you are no longer a villain, then my reason to exist is gone."
Zaylknork exhaled. "You can exist for other things. Like—uh—helping old men rebuild their homes. And... uhh... fighting other villains and the misunderstood villains like the Duke of the North?"
The boy sulked even more.
Ho-jin stared at him, fingers twitching by his side. He wasn't good at this. He wasn't good at comforting anyone. "Listen," he said, his tone firm. "You got this. I'm not exactly full of purpose myself. You're not special."
That earned him a small glance. It was something. Javander then chuckled. No one had told him that before. He's not special.
That made him laugh a bit.
Zaylknork sighed and turned toward the door. "Leonard! Are we packed or are you building another tower?"
Leonard appeared, arms full of travel bags, along with many scrolls. Two minions followed behind, dragging crates stacked with folded blankets, books, a covered pitem that suspiciously looked like a frame and three kettles. 'For tea', they said.
The carriage waited outside the tower. It was old, wooden, and painted black. Its wheels were uneven, one slightly smaller than the other. The steps creaked when touched and the front seats had faded cushions.
The back compartment of the carriage was already half-filled with luggage—mostly Leonard's doing.
Zaylknork looked at the pile. "What in the twelve mortal realms is all this?"
Leonard adjusted his black gloves. "Essentials, my Lord."
"Essentials? There's a chandelier in there."
Leonard looked down, eyeing the essentials. "A small one, yes."
Zaylknork's coat hung open at his chest. The fabric dark red edges were slightly torn.
His sleeves were also rolled up, his right arm wrapped in white bandage from where he injured when escaping the hero's wrath. Ow. Ho-jin winced.
Repairing the tunnel's gates would cost a lot too.
He rubbed his temple with his thumb, turning back to his sidekick. "Leonard. It's still a five-hour trip."
"Yes, my Lord."
"Then why does it look like we're migrating?"
Leonard stood all serious. "We may encounter unforeseen circumstances."
Zaylknork pointed at the crates. "You packed curtains."
"They are sentimental, my Lord. You like them."
Javander, who had been standing quietly, finally spoke. "If you are journeying to see the Grand Queen, I shall join you."
Zaylknork turned to him slowly. "What?"
"It is my duty to ensure that you have truly changed," Javander declared quite loudly and firm. "If you no longer seek destruction, I must confirm it myself."
Zaylknork pinched the bridge of his nose. Is this character inconsistency? Why's he following us? "You can't just—ugh. Fine. But you faint again, you're walking back." I want to stay far from you, dammit!
Leonard lifted the last box onto the carriage roof with help from the minions. Their gray gloves left streaks of dust on the wood. One of them sneezed from the effort.
Zaylknork stepped closer to Leonard. "Before I forget—any herbs around here? Something for headaches or blood pressure?"
Leonard paused. His calm expression examining the red-eyed handsome villain before him. "My Lord. In times like this…" He leaned forward, speaking lower to avoid the hero's suspicious gaze. "You need blood."
Zaylknork stared at him. "What?"
"You have not performed your blood ritual in weeks. It clears your veins, keeps your bones strong, and stabilizes your core."
"I'm not a vampire," Zaylknork snapped. "I don't drink blood."
Leonard continued. "Without it, you will experience fatigue, chest tightness, dry eyes, spontaneous nosebleeds, loss of patience, and possibly, death."
"Leonard."
"Yes, my Lord?"
"Shut up."
He climbed into the carriage, brushing off dust from the seat before sitting. Javander followed, sitting stiffly across from him.
Leonard took the front, reins in hand, and the minions climbed onto the back, holding the remaining boxes.
Zaylknork rested his head against the wall. He sighed, brushing off the strands of black hair that fell to his face. "Leonard, I'm not dismissing your concern. We still need to get the Queen's signature first. Everything else waits."
Leonard pushed up his glasses. "I know, my Lord. Everything else waits."
The wheels rolled forward with a rough sound, and the tower behind them grew smaller with each turn.
"Wait!" Minion 2 suddenly cried out.
Zaylknork eye twitched. "What?!" He spat.
"Who's guarding the lair?! T-the followers. Won't they be in danger?"
Minion 1 gently elbowed Minion 2 in the ribs. "You doofus, Minion 3 is in charge. The guy's huge and big. He even have a face!"