How to Make a Sinner Sleep - Chapter 81: Chapter 81

Richard Hall's downfall would be the first to occur.
The pink-haired man gazed through the circular cracked window that overlooked the slums and a portion of the town. In Perro, where Kaden had, at one time, roamed the streets and sought for his own hiding spot.
A layer of dust settled over the crumbling and worn floors, uninhabited by the living for a decade and more.
Bolivia had been tasked to spread gossip, and to keep an ear out for any of the listed nobles that were involved with Richard. They were going to raise that man to the skies, for one who got a taste of unimaginable power often became blinded by greed.
He had a meeting to attend to later, gold sitting in his pocket. What better way to feed a greedy man but with money?
His fingers shuffled a few stones in his pocket—recording stones. Evidence of Richard Hall's immeasurable greed, and, if lucky, proof of the other nobles mocking the crown prince behind his back.
The man turned from the desolate view outside, the moody weather reflecting his mind. Starved children on the streets, hustlers looking for a companion for the evening. Every human was struggling in some way, finding their own means of living.
On what scale were emotions measured to determine what was reasonable and what was unreasonable? In reality, every person out there could be as miserable as the other.
Gazing from the view of a bystander, he felt an odd detachment from reality.
As if he were watching from a third perspective, uninvolved with everything around him. And for all the dramatics of his life, it was true. Some of the things he did, notorious or not, would never reach the ears of the people in these slums.
And other things would be recorded in the papers; of that, he was certain.
Humans took pleasure in the theatrics of other people's lives, after all.
He turned, walking down the creaking old stairs. The next time he came, the stairs might finally be collapsed and this secret location would be buried under dust.
Today he was here, and tomorrow 'here' may not exist anymore.
Kaden took a carriage back to the Academy, staring out the window in silence. The driver didn't attempt to make conversation either, sensing it wasn't a good time to. He watched the rain collide against the glass, rolling down.
The water pooled onto the cobbled streets, sinking into dirt paths. The rain nourished the earth, the trees and plants.
He moved his gaze to his hands, covered by black leather.
He peeled off his gloves.
Exposing the multitude of scars, the star-shape one across the back of his hand that he'd gotten in the childhood he hardly remembered. And the burned R printed on top of it, as if overwriting any memory.
The letter would steep in black ink, wisping coils that seized his hand and slowly paralyzed the rest of his arm, forcing him to act even if he refused.
Noah had kissed these marked hands, had held them and told Kaden he wanted to learn him, of every scar and every memory. Kaden knew that he wasn't being fair to that dragon, that there was only so long one could remain patient.
Bolivia had told him that he didn't know Noah Bellamy.
But Kaden knew the stern but lonely back of that man; knew that despite all the glorious things Noah could become, he wanted to live a peaceful life that could satisfy his artistic soul.
Kaden knew that Noah was an artist, and his medium was words.
He knew that Noah liked to cook and bake, skillful in most the things he did. However, the dragon didn't like taking notes in class, often zoning out.
He was beginning to know that Noah was imperfect, but that even his imperfection was somehow charming. Noah liked to scold, his gaze was frightening, and he—he seemed to harbour a deeper dislike for his blood.
For the dragon traits he always hid. Kaden wondered the extent of Noah's self-hatred, unknown by him.
How much more didn't he know?
But one year ago, Kaden didn't know Noah at all.
So one year from today, how much more could he learn?
"Hey. We're here, pay up." called out the driver, indifferent to Kaden's identity. Honestly, if Kaden didn't purposely play his role or expose himself, most assumed him to be a regular student.
Kaden handed over the payment and left toward the Academy gates. They were doing stricter inspections these days, regulating who left and who entered.
Typically, his exit were through unconventional means, over the high walls that felt like they were getting higher. Today, he'd felt like going to the town, and so he did. Sometimes, a person simply had to follow the randomness of decision.
A meeting tonight, a meeting tomorrow. A meeting in three days. He would wear the cruel smile of the royal family's dog.
Therefore, Kaden didn't feel like smiling now.
He prepared his clothes for the evening, well-dressed and draped in luxury. For now, his identity would remain a secret as he assimilated himself with their group. But he had to appear like one who bathed in gold.
The door to the room cracked open, and Noah seemed slightly surprised to see Kaden. However, his dark eyes softened impossibly.
"Chauvet. You're back."
Kaden felt like his voice was stuck in his throat. "...I'm back." Then, he pressed up his lips and grinned as he gestured to his outfit. "Does this properly portray a gentle bastard who likely owns a golden toilet?"
Noah didn't ask what the outfit was for, quietly walking closer. "How wealthy do you want to appear? Those truly noble don't typically flaunt off their wealth."
"I need to appear wealthy to a man who only sees money."
"Then this is appropriate."
Kaden laughed, nodding in agreement. He turned, but before he could, a hand reached out to press the corner of his upturned lips. The fingers exerted a little pressure, bringing the tilt down.
"Even if you refuse to involve me, don't pretend. You don't need to pretend." said the dragon slowly, smoothening the forced smile. "I want you as you are, and more if you choose to be, and less if that is what you believe. Regardless, it's you that I choose."
"...You're talented at this, Bellamy."
"I read one of my grandfather's recommendations the other day."
Kaden blinked in surprise, face still captured in two unrelenting hands. Noah gave the face a little squeeze. "Did you really? The advice in those books help?"
The wonders of reading. To think that mere books could transform Noah's talents.
The dragon observed the solemn amazement, and his lips twitched. He nodded and kindly suggested, "Do you want to read them?"
"Oh? Which one did you bring back?"
"The one I recommended to you."
An image of the growing stack of books flickered in his mind, and he recalled a particular title that discussed an embarrassing moment in the past that wasn't meant to be witnessed. He pressed his lips together thinly.
And was that a devious upwards tilt forming on that dragon's lips?
Immediately, he clutched Noah's disobedient hands that were touching his mouth, furrowing his eyebrows in disappointment. "Who taught you to bully others?"
He sounded stricken.
Noah raised an eyebrow and lowered his head, eyes curving slightly. "That would be you."
Kaden frowned. "...we've discussed this, I'm no bully."
"Who was the fool that tormented me in the beginning? I'm well-aware that you purposely chose your words to spark a reaction from me."
"Tormented? Don't lie to me, Bellamy. You liked it. I sparked more joy than irritation." declared Kaden confidentially, recalling the distant times where it'd been more enjoyable to relish in Noah's annoyed expression.
Ah. He really missed that irritated expression.
The dragon, with his suspected mind-reading ability, gave him a look of judgment. "The one having fun was undoubtedly you."
"If I recall correctly, you laughed. The day we made fried rice."
"If I laughed, wasn't it because of your foolish actions?"
Kaden thought back to the events in detail, and it seemed that Noah's memory was unfortunately accurate. The dragon had laughed at him randomly while he was eating, and then called him a fool.
Bitterly, Kaden concluded that this entire time, he had been thoroughly abused by the seemingly innocent dragon. What a scam!
Noah watched the changing expressions and smiled slightly.
"What complaints do you have now?"
"I demand reimbursements for my suffering."
"Your suffering?" repeated Noah in amused disbelief. "And what reimbursements are you demanding, fool?"
"Gold." replied Kaden bluntly. "One coin for every time you call me a fool."
"Is that so? Then it seems I'm obliged to provide enough to last a lifetime." said Noah helplessly, shaking his head. "If I provide money, what will your role be?"
The topic seemed to have changed slightly, but Kaden went with it.
"My presence is a gift, didn't you proclaim? Therefore, I'll lounge around and keep the lonely and beautiful you company."
"For as long as I reimburse you? Is that a contract?"
"Yes, as long as you're paying me gold, I will provide you company."
Noah's pitch black stare bore into him, as if locking his words to mind and tossing the key. There was some delight that softened the stare.
The false contract came with an easy clause; for so long as Kaden remained a fool in Noah's gaze, he had no choice but to remain at that man's side. Kaden didn't seem to notice that hidden rule, but the dragon's sharp mind caught it quickly.
A knock on the door interrupted them, and a strangely quiet Niklas smiled in greeting.
"Am I interrupting your sweet trysts?" He held an envelope in his hands, holding it out. "I was tasked to invite you to Nicola's upcoming play. It's her end of the year performance—and you two recluses will do well to venture into the frightening world of students and professors."
"I attend my classes." said Kaden in protest.
"As do I." agreed Noah.
Niklas gave them a pointed look as if daring them to argue with him. "Alright, certainly you do. Where do you go after classes?"
"To my room."
"To the library."
"That's right. Now, where are you before your classes?"
Kaden paused and seemed to realize something. "...my room."
"Our room." answered Noah, who realized and didn't care, shamelessly.
Niklas gave the both of them a pointed look of a scolding teacher to prove his point, sighing. "Okay, do you hear what I'm saying now? Take the opportunity to mingle at the end of the year at least! Anyway, it's an invite from Nicola, and it's a sin to reject her."
Noah and Kaden shared a glance of agreement.
The beautiful and admired student president was one nobody could dare deny, even if she made a ridiculous demand. Thankfully, her nature was gentle and half the population couldn't help but smile in her presence.
In the past, even Reed had been victim to Nicola's kindness. Kaden couldn't recall their exact affiliation, but it was possible that they'd been more than friends.
Nicola's mind was polished jewels, clear and beautiful to the filthiest souls. However, she wasn't foolish either, and perceived people with discerning eyes. If she and Reed had a relationship, it would be her judgment.
So long as she remained out of danger, Kaden wouldn't interfere.
A person's relationship could only really be fixed or altered by those in it.
Niklas suddenly grasped Kaden's hand, sleeves dragged out to cover his bare skin. He grinned. "Then, it's confirmed. It's tomorrow night, by the way."
Noah's gaze zeroed onto their held hands intensely.
Kaden repeated the words in his head. "Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow." affirmed his friend.
At some point, one dragon had slipped his hand between Niklas and Kaden's, turning it into his own slender hands held in Niklas' grasp instead. Kaden was busy thinking, but Niklas glanced up, half-bemused and half in disbelief.
"Really?" he mouthed.
Noah squeezed his hands with an impassive expression. "You know a dragon's nature."
"I do, but again. Really?"
Niklas felt the strength of the squeeze and slid his fingers out, having no desire to hold hands with that possessive, infatuated fool. They said foolishness only lasted the beginnings of a blooming relationship, but he had a feeling that it would be permanent within those two.
It was worse, because Noah's solemn face didn't so much as twitch. He was a fool and he was proud. A frightening combination.
Kaden was still thinking about tomorrow night and didn't see the exchange.
He could ask Bolivia to attend the meeting instead—she was oddly agreeable despite bickering and complaining about the audacity of humans.
Thankfully, he was full of audacity and wouldn't feel sorry about asking her to work overtime. An event only came once. Even if it occurred again, it wouldn't be the same at the first time.
"Oh, yes. Did you hear? I think Nicola is joining a research program after her graduation." said Niklas suddenly. "It's a group formed of the Blessed."
Kaden looked up. "Researching what?"
"I haven't heard yet. But I'm assuming the nature of unique plants and creatures. There's a lot that can be researched in this world, especially when unlimited. The information a Blessed can access is more than a typical student elsewhere."
He winked. "I heard they have access to a variety of unique drinks as well. I'm pretty eager to try them."
Kaden scrunched his nose. "You'll stagger to work drunk every day."
"Thankfully, my tolerance can basically be considered a blessing. I can handle my drinks."
Kaden scoffed, but he couldn't deny it. Instead, he fell into a simmering rumination. He hadn't thought of what he'd do after graduation. They'd discussed their future plans, but nothing was concrete. He supposed the future never could be.
Then, he wondered with slight curiosity, "Are you going to join an Academy related program after graduating?"
There were many options for the Blessed after graduating from the Academy. A life that was catered to them and their unique skill sets. It also took in consideration the possibility of a Reversal while utilizing their blessings to the fullest.
One option, to contribute to the kingdom, was research. Kaden didn't know the details in depth either, however.
"The Academy has a knighthood, did you know?"
"I didn't."
"The Order of the Blessed. A bland name, really. I'm much better at naming things. Well, it's more like the last line of defense if something was to go wrong. They investigate and aid the citizens from the background. I guess it's closer to playing detective, but with more access."
Kaden hadn't expected that answer. At the same time, it made sense. Niklas organized their little group of Misfits, but they could only investigate things to a certain extent.
For a curious mind like Niklas, a future related to investigating oddities for the kingdom seemed suitable. The detective, Niklas. And the researcher, Nicola.
It was strange, imagining their future in a few years time. Kaden tried to imagine his own future if he graduated. The near future, the next.
He realized he couldn't imagine it at all.
"I think a lot of people will join—it's more of an agreement between graduated students of the Academy. Investigation is one aspect, but there are those who do more physical things. Will you two join?"
Noah shook his head first. "I don't want to be bound by duty." It was an honest answer, spoken quietly. "I want to live a citizen's life."
Understanding flashed in the azure of Niklas' gaze. "Of course. They're many options, but we really don't have to think about it yet. I only mentioned it since Nicola and I were discussing it earlier. And you, Kaden?"
"...I'm not sure."
"Then that means you're not limited by decision." Niklas grinned, raising his fist to the center space between the three. "Regardless, whatever future, our Misfits of Obscurity will always be bound."
The three young men of the Academy, blessed by obscure abilities and knowledge, stood under the lit doorway among numerous closed doors in the empty hallway.
"To us." said Niklas with an air of confidence, grinning.
Noah closed his eyes in acknowledgeable, gently tapping his curled fist against theirs.
Kaden couldn't help but smile at Niklas' theatrics, badgered to raise his hand as well. He held up his fist, tapping it lightly against the other's. His voice was softer in the split between darkness and light.
"To us."