“Now, not because I let you in here, it also means that I’m letting you stay here. I need to know some things first.” Death said. They sat on the couch, their gazes engaged in an intense connection, the weight of unspoken words heaving in the air. A distinct sense of tension dominated the room as if the very air crackled with expectancy. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Asphalt scoured the counters for food, his snout smelling the air with jittery eagerness.

“Oh, hey Aico.” Asphalt said.

“Where have you been?” I asked Asphalt. I hadn't seen him in the house when I got here.

“Just here and there.” He responded briefly before shifting his attention to the search for food. I sat next to Death, feeling the weight of the tense atmosphere pressing against us. Asphalt obediently trotted after as a show of unshakable enmity, his presence a calming reminder of the overwhelming anxiety. The air remained heavy.

“Before anything, he got here by calming the water or whatever so you don’t have to ask how he got here.” I started.

“Okay, thank you.” Death said. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Flynn, a mizushi.” The warlock answered.

“What brought you here at the lower? Did the upper send you?”

“No, they did not send me here.” Death's gaze became more intense, fastened on him with an unwavering force, as if silently pushing him to continue, to share more of his thoughts and emotions. The weight of expectation descended on the room, the quiet thick with unsaid questions, producing a tense environment.

“You didn’t answer my first question. What brought you here? Upper-class sorcerers wouldn’t go here for a walk, you must’ve had a reason.”

“I… don’t belong up there. I’m a defect.”

“How long do you intend to stay?”

“For as long as you’d want to keep me company.” He said then Death relaxed. She leaned back on the chair and crossed her legs.

“You got my vote, kid. You can stay here for as long as you want to.” Death said.

“That’s… all?” Flynn said looking disappointed. He doesn’t want to stay?

“Why? Are you expecting more? What’s there to expect?”

“I just thought you’d be… I don’t know, harder on me?”

“No, kid.” Death let out a chuckle. “You’re a kid, why should I be hard on you? A certain person made me realize that you’re just another kid regardless of where you came from.”

“You meant witch, right? Persons refer to humans.” Flynn corrected but I know that Death is referring to me. It’s kind of a relief to know that she hasn’t taken my words the wrong way although I may have delivered it wrongly.

“Yeah, yeah whatever.” Death said and brushed it off.

“Hey, warlock!” Asphalt yelled. “Death may have welcomed you here but she’s not the only one who lives in this house. You have to earn the favor of everyone living here.”

“He already earned my favor from the get-go,” I said.

“It’s just you and me then.” Asphalt went close to Flynn and stared at him hard. “If you think I’d be as soft as those two idiots, then think again.”

“Excuse me!” Death said as she walked to the kitchen.

“My first question is, are you willing to submit to the fact that I am not just a mere puppy and is someone way stronger than you are?” Asphalt said. He said it so seriously that I’d feel bad if I laughed.

“Yes, I am,” Flynn answered.

“Don’t take this too lightly, young man. I’m not trying to give you any kind of entertainment. Do you think what I said is a piece of humor?”

“No, sir! I would not think so lowly of you sir.”

“Good. Next question, would you be able to have enough self-control so you wouldn’t eat my cookies on the kitchen counter? And if you think that is easy, ask Aico how many jars of it she has finished while I was sleeping!”

“How many times do I have to tell you that I didn’t know? It doesn’t have a name!” I defended myself.

“Don’t worry, next time, I will write one that’s so big even the Triaonaurs will be able to see it from the Descidite!” Asphalt said.

“Your name is Aico?” Flynn asked.

“Yeah,” I said.

“It’s cute.” I don’t know what that’s for so I just brushed it off like a usual compliment.

“You haven’t answered me yet! How can you talk to someone over me!” Asphalt said.

“Yes, sir. I would be able to resist it, sir!” Flynn said.

“Last question and hey, this will end the judgment of whether or not I should accept you here. Will you bid loyalty to the House of Death?” Asphalt’s voice sounded more serious. I don’t think he should be asked for this kind of commitment, he is just here for shelter after all.

“I cannot promise that, sir. I just met you, sorcerers. In the future, I might be able to give it a certain answer with no hint of doubt.” Flynn said. I am amazed by his honesty. It's pretty rare to come across someone who's genuinely honest these days. With people's tendency for dishonesty and the ease with which lies may be spoken, it's nice to come across someone whose face proclaims honesty. It's like a breath of fresh air in a world where trust is frequently elusive.

“That answer is good enough for me. Welcome to the house of Death, Flynn.” Asphalt gave him a warm smile. He’s not expecting a yes or a no, just an honest one.

“If you’re done with that little interview, come here and eat. The food is ready.” Death called out.

“Food! Finally! I’m starving!” Asphalt said then ran to the kitchen. Flynn and I followed and sat on the kitchen counter.

“Didn’t you join the conversation because you wanted to ask some things too?” Flynn asked me.

“I don’t need to ask. I already got the answer.” I answered.

“Oh.”

“Eat up, kids! Then go and rest, we have a big day tomorrow!” Death said.

We finished eating our meal, savoring every delightful bite that tickled our palates. Our taste buds were treated to a symphony of savory delights as the flavors danced on our tongues. We returned to our rooms, the soft pillows enveloping my head as I sunk into the plushness of the bed. Flynn is staying in the room next to the restroom. They made the bed for his comfort during his stay. The place radiated cleanliness, with a fresh aroma lingering in the air, as if every nook and cranny had been properly catered to. The atmosphere was calm, creating a peaceful place for him to relax and find reassurance in the embrace of comfort. He bid his thanks and said goodnight. 

I closed my eyes. This has been a long day. At least I’d get a good night’s sleep without needing to think about what tomorrow holds or what the results of my actions have done.