.

"I was very worried, my prince. I'm glad you're alright." Jylan said sincerely. Sebastian nodded, not fully paying attention as he gazed at his wrist. There was a strange jumble of characters written and glowing a strange, alien blue. 

"What's this?" Sebastian asked. 

Jylan didn't reply, and Sebastian thought for a moment that he was missing something. His voice became cold and devoid of emotion. After his parents, he hated being lied to or deceived. Being told that he was loved even when he wasn't. 

"Are you keeping something from me, butler?" Sebastian demanded, and Jylan didn't look up. 

"I… y-yes, I am, but last time I tried to tell you…" Jylan stammered, and Sebastian clenched his fists. 

"Butler. I just overheard that I apparently burned down half of my own castle and murdered thirty people. It can't be half bad!" 

Jylan shook his head to shake off his doubting thoughts, but when he finally replied, his answer was a murmur.

"What?" Sebastian asked. "I – I didn't quite catch what you were saying?" 

Jylan finally looked up toward the prince, the butler's face a shade of red and his mouth opening and shutting again with empty words. And then he abruptly left the room. 

Sebastian's heart, which had been relieved to see the butler, was now gone cold.