In a hauntingly grim and desolate land, a once vibrant village now lies in ruins. The streets are drenched in crimson, the air heavy with the scent of blood. Amidst this harrowing scene stands a lone child, only six years old, seemingly untouched by the horror that surrounds them.

A solemn figure whose innocence contrasts with the brutal carnage. As he stands there, a figure on horseback approaches. It is a mage, his face etched with guilt and sorrow. He dismounts, carrying the weight of the tragedy in his eyes.

With trembling hands, the mage gently takes the child's arm and leads him toward a bloodied square, where Duke Kaito awaits. The child's voice breaks the silence, devoid of fear or horror, substituting with an unnerving calmness.

"Why did you kill?" asks the child, his gaze fixed on Duke Kaito, with a complex mix of remorse and determination etched across his face.

Duke Kaito, his voice laced with a tinge of sorrow, responds, "This village harbored one of the children of devils, a force that threatened the lives of countless innocents. It was an action borne out of necessity, to protect the realm from an unspeakable menace."

He gazed into Duke Kaito's eyes, seeking understanding amidst the sea of crimson. His voice, soft yet resolute, pierces through the morbid stillness.

"I see," said the Kid, his gaze unwavering. "Sometimes, sacrifices must be made to safeguard the greater good. But tell me, Duke Kaito, does the end truly justify such a merciless means? Does the bloodshed truly eradicate the darkness, or does it feed the cycle of violence?"

Duke Kaito, caught off guard by kid's piercing question, takes a moment to collect his thoughts. The weight of his actions now looms heavy upon his soul. He finds himself reflecting on the aftermath of his decision, the cost of the innocent lives lost.

After a deep exhale, filled with remorse and introspection, Duke Kaito meets child's unwavering gaze. "Child, your questions, I can't answer those. It is a burden I must carry, the consequences of my actions. I understand your pain, I feel the same pain within commiting this masscare."

It is in this charged moment that Kid's voice remains eerily composed as he looks directly into Duke Kaito's eyes. "You say you understand, but you don't truly know the depth of my pain. However, I promise you that one day, you will comprehend. You will come face to face with the anguish that dwells within me, and the burden I carry in my heart."

Startled by the child's response, Duke Kaito takes a step back on his horse, a mix of sadness and concern creasing his brow. The weight of the child's words hangs heavy in the air.

Absorbed in the child's eerie words and the enigmatic presence that emanated from him, Duke Kaito found himself gripped by a mixture of emotions he could barely decipher. The child's dark red eyes, devoid of remorse or fear, sparked a touch of unease within him. "Sorry! But this is your last day." said the duke.

In that moment, as Duke Kaito prepared to unleash his lightning upon the child, a voice pierced through the air. It was the mage, his voice filled with urgency and disbelief. "We found the devil child," the mage announced, his tone laced with astonishment and revelation.

Duke Kaito sharply turned his gaze towards the mage, his palm still crackling with raw power. A flicker of hope mingled with guilt passed across his face, as he realized the gravity of his intended action.

As the truth unfolded before Duke Kaito's eyes, his perspective shifted. There, lying lifeless before them, was the half-human, half-demon child that they had been searching for. The child possessed fangs and wings, a testament to their dark heritage. In that definitive moment, the weight of the situation bore down heavily upon Duke Kaito's conscience.

Drawing a deep breath, Duke Kaito's voice wavered with remorse as he uttered the words, "Leave him be."

Guilt consumed Duke Kaito, hoping that sparing the child's life would somehow alleviate the shadows of his actions. In that fleeting glance exchanged between the duke and the child, a silent vow passed between them—a connection formed through guilt and hate.

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'I will retire!' thought the duke.

"Dagon, That's my name!" Said the kid, looking at him rode off on horse.

Kaito awoke with a start, his brow drenched in cold sweat. The remnants of the dream still clung to the edges of his mind, wispy and indistinct yet filled with dread. His heart pounded as he relived flashes of the horrific images—screams echoing in an empty hall, the accusing eyes of the dead.

Shaking, he told himself it was just a dream, nothing more. But deep in his soul, guilt gnawed relentlessly. The dream had stirred memories he'd fruitlessly tried to bury of his family's demise. His son had ruled for only two years before an early death. Then his young grandson took the mantle at just ten years of age.

One by one they fell, leaving Kaito utterly alone in his cavernous home. Every waking moment was spent with only ghosts for company. Their pale, wrathful figures followed him through the empty rooms, demanding justice for wrongs that could never be undone. At night, their shrieks filled his dreams, drowning him in an ocean of regret.

Now in his final years, the weight of his sins threatened to overwhelm him. Visions of lifeless bodies assaulted his mind—his loved ones lying broken as he had left them. Their anguished cries echoed endlessly, tormenting him with the consequences of his actions.

In those moments, he relived it all—the blood-soaked floors, the fallen dynasty reduced to ruins around him. The faces of those he failed were seared into his memory, haunting him always with what could never be forgiven. Alone in the dark, Kaito was crushed under the unbearable guilt of a lifetime.

***

A month passed,

The soft morning light cascaded through the grand windows of Kirin's bedroom as he stood before the ornate wardrobe, adorned with an array of elegant noble attire. His gaze scanned the fine fabrics, each one whispering tales of grandeur and refinement. After his long and arduous stay in the hospital, he was finally discharged, ready to embrace the next chapter of his life.

Kirin carefully selected a tailored suit, a deep navy blue with delicate silver embroidery, symbolizing his newfound strength and resilience. He dressed himself with meticulous precision, each button fastened with intention, as if sealing his determination to take control of his destiny.

As he stood before the mirror, adjusting his cufflinks, Kirin couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Today, he would meet Kaito at his office to discuss important matters. Thoughts swirled in his mind, contemplating the weight of his responsibilities and the challenges that lay ahead.

As Kirin emerged from his room, adorned in the elegant noble dress, he made his way down the hallway toward Kaito's office. The click of his polished shoes against the marble floor echoed softly in the air. He paused momentarily as he reached the threshold and gently pushed open the heavy oak doors.

Kaito, engrossed in his work, looked up as the doors creaked open. His eyes widened, his breath caught in his throat, as he laid eyes upon Kirin's transformed appearance. The sight before him took his breath away.

His piercing gaze met Kirin's, and a warm smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Kirin, my dear boy, it's good to see you standing tall once more."

"Thank you, Gramps," Kirin replied, his voice resonating with gratitude. He moved closer, taking a seat in one of the plush armchairs positioned in front of the desk. The scent of polished wood and aged parchment filled the air.

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, Kirin gathering his thoughts before breaking it. "I appreciate all that you're thinking of my safety and planning to form a knight squad for me, but for now, I wish to focus on honing my combat skills and understanding the ways of nobility. These next two months are crucial for the announcement of my ascension as the next Arch-Duke and my enrollment into the esteemed academy."

Kaito leaned forward, his eyes ablaze with understanding. "At this point, I consider myself retired, and holding onto your position. It is only fitting for you to take this time to prepare yourself for the responsibilities that await. The formation of a knight squad can wait for now as you wish."

Kaito sensed a newfound sense of confidence radiating from his Kirin. It was an expected development, considering the constant presence of two hundred medical staff and numerous maids that surrounded him. Day after day, Kaito found himself immersed in a sea of peculiar and often embarrassing questions and moments.

Little had Kaito anticipated that the extensive attention from the staff was born out of his genuine concern for his Kirin's well-being unintentionally contributed to the growth of Kirin's personality. Kaito couldn't help but chuckle at the thought.

"Did I say something amusing?" Kirin asked, diligently scribbling words on paper.

"No, it's just me," Kaito replied softly, reaching out to pat his kirin's head affectionately.

"You know, my dear kirin, there are rumors circulating among the citizens of our esteemed dukedom."

Kirin's ears perked up, clearly intrigued. "Rumors, you say. Pray, do share the tidings with me, Kaito."

A playful smile danced on Kaito's lips as he continued, "They speak of a hidden heir within our noble family, a secret lineage waiting to be revealed."

Kirin's eyes widened with astonishment, mirroring the excitement in his voice. "An heir? Is it about me?"

The kirin's expression shifted from astonishment to a mix of surprise and amusement. "Well, isn't that a delightful surprise! They couldn't be more correct, could they?"