Lord Sullivan sighed. "I love that boy. He's everything I wanted and more," he said mostly to himself as Iruma ascended the stairs to his room.
Professor Balam took a quiet moment to reattach the mask. He was grateful Lord Sullivan did not comment.
"Well, we can't wait for Opera forever, so let's get started," Lord Sullivan declared, his voice smooth but with authority. As Professor Balam adjusted his mask, a flicker of anticipation danced in his eyes. With a barely perceptible lean forward, his presence grew more commanding. The atmosphere shifted, a palpable tension settling over the room. The stage was set, and it was clear that Lord Sullivan was about to orchestrate something extraordinary.
"Before I share some family secrets, I must ask for a pledge from you. You need to promise that you will keep this information confidential and be available to assist Iruma should an emergency arise. I trust in your reliability and am confident that you will help Iruma out of compassion rather than duty or coercion, but I require your promise now."
Professor Balam's eyes could not get any wider, his muscles tensed, and he trembled so as not to leap from his chair. At first, all he could do was nod "Yes, sir you can count on me. I promise I will aid Iruma in whatever he needs, and I'm deeply honored to be trusted so much" he went to his knees, still trembling but made on eye contact with his superior "Lord Sullivan, I Shichiro Balam vow to never share the secret and help Iruma whenever possible"
Opera entered the room and silently went to their master's side. They looked at Balam with indifference. At the ready if something went wrong.
"Iruma is human. Everything I told all of you is true: He naturally doesn't have wings, he was abused and forced to work by his parents, I've wanted a grandchild and took him in that very day, and I love him with all my heart" Lord Sullivan said then leaned back to give Professor Balam a moment to take in the new information.
"Human sir?" Professor Balam said managing not to stutter. It was all his mind could take. He slumped over, face pushed to the side feet, and hands spam. He slowly rose to his feet, and sat down in the chair, trembling once again, his hands fidgeted out of control. Internally, he was so thrilled: humans are real, he was right they had no wings, and there was a live human he could study. "How am I to help him, sir?"
Lord Sullivan smiled as the foreboding atmosphere lifted. "You can learn from one another. I am certain you have many questions for him. He mentioned that your books are exceptionally beneficial and expressed a desire for every subject to be taught in your unique style. My primary concerns are his education and safety. You have proven to be reliable, and your academic results are extraordinary."
Professor Balam's heart fluttered from the praise. His mind whirled with questions to ask, all the books he would have to make, the stress of looking after a wingless child. Yet, he couldn't think of backing down. "Sir, I am deeply honored and will always do my best!" he vowed, lowering his head.
"Wonderful!" said Lord Sullivan as he rose to his feet. "It's time for bed, and we'll go shopping together. Any objections?"
"No sir!" Professor Balam automatically replied but in truth didn't want the attention. He didn't dare voice his discomfort. The Chairdemon had to be obeyed unless it was life or death.
"Goodnight, see you tomorrow!" Lord Sullivan cheered as he waved cheerfully.
With an unyielding tone, Opera cautioned Lord Sullivan, "I must ask you to lower your voice; Master Iruma could be disturbed."
Lord Sullivan clasped his hands dramatically over his mouth and giggled "Good call Opera. Pleasant dreams" he used stage voice in a singsong voice before going upstairs.
"Sleep well sir," Opera and Professor Balam said together.
"Follow me Shichiro," said Opera and led Professor Balam to a guest bedroom and opened the door for him.
The room was larger than his lab. Its all dark purple and black decore reminded him of Professor Naberius. He did not want to mention the bed would be wasted on him as he would not use it.
"Goodnight Shichiro"
"Goodnight Opera"
Professor Balam leaned on a wall, sat cross-legged bowed his head, and wrapped his wings around himself. It took nearly an hour, but eventually, Professor Balam was able to fall asleep.
...
Although sleepy Iruma had not fallen asleep immediately. Ali saw an opportunity for fun.
"So, what do you think is going to happen now?" he lay on the bed, kicking his legs in the air.
"Well, I don't know, and I think that's what's keeping me awake" Iruma rolled to his side "The uncertainty is unsettling" he admitted.
Ali blinked repeatedly, taken aback by the unexpected honesty. "I think everything is going to be okay. It's obvious Sullivan is creating allies for you. The big guy gave a pretty good apology. I'd say things are looking up!"
Iruma sat up "You really think so?"
Ali nodded his head "Don't worry about it! Things are going to be just fine!"
Iruma gave Ali a bright smile "Thanks for cheering me up! It all makes sense!" Iruma fluffed his pillow, laid back down, and drifted off peacefully.
Ali facepalmed, he somehow ruined everything for himself in just seconds. It wasn't too late he decided. It took all his willpower to not chuckle and risk waking Iruma before casting a spell on the sleeping boy.
...
Lord Sullivan, Opera, and Professor Balam sat at the table.
"Shouldn't he be done by now?" Professor Balam asked hoping he wasn't overstepping.
"Yes, I'll get him," said Opera just as Iruma was coming down the stairs.
Iruma was dressed in a dark purple collared shirt and black shorts.
Lord Sullivan lifted Iruma off his feet and hugged him tight. "Good morning Iruma and happy first day of school break!"
Iruma was blushing "Good morning Grandpa," he said so quietly.
Lord Sullivan set Iruma down and pulled the chair to his left for his darling grandson.
"Thank you," Iruma said in a whisper.
The adults looked at one another and Opera was going to ask what was going on, but three firm knocks from the front door distracted them.
"It's for you master Iruma" Opera called out, and the boy ran to the door.
"Oh hey guys, what brings you here?" Iruma asked his friends loud and clear enough Professor Balam and Lord Sullivan heard him from the dining room.
"He seems fine now" Professor Balam noted.
Lord Sullivan hummed and nodded, "Indeed, he must have still been sleepy." Nevertheless, he felt a sense of concern within himself, yet he understood the necessity of taking things one moment at a time while remaining vigilant.