Death wanted to cry blood from the unfairness of it all.

Here he was, lying on the cold, hard ground, while his usually prickly master walk towards his Junior Sister and transformed into a doting grandfather. ​​

"Master," A genuine smile graced Lillie's lips as she gladly returned the elderly man's warm embrace. Earthy scent and tea leaves clung onto her master's robe; something Lillie never knew she missed until now.

"Forgive this unfilial disciple for being late and only coming for a visit today after all this time."

"As long as you're here now, this old master of yours is content. Your father must be keeping you busy, so I understand." Releasing Lillie from his hug, Grandmaster Wei hummed and nodded. "I even had require your grandfather's aid before your father finally yielded to let you go."

Lillie suddenly felt sorry for her father. Imagine receiving the two, frightening elderly men's wrath for keeping his daughter from visiting her old master.

Her poor father must've reached fatality when his own father joined Grandmaster Wei's antagonism.

"Oh? And this young man must be…" Grandfather Wei finally noticed the average-looking man beside his precious second pupil.

He look at Ethan from head to toe with scrutiny. "Hm, not as good looking as I thought he was, according to the news. Are you sure you weren't conned, Little Flower?"

Ethan eyes almost twitched by the blatant insult. He was about to correct the elderly man and introduce himself properly.

"Introductions later. We must go inside first, lest we get caught in the rain." Grandmaster Wei raised his hand and motioned them to come in.

"And you, don't think you can escape punishments."

Death cursed, regretting not making a run for it while his master was distracted by his favorite disciple. His shoulders slumped in defeat, seeing it useless to escape now since he had entered the lion's domain.

The trio walked behind Grandmaster Wei as he lead them inside the massive, traditional compound.

Rain? Ethan automatically tilted his head up. The empty sky from before was now enveloped with dark, heavy clouds. There weren't any signs that it was about to rain just awhile ago...

But now, no one can deny that those clouds are brewing quite the storm.

"Don't be surprised," Lillie said when he noticed his puzzlement. "The weather here is unpredictable. One minute we have a clear, sunny day. The next, it'll be raining cats and dogs."

Realization struck Ethan's mind. "Ah, so that's why the ship was strangely lacking seagulls perched around and making noises."

"Attentive, I see." Grandmaster Wei vocalized with a satisfied huff. "Very good. I would hate for my second pupil's betrothed to be incompetent as to not notice such obvious detail."

Ethan wasn't sure if that was another insult or a poorly constructed compliment. He'll take it, nevertheless.

"I've already prepared dinner. But before we dine, you three should freshen up first." Grandmaster faced them. "I had your old room cleaned up, Little Flower. Your uniform is inside your closet, if you wish to wear them. As for your betrothed, his room is next to your Senior Brother's."

Lillie and Ethan both had an astonished expression.

Death never wanted to cackle like a lunatic as much as he does at this moment. But, for the sake of not catching their master's attention and his Junior Sister's vengeance, he had to resist and fight to keep a neutral face.

If his Junior Sister catches a single twitch on the corner of his lips, dire consequences will hit him like a cargo truck.

Grandmaster stopped his second disciple before she could politely oppose. He crossed his arms, an unwavering air exudes from his body.

"There will be no tummy touching in my watch." He said in a no-nonsense tone.

"Master..." Lillie sighed helplessly.

"Death, do guide our guest to his chamber."

"Gladly." Death nodded with all the seriousness he could muster in his expression.

This is one of the rare moments where he and his stubborn master join forces and come into an agreement without words being uttered.