Evolution of the Ruined Heir - Chapter 191

Chapter 191: Last Meal
Malakai eventually closed the panel, still feeling the wave of excitement.

Unfortunately, because of the strain his body was still under, he couldn’t absorb any external vita.

He decided to avoid physical activity too, not wanting to put any more stress on his body.

He checked the time.

4:30AM.

‘That’s 2 hours and 30 minutes more.’

They were meeting Rhett by 7. With nothing else to do, he began pondering about their destination. And just like that, time flew by.

A knock snapped him out of his reverie.

“Malakai, it’s time for breakfast.”

He heard Renlo’s voice and checked the time.

6:20AM.

“I’ll meet you there,” he called out, listening to Renlo’s steps as they faded.

‘I’m still sweating.’

Malakai felt the cold sweat clinging to his body again and sighed. He needed another bath.

After freshening up once more, he donned his gear and headed to the dining room.

The scent of food filled the entire manor, and Malakai found himself entranced even before he reached the dining room.

As he stepped inside, his eyes instantly landed on the assortment of food laid out across the table.

‘It’s even more than yesterday…’ There was no doubt about it, Malakai was awed.

Each dish had steam rolling off its surface, each one making him want to dive in face first and start eating.

‘He outdid himself.’

His gaze shifted to Renlo, who had just set the last plate on the table. Renlo turned to face him.

“Well?” Renlo beamed. “What do you think?”

Malakai nodded approvingly. “Not bad.”

Renlo’s smile widened into a full blown grin. “Really!? I’m glad you like it. I wanted to do something special for our last meal together in the manor. And also—”

Renlo stepped closer and bowed low.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, Malakai. Without you… without you, I—I don’t know where I’d be. I’d probably still be living my sad life alone in that tree, scared to walk in the dark. Without you, I wouldn’t have changed. I appreciate everything… everything you’ve done for me.”

At some point, Renlo couldn’t stop. He kept talking, about meeting Malakai, about how he put up with him, about how he took it easy on him during training.

Every little thing he was grateful for spilled out. And as he spoke, he didn’t even notice when the tears began to fall. He wiped them, but they kept coming. Still, he didn’t stop.

“…Thank you, Malakai. Thank you so much. I—”

Renlo suddenly felt a strong grip on his shoulders. He paused and looked up.

Malakai stood in front of him, his hands firm on his shoulders. And to Renlo’s shock, the Ninth Vein, the coldest person he’d ever known, was smiling. Warmly.

It wasn’t a trick of the light. It wasn’t imagined.

Somehow, that single smile broke the last dam in Renlo’s chest, and the tears began to stream even more.

Before he could continue, Malakai’s voice sounded. Surprisingly warm

“You’re a good person, Renlo. And you deserve happiness.” He said, voice becoming firm. “So stand your ground. And don’t let anyone take it away from you.”

Renlo’s eyes widened to their extremes. He smiled through his tears. He didn’t care how he looked.

Since his mother died and his family abandoned him, he had never felt anything like this. Never.

It warmed his heart. It filled him. It made him feel good. Whole.

His mouth moved on its own.

“You too.”

Malakai’s eyes widened slightly, but before he could say anything, Renlo stepped forward and hugged him.

“Thank you… for everything,” he whispered.

Renlo didn’t know how Malakai would take the hug, but he didn’t care. For him, this was a moment that would stay with him for the rest of his life.

His original purpose had always been to grow stronger, strong enough to show those who abandoned him just how wrong they were. But now, he had found something even more important.

‘I’ll grow stronger and protect this friendship.’ Renlo clenched his fist as he resolved in his mind.

After a few seconds, they slowly let go of the hug. Malakai still looked a bit stunned from Renlo’s earlier words.

‘You too…’ he repeated the words in his mind, and before he realized it, a smile formed on his face. He chuckled.

He had felt the sincerity in those words. Was he really… a good person?

Malakai didn’t think so. He knew what was in his heart. He knew how far he would go, how selfish he could become if it meant achieving his goals.

Still, it felt good to hear that from someone.

Soon enough, they both sat and began eating. Malakai, once again, felt his taste buds explode with every bite. He didn’t know how Renlo did it.

“Who taught you how to cook?” he asked between bites.

Renlo smiled. “My mother.”

“Your mom?”

“Yeah.” Renlo nodded. Malakai didn’t miss the flicker of sadness that passed through his eyes.

“She died when I was little.”

“Oh.” Malakai said softly. “I’m sorry about that.”

“It’s fine.” Renlo laughed gently. “She was an amazing mother.”

The mood shifted, turning more somber. Malakai’s own mother’s face flashed in his mind; her tenderness, her warmth, her fierceness.

He found himself smiling.

“She really is,” he muttered.

They continued eating in silence, each lost in thought. Neither of them said it out loud, but they both knew, their bond had deepened.

By the time they finished eating, it was a few minutes to seven. They both left the dining room and made their way to the front of the manor, where Malakai’s servants were already lined up.

“What’s your name?” Malakai suddenly asked. Karla and her sister both flinched.

“Ninth Vein, her name is—” Karla began.

“I wasn’t asking you,” Malakai cut in, his gaze firm. “Let her answer.”

Karla bowed quickly and tapped her sister’s arm. The girl’s whole body trembled under Malakai’s gaze. Her voice came out small and shaky as she bowed low.

“M-My n-name is K-Kiana, Ninth Vein.”

Malakai nodded and turned to Unoa.

“You’ll all be coming with me.”

“Yes, Ninth Vein.”

With the parasite in their system, they would die without a constant supply of his blood.

He could have easily left them behind… but that would be a waste of resources. Spies under his control could always come in handy.

“Nyx,” Malakai called.

Nyx appeared before him instantly, bowing.

“Have you prepared everything?”

“Yes, Ninth Vein.”

Malakai nodded. “Alright. Brief them, and do it quickly. We leave in a few minutes.”