"Indeed, it is I," Azazel replied with a smug smile.
Elias looked like he was a second away from punching the smile off Azazel's face but he held back.
Or rather, he couldn't risk it.
The beating he'd received on the night of the royal ball had carved a deep fear into his bones.
It was a painful reminder of what had become his reality, he was stuck with a real nutcase.
Elias opened his mouth to curse out, to hurl any unpleasant word he knew but he couldn't find the words to say.
In the end he could only sigh.
"What are you doing here." He asked, his tone firm but there was flicker of apprehension in his voice.
Azazel blinked, then smiled innocently.
"Whatever do you mean your highness, I'm your babysitter, it's only right that I accompany you anywhere you go."
Elias scowled.
"Cut the nonsense."
"Language, your highness." Azazel cooed, his tone mocking.
"S-Shut up."
"Don't wanna."
"Leave my presence at once."
"Do you want another beating your highness?"
"Y-You wouldn't dare." Elias said, pointing a finger at Azazel while putting some distance between them.
Azazel chuckled then leaned forward.
"Oh but I would… you see my fists have a mind of its own, I'd rather not put it to the test."
"Wha… you… b-but, hahhh… nevermind." Elias groaned.
There was just no winning against Azazel, in fact he felt incredibly lucky that the redhead hadn't done anything reckless.
Instead of wasting anymore time under the heat, he started walking further into Merelyn Street.
His hostelry was a few blocks away, about twenty minutes walk from the entrance.
He was desperate to head back because he'd rather spend his time indoors than engage in any activities against Azazel.
To his horror, he heard footsteps behind him.
Yes, Azazel was following him.
He didn't need to turn to confirm that, at this point he was practically begging Amun Rá to send a natural disaster to claim Azazel.
Azazel sneezed, the tip of his nose tuned pink.
He paused, then stared at Elias before asking.
"Did you say something unpleasant about me just now?"
Elias ignored him then increased his pace.
His footsteps more desperate than ever.
'I can't… I absolutely can't deal with him, he's going to make my life a living hell.' he thought to himself.
About a few minutes later he arrived at the hostelry.
The building was unique, a tower of massive height with walls fashioned from pale marble.
Its surface gleamed like polished ivory while tall arched windows framed with stained glass scattered a kaleidoscope of light onto the gardens.
The entrance was vast and elegant, housing twin magnificent staircases which curled outward like unfurling ribbons.
Lantern posts surrounded the walkway of the hostelry further enhancing the elegance of the tower.
A water fountain stood besides the structure as well.
Elias took a second to appreciate the scenery, clearly whoever constructed such a building outdid themselves.
It was more than perfect enough to be fit for royalty.
A sound came from his side.
It was Azazel, staring at the structure with a look which openly displayed his jealousy.
He was seething with anger.
"Meant for nobility they said, this is going overboard, why are they discriminating! This isn't fair!" He whined.
For a second Elias entertained the idea of smiling but ever so perceptive Azazel interrupted.
"Smile and I'll make sure you have fewer teeth than a toddler."
Ok that was it.
Elias snapped.
"If you're going to be my assistant then respect me as your master!"
Azazel stared at him strangely, then took two steps back.
"You disgust me." He said.
"You're the last person I want to hear that from." Elias retorted with a frown, "what were you even thinking of?"
Now it was his turn to cast blame.
Azazel let out a small cough then averted his gaze.
"Ehem… let's get one thing straight your highness, I am your babysitter. If you need an assistant then please request one from the king."
"Get out." Elias deadpanned.
"I refuse." Azazel countered.
None of them spoke further, instead Elias grimaced then walked into the hostelry, Azazel followed behind.
As soon as they walked in, a female voice called.
"Your highness, you're back? That was… fast."
As expected of the protagonist, he'd already made some friends.
Azazel on the other hand wasn't exactly known for being a good company.
His reputation followed him like a perfume fragrance, in fact people made it a point to avoid him entirely.
Not like he cared though, who needed friends to begin with.
He'd always been a loner for as long as he could remember so it wasn't exactly a foreign territory for him.
The girl who'd spoken was an ordinary looking girl with chestnut hair and black eyes, she wasn't exactly tall or attractive but she was decent enough.
Elias flashed her a smile as he signed some papers.
"Yes Elena, stuff happened."
He made sure to stress on it while sparing a glance towards Azazel.
Azazel's eyes narrowed into slits as Elena's gaze fell on him.
He smiled with his arms folded.
"Yo!"
She replied awkwardly.
"Y-Yo? Who are you…"
Azazel pointed a finger towards Elias and spoke in a tone filled with pride.
"I'm his babysitter."
"Pardon?" Her expression faltered.
Elias felt his eye twitch.
"Oh for gods sake, shut up."
"No." Azazel replied.
Elias grabbed a fist full of his hair then muttered in exasperation.
"Aiisshhh! I'm going to go crazy."
This made Azazel click his tongue.
"No I can't have that, go crazy after the emperor pays me, I don't mind but for now please keep your mental health in check."
At his words, Elias' face turned red with anger, he tapped his feet on the floor rapidly, feeling like he's had enough he turned around and stormed off deeper into the hostelry.
Azazel intended to follow suit but Elena stopped him, her hands glowed subtly with mana as she intercepted his approach.
"I'm going to have to ask you to leave." She spoke.
There was a sense of finality in her tone which left no room for negotiation.
Azazel laughed, his body trembling as though he could barely contain himself.
He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye and then, his smile dimmed.
A wave of murderous intent burst out from him, causing the very air around them to thicken.
Elena could barely breathe, she tried to remain on her feet but her efforts betrayed her.
A gasp escaped her lips while her eyes shook with fear.
She raised her head with a lot of effort but what met her eyes were a pair of cold indifferent ones.
"I know you're just doing your job." Azazel spoke. "But I'd appreciate it if you watch your tone before speaking to me next time."
"W-Who… are… ugh.. you!" She struggled to ask.
Azazel released his intent, then smiled once again.
This time it sent a shiver down Elena's spine.
"Azazel, Azazel Von Astavore, make sure you remember that."