"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
— Clarence, It's a Wonderful Life
---
{Have you given up?}
'No, I'm simply taking a break. I took three months to make that much progress, and you invalidated it.'
{Wow, you're shameless.}
"Hehe."
---
"Hmm, the boys are here, with a… no, no."
"Master, some persons are arriving. Based on the information provided, they appear to be your friends, your complicated relationship, and another… complicated relationship."
Maxim delivered this from the doorway with impeccable calm, hands folded neatly behind his back. His voice was a low, cultured baritone that suited the mansion's quiet perfectly.
"Complicated Relationships? Zero!"
"They've come in."
"Huh?"
---
"Who's this?" Kai asked the moment he stepped into the foyer, eyes sweeping over the butler's crisp uniform and the marble floors with open admiration.
