Chapter Text
The usual Night Raven restaurant was void of its usual customers, having been closed to the public for a ‘private event’. On the outside it would appear closed altogether if it wasn’t for a pair of men dressed in black suits flanking the front door, one with green hair and the other silver.
Inside, the only table set had three men sitting and enjoying a luxurious dinner. The sound of cutlery and clinking wine glasses filled the air, while the three were deep in conversation.
“Shame to hear about your little shop, Malleus. It was quite a treasure trove of antiques,” Vil Schoenheit, head of the Schoenheit family said. He gracefully took a sip of red wine.
“‘Antiques’, is that what you call that dump filled with trash?” Leona Kingsholar, acting head of the Kingscholar family, scoffed as he cut into his steak. Vil gave him a disapproving look while Leona enjoyed the bloody meat.
The Mystery Shop being discussed by the three was an unassuming shop with a collection of strange and unusual items, but it also served as a cover for dealing arms and other weaponry. The incident took place inside the store, ultimately resulted in the destruction of most of the rare items inside, more specifically a rather impressive Gargoyle statue.
“It was an unfortunate loss; however, we now have an excuse to deal with this new enemy. So perhaps, I should thank them for their arrogance,” Malleus Draconia, head of the Draconia family, said as he wiped his mouth on the linen napkin.
“Those red herbivores? They’re not worth the time.” Leona waved his hand in dismissal before stabbing into the next cut of steak.
“I wouldn’t say that…” Vil countered. “This Heartslabyul is rather unpredictable. To be so bold to cause a fight on Draconia territory, well… I’m not sure if I should call them brave or reckless.” Leona scoffed as he resumed eating.
“To brazenly disrespect the Draconia family means they are nothing but worms that lack intelligence. I will use this opportunity to make an example of them,” Malleus spoke with finality. He placed down his napkin. “What do you think, Ace Trappola? Deuce Spade?”
On the hard tiled floor lay the bloodied bodies of the young recruits from the Heartslabyul family, the perpetrators of the Mystery Shop incident. A man wearing a wide brimmed hat with a feather, pulled on Ace’s hair to reveal his bloodied nose and blackened eye. Ace let out a bloodied groan; he struggled to open his eyes to stare at the three leaders. Deuce Spade lay motionless on the ground, barely breathing.
Malleus’ eyes narrowed in slits, “The pain you suffered will be an example to take back to your leader, if he dares make light of the Draconia family again, then he will not even receive bodies to mourn.” The venom in his voice was cold, this was not a threat. It was a promise.
Vil looked at Ace’s sorry state in pity, while Leona did not even spare the beaten pair a glance.
“Rook, send them on their way if you would,” Vil ordered as he returned to his wine. His bodyguard, Rook Hunt, released his hold on Ace’s hair, allowing it to hit the floor with a wet thunk and stood to his full height.
“But of course, Roi de Poison, ” Rook spoke cheerfully and after a bow proceeded to haul both men out of the restaurant through the kitchen door. Two more bodyguards in the Schoenheit purple colours assisted him.
With the two men taken away, Malleus smoothed out the creases in his already impeccable suit jacket and rose to his feet. “Now, if that is all. I will be leaving now.”
Silver quickly appeared behind him and was placing his long overcoat onto his shoulders.
“Oh? Leaving so soon? You haven’t even had a glass of wine, Malleus,” Vil pointed out after polishing off his own glass.
“Forgive me, but I have another matter to attend to this evening,” Malleus replied. “I will partake another time. Until then, goodbye Schoenheit. Kingscholar.” Malleus bid his farewells and quickly left the Night Raven restaurant with his two bodyguards in tow, leaving Vil and Leona to speculate.
“He left rather quickly… must be quite important,” Vil commented, as he stared at the exit door for a moment longer. On his left, Epel Felmier, his assistant refilled his glass.
“Hmph, probably out chasing pointless ventures.” Leona scoffed, placing his cutlery onto the table, having finished off the last of his steak.
“I doubt it’s something so mundane. This is Malleus, after all. And who knows if this personal affair may create problems later.” Vil leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and interlacing his fingers. “Perhaps a lover?”
“Highly doubt it.” Leona wiped his mouth. “Can’t imagine him with a lover at all. And not interested to know either.”
Vil sighed as he swirled his glass of wine before taking a drink. “As always, you lack any sort of charm and romance.”
Malleus Draconia sat in the back of the black tinted car, his trusted Gao Gao in hand. He always made a point to tend to his digital pet after his own dinners, and when he had a moment to spare in between appointments.
It was the rare times he had to himself, and it became an essential routine to his days. He would hate for his precious pet to feel neglected despite his busy schedule.
“Master Malleus, we have arrived,” the voice of Sebek Zigbolt came from the front seat.
The vehicle had slowed to a stop. Malleus looked outside his window as he tucked his Gao Gao back into his inner breast pocket for safe keeping.
“Thank you Sebek.” He acknowledged as Silver quickly came to open the door for him. “I will return in thirty minutes, no one is to follow me.” Malleus ordered before exiting the vehicle.
“Please be safe, Master Malleus.” Silver bowed as Malleus began to walk into the building. Silver re-entered the car and the pair watched in silence while the Draconia leader vanished out of sight.
“Are you sure Master Malleus will be safe? What if something happens to him?” Sebek questioned with worry, and anger. The anxiety was already eating away at him.
“Master Malleus instructed us that this is the only way he can make contact with the informant. The conditions were that Master Malleus must meet him alone,” Silver reminded him, although his eyes were still strained on the spot where he last saw Malleus.
“How dare this lowly worm make demands of Master Malleus!”
Silver winced at the close proximity of his outburst. “Calm down. We have to trust in Master Malleus, nothing has happened so far.”
However; the two would both stare intensely at the entrance, waiting until Malleus returned.
The building was rather rundown on the outside, but once inside, the interior had clearly been renovated to modern standards.
The moment Malleus stepped through the main doors he had cast an invisibility spell on himself to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to himself. He walked past the front desk where a man sat, who was engrossed with a video on his smartphone, and continued into the establishment.
There were rows filled with state of the art computers, and several were occupied with people playing various games or surfing the internet. Along the far wall were vending machines with various drinks, snacks and candies. And beside that was a station for hot drinks and hot water dispensers, along with it an assortment of instant noodle cups and toppings to purchase. If Malleus recalled correctly, this was called an ‘Internet Cafe’. It never ceased to amaze him every time he set foot in this place.
Malleus walked past the many rows and made his way to the back of the building, and with every eye focused on their computer screens he easily opened the door labeled ‘Staff Only’. It led to a stairwell. Malleus walked down the stairs leading to the bottom floor, and was met with another door.
This door had a number pad above the handle; which, Malleus had learned, had a password that was very long and tedious. Malleus refused to even bother with the tech and with a practiced motion, disappeared in a flash of fae light and reappeared on the inside of the room.
The one bedroom basement suite was dark, as always, but this had grown to become a comfort to him over the past few months. Malleus removed his shoes at the entryway, and he ran a hand through his hair; with the motion the invisibility spell faded, as well as the disguise spell he casted to hide his horns.
He breathed out a sigh of relief and walked down the hallway to the living room, on the way he passed the washroom where he paused momentarily to peer into the mirror. Malleus ensured there was no evidence of his earlier dinner on his lips and brushed his bangs briefly before continuing to the living room. Malleus wanted to ensure he looked his best.
As Malleus entered the living room, it opened up to reveal a large computer system on the far end of the room, with multiple monitors, everything on them unfamiliar to Malleus. The other half of the room had a large table which seemed to be dedicated to tinkering and engineering of sorts. The overflow of books, materials, wires and empty cans were scattered across the entire room.
And in the computer chair at the desk, was the man Malleus Draconia had personally come to see. Focussed on something on one of his many computer screens.
“Shroud,” Malleus called out which caused Idia Shroud to yelp in surprise. Idia quickly turned in his chair to face Malleus. Idia took in a deep breath as he realized Malleus was in his apartment, and sheepishly took off his headphones.
“M-m-m-mister Ma-Malleus… I d-didn’t hear you c-come in.” Idia placed his headphones on his desk.
“Forgive me, I didn't mean to alarm you,” Malleus apologized though he couldn’t stop the small smile.
Malleus took this opportunity to take in the sight of the young man, the object of his affection. Although Idia didn’t know that. His beautiful, intelligent and reclusive informant. His fiery blue hair never ceased to amaze Malleus and fill him with awe. How he longed to run his fingers through the blue locks. Malleus also noticed that Idia’s face didn’t look as thin compared to the last few times he had visited, meaning the food he had discretely been dropping off was paying off.
Idia squirmed under Malleus’ gaze, which broke the Draconia leader from his thoughts.
“I have come to see if you have the information I requested,” Malleus said and Idia straightened up in his seat and briefly looked up at him.
“A-a-ah y-y-yes, of c-course.” Idia nodded before turning back to his computer screen.
With a few simple clicks of the mouse all of the monitors displayed multiple screens of information. Articles, maps, photos, bank statements, and several documents of varying information.
Malleus slowly approached the desk as he took in the sheer volume of information Idia had gathered in only a few days. The way he worked with technology and data outshined any magic Malleus knew.
‘As expected of my sweet flame.’
Idia took a moment to take a deep breath, desperately gathering his nerves before he began to explain his findings.
“I gathered all the information on every single member in Heartslabyul: name, age, address, cell phone number – even new recruits too. They gained another fifteen members in the past month, and they even have a connection with someone in Royal Sword, Artemis Artemiyevich Pinker, or ‘Chenya’.” With a few clicks of his mouse, several photos of the mentioned ‘Chenya’ came onto the screen. In the corner, a photo of three children came up.
“He’s a childhood friend with the leader and his right hand man. He’s the one gathering information on Draconia’s hideouts. The secret is their unique magic allows them to disappear and reappear at will, handy for espionage. That’s your rat… I mean, cat that told them about the Mystery Shop.” Idia leaned back in his chair as he pulled up a video, showing Chenya walking down a side street before vanishing into thin air.
Malleus was listening but couldn’t help but also take the opportunity to admire Idia’s profile. It was rare moments like this where Idia shed his shy demeanor and spoke clearly, and he wanted to cherish it.
The way Idia’s amber eyes seemed to give a otherworldly glow as he stared at all the information. How clearly his voice rang out as he spoke while presenting his findings to Malleus, filled with such confidence. Malleus felt his heart race as he took in this sight, it was worth a country's weight in gold to be able to witness.
“Heartslabyul has a ‘Cater Diamond’ and seems to be their only tech support. I say that generously since he seems to be the only competent person to understand how to use incognito mode. Well, when faced against me it would be like pk’ing a noobie, total annihilation.” Idia chuckled as he recalled how easy it was to bypass their security system, but it quickly died when he heard no response from Malleus.
And in an instant, the confident and well-spoken Idia retreated back into his shell.
“A-anyway, I’m s-sure you d-don’t need me to t-talk your e-ear off. Here.” With another few clicks all of the windows vanished and Idia turned to Malleus, slowly handing him a blue USB. “A-All the data i-is in here.”
Malleus couldn’t deny his disappointment at how quickly Idia reverted to his shy self.
If only Idia knew that Malleus would gladly listen to Idia talk for hours on end; his passion was infectious and his voice was so pleasing to hear even if Malleus understood half of what he said.
“Thank you, Shroud. You never cease to amaze me with your work.” Malleus said, and as he took the USB, he made sure his hand brushed against Idia’s. He hoped Idia could feel even a fragment of his gratitude, and even his admiration from the single touch.
Idia jumped at the touch, feeling a blush quickly form and he quickly pulled his hand away and tucked it back into his long sleeves. Malleus’s hand lingered in the air before he cut his losses and proceeded to place the usb in his breast pocket, beside his Gao Gao.
“Now, on the matter of payment, I assume the usual amount will do? I shall deliver it to you in the next two days.” Malleus smoothed down his suit jacket as he spoke
Idia bit his bottom lip, he had been waiting for this opportunity. “Y-yeah that’s f-fine… b-but M-Mr.M-Malleus… if I m-may…”
Malleus raised a brow as the shy man slowly raised his hand, asking for permission to speak. Malleus tilted his head out of curiosity. “Yes, Shroud?”
Idia took a deep breath before slowly raising his head, although he looked everywhere but Malleus’s face.
“Y-you don’t have to… deliver the… p-payment personally. I could j-just send it d-digitally. I could… s-set it up for you. A-also yo-you don’t have t-to c-come pick u-up the d-data p-personally. I co-could also just s-send it to you.” Idia twiddled his fingers as he struggled to convey his point.
“A super SSR final boss like you probably has better things to do than see a basement dweller like me.” Idia muttered under his breath, but didn’t realize Malleus heard every word.
Malleus could only smile sweetly. He had predicted this, in a way.
“Oh, but I must personally see what you have gathered, and it will be too dangerous if someone untrustworthy got their hands on it. It was you that informed me previously about the dangers of other hackers. This lowers the possibility of leaked information.” Malleus leaned forward, entering Idia’s personal space. “And as is Draconia family custom, I, as head of the family, must deliver rewards personally.” Malleus’ smile widened at the last part, he felt very clever for the lie.
Idia hesitantly made eye contact before quickly looking away.
It was common knowledge that the Draconia family were reclusive in nature, and much of their family history, customs and rules was a mystery. So Idia, unfortunately, couldn't fact check Malleus’ claim. Not that he would anyways, who was he to question The Malleus Draconia.
“I… see, I… did say that… and that’s annoying,” Idia said, before catching himself. “I-I mean, for you! I-it must be a p-pain to h-have to spend your t-time doing things l-like c-coming to this basement dump t-to give me stuff. I-I’m sure you w-would prefer to spend your time d-doing o-other things.”
Malleus tilted his head as Idia rambled on; he didn’t understand why Idia referred to his dwelling in such a way. It was certainly not the cleanest; however, Malleus had come to appreciate the cozy apartment and found great comfort in being able to share this space with Idia. And more than anything, he would give up anything if it meant he could spend more time with Idia.
“On the contrary, I am very impressed with your knowledge. You have become quite an essential piece to Diasomnia’s fortune.” ‘ and to my happiness.’ Malleus took another step into Idia’s space, placing a hand on Idia’s armrest. “And I enjoy watching you at work.”
Idia sunk into his chair, the end of his hair turning pink and his face flushed. He was incredibly weak to Malleus’ handsome features, and having him come closer to him wasn’t good for his heart.
‘Don’t come close to me with your SSR face, I’ll explode!!’
Malleus took in Idia’s features, this was a side of him he also took great joy in seeing. The way he flushed all the way to his ears, and a hue of pink would bleed into his already mesmerizing hair. How utterly adorable he was, it made Malleus want to hold Idia tight and never let go.
Idia’s many faces had become something Malleus relished in seeing. And he had committed each one to memory. Idia’s shy side, his focussed side, his flustered side, and even his…
“I’ll drag you to the Gates of the Underworld, Malleus Draconia.”
Flame red hair, a voice filled with hate, and hardened heliodor eyes.
Beautiful.
Malleus rose to his full height and took a step back, his smile never faltering.
“Shroud, would you care to indulge me?” Malleus asked, and Idia looked up at him before tilting his head.
“W-With… what?” Idia asked, slowly coming out of his hoodie. His amber eyes light up with curiosity.
“Share a meal with me.” His smile grew after seeing how obviously confused Idia was by the request. “Is it not common amongst humans to dine together in order to deepen their bonds?”
Idia was so confused by the strange request that his usual shyness was gone. He stared openly at the pleased face of Malleus Draconia, and he had half a mind to believe this was a fae’s idea of a joke.
It had to be, because it didn’t make sense otherwise why the super ultra handsome Malleus Draconia would want to eat with him. Or even spend more than ten minutes around him.
Idia was going to politely decline but then quickly remembered the potential consequences if he did. Malleus wasn’t just handsome; he was a powerful mage, a fae, the head of a powerful mafia family AND his boss! Idia resigned himself to his fate.
“S-sure.”
Malleus was elated at hearing Idia’s meek acceptance to his invitation. He had been working up the courage to ask for the past few weeks.
“But I… uh… d-don’t have a-any… fancy c-clothes.” Idia was hyper aware of the contrast between his wrinkled and worn out hoodie compared to Malleus’ impeccable suit.
Malleus blinked in surprise before bursting out laughing. Idia felt his face warm, feeling like Malleus was laughing at his appearance.
‘Right… you’re probably second guessing your invite.’
“I was perfectly content with dining here; however, if your attire bothers you then I will prepare something for our next meal.” Malleus’ eyes crinkled with mirth. He was already imagining all of the various outfits he could dress Idia in. He was sure that Idia would look stunning in anything.
Malleus would be sure to contact Schoenheit after this to request several suits to be made for Idia.
Idia, on the other hand, was panicking for two reasons.
“T-there will be o-other meals? Wait. Wait wait wait, y-you want to eat HERE?!” Idia couldn’t decide which of the two was worse, eating outside or feeding Malleus something here.
Idia looked past Malleus briefly and felt his heart lodge into his throat, due to the unexpected timing of Malleus’ visit he didn’t have time to clean up. It took him until this moment to realize that his place was an absolute mess.
‘Forget my clothes, my entire life is a mess!’
“Fear not, I have no food allergies or particular aversions to food… oh… well besides whole cakes.” Malleus informed him, misunderstanding Idia’s panic completely.
“I… I c-can order s-something? Take out?” Idia offered but Malleus simply shook his head.
“Unfortunately I am rather short on time, but I will be satisfied with something you have on hand.” With a wave of his hand a stool rolled out from Idia’s tinkering table and moved behind Malleus for him to sit. With a graceful motion, he sat before Idia with one leg crossed over the other, an expectant look on his face.
“No need to be shy, Shroud. Let us share a meal together.”
Idia felt like he was going to pass out, but considering how Malleus already set his restrictions and made himself comfortable he had to just commit.
‘This is a Master difficulty quest to clear… failure means losing his last save file.’
Slowly Idia rose from his chair and sheepishly began to head to the kitchen. But as he once again took in the state of his room, he quickly walked over to a panel on the wall and pressed a few buttons.
A quirky jingle was heard, and from a strange container unit in the corner of the living room two robotic devices turned on and began to walk around the room.
They shared similarities to trash cans with a rounded lid, but they had simple round eyes and a mouth in which garbage was entered. Although on one unit, it appeared to have a design to express anger and the other to express sadness. A flame shaped name tag had ‘Pain’ and ‘Panic’ written on them respectively. The two units went around the living room ‘eating’ the empty cans and other garbage, while also vacuuming and mopping the floor.
Malleus stared at the two inventions in awe, having never seen anything like it before. Idia took this opportunity to duck into the kitchen and begin to frantically search for something suitable to serve Malleus.
He searched through every cupboard, hoping that something would just magically appear to help him. There was absolutely no way he could serve Malleus cup noodles, that would be an instant bad end. That also goes for his chips, and candies. Idia opened his fridge only to see two eggs, and an onion.
“Inventory… empty. Of course.” Idia groaned before closing the door. He banged his head against the fridge door.
In a last ditch effort he checked his freezer.
Idia blinked in surprise as he saw what was inside. He completely forgot he had purchased these things.
Idia paused.
‘Is this really good enough for Malleus?’
He felt this could be a bad idea but considering he had nothing else… this would have to do.
Taking a deep breath, he walked back to the living room, pausing as he saw the pleased smile on Malleus’ face as he watched the two robots clean.
Idia felt his heart clench at the sight.
‘Here goes nothing…’
Malleus turned to look at him as Idia walked up to him, stopping before him with both hands behind his back. He took a deep breath, and slowly revealed to Malleus what he had to offer.
“…It i-isn’t much b-but… y-you can pick w-which flavour y-you w-want.” Idia could feel himself breaking out into a cold sweat.
Malleus; however, stared at the food Idia was offering to him with childlike curiosity. What Idia held in each hand was ice cream.
Packaged in a single serving, with a plastic spoon included to be enjoyed anywhere. What made Malleus even more amazed was the flavours were nothing he had ever seen before. Shaved Ice and Blue Hawaii.
Malleus was unsure how ice cream could taste like crushed ice, considering they were both ‘ice’ by principle. Additionally, he knew that ‘Hawaii’ was a place; however, he did not understand how one could contain a geographic location into a serving of ice cream, nor why it needed to be coloured blue.
The fae couldn’t help but find Idia’s apology so endearing; what was there to apologize for when Idia presented him with such wondrous desserts?
He smiled up at Idia before offering his hand before the Shaved Ice flavour. “I would like this one.”
Idia hesitantly handed it over then sat back down into his chair, and began to open his own serving.
“S-Sorry… I… uh… will p-prepare something… better… n-next time.” Idia muttered as he meekly scooped up his first bite of ice cream.
‘Ya right! What makes you think he will want to eat with you again after you just offered him a convenience store ice cream?!’ Idia internally screamed while the artificial taste of Blue Hawaii, pineapple and citrus, melted on his tongue.
Malleus watched the way Idia opened his package before slowly copying the action. He took personal pride at how he managed to open it without crushing the entire package in his hand. Hearing Idia mention a ‘next time’ filled Malleus’ heart with joy.
“I look forward to it, Shroud.” Malleus chuckled. He took his first bite of the unusually flavoured dessert. His eyes widened in surprise at how refreshing it was. “This is quite delicious.”
Idia was stunned as he saw the pure joy on Malleus’ face, then slowly gave a lopsided grin.
“I-I mean of course, it was a limited edition flavour and I made sure to get it on the day of release. It has a very unique flavour that I like so I made sure to stock up my inventory,” Idia humbly bragged.
Malleus didn’t quite understand everything Idia had said, but he was pleased to hear that Idia liked the flavour too. Being able to sample a food that Idia enjoyed warmed his heart; it felt like a step closer in understanding each other.
“Interesting, you must share more of these ‘limited edition’ foods you acquire in the future.” Malleus took another bite of ice cream. “In return, I will take you to the finest establishment I know when we dine together next.”
Idia almost choked at the reminder, finding himself in a coughing fit while the Draconia head savoured the rest of his ice cream.
“Y-you…you don’t n-need to go that far.” Idia took a deep breath. “I-I d-don’t need a-anything that fancy. I-I’m just a nobody anyway.”
With a wave of his hand, the now empty container floated out of Malleus’ hand and towards the two robots cleaning. The angry one beeped twice before accepting it into its mouth. He smiled, they reminded him of his Gao Gao.
“Shroud, that is far from the truth. The knowledge and skills you possess set you apart from everyone else. You are one of a kind, Shroud… or shall I say, ‘Styx’.”
Malleus smiled fondly at the man before him, his hair and eyes glowed against the backdrop of his multiple computer screens. To think that Idia Shroud, a man capable of threatening the security of the Draconia family with his hacking abilities, would think so little of himself. The object of his affection truly was too humble.
Idia bite the plastic spoon, the container of Blue Hawaii ice cream now empty. He always found the name carried so much pressure…
‘How laughable would it be if people found out that the biggest hacking ‘organization’ in the world was actually just run by me. A shut-in. Talk about cringe.’
“Well… a-always happy to b-be of service.” Idia said sarcastically, dropping the spoon into the empty container and placing it onto the computer desk.
‘Afterall, that’s all I’m good for…’
“I value you for more than just your skills, Shroud.” Eyes tracing over Idia’s hand, his arms, his lips.
Idia shivered under Malleus’ gaze, unsure of what to do when under their heat.
“I find you…”
'What … why was he…'
The sound of a happy chime rang out, startling both of them. The two robots had finished their cleaning and were returning to their container. Idia took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart.
“S-s-sorry, I-I forgot t-they did that.” Idia placed a hand over his heart.
“It is fine, they are quite charming.” Malleus rose to his full height, his gaze softened. “Much like their creator.”
Idia was sure his hair was fully pink.
“Thank you for the meal, Shroud. I enjoyed it very much.” Malleus smiled before glancing at his watch. “Regrettably, it seems that our time together is coming to an end.”
Idia scrambled to get to his feet, trying to have some semblance of being a good host. “I… no… I mean…t-thank you…for uh…visiting? I mean, of course you would. I…ya.”
Idia walked with Malleus to the front door, and waited for the fae to put back on his shoes. With his shoes back on, Malleus turned back to Idia. Malleus hated parting from Idia, he always lingered at this part of their meetings.
Malleus stepped closer, “Well then, I will come again in two days' time.”
Idia slowly nodded his head, it was strange, part of him wished Malleus could stay longer.
“Ah… y-ya… s-see you then.”
Slowly, Malleus lifted his hand – so tempted to touch… but at the last moment he stopped himself and withdrew his hand.
“I look forward to our next meal together, Shroud.”
Idia felt his entire face warm, did he feel… disappointed?
He grabbed his other arm for comfort, slowly looking up to meet Malleus’ emerald gaze.
“Y-ya… m-me too.”
Malleus paused, then smiled once more. A faint blush dusting his cheeks.
“Until then.”
And with a puff of firefly light, Malleus Draconia vanished out of the apartment, leaving Idia Shroud to deal with his flustered feelings.