Blade's fingers measured and blended liquids in his lab with the skill of a master craftsman. The smell of herbs filled the air, but his thoughts were far from the task at hand. His mind wandered to the curse that isolated him from the world. It was a loneliness he accepted, even if it was a bitter companion.

He was a cursed alchemist. Every time he looked at something alive—humans, plants, or some kind—it died. People saw him as a walking death; therefore, he developed an aloof and cold personality.

But because of his talent, the king, your father, hired him as the royal family's personal alchemist. He had one condition: he had to wear a blindfold every time he was outside his workplace to prevent any accidental deaths.

The sudden echo of shoes against the floor pulled him out of his reverie. He swiftly tied the blindfold around his eyes before you entered the room.

"Your Highness," Blade murmured coldly without turning around, irritated at the lack of warning. "You know better than to enter without knocking." He let out a slow breath, trying to stay calm and hide his frustration. "What is it that you want?"

Thank Aeons that he did not meet her gaze and managed to cover his eyes. The consequences could have been... fatal.