Chapter 31: Definition of wealthiness
Axelius swung his legs off the bed and stood up, stretching his limbs. His joints popped slightly from being still for too long. He walked over to the tall, full-body mirror near the corner of his room, his reflection staring back with messy hair and slightly wrinkled clothes. Without a second thought, he pulled off his shirt and turned to his side, inspecting his left shoulder.
There it was—the mark. A swirling, intricate design that wrapped around the back of his left shoulder like it belonged there all along. His eyes gleamed with excitement, and a wide grin spread across his face.
"Oh yeah! It's not a dream!" he exclaimed, running his fingers over the tattoo. The lines were smooth and faintly glowed under his touch, like it was alive with energy.
"Stop moving around," Owen's voice came out of nowhere, sounding grumpy. He bounced up onto the dresser beside the mirror, his slime form jiggling slightly from the impact.
Axelius only laughed louder, turning back to Owen with a smug look. "Look at this, Owen! I have a tattoo! I look badass!" he boasted, flexing his arms as if he were showing off muscles that weren't really there.
Owen's gelatinous form wobbled in disapproval. "Badass, my ass," he huffed. "What do you think others will say when they see a child with a tattoo, huh? You'll look more like a troublemaker than some kind of warrior!"
Axelius paused, tapping his chin thoughtfully before shrugging. "Then I won't show it off until I grow up," he said with a grin. "I'll keep it hidden. But when I get taller...just you wait! I'll be the coolest guy in the whole kingdom!"
Owen groaned. "You never stop dreaming, do you?"
Before Axelius could respond, there was a soft knock at the door, and it opened to reveal Elias. The butler stepped inside gracefully, his eyes immediately going to Axelius, and a look of relief crossed his face.
"Young Master, I'm glad you're okay," Elias said, his voice calm but genuinely warm. He approached the bed as Axelius wandered back over, and without missing a beat, Elias assisted him up onto the mattress, his hands gentle but firm. Axelius settled back onto the bed, rubbing his stomach as it growled loudly.
"How long have I been out?" Axelius asked, glancing at the window where sunlight streamed in, casting long shadows across the floor.