Reincarnation of Nikola Tesla in another world-Chapter 24: Puzzle pieces

The night stretched long, stretching out like an old memory you couldn't quite let go of.

Kim sat by the window, fingers resting lightly on the iron bars, staring at the sky. The twin moons were high, casting pale light over the grand city outside. It was unlike the cramped streets of Bersley—this place was built with purpose, elegance. A city of power.

Yet his thoughts weren't here.

They drifted backward, slipping through cracks in his mind.

Smiljan. A house filled with the scent of rain-soaked earth. His mother's hands, strong and worn from work, yet gentle when she ruffled his hair. His father, reciting poetry by candlelight, words flowing like water. The warmth of a home long gone.

Then Dane. Always Dane. The boy with the bright future, the perfect son.

Kim exhaled slowly, pressing his fingers into his palm. The memories were clearer now than they had been in years, creeping back piece by piece. A gift or a curse—he wasn't sure.

A quiet knock broke the silence.

The door creaked open, and the nurse stepped in.

She carried a small cup, steam curling into the air, her steps softer this time. More familiar. The cool professionalism she had before was still there, but now... now it was wrapped in something else. Something warmer.

"You're still awake," she said, setting the cup down on the bedside table.

Kim didn't turn away from the window. "Hard to sleep when your last memory is nearly dying."

The nurse hummed, not entirely unsympathetic. "That would do it."

She pulled the chair closer and sat down, crossing one leg over the other. "Drink," she ordered, nodding at the cup.

Kim eyed it, then her. "And if I don't?"

She tilted her head, considering. "Then I'll have to force it down your throat."

Kim smirked. "I'd like to see you try."

The nurse sighed, rubbing her temple. "Must you make everything difficult?"

"Must you act like you care?"

That earned him a small laugh, low and amused. "I do care. It's my job."

Kim finally took the cup, the warmth spreading through his fingers. He sniffed it. "This isn't drugged, is it?"

She placed a hand over her heart, mock-offended. "And here I was, thinking we were building trust."

He took a slow sip, the taste subtly sweet, laced with something calming. His eyes flicked to her. "You've been talkative tonight."

The nurse shrugged, leaning back in the chair. "Maybe I don't dislike you as much anymore."

Kim raised an eyebrow. "High praise."

She smiled. "Don't let it get to your head."

Silence settled between them for a moment, the kind that wasn't uncomfortable. The nurse watched him, eyes lingering on the faint tension still present in his shoulders.

"You've been staring outside a lot," she noted.

"Good view," he replied simply.

"Or you're looking for a way out."

Kim chuckled. "Maybe both."

She leaned forward slightly. "Why are you really here?"

He met her gaze, amused. "You tell me. You seem to know more than you let on."

Her lips pressed together, but she didn't look away. "You're not an ordinary patient."

"No," he agreed, tilting his head. "But neither are you an ordinary nurse."

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She smirked. "Flattery? How desperate."

Kim set the empty cup down, fingers tapping against the table. "And who exactly am I being kept alive for?"

The nurse hesitated. He could see it—the war behind her eyes. Logic against something softer. He didn't press. Not yet.

But she broke first.

She sighed, shaking her head. "Vaqihr had you brought here."

Kim hummed. "The Grand Wizard himself?"

The nurse scoffed. "Grand Wizard. Hah. That brat never wanted anything to do with politics, business, or running his father's empire. Lord Valenforth built everything from the ground up, but his only son? No interest in economics, no patience for management. Just magic, magic, magic." She waved a hand, clearly unimpressed.

Kim arched an eyebrow. "Sounds like he was a rebellious child."

The nurse exhaled sharply, leaning back. "Rebellious is putting it lightly. Lord Valenforth had a ready-made empire, a perfect business. He expected his son to take over, to be someone powerful—not just through magic, but through wealth, influence. But Vaqihr? He was stubborn. He wanted to carve his own path, prove himself in his own way."

Kim smirked. "And now he's the Grand Wizard."

The nurse rolled her eyes. "Only because he's too powerful to ignore. He spent his entire childhood throwing tantrums over business meetings and dodging lessons on noble politics. And now he expects people to take him seriously just because he can wave his hands and make things explode."

Kim chuckled. "I take it you're not a fan."

She crossed her arms. "Let's just say he made my job difficult growing up."

Kim's gaze flickered toward the window again. "Tell me something, Nurse. Since we're in the mood for sharing."

She raised an eyebrow. "That depends."

He leaned forward slightly, voice quieter now. "This city. The owner of this estate. And Vaqihr. What do you know?"

She sighed, but something in her expression softened. Maybe it was the way he looked at her—dark eyes steady, waiting, expectant. Or maybe she was just tired.

"...This estate belongs to Lord Valenforth. He built everything—wealth, business, status. He was supposed to pass it down, but instead, he has a son playing wizard."

Kim nodded slightly. "And the city?"

The nurse hesitated, then relented. "Borguenviel. The capital. A place of politics, power, and secrets. You'd fit in well."

Kim smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."

She rolled her eyes. "And Vaqihr... He's dangerous, but not in the way most think. If he brought you here, it wasn't just out of kindness. He's trying to prove something. To himself, to his father—who knows."

Kim was quiet for a moment, absorbing her words.

Then, he smiled—small, knowing.

"I realize more than you think."

She sighed, rubbing her temple. "You really are exhausting."

Kim leaned back, smirk still in place. "And yet, you keep talking."

The nurse shook her head, then stood. "Sleep, Kim."

He watched her move toward the door, hesitating slightly before she turned back to him.

"Catherine," she said at last.

Kim blinked. "What?"

She smiled. "My name. Since you seem so fond of asking questions."

Kim let out a soft chuckle, closing his eyes. "Catherine, huh? Took you long enough."

She rolled her eyes. "Goodnight, Kim."

The door clicked shut behind her.

Kim lay still for a moment, then opened his eyes again, staring at the ceiling.

Vaqihr. Lord Valenforth. A father and son at odds.

And an orphan chained by a brat who didnt like being chained himself to his father's position.

This sounds too exciting.