"Welcome to my humble command center," Levi announced, gesturing to the expansive space. "Within the next five minutes, I will sift through the myriad of options and select the definitive logos and package designs. Prepare yourself for swift decision-making."

Humble was the last word that came to mind. It was nearly the size of our entire living room back home. Dominating the space was a massive desk, flanked by vibrant plants and towering bookshelves that seemed to groan under the weight of knowledge. A stainless steel fridge hummed quietly in one corner. A long table surrounded by at least ten chairs. Two plush leather couches and a pair of elegant armchairs were strategically placed around two coffee tables, creating separate conversation areas.

He settled into the chair behind his expansive desk, gesturing with a sweep of his hand towards one of the plush leather armchairs situated in front of him. Reaching out, he pressed a button on the intercom system built into his desk. "Send in the logo and package design options, please. And also, a coffee, a hot chocolate, and Annie."

I sank into the soft embrace of the leather couch, my gaze fixed on Levi, a quiet admiration swelling within me. The efficiency, the effortless command – it was captivating. Moments later, Annie entered, holding a thick file with a practiced air. Behind her followed an employee bearing a tray with our ordered beverages.

"Here are the logo and package design options for your selection, sir," Annie stated, placing the file squarely in front of Levi on his desk.

Levi picked up a vibrant red marker. He began to flip through the pages. He paused, his gaze narrowed, clearly weighing the merits of two particular options, labeled A and B. With a decisive final flip through the remaining pages, each design receiving no more than a fleeting glance, Levi capped the red marker with a sharp click.

"The alumni dispute has been... resolved," he announced. "And the logos and package designs have been selected. Annie, if you would?" He gestured towards the file. "Anything else requiring my immediate attention?"

"Sir... I know this will likely be unwelcome news, but... it appears Minister is proceeding with his plan to release nationwide commercials for several of the pharmaceutical drugs."

Levi's tapped his fingers. "Truly? Has the man truly plumbed such depths of avarice? Mass consumption of prescription drugs, openly advertised to the populace?" He let out a groan.

That's a new low, even for the ethically murky waters we sometimes navigate. He's perfectly happy to bend the rules, to operate in the gray areas, but this blatant push for mass consumption seems to cross a line for him.

"Fine," Levi said, his voice now edged with a sharp resolve. "Instruct Holden to intensify his efforts in gathering irrefutable evidence of his corruption. I assume that pompous swine is still indulging in his pathetic power games, likely making Holden twiddle his thumbs at the Ministry for hours on end. Once Holden has compiled a comprehensive dossier, we will expedite its delivery directly to the court. Gods above..." Levi ran a hand through his hair, a look of utter exasperation on his face. "Do I have to personally oversee every single semblance of justice in this godforsaken country?"

This morning's agenda apparently involved a touch of strategic blackmail to keep the Minister in line. Now, the gloves are off, and Levi's sights are set on a full-blown legal takedown. What a fascinatingly abrupt shift in moral compass – or perhaps, a recalibration of tactics depending on the severity of the offense.

"Sir... our intelligence suggests he is likely accepting substantial bribes from the Kendall Pharmaceutical Company," Annie added, her voice tight with concern.

"Unsurprising," Levi scoffed, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "That imbecile Kendall even attempted to bug our home, foolishly leveraging the Minister of Economy's petty anxieties. And Kendall, in his infinite delusion, still perceives me as some sort of business rival." Levi's fingers fastened a fraction higher, his expression darkening. "Ah! That contemptible vermin... So that explains the Minister's relentless push to unleash those drugs upon the market. He's trying to ensnare us, isn't he? To drag us down into a quagmire of atrocious ethical and legal violations, potentially even implicating us in mass murder through widespread, unchecked consumption. Ugh!" Levi shuddered, a visible wave of revulsion washing over him.

Let me try to piece this rather convoluted tapestry of intrigue. So, we have Kendall, this persistent rival of Levi, who went to the Minister of Economy, leveraging fear over currency change, to orchestrate an attempt to bug our house – a spectacularly unsuccessful endeavor, I might add, thanks to Minister Shaw's incompetence. But now, this same Kendall, has allegedly resorted to bribing the Minister of Health to pressure Levi into releasing drugs prematurely, bypassing crucial clinical trials... Wow. Just... wow. What a truly bizarre and morally bankrupt chain of events.

"Then, sir," Annie inquired, "should we mobilize our legal team?"

"Yes," Levi confirmed. "Have litigation ready to file by 18:00; we’ll seek an emergency injunction under Article 17-B of the Pharmaceutical Ethics Act. The absolute fool... Tell Holden to shift his focus, to thoroughly sniff around the Ministry. If he can unearth tangible evidence of bribery, excellent. If not, even the faintest whiff, the merest suggestion of corruption and illicit dealings, will be sufficient. I will personally contact the relevant authorities within the police department." Levi sighed dramatically, a theatrical roll of his eyes. "What an utterly tedious day this has become."

Ah, my magnificent lion... Usually, his preferred method of conflict resolution would involve summoning the offending parties to our home for a good old-fashioned verbal lashing, likely ending with tears and a healthy dose of existential dread. Today, however, he's opted for the slightly less morally dubious route of legal action. The thrill of the chase is over; now it's just paperwork.

"Annie," Levi instructed, "also prepare a comprehensive statement for immediate release to all major media outlets regarding these abhorrent drug advertisements. Furthermore, contact key figures within the academic community. Request that they expedite the public release, free of charge, of any relevant research papers detailing the potential dangers and ethical implications of allowing prescription pharmaceuticals to plaster our billboards. A significant shift in public opinion on this issue will undoubtedly lend considerable weight to the corruption and bribery case against the Minister."

Turning this into a public outcry will put immense pressure on the authorities and make it harder for the Minister to wriggle free. My clever lion… Concocting this intricate strategy in the span of perhaps ten fleeting minutes...

"Understood perfectly, sir," Annie affirmed. "I will immediately initiate contact with the press and key figures within the academic community, and assemble our legal team."

"Indeed," Levi confirmed, finally bringing his cup of hot chocolate to his lips. "And, should our initial efforts prove... insufficient, do not hesitate to inform me. I will, undoubtedly, devise an alternative approach." With a decisive nod, Annie gathered the file containing the chosen logos and package designs and swiftly departed, leaving Levi and me in the relative quiet of his expansive office.

"Wow, Levi," I said, genuinely curious, "tell me what truly fuels your strong opposition to this whole drug advertisement scheme."

Levi swirled his cup before taking a slow sip. "I take my profession with a certain gravity, Raphael. The idea of deliberately illusioning people into purchasing pharmaceutical drugs through mass-market advertising? For what purpose? It's certainly not driven by concerns for their safety or genuine health needs; it's purely about lining pockets with money. And do you expect me to sit idly by, fully aware that that swine, the Minister, is intent on enriching himself through such blatant manipulation? I find such a profound injustice utterly intolerable. Furthermore," he continued, his gaze becoming intense, "I don't require some external moral compass to understand why the widespread advertisement of potent drugs is inherently wrong. I possess a rather stringent and deeply ingrained sense of ethics when it comes to the integrity of science and its application to human well-being."

"Hm..." I mused, a playful smile tugging at my lips. "Do tell me more, though. Seeing this... morally upright side of you does rather make my heart flutter."

Levi raised a sardonic eyebrow. "Ah, so you find my fleeting 'Saint' persona appealing, do you? Very well. Let's be entirely candid. If the Minister succeeds in his little scheme what is the inevitable outcome? I happen to own the largest pharmaceutical conglomerate in this nation. Not only my company's reputation, but the well-being of millions of people would be jeopardized. And for what? Pure financial gain. Furthermore, my dear Raphael, you are also a beneficiary of this company's success. I know you well enough to surmise that you would find little solace in vast profits earned at the potential cost of widespread suffering, the thought of millions facing harm because of something connected to us, something we profited from, would undoubtedly plague your conscience. That is your moral compass, perhaps more straightforward than mine. My own reasoning is more faceted, perhaps even bordering on the philosophical. The answer, in its essence, is rather simple: I have absolutely no desire to become a murderer for the sake of monetary enrichment."

"So, beneath the layers of ambition and, shall we say, strategic ruthlessness, there exists a line you won't transgress," I observed, a thoughtful expression on my face.

"For monetary gain," Levi corrected, his gaze unwavering. "You are aware, are you not, that the moniker 'Saint of Ascaria' was not a self-proclaimed title? It was bestowed upon me by the populace following my rather extensive philanthropic endeavors. You yourself, as an immigrant to this country, directly benefited from my foundation's initiatives, receiving assistance with both citizenship and housing. And, to be perfectly frank, you are the singular individual privy to such a comprehensive understanding of my life's trajectory – my noble lineage, my involvement in revolutionary movements, my formative years, my present circumstances, and, I sincerely hope, my future. So..." He paused, his intense gaze locking with mine. "...tell me now, with all that you know, with all that you have witnessed, do you genuinely believe I am a good person?"

He... is...

I find myself utterly incapable of formulating a definitive answer to that profound inquiry. There is no simple, binary truth to be uttered.

"I... I honestly don't know, Levi," I admitted, my voice a raw whisper. "You inhabit such a profoundly morally ambiguous space in your personal life. You possess a capacity for cruelty that chills me to the bone, a ruthlessness that can be breathtaking. You are, without a doubt, the most self-serving, manipulative, and calculating individual I have ever encountered. You seem to... relish your villainy, your moments of tyranny, the thrill of the chase, the hunt. And yet..." I paused, searching for the right words amidst the swirling emotions. "And yet, I am also acutely aware of the significant contributions you have made to this country, to its citizens. You have initiated and funded projects that have tangibly improved lives, and you are actively shaping the future with initiatives like the currency reform, the backing of a presidential campaign, and even this current stand against the Minister's exploitative drug advertisements. So, no... I truly don't know. There is no simple 'yes' or 'no' to your question, Levi. You are a paradox, a walking contradiction."

Levi absorbed my hesitant and conflicted answer with an unreadable expression. He remained silent for a long moment, his fingers tapped before him like the spires of some ancient cathedral. Then, his voice, when it finally came, was soft yet piercing.

"Do you believe yourself to be a good person?"

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

The question reverberated within me.

I hurt Levi, inflicted a deep wound by abandoning him in that rehab facility. And yet, shamefully, I confess to a perverse fascination, a dark enjoyment even, in witnessing his sharp, often cruel, verbal assaults on others. A chilling empathy even extended to the Conqueror, the very man who extinguished Levi's father's life. I even went so far as to purchase a house for Cybil, the woman who inflicted unimaginable abuse upon him in his formative years.

But what of the broader tapestry of my life? Do I routinely treat others with malice or disregard? Not intentionally, no. I find myself striving for kindness in my interactions. I absorb the sadness of others in a way that feels like a physical ache in my very soul. I believe myself to be fundamentally fair, resisting the temptation to exploit Levi's considerable influence to advance my own acting career. Yes, I believe I am a fair person.

Yet, the larger, more unsettling question looms: does my intimate connection to Levi, a man who occupies such a vast expanse of moral and ethical ambiguity, a man shrouded in darkness... does that proximity inherently tarnish my own character? Does his moral greyness bleed into my own being, staining my soul by association? Perhaps... perhaps it does.

But... he has explicitly told me that I am not responsible for the shadows that reside within him, and intellectually, I know this to be true. Yet, a persistent, nagging feeling lingers, a deep-seated need to somehow... intervene, to halt the trajectory of his more questionable actions. It's a futile desire, given the intricate workings of his mind, a landscape where guilt and shame hold no dominion. He isn't driven by a conscious malice, nor does he derive pleasure from inflicting pain in a sadistic sense. He is... indifferent.

"I... I truly don't know, Levi," I confessed, the words laced with uncertainty. "I don't believe it is my place to bestow upon myself the label of 'good.' I have caused you pain, acted out of purely selfish motivations... And on a more general level, the very act of someone proclaiming themselves 'good' strikes me as inherently... self-congratulatory, perhaps even a touch self-absorbed.”

"Your inability to readily apply the label of 'good' to yourself, Raphael, speaks volumes of your humility," Levi observed, a thoughtful expression settling upon his features. "Now, if you will indulge me, let us delve into the rather unconventional landscape of my own philosophy. In the grand tapestry of existence, I posit that there are no inherently 'good' or 'bad' individuals. There simply... is. Morality, ethics, and the myriad other societal labels we employ are constructs, created to serve a specific purpose. Take religion, for instance. Why does it persist? Because a significant portion of humanity finds itself incapable of navigating choices autonomously. They require the external framework of a reward and punishment system to guide their actions. I do not. Not because I possess an exceptionally strong conscience, but rather because I fundamentally lack one. This world is built upon a foundation of rules, designed to govern the behavior of its inhabitants. These rules, in turn, are born from a particular perspective, one that dictates individuals should experience guilt upon committing a 'wrong' act, shame for their transgressions, and a spectrum of other negative emotions. Conversely, they are expected to feel happiness and contentment when adhering to what is deemed 'right.' I experience neither of these ingrained emotional responses. In the grand scheme of existence, there is no inherent good, no absolute wrong, no definitive right, no intrinsic bad. Life, in its purest form, simply is. I am neither a 'good' person nor a 'bad' person. And neither are you. We are all merely... persons, existing within this intricate web of 'is'."

Is. Just... is.

He says we are all just persons. But my 'personhood' is tied to this internal compass, this constant evaluation of right and wrong, this aching empathy for others. If I were to strip that away, would I even recognize myself?

He's right, in a way. There's no universal, objective 'good' or 'bad' etched into the fabric of reality. These are human constructs, messy and contradictory. But they are my constructs, the lens through which I experience the world and my place in it.

"That is a perspective starkly different from my own, Levi," I replied, my voice soft but firm. "Yours is undeniably realistic, perhaps even brutally so. And while you are unburdened by the weight of guilt, I am not so fortunate. I understand that, in the grand scheme, I am merely a person, an individual existing within this 'is' you describe. However, unlike you, I actively strive to do what I believe to be good. Not out of fear of some celestial punishment or the promise of divine reward. I choose to act with kindness, fairness, and compassion because I want to. Not because I am compelled by the sting of shame or the gnawing of guilt, but because I harbor a deep, intrinsic desire to be a good person. It is a personal aspiration, a fundamental aspect of how I wish to navigate this existence, even if it is, as you say, simply 'is'."

Levi listened to my impassioned declaration with an uncharacteristic softness in his gaze. "What a beautifully idealistic view you hold, my dear Raphael," he murmured, the words carrying a hint of wistful amusement. "My sentimental tissue, were I so equipped, might even flutter. But let us distill our motivations down to their purest essence, shall we? Beneath the layers of your admirable striving and my detached observations, there lies a single, fundamental desire that binds us both. A primal, base yearning. Indeed, my only true desire. To simply... be."

Ah... Shit. The memory of his plea to me in that soul-crushing rehab facility crashes over me, a tidal wave of raw pain that, even now, weeks later, can still summon a fresh sting of tears to my eyes. It was a moment of utter vulnerability stripped bare, his voice raspy with a desperate longing I can still feel echoing in my own chest. "You may never love me again," he'd whispered, his gaze hollowed by a profound loneliness. "You may never forgive me. Please... Once again, just... let me be. It can be even from afar..." The sheer fragility of that plea, the heartbreaking acceptance of a life lived on the periphery of mine, a mere shadow in my world, still twists my heart with a potent and agonizing blend of guilt for the pain I inflicted and an enduring, undeniable affection that time has failed to diminish.

Tears pricked fiercely at my eyes. The depth of that yearning, that fundamental desire to simply... be. To shed the weight of judgment, the constant ache of sadness, the isolating awareness of his own difference from others, and to simply... exist.

"I... I am truly sorry, Levi," I confessed, my voice still thick with emotion. "Sorry for the constant judgment that has so often colored my perception of you. I know you navigate the world differently than most... and I believe I am beginning to truly understand what you mean by... simply existing. That fundamental yearning for acceptance, for genuine visibility, for the simple grace of... being." I wiped the lingering tears from my face, the offered tissues soft against my skin.

Levi watched me, his expression unreadable, before speaking. "My specific neurological configuration, somewhat ironically, is not classified as a disability within our societal frameworks. Many other neurodivergencies, however, are recognized as such... To be perfectly candid, as you have undoubtedly observed, my... atypical processing of morality has undeniably contributed to my efficiency in certain endeavors. But beyond that utility, I possess no other concise descriptor for myself."

A nervous chuckle escaped my lips, tinged with a touch of disbelief. "Efficient is the only word? Come now, Levi. I have an extensive repertoire of both insults and compliments tailored specifically for you..." I trailed off, my curiosity piqued. "...but why isn't it considered a disability?"

Levi's gaze remained steady. "Because, technically speaking, it does not impede my ability to function within the practical realms of existence. It doesn't prevent me from achieving my goals or navigating the complexities of the world. Its impact is primarily confined to the realm of interpersonal relationships. Like ours, for instance. Our disagreements, our conflicts, they are rarely about you and me as individuals. They invariably circle back to my amoral, atypical approach to life."

"Yeah..." I murmured, a thoughtful frown creasing my brow. "But, you know, our fights... they've actually helped a lot in a strange way. Because through them, I've come to understand that you're not intentionally trying to inflict pain on people."

"Why would I?" Levi responded, his tone matter-of-fact. "Whether someone lives or dies... it registers as nothing."

I feel so deeply, and he... feels nothing. Yet, we are here, together. A creature of profound empathy and one of utter emotional neutrality.

"Damn..." I murmured, shaking my head slowly, a wry smile touching my lips. "What a truly... intense conversation, Levi."

"Hm..." he responded, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Indeed. It was a rather philosophical exchange, and I genuinely find value in understanding your perspective, however divergent it may be. Let us endeavor to continue these intellectual sparrings in the future. It is nearing the midday respite for my staff, so I present you with a choice. I can regale you with rather gruesome laboratory mishaps I've encountered over the years, or... we could find a more... practical application for my conspicuously oversized desk. Choose your preferred form of diversion."

Oh, Levi… Gruesome lab accidents or... the desk.

"No," I replied, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. "Tell me what you truly desire in this moment, Levi."

He considered my words for a fleeting second, a flicker of something akin to intrigue in his eyes. "I have never engaged in... intimate pursuits within the confines of my office. Therefore, a certain degree of curiosity is piqued. However," he continued, his gaze softening slightly, "rather than the somewhat impersonal expanse of my desk, perhaps we could defer such explorations until tonight, within the arguably more comfortable and private setting of our room. So... in light of that, the tales of a hapless chemist now seem considerably more appealing, wouldn't you agree?"

"Why not... both?" I purred, as I rose from my chair and settled onto his lap, my arms circling his neck. "Regale me with your most gruesome tales, Levi, while I have the distinct pleasure of observing you from a mere breath away."

A genuine amusement flickered across Levi's features. His large, warm hands settled firmly on my butt, a possessive anchor that also served as a blatant, and rather enjoyable, caress. He leaned back in his chair, granting me a closer vantage point, his gaze meeting mine with a curious anticipation.

"We were engaged in the study of a particularly resilient strain of extremophile bacteria, organisms capable of thriving in the most inhospitable conditions. One Friday afternoon, a culture flask containing a particularly active sample was, regrettably, left unsealed in a temperature-controlled incubation chamber over the weekend. Upon our return on Monday morning, the entirety of laboratory bay seven was... transformed. A rather pungent, and frankly, unsettlingly vibrant orange biofilm had erupted from the flask, a living tide that had not only coated every horizontal surface but had audaciously climbed the pristine white walls, its tendrils even beginning to snake their way into the ventilation system."

"What?" I exclaimed, a shiver tracing its way down my spine despite his warm touch. "Like some sort of apocalyptic, fluorescent mushroom?"

"Precisely," Levi confirmed, a hint of dark amusement in his eyes as he leaned back slightly. "It is an image that remains indelibly etched in my memory, dear. The white of the laboratory walls completely consumed by this aggressively vibrant orange, the air thick with a scent you could almost... taste. Its metallic tang clung to the back of your throat. The eradication process necessitated the deployment of a specialized biohazard team and several arduous days of intensive sterilization protocols. They had to torch the vents. Even then, faint traces of that tenacious organism persisted for weeks."

"Oh?" I inquired, a playful smirk dancing on my lips as I tightened my arms around his neck. "And were you personally involved in this vigorous scrubbing endeavor, Levi?" I leaned closer, my gaze locking with his. "Do continue to regale me with these delightful nightmare fuels. You possess a captivating talent for storytelling."

"I was not involved in scrubbing, no. As I am not equipped with the methods of cleaning."

"Hmm..." I mused, a fond smile playing on my lips. "Do you remember that time, Levi, when you transformed our kitchen into your own personal mad scientist's basement? And then, the equally unexpected pivot to baking. It started innocently enough, just simple pastries, but it wasn't long before you'd somehow spun that into another chemistry endeavor.”

Levi chuckled softly, his hand continuing its caress. "My current job at the... government, bear little resemblance to the relatively unconstrained explorations of Academia or the profit-driven research of my company. There is a certain... frisson, I confess, to the 'mad scientist's basement' aesthetic. Ah... but my current obligations are far less stimulating. I harbor no affection whatsoever for my work with the government. The moment my specific skill set is no longer deemed essential, I will, quite literally, abscond from their employ and return to the infinitely more engaging endeavors of my own company."

"I understand completely, Levi," I sighed softly, a hopeful smile returning to my lips. "Come on, though... about that currency change? Can we finally make it happen so we can actually go on a proper date, please?"

"Patience, my dear Raphael," Levi murmured. "At least a month, I'm afraid. This brief window of relative calm is likely my only respite before I descend into a truly relentless, twenty-four-seven work schedule with virtually no allowance for sleep. The initial steps for the necessary currency adjustments are slated to commence this coming Monday... And then, my dearest," he continued, his gaze softening as he met mine, "I will indeed have you by my side. Your gentle reminders to partake in sustenance and maintain basic hygiene will be... invaluable."

I chuckled softly, leaning in to press a kiss to his temple. "Of course. I will brush your glorious mane and ensure you remain at least marginally presentable."

"I assure you, Raphael," Levi responded, a hint of weary amusement in his voice as his fingers gave my buttock a firm squeeze. "It will be a brutal undertaking. There will be moments, I predict with a high degree of certainty, when both of us will silently implore the indifference of non-existent deities to bring an end to this relentless endeavor. Ah..." He sighed softly, the squeeze lingering for a moment longer.