Nao and Raviel arrived at the breakfast table where Issadora was already seated, her expression adorned with a sharp, polished smile.
"Oh, my son, you look perfect," she said sweetly, but deep inside, jealousy burned as she watched Nao take his place—her smile hiding everything she truly felt.
Mr. Den stood nearby, respectfully waiting for Nao.
Nao and Raviel sat down across from Issadora. Together, they greeted her, "Good morning."
Issadora returned the greeting, her voice silky. "Morning. Have a good day, my son." Her gaze slowly shifted to Raviel. "And your friend… he's quite handsome. Is he a model or an actor?" she asked with a pointed curiosity, eyes scanning Raviel with a fake charm.
Nao hesitated for a moment, then gave a short reply. "No… he's not an actor."
Issadora rose gracefully from her seat. "I have some important work to attend to," she said with a cold politeness. "Enjoy your breakfast. I hope the guest feels comfortable." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
Once she was gone, the table felt a little lighter.
Nao and Raviel began their breakfast in silence for a few minutes, until Nao glanced at him curiously.
"How do you look… originally?" Nao asked, lowering his fork for a moment.
Raviel gave a slow, mysterious smile. "You already saw me once—when you freed me in the cave."
Nao frowned, trying to recall. "No… I wasn't really there. It was so dark. I couldn't see anything."
Raviel looked at him with a faint glimmer in his eyes. "You really want to see me?" he asked, his tone teasing.
Nao blinked, caught off guard. "Oh—why would I—? I mean…" He trailed off, quickly returning his attention to the plate in front of him, flustered. "Let's just eat…"
Raviel chuckled softly, amused by Nao's reaction, and continued with his meal.
Elias sat quietly in his seat, lost in his own thoughts. His best friend, Jason, leaned in and asked gently, "Are you okay, Elias?"
Elias gave a soft nod. "Yeah… I'm fine. I just… I miss Nao. Without him, everything feels a bit lonely."
Jason gave him a supportive smile. "Don't worry. I'm here for you. After school, we can go see Nao if you want."
Elias smiled slightly. "Okay…"
Suddenly, whispers filled the room. A group of excited girls were gossiping nearby, their eyes sparkling.
"He looked so handsome!" one girl squealed. "I saw him upstairs—he was sooo hot. Maybe he's looking for someone in our class!"
"I think he's from a royal family," another girl said dreamily. "He's so charming… I wish I could be his girlfriend."
Elias overheard their conversation but didn't pay much attention—until a sudden shift in the classroom's energy made him look toward the door.
There he was.
Adrian stood at the entrance of the classroom like he owned the place. Every girl's gaze snapped to him instantly, gasps and murmurs filling the air.
"Oh my god, that's him! He looks even better up close!" one of the girls whispered.
Elias's eyes widened in shock. Why is Adrian here? He quickly looked away, pretending not to notice. But it was too late.
Adrian walked casually toward him, his presence making the entire room fall silent. With a charming smile, he stopped in front of Elias.
"Hello, Elias," Adrian said smoothly.
Elias shifted uncomfortably. "W-Why are you in my class?"
Adrian leaned down, his lips close to Elias's ear, his voice low and teasing. "You're responsible for my breakup, remember?" he whispered with a grin.
Elias's cheeks flushed red. "W-What?!"
Adrian stood back and smirked. "After class, meet me in the cafeteria. We'll have lunch together. Don't be late. And if you are… just remember how I punish people."
With that, Adrian turned and walked out, leaving the class in stunned silence.
Jason blinked, completely baffled. "You know that guy?"
Elias hesitated, then finally replied, "He's Nao's stepbrother."
Jason whistled. "Ohh… I see. But… why did he talk to you like that?"
Elias didn't answer. He just looked down, his heart thudding in his chest as the teacher walked in and started the lesson.
Nao finished his breakfast and checked the time. Mr. Den had already left to prepare the car. Raviel, sitting beside him, calmly sipped his drink.
Nao glanced at him. "You should go get ready. We're leaving in ten minutes."
Raviel nodded, standing up. "Understood, my master."
Nao rolled his eyes. "Stop calling me that in public."
Raviel smirked slightly and whispered just loud enough, "Only in public, then."
Nao's face turned pink as Raviel disappeared up the stairs to change. He muttered under his breath, "This demon will be the death of me."
Minutes later, Raviel returned, now dressed in a sleek black suit that Nao had picked out for him. The fabric hugged his tall frame perfectly, and the sharp lines of the suit only made his mysterious aura stronger.
Nao blinked. "You… clean up really well."
Raviel raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like a proper bodyguard now?"
"You look like a model who walked out of a magazine," Nao mumbled as he walked ahead.
They stepped outside, where the Vermillion family's black luxury car waited. Mr. Den stood by the door with a calm smile.
"Ready, young master?"
Nao nodded. "Let's go."
As they drove off toward the company, Nao looked out the window, trying to hide his nervousness. Raviel, sensing his unease, placed a calming hand on Nao's shoulder.
"You'll be fine. Your father raised a capable heir."
Nao looked at Raviel, surprised. "You really think so?"
"I don't think. I know."
Nao smiled faintly. "Thanks…"
Raviel added quietly, "And if anyone tries to hurt you today… they'll regret it."
Nao laughed softly. "Let's hope it won't come to that."
Meanwhile, back at the castle, Issadora watched the car drive away from the window, her eyes sharp, her smile gone.
"So… the boy is finally stepping into the spotlight," she whispered. "Let's see how long he lasts."