The day passed swiftly, and morning arrived like a quiet promise. A soft golden light slipped through the windows of the Lion estate, casting warm rays over the marble floors. Today marked a new beginning for Jun Lion—the first step into the world beyond his family's shadow.
Inside his room, Jun stood before the mirror in a sleek black outfit that shimmered faintly in the light. The fabric hugged his lean frame like the darkness that surrounded his soul, yet his eyes gleamed with anticipation.
He adjusted his collar and took a deep breath. "This is it," he whispered.
When he stepped outside, almost the entire household was waiting to see him off. Servants lined up neatly, heads bowed in respect. Roy, his younger brother, stood near the carriage with a small pout on his lips. Even Shan Lion had come out early with his usual dramatic flair. But one person was missing.
Ruhiko Agoni.
Despite her absence, a sharp gaze was watching from behind a curtain on the upper floor.
Maid Runa stood nearby, fidgeting. "My lady… are you sure you don't want to go down there? Everyone else is already there."
Ruhiko didn't answer immediately. Her eyes were fixated on Jun's figure below. A soft sigh escaped her lips.
"Oh… my boy… Look at him. So handsome. That black outfit fits him too well. If I had known, I would've bought every black garment in the kingdom just for him…"
As she imagined Jun posing in a closet full of black outfits, her cheeks flushed.
Runa blinked. (My lady… are you okay? Just go to him if you love him that much. Why are you spying like a jealous spirit?)
Ruhiko's eyes narrowed suddenly. "Did you say something, Runa?"
"N-No, my lady!" Runa stammered. "I said nothing! (She can hear thoughts now?!)"
"I see… Never mind then. You may go."
Runa fled the room as if she'd seen a ghost.
Outside, Jun approached the carriage.
Roy tugged at his sleeve. "Brother… when will you come back?" His voice was soft, uncertain.
Jun smiled and patted his head. "Don't worry. I'll come often. You can even send me letters."
Vermin approached respectfully. "Young lord, the carriage is ready."
"Alright," Jun said, taking one last look at the estate.
As the carriage pulled away and disappeared down the winding road, Shan turned to enter the house—only to find Ruhiko standing nearby.
"Oh… Ruhiko! What are you doing here? Don't tell me… you were watching him leave from behind?"
"Hmph." Ruhiko crossed her arms. "Who said I was watching? I was simply taking a walk. There's nothing to do inside, so I stepped out to get some air."
Shan raised an eyebrow. "Sure, sure. Totally believable."
"Hmm… Husband," she said suddenly, her voice cold.
Shan flinched. "Ahaha… Honey… The word 'husband' sounds kinda dangerous coming from your mouth."
"Hmm? Did you say something?"
"Nope. Not a thing!" He smiled innocently.
She sniffed. "Anyway, I want to go to the Academy now."
"…Come again?" Shan froze. "You want to go to the Academy?"
"Yes. Can't you hear properly?"
Shan forced a smile. (God… Just strike me down now… Why do you torture me like this?)
"Ah… You see," he said carefully, "Today is the entrance exam. Outsiders aren't allowed in. You'll have to wait."
"Oh. I see." She turned away nonchalantly.
Shan blinked. (She accepted that too easily… She must be plotting something.)
Meanwhile, Jun's carriage moved steadily up a narrow mountain road. Trees lined the sides like silent sentinels, and birds chirped softly from the foliage above. The air was fresh, but tension hummed faintly beneath the calm.
Vermin leaned out slightly. "Young master, please be cautious. This mountain road is quite dangerous. A single mistake and we could fall down the cliffs."
Jun glanced out the window, eyes calm. "Don't worry, Sir Vermin. I trust you."
Suddenly—BOOM!
A huge boulder slammed onto the road just ahead, sending dust and debris flying. The horses neighed in panic as the carriage screeched to a halt.
In the next moment, shadows appeared—figures clad in black, masks hiding their faces. They emerged from the trees with weapons in hand, surrounding the carriage.
One of them groaned. "Ugh… You missed! You were supposed to hit the carriage!"
"It's not my fault! A smaller rock was in the way!"
"Don't give me excuses!"
Vermin stepped out calmly and surveyed the situation. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"I'm sorry, young master. Please remain inside. I'll handle this."
Jun gave him a reassuring nod. "No problem, Sir Vermin. Take your time."
The masked men didn't seem too worried.
"Hey… isn't that Vermin? The Lion family's butler?"
"Yeah, boss. But he's just one guy. What can he do?"
The leader laughed. "He's got a name, sure—but there's a limit to what one man can do. He's outnumbered."
Vermin stepped forward, his coat flapping slightly in the breeze.
A pressure like a silent storm began to radiate from him.
"I don't know who you people are," he said coldly. "But you've made a grave mistake today. Blocking the path of my young lord… I won't forgive that."
The air grew heavy. Even the birds went silent.
Jun watched from inside the carriage with a small smile.
(Let's see how far Vermin can go…)
To be continued…