Corin let Viviana's words resonate. Learning was one thing, but in truth, he was being prepared for more. His stay at the academy wasn't just an education, it was a mission.
"So I won't just be studying," he noted as he poked at his food with his fork.
Cutlery was not something he used often.
"You want me to... spy?"
Viviana grinned and leaned back in her chair.
"Spying is such a messy word. Let's say... observe. Listening. Maybe make useful friends."
Corin frowned.
"And if someone asks why I'm there?"
"Then you're a scholarship student, sponsored by an unknown benefactor."
She shrugged her shoulders.
"Not a lie, just... not quite the truth."
Corin let her eyes wander over the table, the flames of the candles casting flickering shadows on the silver cutlery.
"You really think I can find out anything useful?"
"Not much, no."
Viviana's tone remained playful, but something serious glowed in her pink eyes.
"But perhaps enough. The Academy belongs to the nobility, their offspring grow up there, forming alliances, spinning intrigues. The Council of Twelve and the nobility are in a cold war. The Virellis at the forefront of our side. The information that you belong to the Virellis will do more harm than good. For now, at least."
Corin looked up.
"I know the Council is made up of mafia families... But what exactly is it?"
Viviana twirled the wine goblet between her fingers.
"Twelve families. Some large, some small. Not all equally powerful. But together, they're the only thing keeping the Lord Protector and the nobility in check.
"The Council is the true power of Veyna, or at least it should be."
Corin listened attentively.
"And why isn't it?"
Viviana's smile grew sharper.
"Because the nobility is grasping for more. And some families on the Council... well, they have short memories when it comes to old promises."
"I see." Corin leaned back. It was a lot to take in at once.
Viviana eyed him, then raised an eyebrow.
"Getting scared?"
He snorted.
"Not scared. But I'm starting to see what I've gotten myself into."
She laughed.
"You will even more."
She took an olive between her fingertips, holding it up before placing it in her mouth.
"But don't worry. I'll take care of you."
Corin shook his head.
"And I'm supposed to be on my own."
"Not on your own."
Viviana's smile softened, just a little.
"You belong to someone now, remember?"
Her finger tapped playfully against the rose necklace around his neck.
Corin returned her gaze, but said nothing. He wasn't sure if that was more of a threat or a promise. Corin let Viviana's words sink in. The academy was not a strict corset, but a playing field. He could do whatever he wanted as long as he didn't cause trouble and used his time to learn. But that was only part of his new life.
"So the academy is just a side thing," he stated dryly. "This is my real training."
Viviana smiled.
"A smart boy."
She lifted her teacup and sipped.
"I'll need you for family matters in the coming months. Only when I have time, of course. And believe me, I will have time."
Corin frowned.
"And if you don't have any?"
"Then you'll keep training. Every day."
She put the cup back, her fingertips resting on the rim.
"You have talent. But talent without polish is useless."
He nodded.
"And if I improve in training so that I can do more eventually?"
"Then you still won't do anything without my permission."
Her voice was soft, but her gaze left no room for argument.
"Stay in the background. Observe. Learn."
Corin leaned back in his chair and sighed.
"You don't give me much credit, do you?"
Viviana's lips twisted into a wry grin.
"I trust you to be smart enough not to die."
He snorted.
"Reassuring."
A brief moment of silence, then he raised an eyebrow.
"You said that some people in the family will quickly realize that you have someone in your circle. That it's... unusual."
Viviana tilted her head slightly.
"Mmm."
"Who exactly will be most interested?"
She twirled the cup playfully between her fingers.
"Someone you're going to meet sooner or later anyway."
Corin eyed her.
"And that would be?"
She looked directly at him, her pink eyes sparkling in the light of the chandeliers.
"My brother," she finally said.
"Elion Virelli."
The name hung heavy in the air.
Corin crossed his arms.
"The heir to the family?"
"That's right." Her smile thinned, harder to read.
"And what will he think of you taking me under your wing?"
Viviana was silent for a moment, then shrugged.
"That," she finally said, "we'll soon find out."
"So... your brother. Do I need to worry?"
Viviana smiled wryly and stirred her tea with a silver spoon
"Worried? No. But he'll be watching you."
"Because you've never had anyone around you before?"
Viviana leaned forward slightly, her chin on her gloved hand.
"Exactly. Elion doesn't care about outsiders. But for me? Oh, that's a different story. I'm important to the future of the family."
"And because I'm around you... I'm important too?"
"Don't flatter me, raven. But yes, everything that concerns me is scrutinized by him. He knows that I fulfill my duties conscientiously. And yet..."
"Yet?"
Viviana's eyes sparkled playfully, but her voice became more serious for a moment
"There have been some disagreements between him and our father recently. Little things. Strategies, decisions... nothing that concerns you. Not yet."
"What if he thinks I'm a distraction?"
Viviana leaned back, playing with the chain on her neck
"Then he'll make me feel it, not you."
"Soothing."
Viviana laughed softly.
"Isn't it?"
She took a last sip of tea, then stood up elegantly.
"But that's a problem for the future. You have another problem today, you have to get up again tomorrow morning."
"Training?"
"Oh, always."
Her look was challenging.
"After all, I want to see what else you have in store."