The grand ballroom, once filled with laughter, music, and twirling gowns, had finally begun to quiet. The golden chandeliers still flickered above, casting a soft glow over the marble floors as guests slowly filtered out, their carriages waiting outside the Vermillion Castle gates. The once-lively celebration was now drawing to a close.
Nao stood near the entrance of the ballroom, watching the departing guests. He exhaled softly, finally allowing himself a moment to breathe. Elias walked over, still looking a bit shaken from the night's overwhelming events.
"Are you okay?" Nao asked gently.
Elias nodded with a small smile. "Yeah… I'm fine now. Just tired."
Nao glanced around the room. "Where's your driver?"
"He's on his way," Elias replied. "Should be here any minute."
Before either could say more, Adrian appeared out of nowhere, brushing back his hair with casual grace. His eyes fell immediately on Elias.
"I'll give you a ride home," Adrian offered with a confident smirk.
Elias blinked. "Oh—no, it's okay. Really, I'm fine—"
But before Elias could finish, Mr. Den's voice called from across the hallway, "Young Master Nao, may I speak with you for a moment?"
Nao turned to Elias. "I'll be right back."
As Nao walked away with Mr. Den, Adrian took the opportunity to step closer to Elias. His expression shifted from playful to oddly serious.
"My girlfriend broke up with me," Adrian said, his tone flat but eyes intense.
Elias's eyes widened. "W-What?! Seriously?"
Adrian nodded. "Yeah. And I think… you need to take responsibility."
Elias's heart skipped. "Wait—what does that even mean?!"
Without explaining, Adrian took Elias's hand and pulled him toward the castle doors. "Let's go. I'll drive you home."
"But—I didn't even get to say goodnight to Nao—"
"I'll tell him for you," Adrian interrupted smoothly, already leading him toward the car.
Back inside the castle, Raviel stood silently behind Nao, his presence like a cold shadow. His crimson eyes followed Nao's every move, unreadable and intense.
Just then, Amara, the old housemaid, appeared by Nao's side. Her wrinkled face lit up with relief.
"Young master," she said softly, "you must be exhausted. Allow me to guide you to your room. And… I will prepare a room for your guest as well." Her eyes briefly landed on Raviel—and widened. Her hand covered her mouth in silent shock.
He looked exactly as the old stories had described.
Nao noticed her reaction but said nothing. He simply nodded and glanced back at Raviel, who stood still, his gaze never leaving him.
"Come, young master," Amara urged, her voice trembling slightly with awe.
Meanwhile, in the quiet of the car, Elias sat nervously in the passenger seat as Adrian drove. The atmosphere was tense, though Adrian wore a teasing smile.
Elias dared a glance at him. "What… did you mean by 'you'll take responsibility'?"
Adrian chuckled. "What do you think I meant?"
Elias's cheeks burned. "I-I don't know! I didn't do anything!"
Adrian didn't answer—he just kept smiling like he was enjoying a private joke. As the car slowed to a stop in front of Elias's house, the driver announced, "We've arrived, Mr. Adrian."
Elias quickly stepped out, eager to escape the confusing conversation. But when he reached the door and turned to thank him, Adrian had already followed.
"Why are you coming inside?" Elias asked, flustered.
"You said I should take responsibility," Adrian teased, stepping forward.
"I did not!"
Adrian leaned closer, grinning. "Just kidding... unless you want me to come in."
Elias's face turned crimson. "No! Good night!"
He rushed inside, slamming the door and leaning against it, heart pounding. "What does he want from me?!" he whispered into the darkness of his hallway.
Back at the castle, Nao stepped into his grand room, loosening his collar. Raviel followed silently. Nao glanced back, suddenly remembering something.
"You must be hungry…" Nao hesitated. "What do you usually eat? I mean… you're not human, right?"
Raviel gave him a slow, toothy smile. "I eat humans."
Nao froze. "W-What?!"
Raviel burst into quiet laughter. "I'm joking, master. I eat what humans eat." He tilted his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. "But yes—I'm very hungry."
Nao let out a breath, unsure if he should laugh or scream. He turned toward the hall and called, "Amara! Please prepare a meal—for me and my guest."
Amara, ever dutiful, appeared from the shadows and bowed. "At once, young master."
As she disappeared to set the dining table, Raviel walked to the window and looked up at the moon. His voice came out soft, almost thoughtful.
"It's been five hundred years since I stood under the night sky… as a free man."
Nao glanced at him, a strange mix of pity and curiosity forming inside him.
He wasn't sure what Raviel truly was… but something about him made Nao feel safe—and strangely seen.