Amara quietly led Nao and Raviel through the dim corridors of the Vermillion castle, eventually stopping in front of a lavish private dining room. With a graceful bow, she opened the doors and gestured for them to enter.
"I've prepared everything, young master," she said with a gentle smile.
Nao nodded, then stepped inside with Raviel close behind. The warm light from the chandelier reflected off the polished silverware, and the table was beautifully set for two. As they took their seats, Nao stole a glance at Raviel's face. Raviel looked around the room, his eyes widening at the sight of the food.
"Wow," Raviel said, genuinely surprised. "In this century, food looks so different… and so delicious."
Nao chuckled as Raviel immediately sat down, eyeing the feast laid before him.
"How long has it been since you last ate?" Nao asked.
Raviel tapped his chin in thought. "Maybe… five hundred years ago?"
Nao's jaw dropped. "Seriously? How did you even survive?"
Raviel gave a small smirk. "You know I'm not human. I don't need food to survive. But you…"
Nao blinked. "What do you mean by 'but you'?"
Raviel paused, then gave a soft smile, avoiding the question. "You've grown so much, my master. You remind me of your father."
Nao straightened up. "You knew my father?"
Raviel began eating slowly. "I've known all the Vermillion heirs. But they either forgot me… or never knew I existed. Only you remembered me—and searched for me."
Nao lowered his eyes, heart heavy with the thought. "Then how did you end up caged beneath the castle?"
Before Raviel could answer, the door creaked open, and Adrian stepped inside.
"Hey," Adrian said casually, "your best friend says goodnight."
Nao looked up. "You mean Elias?"
Adrian nodded and walked further into the room. "Mind if I join you guys? I'm starving."
Nao laughed. "Of course. You teased my friend all night at the party—you owe me some conversation."
"I wasn't teasing!" Adrian defended, taking a seat. "I was… socializing."
Across the table, Raviel continued eating silently, completely focused on his food. Adrian glanced at him, then back at Nao.
"Wow, I think he was starving for centuries."
Nao chuckled nervously. "N-No, he's just… tired."
"Ah, I see." Adrian leaned back and stretched. "Let's eat then. I've got an important class tomorrow."
Nao tilted his head. "Really? What about me? I have to join the company now. How am I supposed to complete my studies?"
Adrian raised a brow. "Online classes?"
Nao grinned. "Exactly."
Adrian picked up his fork, then said with a sly smirk, "By the way, which grade is your friend in?"
Nao smirked knowingly. "You mean Elias? Why are you so interested?"
Adrian looked away quickly. "Who cares? I was just asking."
Nao laughed as Adrian focused on his plate. Across from them, Raviel quietly observed the interaction, his eyes lingering on Nao a moment longer before returning to his meal.
And in that peaceful moment, laughter and food filled the room—but the shadows of secrets, betrayals, and hidden truths still lingered just beyond the walls.
The warmth of the dinner lingered in the air, but a sudden shift made Raviel pause. He stopped eating and turned toward the large window beside the dining table. His eyes narrowed, sensing something strange outside.
Nao noticed immediately. "What's wrong?" he asked softly.
Raviel didn't answer right away. After a tense moment, he replied, "Nothing… just a feeling."
Adrian leaned back in his chair, stretching. "Well, I'm full. That dinner hit the spot. I need a long rest now. Goodnight, everyone," he said, flashing a lazy smile before leaving the room.
Nao's eyes remained on Raviel, who hadn't stopped staring out the window.
"Are you sure everything's okay?" Nao asked again, concern in his voice.
Raviel finally turned back, his expression unreadable. "I said it's nothing."
"I'm with you," he said softly. "No need to worry."
Nao gave him a small, grateful nod. "Let's go to our rooms. I'm so tired… and tomorrow's my first day at the company."
Raviel tilted his head slightly. "Are you nervous?"
Nao hesitated, then shrugged. "A little bit."
They walked through the quiet halls of the castle until they reached Nao's bedroom door. He stopped and turned to Raviel. "You should go rest. Your room is over there," he said, pointing.
But Raviel didn't move. "I can't leave you alone."
Nao blinked. "What do you mean? You can't stay in my room!"
Raviel's voice was calm but firm. "I can. I'm your protector. Where you go, I go."
Nao's cheeks turned slightly pink, but he frowned, trying to hold his ground. "Still… it's weird."
Raviel stepped closer, his expression serious. "Your enemies won't wait for the sun to rise. They'll come whenever they get the chance. I need to be near you—especially now."
Nao sighed in defeat, rubbing his temple. "Fine. But you sleep on the couch."
Raviel gave a slight smirk. "As you command… my master."