---
Skyster Castle – Inside the Garden
The late afternoon sun spilled golden light over the quiet path Emma took through the rear courtyard. She didn't speak to anyone as she passed. Her steps were sharp, her jaw set, and her breath—though steady—held a silent weight.
She ascended the tea house, sweet scent of flowers and mint brushing past her like a forgotten lullaby.
The maid stationed there bowed at once.
"Lady Emma," she said softly. "Would you like something warm?"
Emma didn't respond. She sat on the chair beside the small circular table in front, where the light hit the marble floor in perfect lines. Her eyes stayed fixed on the sky.
A porcelain cup was set before her—filled with spiced tea.
Steam curled upward.
The maid hesitated but stood nearby, observing Emma's face.
Emma raised the cup.
"Don't you find your lord irritating?" she muttered softly.
The maid blinked. "Pardon, my Lady?"
Emma didn't answer right away. She stared into the amber tea as if it might speak back.
Then—crack.
The cup shattered between her fingers.
Hot liquid spilled across the table.
The maid flinched, stepping back instinctively. "M-My Lady—!"
Emma simply sighed and stood.
"Bring another."
She gazed out, on the fountains, softly waving flowers and the calm and sweet atmosphere.
She didn't know what was wrong.
She didn't want to be angry.
But she was tired of being caught in someone else's gravity.
First was his unfaithful brother –Lios.
And now it was him –Dian Skyster. But... there was something more about him... gratitude perhaps?
---
Skyster Castle – Dian's Chamber
The room was quiet again. Afternoon light now filtered softer through the curtains.
Dian sat beside Emily, her breathing calm, her eyes closed once more. Not unconscious, just… resting. At peace.
She doozed off after looking at Dian for a while after their conversation.
Standing quietly nearby were Gianna, Suzine, Olivia, and Sara.
Dian reached out and adjusted the blanket over Emily's shoulder.
"You should rest," he said gently.
Emily murmured a soft "Hmm," without opening her eyes.
Dian stood and turned to Sara. "Prepare some light food but rich with mana. And inform the healers to check upon her, give me a report untill dinner."
Sara nodded. "Yes, Young Lord."
Dian looked once more at the women, then gave a nod and left the room.
Sara followed moments later, heading in a different direction to fulfill her task.
The chamber fell into silence again.
Gianna finally exhaled. "She really is better."
Olivia nodded, her voice low. "It still feels like a dream."
Suzine glanced toward the door. "Darling... he hasn't even rested himself."
---
Meanwhile – Dian, Walking Alone
His footsteps echoed softly through the stone halls. The castle was as elegant as ever—but Dian's thoughts were tangled.
Outwardly calm. Internally… not so much.
That look in her eyes. That tone when she said my name. It's too fast.
Too familiar.
He sighed and rubbed his temple.
"System," he muttered.
"Yes, Host?" The system came to life.
"Is what I'm thinking is right, about Emily?"
"Her current emotional response is 72% influenced by your passive skill.
"Wait... wasn't it only 40% before?." He asked, the another. "And what passive skill?"
"Villain's Charm.
Unlocked after your duel in Elora. A hidden skill tied to your "Villain" title."
A blue screen flickered before him.
---
[Skill – Villain's Charm]
Passive Effect: Targeted females with latent affection toward Host will experience accelerated emotional bonding.
Works subconsciously. Charisma increase is non-linear.
Cannot be toggled off.
---
The system continued. "After your last interaction, just a while ago. Due to your new skill 'Villian's charm,' her emotional resonance boosted to 72%."
Dian nodded, his brows frowned immediately. " But... I don't remember using it."
"Host, it actives automatically when there's a woman with potential affection towards you ". The system answered, her voice professional
"And why the hell am I only seeing this now? That duel was days ago!"
"The system… was reviewing compatibility data.".
Dian paused.
"…You forgot to notify me, didn't you?"
Silence.
"…You forgot."
"Come on Host, don't be so stiff, okay?". The system mused.
Dian murmured. "Okay, Okay"
He waved the screen away, muttering as he turned the next corridor.
---
The Study – Moments Later
The large oak doors opened with a low creak.
Inside, sunlight poured across stacks of parchment and magical ledgers. The large center desk—ornate, but worn from generations of use—stood in its rightful place.
And seated behind it, reading with narrowed eyes, was the Skyster family's old butler— Jones, a man who had served the estate longer than any servant still alive.
Dian stepped in.
The butler looked up and stood immediately. "Young Lord."
"Hm," Dian nodded. He moved to his usual chair across the desk and sat with a soft sigh. "Anything important?"
Jones smiled faintly. "A few reports worth sharing. First—our crops are flourishing. The southern wheat fields yielded above projection, and the north orchard had no blight this season."
Dian nodded. "Good."
"The male staff are performing admirably. Since your reforms, discipline has improved. And as for finances…"
He opened a thick scroll, revealing rows of glowing ledgers.
"…Under our new manager's system, revenue has increased nearly thirty percent. All corruption—gone."
Dian's brows raised slightly. "Not bad."
The butler smiled wider. "Your idea to assign her was wise, my Lord."
As the man spoke, Dian's thoughts drifted…
To a small town on the edge of the border.
To a pair of mother and daughter with blonde hair. And the little one's parting words–
"Will you come back again, Mister?"
Dian smiled faintly.
I will. Soon.
The butler closed the scroll. "Also, Young Lord… you have eighteen days until the Academy Awakening. I've begun preparations for your travel"
Dian puts his elbows on the table. "Hmm... so I only have 18 day for training." He mutured.
"Well, let's get to it right now." He speaks, eyes turned to butler. "Let's go Jones, I wanna get some sword and weapon training too."
Jones bowed. "As you say young lord."
With that Dian stood, leaving the study and making his way towards the training area. Jones trailing behind him, his young lord.
But Dian wasn't aware of the rumours and whispers going on about him right now... but how can he, he was a little too far...
---
Royal Academy — Edge of Lian Town–The capital.
Inside the corridors of the magnificent academy. Footsteps echoed...
A woman with long crimson silky hair, white skin, hourglass figure under the Academy's formal uniform made her way forward.
But she wasn't alone.
Whispers followed her too.
"Hey, did you hear— ?".
.
.