|╣Reminder: the primary investment task remains incomplete.╠|
Claude's expression froze for a second before he composed himself again, glancing slightly to the side as if pondering something.
Seriously? You're bringing that up now? he complained inwardly, keeping his polite, composed smile.
|╣Host's performance evaluation is tonight. However, subtasks and primary objectives operate independently. Completing both will yield two separate rewards.╠|
Claude's eyes subtly flickered with interest.
So you're saying… I can get separate rewards for each tasks?
|╣Affirmative.╠|
Good, Claude thought, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
At least that makes all this embarrassment somewhat worth it.
|╣Correction: all efforts are necessary for the host's refinement and ascension.╠|
Yeah, yeah, Claude sighed inwardly.
You just like watching me suffer.
The three finally found their seats, still overwhelmed by the luxury around them.
The faint glow of the chandelier reflected off the polished marble floor, and the soft notes of a piano played from somewhere in the villa.
Trying to ease the atmosphere, Rodney leaned slightly forward, speaking carefully.
"Claude, this place is… incredible. Do you live here alone?"
Claude placed his glass down gently, his movements refined and deliberate—exactly as he had practiced.
"Yes," he said smoothly. "My family prefers I stay here while studying. It's quieter."
James's curiosity got the better of him. "So this villa… it belongs to your family?"
Claude's eyes flickered for a split second before he smiled faintly, maintaining his composed tone.
"You could say that. They handle most of the arrangements. I just focus on my studies."
Hansen let out an awkward chuckle, looking around. "Man, even your 'arrangements' look like something out of a movie."
Claude gave a polite, practiced laugh. Inside, however, his thoughts were far less elegant.
If only they knew this was all the system's doing…
|╣Host's performance: acceptable. Maintain current composure.╠|
Oh, shut up.
Claude replied inwardly, keeping his serene smile as the three continued chatting.
The three slowly began to relax.
Seeing Claude up close, smiling faintly and responding with a calm, polite tone, made them realize he wasn't as cold or distant as they first thought.
At first, he had seemed untouchable—someone who always carried an air of quiet authority and indifference.
But now, seated together in the villa's elegant living room, the warmth of the space and Claude's surprisingly composed demeanor eased their tension.
Servants moved gracefully around them, offering refreshments and light snacks—small pastries, tea, and chilled fruit—while they waited.
The faint scent of brewed tea filled the air, blending perfectly with the quiet hum of the chandelier above.
James glanced around, unable to help his curiosity. "So.. the staffs around take cares for everything ?"
Claude paused briefly, setting down his teacup before replying with practiced calm.
"For now, yes. The staff takes care of most things while I focus on my studies."
Rodney raised a brow. "That's… impressive. You don't really talk about your background much."
Claude smiled lightly, his words measured and steady. "There isn't much to say. I just prefer to keep things simple."
The answer satisfied them, even if it raised more questions than it answered.
They exchanged looks—each silently agreeing that Claude was far more composed than they ever gave him credit for.
Claude leaned back slightly, crossing one leg over the other as he spoke again.
"I've been quite busy these past few weeks—schedules and personal matters. I haven't had the chance to speak with you all properly. So, I thought tonight would be a good opportunity before dinner later."
Hansen grinned, resting his elbows on his knees. "Well, you've got our attention now. We're just glad you didn't forget about us."
Claude chuckled softly, hiding the small, amused sigh in his chest.
If only you knew what kind of "training" I've been through.
|╣Reminder: current time—6:10 PM. Estimated travel duration to The Grand Étoile—forty minutes. Host's attendance required promptly.╠|
Claude nearly flinched at the sudden window flashing before him. He glanced discreetly at the clock and exhaled slowly.
Already? You could've told me earlier, he muttered in his mind, trying not to show his irritation.
|╣Notification was issued precisely on schedule.╠|
Yeah, on your schedule, he replied sharply inside his thoughts, keeping a calm exterior.
Meanwhile, Rodney leaned forward curiously. "Hey, Claude, are we having dinner here?"
James nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you didn't exactly say where we're going."
Hansen added with a grin, "Don't tell me we're cooking together or something?"
Claude blinked, caught between their questions and the glowing text in his mind.
For a moment, he froze, unsure what to answer as the system's voice chimed again.
|╣Host must depart within the next five minutes to ensure proper arrival time.╠|
You're not helping, Claude grumbled mentally, forcing a polite smile at his friends.
"I'll explain once we're there," he said calmly, standing up as if everything was under control. "Let's just say… it's somewhere special."
The three exchanged puzzled looks, but seeing Claude's composed demeanor, they decided not to press further.
Inside, however, Claude could only sigh.
Somewhere special, huh? More like somewhere stressful.
***
The black luxury van rolled smoothly through the glowing streets of Edelbourg, its tinted windows reflecting the city lights.
Inside, the soft hum of the engine filled the silence as the four sat together.
Claude gazed calmly out the window while the other three tried to keep their composure.
The moment the van turned a corner and slowed to a stop, the grand sight of The Grand Étoile – 10 Star International Prestige Hotel came into view.
Its towering glass façade shimmered with golden light, chandeliers visible even from outside, and the red-carpeted entrance was lined with luxury cars.
Rodney's mouth fell slightly open. "This… this is where we're eating?"
James leaned forward, pressing his hand to the glass. "You've got to be kidding. This is The Grand Étoile, right? The one that hosts foreign dignitaries?"
Hansen chuckled nervously, tugging at his collar. "Claude, man…"
Claude maintained his calm demeanor, stepping out of the van first as the driver opened the door for him.
The butler of the hotel staff bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, Young Master Riviere. Your reservation is ready. The executive dining hall has been fully prepared."
The three froze mid-step, their minds blank.
Young Master… Riviere?
Claude's lips twitched slightly, holding back his embarrassment. "Let's go," he said evenly, motioning for them to follow.
As they stepped onto the red carpet, the massive golden doors opened before them.
The three could only exchange stunned looks—each step forward feeling more surreal than the last.
The moment they stepped inside, the three were struck silent.
The lobby of The Grand Étoile was unlike anything they had ever seen.
Gleaming marble floors reflected the golden chandeliers hanging from ceilings painted with intricate art.
A faint melody from a live quartet drifted through the air, blending with the scent of roses and expensive perfume.
Rodney, James, and Hansen slowed their pace, their eyes wide.
They had expected luxury—but this?
This was a level of opulence that felt almost unreal.
James whispered, almost afraid to speak too loudly. "I… I think I just walked into a dream."
Hansen elbowed him lightly, voice hushed.
"Dream or not, don't touch anything. It probably costs more than our scholarships combined."
Claude, on the other hand, remained composed, walking ahead with quiet confidence.
Every step he took echoed softly, his posture refined and deliberate—just as his etiquette training had drilled into him.
Before they could take in more of the scenery, a group of uniformed attendants approached, followed by a tall man in a tailored black suit.
His presence alone demanded attention.
"Young Master Riviere," the man greeted respectfully, bowing slightly.
"It is an honor to personally welcome you. I am Alphonse Duret, the Chief Manager of The Grand Étoile. Your private dining hall has been fully prepared according to your reservation."
Rodney, James, and Hansen nearly forgot to breathe.
The highest authority of the country's most prestigious hotel was personally welcoming Claude—something that only happened for foreign dignitaries or members of the uppermost elite.
Claude managed to maintain his calm smile, even as his mind screamed.
System, I swear, this is getting way out of hand…
|╣Host's presence must align with his perceived status. Maintain composure.╠|
Composure, right. Easy for you to say.
Claude muttered inwardly, following Alphonse toward the grand dining hall as his three friends trailed behind, still in utter disbelief.