Serco's POV
I adjusted to life in the reformatory well. I learned to paste on smiles when I only felt my usual indifference or disgust. Years went by. Bloom continued sending reports to my father. I was allowed to read them sometimes, but the words made my stomach churn, so I eventually told her proofreading was no longer necessary. After all, I'd know if she was hiding anything from me.
One day, there was an assembly. At this point, I had been at the Academy for 10 years, 22 days, and 12 hours.
"You've all been doing so well," the Headmaster announced. "Tomorrow, your families will visit to see your progress in person. Who knows—maybe some of you will be released early."
As she said this, it felt like her eyes met mine directly. I averted my gaze.
"Of course, nothing is promised. I'm simply advising you to be on your best behavior. There will be no classes today—you may relax. I'm sure tomorrow will be stressful for many of you."
Some of my classmates cheered at the news, but my mind was spinning too fast to celebrate. I couldn't relax. Father hadn't contacted me at all since I arrived. And Mother… if she came in his place, that would be fortunate. Though we haven't spoken much since she's Father's second wife and hadn't yet moved into the main palace.
"Are you alright?" Bloom asked. I must've been standing frozen longer than I realized. I didn't reply—just returned to my room and slept the rest of the day.
Sadly, that meant I woke up two hours too early. With nothing else to do, I paced the halls, but it did nothing to quell my anxiety.
Finally, the time arrived—and I heard a familiar voice.
"Hello, Shion."
The hairs on my neck stood up."Step…Mother." The word left my lips like a curse, thick with disappointment.
Why is she here?
Father is annoying, sure—but at least I know he holds some semblance of affection for me. This woman… has never shown me anything close.
"I was instructed to sit in on your classes and speak with your teachers afterward," she said, assuming my hesitation was due to uncertainty. Without replying, I turned and headed toward first period. Bloom met me outside the door.
"Welcome, my queen," she said sweetly—to my stepmother. The words made my stomach churn. The divorce proceedings have dragged on for decades, and yet people still acknowledge her as the one true queen. They don't know the truth: that she clung to the palace through manipulation... and once had an affair with my older brother. Her own stepson.
"Oh… Bloom, was it?" she mused. "I remember you from one of my attribute focus classes."
Bloom beamed."I'm honored to be remembered by you!" she said, then led her to the observer seats.
From there, my stepmother watched every class in silence, then spoke to each of my teachers in private. Somehow, she blocked even me from hearing what was said. Second period—same thing. Third—again. By the end of the day, she had taken a stack of notes, folded them neatly, and slipped them into her purse.
"Am I free to go now?" I asked, keeping my voice calm despite the boiling frustration inside me.
She wrinkled her nose and scoffed."Of course not. You still have ninety years to go."
Her words nearly shattered me. I clenched my fists."What do you mean? Haven't I done well here?"
She gave a nod, then laughed—a dry, hollow thing."Yes, but teachers have always liked you. You probably slept with half of them to stay on their good side."
"…Is that really what you think of me? That I'm incapable of genuine discipline? That everything I've earned was handed to me?"
Her gaze met mine—cold, unmoved."Of course. I'm not stupid."
"…No, you're just biased," I said, my voice tightening. "You hate me because you wanted Tiren to rule. You poured everything into grooming him, but I outranked him instantly. Worse... you can't control me."
Her hand shot up to slap me—I caught her wrist mid-air.
"How dare you speak to me like that!" she screamed.
"I'm only stating facts," I replied coolly. "That hateful attitude is why Father is divorcing you... and marrying that Afarian woman."
That hit the mark. Her face twisted, then she spat at me.
I released her wrist to wipe my cheek, glaring.
I was ready to say more—but then I saw it. She was crying.
"How could you… You're so hateful. I raised you," she sobbed. "I wish I never—"
She stopped herself, gasping, hand flying to her mouth. Her entire face changed.
"You will not be leaving here," she said, voice suddenly void of all emotion. She called for the attendant and left without looking back.
Akina's POV
Serco met me after school, just like yesterday. I feel so lucky that he suddenly has so much free time. I've never felt this happy simply knowing I'll spend a few minutes with someone. He noticed me the moment I stepped out and watched as I walked up to him.
"Nacina texted me… she has orchestra practice this afternoon," I said. He seemed pleased.
"I see," he replied, sounding almost indifferent. His tone made me second-guess things—but then he took my hand.
"So… Are you ready to spend the day with me?"I nodded. Even if I had other plans, I'd cancel them all for him.
He led me to a secluded spot and shifted our location. I expected to arrive at his apartment—but instead, we were in a field of wildflowers: red, yellow, and white stretched out in every direction. In the center stood a single apple tree with a redwood bench beneath it. Serco sat down, and I followed carefully, not wanting to crush the flowers.
"Where are we?" I asked.
He reached up, picked an apple, and handed it to me. Then he grabbed one for himself.
"That doesn't matter. What matters is—we're alone and together."
I blushed. He laughed.
"I'm kidding. This is a space I created. We're not on Earth right now. I chose this place instead of my house… because I didn't want my brothers around."
He took a bite of his apple, so I started eating mine too.
"I've killed people," he said suddenly. It hit like a bomb—the mood shift was that sharp. "Does that scare you?"
He didn't look at me. His face was unreadable.
"I… I know you're the Guardian. You're fighting a war."
"Don't justify it. There were times I could've spared an enemy, but killing them was just… easier. I'm asking if that scares you—not for validation."
"…I'm sorry." My apology only made him groan."I'm not scared of you," I added quickly.
"Why?"
It was hard to find the words. My heart was pounding.
"Because… I know you wouldn't hurt me. And I know your intentions are good. The only things I feel for you are positive. I know what kind of person you are, and my heart has no space left in it to fear you."
"I'm much stronger than you, Akina. I could end your life right now. We're in a subspace only I know. Are you not wary of me at all?"
"…So you're the one who's afraid," I said.
His eyes widened.
"You're afraid I'll push you away once I see your dark side. But there's no need for that. No matter what I find out about you—or how you might change—I'll…"
I cleared my throat, embarrassed to finish.
"…I'll never love you any less. So what if you have a violent past? That has nothing to do with me."
Not even a second passed before Serco embraced me. His body felt warmer than usual—almost feverish. My forehead started to sweat.
"Akina… I want you to meet my father. Next week, I'm going back home—and I want you to come with me."
"For how long? What do I tell my mom?"
He tilted my chin up with his fingers and kissed me.
"I'll talk to her," he promised, then kissed me again.
When I finished my apple, he transformed.
I hadn't seen his true form this close in so long. His sclera were crimson, while his irises flickered from gold to red to white—like a dancing flame. His skin darkened, and his hair moved wildly like fire.
"Are you ready to go?" he asked.
I wanted to say no. I wanted to stay in this space with him forever—but instead, I said,
"Yes."
He took my hand. We shifted again. This time, we were in my living room.
"Honey? Is that you?" my mom called out. She entered the room and froze when she saw Serco—fully transformed, no disguise.
Her mouth dropped open. Serco approached and bowed.
"Hello… I have a request—and a confession to make."