Damien's eyes lingered on the words floating before him, the glowing line etched in system-blue:
| Style: [Silent Vein]
He chuckled under his breath.
'Interesting…'
His voice was quiet, almost thoughtful. But loud enough.
"Silent Vein."
The moment the words left his lips, Elysia's stance faltered.
Not her form—never her form. But the stillness behind it shifted.
Her eyes widened.
Just a fraction.
But on her face, that was a reaction.
"…Master," she said, voice low. Measured. But for once, touched with something close to surprise.
Damien tilted his head, watching her with half-lidded eyes.
"Well," he said smoothly, "you were raised by my mother's family, weren't you? Isn't it natural that I'd recognize the combat art you use?"
Elysia said nothing at first.
Silence stretched—more telling than any answer.
Then finally:
"...It is not natural," she said, softly.
His grin deepened.
"You're sharp as always. That's true—it isn't."
