The days in Velfeild slipped by peacefully, framed by the soft rustling of wind through trees and the occasional hum of distant traffic. Inside their cozy apartment, the scent of simmering broth and fresh herbs filled the air as May moved through the kitchen with graceful precision.
Though thirty-five, May's youthful appearance often turned heads. Her long, inky black hair was tied loosely at her back, and her sharp, round purple eyes shimmered with calm focus. She moved like someone who had lived many lives, yet carried herself with the kindness of a mother who loved nothing more than caring for her son.
In the hallway, Kei shuffled toward the dining table, messy-haired and still half-asleep. At seventeen, he was a mix of sleepy-eyed charm and quiet energy, sharing the same distinct purple eyes as May.
"Morning," he mumbled, waving a letter in the air as he sat down. "This… is a real acceptance letter. You enrolled me into Anzel Academy?"
May set a plate of food in front of him, then sat across the table with a cup of tea. "Naturally. Just because we moved doesn't mean you get to skip school."
"But—new city, new everything. I thought I'd have a break or something."
"No breaks," she said with a gentle smile. "Besides, didn't you say Violet transferred to Anzel last year?"
Kei blinked. "Violet? Yeah… wait, are you saying—?"
May's smile widened. "If you're lucky, you'll see her there."
Kei's half-asleep expression lifted into something brighter. "You're serious? That's awesome!"
The week passed like a soft breeze. May went about unpacking the last of their things, setting up shelves, and making the house more like a home. Meanwhile, Kei came back from school each afternoon with energy in his steps and stories pouring from his mouth.
"She's in my class," he told May with a huge grin. "We even got seated together after some reshuffling."
"I suppose fate approves of you two," May replied as she folded laundry.
He rubbed the back of his neck. "Do you think maybe she could… come over? This weekend?"
May raised an eyebrow, then nodded approvingly. "Of course. I've been waiting to meet her properly."
By Saturday evening, the dining table was covered with dishes. May had cooked an array of foods: soft dumplings, glazed vegetables, crisp-roasted meat, and creamy stew—all of it warm, colorful, and inviting. A homemade cake sat cooling in the corner.
When Violet arrived, May greeted her warmly. The girl stood nervously in the doorway—sixteen years old, with long blonde hair braided to the side and soft lavender eyes that flickered with both grace and hesitation.
"Welcome, Violet," May said with a kind smile. "Or do you prefer something else?"
"Oh—Violet's fine," she answered softly, bowing her head.
"You're just as Kei described," May added, stepping aside to let her in. "Come in. We're honored to have you."
Dinner was filled with laughter and gentle teasing. May made sure Violet felt at home, offering second servings and asking light questions. Kei sat beside Violet, awkward but clearly overjoyed.
Yet, May noticed the small things—how Violet's fingers curled tightly in her lap at times, how her smile occasionally faltered.
After dessert, Violet looked down at her plate and spoke in a soft, trembling voice.
"There's… something I need to tell you. Both of you."
May paused, setting her teacup down. Kei blinked beside her.
"My full name is Violet Eros. My mother… is Eros. The leader of the Erosion Group."
A brief silence followed.
Kei leaned forward, stunned. "Wait—the Erosion Group?"
Violet nodded hesitantly. "I didn't want to hide it, but… I didn't know how you'd react."
May sat still, her eyes unreadable. Then she gave a small sigh—less of exasperation and more of understanding.
"I won't lie," May said quietly. "That's quite a revelation."
Violet's eyes dropped.
"But," May continued, her voice softening, "you're still the girl who cares for Kei. And the girl who helped me clean the table without being asked. You're still Violet."
The relief in Violet's shoulders was visible. Kei let out a breath of his own.
"I trust my son's heart," May added gently. "And I trust the kindness in yours."
Violet looked up, visibly moved. "Thank you... Miss May."
May chuckled and reached forward, patting Violet's hand. "Just May is fine."
After a pause, she added, "Actually… would you mind if I called you Vivi?"
Violet blinked, surprised. "Vivi?"
"It's a cute nickname," May said with a warm smile. "You seem like someone who deserves a little sweetness."
Violet blushed, then nodded shyly. "I'd… like that."
Kei groaned, "You're giving her nicknames already?!"
May winked. "Of course. She's family, isn't she?"
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