The next morning in the grand Kaelan estate, sunlight filtered through velvet curtains, casting golden rays onto polished marble floors. I stood by the window, watching the city breathe beneath me.
Remus appeared at the doorway, bowing slightly. "Young Master, all procedures for your enrollment have been completed. You'll be able to join Ardelyn High after the summer."
"There's still time then," I replied, my voice distant.
"Yes, Young Master, though the summer will end sooner than we think."
I turned to face him fully. "Any news on Seren?"
Remus cleared his throat. "There's a program at Ardelyn—a preparatory session for incoming students. It was designed to help students from... lesser backgrounds reach the academy's academic standard."
I raised an eyebrow. "And what does that have to do with Seren?"
"Given that the program was designed for students unfamiliar with Ardelyn's rigor, it is likely Miss Seren Valen may attend."
I nodded, decisive. "Then I'm joining it."
Remus blinked. "I would advise against it, Young Master."
I tilted my head. "And why is that?"
"The program's tailored for students lacking in resources or knowledge. You, sir, are already a scholar. There's nothing there you'll gain academically."
I narrowed my eyes. "Is that truly your reason? Or are you worried about the family name?"
Remus hesitated. "If word spreads that the heir to House D'Argent is attending a program designed for low born students, it could—"
"What family name, Remus?" I cut him off. "It's just you and me in this mansion. They wouldn't even notice if I vanished. Maybe if I damage the family name, they'll finally remember they have a son."
Remus lowered his gaze. "Understood. I'll arrange your admission and provide you the schedule by tonight."
"Make sure of it," I said.
At the Valen Estate
In a sunlit drawing room, Seren stood arms crossed, eyes defiant.
Her father slammed a paper on the table. "You know how great our name is, Seren! Do you really think it's acceptable for a Valen to join such a program?"
"I'm not discussing this," Seren said coldly. "I'm going. I want to see what it's like for people without my privilege."
"You're acting like a commoner," he muttered. "May God give you the sense to act according to your status."
She rolled her eyes. "Try and stop me. I'm not your puppet."
At the Creed Apartment
Jaxon Creed leaned on the wall, arms folded, while his father paced excitedly.
"I finally got you admitted," his father said. "A spot in Ardelyn High wasn't easy. You better lock down that golden duck."
"Seren Valen?" Jaxon smirked. "Rich girl like that? One look at me and she's mine."
His mother burst out laughing. "Just think of the games I can gamble when she's ours."
His father nodded. "There's also a program you could join. Might impress her if you stand out."
Jaxon waved him off. "I'm not mixing with lowlifes. I've already got good grades. And what if some low class student tries to act friendly with me in front of her? It'll ruin my image."
The three laughed, drunk on delusion.
Back at the D'Argent Estate
"Remus," I said as he entered again that evening, "what's the update?"
"You've been added to the summer prep program. The student whose spot you replaced has been assigned a top private tutor."
"Good. What's the schedule?"
"Four hour sessions daily with one break. Starts tomorrow morning."
I nodded. "She'll be there. I'm sure of it."
Remus raised a brow. "But if the Valen family resists—"
I chuckled. "Remus, you're still too naive."
"Care to make it interesting, Young Master?"
"Oh?" I smiled. "Let's bet. If Seren Valen doesn't show up tomorrow, I'll give up and go to Switzerland like my parents wanted. But if she does show up—"
"You want me to lie to them?" Remus guessed.
I smirked. "Exactly. You'll report to them that I've already left the country."
Remus bowed. "Very well. I accept the wager."
"Good man." I turned toward the window, looking out at the coming twilight.
"Seren Valen... let's see who you really are."
And maybe, let's see who I become because of you.