[Kaelan's Narration]
The morning sun had barely risen when I found myself pacing the marble floor of my estate. The manor stood silent except for the faint echo of my voice that broke the calm.
" Remus! "
My call traveled through the long corridor, bouncing off the tall walls and chandeliers.
Footsteps approached—steady, graceful, and familiar. The door opened slightly, revealing the butler who had served my family for generations.
"Yes, young master," Remus said with his usual calm tone, bowing slightly. "Do you need anything this early?"
I told him everything that had happened the previous day—the encounter, the small deception, the face I could never mistake no matter how well she hid it. Seren Valen.
Remus listened quietly, hands clasped behind his back, before replying in his thoughtful, seasoned voice.
"Seren Valen... even though I checked her background before, and confirmed her as the daughter of the Valen family, I must admit—she's sharper than I expected. They say true talent blooms young, and she is living proof."
I chuckled. "She's kinda better than you, Remus. The way she acted—no suspicion, no hesitation. If I didn't already know who she was, I might have fallen right into her little trick."
Remus smiled faintly, the corner of his lips twitching beneath his calm expression.
"Young master, what you say is true. But remember, our plan worked as well. If both of you had planned the same thing, perhaps you'd both end up suspecting each other."
"Maybe," I laughed softly, shaking my head. "But I'll give her the credit this time. Let's say she's better than us. After all, if everything ends well... everything is well."
Remus only smiled knowingly, saying nothing more.
[Scene Shift: The Creed Family Residence]
In another part of the city, sunlight spilled through tall glass windows of the Creed estate. The room glowed golden as Jaxon Creed, dressed in his usual prideful manner, leaned back on the couch.
"Mom," he began with an exaggerated grin, "we went to the Valen manor. That mansion... it's magnificent. Truly majestic. The kind of place that makes you feel small."
His mother turned from the mirror, eyes bright with shallow ambition.
"How's the girl, son? You must make her yours. If you do that, we'll never have to worry about money again."
Jaxon smirked, a glint of arrogance in his eyes. "Just let the academy start, Mom. In a few weeks, I'll have that girl—and maybe even her maid—following me around like they were born to."
"Her maid?" his mother frowned, voice sharp. "Don't go chasing the wrong one, Jaxon. The daughter of the Valen family is your target, understand?"
From behind a newspaper, Jaxon's father chuckled. "Oh, dear, calm down. It's just that the housekeeper's daughter is apparently quite pretty. Boys will be boys. Once he takes over the Valen fortune, that little girl will be his too."
Jaxon's mother laughed, a shallow, glittering sound. "True. The emperor always has many concubines."
Jaxon leaned back, folding his hands behind his head, eyes gleaming with arrogance. "Exactly, Mom. Just a little more time. Soon, I'll be living in riches."
Their laughter filled the air—mocking, greedy, and hollow.
[Scene Shift: Early Morning, Kaelan Estate]
Back at the Kaelan estate, morning light streamed through my curtains, and I found myself rushing down the hall again.
" Remus! Come here quickly! "
He appeared instantly, as though anticipating my call.
"Yes, young master?"
"Is everything ready? I'll soon be leaving for the academy," I said, tightening the strap of my bag.
"Yes, young master," he replied with a soft nod. "The bus is ready. Your breakfast is served as well."
"Forget breakfast," I waved a hand. "Let's just leave."
Remus sighed in that fatherly way of his. "Young master, you should eat first before leaving."
I turned, grinning slightly. "No, Remus. I really want to go see Seren first. I'll grab something on the way, promise."
"Alright," he said, bowing lightly. "Just remember to eat something ."
"I will. Take care of the house, Remus."
"As always, young master," he replied with a faint smile.
[Earlier That Morning – Kaelan's Text Messages]
Before dawn even broke, I had already been staring at my phone, fighting the urge to text her first.
Finally, I gave in.
> Kaelan: "Hello, my goddess. A lovely good morning from your worshipper "
A few seconds later, her reply came, calm and playful.
> Seren: "Okay, my worshipper. Let's meet at the bus stop near your home soon. I have something for you."
My lips curved into a grin as I typed back, adding a storm in my heart.
> Kaelan: "Yes, my goddess. Your worshipper shall be there, waiting."
Now, as I dashed across the estate with my bag slung over my shoulder, my heart beat a little faster than usual. I wasn't sure if it was excitement... or something else entirely.