The next morning, inside the sleek black car, Devon extended a dark, elegant card toward Aveloria.
"Here," he instructed, his tone gentle but authoritative, "with this card, you can buy whatever you want. Don't allow anyone to bully you, okay?"
Aveloria's lips curved into a soft smile as she accepted it. "Thank you," she murmured gratefully.
Devon leaned back with a playful smirk. "I'd prefer a kiss."
Her face warmed instantly. Shy but obedient, she leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss on his lips before darting out of the car, her voice chiming brightly, "Bye!" She waved and hurried off like an adorable rabbit fleeing from embarrassment.
Chuckling, Devon watched her until she disappeared around the corner. Only then did he return to his usual expression. "Xander," he called calmly.
A ripple of darkness gathered beside the driver's seat, a shadow taking shape until a figure stood half-materialized.
"Your Majesty," a deep voice intoned from within the shadow.
"Ensure her safety," Devon ordered coldly, his aura dropping to a deadly chill. "Keep in mind—you're dead the moment she gets even a single scratch."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The voice echoed once more before fading completely.
"To the company," Devon announced as though nothing unusual had occurred.
"Yes, sir," the driver responded and started the engine immediately. Devon's dangerous aura settled over the interior once more like a storm cloud waiting to break.
---
Meanwhile, Aveloria walked through the long corridor of the university, clutching her bag nervously. She wasn't even sure where her department was and was about to check the rooms one by one when a familiar voice pierced the air.
"Beauty Lori!"
Aveloria spun around. A girl with two bouncing ponytails was running toward her, eyes shining with disbelief and joy. Recognition lit Aveloria's expression instantly.
"Mira!" She rushed forward, and the two embraced with the kind of tight, trembling hug reserved for long-lost friends.
"My darling Lori, I've missed you so much!" Mira wailed dramatically. "I went back to the village to look for you, but you had vanished! I almost cried my heart out."
Aveloria chuckled softly and patted her back. "I've missed you too," she whispered with genuine warmth.
Mira pulled away just to stare at her properly. Her jaw dropped. "Not seeing you for months—you've become so beautiful! My number one beauty has become even more beautiful! So shocking"
"You… you're beautiful too," Aveloria responded shyly, unsure how to return the compliment without sounding awkward.
Mira laughed lightly and hooked their arms together. "Lori, don't tell me—you're finally back in school! Does that mean you have a family now?" Her eyes shimmered with excitement.
Aveloria nodded gently, warmth blooming in her chest. "Devon is my husband… he's my family now," she thought privately, her smile growing softer.
"That's wonderful! We both have families now!" Mira squealed, hugging her arm again. "Life has been so boring without you. I really missed you." her voice turned low, filled with heartache.
Aveloria was just about to speak when her gaze fell upon a large scar peeking from beneath Mira's collar. Shock froze her limbs. Without thinking, she tugged the fabric slightly down.
"Mira… didn't you go back to your biological parents? Where did this scar come from? This wasn't here before you left—and this… this looks so serious." she stammered in anxiety.
Mira quickly covered it, forcing a small laugh. "It's nothing major. I just accidentally injured myself. I'm fine now. Not that serious"
Aveloria's expression hardened; she clearly didn't believe a single word. "Mira, I was beaten and maltreated before. Do you really think I'd fall for that excuse?" Her voice dropped, tinged with anger.
Mira sighed deeply. "I was lost for eighteen years. Their adopted daughter already earned their trust—she's basically their real child. And me? I feel like the adopted one." Her smile turned weak. "Honestly, I regret going back. But I want to study, and I can only rely on them for now. Don't worry—as long as we're not living under the same roof, I'll be fine."
Aveloria softened, though worry still clouded her features. "You're not using their family name?"
"No," Mira replied with a carefree grin. "But enough about that! We should be in the same class. Let me take you there—"
She stopped abruptly as a mature-looking woman approached them. The lady wore a knee-length black skirt and a crisp white shirt neatly tucked in. Her hair was tied in a tight bun, glasses resting sharply on her nose. Two books were tucked under her arm as she adjusted her glasses with professional elegance.
"Miss… Miss Clara," Mira muttered nervously, instantly stiffening. "Why is this female ghost here?" She thought.
Miss Clara ignored Mira entirely and fixed her gaze on Aveloria. She examined her calmly, then nodded with unexpected warmth before gracefully smiling.
"You must be Aveloria Devon, correct?" she inquired with surprising gentleness.
Aveloria blinked in astonishment. "She's calling me by Devon's name…" Her heart fluttered with excitement, and she nodded.
"Yes."
Miss Clara's smile widened. "Allow me to escort you to your department," she offered respectfully.
Mira froze beside them, her eyes nearly popping out. "Miss Clara? Smiling? Bowing her head? Escorting someone personally?" She felt dizzy. "Lori is so beautiful that even Miss Clara melted! I'm so proud!" she whispered under her breath.
Aveloria glanced at Mira's proud grin and could almost guess her thoughts. She turned to Miss Clara again.
"Business department," she clarified politely.
"I'm aware, Beauty," Miss Clara responded smoothly. "That is also your friend's department. Please follow me."
"See?" Mira whispered, giggling. "Even Miss Clara knows your beauty has no equal. Look how respectful she is!"
"Don't tease me," Aveloria murmured, unable to suppress a soft laugh as she walked behind Miss Clara.
Meanwhile, Miss Clara exhaled deeply. "Thank goodness I recognized the Queen immediately. If I hadn't…" A shiver crawled down her spine. But as she glanced at Aveloria again, she frowned slightly. "Why does she look so delicate? So easy to bully? This is troubling…" she sigh.
---
"Let's welcome our new student, Aveloria Devon," Miss Clara announced once they entered the classroom.
Every head snapped up. Silence swept across the room as students stared, breathless.
Such a beauty…
"This fellow humans are really stupid," Miss Clara grumbled internally before slamming her palm lightly on the desk, snapping everyone back to reality. "Once more—welcome our new student, Aveloria Devon."
A chorus of quick greetings erupted. No one dared offend Miss Clara.
Aveloria offered a warm, gentle smile.
"I suppose you'd prefer to sit beside your friend, Miss Aveloria," Miss Clara commented, her tone respectful without being excessive.
Aveloria nodded gratefully and settled beside Mira.
Instantly, Mira grabbed her arm, smiling like a child with a new toy.
Seeing Aveloria looking comfortable, Miss Clara let out another relieved breath. "Thankfully, the Queen is easy to please…"
"I'll—"
She stopped when the classroom door opened.
A strikingly handsome man stepped inside. His expression was cold, his aura sharp enough to slice the air. The entire room fell dead silent.
"Is this another new student?"
"Two stunning people in one day?"
"This class is becoming too dangerous for my heart!"
The whispers echoed internally.
Miss Clara stared at the man in shock. "Why is he here?" She wondered.
He smirked at her. "Won't you introduce me, Miss Clara?" His voice carried effortlessly through the room.
A wave of unease swept through the class.
"Let's welcome a new classmate… Alexander," Miss Clara muttered in a dull voice.
"No need," Xander interjected smoothly. He strode directly to the seat beside Aveloria and sat down. "Hello, young madam. You may call me Xander."
Aveloria released a small breath, relieved by his respectful tone. "Devon must have sent him."
"Hello… I'm Aveloria," she replied softly.
Xander smiled lightly. "I'm harmless, young madam. From today onward, I'll be responsible for your timely meals and, of course, your safety while the King is away."
Aveloria nodded, slightly embarrassed. "Since we're classmates, you can just call me by my name."
Xander stiffened. "If I follow that instruction, I'll lose an arm. Your kindness is dangerous, Majesty." He quickly suggested, "How about I address you as Lady Boss?"
Aveloria sighed but eventually nodded. "That's fine."
"Beauty Lori… do you know him?" Mira whispered suspiciously.
"Um… he's—"
"I'm the Lady Boss's bodyguard," Xander cut in instantly. "You may call me Xander."
"I'm Mira," she introduced with a firm smile. "Beauty Lori's girlfriend."
Xander returned a small smirk. "A tiny human claiming to be the Queen's girlfriend? She's not even qualified to be a servant."
Mira caught the mocking glint and clenched her teeth. "Beauty Lori, this guy is no good. Stay far away from him," she warned while hugging Aveloria tightly.
Miss Clara rubbed her forehead. "I'm still here," she muttered irritably.
Mira straightened up, still clinging to Aveloria while glaring daggers at Xander.
Aveloria only smiled, warmed by how protective Mira was.
"Let's continue the class," Miss Clara announced, opening a thick textbook and beginning the lecture.