As the Naming Ceremony came to an end, I stepped out of the grand hall.
When I had first entered, the gazes directed at me had been sharp—hostile, probing, as though each person sought to measure my worth before I had the chance to prove it.
Now… they had changed.
The pressure had lessened.
Some had already lost interest.
Others seemed quietly relieved.
The number of eyes following me had noticeably decreased.
"Hey… you're from the main family, aren't you?"
A voice called from behind.
I turned.
Axia Luminon stood there, Lukas slightly behind her.
I was about to respond—
"Do you believe that being from the main family places you above me?"
She cut in, her voice firm, edged with pride.
"You may carry the name, but that does not make you superior."
"I have already reached the First Circle. Among our generation, I stand second only to Young Master Alex."
"L-Lady Axia…" Lukas spoke nervously, lowering his head.
"You should not speak to Young Master Sion in such a manner. I sincerely apologize—"
Axia frowned slightly.
"You don't need to act so timid," she said. "Not when you're standing with me."
Her voice faltered for a brief moment as her gaze shifted past me.
"Ah… Young Master Alex."
I turned.
Alex Luminon approached, his expression composed—nothing like the arrogance he had shown earlier.
"Congratulations, Young Master Sion," he said calmly.
"To be formally recognized within House Luminon is no small matter."
His eyes lingered on me for a moment.
"Would you be open to becoming better acquainted? We are, after all, of the same generation."
Something about him had changed.
The arrogance I had seen before was gone.
"Of course," I replied.
"We should remain in contact."
Alex nodded.
"I look forward to it."
With that, he turned and boarded his carriage.
Axia remained silent for a moment, her expression unsettled.
Soon after, she left, with Lukas following behind.
An attendant approached me shortly after.
"The carriage is ready, Young Master."
I stepped inside.
"You are to prepare yourself for the evening," he added.
"The family dinner has been arranged."
Inside the Carriage — Alex Luminon
The carriage moved steadily through the estate.
Alex sat across from his father.
"Father," he began, "I do not understand."
"Why place importance on Young Master Sion? His measured potential is… lower than expected."
"We have already aligned ourselves with the eldest young master, who is widely regarded as the future head of House Luminon."
A faint smile appeared on his father's face.
"Tell me, Alex," he said calmly,
"do you believe we have maintained our position by choosing only what is obvious?"
Alex remained silent.
"We do not secure our future by betting on what is clearly visible," his father continued.
"We observe what lies beneath the surface."
"An unpredictable variable… is often more valuable than a visible certainty."
He leaned slightly forward.
"We are a branch family."
"We bear the name Luminon—yet we must never forget our place."
"There are matters within the main house… that cannot be understood at a glance."
Alex lowered his gaze.
"…I understand."
Elsewhere — A Sealed Chamber
The room was dim.
Figures sat around a long table, their identities obscured by shadow.
Only their voices filled the silence.
"An average result… from the main family."
"It is unprecedented."
"And yet, the Axiom of Revelation returned nothing."
A brief pause followed.
"Do you believe that to be coincidence?"
"…or concealment?"
Another voice spoke, colder than the rest.
"The Myravel bloodline has never produced mediocrity."
"And yet, there was no sign of it in him."
A subtle tension spread across the room.
"If he holds no value," one voice said quietly,
"then he is nothing more than a useless variable—"
"Enough."
The single word was not loud.
Yet it carried overwhelming weight.
A chilling presence filled the chamber.
All voices fell silent instantly.
"You speak too lightly," the man at the head of the table said calmly.
"Do you possess the strength to bear the consequences of such words?"
"…My apologies."
Silence returned.
"For now, we observe," the man continued.
"If he proves useful… he may be cultivated."
A brief pause followed.
"If he becomes a hindrance—"
No one spoke.
But the meaning was clear.
"…he will be removed."
"We understand."
The response came in unison.
Evening — Main Residence
The formal attire was suffocating.
After nearly two hours of adjustments by the attendants, I was finally prepared.
A carriage awaited outside.
The head butler stood beside it, already prepared to receive me.
The journey to the main residence was silent.
Upon arrival, I was guided directly to the dining hall.
Before I could properly observe my surroundings, I was seated at my designated place.
The table was long.
Too long.
After a short while—
He entered.
I stood and bowed.
"Father."
A single nod.
Nothing more.
Servants began placing dishes upon the table one after another until it was filled.
Despite being called a family dinner…
Only the two of us were present.
Seated at opposite ends.
Silence filled the room.
No words were spoken.
Yet somehow—
It felt as though I had already been instructed to begin eating.
I did.
The food was refined—perhaps the finest I had ever seen.
Yet I could not taste any of it.
Time passed in silence.
Then, at last—
He spoke.
"Bearing the name of House Luminon carries responsibility."
"You will adhere to the doctrine of this family."
"And you will do nothing that brings disgrace to it."
His voice was calm.
Measured.
Unquestionable.
"Your elder brother and sister have nearly completed their academic training."
"Your second brother is preparing for his entrance examination."
A brief pause.
"You would do well to learn from them."
His gaze rested on me for a moment.
"From tomorrow, your training will begin."
"You will be instructed in the foundational magic and sword techniques of this house."
"Report to the training grounds at dawn."
"I understand."
He rose.
And left.
The dinner ended just as it had begun.
Without warmth.
Without connection.
There were many things I wanted to ask.
But the words never came.
The idea of "family" I had once known…
Felt distant.
Unreal.
Perhaps—
I truly had come to another world.