The two guys approached Krai, looking anxious. One of them spoke quietly. "The D3s are looking for us. They said we need to come back now or things will get worse."

  Krai hesitated, his jaw tightening. Then he nodded. "Alright."

  Leon stood up. "I'll come with you."

  "You don't have to—"

  "I'm coming."

  This time, Krai didn't argue. Noah also got to his feet. "Same here."

  The five of them left the classroom together.

  The mansion looked like it belonged to a different era. Traditional Japanese architecture, wooden beams and sliding doors, gardens carefully maintained in classical style. But surrounding it all were modern security measures—militants in tactical gear, Remeria family soldiers stationed at every entrance and patrol point.

  Inside, in a room that balanced luxury with historical authenticity, Iris sat across from an elderly woman. Lady Felicy, her grandfather's maternal cousin. The only remaining elder relative of Iris.

  Iris visited her only once every year.

  They'd been having tea, discussing various matters—business updates, international developments, mundane topics. The conversation had fallen into a comfortable silence.

  Then Felicy spoke. "How is Leon doing these days?"

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Iris paused mid-sip, then continued drinking her tea. "How would I know? I don't get involved in his life."

  "Young lady," Felicy said with a slight smile, "don't lie to me. I know you're constantly keeping tabs on him. You even went to see him recently, though he wasn't aware—you visited while he was sound asleep."

  Iris's eyes shifted to Emilia, who stood near the wall. Emilia looked away, not meeting her gaze.

  "Lady Iris," Emilia said hesitantly, "you did order me to make sure all of Lady Felicy's needs were met. She wouldn't stop asking about this matter."

  Iris sighed and looked back at Felicy.

  "But Iris," Felicy continued, her tone more serious now, "you were the one who cut ties with him years ago. Why all of this? If you meant what you said to him back then, you shouldn't need to be involved anymore."

  Iris was quiet for a moment. When she spoke, her voice was measured. "After everything I've done for the world, being a little bit selfish about just one thing should be allowed."

  A brief smile crossed Felicy's face. Then it faded, replaced by something more somber.

  "I've told you this before, and I'll tell you again. By pushing Leon away, you won't be able to change his fate." Felicy's voice carried weight. "Leon is destined to become an Aether. You can't change that."

  "Leon is not the kind of person who can kill thousands without flinching," Iris replied. Her tone remained even, but there was something beneath it. "The incident six years ago proved that. Taking one life left him in that state. That's when I decided to cut him off completely."

  Felicy studied her for a long moment. "Even so. What's destined to happen will happen."

  Silence settled between them.

  Then Iris stood. "It's time I leave."

  Felicy nodded. They exchanged formal goodbyes—respectful, proper. Iris left the room with Emilia following behind.

  The mansion's corridors were quiet as they walked toward the exit. Emilia said nothing, knowing better than to comment on the conversation.

  Outside, their security detail was already prepared. Iris paused at the entrance, looking out at the carefully maintained gardens.

  "Schedule the next visit for the same time next year," she said.

  "Yes, Lady Iris."

  They departed, leaving the old mansion and its history behind.

  Leon, Krai, Noah, and the other two students walked back into the classroom.

  Krai stopped suddenly, his expression shifting to shock.

  Leon followed his gaze toward