Monday, July 23rd, 2028
The loud ringing of the doorbell echoed again, this time longer and with a hint of impatience. Cedric was jolted from his reverie about Elysium and Neva. Ivy, his Viriant, swiftly vanished, returning to her symbolic form as a book resting neatly on his study desk, as if nothing had happened. Ivy's sudden movement reminded Cedric of his new secret – a secret he had to hide, just as he hid his extraordinary intellect.
With quick steps, Cedric walked towards the front door. He unlocked it and pulled the knob. Standing on the threshold was a girl with wavy, light silvery-grey hair and bright red eyes. This was Chloe, Cedric's friend since junior high. Her face held a slight pout, an expression of sulky displeasure that Cedric knew all too well.
"Why did it take so long? Did you fall asleep again?" Chloe immediately launched her question, a hint of annoyance in her voice, yet her eyes remained warm.
Cedric offered a faint smile, feeling a touch of guilt for making Chloe wait. He scratched the back of his head, though it didn't itch. "Ah, I'm sorry, Chloe. I got too engrossed in a new book. Time just flew by." He glanced briefly towards his room, where the book lay, feeling a touch of nervousness. He had to be careful with every word that came out of his mouth, especially now.
Chloe narrowed her eyes. "Hmph," she scoffed, folding her arms across her chest. "Typical bookworm. You haven't changed a bit." Despite the slight jab, a faint smile began to grace Chloe's lips, dispelling her sulky demeanor.
"Come on, hurry up!" Chloe urged, lightly tugging at Cedric's sleeve. "My parents are waiting."
They walked towards Count Zacries' residence, which was not far from there. As soon as they arrived, Cedric's eyes were captivated. Count Zacries' noble residence appeared magnificent and charming. Its architecture was classic yet still looked modern, with sturdy pillars and large windows reflecting the twilight glow. Neatly manicured gardens stretched wide across the front yard, adorned with various colorful flowers and elegant marble statues. In the center of the garden, a large fountain softly murmured, adding to the impression of luxury and tranquility.
As Cedric stepped inside, he was greeted by several impeccably dressed servants who bowed respectfully. One senior servant directed him straight to the dining room. Along the corridor leading to the dining room, Cedric noticed several large paintings displayed on the walls, depicting portraits of the Zacries family ancestors from generation to generation. He then noticed something interesting; all the Zacries descendants depicted had bright ruby-red eyes. And clearly, Chloe also possessed similar captivating red eyes, a distinctive trait inherited from this noble lineage.
Cedric arrived in the dining room and was greeted by Lord Zacries, Chloe's father, who sat at the end of a long table already laden with various delicious dishes. Lord Zacries exuded a calm yet authoritative aura.
"Please, have a seat, Cedric," Lord Zacries greeted him with a warm voice.
Cedric bowed politely, with the dignified manners of a well-educated student from a respectable family. "Thank you for the invitation, Lord Zacries." He took the indicated seat, next to an empty chair he assumed was for Chloe.
They began to converse casually. Lord Zacries inquired about Cedric's well-being and his school studies, and Cedric answered calmly and intelligently. He then realized that Chloe wasn't there yet.
A short while later, Chloe emerged from the kitchen, accompanied by several servants carrying additional dishes. Her appearance that evening was stunning. Her silvery-grey hair was styled in a neat, slightly short cut that framed her face, and a black Roman numeral XII (12) brooch was elegantly pinned at her side. Several strands of hair from the left and right sides of her face were swept forward, gracefully resting on her shoulder towards her neck. Her captivating red eyes were undeniably beautiful, shining under the dining room lights. Chloe was indeed a belle at her school, not only because she was a prominent noble but also because of her discipline and intelligence, which made her well-liked by many. Cedric was puzzled as to why Chloe always gently rejected the many boys who confessed their feelings to her, even though most of them were handsome and from respectable families.
Chloe took her seat beside Cedric, smiling widely. "Look, Cedric! I helped cook these dishes!"
Cedric smiled at Chloe, seeing the enthusiasm on his friend's face. "Thank you very much, Chloe. I can't wait to try them."
"Please don't hesitate to eat, Cedric. Make yourself at home," Lord Zacries said, chuckling softly.
Chloe's mother, seated across from Lord Zacries, chimed in with a friendly smile. "It seems this dinner is a little special."
As they savored the delicious appetizers, Cedric's thoughts briefly drifted. He saw Chloe beside him, laughing softly with her parents. His friendship with Chloe had begun in junior high, stemming from a rather dramatic incident. At the time, Chloe was caught in a small incident in the school library that almost injured her. With his quick reflexes, Cedric managed to help Chloe, and since then, they had become very close. Chloe was one of the people he trusted most, and he knew Chloe cherished him deeply, in the sense of friendship.
However, amidst all that familiarity, another shadow loomed in Cedric's mind: Eryna. Thinking of Eryna brought about a strange sensation he couldn't explain, something different from the comfortable feeling he had with Chloe. A feeling that was more... profound, perhaps. As if an invisible thread was beginning to weave itself. He shook his head slightly, trying to push the thought from his mind. There was no point in comparing.
He refocused on Chloe beside him, who was now enthusiastically explaining how she had helped prepare the dessert. Cedric listened, nodded, and occasionally smiled, concealing two major secrets in his heart: the world of Deviants he had just discovered, and the strange feelings beginning to bloom for another girl.
Amidst the warm atmosphere, Lord Zacries suddenly cleared his throat, drawing Cedric's attention. His face showed a serious but amiable expression. "Cedric," he began, "I have long observed and greatly appreciate your character and intelligence. Given the circumstances, and with your consent, an idea has come to mind." Lord Zacries leaned forward slightly, his voice containing a hint of entreaty. "You should stay here, from now on. I hope you will not refuse my request."
Cedric froze in his seat, unsure how to respond. This offer was truly unexpected. Live at Count Zacries' residence? He glanced at Chloe beside him. A faint blush seemed to color Chloe's cheeks, perhaps surprised or even pleased.
After a moment's thought, Cedric sighed. Politely, he replied, "Lord Zacries, your offer is truly honorable, and I deeply appreciate it. I will gladly accept your kindness."
Lord Zacries smiled broadly, looking relieved and pleased. "Excellent! In that case, Chloe," he said, turning to his daughter, "please show Cedric to his room. It's your younger sister's old room."
Chloe flinched slightly, the blush on her cheeks deepening, but she quickly nodded. "Yes, Father. Come on, Cedric."
They both walked down the spacious corridor, past rows of paintings and antique furniture. Along the way, Cedric's curiosity could not be contained. "Chloe," he asked, his tone slightly hesitant, "you mentioned your younger sister... is that the person in the family photo in the living room? Why have I never seen her?" Cedric was referring to one of the portraits he had seen, which depicted a small girl with purple eyes. "What's her name?"
Chloe stopped walking, her back to Cedric. Her shoulders trembled slightly. "She... she's not here anymore," Chloe replied, her voice choked.
Upon hearing that statement, Cedric's heart sank. He felt as though he had asked something very private and shouldn't have. Chloe's face looked sad, and Cedric immediately felt a wave of regret. "I'm sorry," Cedric said sincerely. "I didn't mean to..."
Chloe turned, her expression showing confusion. "Sorry? For what?" Chloe didn't fully understand why Cedric was apologizing, as she wasn't aware that her tone had changed. Chloe wanted to continue her sister's name, "Her name is Ery—"
Chloe's words halted mid-sentence. As she opened a room door, a thick puff of dust immediately flew out, filling the air. Chloe tapped lightly, waving her hands in front of her face. "Ugh, it seems this room hasn't been occupied for a long time."
Chloe took the initiative. "I'll clean this room first. Don't you worry." She turned to Cedric. "In the meantime, you can ask a servant to help bring your belongings from your boarding house here. I'll get this room tidied up as quickly as possible."
Shortly after, several servants had helped Cedric move all his belongings from the boarding house. The moving process was completed as midnight approached. Cedric returned to his new room, which was now neat and clean. The fresh scent of aromatherapy candles and room freshener filled the air.
Cedric lay down on the soft bed, exhausted after a day full of unexpected events. He gazed towards the window, watching the night sky filled with twinkling stars. The world now felt far vaster, more mysterious, and full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. With a calm mind yet full of questions, he drifted off to sleep.