At half past seven in the evening, Karin heard the doorbell ring and looked out to see James standing at her door. Karin became agitated upon seeing James with his stiff demeanor. She wasn't yet prepared because she didn't anticipate James picking her up directly outside the room. Karin did what she always did and opened the door for James, who was obviously older than her.
"James, why don't you call first since I now have a cell phone?" Karin objected to James being seated.
"I haven't ever used a cell phone,"
"How do you communicate after that?"
"Do I need to explain?" James asked in shock as he turned to face Karin.
Karin nodded at first, but when she saw James frown, she stopped. His adversaries were immortals.
"So Katon only uses his cell phone to contact me, I guess?" asked Karin.
James nodded and urged Karin to get ready right away. Karin immediately put her hair in a stylish style and packed her belongings.
James watched Karin get ready and said, "Looks like you need to bring a uniform for tomorrow,"
"What for?" Karin asked in surprise.
"Mr. Katon wants you to stay at his place,"
Even more shocked, Karin glared at James and said, "I don't want to do it until we're legally married!"
James grinned prankishly "Doing what? What did you think?"
Karin quickly shook her head and hurriedly packed her belongings, making sure to bring the uniforms James had instructed her to.
It didn't take Karin and James very long to move from one group of female students to another because it was indeed dinner time to walk down the hall of the dorm. Karin could feel danger looming over her from every set of eyes watching her movements, even through her back. Karin's forehead sweated so slowly that a chill spread throughout her entire body.
Once they were in the car, James said, "You have to get used to it,"
"It seemed like they wanted to hurt me,"
From behind the rearview mirror, James turned to face Karin and said, "Understandably, as you will soon be Mr. Katon's bride."
"Why? Why do they dislike me?"
"They can attack you at any time as long as you are still here and alive,"
Karin grew more eagerly anticipating James' warning, "What should I do?"
"You better not put too much faith in your friends,"
***
From the outside, Katon's home appears simple; there aren't many accents visible. However, the ambience of the place seemed opulent thanks to the glow of the garden lights there. When Karin was at Alfansa, she had never seen a place so lavish and simple, so she stood in front of the gate with a shocked expression. Karin was led inside by James, who assisted her with her bag.
Still scanning her surroundings, Karin questioned, "Katon lives alone?"
"Mr. Katon has lived apart from his family ever since he made the decision to get married,"
"James..." Karin intentionally interrupted him. Karin's eyes were still fixed on the view from Katon's home as James simply stared at her.
"James, you won't abandon me when my wedding day arrives, right?" asked Karin with a tearful expression. "I don't have anyone here and I'm scared of the future,"
James kept quiet and briefly cast his gaze to the ground. No one was aware of his thoughts, but he was certain of Karin's thoughts. Karin, who was walking next to the elderly man, was forced to stop when he abruptly stopped.
"I have kept my word to Albert that I will look after you,"
"How did you get to know my father?"
Karin never understands what really happened, and James, who has the ability to read anyone's mind, doesn't even need to ask and receive answers from her.
"James..."
Katon arrived at the wrong moment because Karin and James had to stop talking seriously. James left Katon alone with Karin while he hurried Karin's bag inside the house.
Katton questioned, "What are you talking about?"
"Without me answering, you would have understood what we were talking about," Karin said, glancing away in annoyance.
:All of the demon lords present have that fundamental ability," as Katon retorted.
He took Karin's hand and led her inside, saying, "But I don't want to ruin the atmosphere just to argue with you,"
Again, Karin is astounded by Katon's home's interior design, which is more minimalistic than its exterior. Everything is so orderly, spotless, and seems to have never been touched or used due to its precise placement and lack of dust. Karin was led into the room by Katon, who was still holding her hand. James had already placed Karin's bag next to the bed.
James nodded obediently when told to leave. He walked with his head bowed, past Katon and Karin.
"You can pick Karin up tomorrow morning,"
Karin's eyes widened as she asked, "Really, I'm staying here tonight?"
Karin's arms were gently stroked as Katon nodded and said, "Later, you'll stay here with me, forever."