Zed stood in front of the mirror, studying his reflection with a quiet intensity. His dark eyes traced over his thin frame, sharp cheekbones, and messy black hair that fell down to his shoulders. He scowled, brushing his hair back with his fingers. I really need to cut this.
As he was lost in thought, there was a soft knock at the door.
"Master Zed?"
A maid pushed the door open, her expression polite and reserved. She gave a deep bow.
"Lady Aurora is waiting for you in the dining hall for lunch," she said softly.
Zed blinked. Lunch? Already? He hadn't realized how much time had passed since the morning.
"Ah… right. I'll be there in a minute," he said.
He reached toward the bedside table, grabbing a thin leather tie. After a brief struggle, he managed to gather his long hair into a low ponytail at the nape of his neck. His hair was still too long and uneven, but it would do for now.
"Shall I escort you, Master Zed?" the maid asked.
Zed nodded. "Yeah… sure."
As they walked through the hallway, Zed's gaze wandered. His eyes widened slightly as the full splendor of the manor revealed itself in the daylight.
The hallway stretched endlessly, lined with high, arched windows that allowed soft rays of sunlight to filter in. The polished marble tiles beneath his feet gleamed like glass, black and white patterns swirling in an intricate mosaic.
The walls were crafted from ivory-colored stone, lined with tall gold-trimmed pillars. Deep red banners bearing the Ravenhart crest—a silver raven clutching a sword—hung between the pillars. The crest shimmered faintly under the light.
Above them, an immense crystal chandelier hung from the vaulted ceiling. Its countless crystal droplets reflected the sunlight, scattering a cascade of rainbow lights along the walls and floor.
The ceiling itself was a masterpiece—a sprawling fresco depicting a battle of gods and monsters, the figures so detailed they seemed almost alive. Wisps of painted clouds curled around the towering figures, their swords clashing under the gaze of a golden sun.
Zed's gaze flicked from the ceiling to the golden filigree along the walls, then to the polished statues of knights standing at attention along the hallway's edge.
Holy shit… this place is unreal.
"I didn't even notice this last night…" Zed muttered under his breath.
Zed swallowed, suddenly feeling small compared to the overwhelming grandeur of his surroundings. No wonder this family holds so much power.
They reached a pair of towering double doors, framed with intricate carvings of ravens in flight. Two armored guards pushed the doors open, revealing the dining hall beyond.
The dining hall was just as extravagant.
A long table stretched down the center of the room, polished wood so dark and rich it reflected the golden glow of the chandeliers above. Delicate white cloth draped across the table, set with gold-rimmed plates and silver utensils. Crystal glasses shimmered under the light.
The table itself was filled with an array of dishes—roasted meats glistening under honey glaze, fresh bread stacked high in wicker baskets, exotic fruits spilling from silver trays, and steaming bowls of soup. The rich aroma of spices, butter, and roasted vegetables filled the air.
At the far end of the table, on the right side of the head seat, sat Aurora.
She wore a simple white dress with silver embroidery along the hem and sleeves. Her long platinum hair fell down her back, a small silver pin holding it in place. Her hands were folded neatly in her lap as she waited.
The moment Zed stepped in, Aurora's gaze lifted toward him.
Her cool, crystal-blue eyes softened slightly, and a gentle smile curved her lips.
"You're awake."
Zed hesitated. For some reason, that small smile made his chest tighten.
Aurora gestured toward the seat beside her. "Come sit."
Zed's feet felt oddly heavy as he walked toward her. He pulled out the chair and sat down stiffly, his back straight.
Aurora watched him carefully. "Did you sleep well?"
Zed's fingers tightened slightly around the edge of his chair.
"Yes," he said simply.
Aurora's gaze softened as she watched Zed pick at his food.
"Aren't you hungry?" she asked gently. "Do you… want your sister to feed you like in the old days?"
Zed's hand froze mid-motion. His cheeks immediately flushed, and he quickly shoved a piece of bread into his mouth.
"N-No, I'm fine," he said, voice slightly muffled.
Aurora's soft smile widened.
Zed swallowed hard and shifted his gaze toward her. That's when he noticed—Aurora's plate was untouched. Her hands were resting on her lap, hidden beneath the table.
Zed frowned. "Aren't you hungry?"
Aurora's expression stiffened for a moment. Then, her smile returned, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. She raised her hand slightly but quickly tucked it back under the table.
"Haa… I'm full," she said, her voice unnaturally light. "You should eat more."
Zed's gaze narrowed. He suddenly recalled the bandage wrapped around her hand the day before.
What an idiot I am… I completely forgot about her hand.
Without saying a word, Zed picked up the knife and fork. He cut a slice of steak, spearing it carefully with the fork. He stood up slightly, leaning toward Aurora, and held the fork near her lips.
"Say 'haa…'"
Aurora's eyes widened. "W-What are you doing?"
"You're not eating because of your hand, right?" Zed said plainly. His expression was calm but firm.
Aurora's lips parted slightly as her gaze shifted between Zed and the fork in front of her.
"I… I can manage—"
"Haa, " Zed repeated, his tone stubborn.
Aurora's gaze softened. Slowly, hesitantly, she leaned forward and took the piece of steak into her mouth.
Zed sat back down and started cutting another piece. Aurora's face flushed faintly, but she quietly chewed and swallowed.
Tears welled up in her eyes, though she blinked them away quickly before Zed could notice.
Zed wordlessly speared another piece of steak and held it up to her again.
Aurora hesitated for a moment—then leaned in and took the bite.
A faint tremor ran through her lips as a tear slipped down her cheek. But she smiled.
The maids and servants standing along the edge of the dining hall watched in silence. A few exchanged soft, delighted smiles. Some had tears in their eyes. Even the knights stationed at the far end of the hall, who usually kept their expressions neutral, couldn't help but glance at each other with quiet amusement.
Aurora smiled between bites. Zed didn't speak much, but he patiently continued cutting and feeding her without a hint of hesitation.
Just then, the heavy oak doors of the dining hall creaked open. Sir Jaeger's tall, armored frame stepped into the room. His boots thudded softly against the polished marble floor as he approached the table. His sharp gaze flicked toward Zed and Aurora.
A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Well… what a surprise," Jaeger drawled, his deep voice carrying a teasing edge. "Wasn't it always the opposite back then?"
Zed's hand froze mid-motion, the fork still held near Aurora's mouth. His eyes widened, and his face immediately flushed. He pulled his hand back quickly, setting the fork down with an awkward clink.
Aurora cleared her throat, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she turned toward Jaeger. Despite the faint blush on her cheeks, her expression remained composed.
"Sir Jaeger," Aurora said, her tone steady but polite.
Jaeger's playful smirk softened into a more formal expression. He placed a hand over his chest and gave a respectful bow.
"Your Grace," he said.
Aurora inclined her head slightly. "What brings you here?"
Jaeger's sharp eyes darkened. His posture stiffened. "The baron and counts of Highvale have arrived. They request an audience with you."
Aurora's gaze sharpened for a brief moment. But then, she sighed quietly and pushed her chair back. Her hand brushed Zed's arm as she stood.
"I see. Then I shouldn't keep them waiting."
She turned toward Zed, her soft smile returning. "Take care of yourself, Zed. I'll return soon."
Zed hesitated, but then nodded. "…Yeah."
Aurora's smile lingered for a moment before she turned toward the door. Her handmaiden hurried to her side, lifting the hem of her gown as they exited the hall together. The soft sound of their footsteps faded down the hallway until the heavy doors closed behind them with a low thud.
The dining hall fell into silence.
Only Zed and Jaeger remained.
Jaeger's smirk faded. His gaze hardened as he slowly approached Zed. His black boots echoed ominously against the marble floor with each measured step.
Zed tensed, his back straightening as his gaze tracked Jaeger's large frame. The memory of Jaeger's brutal display at the training grounds flashed in his mind—the speed, the precision, the sheer dominance.
What is this pressure?
I want to talk to him, but I can't.
It's like standing before someone you admire—but the weight of their presence makes it impossible to speak.
He's not gonna hit me, right?
But Jaeger's piercing gaze remained cold and focused as he stopped directly in front of Zed. His imposing frame cast a shadow over the table.
Then, without a word, Jaeger dropped to one knee.
Zed's eyes widened. His breath hitched.
Jaeger bowed his head deeply, pressing one hand over his heart and placing the other on the floor. His expression was hard, but his voice was low and solemn.
"…Your Grace," Jaeger said, his tone steeped in formal reverence.
"I have come to beg for your forgiveness."
Zed blinked. His mouth opened slightly. "Huh?"
Jaeger's head remained bowed. His dark hair fell over his forehead as his tone sharpened with quiet regret.
"I failed you," Jaeger said, his voice thick with self-reproach. "I was tasked with your protection. Yet, despite my duty—despite my vows—I allowed you to fall from that cliff. I allowed you to be harmed."
Jaeger's hands curled into fists against the floor. His shoulders trembled faintly beneath the weight of his guilt.
"I deserve no forgiveness. But still… I humbly ask for it."
Zed's thoughts sharpened.
so the kid murder was swept under the rug as an unfortunate accident
Zed's gaze darkened as the pieces fell into place.
For the death of a high noble to be so easily covered up—it wasn't just influence at play.
It was power.
Prince Frey. he held enough authority and control over the kingdom's political and military structures to twist the truth without question. To silence anyone who dared to dig deeper.
And he had done it easily.
Zed's jaw tightened. His fists clenched at his sides. After understanding it all, Zed's gaze steadied as he looked down at Jaeger, still kneeling before him. His amber eyes were clouded with quiet guilt.
"Stand up," Zed said, his voice even.
Jaeger's head lifted slightly, his sharp eyes narrowing in hesitation.
Zed sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not like you pushed me off the cliff yourself, right?"
"…That does not change the fact that I failed to protect you," Jaeger said coldly.
"Well, it's not like you can predict everything," Zed replied, his tone softening. "If you could, you wouldn't need that sword, would you?"
Jaeger's brow twitched.
"And besides," Zed added, his gaze shifting downward. "I'm still alive, aren't I?"
Jaeger's eyes sharpened. He studied Zed's expression for a long moment. Slowly, he rose to his full height, his tall frame towering over Zed once again.
"…Your Grace is far too kind."
Zed scoffed. "I'm not being kind. I just think kneeling to a kid is kind of pathetic."
His gaze sharpened.
"And if you really want to atone for your sins," Zed continued, "how about making me stronger?"
Jaeger's eyes narrowed slightly.
"I want to fight like you," Zed said, a thin smile tugging at his lips. "So teach me, Master."
Jaeger's gaze darkened. His hand brushed the hilt of his sword.
"Then, I shall atone through action, not words," Jaeger said. His voice was sharp, steady. "If you wish to become stronger… I will personally see to your training."
Zed's grin widened. His eyes glinted.
"Then shall we start training now?"
Jaeger's brow twitched. "Do you mean right now?"
Zed crossed his arms. "Yes. 'Now' means now. So, Master… I'm depending on you from now on."
Jaeger's eyes narrowed before a rare smile curled at the edges of his mouth.
"It's my honor, Your Grace." His tone sharpened as his gaze flashed with quiet amusement. "But I hope you won't run off like the old times."
Zed's grin faltered.
Run off?
Now why did I do that?
Zed frowned, a faint tug of confusion stirring in the back of his mind. A fragmented memory—of running feet, of sharp breaths, of fear—scratched at the edges of his thoughts.
"…I guess I'll find out," Zed muttered under his breath.