Felicity and Griff left the room, and I was relieved.
Finally, I felt some peace returning with troublesome decreasing—and I had handled one unexpected situation exactly as I'd hoped.
Arthur: "I guess that settles that."
Maybe not "exactly" but the best as it could have. Holding on to the quiet sense of achievement in my chest, I turned to the others in the room with a stoic expression.
Arthur: "It seems everything's resolved. Why don't you both head back to your dorms as well? It's getting late."
It was well past dinner time, but rest was a greater priority to me now.
Ducas: "Sir Arthur, how's your hand?"
An unnecessary worry in my opinion. Is he genuinely concerned, or just curious about my recovery skill? I couldn't tell.
Persephone:"Aww. He's worried about your health."
I ignored her teasing. His question hung in the air, as I didn't answer it.
Valerie: "You're right, Sir Arthur. It's quite late. Ducas and I shouldn't still be here at this hour."
She cut through it, but his words reminded me—the matter of my blood hadn't been addressed yet. Valerie turned to Ducas.
Valerie: "Besides, it could cause problems for him if any faculty member found out."
True. Though, ironically, too much had already happened—and not a single faculty member had noticed. It was laughable, really.
A look of understanding appeared in Ducas's eyes. He gave me a slight bow.
Ducas: "I'll return at the usual time tomorrow morning."
I gave a casual wave in dismissal. He gave a relieved smile and headed for the door, Valerie following. Just as Ducas reached for the missing doorknob, she turned back to me.
Valerie: "Thank you for everything, Sir Arthur."
I met her gaze, my face blank—until, despite myself, a faint smile slipped through.
Arthur: "Sure."
They both returned polite smiles and left, closing the door behind them.
I stared at the now-closed door's damaged frame.
Arthur: "I really need someone to fix that doorknob."
Stoically I said so, I slid the top and middle locks into place, then turned toward the bed—but—
+
[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments: "Did your blood really heal that Lion boy?" ]
[ The Nubecula 'Who Likes Cigars and Candy' comments: "Are you a vampire?" ]
[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds for the Heartbroken' comments: "Don't tease him." ]
[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jin' comments: "How does it work?" ]
[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' comments: "I'm curious myself." ]
[ The Nubecula 'Dionysius' comments: "I'd like to know as well." ]
[ Several Nubeculas are showing curiosity towards you. ]
+
Arthur: "I'm exhausted. I'll rest for tonight."
Holding out my palm, I summoned the void-black sphere with—a depthless orb.
+
[ Item: Total Isolation ]
[ You have used Total Isolation. You are now isolated from the outside world. ]
[ Effect duration: 1 hour per day. Time remaining: 38 minutes. ]
+
[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments: "Oh, c'mon!" ]
+
[ The Nubecula 'Who Likes Cigars And Candy' comments: "Tch!" ]
+
[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' sighs. ]
+
[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jin' is dejected. ]
+
[ Some Nubeculas demand the barrier's removal. ]
+
[ Some Nubeculas curse at you. ]
+
Several messages popped up. I ignored them.
Still holding the Total Isolation orb, it sat heavy in my hand. I thought to myself: I need a manager to handle all this nonsense. To deal with Nubeculas and MK revelation.
Protected from surveillance by the orb, I crossed the carpet toward the bed, passing Persephone.
She stood there—still as graceful and radiant as ever.
Persephone: "I didn't know you were that popular among the Higher Existences."
She flipped her hair as she turned to follow me with her ametrine eyes.
Curious, I glanced over my shoulder, taking light steps, reaching the bed.
Arthur: "You saw the messages too?"
I touched the soft sheets and sat down, setting the [Total Isolation] orb onto its stand beside the bed.
Persephone: "They were open comments. Everyone could see them. Why would anyone spend more points to send private messages to all three?"
Ah. That makes sense. I wouldn't know, but she must have sent countless of them.
Persephone folded her arms beneath her chest and stepped closer.
Persephone: "Raziel and Gumiho were watching you. I didn't expect that."
Arthur: "Raziel has been watching since we landed on the shore. Remember the shed where Kafziel led me to?"
Persephone: "Mmm, figures. But Gumiho must have made you popular."
She leaned against the bedpost, studying me.
Arthur: "I get most of my points because of that."
Persephone: "Is that so?... Hwang Jin—likely the tactician. And Dionysius—he's one of the Olympians. That's rare."
Arthur: "I just caught their attention. Nothing more."
Persephone: "From the Brigains, right?"
I stiffened. Well, I had lured Dionysius on purpose, but I'd rather forget that part. It made me sound like a manipulator.
I didn't answer and instead nudged the conversation forward.
Arthur: "What about the other two? The ones with the long usernames?"
I pretended to be curious about her opinion, rather than seeming to fish for information.
I remembered most Nubeculas from my dreams, but some—like Whose Heart Bleeds for the Heartbroken and Who Likes Cigars and Candy—felt minor. Even my journal couldn't help me find them. And I didn't exactly have a search function.
Persephone: "Most like long names, but pretentiously long are so overrated. I don't recognize them."
Probably minor stars then. With Forgettable stories.
Persephone: "Still, only a few commented, but more must have been watching. Not bad, considering you've only been here a month."
I nodded in understanding. And for now, it's manageable.
I braced myself, sensing the question she was about to ask.
Persephone: "So. Are you going to tell me about why you cut your wrist and fed that Lion boy your blood?"
Arthur: "What is there to explain?"
I flopped onto the mattress, arms pillowing my head.
Persephone: "Are you really going to brush that off? How did your blood heal him?"
Arthur: "Well, even I wasn't sure it would work. I was testing a skill, hoping it might function that way."
I shut my eyes as a defense, knowing how she is going to react.
Persephone: "Testing? Did you know how much blood you lost, because of your slopy cut? You lost too much blood. You're human—it could've killed you."
I opened one eye to meet her annoyed but sharp gaze.
Arthur: "You seem concerned about me."
Persephone: "…As if. Don't flatter yourself."
I closed my eye again, satisfied that I deflected successfully.
She is right—blood healing isn't a human skill. It's a vampire trait.
But even a vampire's low-tier healing wouldn't be enough to neutralize the poison in Griff's body—not that fast.
Thankfully, [Zoe's Heart] is a level 6 skill. It had worked as I hoped. I am happy with the result.
Arthur: "I'm tired. Save your questions about Felicity and the contract for later."
Persephone: "Soul contracts can be annoying."
She floated over and lay beside me on the bed, propped on one elbow, facing me.
I tried to ignore her gaze as fatigue finally began to wash over me.
+
[ A branch skill of your Attribute has been activated. ]
+
****
Felicity and Griff walked across the Trivia's ground floor, her heels clicking rhythmically against marble.
Griff: "Um… Big Sis?"
Felicity: "It's fine."
Her tone was calm—not angry, just distant. Since they had left the faculty dorm, neither had spoken. She knew Griff had acted for her sake. Griff had hesitated; Felicity's flat response showed she wasn't angry but that her mind was elsewhere.
Felicity: "So what do you think of him?"
The sudden question caught Griff off guard, but there was no need to ask who she meant.
Griff: "I was actually wondering… Why didn't you do anything against him?"
Felicity: "You mean after you kept pleading me not to do anything to him. Just answer the question."
Griff: "Ah, Yes. It's- I mean, he... seemed big."
She understood what he meant. She felt the same.
There was nothing outwardly special about him. He was weak—unremarkably. But his presence… felt older, like an older brother whom she didn't want to disappoint.
In fact, she desired his respect.
Felicity: "Whatever. To answer your earlier question—it would've been inconvenient. He's the Archduchess's assistant."
Griff's eyes widened in realization. He was embarrassed he hadn't thought of it himself—but proud that his sister had.
Griff nodded, awed by her foresight. It reinforced his belief in her as the tribe's future queen. Then, curiosity flickered in his expression.
Griff: "But… I wonder what he'll do with it?"
To his wonder, Felicity's voice turned sharp.
Felicity: "It's not our concern. We don't need it. Not after everything that happened. Right?"
Griff: "O-of course not."
As they passed a window, Felicity glanced upward—through another window on the fifth floor.
Several Nubeculas hovered there, trying to get messages through the barrier he had placed.
Without another word, she turned and continued walking toward her dorm, Griff trailing behind.
****
Valerie: "Something on your mind, Ducas?"
Valerie and Ducas walking through the Trivia Garden—neat, serene.
The garden was immaculate. The trees stood tall, swaying slightly in the gentle breeze that rustled their leaves. Along the sides of the tiled path they walked, bushes shimmered faintly with small fireflies fluttering over blooming flowers.
Ducas: "I'm just concerned about Sir Arthur."
His creased forehead softened as he answered Valerie's question, finally saying his thoughts aloud.
Valerie: "Ah. That's why you asked about his hand's condition."
Ducas: "Yes. He cut his wrist like it was nothing—to save that boy—even though he knew the boy had attacked us."
Valerie: "You mean attacked me."
Ducas: "No. I meant it's about the boy. Maybe Sir Arthur did know him somehow, but still... if he was sent by your family, why would he use his own elixir and heal him with his blood?"
Valerie: "He definitely isn't sent by my family. We don't even have elixirs—not Grade 3, anyway."
Ducas: "And his blood? I've never heard of a human with a healing skill that requires feeding their own blood, because—"
Valerie: "Because only vampires have that ability."
She cut him off. Ducas nodded in agreement.
Valerie: "But Griff's poison was too strong for even a vampire's blood to heal that quickly. Maybe it is as he said, there might be some Elixirs whose effects can be increased by blood."
Valerie eyes Ducas, she then asked a certain deep question to fulfill her individual curiosity.
Valerie: "Are you curious about it? Or do you… Doubt him?"
Ducas let out a short, amused sigh he couldn't quite hold back.
Ducas: "Absolutely not. Not only did he not hide it—he didn't even try. I never once sensed deception. He trusted us."
Valerie: "He also helped me with Felicity. You don't know this, but I've wanted to make peace with her for a long time. She just never trusted me."
Ducas: "You didn't seem to trust her much either."
Valerie: "Pride isn't only exclusive to her."
They walked in silence for a while. The wind lightly brushed Valerie's face, and she let out a soft laugh, echoing with Ducas's sigh.
Ducas: "What?"
Valerie: "When I first heard that some twenty-year-old was going to be the Archduchess's assistant, I was furious. I couldn't fathom how someone like him bullshitted his way in—or why she allowed it. She rejected everyone—me, Felicity, all of us."
Ducas: "Should you be saying that aloud?"
Valerie: "Its true, and there's no one around. I'm used to being followed, but since Sir Arthur arrived, I haven't sensed a single tail. Not even through my Wind Manipulation."
Ducas: "He seems open, approachable—but you can feel it too, right? That underlying coldness. Still, no matter what, he always makes sure people around him leave satisfied. No one's ever truly displeased."
Valerie: "I agree. And I finally understand what the Archduchess sees in him. It's funny how all we talk about is how grateful we are to him. He's a mysteryyyy."
She stretched the word playfully.
Ducas: "Yes. That he is."
Their conversation continued casually as they strolled toward the dorms, parting ways when they reached their rooms.
****
Two Days Later
As usual, I was in Lisa's office, flipping through a stack of papers for the day's lecture.
On my lap, a white Persian cat—the headmaster of Trivia, or more accurately, Hekate in her feline form, rested while Lisa worked at her desk.
By eight o'clock, lecture time neared, while reviewing materials, my mind drifted to the dream I'd had.
I wasn't sure if it was real, but if it were, then as long as I stayed Lisa's assistant, Felicity probably wouldn't make a move against me.
And from the looks of things, Ducas and Valerie were getting along better. As they become friends, that would mean Ducas might stop following me around.
Lisa pushed her chair back and stood, snapping me out of my thoughts.
Lisa: "Let's head to class."
****
Followingly, three days later, I sat at the dining table in my faculty dorm, wearing a crisp white formal shirt beneath my cloak, eating caviar that Ducas had brought from the city.
Taking a bite, I spoke.
Arthur: "Did you hand it over?"
Somehow, it had become normal for Ducas to have breakfast with me.
I didn't mind. He brought the food after all—the least I could do was share with him.
The silver-haired boy looked at me, fork still in his mouth.
Ducas: "Ah... yes, Sir."
A smile briefly appeared on my face—only to fade just as fast.
+
[ The Nubecula Whose Heart Bleeds for the Heartbroken comments: "Hand what over?" ]
[ The Nubecula Raziel is sighing. ]
[ The Nubecula Hwang Jini comments: "You should watch if you want to know." ]
+
Exactly.
I was glad these Nubeculas were watching me, as it meant more points.
But not every part of my daily life needed to be their live show.
Still, I shrugged the thought off. Nothing I could do about it anyway.
+
[ The Nubecula Gumiho comments: "I know!" ]
[ Some Nubeculas are listening to Gumiho. ]
+
Of course. Our rumor expert knows everything.
I finished my last bite of breakfast and headed toward Lisa's office.
Evening — 6:55 PM.
I was in my room again.
The sound of leather scraping wood filled the room as I dragged a chair across the floor.
Persephone: "What are you doing?"
Her voice—honeyed despite her bored expression—cut through the noise, effortlessly drowning out the scraping.
I glanced at her. She wore a bored expression, but a curious frown creased her brow.
How can someone sound that sweet while looking so uninterested? I wondered.
I brushed the thought aside. She is a god, after all—a higher existence.
Arthur: "I'm setting up," —I dragged the chair into position— "my seat for the show."
I smacked the edge of the chair's backrest and turned to face the annoyingly lovely woman.
I had placed the chair precisely in the middle of the room. From this spot, I'd have the perfect vantage point. Whether someone entered through the door or the window, I'd see it.
Persephone: "A show, huh?"
She arched both eyebrows skeptically and glanced down at me.
+
[ The Nubecula Gumiho comments: "There's going to be a show?!" ]
+
I nodded.
+
[ The Nubecula Gumiho comments: "Woah!" ]
[ Some Nubeculas are curious. ]
[ The Nubecula Who Likes Cigars And Candy comments: "What about strippers?" ]
+
Knowing the guest of honor, he wouldn't like it if I invited strippers.
+
[ The Nubecula Whose Heart Bleeds for Heartbroken comments: "Arthur isn't the kind of person who likes that." ]
+
...Yes. I'm not.
+
[ The Nubecula Who Likes Cigars And Candy comments: "Because he's the hero." ]
+
Once again, no. I'm not. And keep your condescending remarks to yourselves.
Ignoring the commentary, I glanced at the clock.
One minute left until 7.
Arthur: "Just wait a minute."
I took my seat, eyes fixed on the ticking hands.
Tick. Tick. Tick.
The second hand rotated steadily, approaching twelve.
Tick. Tick. Tick...
Ting.
It struck twelve—then moved past it.
Tick. Tick. Tick...
Everything remained unchanged. Nothing happened.
+
[ Some Nubeculas are confused. ]
+
The gods watching were puzzled. No show. No change.
Even I hesitated for a moment. Is something wrong?
Is he not coming?
Maybe the provocation wasn't enough...
Still, I kept a relaxed expression. I couldn't afford to show doubt—not after promising a "show."
Am I going to be branded as someone who hypes his own show for nothing?
Thankfully, the wait didn't last long.
Swish!
Ting!
Thud!
Sigh.
I let out an audible breath.
A sudden sound sliced through the air. Something fast. I hadn't even seen it coming.
Not that I needed to.
A silver feather—transparent and glowing—intercepted the object mid-air.
The clash echoed sharply through the room. The object dropped to the floor.
My eyes followed it.
Oh.
I stifled a gasp. It was a thin, blade-like needle—something an assassin might use.
He's really trying to assassinate me, huh?
+
[ Several Nubeculas are paying attention in your direction. ]
+
A smirk curled across my lips. As expected. The show is finally beginning.
But my thoughts didn't last long. Alongside the slicing noise and impact, there'd been a third sound, the clumsy thump of my window being forced open.
If it were an assassin, why the noise? Shouldn't they move silently?
I turned to the window—now forcefully open. A figure stood there.
Our eyes met. I sighed again.
Sigh.
The person flinched at my reaction but didn't retreat. No guilt in his expression.
Still, my mind was somewhere else.
How does he always manage to enter through the fifth-floor window?
Standing at the window was none other than the silver-haired delivery boy—Ducas.
Arthur: "What are you doing here?"
He opened his mouth but only made a series of confused expressions.
Well, if he's here, this might actually go even more smoothly.
Ducas is a "scam existence"—someone strong enough to take on anyone in the lower realm.
After making eye contact with him, I lazily scanned the room again, my gaze settling back on the needle blade.
Arthur: "You can appear now."
I spoke calmly, firmly.
A moment later, a hollow voice echoed in the room.
???: "It seems to be all ture... Silver-Winged Protector."
My eye twitched at the sound of that ridiculous nickname.
I hate this stupid name.
Persephone: "Pfftt…"
-Stop laughing.
Brimos's citizens had saddled me with that cringe-worthy title, and hearing it never failed to sour my mood.
+
[ The Lower Existence Todd Middleton has disabled the skill 'Pass from Sight (Lvl. 2)' ]
+
The space near the hallway distorted, and a man in a butler uniform, clad in white gloves, appeared before the door.
Arthur: "You came."
Now, Let the show begin.