CLAIR awoke slowly, sunlight streaming through the soft linen curtains.
She blinked, surprised not just by the time—noon already?—but by how peacefully she had slept. It was rare for her to rest that deeply. For once, her dreams hadn't haunted her.
Still wrapped in that lingering, she stepped out of her room... only to pause.
A gentle melody echoed through the halls.
A piano.
The notes were warm and haunting, familiar in a distant way—like a song she'd heard once in passing but never forgotten. She followed the sound, barefoot and quiet, until it led her to the living room.
There, seated at the grand piano, was Snow.
His fingers move fluidly over the keys. Not with practiced perfection, but with something more raw... intimate. Around him, the three children lay comfortably—Scarlet nestled against the side of the bench, while STAR and LIGHT sat cross-legged on the floor, heads gently swaying to the rhythm.
CLAIR leaned silently against the wall at the entrance.
She didn't dare interrupt.
Snow looked... different this way. Unburdened. Like someone from another life. His posture wasn't as rigid, his eyes not as cold.
(Why does he look so lonely?) clair thought to herself while listening to his music
Her heart stirred in a way she didn't expect. Quietly, she approached him.
"You play beautifully," she said.
"I was wondering how long you were going to stand there," Snow replied, still facing the keys.
"Is it wrong to admire you play?" she asked, a small smile in her voice.
Snow didn't respond right away. He simply traced his fingers along the final key, letting the last note fade into the air like a sigh.
"...So, is this one of your hobbies?" she asked softly.
"Not really," Snow replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "It was my mothers."
"She taught me how to play. But... I'd forgotten all about it until now."
There was a subtle sadness laced in his words. Like a memory resurfaced from beneath layers of time and pain.
CLAIR's voice softened.
"Her name... it was?"
Snow hesitated, then answered.
"...YURIA QUINCY"
Ding-dong.
The apartment bell rang.
"That must be LOLA," CLAIR said cheerfully and hurried off to get the door.
Snow slowly stood, adjusting his coat. As if instinctively, the three girls rose with him. STAR and LIGHT took their place beside him, while he gently lifted Scarlet into his arms.
Though different in hair color—black and white for STAR and LIGHT, and dazzling crimson for SCARLET—there was harmony in how they moved with him. Their hair had been neatly styled, decorated with adorable teddy bear clips. Each had her own braided pattern, making them look like something out of a storybook.
Snow's attention to detail was clear.
They were adorable.
As LOLA reached the door, accompanied by IRIS and LISA, her eyes went wide the moment she looked up the staircase.
"Yo," LOLA called, waving up at Snow. Her eyes quickly fell on the girls.
"...Wait. Scarlet?"
She stepped back in shock.
"How does she look so much like RUCIEL?" LOLA said, almost in disbelief as she ascended the stairs.
Snow met her halfway.
LISA followed, but upon seeing Snow, her composed expression crumbled. She stepped forward and threw her arms around him.
"I'm glad... you're alright," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
"...Sorry to have worried you, Lisa," Snow murmured, gently patting her head.
Behind her, IRIS approached with a wry smile.
"You really do know how to make the Bright family panic, huh?"
"...Forgive me."
"It's fine," IRIS waved him off. "Lisa and the old man were worried sick. She ran away from home to look for you, so I got sent to track her down and drag her back."
"C'mon, sis..." Lisa blushed.
"Hehe~ it's fine, silly," IRIS said, tugging on Lisa's cheek. "You're both safe. That's all that matters."
//"Lisa... she would be a good Ego Bearer."// Pathfinder said
The voice returned to Snow's mind. Calm, ever-guiding.
//"She has the aptitude to lead the others. She is wise, observant... but shy when it comes to you."//Pathfinder explained
Snow's gaze drifted to Lisa, who still stood close, unaware of the conversation unfolding inside his mind.
(Not only did you choose Lola and CLair... now you're suggesting Lisa, too?) he asked silently.
//"Indeed, you have a dormant EGO that has been observing you. It was thanks to it that you were able to connect with the Mirrorfelt Pathway."// pathfinder explained
The voice of PATHFINDER echoed calmly in Snow's mind, an ever-present guide dwelling just beyond the veil of his thoughts.
(So you're saying the Ego is suitable for her?) Snow asked.
//"To be exact—that is what the Ego wishes right now."// pathfinder said
(Tch... so troublesome.) Snow thought to himself, rubbing the edge of his brow.
//"Well, you should have her around you often. It would help the bond."// Pathfinder said
(Sorry, but I have too much on my plate. That's not something I can focus on right now.)
//"Very well. Until you choose, I shall only create the pathways for you to walk."// Pathfinder said after sighing
Just then, IRIS placed her hands on her hips and looked around at the relaxed group
"So how come you all aren't getting ready for the summit?" she asked with a hint of disbelief.
"Is there a need to go?" LOLA replied lazily from where she lounged, stretching her arms.
"You do know this summit isn't just for show, right?" IRIS raised a brow. "All the world presidents, association heads, and guild masters will be there. It's going to be serious. We're talking real policy-level issues, not some backroom party."
"...She'll be there too," IRIS added quietly, glancing toward Snow.
Clair smirked. "You seem like a fan of the Oracle."
"...." IRIS turned her head quickly, her ears tinged pink.
LOLA burst into laughter. "Clair, you always hit the mark, don't you?"
"She was radiating so much enthusiasm it was honestly annoying," CLAIR replied bluntly as she strolled into the living room.
LOLA followed behind with the children, who trotted happily between them.
Snow and LISA came next, quietly taking their seats as if it were just another peaceful day. IRIS watched them all, mouth slightly open, baffled at how unbothered they all were.
"Besides," CLAIR said as she sank into the couch, "the main man they're all expecting is already here. If he doesn't attend, the summit will just fall apart as usual."
She folded her arms.
"That's why I don't usually attend gatherings like that—filled with uncivilized people who only chase what lines their pockets. The Association included."
A brief silence followed. No one could refute that.
"...I heard you bought ICELAND," LISA said suddenly, pivoting the conversation. "You're already preparing to reconstruct it to your liking?"
"Sis..." IRIS called out in protest, catching on to her sister's subtle redirection.
"Calm your ass, sis," LISA waved her off. "Everyone knows the Oracle's showing up to meet the 'hero who saved the world'—aka, him," she nodded toward Snow. "No need to rush. She'll come running eventually."
"You're smarter than you look," CLAIR complimented, amused.
"She's the backbone of the Bright Family for a reason," LOLA added proudly.
Snow turned slightly, his eyes focused yet distant. "Have you thought about what you want to do with ICELAND, aside from turning it into a business hub and guild headquarters?"
CLAIR blinked, caught off guard. "I was leaving it to you to decide," she said, surprised—and pleased—by his interest.
"I see... you're serious about giving me the island."
"Of course I am," she replied without hesitation.
Snow turned to LISA, his tone calm but direct. "Lisa. In your opinion, what would you do with the island? What do you suggest?"
"...You want my opinion?" LISA asked, stunned.
"Yes. You've been the one managing most of my businesses. You're also largely responsible for the Bright Family's growth. I want your take on this."
Those words struck LISA deeply.
He was finally seeing her.
For years, she had worked silently in the shadows, supporting him without asking for recognition. She had admired him from afar ever since he and AURA first stepped into their lives. She had watched his rise, shouldered his burdens from the edges, and longed only to be close—even if not as a lover, at least as someone irreplaceable.
And now, he was asking her.
LISA gathered herself, clearing her throat softly.
"Iceland is positioned between two continents, giving it strategic value. If we want it to stand out, I suggest we declare it a neutral zone—crime-free, conflict-free."
She spoke with clarity and confidence.
"We build hotels, commercial districts, and major attraction centers. That'll generate revenue and attention. And since you're planning to set the guild HQ there, you can have it all revolve around the guild. That way, everything that goes in and out stays within your sight."
CLAIR raised a brow. "So you suggest we build income-based structures around the guild to keep control centralized?"
"Yes," Lisa nodded. "And let the guild manage and oversee operations. It creates a natural order."
"But what about residential areas?" LOLA asked.
Lisa replied, "We can add them... but doing so will put us at odds with other national leaders. They'll see it as an attempt at sovereignty. If you're serious about that path, you'll need to file immunity forms, or create peace treaty agreements with other nations."
She paused, looking directly at Snow.
"You'd be required to stand as a nation among them. Just like Ibrahim Ishaq."
The room went quiet again.
LISA's words weren't just well thought out—they were visionary.
Snow's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than usual.
//"She is a natural."// the voice in his mind whispered.
He couldn't disagree.
"I see."
Clair nodded thoughtfully after mulling over the suggestion.
"Then I suppose the island will be divided into three zones," Snow said, shifting the conversation forward.
"Zones?" Iris tilted her head.
"Yes," Snow affirmed. "The Residential Area, the Commercial Area, and the Guild Area."
He raised a hand, outlining each with calm precision.
"The Residential Area will house all the apartments and living quarters. The Commercial Area will be for businesses—cafés, hotels, auction houses, and more. And the Guild Area will fall under the jurisdiction of Guild HQ. That section will be for guilds who wish to establish a branch or even relocate entirely to the island."
He paused, glancing at everyone before adding,
"Each zone will also have its own unique attraction site to—"
"Wait." Iris held up a hand, cutting him off. Her brows furrowed in concern.
"If you're going to populate the entire island like that... what about transportation? It sounds like a logistical nightmare."
"Would that be resolved if the island became portal-dependent?" Lisa suggested calmly.
Her words hung in the air. Silence fell.
"...You mean, each zone would be connected via portals?" Snow asked, intrigued.
Lisa nodded. "Yes. And for added protection, the portals could be designed to only activate for individuals with a registered invitation or pass. That way, travel to and from the island would be strictly regulated."
"That would enhance security and reduce theft," she added.
"But wouldn't that increase the crime rate?" Iris shot back. "Think about it—if someone robs a bank or an auction house, they could just zap out before anyone notices."
"Then create a system that traces portal usage," Lisa replied without missing a beat. "Each pass could have a unique signature. If someone commits a crime and escapes via portal, the system should be able to track them down no matter what."
"So... you're suggesting that every person gets a traceable pass?" Snow asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Exactly. It's simple in theory. You register the pass with their identity and magic signature. Anyone using a portal after committing a crime would be caught through it."
"That sounds... complicated," Lola murmured.
"Then what if two types of portals are created?" Clair spoke up.
"What do you mean?" Lola asked.
"A Major Portal and a Minor Portal," Clair explained.
Lisa's eyes lit up as the concept clicked. "So the major portal connects the island to the outside world, while the minor portals operate only within the island?"
Clair nodded, a bit surprised Lisa understood her point so quickly.
"It's not a bad idea," Lisa admitted. "If the major portal is strictly monitored, it'd be hard for anyone to leave the island unnoticed—especially after committing a crime."
"You talk as if people can't just fly away," Iris scoffed.
"Then implement a flight restriction barrier," Lisa countered smoothly. "Only authorized individuals or those with permission can bypass it."
Lola stared at her, impressed. "Why do you always have a backup plan for everything?"
Lisa scratched her cheek, a little embarrassed. "I don't know. I just... think about every possibility."
"In that case," Clair said with a small smile, "would it be alright if we left all of this to you?"
"Excuse me?" Lisa blinked.
"All you'll need are the funds. I'll transfer them to you once we have an agreement."
"W-Wait, what?!" Lisa gasped. "I was just suggesting what could be done—"
"And you've already proven to be more efficient than most of the people I've hired so far," Clair interrupted.
"If you're not opposed to it, I'll notify the board members. They can work under your direction until the island is ready for official use."
"B-But..."
Lisa stared at her, stunned. The task didn't scare her—it wasn't a burden—but she never expected someone to entrust her with something this important... not on their first real conversation.
"Snow seems fine with it," Lola pointed out casually.
"...Alright," Lisa said quietly, nodding despite her hesitation.
"See? You'll do it if it's Snow asking," Lola teased with a grin.
"Stop teasing me!" Lisa replied, flustered and turning slightly pink.
Just then, Snow raised his hand—and with a quiet hum, a green sphere formed out of thin air, glowing with a soft white light that shimmered like the stars.
Everyone froze, eyes fixed on the radiant orb.
"Lisa," Snow said gently.
"Yes?" she replied, curious.
"...Do you want to become an Ego Bearer?"
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
"Hey, Snow!" Iris snapped, stepping forward with her senses on full alert.
"Calm down, Iris." Lisa held her back by the wrist, offering a warm smile. "Snow wouldn't hurt me."
Iris clicked her tongue, clearly irritated by how easily Lisa trusted him. Trust wasn't something she could give so freely.
"Ego Bearer... you say?" Lisa asked, her voice softer now.
Snow nodded, though a flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes.
He knew the responsibility was immense—and that offering it might bring danger to her door.
"What exactly is an Ego Bearer?" she asked.
"Someone who wields an Ego Weapon—to fight or defend," Snow explained. "But in your case, you're neither a hunter nor a soldier... so I wouldn't ask you to fight."
He paused, looking into her eyes.
"But if you accept, you'd be able to protect yourself... and maybe the people around you."
Lisa didn't answer right away. She simply sat there—silent, thoughtful, and listening.
"Does being an EGO BEARER... allow me to stay by your side?" Lisa's voice was soft, yet determined.
Snow paused.
That question pierced deeper than he expected. His breath caught, his thoughts stalled—his mind drawing a blank even as his heart thudded.
"...It does, but—"
"Then I shall be an EGO BEARER," Lisa interrupted without hesitation.
He froze again.
His chest ached—an unfamiliar mix of gratitude and dread. He didn't want her anywhere near the front lines. Not because she wasn't capable, but because he simply... wanted her safe. He wanted to give her power, not push her into danger.
"Are you sure?" Snow asked, voice low.
"I know you're worried I'll get pulled into something dangerous," she replied with a calm smile. "But I've already made up my mind. I want to be by your side."
"Ah..." Iris let out a quiet sigh as she watched Lisa—unwavering and resolute.
"Don't worry about my sister," Lisa added with a grin. "She's just here to make sure I don't do anything reckless."
Snow took one last look at her, then gave a nod. "Very well."
Just then, the voice within him echoed again—calm yet commanding.
//"IT IS UNSAFE TO TRANSFER THE EGO IN ITS CURRENT STATE."//
//"SHALL I HALVE ITS POWER OUTPUT TO MAKE IT MORE SUITABLE FOR HER?"//
(Yes), Snow responded silently.
//"CALIBRATION COMPLETE. HALF OF THE EGO'S PRESENCE AND POWER HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO STARLIGHT."//
As the glowing orb passed from his hands to Lisa's, it shimmered brightly. The moment her fingers touched it, a radiant burst of light filled the room. Then, without warning, the orb shattered—revealing elegant dagger suspended mid air, gleaming like starlight.
They shimmered as if whispering a vow.
//"CONGRATULATIONS. YOU HAVE ACQUIRED YOUR FIRST EGO BEARER."//
A digital window appeared before Snow's eyes.
//"THE EGO BLADE SHALL OBEY YOUR COMMANDS... BUT WILL NOW SERVE LISA BRIGHT AS ITS RIGHTFUL MASTER."//
"He's waiting for you to name him," Snow said gently.
"A... name?" Lisa blinked.
"Yes. A name will bind you and your EGO together. He will serve and protect you at all costs."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that."
"I see..." she smiled. "Then... would 'Elvis' be okay?"
The dagger flared instantly with light, as if resonating with joy. In the next heartbeat, the blade twisted, swirled—and then reformed into the shape of a boy. A young boy, handsome beyond words... and strangely familiar.
"...Eh?" Lola's jaw dropped as she stared. "Wait—isn't that just Snow, but cuter?!"
Lisa blushed fiercely, realizing the form the EGO had taken.
"Master, you have... interesting taste, binding me to a form based on Father," the EGO said matter-of-factly as he observed himself
"Father?" Lisa echoed, confused.
"Now that I think about it... Scarlet, Star and light call you Papa too," Lola added, raising a brow. "Is there a reason?"
"There is," Snow answered, his gaze steady. "But that's a story for another day."
"Come on! Don't be a tease." lola persuaded
"I'm serious. Only EGO BEARERS are allowed to know why." snow bluntly said
"Tch... I see," Lola muttered, clearly annoyed but intrigued.
Then, with a playful spark in her eyes, she turned to him. "So, do I get one too?"
Snow tilted his head slightly. "Do you want to be one?"
Lola grinned. "If you're okay with it, then sure!"
As she laughed playfully, Clair remained seated—quietly watching the entire exchange.
Snow noticed her silence but said nothing.
"...We should head to the summit," he said.
"We'll still be late, even if we go now," Iris reminded them.
"Wouldn't that be fine?" Lola smiled casually, before glancing toward Clair. "Hey, why've you been so quiet? You okay?"
Clair didn't respond.
"...Are you jealous you're not an EGO BEARER?" Lola teased.
Clair stood up slowly. Her thoughts swirled. (Why Lisa? Why so easily? Why is he so quick to give her that power... and even considering Lola, just like that...?)
"...We should get ready," she said softly, then walked off.
Lisa and Iris exchanged glances before following after her.
Lola remained, watching Snow. He was fiddling with Scarlet's hair, seemingly lost in thought.
"...Are you really okay with this?" Lola asked.
"What do you mean?"
"You know Clair likes you. Giving Lisa an EGO before her... it's going to hurt."
Snow's hands stopped. The room fell quiet.
"...I don't know," he muttered. "I've spent my life chasing after others. It's strange being the one who's chased now."
He looked down. "When I made Ruciel an EGO BEARER, I was happy. I thought... maybe with her, I could escape being a nobody. That I could become someone."
He smiled bitterly. "But now I regret ever entrusting Scarlet to her. That mistake won't happen again. If someone only wants power or fame without the weight of responsibility... then they're not worthy."
"But doesn't making Lisa an EGO BEARER contradict that?" Lola pressed.
"Lisa... is different." His voice was calm, unwavering. "I've known her since childhood—even before we met in person, our fates were tied. She's always been there for me, at my lowest. She's never asked for anything in return. Not once."
His eyes softened.
"She's supported me, and Aura... more than anyone. This is the least I can do to repay that kindness. I just want her to be safe—even if I'm not there."
Lola couldn't find the words to respond.
Unbeknownst to them, Clair had returned—hoping to apologize. But as she approached, she overheard their conversation and froze behind the wall. Every word hit her like a stone. She realized why Snow had been distant. Why he hesitated. And she felt guilty for misunderstanding him.
Lola noticed her retreating figure as she quietly walked away again—and smiled softly.
"I understand you, Snow," she said at last. "But I hope you clear the air. Don't leave her in the dark. She's still figuring out what love is... and she only knows it through soap operas and cheesy anime."
Snow stared, then suddenly burst into laughter.
"Cute," he said between chuckles. "She really is."
Lola grinned and gave a short wave before turning and heading upstairs to rejoin the others, leaving behind Snow, Scarlet, Star, and Light.
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to be continued...