Serco's POV
I was forced to wear a bracelet that restricted my powers and sent to the Calescent Inconel School of Reform. I didn't feel weaker, but the restraint annoyed me.
"Welcome, everyone. You are here because your temperament has caused trouble. Perhaps you attacked one of your own people, caused excessive property damage, or were simply a general nuisance. Either way, we can help you tame that temperament and rejoin society."The headmaster's voice rang out as I stood in the assembly hall with forty-nine others. I kept my eyes on the bracelet, trying not to focus on the others. But I could feel their frustration—similar to mine—and their whispers echoed in my ears despite my efforts to tune them out.
"Look at his outfit. He must be nobility.""I'm so sick of being here.""I wish this b*tch would shut up.""At least we're here together.""A century in this dump? Really?"
"Silence!" the headmaster barked. A hush fell over the room.
"My name is Grion Holithe. You may call me Lady Holithe. Line up against the right wall. My assistant, Xyanle, will give you your schedules and dorm keys."When no one moved, she added sharply, "NOW."
Most rushed to comply. Anyone could sense she was stronger than she looked—headmistress of a reform school for dangerous individuals. Of course she would be.
I was second to last in line. When my turn came, Xyanle looked up and said,"Oh, only two left. Let me guess—you're Serco Shion, son of Striton."
I stared at her, stone-faced, hand outstretched. We stood in silence until she finally handed me the documents and key.
"You look just like him," she murmured.
"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" I sneered.
She flustered, clearly unprepared for my response, but I was already walking away.
The bright side? No brothers. No father. A full century without seeing them.The downside? I had to wear this thing.
I glanced again at the restraint on my arm. Then I lay down and fell asleep—for the first time in a long while, uninterrupted.When I woke up, I spent a few hours reading one of the novels I brought from home. Then the bell rang. Time for our first classes.
Most students seemed groggy as we moved down the hallway.
"Hey," a girl's voice called.
I ignored her, but she tapped my arm. I jerked away.
"Don't touch me," I warned.
She smiled like I wasn't serious, but her heart rate betrayed her. Her voice shook when she tried again.
"My name's Bloom."
"Did I ask?"
"...Everyone else has made a friend already... but you were alone, so I thought... we could be friends," she mumbled.
I scoffed, but after a beat, I muttered, "Okay… let's try it."
She brightened instantly, practically skipping to my side, invading what little personal space I had.
"What's your name?"
"Shion."
She was short—maybe 160 cm. Pink bobbed hair, tangerine eyes, pale skin that made the color pop even more.
"Nice to meet you… so why are you here?" she asked.
I didn't answer.
"I killed my sister." She spoke softly but directly. "There's no prison system here… and it was self-defense. But I have to learn how to hold back."
"I'm just a cold-hearted bastard," I replied evenly.
That seemed to do the trick—her nervousness faded. She even stepped a little closer. I wished she hadn't. Her energy made it harder to keep a straight face.
We were allowed to socialize during breakfast in the cafeteria.
"So… are you going to eat?" Bloom asked between bites of pancake.
"Not hungry."I was already plotting my escape. If I could show enough "progress" or "growth," maybe I could leave early. I began compiling examples of good behavior in my head and shaped a new persona.
"Which class are you in?" I asked. There were five total: A through E. I was in Class A.
"Class A," she said.
I forced a smile. "That's great."
Lying disgusts me, but if I want to outmaneuver my father… I may need to do a lot more of it.
She stuck close all day. Our classes were dull—Etiquette, Law, Discipline, Meditation, Sensitivity. But once we were back at the dorms, I decided to confront her.
"Why did you lie to me?"
She blinked. "What do you mean?"
"I mean… there were plenty of other people to talk to besides me."
"Oh. Well..." She hesitated, then said shyly, "I guess I should confess—I found you… very attractive. I didn't want to make you uncomfortable, so I hid that. I'm sorry."
I laughed coldly.
"So you decided to lie again. Good night, Bloom."
I opened my door, but she grabbed my wrist.
"Wait! I'm not lying!"
I sighed. "You also lied about not recognizing me. You didn't approach me just because you found me attractive—you were hired, weren't you?"
Her gasp confirmed it before she could even speak.
"By my father, perhaps?" I added.She bit her lip and released my wrist.
"I…"
She tried to spin another excuse, but I cut her off.
"It's fine. Watch me—I'll pretend your cover isn't blown. You'll still get paid. Just make sure your report's glowing."
She nodded, stunned.
"Good night again, Bloom."
This time, she let me go without interference.