Today was December 25.
Christmas Day.
More than two months had passed since Azriel's return to the Crimson estate and the White Haven event.
He and Nol had barely survived his mother's wrath.
Not that Azriel didn't understand her anger.
Suddenly disappearing in one of the safest places on Earth, right after being presumed dead for the past two years… of course, his mother would be furious.
As for Nol, he had been staying at the Crimson estate ever since.
Strangely enough, his family—especially his mother and sister—had grown fond of him.
The two of them had woven a simple story: Nol was a friend Azriel had met in the Void Realm, one who had lost his memories and knew almost nothing about Earth or his past life here. Trapped within his own unique skill, Nol had forgotten how to use it, which made Azriel think he'd died. Only later, after rediscovering how, had Nol sent an invitation to Azriel at the estate.
At first, Azriel had been suspicious. But after living with Nol day after day, he realized the boy meant no harm to him or his family. If anything, Nol seemed eager to harm anyone who so much as thought about hurting Azriel or the Crimsons.
In those two months, however, Azriel had barely managed to train physically.
The reason?
"I think this one suits him best, don't you, Mother?"
"Yes, I agree. This one makes his eyes stand out much more!"
The mother–daughter duo behind him treated him like their personal dress-up doll.
Ever since White Haven, they had barely left Azriel's side. Who knew where he might vanish to if left alone?
Or worse—with his father.
It seemed whenever the father–son pair were together, Azriel somehow managed to disappear. So now, Joaquin and Azriel were practically under house arrest—separately.
Not that Azriel minded too much.
If he was honest, he had missed the feeling of having people worry over him.
…It felt nice.
Though the part where they banned him from training? That was annoying. But it was one of the conditions for him being allowed to attend the hero academy at all.
Convincing his mother had been a nightmare. Thankfully, his father and sister had helped push it through… though his father had nearly lost his life in the process.
Again.
Now only a week remained before the academy began.
Not that Azriel needed much preparation.
At the moment, his mother and sister were in his room with him. After changing clothes for what felt like the hundredth time, he finally settled on a black tuxedo, adjusting the collar carefully. His hair was combed back, neat and proper.
Both Jasmine and Aeliana nodded in satisfaction, proud of their handiwork.
Azriel glanced at the growing pile of discarded outfits on the bed beside them. His lips twitched.
More than half of those weren't even appropriate for today.
'I feel used… Not even being in Europe was this exhausting.'
Christmas, even in this world, was celebrated. In fact, it carried even more weight here than in his old one. It symbolized that humanity still endured. Each year, one of the four great clans of Asia hosted a Christmas banquet.
This year, it was the Crimson family's turn.
Jasmine wore a sleek black dress that hugged her figure, high-necked with long sleeves. The fabric shimmered subtly in the light, falling to just above her knees.
Aeliana's dress mirrored Jasmine's but in a deep crimson red.
Azriel understood perfectly why the protagonist in the book had been so taken with Jasmine. Her beauty was magnetic, enchanting—the kind that drew eyes without effort.
Their mother, however, was in a league of her own—elegance and grace that seemed almost otherworldly.
'Still, he's not getting her,' Azriel thought flatly.
It wasn't that he disliked the protagonist. In fact, he liked him well enough. The boy had flaws, sure, but what annoyed Azriel most was his ridiculous harem.
'Not that he has one yet… Maybe I can change that. Get him to stick with one person. Maybe.'
He shook his head.
'No time to waste on that. If anything, I'll just intervene if he and Jasmine get too close.'
"Both of you should go downstairs," Azriel said aloud.
"I'll join you once I check on Nol."
His mother frowned.
"Are you sure? It's been a long time since you've attended anything like this…"
Azriel smiled softly at her concern. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Jasmine giving him the same worried look.
He almost never attended banquets. Tonight would mark the first time in years Azriel Crimson appeared in public—the moment to dispel the swirling rumors about him.
"Perhaps it's better if I stay with you and Nol," Jasmine suggested.
Azriel shook his head firmly.
"No need. Really. You're both worrying too much. I promise I'll be fine. Besides, it's about to start. Father's probably waiting downstairs already."
It would look strange if his mother and sister were late. Azriel, however, wasn't exactly expected. He could afford to make an entrance a little later.
"Fine…" Aeliana finally relented.
"Just make sure you stay with Nol. If not, find us if something happens."
Azriel smiled.
"I doubt anything will happen. But I'll find you if it does."
Of course, he didn't believe that for a second.
Something would happen.
In fact, he was counting on it.
Because this Christmas banquet would be…
'The perfect chance to change Azriel Crimson's image.'