After all that, Noa walked through the empty corridor of the manor.
There was no sound, only the repetitive song of the birds and the steady murmur of the fountain outside, softly echoing through the hallway.
Lost in thought, his puppy still slept atop his head.
As he slowly descended the stairs, memories he never wanted to revisit resurfaced in his mind.
Flashback
Back in the white room, a man congratulated young Noa with an enthusiastic voice.
— Bravo !
His voice echoed through the immaculate room, while others, behind a glass window outside, kept praising the young master's talent.
— That was absolutely remarkable.
— Young Master Noa was simply astonishing.
— Few children can produce such a quantity of chaotic energy.
— And to think he is only the patriarch's adopted son… yet still, you can say he truly discovered something, that's for sure.
Noa didn't even pay attention to their words.
His vacant gaze remained fixed on the floor.
— But we cannot say the same about young Master Oliver.
— Honestly, I expected more from Capitano Hyperion's third son… but I suppose not everyone is made to bear the name of our family.
On the other side of the room, Oliver was escorted out by a maid, holding his wounded abdomen firmly.
His murderous gaze was filled with endless anger.
The man then approached Noa and placed his hand on his head.
— You should be proud of yourself, my boy. Very proud. I still can't believe you have no innate technique with such potential.
Noa raised a trembling hand to his chest.
— So why…
he murmured, as the man's smile vanished.
— Why does it hurt so much…?
End of flashback
Noa touched his forehead with a sigh, his blue eyes dimly glowing.
— Why am I thinking about this…? Now is not the time. I have better things to do.
He walked with his head lowered. Even if he didn't want to admit it, these memories were deeply unpleasant for him.
He knew this feeling well.
This feeling he hated to experience.
Turning left at the end of the corridor, he was surprised to see Eric, eyes open, reading his book while leaning against his room's door.
The golden sunlight reflected off his red hair like a sunset.
Rex, the puppy resting on Noa's head, suddenly leapt like a spider and was narrowly caught by Eric, startled, who dropped his book.
— Hey Rex, what are you doing here…? Ah, hello Noa.
Noa stayed still, observing Eric's warm smile as he played with Rex, his hair flowing in the wind along with the white curtains behind him.
Eric Hyperion, 14 years old.
Only child of Uncle Charles.
Once one of the main candidates to become patriarch, but he had given up long before me.
Eric took a few steps toward his cousin.
— You're not ready yet, I see,
he said in a soft, sincere voice, though his face bore a deep melancholy, as if looking at Noa revived an old pain he desperately sought to fill.
Noa simply shrugged and tapped his cousin's glasses.
— If you want to know, I had completely forgotten we were leaving for the capital today.
But before lecturing me, you might want to put your glasses back in place.
Eric smiled, blushing slightly, and awkwardly adjusted his glasses.
— Tell me… how's it going with Oliver ?
Noa turned his gaze to the left.
— I told him he was the shame of the family.
He might be a little offended.
— What?! But why?! And besides, it seems like you enjoyed it !
— I can't really say otherwise.
Eric sighed, fully understanding the situation.
He turned to the wall, scratching his head.
— Why do our family gatherings always go like this…
His warm smile vanished completely.
He seemed utterly defeated, while Noa was the exact opposite.
— Well… even after three years, some things don't change,
Noa replied.
Eric squinted, then bent down and placed his hand on Rex's head, who suddenly went silent.
— Yes… but you, you've changed, haven't you ?
For a fraction of a second, Noa seemed touched by these words despite his cold demeanor.
— Eric… you can take Rex. I need to get ready.
He began walking toward his room.
Eric called one last time:
— Tell me… are you at least happy to see Karea again soon ?
Noa didn't stop.
His steps were simply a little heavier than usual.
As he walked away, the curtains floated gently in the wind.
The door to Eric's room opened, and Elena stepped out, already ready for the journey.
She immediately noticed Eric's downcast expression and gently placed her hand on his head.
— I sincerely think you should give him more space, young master.
Noa is very reserved. If you insist too much, he might start avoiding you like the plague.
These words tightened the young ray of sunshine's heart.
He knew she was right… but that didn't make the situation any less painful.
— Yes… but all I want is… for the three of us to be like before.
A deep sadness was written across his face, trapped in the illusion of a past that might never return.
Meanwhile, in the car
Light barely filtered through the dark blue curtains of the vehicle.
Oliver sat inside, hands clasped, head lowered, eyes fixed on the floor.
His yellow eyes glowed like those of a feline in the night.
He remained silent.
Across from him, a woman in a black dress, legs crossed, brown hair brushing her shoulders, calmly sipped her tea.
— You seem troubled, Young Master Oliver,
she said quietly.
— And what business is it of yours?"
Oliver replied in a detached, almost indifferent tone.
She delicately set down her cup, accustomed to his harsh temperament.
— None at all. But I must remind you that I have been tasked with looking after you.
And your father will be displeased to see you return to the capital already frustrated.
Oliver gritted his teeth. The mere mention of his father sparked a black anger within him.
— Why would he care? He never paid attention to me.
— We both know that isn't true… But if you're in this state, I suppose you've seen young Master Noa again ?
Oliver flinched. A sharp pain shot through his stomach like a violent memory.
He grabbed his shirt, then quickly regained his composure.
— I believe I can help you this time.
Oliver looked up, surprised. The light in his eyes softened.
— You're serious?
— I have nothing against him.
But if you wish, I can help you.
The only thing that prevented me until now is that he was no longer in the capital.
But now, you will be in the same place for a very long time…"
A mischievous smile appeared on Oliver's lips.
— That's exactly what I wanted to hear from you, Iris Divan.
— At your service, Young Master Oliver."
Meanwhile, in Noa's bathroom
He calmly washed his face under the tap.
The echo of the water resonated throughout the room.
He lifted his head and looked at his reflection in the mirror.
His blue eyes began to shine.
The energy released made the mirror vibrate… then it shattered into fragments.
Noa sighed.
He left the room, while the shadow of his reflection lingered on the shards of the broken mirror.