WebNovels

Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: Showing off

The afternoon sun poured through the classroom windows, casting long shadows across the polished floor.

Claude stood beside his desk, bag slung over one shoulder as the faint chatter of students leaving filled the room.

He glanced at Rodney, James, and Hansen, who were still seated a few rows down, talking quietly among themselves.

It felt like the right moment.

"Hey," Claude began, his tone casual yet composed. "Are you three free tonight? Let's have dinner together."

The words were simple, but they carried weight he didn't quite realize.

Before he could even mention the place, the three looked up, expressions changing instantly.

Surprise first, then relief, then genuine joy.

"Really?" Rodney asked, his voice almost too eager.

Claude blinked, slightly caught off guard.

"Yeah," he said lightly, trying to sound natural. "Just a casual dinner."

James grinned from ear to ear. "Man, you have no idea how good that sounds right now."

Hansen chuckled. "Count us in. We'll go wherever you say."

Claude gave a short nod, his expression unreadable. "I'll message you later, then."

As he turned and walked out of the classroom, the three exchanged looks of quiet excitement, unable to hide their smiles.

For them, it wasn't just an invitation to dinner.

It was something far deeper—a quiet reassurance that their bond with Claude still existed.

The distance they had felt these past few weeks, the unspoken uncertainty about whether he truly saw them as friends, all seemed to fade away in that single moment.

Claude, the mysterious and composed classmate who often felt out of reach, had finally taken a step toward them again.

For the first time in weeks, it truly felt like they belonged—not just in the classroom filled with elites, but beside someone who had unknowingly given them a reason to stay strong.

***

As soon as Claude arrived home, he loosened his tie and was about to rest when the familiar system window appeared before him.

|╣Host, preparations for the evaluation dinner are underway. For optimal presentation, your three guests will be retrieved and escorted to the villa by private cars.╠|

Claude froze mid-step. "Wait—cars? You're sending cars to pick them up?"

|╣Affirmative. Their arrival must reflect the host's social standing. This will emphasize your established identity.╠|

Claude groaned softly, dragging a hand down his face.

"Is that really necessary? Won't that look… excessive?"

|╣Status must be displayed convincingly, host. Subtlety has no place in high society.╠|

He stared at the fading projection, shoulders slumping. "You really want to make a scene, huh…"

|╣Correction: A statement, not a scene.╠|

Claude exhaled in defeat. "…Fine. Do it your way."

|╣Acknowledged. Transportation is now en route. Dinner preparations will be complete within one hour.╠|

As the holographic window vanished, Claude sighed again, glancing toward the grand dining hall.

Showing off like this feels so wrong… but I guess it's part of the act.

***

Rodney adjusted the cuffs of his navy shirt, checking his reflection in the mirror one last time.

He wasn't used to dressing too formally, but he always carried himself neatly.

Just as he reached for his watch, a sharp honk echoed from outside his dorm window.

Curious, he peeked through the glass—and froze.

A black luxury car gleamed under the sunlight, parked right at the dorm entrance.

A uniformed driver stood beside it, posture straight and professional.

Rodney stepped outside, half unsure, half curious. "Excuse me," he called out, "are you… looking for someone?"

The driver gave a courteous nod. "Sir Rodney Klein?"

"Yes, that's me," he replied slowly. "Were you sent to pick me up?"

"Indeed, sir. The Young Master has arranged your transport to his villa."

Rodney blinked, still processing. "Young Master? You mean… Claude?"

"Yes, sir."

Rodney let out a small breath, both surprised and impressed. "Guess he wasn't joking about dinner."

He climbed into the car, the scent of leather and the quiet hum of the engine making him realize—this was no ordinary invitation.

James straightened his collar as he prepared to leave.

His dormmates had already gone out, and he was scrolling through his phone when a knock came at the door.

Opening it, he was met with a calm, suited driver. "Mr. James Whitaker?"

James raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, that's me. What's this about?"

"Young Master has arranged transport for you to his villa, sir."

James blinked, surprised. "Young Master.... Claude?"

He stepped past the door and saw the sleek car waiting by the curb.

The driver held the back door open respectfully.

He chuckled under his breath. "Well, he sure knows how to make an impression."

He slipped on his jacket and followed the driver, curiosity flickering in his eyes as he climbed in.

***

Hansen fixed his hair with practiced precision, glancing at the clock.

He wasn't expecting anyone when a knock echoed at his door.

Opening it revealed a man in a crisp black suit and gloves. "Mr. Hansen Doyle?"

"That's me," Hansen said cautiously. "Is there a problem?"

"Not at all, sir. I'm here on behalf of the Young Master to escort you to his villa."

Hansen's eyes widened slightly. "Young Master....? Ah Claude sent you?"

"Yes, sir. The Young Master instructed us to ensure your comfort."

He looked past the man and saw the luxury car parked neatly outside, its polished surface reflecting the streetlights.

A grin spread across his face. "Well, that's definitely new. Guess I shouldn't keep him waiting."

He grabbed his blazer and stepped out confidently, his thoughts running wild.

Three luxury cars rolled through the city, each carrying one of Claude's invited guests—Rodney, James, and Hansen—all thinking the same thing.

Claude… just who are you really, Young Master?

The three cars arrived one after another at the towering gates of an exclusive hillside estate.

The security system scanned each vehicle, and the heavy wrought-iron gates slowly opened with a low mechanical hum.

Rodney leaned closer to the car window, his eyes widening.

The long, tree-lined driveway stretched ahead, flanked by sculpted hedges and elegant lanterns.

"This… this is Claude's place?" he murmured in disbelief.

James, in the car behind him, whistled softly.

"A villa? This looks more like a private mansion."

Hansen, sitting in the last car, could only blink as the estate came into full view—fountains, marble steps, and wide glass walls glowing in the early evening light.

"No way… this is insane," he muttered, straightening his shirt instinctively.

As their cars came to a stop at the grand entrance, an elderly man in a crisp black suit stepped forward.

His presence radiated calm authority—the very image of a professional butler.

The first driver stepped out and respectfully opened Rodney's door. "Welcome, sir. This way, please."

The butler approached with a dignified smile, bowing slightly.

"Welcome, gentlemen. Young Master Claude has been expecting you."

Rodney hesitated before stepping onto the marble path.

The butler nodded politely.

"Please, allow me to escort you inside."

James and Hansen exchanged stunned looks as they gathered near Rodney.

"They really addressed him as Young Master..." Hansen whispered under his breath.

"Yeah," James replied, still staring at the enormous villa ahead.

"Guess we didn't really know who we were friends with."

The three followed him inside, their hearts pounding—not from fear, but from sheer awe and disbelief.

The entrance alone spoke of wealth beyond their imagination.

Polished marble floors gleamed under the soft golden light of a chandelier that looked like it could cost more than their tuition combined.

Elegant paintings adorned the walls, each framed in gold and depicting serene landscapes or noble figures from ages past.

The faint scent of expensive cologne and fresh lilies lingered in the air, refined yet inviting.

They expected Claude to be well-off—his composure and manner of speech had always hinted at it—but to confirm it like this was another story entirely.

This wasn't simple wealth; this was generational power, the kind that left traces in everything it touched.

Rodney's eyes darted to the intricate carvings on the banister, his hand hesitating to even touch it.

James's sharp mind tried to estimate the cost of everything in the foyer but gave up halfway through, the numbers growing absurd.

Hansen, the most expressive of the three, looked like he was struggling not to gape openly.

Their minds swirled with thoughts, disbelief, and curiosity.

They reached the grand sala, where Claude sat waiting.

The room radiated refinement—velvet drapes, an intricate chandelier, and a grand piano resting beside a wall of glass that opened to a garden view.

Claude, seated gracefully on the couch, looked every bit the image of composure and quiet authority.

But inwardly, he was dying of embarrassment.

Damn it, system… did you really have to show them everything?! he cursed silently, keeping his face calm and expression unreadable.

His posture was impeccable, his gaze steady—every detail of his demeanor perfectly aligned with the etiquette lessons he had endured.

Yet beneath that polished exterior, Claude wanted nothing more than to sink into the floor.

|╣Displaying wealth and influence solidifies your noble persona. The tour was necessary.╠|

Necessary my foot, Claude thought bitterly.

He's forcing a polite smile as the three approached in awe.

More Chapters