Fragrant Pine Bathhouse
The sky was too clear—not a cloud in sight.
"Tsk. I keep sweating and it won't dry."
Karlyle stood on the bathhouse rooftop, a towel slung over his shoulder. He pinched his tank top, sniffed, and recoiled.
"Disgusting. Definitely washing this."
It feels sticky down there. He glanced at his shorts.Weather like this always brings rain. And I hate it.
He sighed and headed downstairs.
The morning rush was already in full swing.
"No time to rest. No time to eat," he muttered. "A real slave driver—"
He stopped short.
Daniel looked up from the counter. "What?"
"Nothing."
Daniel raised a brow. "Nothing or something—you're finishing chores with me." He closed the till and gestured. "You take the baths. I'll handle the counter."
"I have school today."
"Work up a sweat," Daniel said, grinning. "You'll feel great in class."
He enjoys torturing me this early.
Karlyle scowled and disappeared into the bathing area.
* * *
Wei Manor
Liora woke slowly.
Her hair was a mess. Her nightgown clung to her skin.
She yawned. Stretched.
"Ah… school."
Last night had slipped from her mind.
She tugged at the nightgown. It refused to budge.
"I need a bath."
Passing the mirror, she paused.
Damn… that's revealing.
She stepped closer. The thin fabric turned nearly transparent.
"I see you, Liora," she murmured, smiling.
"Good morning."
Her fingers brushed the glass.
Those rosy lips…
She leaned in and kissed her reflection.
You are mine. Just mine.
"Young Miss!"
Sophie's voice snapped her back.
Tsk. Her timing—
Liora's gaze flicked to the bookshelf.
The box cutter.
"Don't you dare," she muttered. "Not again."
She turned away and called out, "Getting ready. Give me a minute!"
* * *
Outside Liora's Room
Outside the door, Sophie exhaled shakily.
She's cheerful again… thank goodness.
But last night refused to fade.
It was chaos.
Dorian hadn't answered at first.
When he arrived—
Her breath caught.
He didn't let her go.
The doctor had taught him how to speak to Liora.
And he did it so well.
"If he hadn't come…" Sophie shuddered.
That look in her eyes—she didn't look human.
"She needs a friend," Sophie whispered.
Something simple. Something warm.
She turned toward the stairs.
Breakfast time.
* * *
Dorian's Private Chamber
Dorian adjusted his tie and glanced back.
Clara lay motionless on the bed, exhausted.
What's eating you alive?
Where is the woman I loved?
I have everything but you.
He studied his reflection.
Dorian… are you still here?
A knock broke the silence.
"Breakfast is ready."
"And Liora?"
"She'll be down shortly."
"Good. Make sure the food suits her."
He gave Clara one last look, picked up his case, and left the cold room behind.
* * *
Father and daughter sat across from each other.
"You're riding with me?" Dorian asked.
"No. I'll take the bus."
"Good," he said, smiling. Be around people.
Loneliness is poison.
For a moment, guilt flickered across his face.
I must smile for her.
"Try to make a friend," he said gently. "A good one."
He stood, gathered his things, and left.
* * *
Liora watched him go, smiling.
"Sophie, the bread's really good today."
She finished eating, wiped her mouth, and stood.
"Come with me to school. I don't want to go alone."
Sophie lifted the bag onto her shoulder and smiled.
"As you wish, my lady."
* * *
Fragrant Pine Bathhouse
Morning cleaning ended after grueling work.
"At this rate, I'll fall asleep before school even starts," Karlyle muttered under the shower.
No one else was around. He didn't bother covering himself.
Water streamed down his muscular frame, beads tracing the hard lines of youth and labor. Fatigue clung to him, but his body felt light—ready.
"Oy. Catch this."
Daniel stepped in and tossed him a razor.
"Shave from the neck down. You don't want to carry all that around, do you?" He gestured vaguely.
"Hey—what are you talking about?" Karlyle yelped, dropping the soap. Anyone would panic with a grown man barging in like that.
"As if I'd walk around showing all this off."
"Punk," Daniel snorted. "There'll be beautiful ladies. You need confidence—not looking like a bushman scratching under his clothes."
He handed over aromatic soap and shampoo. "Use these too."
"Bro… am I going on a blind date?" Karlyle grumbled, but took them anyway.
"For you to climb the ladder," Daniel said, scrubbing himself, "you need the hand of a rich woman. Morals come after money. Without backing, you'll hit a wall."
"Yeah, yeah… Dad," Karlyle said, rinsing his hair.
Fifteen minutes later, he emerged wrapped in a towel.
Within half an hour, he ate a light breakfast, pressed his uniform—new, thanks to Daniel—and packed his books.
"Wish me luck," he called while tying his polished shoes. "A long fight ahead. I'm the underdog."
His voice wavered. Just slightly.
"…You're the only one left who loves me."
He glanced back at Daniel behind the counter, watching TV.
Karlyle smiled.
Then he turned toward the door—toward a world he hadn't stepped into before.
This was his first step.
* * *
Bright Side District
It was 9:30 a.m.
Normally, the drive to Ayodale Royal Academy took twenty minutes.
Today, Liora walked.
She and Sophie had left ten minutes ago. Fifteen more to the Bright Side subway, then downtown Ayodale, then a bus to Lanzhu Lin—the education district.
"Sophie… I feel really happy today," Liora said, stretching her arms like wings and hopping ahead.
Sophie smiled. She had raised Liora more than Clara ever had.
I don't know why you can't love a child like this, Clara.
"You deserve to feel happy," Sophie said. "Hold your head high. You're a Wei."
"I don't really care about family lines," Liora said. "I just feel like something good will happen."
They reached the subway entrance.
"Next Train: Ayodale Central. Arriving in five minutes."
Liora hesitated.
Sophie held out her hand. "Hold mine."
"I'll look silly…"
"Better silly than lost."
Liora nodded and took her hand.
They're watching… always watching.
Sophie squeezed her palm, speaking steadily.
This can't turn into a panic episode.
The crowd pressed in.
After jostling through the surge, they reached the platform and boarded.
Liora sat stiffly, shaking.
"It's okay," Sophie said softly. "The hard part's over."
The train rattled forward.
Liora stared around, wide-eyed.
People are sleeping…?
Then—
There.
A boy in an academy uniform sat squeezed at the end of the compartment.
He's like me. First time too?
A faint smile touched her lips.
Sophie followed her gaze.
Oh my.
"Like what you see?" Sophie teased.
"Yes—" Liora froze. "I mean—no!"
The train slowed.
They followed the boy off the platform.
"See?" Sophie whispered. "Just follow him."
At the bus stop, they lined up behind him.
A breeze carried his scent.
So fresh…
The line shifted.
Liora stepped forward—and stumbled.
Time slowed.
She was falling.
Please… don't let it hurt.
Strong arms caught her.
"Watch your step, girl," a deep voice said. "Got a death wish?"