Early morning sunlight gently slipped through the cracks in the curtains, quietly entering the room.
Seress slowly opened her eyes to the crisp, melodious chirping of birds.
She looked around somewhat bewildered at the unfamiliar ceiling above, the fresh scent lingering at her nose distinctly different from her own home.
Only then did it dawn on her—she was at Aetin’s place.
Instinctively, Seress reached out to the spot beside her, only to touch an icy, empty space.
Seeing the vacant bed next to her, memories of Aetin’s polite refusal last night flashed clearly in her mind.
An indescribable emptiness and disappointment welled up inside her chest, causing it to tighten painfully.
She curled deeper into the soft blankets, as if seeking some small comfort that way.
This was Aetin’s bed—the sheets, duvet cover, and pillowcase all still faintly carried the subtle, reassuringly fresh scent of him.
Seress unconsciously inhaled lightly, like a cautious little animal, greedily wanting to soak in more of this scent that belonged to Aetin, as if doing so would bring her closer to him.
Suddenly, she realized how… how much like a lovesick fool she must appear, and her cheeks instantly blazed as if ignited, the burning warmth creeping all the way to her ears.
(Thank goodness… thank goodness Aetin didn’t see… otherwise, he’d definitely think I’m some kind of reckless, strange pervert…)
She hurriedly covered her flushed face with both hands, her heart pounding with embarrassment.
Like a guilty thief, she quickly glanced around the room to confirm she was still alone, the room silent and empty, and only then did she exhale a small sigh of relief.
Gently patting her chest, she carefully sat up on the bed.
Her gaze naturally began to take in Aetin’s bedroom.
The room was exceptionally tidy, everything neatly arranged—quite different from what she had imagined a boy’s room to be like.
Seress quietly stepped off the bed, her bare feet touching the cool floor, curiosity guiding her toward the desk.
Her fingertips lightly brushed over several books on magical theory, then glanced at the few ordinary quill pens standing in the pen holder.
She touched this and looked at that, as if these simple belongings could reveal Aetin’s daily life and help her understand him a little better.
After yesterday’s harrowing experience—nearly a matter of life and death—Seress had an unshakable awareness: she could no longer be without Aetin.
The image of the young man was etched into her mind, constantly on her thoughts.
She longed to open her eyes and see his slightly lazy yet comforting smile, to hear his gentle voice.
Though Seress had never truly been in love before, from her mother’s vague mentions and the strange, bittersweet feelings stirring in her heart now, she vaguely understood—this must be what it means to like someone.
Clearly, she had fallen for Aetin.
For this black-haired youth who usually seemed a bit cynical and indifferent to everything, yet was unwavering and reliable when it mattered most.
Every time he came to her aid, every promise he made, every resolute stance he took to shield her with that not-so-wide yet seemingly impenetrable back…
Every detail in her memories made her heart race and flutter.
Seress unconsciously lifted her hand, pressing it gently against her chest, clearly feeling her heartbeat grow stronger and more frequent, like the steady beating of a drum hammering on her ribcage.
Yet, alongside the clarity of her feelings for Aetin, an uncontrollable wave of sadness surged from the depths of her heart.
Last night… Aetin’s polite refusal of her invitation… did that mean he didn’t have the same feelings for her after all?
That thought pricked at her heart like a tiny thorn.
She recalled Aetin’s earlier words, where he had clearly stated that the reason he helped her was mainly because he couldn’t stand Rufus’s actions—and because Rufus had offended him personally—not because he felt anything special for her.
Thinking of this, Seress felt her heart sink, a bittersweet ache spreading through her.
She instinctively glanced down at herself.
She had always been confident in her looks and figure; otherwise, she wouldn’t have attracted so much attention and so many admirers since childhood.
But… why did Aetin seem utterly uninterested in her?
Was she simply unappealing to him?
Suddenly, she remembered something Aetin had said when analyzing Rufus’s behavior—that kind of “hero saving the beauty” move was aimed at winning a girl’s heart.
At the time, she found it laughable.
How could someone fall for another just because they had been helped?
But now, after experiencing it all firsthand, Seress truly understood.
When someone appears like a hero again and again at your most desperate, helpless moments, offering protection, support, and firm promises… it really can make you fall hopelessly in love with that person.
(But… Aetin, you’re so oblivious… You know exactly how the “hero saving the beauty” trope works, yet you have no awareness that you’re doing the very same thing to me, don’t you?)
Seress quietly complained to herself, a trace of grievance coloring her thoughts.
She remained lost in this bittersweet turmoil of hope and despair for quite a while.
Only when the sunlight outside grew brighter did she suddenly realize the time had slipped by.
Hastily gathering her slightly disheveled uniform and long hair, she opened the door and stepped out.
But the living room was empty.
Seress’s eyes fell upon the dining table—there sat a simple breakfast prepared for her, and beneath a warm glass of milk was a folded note.
She walked over, picked up the note, and unfolded it.
Aetin’s handwriting was casual yet clear and strong.
The note said that Aetin would be reporting early to the Disciplinary Committee today.
Seress had worked hard yesterday, so it was okay to rest more.
If necessary, he would help her ask for leave from the teachers.
Delicate fingers clutched the thin paper, and reading those caring words, a complex warmth welled in Seress’s chest—but more than that, an ache of heartache.
It was clearly Aetin who had it harder.
Meanwhile, Aetin had already arrived at Saint Dias Academy.
Standing before the heavy wooden door of the Disciplinary Committee Chair’s office, he straightened his uniform collar, took a deep breath to steady his complicated emotions, then raised his hand and knocked three times with a firm but gentle rhythm.
“Come in.”
Inside came the unmistakably cool voice of Kurokami Akane.
Aetin pushed the door open.
Within the office, Kurokami Akane sat behind the large desk, head lowered as she reviewed documents with focused attention.
To her right rested a cup of coffee, long since cooled, with no steam rising from its surface.
That senior… could she have been working here all night?
“Kurokami-senpai, first-year student Aetin reporting.”
Aetin composed himself, took a few steps forward, and stood at attention.
Then he gave Kurokami Akane a formal student salute, his tone respectful.
At the sound of his voice, Kurokami Akane looked up, her crimson eyes appraising him for a moment before setting down the quill in her hand.
“You’re early.”
She stood, circled the desk, and came to stand before him, her tone flat as she spoke.
Then she picked up a red-and-white armband emblazoned with the Disciplinary Committee insignia from the side table and handed it to Aetin.
“From now on, you are a member of the Disciplinary Committee. Your duty is to follow my direct orders.”
Kurokami Akane’s voice carried an undeniable authority that felt like a silent pressure.
“Remember, my commands take absolute priority. Understood?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Aetin took the substantial armband, nodding.
Though called a Disciplinary Committee member, his real role was to stay close to Seress, monitor her condition, and prevent her from slipping back into darkness.
Not much different from what he had done before.
“This is the internal Communicator for Disciplinary Committee use only.”
Kurokami Akane then produced a small, exquisitely designed magical device resembling a portable wireless earpiece and handed it over.
She slightly tilted her head to show Aetin the matching device she wore on her right ear.
The small gadget almost blended seamlessly with her black hair.
“You must wear this at all times while on campus. Do not remove it without permission, ensuring you can receive instructions and communications immediately.”
“Understood.”
Aetin took the device and mimicked her, placing it on his right ear.
“One last thing, Aetin. From the moment you wear this armband and become a Disciplinary Committee member, you belong to me.”
Kurokami Akane folded her arms, her crimson gaze fixed intently on Aetin as she spoke with even more solemnity.
Her words carried an almost absolute desire for control.
“You must respond whenever called. Under no circumstances are you to disobey my orders. You understand this, too, don’t you?”