Elsen stood among the noisy crowd of students, yet he ignored all of it. The voices around him blurred into the background as his entire attention remained on the phone in his hand. His eyes stayed fixed on the screen, his expression slightly tense.
Why isn’t he picking up…?
He stared at the phone for a moment before trying to call Roy again. The ringing continued, unanswered. Elsen lifted his head and glanced toward the entrance, as if expecting Roy to appear, but after a second, he lowered his gaze back to his phone.
Why isn’t Roy answering… and why didn’t he come to college today? The first class is already finished…
As he was thinking, his phone suddenly rang.
Elsen was stunned for a brief moment, then quickly answered without wasting any time.
“Roy, where are you? Why aren’t you answering my calls?”
He didn’t give Roy any chance to speak first.
From the other side, Roy said, “Sorry, Elsen… I was in the bathroom…”
Elsen went silent for a moment before replying, “Is that so…? Mm… so you aren’t coming to college today?”
“I’m not… I’ve taken two days’ leave from college.”
Without thinking too much, Elsen hurriedly asked, “Why…?”
As soon as the word left his mouth, Roy fell silent.
Realizing it, Elsen quickly added, “It’s okay… I was just worried since you didn’t answer the call…”
Elsen lowered his gaze to the floor. He knew he shouldn’t have asked that. The question had slipped out before he could think, and the moment Roy went quiet, he regretted it.
Then he heard Roy say, “I’m visiting my grandfather…”
Elsen was slightly startled, but his mood eased quickly. A small smile appeared on his face.
“I see… ” he said, his voice becoming more cheerful than before.
Then Roy asked, “Elsen, could you send me the class notes?”
Elsen replied cheerfully, “No problem.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s n—”
Elsen stopped mid-sentence.
Another voice came from Roy’s side.
“Why haven’t you dried your hair yet? Don’t catch a cold.”
Elsen went completely silent.
The smile on his face disappeared.
He recognized that voice.
Liam.
Elsen’s fingers tightened slightly around his phone.
Why is Liam there…?
The thought surfaced, followed by another.
At Roy’s house…? Are they… living together?
One after another, questions rose in his mind. Before he realized it, his thoughts had turned into a mess. A strange, unpleasant feeling slowly spread through his chest something he couldn’t name, yet couldn’t ignore.
Then he heard Roy reply, “My hair dryer is not working.”
“I’ll take a look. For now, use a towel,” Liam said.
This time, Liam’s voice sounded clearer, closer like he was standing right beside Roy.
“Okay.”
That single word made something in Elsen’s chest sink.
Why is Roy so… obedient to him…?
He didn’t understand why that thought bothered him so much, but the feeling in his chest only grew heavier.
“Elsen…”
Roy’s voice came again.
Elsen, who had been lost in his thoughts, snapped back. “Hm.”
Roy seemed to notice the change in his tone. “What happened?”
“Nothing… The professor is here. Bye.”
Before Roy could say anything else, Elsen cut the call.
For a moment, he just stood there, staring at the screen showing the call had ended. His fingers slowly curled into a fist around his phone, the grip tightening without him realizing it.
Then he started walking toward the classroom.
His steps were a little faster than usual.
On the way, he collided with a student who was carrying a stack of notes. The papers slipped from the student’s hands and scattered across the floor.
Elsen didn’t stop.
He didn’t even look.
He simply kept walking, as if nothing had happened.
“Hey! Jerk, can’t you see where you’re going?” the student shouted, annoyed.
Elsen ignored him completely and continued walking.
The student’s face flushed red with anger. “You arrogant freak! Just you wait, bastard!”
But Elsen didn’t respond.
Without looking back, without slowing down, he just kept walking.
*****
Roy stared out the car window, his gaze following the passing scenery without truly seeing it. His thoughts were elsewhere. He still didn’t understand why Old Master Crimson had suddenly called for him. That was the reason he had taken leave from college, but the timing felt too abrupt, too unexpected.
But what troubled him more was the atmosphere at home earlier this morning.
He had overslept, and when he finally went downstairs, he had assumed everyone would have already left for their work. Yet, to his surprise, everyone was seated at the dining table.
And something felt… wrong.
The usual warmth was gone. Miss Lilly, who was always cheerful and smiling, had been unusually quiet. Not just her—everyone looked different. There were faint dark circles under their eyes, as if none of them had slept the entire night.
Even Raymond didn’t look well. His expression had been heavier than usual, more restrained.
The entire dining table had been wrapped in silence.
Only Luca had tried to keep things normal, starting an awkward conversation here and there, but even he eventually fell quiet.
Roy hadn’t understood what had happened.
That silence lingered in his mind now, pressing on him.
A faint unease settled in his chest.
Did I… say something last night?
He tried to recall what happened after he drank that juice, but no matter how many times he went over it in his mind, there was nothing. Everything after that moment was blank.
His fingers tightened slightly.
I hope it’s not because of me…
That was the only thought he could hold onto as the car continued moving forward.
Roy continued to watch the passing scenery outside, but after a while, he realized something Liam, who was sitting beside him in the back seat, had been unusually quiet the entire time.
Frowning slightly, Roy turned his head to look at him.
To his surprise, Liam was asleep.
His posture was still straight, almost too proper even in sleep. He hadn’t leaned his head to the side despite the movement of the car.
He was wearing his usual turtleneck, his hands resting neatly on his lap, as if he hadn’t allowed himself to relax even while unconscious.
Roy looked at him more closely.
There were faint dark circles under Liam’s eyes.
He looked… tired.
Roy’s expression softened a little as he sighed quietly.
Did he not sleep well either…?
For some reason, that thought made him feel slightly uneasy.
It seems like I’m the only one who slept well…
Roy glanced at him again, then noticed how stiff his posture was. Even in sleep, Liam didn’t look comfortable.
After a moment of hesitation, Roy shifted a little closer. Carefully, he reached out and gently adjusted the seat, lowering it just enough to let Liam rest more comfortably.
The movement caused a small reaction Liam unconsciously shifted, his body relaxing slightly as he found a more natural position. His shoulders loosened, and his breathing steadied again.
Roy watched him for a moment.
He looks different like this…
There was something unfamiliar about seeing Liam like this unguarded, quiet, almost defenseless.
Roy lowered his gaze slightly before turning toward the driver.
“Drive slowly…”
The driver was momentarily stunned by the sudden request, but he quickly responded, “Yes, Young Master.”
The car continued moving, now at a gentler pace, carrying with it a quiet moment that Roy didn’t fully understand.
-------
About half an hour later, Roy adjusted his posture as the car entered a quieter area. The surroundings had changed completely—tall, dense trees stretched endlessly on both sides, their shadows overlapping and forming a natural canopy. There was nothing else in sight, only greenery.
Roy lowered the car window slightly.
A cool breeze brushed past him, gently lifting his hair. The air felt fresh, carrying the faint scent of leaves and earth. He could even hear the distant chirping of birds, clear and unhurried.
Roy took a slow breath, letting himself relax for the first time since the drive began.
For a brief moment, all the thoughts that had been troubling him faded away.
A soft smile appeared on his lips as he closed his eyes, quietly enjoying the calm.
Then suddenly—
The car jolted.
It came to an abrupt stop.
Roy was startled, his body jerking slightly forward as he instinctively clenched the seatbelt.
“What happened…?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of panic.
“What happened…?”
Beside him, Liam also woke up from the sudden brake. He turned toward Roy, his eyes still slightly red from sleep, his hair a little messy completely different from his usual composed appearance.
The driver quickly spoke, “Sorry, Young Master. The car in front suddenly stopped…”
Their car was part of a small convoy one car in front, one behind, both carrying bodyguards, with Roy’s car in the middle.
Liam’s attention immediately shifted to Roy. “Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?”
His voice was filled with concern, the sleepiness gone in an instant.
Roy, still holding the seatbelt, shook his head. “I’m okay…”
But Liam didn’t look convinced. His gaze moved over Roy quickly, checking him from head to toe before glancing toward the front car.
He took out his phone and called the bodyguard in the lead car. The conversation was brief—just a few words before he ended the call.
A moment later, the cars started moving again.
Roy looked at him. “What happened…?”
Liam replied, “It seems a wild animal got under the front car.”
Roy nodded, understanding.
As Liam suddenly realized he had fallen asleep, a faint frown formed on his face. He hadn’t slept well the entire night, but even then, dozing off like this so deeply, so defenseless was unlike him. It was careless. Too careless.
Leaning back slightly, he paused when he noticed something unusual.
His seat was lowered.
For a brief second, he stared at it in silence. He didn’t need to think much to understand what had happened… or who had done it.
Roy.
The realization settled quietly, but instead of easing him, it only made something in his chest tighten. That small, thoughtless gesture done so naturally left him feeling strangely uneasy. It wasn’t anything significant, just a minor act of consideration, yet it affected him more than it should have.
Liam looked away, his expression turning more restrained.
Every little thing Roy did… it was starting to get to him.
And the more it did, the more it stirred something unfamiliar in him something he couldn’t quite name, yet couldn’t ignore either.
Before he could think further, Roy spoke.
“You should sleep more… you look tired.”
Liam went silent.
“….”
For a moment, he didn’t know what to say.
Then he let out a small sigh. “You…” He paused, then continued, “If another employer saw me sleeping in the middle of my duty, they would fire me. You know that.”
Roy looked at him quietly. “But you look tired…”
Liam shook his head slightly.“My job is to protect you as your bodyguard, and I’m paid for it. As my employer, you should point out my mistakes.And no matter how tired I am, I shouldn’t neglect my duty. It’s my mistake.”
He needed Roy to understand that.
To treat him as nothing more than a bodyguard.Only then would things remain simple.
Only then would it be easier… to keep everything clear.
Roy didn’t say anything after that.
Liam’s tone had turned firm, almost as if he was scolding himself.
The atmosphere inside the car slowly turned quiet.
Neither of them spoke again, and an awkward silence settled between them as the car continued moving forward.
--------
Roy didn’t understand why Liam had sounded angry. He lowered his gaze slightly, thinking about it.
Is he angry because I let him sleep…? But how could I wake him up when he looked so tired… and was sleeping so soundly…? Sometimes I really don’t understand him…
With that thought, Roy fell silent.
Beside him, Liam was looking at Roy from the side. His fingers slowly clenched, his gaze lingering on Roy, who had suddenly grown quiet.
A trace of regret crept in.
Just moments ago, Liam had convinced himself that drawing a clear line between them would make things easier. That if Roy treated him as nothing more than a bodyguard, everything would remain simple.
But now, as Roy grew quiet, all those thoughts seemed to fall apart.
Liam knew his response earlier had been a little too cold. Roy had only meant well he had let him rest, even adjusted the seat so he could sleep comfortably. Yet he had responded like that.
The silence in the car began to feel uncomfortable.
Liam didn’t like it.
More than that he didn’t like that Roy was quiet.
Turning slightly toward him, Liam spoke, “Thank you… My mind feels fresher after that sleep.”
Roy turned toward him, and for a brief moment, their eyes met.
Sunlight filtered in through the window, falling softly over Roy’s face. His deep blue eyes seemed to catch the light, faintly shining, while his black hair moved gently with the breeze, soft and light like raven feathers.
Liam unconsciously clenched his hand again.
He waited for Roy to say something more.
But Roy only said, “It’s okay…”
Then he turned back toward the window, his attention returning to the scenery outside.
Liam was stunned.
A hint of confusion crossed his face.
Is he… angry?
He looked at Roy again, but Roy simply kept looking outside, quiet and distant.
Liam didn’t want the silence to continue.
Awkwardly, he tried to start a conversation. “The scenery… is good.”
There was a short pause.
Then Roy replied without turning, “Hm…”
That was all.
Liam felt even more uneasy.
It was the first time he had tried to start a conversation like this—and it had completely failed.
He’s really angry…
After a moment, Liam seemed to think of something. He reached into his pocket and took out a small candy. Looking at Roy, he called softly, “Roy…”
This time, Roy turned toward him.
Liam extended his hand. “Take this.”
Roy looked slightly confused. Liam’s palm was closed, but Roy still reached out his hand. Liam placed the candy gently into it.
Roy looked down at the small candy in his palm, then back at Liam.
“I’m sorry… Don’t be angry…”
Liam apologized simply, without explaining what he meant.
Roy looked at him, puzzled. “Why should I be angry?”
Liam went silent.
He didn’t answer.
I wish you were…
The thought appeared in his mind before he could stop it.
His gaze dropped to his hand—the same hand that had just touched Roy’s.
I wish… you would get angry at me…
He didn’t fully understand it himself, but he had heard that emotions like anger, happiness, and sadness were usually shown only to people who were close.
That thought made him pause.
Then his fingers tightened slightly.
What am I even thinking…?
Liam looked back at Roy, a faint, bitter smile forming on his lips.
“Thank God…”
Roy looked at Liam with a confused look.
-------
As they finally approached the vast ancestral mansion of the Crimson family, the towering structure came into full view, standing solemn and imposing behind the grand gates.
The car slowed before coming to a stop at the entrance.
Liam stepped out first and opened the car door for Roy. Roy got out, his gaze briefly sweeping over the surroundings.
At the entrance, the head butler stood waiting along with a line of servants, all neatly arranged.
The head butler stepped forward and bowed slightly. “Welcome, Young Master Roy.”
Roy gave a small nod in acknowledgment.
Without delay, the butler turned and began leading the way inside. Roy followed, with Liam walking a step behind him.
As they walked, Liam’s gaze shifted subtly toward the servants lined along the sides. Some kept their heads lowered respectfully, but a few couldn’t help stealing glances at Roy some curious, some surprised.
One servant, in particular, had been staring a moment too long, only to suddenly meet Liam’s dark gaze. Startled, he immediately lowered his head and bowed.
They entered the main hall of the mansion, where the atmosphere felt quiet and restrained.
The butler spoke in a calm, professional tone, “The Master is currently resting. Before meeting him, would you prefer to freshen up, Young Master? It has been a long journey.”
Roy nodded. “Alright.”
The butler inclined his head slightly, then turned toward Liam. “We have prepared a guest room for you as well, Mr. Liam. If you would kindly follow me, I will have someone escort you.”
Liam’s gaze briefly shifted toward Roy, as if hesitating.
The butler noticed and offered a polite, reassuring smile. “Please be at ease. The security within the mansion is strictly maintained. There is no cause for concern.”
After a brief pause, Liam gave a small nod.
A servant stepped forward to guide him, and Liam followed.
Meanwhile, the head butler led Roy further inside, guiding him through the quiet corridors until they reached his room.
Stopping at the door, the butler opened it and stepped aside. He bowed slightly once more. “Please take your time to rest, Young Master. I will inform you as soon as the Master awakens.”
Roy nodded. “Okay.”
With that, the butler quietly took his leave, leaving Roy alone in the room.
-------
As Roy passed by the large window, the night sky stretched endlessly outside. The moon hung quietly in the darkness, surrounded by scattered stars that shimmered faintly. The soft silver light slipped through the glass, casting a gentle glow along the hallway.
Roy walked slowly, his footsteps light against the polished floor.
In his hands, he held a wooden box.
It looked old far older than anything in the mansion. The surface was smooth but carried the weight of time, and on its lid, a dragon was intricately carved. Roy’s gaze lingered on it. The carving felt familiar… almost identical to the dragon on the locket he wore.
His fingers brushed lightly over it.
The dragon’s eyes were set with two small jewels one red, one blue.
Roy lowered his gaze, his thoughts drifting back to his meeting with Old Master Crimson.
The old man had looked unwell, his voice slower than expected, yet there had been something firm in his eyes. At first, he had spoken about the history of the Crimson family about their origins as merchants, about their rise.
Roy had assumed it was just family history.
But then, the topic had shifted.
To dragons.
To blessings.
And to the original Roy’s grandmother.
At first, Roy hadn’t understood the sudden change, but as the old man continued, things slowly became clearer. The grandmother had believed in something called “dragon blessings.” In their belief, those born with blue eyes were chosen blessed by the dragon. The locket Roy now wore had belonged to her and had been passed down to each “blessed” successor.
It had sounded like nothing more than an old family legend.
Yet, the old master’s serious tone made it hard to dismiss.
And then—
He had given Roy this box.
Not just given it… but entrusted it to him.
Telling him he would be its guardian.
Roy tightened his hold on the box slightly.
The old man had told him to open it himself, to see what was inside but there was a condition. Whatever the box contained, Roy was not allowed to tell anyone. No matter what it was, no matter who asked no outsider could know.
Roy’s steps slowed.
His gaze dropped back to the box in his hands.
Am I even allowed to open this…?
The thought came quietly.
I’m not… the real Roy.
He stopped walking.
For a moment, the hallway fell completely silent.
A hesitation crept into his chest.
Maybe I shouldn’t open it…
His fingers tightened slightly around the edges.
After all… I’m an outsider.
Another thought followed.
Maybe I should just lock it away somewhere safe…
But then—
That conversation about dragon blessings returned to his mind.
As far as he could remember, nothing like this had ever been mentioned in the novel. The original Roy had only been a minor character who died early.
That alone made something feel… wrong.
Or incomplete.
Roy let out a quiet breath.
Without realizing it, the box in his hands began to feel heavier.
Not physically—but in meaning.
By the time he reached the door to his room, his steps had slowed, his thoughts still tangled around the same question.
Should I… open it?
------
As Roy entered his room, he walked straight to the bedside table and gently placed the wooden box on it. For a moment, he just stood there, looking at it. The room was quiet, and the box rested under the dim light, its carved dragon seeming almost alive.
Roy’s gaze lingered. He was curious very curious but at the same time, something held him back.
I’m not… the real Roy.
The thought surfaced again, heavier this time.
Slowly, Roy reached out and touched the dragon carving. His fingers traced over the smooth lines, and almost immediately, the old master’s final words echoed in his mind the message left by the grandmother.
“The dragon’s blessing only responds to those whose hearts are as pure as still water and as fearless as fire one must be gentle enough to remain untainted, yet strong enough to defy fate itself.”
Roy stilled. That had been the last message the last thing meant for the original Roy. His fingers paused over the dragon’s eye, hesitation settling deeper in his chest.
Before he could think further, a faint sound broke the silence.
Roy lifted his head slightly. The sound had come from the balcony.
Frowning, he walked toward it and stepped closer, his eyes scanning the darkness outside. The curtains moved lightly with the night breeze, brushing against the glass, but there was nothing else no movement, no presence.
Roy hesitated.
Did I hear wrong…?
After a moment, he exhaled softly and turned back.
Then he froze.
A shadow stretched along the floor behind him, long and still and it didn’t belong to him.
Roy’s heart dropped instantly. His body went rigid, his breath catching in his throat as a cold realization crept in.
Someone’s here…
His mind raced.
Who could it be…? A thief…?
He didn’t dare turn around. Instead, he forced himself to move, trying to appear normal, as if he hadn’t noticed anything. His steps were controlled, but his heartbeat grew louder with each second, pounding hard against his chest.He just needed to reach the door and call someone
Stay calm… act normal… just reach the door…
He took one step, then another.
Just a little more
Before he could reach it, a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around him from behind.
One hand clamped tightly over his mouth, cutting off any sound, while the other locked around his waist and pulled him back firmly.
Roy’s eyes widened in shock as a muffled sound escaped him. “Mmm—!”
He struggled immediately, his hands pushing against the arm holding him, his nails digging into the stranger’s skin. But the grip didn’t loosen. It was strong, suffocating, completely unyielding.
The hand over his mouth pressed harder, making it difficult for him to breathe.
Panic surged through him as his body twisted, trying to break free, but it was useless. The man’s hold only tightened, and Roy’s movements gradually weakened as the lack of air began to affect him.
Then he felt it a breath brushing against his ear.
Warm. Close. Too close.
“What a coincidence…” the man murmured softly, his voice low and cold, sending a chill down Roy’s spine. “…we meet again.”
******
A/N:Hello dear readers,
I just wanted to say that I know some of you may be losing interest in this novel because of the late updates, and I’m really sorry about that. I’m currently in my final year, so things have been quite busy with my studies. Still, I’m doing my best to make time for this story.
My only request is that you please don’t lose interest in the novel.
Thank you so much 🤍