Eloisa

"Eric... What exactly are you doing in the low-rankers' dorm?"

The blue-haired young man's voice was calm but laced with suspicion as he walked toward the table opposite the bunk beds. He took a seat, crossing his arms, his ash-gray eyes fixed on the blond-haired boy named Eric, who stood gazing down at him with an irritatingly smug grin.

'This bastard is definitely here to watch me.'

"I don't know what you're trying to imply, but this is purely a coincidence," Eric said, his grin unwavering. His piercing gaze never left the blue-haired boy's face.

[One of your old friends?]

'No... an old enemy.'

"So, you weren't sent here to monitor me?" the blue-haired boy muttered, his voice tinged with disinterest. Rising from his seat, he turned toward a corner of the room where his belongings were stacked. He rummaged through them, pulling out a set of innerwear.

"You overestimate your importance," Eric replied with a chuckle. "Do you really think the Emperor has time to bother with the likes of you?"

"… I see." The blue-haired boy paused, glancing over his shoulder. "But that still doesn't explain why you're here. Son of Archduke Orton. Given your father's connections, your presence in a place like this should be impossible. Unless…" He trailed off, walking toward the adjacent bathroom.

"Why are you here, El?"

"Don't call me that."

"Fine," Eric said, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Why are you here… Lorelle?"

"I no longer go by that name," Lorelle shot back, his voice cool and detached, muffled slightly by the sound of running water as he began to shower. "And to answer your question, the Academy has no direct ties to Yuphenia. So why should I tell you my reasons?"

[He wouldn't believe it even if you told him. Even I can't fathom your stupidity.]

'Can you not distract me?'

"Oh, so you've disowned your own name as well? Surely you understand what that means," Eric said, his tone laced with amusement.

"Why wouldn't I? I have no ties to the Empire, and I have no plans to forge any."

"I see…" Eric murmured, but the grin on his face widened.

'Sighs. I've hated this bastard from the start.'

"Do you remember… Eloisa?" Eric asked suddenly, and Lorelle froze.

"…"

"She got engaged to Prince Allen," Eric continued, the amusement in his tone deepening. Though he couldn't see Lorelle's face, he could practically feel the tension in the air.

[Anger? Hm. To think a name could provoke you this much. Pathetic.]

"And why wouldn't she? It's no surprise, considering what you did to her. You turned her into the cold-hearted woman she is today," Eric added, chuckling.

Lorelle closed his eyes, not giving a reply.

[For once I agree with you... You truly are a mess.]

'Really? Now?.'

"So, you're here to see if I've gotten control over my blessing?" Lorelle asked finally, his voice steady despite the turmoil within.

Eric said nothing, his gaze fixed on the closed bathroom door.

"Or are you here to confirm whether I've aligned myself with the other empire?" Lorelle pressed, stepping out of the bathroom moments later, dressed in a plain black-and-white tracksuit. His piercing gaze bore into Eric, his tone calm but dangerously sharp.

"How did you escape house arrest?" Eric asked, ignoring the question. His voice turned cold, the amusement draining from his face. "Where did you go during those three years?"

"As for how... Go ask your slave of a father... And as for where...." Lorelle trailed off, brushing past Eric as he adjusted his sleeve.

"What level are you at now?" Eric asked abruptly, ignoring the insult meant to rail him up, his curiosity piqued as he caught a glimpse of Lorelle's Meta-watch.

Lorelle ignored him, fastening his wristband.

"One?!" Eric exclaimed, incredulous.

"…." Lorelle didn't respond, his expression impassive.

"You haven't changed a bit," Eric said with a laugh. "For a moment, I thought you might actually be a threat."

Lorelle's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

"I'll give you some advice," Eric said, moving toward the door. His hand rested on the knob as he glanced back. "Avoid your so-called friends."

"Why?"

"Because they are no longer the same people you remember," Eric chuckled, twisting the knob and stepping out.

Left alone, Lorelle stared at the empty doorway, his thoughts a whirlwind of frustration and lingering bitterness.

[It's your choice now.]

"Sighs."