When the bell rang at half past seven in the evening, Karin heard James standing in front of her room door. Karin became agitated upon seeing James's stiff manner. She didn't anticipate James picking her up in front of her room, so she wasn't prepared. Karin was polite enough to invite James inside since, well, he was older than her.
"James, I have a phone now, why didn't you call first?" Karin was setting up a chair for James when she objected.
"I never use a phone,"
"Then how do you communicate?"
"Do I need to explain it?" James asked, seeming surprised at Karin.
Karin nodded at first, but realized when she saw James furrow his brow. She is dealing with an immortal being.
"So, Katon has a phone just to communicate with me?"
James urged Karin to get ready more quickly as he nodded. Karin hurriedly put her hair in place and packed what she needed.
"Looks like you need to bring a uniform for tomorrow," James remarked as he observed Karin getting ready.
Surprised, Karin asked, "For what?"
"Mr. Katon wants you to stay at his place."
Even more shocked, Karin turned to face James and said, "I don't want to do that before we are officially married!"
"Do what?" James asked with a devilish grin. "What's on your mind?"
Karin shot a brief glance at James and packed her belongings, making sure she took a set of the uniform.
As it was dinnertime, Karin and James quickly made their way down the dormitory corridor, where a large number of students were still assembled. Every eye was on Karin, and she could feel the danger in every look that was directed at her, even through her back. Her forehead began to flow with sweat, and as it did, Karin's body began to feel chilly.
"You have to get used to it," James murmured as they drove away.
"They seem to want to attack me,"
"Understandable, as you are Mr. Katon's future bride," said James, glancing at Karin through the rearview mirror.
"Why? They detest me, but why?"
"As long as you are alive and here, they can attack you anytime."
When Karin heard James' warning, her anxiety increased. "What should I do?" she asked.
"You better not trust your friends too much..."
***
From the outside, Katon's house has a simple appearance with few elements that define the space. But the radiance of the garden lights creates an opulent atmosphere. Karin had never been in an Alfansa location so opulent and understated, so she stood staring at the gate in fascination. Karin's bag was carried by James, who also assisted the girl inside.
"Does Katon live alone?" Karin inquired, continuing to take in her surroundings.
"Since deciding to have a fiancée, Mr. Katon has been living separately from his family."
"James..." Karin purposefully stopped off her sentence.
"James, if my wedding day comes, you won't leave me, will you?" Karin asked, her eyes watering. "I don't have anyone here; I'm afraid to face the future."
James said nothing, then bowed his head momentarily. He knew exactly what Karin was thinking, even though no one else knew what he was thinking. Karin, who was strolling beside the old man, had to stop too when he abruptly stopped.
"From the beginning, I promised Albert to look after you,"
"How do you know my father?"
Karin never really comprehended what had happened, but James, who could sense anyone's thoughts, knew this without having to speak to her.
"James..." The important talk Karin and James were having ended abruptly when Katon showed up at a very inconvenient time.
James quickly carried Karin's bag into the home, leaving Katon and Karin by themselves.
"What are you two talking about?" Katon questioned.
"Even without my answer, you probably already know what we're talking about," grinned angrily Karin.
"That's a basic ability possessed by all demon nobility here," Katon said. "But I don't want to spoil the atmosphere just to argue with you." Taking Karin's hand, he brought her inside the house.
Karin is astounded once more by Katon's house's interior design, which is more understated than its façade. Everything is perfectly structured and dust-free, and everything appears to be new or utilized. It's really tidy and clean. Karin is led into the room by Katon, who is still holding her hand. James had already set Karin's bag down by the bed there.
"You may go now, James,"
James obeyingly nodded. His head bent, he moved passed Karin and Katon.
"You can pick up Karin tomorrow morning,"
"Am I really staying here tonight?" Karin asked, her eyes widening.
After giving Karin's arms a gentle pat, Katon nodded and said, "You will also live here with me, forever."