ISABELLA NIGHTFALL'S POV:
"WHATTTT???!!!!" I shrieked at Brother. "Why? Why would you do this? It's so dangerous!! Seriously, what were you thinking?! You SHOULD be glad that you're back in one piece!!" I was so frustrated with my brother this morning. Just after his 200th mission, he came back three days later to say that he had gone to find Project Atlas. Just WHAT is he thinking in that tiny brain of his?
"That's not the point, the point is——" He tried play it off coolly.
"The point is that YOU NEVER CONSULTED ME OR BIG SIS!! Big Sis would be so disappointed in you if she were here right now. You're lucky she's in school now." I reprimanded. Honestly, I'm glad that he found the truth about Mama and Papa because this whole Project Atlas thing was too hard to comprehend. He had no idea how I spent the past two years wrapping my head around this thing.
"Just listen for a bit, ok?" He sighed as he pointed a finger at me. Black, shadowy mist seeped out of his finger, 'stitching' my mouth shut.
"MMM!!!!" I protested.
"You don't need your mouth to answer this question," he said coldly. "I only need to know whether you'd like me to participate in this tournament. Nod if yes, and shake if no."
I shook my head furiously.
NOO!!
Absolutely not!!!
Brother unstitched my mouth.
"NOOO!!" I screamed at him. "Absolutely not! And I'm sure Big Sis Kaori is with me on this one. That's two versus one!" I folded my arms.
"I never said that I wanted to. That's two versus zero. Which can only mean that you're getting angry at me for nothing." He said flatly.
"Brotheeeeeeeerrrr!!!" I tackled him.
~~~~~~~~~~
"What's wrong, Izzy?" Sophie and Claire sat beside me. "You look down today,"
"Brother is doing dangerous things again..." I groaned. "He's always like this, doing things without consulting Kaori or me!" I vented my frustration.
"It's almost time to head to the auditorium for dance practice," Claire patted my back. "Ms Whitmore has taken a liking to you and wants to discuss your 'concerts'with us. She claims that it's a pity for Luminare to be performing in the Celestara Hall and wants to give us better facilities, or even let us debut in big shot companies!!" she squealed.
"Ooooh!! I like the sound of getting famous!!" Sophie squealed as well.
"Is that so? Then we'd better get going now!" I slung my bag over my shoulder. "Let's go!!" I smiled.
Unlike my brother, I was the cheerful type. And unlike my sister, who was the warm, 'ara, ara' type, I was the popular type. Each one of us siblings is special, with our own traits. I could always go to Brother if it's about academics, and I could always go to Big Sis if it's about my social life.
Friends...
That reminds me that Yoru never really told me about himself.
He has known almost everything about me, and yet, I don't know. I don't know anything about him. I don't know his family background, I don't know his favourite colour, or even his favourite food. I only know that he wants to be a doctor.
If I could see you again, I plan to ask you why you do not call my nickname, though I've asked you to so many times. If I had to take a guess, you were probably scared of letting me become someone important in your life, which is why formalities come first. You didn't tell me much about yourself because you didn't want me to imagine who you truly were or weren't. And, you already knew that you'd lose me eventually. So you were afraid of making me your girlfriend, or even just your best friend.
Well, did I actually get it right or not?
If I actually did, I want to tell you that I've actually really loved you, from the very start till the end. I've always wanted to have a place in your heart.
But...how could you love someone if you knew she was going to die?
But it's too late to say that now. We're living in different worlds now.
Goodbye Yoru.
"Are you playing a drama in your head right now?" Sophie's voice brought me back to the present. "Your expressions look really exaggerated."
Exaggerated?
Exaggerated my foot!!!
These are my true feelings for Yoru!!
You single frogs, of course, you've never felt love from others before.
I forced a smile and replied, "I'm thinking of a loved one."
"To think you could ever love someone," Sophie scoffed.
That's it.
My eyebrow twitched. "Do you mind saying that again, Sophie?" My voice was dangerously low.
"Eeep!! It was a joke!! A joke, I swear!!!" Sophie ran off.
"Come back here, Sophie Miller!!!" I shrieked, chasing after her.
"Sigh, kids these days," Claire sighed.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Brother," I dropped my bag on the floor and sat on the sofa with Brother. He was reading his book on medicine again. After what happened to Mama and Papa, he probably wanted to be prepared for any situation.
"Can you come to my concert?" I asked. "I know you're busy, but...can you just go this once?" He slowly looked up from his book. "Some companies are allowing us to have an outdoor stage at the centre of Glimmer-Glass plaza. The concert starts at 07.00 p.m. tomorrow. Can you make it?" I asked meekly.
"Sorry, Ella, I have something on tomorrow. It's too sudden. I can't really change my schedule right now." He flipped a page of his book.
"I see," I looked down. I was really hoping that Brother could attend my concert, but I guess not. I had messaged Big Sis earlier, but she also said that she couldn't take leave on such short notice.
"Are you ok? If you really want to, I can talk to my manager." Brother scooted over.
"Mm," I shook my head. "I'm fine," I smiled.
"I see..." He studied my face.
"Anyway, I need to go up to do my work now," I stood up and headed upstairs. This mansion is so big that sometimes I find it hard to navigate.
"Don't be disappointed," I told myself. "He's only doing this so that we can survive here."
The second I stepped into my room, a cold breeze blew my hair.
"Brrrrr," I shivered. "I must have forgotten to close the window," I sighed. "I could use a nice hot bath right now. I'll go to the onsen first before doing my work."
The bathroom floor was cold as usual, but unusually wet. Did Brother take a bath early? As the warm water rained downon my body, I thought about everything that happened today. Next year, Brother will be turning sixteen, and maybe he'll go to school then.
"Come to think about it, Brother's birthday is coming up soon. 21st December is just around the corner. But knowing him, he'd probably not want to celebrate his birthday at all. Sigh." I sighed. "I wonder what I can do to make him happy."
I grabbed a towel and walked towards the onsen.
"Aaaah," I dipped my body into the warm water. "Onsens are great for days like these." I smiled to myself.
"I know, right!!" a familiar voice exclaimed.
"Ehhh????" I turned to my right. "Big Sis?? What are you doing here?" I glanced at Big Sis. I suddenly felt conscious of my body. It was nowhere near Big Sis's perfect body. Just look at the size of her boobies!!! "Sigh," I looked back at mine.
"Don't worry, they'll grow out soon!" Big Sis comforted me. "Ara, ara, Ella, or do you actually want to feel them?" She smirked.
"Big Sis!! I'm not that perverted!" I protested.
"Hehe, my little Ella is sooooo cute!" She pinched my cheeks. "Big Sis! That's painful!!" I tried to say. "Sorry, I couldn't help it," Big Sis patted my head.
"Oh yeah, Big Sis, why are you here? I thought you couldn't take leave on such short notice?" I asked.
"Oh! I snuck back here because I forgot to take my books. Shhh. But I couldn't help but be drawn in by this onsen again, so here I am," She winked. "It's ok, I guess. The most they can do is expel me, hehe,"
"That's not 'ok' at all!!!" I slapped my forehead. Am I the only normal one here????
"Hehe,"
"You'd better get going now," I told Big Sis.
"Mm, I was going to, but then I just remembered something," Big Sis pursed her lips.
"What?"
"My cute little brother's birthday is just around the corner. What should we do?" Big Sis looked at me. "I was thinking that we could throw him a nice party with those friends of his. Ehh, what were their names again? Oh yeah, Jasper, Artemis, and Tyre, yep," Big Sis nodded to herself proudly. "Yep, I remembered all their names correctly!"
"Um, it's not Tyre but Tyler, Big Sis," I corrected.
"Eh? It's okay, haha, it's okay, I was close," Big Sis laughed it off.
"..." I sighed.
Big Sis stopped laughing.
"Ella, did Ace tell you what's happening tomorrow, since he can't attend your concert?"
"No...he just told me he was busy, why?" I asked.
"Nothing, I was just thinking that something really important might be up tomorrow. Rarely, he doesn't come and support you if you ask him." Big Sis smiled. "You don't know this since you rarely ask him for anything, but he would try to fulfil every small favour you'd ask him, no matter how hard it is. That's just how much he loves you. So, I thought that something really important came up tomorrow, or else he'd definitely come."
'Is that so..." My voice trailed off.
Something tells me that something is wrong. If Brother really loves me this much, he'd drop everything and come to my concert no matter what. So why? What is so important that he wouldn't come to his little sister's first concert? What demands his attention?
Is it a girl?
A question popped into my head.
That must be it.
A girl.
Brother needs to attend to a girl instead of me.
He's about the age to get a girlfriend, so why...why do I feel...jealous?
I stood up.
"Ella?"
"It's too hot for me, I'm going first."
I put on my clothes and dried my hair.
I'm sure I can find my clues in Brother's study.
There must be a love letter or invitation somewhere there, or in his bedroom. I am certain that there must be some clues.
I marched into Brother's room briskly—something I've never done before.
And there, illuminated by the sunlight shining from the open window, was a letter sealed in gold. Brother had already broken the seal.
A gold seal...
Was his lover a noble?
I tiptoed towards the letter and opened it...
December 19
07.00 p.m.
Glimmer-Glass Central Plaza
Celestara CL-666-BLOOD
Project Atlas
Note: Come if you dare
Don't be late
I gasped and took a step back.
I thought we discussed having this tournament?
I thought...he promised me!
How...how could he do this to me?
I thought...I thought my opinion mattered...
Why?
ALISTAIR NIGHTFALL'S POV:
I walked through the pouring rain.
Ugh, what on earth does Matron want so urgently on my off day? Today is my precious Tacos Tuesday, so this better not be a waste of time.
Knock knock.
"Matron, it's me, Ace."
The doors of the casino swung open.
"Welcome, Ace!" Matron handed me a towel.
I glanced to my right to see three familiar figures, all drenched but snuggled up in warm towels, sniffling. It was rare to see Jasper and Tyler today. They must have snuck out of school today just for Matron, like Kaori.
"Hi, Aaaaachoooo!!!" Jasper sneezed. "Alistair," Tyler finished.
"Hi, what brings you here?" I asked.
"Matron," The three of them sighed.
We all glanced at Matron.
"Oh yeah! I remembered. Um, to keep things short, the elite circle has promoted you guys to be the elite circle, so now you guys are part of the elite circle and will be running the guild! Good luck! Now you guys will have to do all the paperwork!!! My job is finished, yippee!! Your offices are upstairs, go check them out! Bye!!" And with that, Matron dashed out of the casino.
"..."
"WHAT??!!!" Art was the first to come to her senses.
"WHAT?????!!!!!!!!" Tyler was even more shocked than she was.
"WHAT????!!!!!!!! DID SHE JUST DUMP HER WORK ON US?????" Jasper was just...horrified.
"Calm down, I could've seen this coming two years ago," I said calmly. "Knowing her, she'd retire as soon as possible."
"HOW CAN YOU CALM DOWN???!!!! WE HAVE SCHOOOOOOOLLLLLL!!!!" Jasper and Tyler shouted unanimously.
"I'll give you a deal," I said slowly. The three of them glanced at me. "I can do your work, and I mean I can do the work of all three of you, but..." I paused.
"But?" Jasper asked.
"I'll need something in return," I continued,
"Oh, that's easy," Jasper smiled. "You see, I'll be your advisor, and Tyler will be your beloved knight to protect you. I'm sure you'll need the two of us in the future since you're so powerful, so we might as well start working for you now and gather fame. But of course, if there's anything you need, we can always be your attendant/servant too! Then Art can be your personal secretary to help you out with the paperwork. See, all done! Any objections?"
No one raised their hands.
"Then it's settled, then, let's get to work! Tyler and I will head back to school first," He winked at us.
"Let's go, Art," I walked up the stairs as Art took off my coat. "You're a surprisingly good assistant,"
"I'm glad you like me," Art smiled. "It's rare to see you compliment someone."
"..."
I opened the door to my office.
The world shifted.
A hush of cool air brushed against my skin as the scent of polished oak and faint espresso wrapped around me. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the far wall, unveiling the city skyline in all its quiet arrogance—glass towers piercing the clouds, traffic flowing like veins of light far below. From this height, everything looked smaller. Manageable. Mine.
The office itself was vast but precise—minimalist, intentional. A massive executive desk of dark walnut stood at the centre like a throne, its surface immaculate save for a leather portfolio, a sleek fountain pen, and a discreetly glowing tablet displaying the morning's reports. Behind it, a high-backed black leather chair waited, sculpted for authority rather than comfort.
To the right, a private lounge area rested atop a charcoal Persian rug—low velvet sofas in deep slate grey surrounding a glass coffee table. A decanter of aged whiskey and two crystal glasses sat upon a silver tray, untouched but ready. So this is where missions are arranged.
Built-in shelves of matte black steel and wood lined the left wall. The shelves displayed awards, framed photographs with foreign dignitaries, and carefully curated art pieces—abstract, expensive, deliberate. A single bonsai tree sat beneath a warm spotlight, its branches shaped with patient control. Discipline in living form.
Soft recessed lighting glowed from the ceiling, balanced by natural light pouring in from the windows. The marble flooring reflected everything faintly, like a subdued mirror of power.
And behind the desk—my crest. Subtle, engraved into the wall panelling in brushed gold. Not ostentatious. Just undeniable.
Silence ruled the room.
Art draped my coat on the chair as I sat on it.
She brought over a stack of papers and placed them carefully on my table.
I took a piece of paper from the pile and read it. "What is this for?"
Art leaned forward and answered, "As the head of the Elite Circle, you must assign roles for your...colleagues. Basically, Jasper, Tyler, you, and I."
I twirled the fountain pen between my fingers and said, "I will lead Legion Spades. This legion will consist of all the elite assassins. Jasper will lead the Legion Hearts. This legion will consist of assassins majoring in spells. Art, you will lead Legion Diamonds. This legion will consist of supporting assassins, archers, shooters, and other specialised units. Tyler will lead the Legion Club. This legion will consist of assassins specialising in close combat. They could use swords, knives, and other similar weapons. How does that sound, Art?" I asked.
"Mm," She pursed her lips, deep in thought. "That does sound nice. Each legion that we're leading does suit our personalities."
Yes, indeed, it does. Jasper is our only Celestial, so majoring in spells should not be too challenging for him. In my life in Celestara, I am a Celestblade, so I could stay undercover. And Art is a Celestblade that specialises in supporting or long distance combat, so her role should be fine. A gun would've suited her better, but I heard that Frostveil does not authorise the exportation of guns. On the other hand, Tyler, our other Celestblade, specialises in close or hand-to-hand combat. Thus, I have concluded the following legions.
"Ok, thanks."
"It's getting kind of hot in this suit all day, no?" I loosened my tie.
"Yeah, it's actually quite stuffy and suffocating here. We should get some Celestians to blow some icy wind here," Art reached for the phone and dialled a number.
"And while you're at it, get them to give me a few sets of comfortable robes."
"Yes," Art nodded as she turned her attention to the manager at the other end.
Now, it's time for me to get back to work.
This seems much easier to do than the work at the adventure guild. I remember that in those video games back on Earth, you'd have to organise the missions in the Adventure Guild from S-rank to G-rank. The paperwork in the Assassin's Guild is just processing missions that seem worth your attention with your signature. The assassins would think about whether this mission is suitable for them by themselves.
Sounds easy, but the mountain of papers on my table is just giving me a headache.
"Ace, you sure are in a good mood today. I can see your lips almost twitching upwards into a smile," Art laughed. "Are you that excited for a nice chilly breeze and new clothes?"
"..."
She seriously has low EQ. Her mood and reading skills have hit a negative point.
Knock knock.
A knock came from my two large wooden doors.
I immediately stood up, wanting to invite them in.
But Art rushed forward instead and opened the door.
"Come in!" She welcomed the mages.
The shy mages stood in a small corner of the room and cast a spell.
"Stay for tea, won't you?" Art smiled.
"Sorry! We have a mission to go to!" They excused themselves before running out.
Art picked up the folded garments and handed them to me before leaving the room to collect some documents.
I disappeared into the bathroom, shutting the door softly behind me.
The fabric slid over my skin like liquid.
When I stepped out and faced the mirror, I froze.
A loose ivory robe draped over my shoulders, falling open at the chest, revealing more than it concealed. The material was light — almost sheer — trimmed with fine gold lining that traced the edges like a quiet crown. A muted rose sash was tied low around my waist, holding the layers together just enough to be decent... but not restrained.
The sleeves hung lazily at my arms, wide and unbothered. The robe didn't cling — it flowed. Effortless. Dangerous.
I looked less like someone preparing for the day...
...and more like someone the day prepared itself for.
The morning light caught against my skin and the gold trim, soft but radiant.
I exhaled slowly.
The door opened without warning.
"Ace, today's schedule—"
Her voice cut off.
I was standing by the window, morning light spilling across my shoulders, the robe draped loosely over my frame. The thin ivory fabric shifted in the breeze, gold trim glinting faintly. The sash sat low at my waist, holding everything together just enough.
Art didn't move.
The papers in her hands tilted slightly.
I didn't turn immediately.
"If you're going to stare," I said evenly, "at least close the door."
She blinked, then quickly shut it behind her.
"...Who chose that?" she asked.
Her tone wasn't professional.
It was personal.
I finally glanced at her.
"Does it matter?"
"It does to me."
I adjusted the sleeve at my shoulder, indifferent. "It's lighter than my usual attire. The fabric breathes. I prefer it."
Art took a step closer, eyes openly tracing the gold-lined collar, the exposed skin, the way the robe fell naturally against me.
"You prefer it..." she repeated softly.
"Yes."
Another step.
She stopped just short of touching me.
"It suits you," she said, and this time there was no attempt to mask the warmth in her voice. "It makes you look less untouchable."
My gaze sharpened slightly. "I am untouchable."
A faint smile curved at her lips.
"You are," she agreed easily. "But this..." Her eyes lingered, unashamed. "This makes you look human."
Silence.
I studied her.
"...You're staring again," I said.
"Sorry!"
I turned back toward the window. "Control yourself."
A soft laugh left her.
"Oops! You didn't have to act like a cold emperor just after wearing this lounge robe."
The breeze shifted again, lifting the edge of the robe slightly before letting it fall.
I felt her presence behind me — steady, warm, unwavering.
"Get me more of these, could you? I'd like to wear them more often. Send some to my house as well," I told Art.
"Yes,"