Chapter0.53 : strange breakfast

Five minutes passed. The silence in the grand obsidian dining hall was broken only by the rhythmic tapping of elegant heels. Naoko Rocchi entered with the quiet authority of a queen. Her silver hair shimmered in the filtered daylight streaming through the tall windows, cascading like a celestial waterfall across her back. Her gown, an inky black masterpiece adorned with silver embroidery resembling lunar phases, swayed gently with her every step.

Trailing behind her, Nyx—the snow-white cat with mismatched eyes—trotted gracefully, her soft paws making no sound on the polished black marble. She played along the edges of Naoko's dress, occasionally twirling around her heels like a dancer before springing ahead toward the dining table.

Naoko took her seat at the center of the long obsidian table, framed by the towering stained-glass windows that cast delicate patterns across the room. The air smelled of warm bread, fresh fruit, and brewed tea—yet tension lingered like smoke.

Amelia Amberheart, already seated to Naoko's left, wore her usual look of graceful restraint. Her crimson hair was swept into a perfect knot, and her golden eyes flickered toward Naoko with practiced politeness.

Rina and Leona sat beside Amelia, silent but observant. Rina's fiery red hair fell in soft waves, her golden eyes still dulled from the weight of the previous night's revelations. Leona, clad in a crisp white uniform bearing the sigil of House Lionheart, sat tall and still—eyes bright blue, expression composed.

At Naoko's right, Jin sat slouched with one elbow resting on the armrest, the other supporting his chin. He yawned exaggeratedly, his crimson eyes half-lidded from fatigue. His jet-black hair was tousled, and a thin ribbon—dark with a reddish tint—was tied around his wrist, a silent tribute to his sister.

His black outfit shimmered subtly with high-quality thread, tailored to perfection, almost regal in its simplicity. He looked every bit the unpredictable noble son—half-god, half-chaos.

As the servants poured in with silver trays, setting down plates of buttered croissants, preserved fruit, smoked meats, and delicate pastries, Amelia finally broke the silence.

"This is... unusual," she said, her voice cool and precise. "I was told your son never attends meals."

Naoko, without turning her head, replied, "He had something to discuss. I approved. That's all."

Jin mumbled sleepily, "Stayed up training. Didn't eat last night. I'm practically starving."

He glanced at the servants, voice dry. "Hurry before I die dramatically at the table."

Amelia gave him a pointed look but didn't respond.

Naoko, as if none of it mattered, turned her silver gaze toward Leona.

"Leonaheart," she said calmly. "Do you remember the challenge?"

Leona met Naoko's eyes without hesitation. "Yes. I'm ready to fight Jin in the training yard. But…"

She glanced toward Jin, then back. "Are you sure your son will win?"

A soft, cold smile curved on Naoko's lips.

"If he loses, you'll receive the Soulblade I promised."

Jin blinked slowly and then turned to face Leona directly. He leaned forward, the shadows playing across his pale face.

"Guess I should warm up then," he said, voice low and teasing.

"After breakfast, meet me in the yard. I'll be ready."

Leona crossed her arms. "Why do you speak like you've already won?"

Jin's eyes glowed faintly crimson.

"Because I have."

Leona's lips tightened.

"I won't lose to a boy who's never left his palace."

Jin's grin grew wider, his tone more playful—yet sharper.

"Exactly. That's why you should be afraid, sweetheart."

He shifted in his chair, fully facing her now, eyes gleaming like red glass.

"You don't know anything about me. I'm a mystery box. Open me, and you might get lucky... or you might get devoured."

The table fell quiet, tension thick.

"In real combat," Jin continued, "you adapt, or you die. You won't have time to research your enemy or read a dossier. You either win by instinct... or you perish."

Leona raised her chin defiantly.

"Then I'll adapt. I understand the stakes. I still won't lose."

Jin waved his hand dismissively. "We'll see."

He turned to Amelia, flashing her a mischievous smile.

"Lady Amberheart," he said in a voice that dripped with mischief, "did you know your daughter was waiting for me in the kitchen this morning? All alone."

Amelia gave no reaction, sipping her tea elegantly.

Jin looked at Rina now, tilting his head. "Miss Rina... you were waiting for me. Why? Hm? Was it my charming personality? Or... my devastatingly handsome face?"

Rina's face went scarlet.

"I—! That's not—!"

"Oh?" he interrupted, his grin wicked. "Was it the latter then?"

"You're unbelievable," she muttered, glaring at her plate.

"I prefer the term irresistible," he replied smoothly.

Rina's fist clenched slightly. "You're also incredibly annoying."

Jin leaned forward slightly, whispering just loud enough for the table to hear, "Is it annoying, or is it... flirty?"

"Stop it," she said, cheeks burning.

Naoko lifted a slice of fruit to her lips, entirely unbothered by her son's antics. Amelia, for her part, watched with an expression unreadable even to the trained.

"Perhaps I'll win the duel just for you, Rina," Jin continued. "So you can swoon when I stand victorious in the courtyard."

"You're the worst," Rina muttered, though a flicker of a smile escaped her lips before she caught herself.

"Not true," Jin replied, eyes glinting. "I'm delightful. Ask my cat."

Nyx meowed in perfect timing from the end of the table, now curled around Naoko's lap.

"You see?" he said smugly. "Even Nyx agrees."

Leona sighed. "Is he always like this?"

Naoko finally spoke again, eyes still on her son. "Worse, when he's in a good mood."

Jin shot her a wink. "Aww. I'm touched, Mother."

Naoko's voice remained detached. "Don't be. Just win."

He smirked. "Of course. Anything for you."

Leona cut in, her tone sharp, "Then I'll see you in the training yard. Try not to be late."

"Try not to cry when you lose," Jin shot back.

Rina groaned. "Can you both stop? You're like children."

Jin turned to her with a faux-serious expression.

"Rina, you wound me. Comparing me to a child? I thought we had something special."

Rina threw a piece of bread crust at him, which he dodged effortlessly. "Shut up."

Amelia sighed lightly, setting down her cup. "Must you always antagonize everyone at the table?"

Jin leaned back, arms folded. "I wouldn't call it antagonizing. I'd call it... character development."

Naoko looked at him silently for a moment, then said, "Finish your food."

"Yes, Mother," he replied with exaggerated innocence.

As the rest of breakfast passed, Jin continued to make sly comments, Leona fired back with sharp retorts, and Rina fluctuated between irritation and accidental smiles. All the while, Naoko observed silently, a queen watching her pieces move across the board.

Outside, the courtyard waited.

And soon... the match would begin.

...... 

Heat: I tried to make the chapter fun and a little funny.