chapter:0.136: The Club

 The clang of metal against flesh still echoed in her lungs when Rena finished yet another perfect form in sparring. Beyond the training hall's archways she caught one last glance at Jin—his silhouette carved sharply against the corridor's shadows. His crimson eyes lingered on her, then he turned and drifted away like smoke.

!!! Note: Rena is training to strengthen her body, just as Naoko and Sion asked her to do. 

---

. Jin's Solitary Walk. 

Jin walked the academy's halls alone, dressed in head-to-toe black: a sleek leather coat that brushed the tops of his knee-high boots, form-fitting trousers, and gloves with exposed fingers revealing his porcelain-white skin. His hair was raven-black, fringe falling across one crimson eye, his lashes long, his lips tinted soft rose. Female students whispered "Beautiful... stunning... amazing…", while boys looked away in contempt. He didn't care.

He remembered his mother, Naoko, granting permission for him to join a club—so he could explore. He passed a board listing:

* Travel Club

* History Club

* Meditation Club

* Archery Club

* Spear Club

* Swordsmanship Club

* Martial Arts Club

* Astronomy Club

* Science Club

* Literature Club

* Calligraphy Club

* Tea Ceremony Club

* General Arts Society

Jin stopped and started thinking about the feathers. This reminds me of the pen of the feathers that my mother uses in his book. Her reports and documents.

!!!! 

 I forgot to ask Reina in any club, and now I cannot ask her because she is training 

*damn, should I ask Leona? I don't want to distract Rena*. 

---

A gentle voice pulled him from his musing:

> "You there…"

He turned to see a tall, graceful girl with violet hair and matching eyes. She moved with authority and elegance.

> "Hello, I'm Eiri Kisaki, second-year, Student Council President—and head of the Travel Club."

Jin studied her: half-human, half-elf scent drifting like exotic perfume—but he didn't care. He asked coolly:

> "What do you want?"

She nodded toward his attire:

> "You're not wearing the uniform. That's forbidden."

He tilted his head, calmly:

> "I have permission from the Headmaster."

She blinked, surprised:

 (0_0)

> "Impossible—you must be joking."

He shook his head:

> "I am not. If you don't believe me, ask him."

Eiri exhaled, collecting herself:

> "Fine. But… your name?"

He replied softly, his tone neutral but the corners of his mouth curved in subtle irony:

> "Jin Rotschy. Today's my fourth day here."

Her violet eyes widened.

> "Rotschy... The Rotschy family is… significant. People fear them for good reason."

> *(She stared, noting his presence, noticing his aura—a crisp edge like polished steel.)*

[Heat: Abbreviated to mean a thick and heavy aura.] 

Blinking, she asked, with professionalism:

> "Lord Rotschy, first year, yes? May I ask… why would someone like you attend this academy?"

He smiled, a slow, mocking smile:

> "Because my wife is here."

Her expression froze.

> "Your… wife?"

Jin said simply:

> "Yes. That explains why I was permitted."

Eiri stiffened, then nodded gravely:

> "I understand. Thank you, Lord Rotschy."

She watched his tall figure depart, her mind racing.

> *"He said 'my wife'? Jin Rotschy is married—and she's here too. That means... there are two Rotschy present. Is she as powerful as he is?"*

Her purple gaze lingered on the corridor, the whispers of such a pedigree filling her heart with intrigue and doubt.

..... 

Heat: Thank you so much for reading.