Chapter Nine: Memories of the First Meeting
Alfred entered the room quietly, carrying a tray of tea with deliberate steps, and said respectfully,
"Young master, dinner is ready. Lord Malphus and Lady Aline are waiting for you in the dining hall."
Ren lifted his eyes from the letter he was reading, folded the paper carefully, and replied coldly,
"Alright."
He stood quietly, putting on his black glove while muttering to himself,
"Her birthday… an invitation from the family."
**
When he arrived at the dining hall, he sat in his usual seat, facing his father and older sister. His father, Lord Malphus, had snow-white hair and cold red eyes, and said calmly,
"You received a message from the Kraimora family today."
Ren responded without showing any emotion,
"An invitation to Sislia's birthday."
Aline glanced at him briefly then returned to her meal quietly. Malphus said,
"You will go, won't you?"
Ren hesitated for a moment, then answered,
"Of course, one cannot ignore any moves from the three families."
Malphus smiled faintly,
"Good. Use the opportunity to observe the family and trust no one easily."
"I don't trust anyone," Ren said coldly.
**
After dinner, Ren returned to his room, threw his glove on the table, then approached the window to gaze at the dark sky. He thought about Sislia — the girl with black hair tinted purple and glowing purple eyes, whom he had met for the first time two years ago at her family's party.
**
He remembered the scene clearly, when he was only five years old. There was a grand celebration at the Kraimora estate, everyone dressed in their finest clothes and the lights filled the hall. Ren felt suffocated by the crowd and stepped outside to get some air.
Suddenly, he saw a small girl running toward the backyard garden — it was Sislia, with her blackish-purple hair and shining purple eyes. Suddenly, she tripped and fell into the pond.
Without hesitation, Ren jumped after her and saved her from drowning, gripping her tightly and pulling her out of the water. She was shivering, but he did not see any sign of trembling from himself, just a cold smile as he said,
"You're safe now."
**
From that day on, their relationship intertwined; she appeared at his parties, watched him from afar, and sent him messages filled with her feelings.
**
The next morning, Ren quietly ordered Alfred,
"Bring a purple jewel to match Sislia's eyes."
Alfred nodded respectfully and left immediately.
**
After finishing dinner, Ren went out to the back courtyard of the family estate and began absorbing the death mana concentrated in the air around him. The mana was stronger and more focused near places where recent deaths had occurred, and he used this to strengthen himself.
**
Ren sat quietly, breathing slowly, letting the death mana flow into his body as if it loved and supported him. He knew this ability was exceptional, and that he was the only one capable of controlling this kind of magic to this extent.