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According to the current timeline, once the remaining month of summer break ended, he would return to the academy and begin his sophomore year.
That moment would mark the beginning of his so-called downfall—the turning point dictated by the world plot—triggered by the arrival of the novel's heroine, who would enroll as a freshman through what was described as a "special admission."
'Special admission, my a**.'
Eclipse's lips curled in faint disdain.
If he had not known the entire structure of the world plot—if he had not retained even fragments of his past memories—he might have believed that shallow explanation himself.
But he knew better.
'It would be best if I avoid getting entangled in that world plot altogether,' he concluded coldly. 'I have no intention of stepping foot into that academy again… and before the summer break ends, I'll disappear from this household completely.'
His thoughts sharpened with quiet determination.
However, before he could proceed with that plan, there was still one matter he needed to resolve—something tied to the negotiation he had proposed more than a month ago.
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
The sudden sound reverberated against the stillness of the room, pulling Eclipse out of his thoughts. His brows furrowed immediately, irritation flashing across his expression before he forced himself to remain composed.
"Who's there?" he called out.
'At this hour?' he scoffed inwardly. 'Who in this manor would dare knock on my door in the middle of the night? I've already dismissed the servants—and no one here willingly serves me anyway, not with my reputation.'
???; "It's me. We need to talk."
Eclipse stiffened.
That voice—
Recognition struck instantly, followed by a surge of anger that rushed through his entire being.
'What the f*cking hell…?!'
........
............
...............….
'What in the name of—what is this woman doing here?!'
His jaw tightened as memories—fragmented yet sharp—resurfaced. Even if incomplete, they were enough to ignite the remnants of pain buried deep within him.
The sensation was almost instinctive, as though his very body remembered what his mind could not fully grasp.
He inhaled slowly, forcing himself to calm down.
He could not afford to lose composure now.
Not when an opportunity had just presented itself.
A slow, dangerous grin crept onto his face as his gaze settled on the door.
'Hmmm… not bad,' he mused. 'Even if this triggers some of those lingering traumas… if I can use this to take her down, then it might just be worth it.'
He had once declared that he would not pursue revenge against those who had wronged him in his previous life—particularly the heroine and her entourage.
But that did not mean he would tolerate, much less forgive, those who made his childhood a living nightmare.
And the person standing outside—
Was one of them.
The Marchioness.
'Who would've thought she'd come to me on her own?' Eclipse thought, amusement flickering beneath his calm exterior. 'I don't know what the Marquis told her… but this could be the perfect chance.'
A calculated glint flashed across his eyes.
'If I expose her true nature in front of her precious children… that alone should suffice, wouldn't it?'
A faint scoff escaped him.
A noblewoman of her standing, coming unannounced in the dead of night to speak with him?
To someone like him?
'She doesn't even realize how suspicious this situation is. Tsk.'
BANG!
The door swung open without waiting for his permission.
Eclipse's eyes narrowed slightly.
'Wow… she really just walked in like she owns the place.'
He made no effort to conceal the disdain that surfaced on his face as the woman entered, her movements confident—almost arrogant—as she stepped further into his room.
She walked with the ease of someone who believed the space beneath her feet belonged to her.
And perhaps, in her mind—it did.
'Just because you're the Marchioness… just because you're the legal wife… doesn't mean you can do whatever you please,' he sneered inwardly. 'I haven't forgotten a single thing you did… you old witch.'
The woman before him was none other than CHARLOTTE AINSIELLE CHEVALIER—the current Marchioness and the lawful wife of the Marquis.
She was also the mother of his half-siblings.
From what Eclipse recalled, she hailed from the noble Count Fleener household, born as its eldest daughter. The Fleener family shared distant ties with the Chevalier lineage—one of many intermarriages that bound noble houses together.
'No wonder she acts so entitled,' he thought coldly. 'From Fleener's eldest lady… to Chevalier's Marchioness.'
His gaze darkened slightly.
'It will be interesting… watching her fall from that high pedestal.'
Eclipse did nothing to mask his displeasure as Charlotte continued walking around his room, her posture poised as though she were inspecting the space.
"How have you been, my youngest?" she began, her tone coated in practiced gentleness. "Your father—and your siblings—were quite concerned for you after what happened earlier in the dining hall."
Eclipse let out a low snort.
"Really?" he replied sharply. "Should I feel honored that dear Father and my beloved siblings are suddenly worried about me?"
His voice carried unmistakable sarcasm.
"Oh please," he added, his gaze piercing. "Don't act like I don't know your motives, Marchioness."
For a fleeting moment, Charlotte's composed expression faltered.
The crack in her mask was subtle—but real.
It was enough.
Eclipse smirked.
'So, you can be shaken.'
Unlike before—unlike the boy she once knew—he did not lower his head. He did not yield. There was no trace of fear in him anymore.
Only defiance.
'As if I'd show weakness now,' he scoffed internally. 'Just leave already… your presence alone is revolting.'
"How dare you—"
Before Charlotte could fully react, the servant standing behind her stepped forward, his voice rising in indignation.
But Eclipse moved faster.
"Silence."
His tone was sharp—cutting.
His gaze snapped toward the servant, cold and unyielding.
"And who are you," he continued icily, "to speak to me in such a manner?"
The servant froze.
"Just because you flatter the Marchioness doesn't raise your status," Eclipse went on, his voice laced with contempt. "You are still nothing but a servant."
His eyes narrowed.
"I may be an illegitimate child," he admitted bluntly, "but I still carry the Chevalier name."
A pause.
"And you?"
His lips curled coldly.
"You're nothing more than a dog wagging its tail for its master. Know your place."
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