A bright morning dawned over Frankfurt Pierce Castle.
Inside Aaron's private bathroom, the young man stood before the mirror, his face painted with traces of fatigue and sleep. He turned on the faucet and splashed water on his face—only to jump back immediately.
> "Ah! Hot! Too hot! Damn it!"
He grabbed the nearest towel, pressing it against the area the scalding water had touched. After realizing he'd accidentally turned the knob to the hot setting instead of cold, he sighed, rubbing his temple.
Still half-asleep, Aaron left the bathroom and stepped into his room. He closed the door behind him, then made his way down the grand staircase.
At the same time, Kain was coming up—and the two nearly collided at the midpoint.
> "Ah, good morning, Sir Kain! What are you doing today?" Aaron asked, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Morning," Kain replied curtly. "I'll be cleaning all four floors today. And you—make sure you tidy the training hall. After that, meet me on the third floor."
"Got it. But can I eat breakfast first?"
"Yes, just be quick about it."
Aaron nodded eagerly and hurried to the kitchen. Within moments, he was assembling a medium-sized sandwich filled with cheese, meat, and a few fresh vegetables.
He carried it to the training hall, munching thoughtfully as he walked.
> "I have to finish this sandwich fast and clean the place," he muttered to himself. "If Kain checks my room and finds those books from the cellar, I'm doomed."
Once finished eating, he grabbed a mop and began cleaning every corner of the hall with careful precision. The floor soon gleamed under the morning light.
Meanwhile, in Aaron's room, Kain had already polished the floor until it sparkled like glass.
As he organized Aaron's wardrobe, a few books fell and struck him on the head.
> "Ow! Damn these papers!"
He bent down, picking them up—and froze when his eyes fell on one particular title.
> "This... this is The History and Secrets of Maro. How did this get here?"
His gaze darkened as realization struck.
Aaron must have taken it from the forbidden cellar.
> "So he did disobey me…"
Rage flickered in Kain's eyes. He placed the books back carefully, gripped his broom tightly, and marched out of the room.
Descending the stairs, he muttered under his breath, his tone sharp as a blade.
> "So, Aaron… you chose to ignore my orders. Fine. Then you'll face the consequences."
Outside, the wind rustled through the courtyard walls. Kain's footsteps echoed as he approached the training hall.
Inside, Aaron wiped the sweat from his brow, exhausted but satisfied.
> "Heh… finally done."
Just as he relaxed, a sudden gust of wind blasted toward him. He barely dodged in time.
> "W-what the hell was that?!"
He turned—and froze at the sight of Kain standing at the entrance, broom in hand, his left arm glowing faintly with magical symbols.
> "S-sir Kain?! W-what brings you here…?" Aaron stammered.
> "I came to ask about a certain book—The History and Secrets of Maro," Kain said coldly. "You know what shocked me most? That it wasn't part of Lord Pierce's collection."
Aaron tried to explain.
> "Wait, I can explain—"
"No need!" Kain snapped. "You took it from the cellar I forbade you to enter. Didn't I make myself clear? Never go there, no matter what!"
His anger was palpable. He spun the broom in one hand, ready to strike.
Aaron's mind raced desperately for a way out.
> "Ah! Sir Kain, look—behind you! It's the ghost of Tanara!"
> "What?!" Kain turned sharply.
And in that split second, Aaron bolted past him, sprinting out of the hall. He slammed the castle doors behind him and dashed into the courtyard.
Realizing too late he'd been tricked, Kain's face twisted in fury.
> "You little brat…"
He gripped his broom and took off like a storm.
Down the streets of Gaity, Aaron ran until his lungs burned, glancing over his shoulder. For a moment, he thought he'd escaped—until he saw a figure approaching fast, broom in hand, eyes blazing.
> "No, no, no! He's still coming!" he yelped, running even faster as bystanders watched with mild curiosity.
Kain's speed increased, closing the distance between them.
Aaron dove into a narrow alley and hid inside a large trash bin near a butcher's shop, holding his breath as Kain searched nearby. After a tense silence, Kain turned and walked off.
Aaron cautiously lifted the lid and peeked out.
> "Heh… that was close."
> "Found you."
Aaron froze. The voice came from right behind him.
He turned slowly—Kain stood there, broom ready, a cold smirk on his face.
> "Now, shall we continue our talk?"
> "I-I'm sorry! I shouldn't have done it!"
> "Apology accepted," Kain said. "But you'll be doing my chores for a week."
> "...Fair enough," Aaron sighed.
The two walked back toward the castle side by side.
As they walked, Kain suddenly chuckled.
> "You know, you remind me of myself when I was young."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I used to break my parents' rules all the time."
"No way… What happened to them?" Aaron asked softly.
Kain's smile faded.
> "They were killed. Long ago."
> "Oh… I'm sorry."
"It's fine," Kain said quietly.
After a moment of silence, Kain spoke again.
> "By the way, Aaron—I want to show you something. Follow me."
He turned down a side street, and Aaron followed curiously. They walked for several minutes until a massive structure loomed ahead. A tall sign read:
> "Gaity Academy."
Aaron's eyes widened.
> "Wait… did you enroll me here?!"
Kain grinned faintly.
> "I did. But don't tell Lord Pierce, got it?"
Aaron nodded with a small smile.
Later, they returned to the castle, where Kain handed him a broom.
> "Now, start with the third floor. Consider this... training."
Aaron groaned but obeyed. As Kain left, he patted Aaron's shoulder with a grin.
> "Good luck."
Aaron sighed and began sweeping again, exhaustion written all over his face.
From one of the rooms, Lord Pierce peeked out, greeted him, and quietly returned inside.
Aaron muttered under his breath, annoyed:
> "I really wish I never went into that cursed cellar…"
And with that, he continued his chores—grumbling all the way.