The moonlight spilled softly through the window of Luca's dorm, bathing the room in a calm, silvery glow. The only sound was the scratch of his pen as it glided across the paper. His expression was focused, almost solemn, as he wrote line after line.

"This should help her… right?" he muttered under his breath, pausing to glance over the letter. His handwriting wasn't flawless, but the meaning mattered more than the form.

Folding the paper neatly, he leaned back in his chair with a faint sigh. "Tomorrow morning, I just have to slip this into the post along the way to class."

His eyes drifted to the ceiling as thoughts lingered on the problem. Count Fairmoore should be able to handle this much easily. For a count, the struggle between viscounts shouldn't amount to too much, right?

He tapped his pen against the desk, thinking further. Besides, I have the Empress's favor… and Master won't refuse me if it's a reasonable request. Cashing in Count Fairmoore's favor here is the cleanest solution.

But even as he convinced himself, his brows furrowed faintly. He didn't want Seraphina to know.

"I've asked him to keep my involvement secret," he murmured, pushing the paper aside. "I don't want Professor Seraphina to think she owes me again. That'll just make things… awkward between us."

A tired yawn escaped his lips as he stood and stretched. "And truthfully, I really don't have much interest in this dirty politics anyway."

When he turned toward the bed, a small figure was already waiting—his baby dragon, perched atop the blankets, crimson eyes glimmering like tiny rubies. She puffed her cheeks, arms crossed, as if sulking.

"Now, now," Luca chuckled softly, walking over. "Papa was busy yesterday. But I promise—we'll go out and play next weekend, okay?"

The pout lingered for only a heartbeat before her eyes brightened at the word play. A giggle bubbled out of her, golden hair swaying as she hopped forward.

Luca couldn't help but smile. He tickled her sides until her laughter filled the quiet dorm, a sound so pure it made the burdens of politics and duty fade into the background.

Eventually, exhaustion claimed them both. The baby dragon curled close against him, her tiny warmth pressing into his side. Luca let his eyes drift shut, the letter still safe on the desk.

This should be enough, he thought as sleep tugged him under. Tomorrow… there will be a new day, a new battle.

The next morning, Luca walked briskly across the academy courtyard, hair still faintly damp from his shower after his morning training. A sandwich dangled from his mouth—half-eaten, since he'd barely given himself time for breakfast. By the time he swallowed the last bite and reached Class A, the room was already buzzing with chatter.

He slipped into his seat beside Eric, who immediately leaned over with his usual grin.

"So, how was your weekend?"

Luca gave him a small, knowing smile. "Well… it was eventful."

Before Eric could press further, the classroom door opened and Seraphina entered, her presence silencing the room instantly. She began her lecture as if nothing in the world weighed on her shoulders. Luca, watching quietly, thought to himself, She's strong… even with everything going on, she doesn't let a single crack show on her face.

When the lecture ended, the usual wave of murmurs and chatter broke out as students packed their belongings. Luca stood, intending to head back to the dorms, when Eric clapped a hand firmly on his shoulder.

"And where do you think you're going, bastard?"

Luca blinked at him. "Dorms."

Eric smirked. "Did you forget? Today's the club meeting."

"Ah…" Luca dragged out the sound, remembering. "That's right. It's been a week already, hasn't it? Well then, let's go."

The two walked together toward the exit, only for Luca to notice a figure standing hesitantly by the door, fingers fidgeting nervously.

"Lilliane?" Luca called.

She flinched slightly at her name and looked up, her face a mixture of relief and embarrassment.

"Today's our club meeting. You want to come with us?" he asked.

She nodded quickly, though her eyes darted away, avoiding direct contact. Luca thought to himself, So that's it… she was waiting here, not wanting to go alone, but not knowing how to ask.

The three of them made their way toward the quieter part of the academy, where the air seemed heavier, carrying with it the scent of smoke, ink, and something faintly metallic. The atmosphere screamed of secrets—like a place where forbidden experiments and shady dealings thrived.

"Why does it have to be here of all places?" Luca muttered.

Lilliane nodded almost violently beside him, scanning the dim hallways with suspicion as though agreeing with every word.

Eric, of course, only laughed. "Hahaha! Well, isn't it obvious? It's better to research certain topics away from prying eyes, right?"

At last, they reached the so-called clubroom. Inside, two old, worn-out sofas faced each other in a half-circle, with five figures sprawled lazily across them. The air smelled faintly of dust and something that reminded Luca of old parchment.

Then a booming, theatrical voice rang out, dripping with flamboyance.

"Hohoho! Welcome, welcome—the first-years have finally come to their very first club meeting! Come, my boys, and… a girl! Hahahaha!"

The boisterous man—tall, broad, with an untamed mop of chestnut hair and an even wilder grin—threw his arms wide like an actor on stage.

"Hohohoh! Welcome the fresh blood! John Bond again, Vice President of the Hero Research Club., at your service! Fear not, for I'll guide you through this den of mystery with my unmatched charisma!"

Luca's lips twitched. Unmatched charisma or unmatched volume? Hard to tell.

John slapped the armrest of the couch and leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Now, now, don't be shy! Let's have proper introductions. Third-years first! Stand tall, my comrades!"

A tall, lean boy with sharp features and a pair of silver spectacles adjusted them carefully before speaking. His posture was stiff, precise.

"Leonhart Veyrin. Specializing in ancient runic structures and their correlation with divine geometries. I'll expect discipline and respect during research." His voice was clipped, almost militaristic.

Strict one, Luca thought, watching the man's eyes sweep over them like a drill sergeant checking recruits. Probably going to scold Eric within the first five minutes.

Next, a lanky boy with dark circles under his eyes gave a lazy wave without getting up. His hair was an untidy mess, his uniform half unbuttoned.

"Marius… third year. I read, I write, I nap. Don't wake me unless the room's on fire. Even then, I might reconsider."

Eric snorted, trying to hold in laughter, and Luca shook his head. One's a soldier, the other's a corpse. This club is balanced, I see.

The third boy shot up like a spring, nearly knocking over the sofa. His fiery red hair seemed to mirror the manic energy burning in his eyes.

"Cecil Brandt! Second-year and the master of forbidden duels! Not that I've lost any, of course. My research focus? Anything banned, sealed, or too dangerous for sane people! Hahah!"

"Figures," Luca muttered under his breath, while Eric's grin spread ear to ear, clearly liking this one.

Then, one of the girls stood. She had long black hair tied neatly into a braid and wore gloves despite being indoors. She bowed politely, her expression composed.

"Selene Arclight. Second-year, specialist in artifact restoration and preservation. Please don't touch anything without permission." Her tone was cool, her words like neatly stacked stones.

Efficient, detached… the opposite of Eric. She'll either ignore him or strangle him one day.

Finally, the last upperclassman bounded forward before John could even announce her.

"I'm Amara! Second-year! Master of poisons, venoms, and all things that go squish!" She twirled, skirts flaring dangerously close to a shelf of old scrolls. "Don't worry—I only test on animals. Usually. Sometimes. Depends if you're rude." She winked at Luca.

Lilliane visibly recoiled, fidgeting with her fingers again, while Eric burst out laughing. Luca resisted the urge to drag a hand down his face. Gods above. Why do clubs like this always have one insane one?

John clapped his hands like a conductor finishing an overture. "Splendid! Splendid! Now, our fledgling lambs—your turn to howl! Come, speak!"

Eric was already halfway standing, laughter still spilling from him. "Hahaha! Eric! First-year, future master of myths, breaker of banns, and definitely here to cause trouble!"

Lilliane stiffened, her eyes darting nervously before she rose with the air of someone about to step into a storm.

"L-Lilliane Fairmoore… I… I am a first year Mage. I look forward to learning from everyone…" Her voice trailed off as her fingers twisted the hem of her sleeve.

The silence after her words made her flush scarlet. Luca, catching her discomfort, spoke smoothly before the tension lingered.

"Luca Von Valentine. First-year. I prefer to observe and… stay efficient. Pleased to be here." He kept his words short, his tone calm.

Eric nudged him immediately after, whispering, "Efficient, huh? That's your cool-guy word?"

Luca ignored him, eyes scanning the eccentric upperclassmen again. This… will either be an enlightening experience or a complete disaster.