Enigma of Darkness ✨

I will protect what's mine.

Lucian and Araki arrived at Lucian's house. The butler's surprise was evident in his demeanor as he greeted them with a respectful bow. Hastily, he escorted them to the grand living room where Isa was engrossed in flipping through a magazine.

Isa, caught off guard by Lucian's unexpected companion, rose from her seat with a mix of astonishment and delight painted across her features. With a warm smile, she extended a gracious welcome to Araki, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and genuine interest.

Araki, maintaining a demeanor of utmost respect, offers a bow to Isa before softly addressing her with an apology for his unannounced arrival. Isa, with a graceful gesture, dismisses any need for apologies, assuring him with a wave of her hand. However, Araki persists, expressing regret for the inconvenience he caused that day. Despite Isa's reassurances, he remains adamant.

Isa, with a warm grin, assures Araki once more that the incident has long been forgotten, moving closer to him with a comforting pat on his arm as she encourages him to take a seat. However, before the exchange of pleasantries can continue, Lucian brutally interjects them.

"Don't trouble yourself, Araki is a man of many obligations. He'll be taking his leave," Lucian announces, subtly prompting Araki with a discreet glance to depart. However, to Lucian's surprise, Araki casually shakes his head, indicating his desire to stay.

"It's not a problem. My schedule has been shifted and I can stay here for a while. It has been long since I visited everyone." Araki says so much making Lucian gape in surprise. He stands there momentarily stupefied by this unexpected decision.

Isa, amused by the unfolding interaction, lets out a soft chuckle before warmly inviting Araki to take a seat. Taking her place on the adjacent sofa, she gestures for Araki to join her, creating an inviting atmosphere for him.

Observing her son's reluctance to join them, Isa directs a playful yet firm gaze towards Lucian. "If you're not inclined to join our conversation, dear, perhaps you could excuse yourself and freshen up," she suggests, prompting Lucian to reluctantly leave the room, his expression a mix of resignation and bemusement at the unexpected turn of events between Araki and Isa.

Caught in a moment of inner conflict, Lucian hesitates, torn between the desire to escape but unsure of what these two might be discussing behind his back. The thought of his mother telling his embarrassing childhood moments to Araki made Lucian stiff.

After a moment's deliberation, he takes a tentative step forward, only to pause and abruptly change course, settling himself beside his mother with an air of reluctance, his mood noticeably sour as he avoids meeting the gazes of the other two occupants in the room.

Sensing Lucian's discomfort, both Araki and Isa turn their attention toward him, their expressions softening with understanding. A silent understanding passes between them as they exchange a knowing glance, their smiles reflecting a shared connection.

"I'm feeling a bit peckish," Lucian murmurs, his gaze still fixed on the magazine he's idly flipping through, sensing his son's attempt to distance himself.

Isa's maternal instincts kick in as she then notices the change in her son's demeanor—a subtle pallor to his complexion, a quietness that seemed out of character. With a concerned glance towards Araki, she silently urges him to shed light on the cause behind Lucian's distress. However, Araki hesitates, recognizing the sensitivity of the situation.

It wasn't his place to divulge the details of the unsettling event that had evidently left Lucian shaken. Uncertain whether Lucian wished to share such a harrowing experience with his mother, Araki finds himself caught in a dilemma.