Chapter — Fangs, Leaves, and an Unfortunate Human
Lucien had learned an important rule at the academy:
If someone calls you human with perfect pronunciation, trouble is already standing behind you.
"Human."
Yep. There it was.
Lucien stopped and turned.
Two figures stood near the academy fountain, both unmistakably non-human, both radiating noble confidence in completely different ways.
Elarion Noctyra — Elf Noble
Tall and slender, silver-green hair tied loosely behind him, ears long and elegant, adorned with subtle mana-thread jewelry. His emerald eyes shimmered with quiet intelligence and barely restrained mischief.
He smiled first.
"And here I thought humans exaggerated when they said one of their own dared mock a written exam."
Lucien pointed at him.
"You're smiling. That means you're enjoying this."
"Immensely," Elarion replied.
Seraphine Noctyra — Vampire Noble
Standing beside him, Seraphine was still as a statue.
Crimson eyes.
Pale skin.
A presence that felt like a cold breath against the throat.
"You didn't flinch," she said calmly.
"When the anti-cheat barrier activated."
Lucien blinked.
"…That was supposed to be scary?"
Seraphine tilted her head.
"Interesting."
Immediate Teasing Formation
Lucien gestured between them.
"So let me guess. Elf noble with too much free time, vampire noble who enjoys intimidation, and I'm today's entertainment."
Elarion laughed softly.
"Correction. I enjoy observation."
Seraphine added, "I enjoy reactions."
Lucien sighed.
Why do nobles always treat life like a social experiment?
Why They Notice Lucien
Elarion stepped closer, eyes sharp despite his relaxed posture.
"You didn't panic," he said.
"Not during the exam. Not now."
Lucien shrugged.
"Panic wastes mana."
Seraphine's gaze sharpened.
"You speak like someone who has already survived failure."
Lucien smiled faintly.
"More than once."
That answer lingered.
Vampire Instinct vs Human Calm
Seraphine circled him slowly.
Lucien felt it—her perception brushing against him, testing.
"…No accelerated heartbeat," she murmured.
"No fear scent."
Elarion raised a brow.
"He's defective."
"Or dangerous," Seraphine countered.
Lucien raised a finger.
"Hey, I'm right here."
Teasing Escalates
Lyra walked past, stopped dead.
"…Why is an elf smiling like that and a vampire staring at you like prey?"
Lucien answered immediately.
"I think I joined a club."
Seraphine smiled slightly.
"We haven't decided his role yet."
Lyra grabbed Lucien's sleeve.
"WHY DO YOU SOUND OKAY WITH THIS."
Lucien shrugged.
"They're polite."
"They're nobles!"
"Exactly."
The Trio Walks Together (Unfortunately)
Elarion casually matched Lucien's pace as they walked.
"So," he said, "what was your intention with that final answer?"
Lucien glanced at him.
"Which one?"
"The part about envy being fatal."
Lucien's smile faded just a little.
"It's a common mistake," he said.
"Thinking power comes from wanting what others have."
Seraphine studied his profile.
"…You don't want what others have."
Lucien smirked.
"I want what comes after."
Elarion laughed quietly.
"Oh. He's ambitious."
Foreshadowing, Subtle and Sharp
Before splitting paths, Seraphine stopped.
"Lucien."
He turned.
"When the practical exam begins," she said softly,
"don't hide too much."
Her eyes glowed faintly.
"Some of us can taste restraint."
Lucien met her gaze.
Smiled.
"Then don't blink."
Elarion chuckled as they walked away.
Lucien watched them go, rubbing his temples.
Elf. Vampire. Me.
"…This academy is going to be exhausting."
And somehow—
He didn't mind at all.