In the middle of the journey, I suddenly felt the urge to pee. Damn timing.
So, trying to act natural, I leaned a bit closer to the panel beside my seat and whispered, "Hey… uhh, where's the bathroom?"
A soft chime answered back.
[Restroom: Third car, to your left.]
Easy enough.
I stood up, but the moment I moved,
"Where are you going?"Elaris, the blue-haired one, narrowed her eyes like I was about to commit a felony.
"…Bathroom?" I answered blankly.
She clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes. "Of course it's the bathroom. What, you think we're dumb enough to believe you're sneaking off somewhere? Wait—maybe you are. Are you gonna go cry in there or something?"
"Why would I cry in a train bathroom?" I frowned not understanding how she came to that conclusion. "That's gross."
"Hmph."
Meanwhile, Arenya just tilted her head slightly, eyes scanning me up and down like she was trying to see if I was lying. Her expression was unreadable, almost bored. But for a moment, I swore her lips twitched upward. Just a little.
"You'll be back in one minute," she said softly. "Right?"
I blinked. "Yeah?"
"I'm counting," she whispered, her voice calm but unsettling.
"…Huh?"
Before I could ask what she meant, Elaris leaned back with a dramatic sigh.
"Don't take too long, toilet prince."
I didn't reply. I just quietly left, trying not to look like I was escaping an interrogation. This train ride was way more stressful than I expected.
After James Lee's figure disappeared from view, Elaris let out a small snicker.
"His reaction was really funny. Hahaha."
Arenya, still staring in the direction he left, spoke calmly.
"Well, we shouldn't push it too far. We're companions now, after all."
Her words sounded kind, even thoughtful—but her expression said otherwise.
"You're right," Elaris nodded, then grinned sideways. "But your ability really is perfect for this, hehe~"
If James had seen Elaris's face just then, he might've been surprised.
That expression—so light, so playful—
Is so far from her mean and cold look before
All I can say is, boys should also learn to protect themselves outside. Cause the world is sinister ( I was low-key cheated when buying snacks today).
.....
Inside the bathroom.
After I finish "IT".I stood before the mirror washing my face with water.I look at my reflection and saw clear eyes looking back.
"Those two are weird for sure" I mumbled.
Just then.
A sharp sound echoed from just beyond the door. A voice followed—sharp, venomous, full of arrogant spite.
"Bastard abandoned son! How dare you show your face here?!"
Another voice sneered with contempt.
"Hmph. He really thinks someone like him deserves to stand next to the young lady?"
"A toad dreaming of swan's meat. Pathetic."
Their laughter echoed down the corridor, theatrical and cruel—like third-rate villains stepping straight out of a trashy drama.
Curious, I stepped closer and cracked the door open, peeking out.
There, leaning against the marble-tiled wall, was a boy one head taller than me.His school-issued jacket hung loosely off one shoulder, and a fresh bruise bloomed on his cheek like a red badge of shame. His dark hair was a mess, his hands clenched behind him.
Three nobles stood in front of him, their uniforms immaculately pressed, smugness painted across their faces like masks they wore too well.
Although the Young Man was down to earth.The first time I saw him I knew this guy is someone who can do great things.Even now, with his head down, not fighting back, I saw it. The quiet stubbornness hiding in his silence.
And then—something strange happened.
The air shimmered.
A soft hum vibrated through the walls.
Then—
A glowing figure, faceless and clad in translucent blue robes, drifted into view like mist taking form. Its body flickered with circuitry, and its voice echoed from everywhere and nowhere.
[Violation of Transit Code Section 12: No violence toward passengers during travel.]
The three nobles froze.
The temperature in the hallway dropped, like the train itself had become aware.
In one fluid motion, glowing restraints materialized around their wrists—binding them with light.
The spirit's movements were silent, swift.
Absolute.
[Trainguard A.I.BOR-07: Active Protocol Enforcement.]
The nobles didn't resist and are not worried. They knew what it was.and they knew it will let them go after this trip because they didn't really hurt him to be considered injured.
Every express train was powered by a bound spirit—an ancient system merged with modern AI, given autonomy and full authority. To violate train law was to challenge the train itself.
"Sorry for the trouble .."
When everything was over the boy look towards my direction and smiled bitterly.
"Nah it's ok but what happened though?"
He hesitated at first but still told me.Maybe because he need someone to listen to his side.
"....I was exiled from the house..My mother is dead and they cancel my engagement..."
"Heh they ignored me today tomorrow I would be out of reach..."
"Poor guy"..I thought looking at his receding back. " It reminds of the past....."
I shook my head and go back .
...
Back in the corridor.
"Didn't I say one minute?"
A cold, eerie voice rang out behind me.
Reflexively, I spun and threw a punch.
The figure dodged easily.
"Hey! It's me, Arenya!" she said quickly.
I paused.
Sure enough—it was Arenya, now wearing a luxurious jacket.
"Don't scare me like that." I frowned.
"And don't change your tone like that. I thought a killer was behind me. I could've hurt you, you know?"
"Sorry~ sorry~ I just wanted to mess with you~"
Her cuteness chipped away at my irritation.
"Just… don't do it again."
"Okay~ okay~"
We walked together back to our seats.
"You have fast reflexes," I commented.
"Hmm~? Oh, that's because of~… it's a secret~"
She smiled innocently, hands behind her back.
"I'll tell you when we're closer, okay~?"
She was surprisingly blunt with that.
"...Guess I'll have to work for it, huh?"
"Yesss~"
....
"Country bumpkin, you sure took your sweet time just to pee. Got a bladder issue or something?"
"What do you think?"
Back at our seats, Elaris greeted me with venom, as usual.
"Okay, Elaris, don't be mean to him."
Elaris opened her mouth to snap back—but Arenya stopped her.
"Hmph!" she snorted and looked away dramatically.
This girl…
She acts like I'm the one being unreasonable here.
"James," Arenya said.
"Yeah?"
"Do you have a place to stay after we arrive?"
"No."
"Want to come with us? We already bought a villa there."
"Me? Do you trust me that much?"
"Of course! You're the person I chose. I know I can trust you~"
Why do her words sound wrong somehow? Is she messing with me?
I glanced into her eyes—it was obvious…
"Wait. Did you even ask me first?" Elaris butted in.
"And where would he sleep?"
"There are lots of rooms in the villa. He can just pick one," Arenya said.
"What if he tries something in the middle of the night? I may be young, but I know I'm attractive."
The nearby passengers chuckled.
"It's good to be young," said an older man with glasses.
"Hey, hey! Don't slander me like that! Look at my face—do I look like someone who'd do that kind of thing?!"
I couldn't take it anymore. It was awkward and embarrassing being talked about like that.
"That's enough, Elaris. Don't embarrass him."
"She's just teasing," Arenya added. "Look—her mouth is curled up at the edges."
"ARENYA!" Elaris hissed, glaring.Angry at being expose.
I glanced and—yeah. She was smiling.
These two really enjoy messing with me.
"Hmph. I was just joking, but I'm warning you—if you do try anything funny, the consequences will be disastrous."
Her stern expression made it clear she wasn't bluffing.
Somehow, I got a feeling that if I really do something like that the consequences might actually be as bad as she said.
.....
Ding!
Dear passengers, we have arrived at Ashviel City. Please prepare to disembark.
A soft chime echoed overhead as the high speed train slowed down,It made a soft noise as the two lines of light it's rails turned from blue to green. Outside the wide windows, a sprawling city bathed in warm sunset glow came into view—its towers rising like fingers scraping the evening sky, glass and steel wrapped in the golden haze of twilight.And beyond the City wall was a vast Forest stretching beyond the horizon.
Ashviel City
I looked outside the window taking all the scenery in the eyes as the other passengers started standing and stretching.
We stepped off the train and onto the station platform.
The cool city breeze immediately hit my face—a mix of fresh air, faint perfume, and a tinge of magic I couldn't quite describe. Neon signs flickered to life above shops built right into the stone walls. Vendors called out offers. Magic Drones hovered in the air, tracking luggage and scanning tickets. The air here felt... different. Sharp. Fast.
I almost tripped staring around.
"Tch. Country bumpkin eyes again," Elaris muttered beside me.
"Leave him alone," Arenya said gently, tugging me lightly by the sleeve. "Come. Let's go."
We passed through the terminal arch, following a path of floating lights that led toward a waiting lot. A sleek black vehicle hovered just above the ground—silent, humming with energy. It looked expensive.
"Our ride," Arenya said with a grin.
"I arranged it earlier. Our villa's about 10 minutes away by skyrail, but this will be faster." She opened the door and gestured for me to get in.
As I stepped inside, the seats hugged me—soft, cool to the touch,
....
A few minutes later…
The car slowed down as we approached the edge of a residential cliffside. The roads here were quieter, the air cooler. A gate opened with a shimmer of light as we approached.
[Welcome, Miss Arenya. Welcome, Miss Elaris.
Villa Unit-07: Entry granted.]
The vehicle landed gently at the entrance of a large, multi-story house built from smooth white stone, black steel frames, and glowing edge-lights that flickered like stardust. It didn't feel like a home. It felt like something out of a high-end catalog.
"We're here," Arenya said cheerfully.
She stepped out first, twirling slightly like a tour guide.
"There are six bedrooms. Pick whichever one you like—but not the master, that's ours~"
"Whose?" I asked.
"Ours. Mine and Elaris's."
"Don't say it like that," Elaris snapped.
I followed them through the doorway. Inside, the villa was even more stunning—minimalist, elegant, and strangely warm. The air smelled faintly of mint and something floral. A wide lounge area opened before us, complete with floating light orbs, a curved sofa, and a large display window that showed the city far below.
"You can freshen up. We have food, too. I asked the service bot to stock the fridge," Arenya said, gesturing toward the kitchen.
She was acting like a perfect host now. It was hard to believe this was a young girl around my age..
I nodded quietly and explored a bit before choosing a room down the hall. It wasn't big, but it was clean, neat, and had its own tiny balcony.
After dropping off my bag, I stepped back into the living room. Elaris had disappeared somewhere upstairs, and Arenya was flipping through channels on a wide panel screen.
Looking outside the city was slowly beginning its night life.With people rushing back home and other dressed in good clothing to go shopping.
"Father are we really going to that restaurant?"
"Yes! I just got a promotion so let's enjoy ourselves and don't be too surprised there's more to come.Our life will get better and better I promise"
"Then Can I bring Alya ? I want her to eat delicious food too"
"Hahah this is my son brave and not shy of girls"
"Honey..."
On a nearby villa I saw a family of 4 talking after a while a little girl came out of the opposite house with her parents just standing on the door.
"Uncle Can I really go with you?"
"Of course!"
"Yey!"
"Alya what food do you want to eat? We got you don't be shy ok?"
"Hahaha "
James Lee/Lucien look outside his expression shroud in shadow.
I want that....
....I miss you...
After a while a small voice came out like whisper in the wind.
...
That night…
Knock knock.
I opened the door and saw Arenya outside, wrapped in a soft jacket.
"Arenya? What are you doing here?"
"Use this," she said, handing me a pillow and blanket.
"Huh? What's this for?"
"The bed was already used before. Even though it was cleaned, it's still better to cover it.
Unfortunately, I haven't mastered deep cleaning magic yet otherwise this wouldn't need to be this troublesome ."
"Ah… thanks."
"You're welcome~ And Goodnight~"
She smiled gently.
Under the soft light, her expression looked calm—serene.
So different from her daytime playfulness.
Maybe…
This was the real her.
Of course only maybe.