"I’m ready for it, Your Highness," Idris said with determination. "I won’t let you down."
A proud smile curved Casaio’s lips. "I know you won’t," he said warmly. "You have a strong heart, Idris."
Zilia placed a gentle hand on her brother’s head, affectionately ruffling his hair. Her eyes lingered on him before shifting to Casaio.
"So... when will he leave for the academy?" she asked softly. "And what about his admission, the fees, the supplies, how will it all be arranged?"
"I’ve already taken care of everything," Casaio assured her. "His place is confirmed, and everything he’ll need has been arranged."
Zilia gave a small nod. "You can fill me in on the details later," she said. "I should get back to the kitchen, the food might burn."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and quickly walked out.
"Your Highness, when I grow up and start earning, I’ll definitely—"
"Idris," Casaio interrupted gently, "you’re not allowed to say that. Don’t ever think of paying me back. I’m doing this because it’s my duty as the Alpha Prince. So stay worry-free, and just focus on what lies ahead. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for you in the beginning... but that won’t be the case anymore."
Idris smiled warmly. "You’re really kind, Your Highness." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺
A moment later, he leaned in a bit and whispered, "Oh, by the way, did Sis Zilia find out who called you? She kept mentioning it in front of me, but I stayed quiet."
Casaio chuckled lightly. "You did good."
"I’ll go help her in the kitchen now!" Idris chirped, and without waiting, he ran off in the direction Zilia had gone.
~~~~~
Carlos stepped out of the car, keys in hand, and made his way into the mansion. The grand hallway was quiet, the living room bathed in the warm glow of evening lights. He sank into the couch with a soft sigh, stretching his legs out as he glanced around.
"The city’s prettier than the capital," he murmured to himself.
A servant quietly approached, carrying a tray with a glass of water.
"Thank you," Carlos said, accepting it politely.
"Master Gabriel and Madam Amelie have gone out for a date," the servant informed him with a slight bow.
Carlos gave a small nod. "I see."
The servant bowed again and retreated, leaving him in silence. He finished the glass of water and placed it on the nearby table, then pulled out his phone and dialed his grandmother.
"Grandma, did you have dinner?" Carlos asked.
"I did," came Ravenna’s warm voice from the other side. "And I even took my medicine on time. Did you meet your friend? Is she doing well?"
"Yeah, she’s fine," Carlos replied with a faint smile as he rose from the couch and headed to his room. Entering his balcony, he stepped out to feel the evening breeze brush his face.
"Grandma, there’s something important I want to ask you," he said, tone turning serious.
"Yes? Go on," Ravenna prompted.
The call ended with a soft beep. Carlos slid the phone back into his trouser pocket and stepped forward, resting his hands on the cold stone balustrade of the balcony.
"I wonder what Amelie could’ve done in the past... for such a curse to cling to her," Carlos murmured under his breath, his eyes still lost in the city lights. A faint knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts.
He turned and opened the door, only to find Karmen standing there.
"You?" Carlos blinked, a little surprised.
"Can I come in?" Karmen asked.
"Of course," Carlos replied, stepping aside to let him in.
Karmen entered and settled into the chair near the window.
Carlos closed the door behind him and crossed his arms. "So, what is it?"
"I’m here to talk about the marks," Karmen began. "We have an acquaintance, Louis. He met with a certain witch to learn more about them."
Carlos’s expression tightened. "I’ve already spoken to my grandmother. She’s going to look into it personally. For now, I don’t think it’s wise to discuss the marks with too many people."
Karmen nodded slowly. "Understood. I only mentioned it because Louis might have uncovered something... significant. But if your grandmother’s handling it, I’ll leave it to her."
Carlos gave a faint nod. "Thanks for understanding."
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