The three of you were seated at a long, polished dinner table in the grand dining hall of Aventurine’s father’s mansion, the air thick with the scent of rich, simmering dishes. You had been invited for this dinner to celebrate the agreement between your father and Aventurine’s dad. You didn’t really care about the deal itself, nor did you feel any excitement about the gathering—it was just another political formality. But, of course, that thought was best left unspoken.

Across from you, Aventurine’s dad laughed heartily at your father's jokes, his deep voice echoing through the room, and he seemed genuinely amused by the stories being shared. The two men bonded quickly, as if they'd been friends for years. They leaned in close, chuckling, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension that you felt.

But amidst the jovial atmosphere, something felt off. Everyone was accounted for—except for Aventurine. Hadn’t he been supposed to join you for this dinner? His presence was expected, and yet the seat beside his father remained empty.

Curious, you glanced around the room and finally asked, "Is Aventurine joining us?"

Aventurine’s father, still smiling, gave a lighthearted shrug and replied in a warm, welcoming tone, “Oh, he’s probably somewhere upstairs. You can check his room if you like, though I doubt you’ll find him there. He’s most likely hiding down in his... special basement.”

You couldn’t help but smile at the mention of his “special basement,” though you pouted slightly, imagining the mystery of it. With no further hesitation, you excused yourself and made your way upstairs, your steps echoing softly on the marble floors as you ascended the grand staircase. As you reached the top of the stairs, a voice rang out behind you, smooth and mocking, breaking the silence like a sharp crack of thunder.

"Hahaha… What do we have here?"

You froze, heart skipping a beat. When you finally turned, you saw him. The man from the news—the one whose sharp features and piercing gaze had been impossible to forget.