Observing them, Caspian assumed their youthful competitiveness was acting up; after all, the test heavily challenged their pride.
The old man smiled consolingly. “Don't be discouraged, you two. One or two failures don't define you. The most important thing is to adjust your mindset.”
The two grew even more silent. They both knew perfectly well that their crushing defeat was because they had completely surrendered to the temptation. Without resistance, the outcome would be the same no matter how many times they tried.
Alaric stood up, his expression detached. “Grandpa, I'm heading back.”
Caspian nodded, then looked warmly at Cyril. “Cyril, you should go rest too. Be careful with your leg injury.”
“Understood.”
In a rare display of compliance, Cyril didn't refuse and stood up to take his leave.
The two walked out of The Wellness Pavilion one after the other. Though they were heading in the same direction, neither broke the silence.
Walking through The Colonnade into the central courtyard, they were greeted by the sight of the four distinct manors. Among them, Vellmont Lodge, with its courtyard full of blooming flower walls, was the most eye-catching.
Alaric paused, his gaze deep and unreadable.
Before he could make a move, someone brushed past him, heading straight for the heart of the estate.
That figure didn't hesitate for a single second, moving as if unbound by any restrictions.
Alaric stood in The Portico, watching as Cyril pushed open the door to Vellmont Lodge. It wasn't until the silhouette completely disappeared from sight that a slight fracture finally appeared in his composed gaze.
*
“Ah, I'm so full!”
Vivienne rubbed her flat stomach, resting her chin in one hand while frowning in deep confusion.
Sure, she was beautiful, rich, had a stunning figure, and possessed real depth. The line of people who liked her could stretch all the way from Athelvia to Solenforth. But this was Cyril Bean—the ultimate playboy of Athelvia. She hadn't even done anything; how could he have already given her his heart?
It was simply too mind-boggling.
Hitting eighty percent before she even made a move? What would happen when she actually tried?
Tsk! This damn irresistible charm of hers.
As Cyril pushed open the courtyard gates, he saw Vivienne bathed in the sunlight, resting her chin on her hand, staring up at the sky at a forty-five-degree angle in a cute, dazed manner.
Everyone said she was beautiful. Even the sunlight seemed to favor her, making every single strand of her hair glow with a radiant sheen.
But in Cyril's eyes, it was the exact opposite. There were people in this world who couldn't see the light—like him. It was only by looking at her that he realized there was still a glimmer of brightness left in this world. It was she who gave the sunlight a reason to be praised.


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