Chapter 129: Last Breakfast

The heavy sedan glided smoothly past the high perimeter gates of the Fernando estate, pulling up to the grand front entrance.

We stepped out of the car and walked into the main hall. As we crossed the marble foyer, a young housemaid in a sharp uniform bowed politely to us. "Welcome back, Young Master Seth, Lady Yoona, Lady Yerin, Captain Valerie. Lord Julian and Lady Alice are currently waiting for you in the main dining room."

"Thank you." I smiled warmly, giving her a brief, polite nod as we passed.

As we walked down the wide hallway leading to the dining wing, Val leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a soft whisper. "You did it again, Seth."

I blinked, looking over at my bodyguard fiancée in mild confusion. "Did what?"

"You thanked the maid for providing basic information," Val explained, her eyes looking at me with a soft, quiet light. "It is a tiny detail, but most high-society individuals of our standing rarely extend polite gratitude to household staff."

I gave a casual shrug, adjusting my collar. "I’m just being polite. What’s wrong with saying thank you to someone who helps you out?"

Beside us, Yoona let out a quiet, melodious chuckle. "There is nothing wrong with it at all, Seth. It is simply that most people in our inner circle are raised with a strict sense of social hierarchy, where staff are treated as invisible fixtures rather than individuals. It is quite rare to see someone of your standing treat everyone with equal respect."

I didn’t really have much to say to that. If someone treated me with basic respect, I was going to do the exact same in return, regardless of whether they were a high-tier noble or a housemaid.

It was basically courtesy.

Pushing open the heavy double doors of the dining room, the rich aroma of freshly prepared breakfast immediately filled the air.

Alice was standing near the long dining table, setting down a platter of warm pastries. The moment her dark eyes landed on the four of us walking in together, a bright smile illuminated her face.

"Oh! You’re back, sweeties!" Alice beamed, gesturing toward the seats. "Come in, sit down! I made breakfast myself this morning."

Her sharp, motherly eyes swept over our group, taking in Yerin’s relaxed posture, Yoona’s gentle smile, and Val’s unusually soft expression. Alice’s eyes sparkled with playful amusement. "My goodness... all four of you seem to be glowing this morning. Did you have a good night at the hotel?"

Val’s entire face instantly flushed a bright pink. She lowered her head slightly, unable to handle the motherly teasing. Yerin, on the other hand, didn’t show a single shred of embarrassment, she simply grinned, holding my arm tightly as we walked to the table.

We all took our seats around the grand table. Sitting at the head of the table, Julian took a quiet sip of his black coffee before setting his cup down.

"I have already finalized all the necessary administrative paperwork and clearance protocols for your transfer to Avalon Academy," Julian stated in his usual calm, measured tone. "Since the new academic term has officially begun, it would be best for you to move to campus as soon as possible."

Alice immediately turned her head, giving her husband a sharp, protective motherly glare. "Julian! He just got back home! I wouldn’t mind having my son stay here with us for a few more weeks!"

Julian reached across the table, taking Alice’s hand into his own with a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "Seth is home now, Alice. He is with us. Even if he studies at the academy, he remains our son, and his place is here."

I smiled at Mom, taking a bite of fresh toast. "Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll stay in touch every single day. And if I ever get bored or miss your cooking, I can just ditch my classes and run back home anytime."

Alice let out a soft laugh, though she quickly shook her head, offering a warm warning. "Oh, don’t you dare do that, Seth! I happen to know the Dean of Avalon Academy personally. She is an exceptionally strict, unyielding woman, and she certainly won’t take it lightly if you skip out on your responsibilities."

[Oho?] Paige’s voice suddenly chimed in my head, practically humming with chaotic excitement. [A strict, uptight Dean, Host?! That sounds like the entire academy environment is going to be rigid and super formal!]

’Strict and uptight?’ I replied mentally with a dry smirk. ’Then we’ll just have to turn the whole academy experience into something fun.’

[YES!!] Paige cheered inside my mind. [I can’t wait to help you bring beautiful chaos to Avalon Academy!]

Sitting across from me, Yoona dabbed her lips with a silk napkin before speaking up. "I am actually returning to the academy this evening myself. My official leave of absence ends today, so you can all travel with me on the private transport."

I looked at Yoona in surprise. "Wait... you’re studying at Avalon Academy too?"

Before Yoona could answer, Julian spoke up from the head of the table. "Yoona is not merely a student, Seth. She serves as the elected Student Council President, the highest administrative authority among the student body."

I stared at my crimson-haired fiancée, momentarily speechless. ’Student Council President of the world’s most prestigious supernatural academy... of course she is.

I recovered quickly, offering her a warm, genuine grin. "Honestly, that makes total sense. That’s exactly what I’d expect from you, Yoona. You’re way too awesome."

Yoona’s eyes softened, a faint flush touching her cheeks as she accepted the compliment.

Meanwhile, sitting beside me, Yerin was attacking her plate of food with single-minded focus. She chewed happily, swallowed, and then spoke up. "I am going to eat as much of Aunt Alice’s cooking as physically possible right now! The food in the academy cafeteria sucks so bad."

I let out a low chuckle, turning my head toward her. "Is that the real reason you ran away from campus in the first place, goblin?"

Yerin immediately pointed her silver fork straight at my face, nodding vigorously. "Yes! That was ninety percent of the reason! It tasted like cardboard."