"Violet, when did you be so pessimistic?" Isaac''s voice came from behind them, sudden and unannounced. He stood behind them, looking dashing in his attire.


    "There are people far worse off than you, yet they keep pushing forward with optimism. You''ve got wealth, talent, and beauty-everything a woman could dream of. And yet, here you are, sulking over one setback. Do you really think you''re honoring the gods who gave you such a fortunate start in life?"


    Violet turned around to face him. His towering frame seemed to swallow her up, his chiseled features still carrying that reckless, carefree air. In the dim light of themps hanging along the corridor, his sun-kissed skin gleamed faintly. His dark eyes, almost pitch-ck, were impossible to read-was he lecturing her seriously or simply teasing?


    "Come on, let me show you something," Isaac added, before reaching out and grabbing her wrist.


    With one swift leap, he soared into the air, gliding effortlessly as if carried by the wind. Stunned, Violet stared at him in shock. Was Isaac''s Lightfoot Skill that amazing? She had always thought he was just half-hearted in everything he did. Carissa tilted her head as she watched them leave. Had Isaac really not noticed her presence? He hadn''t even nced at her or acknowledged her.


    Isaac took Violet all the way to the top of Glimmering Tower, where they hung suspended in mid-air. They gazed at the sprawling city below, the city lights twinkling like stars. Before they ascended, Isaac had stopped at the base of the tower to fetch two bottles of wine- one for Violet, the other for himself.


    The night air was cool, refreshing after the heat of the day. With the darkness around them, it was hard to make out their features. Drinking in such obscurity felt a bit intimate, so Isaac pulled a Night Pearl out of his sleeve. With a soft click, the entire top of the tower illuminated as though the moon itself had settled there.


    "Look at the lights from the thousands of households," Isaac said. "Each light represents a home, a family, and a collection of troubles. Whether you''re born with royal blood or into amon household, everyone faces their own set of struggles. Yours? It''s nothing." Violet pursed her lips. "I wasn''t asking for your sympathy. No need to bring me up here tofort me or pour me wine."


    She wasn''t in need of sympathy. She was fine.


    Isaac''s gaze deepened as he turned his head to look at her.


    "Who said I was here tofort you? I brought you here tofort me and to keep mepany," he said, his voice low and almost wistful.


    Remembering the debt of gratitude she owed him for saving her life, Violet didn''t get angry. Instead, she asked, "What do you needforting for?"


    Isaac swayed his legs, taking a swig of wine. "Do you know my name?"


    "Of course I do. It''s Isaac Prince."


    "That wasn''t always my name."


    His voice dropped a little, and under the glow of the Night Pearl, his expression darkened slightly.


    "Then, what were you called?" Violet asked, intrigued.


    Isaac remained quiet for a while before slowly murmuring, "Seraphina Prince."


    Violet almost lost her bnce. Seraphina?


    Isaac may not be known for his strictness, but he was definitely famous as a smooth talker and adies'' mah. And yet, his name was Seraphina, which often implied someone who was pampered and cute?


    BUMS


    "Don''t you dareugh!" Isaac shot her a severe look. "If youugh, I''ll push you off this tower and silence you for good."


    Violet thought back to the day she was captured by Yuvan''s men, then pped herself to hold back herughter. That was the only way she could force the urge tough down. "What''s so funny about that? It''s a nice name."


    Though she held back herughter,


    she still couldn''t help but feel puzzled. Why was Isaac telling her this? Didn''t he worry she might run off to Meadow Ridge and spread the word?


    Seeing that she wasn''tughing, Isaac rxed a little and asked, "Do you know why I was called that?"


    Violet thought for a moment. What other reason could there be? Maybe his dad had some kind of grudge against him. But she didn''t want to say that outright.


    "Maybe... your dad had a bit of a... conflict with you? Like some kind of bad luck or taboo?"


    "Quite the opposite." He paused before adding bitterly, "When I was born, my dad inherited the family''s title, earned military honors, and was rewarded by the king. It was


    because of me that he gained all


    that."


    Violet''s eyes widened. "Inherited the family''s title? You''re from such a prestigious family? Which family is it?"


    Isaac met her gaze and asked, "Is it really so hard to guess?"


    Violet hesitated. Though she felt it might be a bit intrusive, she couldn''t help but ask, "Your dad passed away, and then your brother inherited the title, didn''t he?" Isaac nodded, his expression t.


    Violet covered her mouth and stared at him for a long time before finally managing to ask, "Then, who''s your mom? Is she still alive?"