CHAPTER 103: FIRST LIGHT, FIRST TROUBLE

They headed downstairs to the dining room, both Marcus and Victoria still dressed in the same clothes they’d worn the night before. Their footsteps echoed lightly against the polished flooring as they descended the grand staircase, faint morning light casting a soft glow over the interior.

As they entered the room, the warm scent of freshly baked bread and brewed tea greeted them—alongside the ever-vigilant butler, Lance.

The man paused mid-step, his eyes briefly widening with surprise before settling into a familiar, amused smile.

"Oh, young master, you’re up quite early today... I thought you’d still be at the academy at this hour," Lance remarked, a raised brow accompanying his knowing tone.

He stopped short when Victoria stepped into view behind Marcus, her presence drawing an involuntary flick of his gaze—and then an awkward smile.

"And... a pretty lady?" he added, blinking once in genuine surprise.

That line was all it took.

The nearby servants—who were mid-preparation, arranging silverware and pouring drinks—froze for a split second, their eyes widening as they took in the sight. The dining room, once quiet save for the clinking of dishes, suddenly felt much more alert.

After all, this was only the third day of the academy term.

And Marcus had already brought a girl home.

Lance’s tone turned a shade more cautious as he cleared his throat. "Does your parents know about this, young master?" He laughed, though the sound carried a slight unease. Despite his usual composure, this was certainly unexpected.

Marcus simply shrugged, sliding his hands into his pockets with a nonchalant grin. "I mean... they wouldn’t mind, would they?"

Lance chuckled at the response and waved a hand toward the other servants. "Continue with the preparations," he instructed. "It should be fine for now. Your parents won’t be arriving until the weekend."

He let out a small, tired sigh. "There was an incident that required their attention. They’re working overtime again."

He said it casually, but there was a touch of weariness in his voice—the kind that only came from managing a house where most of its noble residents were hardly ever home.

’That reminds me...’

’I still don’t know what my parents actually do. I should check the memory sync later,’ Marcus thought, mentally filing the matter away.

The morning sun had now fully breached the horizon, casting golden rays through the large windows that lined the dining room wall. The light glinted off polished cutlery and danced on the colorful plates of food set across the long dining table.

Lance gestured toward the seats. "Don’t be shy now. That includes you as well..." he said, eyes narrowing as he studied the girl accompanying Marcus.

Then recognition dawned.

Victoria gave a small, awkward wave. "Hello...?"

Her voice was soft, hesitant. Understandable—she was in a noble boy’s estate, surrounded by staff who now knew exactly who she was.

"I’m sorry for the intru—"

She didn’t get to finish.

Lance coughed violently, caught off guard by the realization. A noble’s daughter? Not just any noble, either—a Phoenix. A bloodline with power, prestige, and enough influence to make most butlers quake in their boots.

It was the eyes—crimson and unmistakable. There weren’t many families with traits like that.

"I—I apologize," he stammered, regaining composure with some difficulty.

Marcus chuckled as he pulled out a chair and sat down at the table, smirking. "You really are that popular, huh?"

But Lance looked genuinely offended at the remark.

"Young master!" he chided, standing straight with practiced formality. "Please refrain from speaking so casually about Miss Phoenix. She is deserving of utmost respect."

Victoria, however, didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. She sat down beside Marcus and gave a relaxed smile.

"It’s fine," she said simply. "We’re close friends."

That line made Lance’s expression soften immediately, the corners of his lips twitching upward. Close friends? With her?

A spark of pride glimmered behind his eyes—though he masked it well. Watching Marcus, the child he had helped raise, now dining beside someone of such status... It was like witnessing a dream take root.

But of course, he hid his excitement behind his usual professional mask.

"I see," he said calmly. "In that case, I’ll have one of the staff bring a suitable uniform for Miss Phoenix shortly."

He clapped twice, and a servant nodded before disappearing from the room.

"And please," Lance continued, bowing slightly, "do enjoy yourselves during breakfast."

Then he added with a sly glint in his eyes, "But when it’s time for the two of you to bathe, please don’t for—"

Marcus coughed loudly—deliberately—cutting him off.

"That’s enough of that, Lance," he said, voice firm but cheeks slightly flushed. He grabbed the spoon next to his plate and began scooping food onto it with more energy than necessary.

Lance smirked knowingly, bowing again like a man who had said just enough to spark trouble. "Very well. Please excuse me."

With that, he vanished through one of the servant doors, leaving a light trail of amusement in his wake.

Victoria burst into laughter the moment he left, clearly entertained by the whole exchange.

"This place sure is lively," she said between giggles, shaking her head.

Then her gaze flicked toward Marcus, her expression playful. "Also... did he just imply we should take a bath together?"

Marcus froze slightly, the spoon halfway to his mouth. A visible blush crept across his cheeks—rare, considering his usual calm.

While his mind hadn’t spiraled yet, the hormones in his newly enhanced body certainly were starting to act up.

’I swear they’re affecting me more every day...’ he thought, willing himself to focus.

"Let’s cross that bridge when we get there," he replied quickly, eyes shifting away as he nudged a plate of eggs toward her. "Just eat before we’re late."

Victoria laughed again, her mood light, her appetite suddenly awake. Despite the awkwardness, it was a good morning.

And for Marcus?

It was hard to tell if this was the beginning of chaos... or the start of something far more complicated.