Epilogue: I want to experience more days like today...

   I stepped out of the toilet and reached the main corridor. That’s when I spotted Rex approaching, with expression more serious than usual.

   “Do you have a moment?” he asked.

   “Sure,” I said, leaning my back casually against the wall. “Did something happen?”

   “I just wanted to thank you. For… everything.”

   I waved it off. “I already told Sylvia this—if you’re grateful, the first person you should thank is Lilith.”

   “I know,” Rex said with a faint smile. “And I already did. But still…”

   His gaze dropped slightly, distant. 

   “Ever since that day… when I couldn’t stop what happened in the hospital, when Lilith was kidnapped and Sylvia lost her eye—I’ve lived with regret. From then on, I swore to keep Lilith away from danger. But I also knew… locking her in a cage would only rob her of her childhood. I never knew what the right balance was.” He let out a bitter chuckle. “Maybe I was so focused on protecting her, I never realized the solution was in front of me. I should’ve just ensure she could protect herself. It’s only now that I see it. Maybe age is finally catching up to me.”

   I scratched my cheek. “I haven’t done that much. Lilith was already studying hard on her own. I just… gave her a little push.”

   “Even so. I’m grateful.”

   I smiled faintly at him, then straightened from the wall. “Alright, enough of that heavy stuff. I’ve actually been curious about something for a while.”

   He raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

   “How did Lucian even know about Zephyra in the first place, back when she was still in the orphanage?” I asked. “Someone had to have pointed her out to him. And if I remember right, you and Zephyra already had your little deal back then. Which makes me wonder… Did you pull some strings for them?”

   Rex froze for a moment, then he laughed. “You’re very sharp, boy. Yes, you're right.”

   “Does Zephyra know?”

   “I never told her, but...” his smirk fading into something gentler. “She probably suspects something.”

   “That's possible.” I said. "Anyway, we should go back before they start to worry."

   “Agreed.”

   I started forward, but before I got too far, Rex called out. “Wait. Before we return… I’d like to ask you one question.”

   "Hm?"

* * *

   The party eventually wound down. Plates were cleared, flames doused, and guests began to leave. Sakura and her family were the first to depart, offering their thanks before disappearing down the forest path. Soon after, Lilith and her parents left in a sleek black limousine, Rex at the wheel. They took Liam and Laura with them, along with Victoria, Luke, and Chloe.

   I caught one last glimpse of Liam and Luke slumped miserably in their seats. Both of them looked half-dead. Guess an eating contest has its consequences.

   At the end, the day wrapped up peacefully.

* * *

   Later that night, after putting Bel to bed, me and Luna went back downstairs.

   “Luna, could you make me some tea?” I asked.

   “Understood,” she replied and disappeared into the kitchen.

   "For me too, please." said Zephyra lounging in the chair by the window.

   “It’s rare to see you sober after party,” I teased lightly, taking a seat nearby.

   “I was busy talking,” she said, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “Didn’t have time to get drunk.”

   Luna soon returned, carrying a tray with steaming cups. "Here is the tea."

   We both thanked her as she set them down.

   Zephyra took a small sip. “Besides… I need a clear head to think.”

   I exhaled slowly. “So you’re thinking about that too, huh.”

   Luna tilted her head, confused. “What’s do you mean?”

   I leaned back in my chair. “From the assassin we… interrogated, we learned a lot about Magnus Silverbane’s connection to the organization.”

   Magnus used to be just another black-market trader, specializing in organ trafficking. Then the organization found him and turned into their pawn. Thanks to that they had access to fresh organs for their experiments. Without even mentioning that with their backing, the Silverbane family rose through the ranks, and they could even take over the Vermillion Clan if we didn't stop them.

   “Now that I think about it... How exactly did you interrogate him?” Zephyra asked.

   Both Luna and I avoided her eyes. “Well… let’s just say that the hole was rather deep.”

   “…What does that even mean?” 

   Neither of us elaborated. Eventually, she gave up with a sigh and returned to the topic. “The loss of the Silverbane family will damage the organization heavily, but—”

   “It was too easy,” I interrupted.

   “Too easy?” Luna repeated.

   “For a group that’s stayed hidden this long, allowing such a failure should’ve been unforgivable.”

   I started recalling: the symbol, the bloody message: To my dear Heracles. And that nagging thought—how had they supplied Silverbane for so many years? Not just with money, but mana weapons, assassin, resources… One dark thought came to my mind.

   “What if they gave up on them because they already secured the support of another clan?” 

   Zephyra nodded. “I’ve considered the same.”

   “The situation just got a whole lot more complicated." I slumped into my chair, staring at the ceiling. "Still… it doesn’t change our plan. We find the Director, and we end him.”

   Zephyra raised her cup in silent agreement. “That's the spirit.”

   “You have my full support, Master,” Luna added firmly.

   “Thanks,” I said with a faint smile.

   “By the way…" Zephyra’s lips curved mischievously. "I still haven’t given you your punishment for planting a plug in the interrogation room that day.”

   Ugh! Right, there was something like that...

   I stood, slowly making a break for the stairs, but her metallic arm shot out and caught me by the collar.

   “Relax,” she said with a grin. “No need to be so scared.”

   I sighed and sank back into the chair. “Fine. What’s the judgment?”

   Her smile widened. “Call me mum.”

   “…Pardon?”

   “You heard me. Did you forget that Lilith figured you out because of that? What if that was someone else?”

   She wasn’t wrong. But every fiber of me resisted. Even so, I knew there was no way out. My face burned as I forced the word out. “O-okay… M-mum.”

   "..."

   "..."

   Both Zephyra and Luna stared at me with curiosity.

   “…What?” I asked.

   Zephyra chuckled. “You can actually act pretty cute.”

   “Wha—?! I-I’m going to bed!”

   I couldn't stand that anymore.

* * *

   As I climbed the stairs, Rex's words recollected in my mind: What are you planning to do after you fulfill your revenge?

   "..."

   ...I didn’t have an answer yet. But... 

   I think, I wouldn't mind having more days like today.