“No words can express how deeply apologetic I am right now, Astrea.”
Inside the Gambino Mansion, Vincenzo Gambino was profusely apologizing to Vanitas.
Vanitas, however, couldn’t exactly blame him. Vincenzo had been reasonable enough to give him a chance to explain himself.
The real issue was that Vanitas had left without a word, allowing the misunderstanding to happen.
But in the first place, clearing it without Anastasia present was impossible.
“Anastasia must’ve told you everything,” Vanitas said. “As an equal in this partnership, it saddens me to see how little trust you placed in me, Sir Gambino.”
Guilt-tripping.
That had been his intention all along. To subtly shift the dynamics of their so-called equal partnership in his favor, creating an imbalance that would benefit him in the long run.
While the mafia was known for its cold-blooded nature, Vincenzo Gambino had already shown the Astrea Family’s importance to them.
“If there’s anything I can do to compensate you, please tell me. Name your price.”
Vanitas’s eyes briefly flicked to Anastasia before returning to Vincenzo.
“My family estate, Sir Gambino, has been turned upside down. While refurbishing could be an option, I’d like to use this opportunity for you to show just how much the Astrea name truly means to you.”
Vincenzo furrowed his brows. “What exactly are you asking for, Astrea?”
“A new estate.”
“…A new estate?” Vincenzo repeated, processing the request.
“Yes,” Vanitas nodded. “The Astrea estate holds nothing but bad memories for me and my sister. She’s already moved out to live in the university dormitories for that exact reason.”
Vanitas’s gaze lowered as if the memories of the past was too much to bear.
“Ever since my father’s death, I can’t walk through those corridors without feeling a heavy burden on my heart. I’ve even spoken to my sister about it, and she’s excited about the idea of a new home. But securing land is impossible with the current competitive market, and I simply don’t have the time.”
“….”
Vincenzo listened intently as Vanitas continued.
“Between my duties as a professor, overseeing my sister’s affairs, and managing what little remains of the Astrea’s, I can’t focus on construction, budgeting, surveying land, permits, or the other endless details of building a home. It’s overwhelming.”
Vanitas leaned back slightly, as if exhausted by the mere thought of it all.
“That’s why I’m turning to you, Sir Gambino. With your resources and connections, you could make this possible.”
“Uh….”
Vincenzo paused, considering the request. He recalled his daughter’s mention of this possibility.
“Hm?”
But before he could respond, Luca leaned in and whispered something to him.
“Is that so?”
“Yes, Boss.”
“Alright.”
Nodding, Vincenzo turned back to Vanitas.
“I understand, Astrea. But Luca has just informed me that your home wasn’t turned upside down. Out of respect for your possible innocence, everything was left untouched—speck-free.”
Vanitas didn’t flinch. He had anticipated this. Before coming here, he had gone back home to check the state of the estate.
While there was some clutter from the Gambino’s search, there wasn’t any real damage that warranted repairs.
“Speck-free?” Vanitas tilted his head, feigning confusion. “I don’t know what your definition of speck-free is, but my home is far from livable by human standards.”
Of course, what he didn’t mention was that he had subtly destroyed parts of the estate himself. They didn’t need to know that.
Vincenzo narrowed his eyes. “Far from livable, you say? How bad are we talking, Astrea?”
Vanitas sighed dramatically, rubbing his temple. “Let’s just say, if you walked through it, you’d think it’s been through a hurricane.”
“That doesn’t match our reports.”
“I know what I’ve seen, Sir Gambino.”
“Father, just heed his request,” Anastasia interjected. “Have you forgotten what the professor did for us? He kept me safe, even while knowing you were after him. He was practically fearing for his life! And let’s not forget, it was your pursuit of him that indirectly led to capturing the Cassanos.”
“….”
There was no moment where he feared for his life, but he chose not to correct her anyway. If anything, it worked to his favor.
After a moment of silence, Vincenzo let out a sigh.
“Alright, consider it done.”
…..
After their discussion, Anastasia walked with Professor Vanitas to the gate.
“Well played, Professor. You’re really milking this, aren’t you?” she said.
Vanitas had secured more than just a new estate. He had also negotiated a hefty deal with the Gambinos, reducing their shares of the vineyard profits, exclusive access to the winery process, significant stakes in their wine brand, and most importantly, a significant reduction on his debt owed to them.
Vanitas shot her a side glance. “I prefer to think of it as making the most of an opportunity.”
“Sure, let’s call it that,” she said, crossing her arms. “So, what’s next on your agenda?”
“Back to the university. I’ve been away long enough.”
“Oh?” Anastasia mused. “I think I’ll start tomorrow.”
“It’s not like you’re my student anyway.”
That was the case. Anastasia was currently a third–year student, while Vanitas only taught first-years.
As they walked, Anastasia suddenly pressed something against his chest.
“Here.”
“….?”
“You’ve spoiled me quite a bit, Professor. Consider this repayment for my debt.”
It was a check. The amount was far more than what he had spent during the week entertaining her whims.
“Alright,” Vanitas said, sliding the check into his coat pocket.
Without waiting for a response, Vanitas headed toward the car parked nearby. His driver, Evan, stood by the door, giving a polite nod as he opened it.
“Welcome back, Lord Astrea,” Evan said. “Shall we return to the university?”
“Yes, let’s go. It’s been a long week,” Vanitas replied, settling into the backseat.
As the car pulled away, Vanitas glanced out the window. The Gambino Mansion disappeared into the distance, and he let out a sigh of relief.
It had been a long shitty week.
***
A week back, during Vanitas’s absence.
Several interesting scripts were proposed, but one stood out.
Silas’s script caught the club president’s attention, not because it was particularly unique, but because of its sheer realism and controversial theme.
Unlike the usual fantasy or dramatic twists, this play felt grounded and thought-provoking. If announced, it would definitely attract more attention than the typical conventional plays.
“No objections to choosing Für Elise as our play?” the club president asked, looking around the room.
One by one, the members nodded in agreement.
——Yes.
——Better than mine, at least.
——It’s bold. Though I hate to admit it, people are going to talk about it.
“That’s the point,” the president said. “We want to make an impact, and this script does exactly that.”
Once everyone reached a general consensus, the president turned to Silas.
“Alright, that settles it. As the writer, have you decided on the cast for the characters?”
“Yes.”
“Who?” the president asked.
“For the role of Elise, I’d like to appoint Charlotte Astrea,” Silas said without hesitation.
The president turned to Charlotte. “Charlotte, do you accept?”
“Yes,” she nodded. “If no one objects, I’ll take the role of Elise.”
Elise.
The main character of the play. A promising university student with a bright future ahead.
“Alright,” the president continued. “Now, let’s move on to the more significant roles. The remaining characters can be filled in later. But for the professor, who do you think should play the role, Silas?”
Another main character, Professor Valen.
Silas rubbed his chin, pretending to ponder. After a moment, he spoke.
“If it’s not too presumptuous, President, I’d like to play the professor.”
——….
The room fell silent for a beat, and then a few murmurs resounded through the group.
“You?” someone asked.
“Yes,” Silas replied. “I wrote the script, so I understand the professor’s nuances better than anyone else.”
The president nodded slowly. “Fair point. Does anyone have objections to Silas playing the professor?”
No one spoke up, though a few exchanged glances.
“Alright then,” the president said. “Silas will take on the role of the professor. That leaves the other key roles to be decided.”
When the meeting adjourned, while the cast wasn’t fully decided yet, the production crew, technical team, and director roles were assigned.
The club president, who had thoroughly studied the script, volunteered to take on the role of director, while Silas was named the assistant director.
The club president clapped her hands together, addressing the group.
——Good work today, everyone!
As the members began filing out of the room, Charlotte stepped outside, clutching the script in her hand.
She carefully placed it inside her bag and made her way to her next lecture.
For the past week, her brother hadn’t returned. Naturally, his lectures were canceled during that time.
With the extra free time, Charlotte practiced her lines alone in her dormitory room.
One particular line stayed with her.
“I don’t need your approval to feel this way. But even if I’m invisible to you, my heart will always carry your name.”
She repeated it softly to herself as she stood in front of the mirror in her room.
Flip— Flip—
Another line came to mind as she flipped through the script. It was one from Professor Valen’s dialogue.
‘You’ll understand someday, Elise. Some dreams are best left as dreams.’
Charlotte sighed, imagining how Silas might deliver that line on stage.
“Hoo….”
She shook her head, trying to focus back on her own performance. The emotions in Elise were difficult to convey, but that was the challenge.
Forced to remain inside the University Tower under her brother’s orders, Charlotte’s days became routine.
She attended lectures, rehearsed with the drama club, and practiced her lines alone in her dorm room. Sometimes, she even got Cassandra to act as her audience.
“Wow~ You’re good, Charlotte~” Cassandra cheered, clapping enthusiastically.
Charlotte frowned, walking around the room. “It’s not how I want it to be….”
“Oh? I thought it sounded perfect.”
Cassandra’s eyes lingered on the script.
“Hmm…. Try this line again.”
“That one? Alright.”
Charlotte closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before rehearsing the line.
“I’ll always remain by your side, Professor. So, please, don’t abandon me!”
Opening her eyes, she turned to Cassandra.
“Well?”
Cassandra blinked, sitting up straight. “Uh…. kind of cringe, honestly.”
“Right?” Charlotte sighed, slumping down on the bed. “I can’t even tell if it’s me or the line at this point.”
“Nah, it’s not you. The line is just… a lot. But hey, now that I think about it….”
Cassandra paused, narrowing her eyes, and continued.
“Doesn’t this Professor Valen guy kind of sound like Professor Vanitas?”
“Huh?” Charlotte sat up, frowning. “My brother? No way.”
“I don’t know,” Cassandra said. “I just get the vibes, that’s all.”
“Valen is nothing like my brother.”
Cassandra noticed the sudden change in atmosphere and decided to stay quiet, watching Charlotte carefully.
“….”
Charlotte sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Let’s just move on. Next line.”
But Cassandra’s comment lingered in her mind. The resemblance was unsettling, not to the current Vanitas, but the one before him.
Her actual brother.
It was almost as if he had been the inspiration for Valen.
She shook her head, dismissing the thought.
There was no way Silas could have met Vanitas back then. And even if he had, writing a character that resembled him was just plain creepy.
“But wow~ Forbidden love? The faculty’s probably going to hate your club, Charlotte.”
“Actually, we’ve already gotten some attention when we proposed it to the Headmaster.”
Cassandra raised an eyebrow. “Attention?”
“Yes. The faculty is actually excited to watch the play,” Charlotte said. “Apparently, there was a big scandal at another University Tower a few years ago. They think our play might serve as a warning for anyone trying something similar.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I think Silas might’ve based the play on that incident,” Charlotte said. “Well, if it gets people talking, then I guess it’s doing what it’s meant to.”
***
“Uh…?”
When Vanitas returned to the University Tower, the atmosphere felt different.
“Ah, right.”
The University Festival was set to start next month in October. For context, today was September 9.
Walking through the lively halls, he made his way to his office. As he opened the door, Karina, seated at the desk, jumped in surprise.
“P–Professor!” she exclaimed, her tired eyes widening.
The heavy bags under them showed just how much work she’d been handling in his absence.
“You’re back!”
Vanitas raised an eyebrow. “Have you even slept while I was gone?”
“Sleep?” Karina blinked, looking genuinely confused. “What’s that?”
“Never mind,” Vanitas muttered, walking into his office.
His eyes landed on the towering pile of documents waiting on his desk.
“Ah, the test results. Which one is it?”
Karina pointed to a folder. “That one.”
Vanitas picked it up and flipped through the pages. “Sophia?”
“She was the last survivor.”
“Is that so?” Vanitas leaned back, processing the information.
He had expected either Ezra or Astrid to take that spot. But if Karina was saying it, it must’ve been true.
“Did she actually contribute, or was it sheer luck?” he asked, still skimming the report.
“Surprisingly, both,” Karina replied. “Though I think she mostly outlasted the others by hiding inside one of the hotel bathrooms.”
Vanitas sighed. “I should’ve seen that coming.”
Setting the report aside, Vanitas glanced at Karina. She was drafting something, but her eyes were narrowed, as if she was half-asleep.
“Thanks for your hard work while I was gone,” he said. “You can rest now.”
“Yes, just as soon as I—” she began, but Vanitas took the paper from her desk.
“I’ll finish it.”
“Ah….”
“In the meantime, sleep on the couch,” he said, not even glancing up as he scanned the document.
The paper was a proposal to a publishing company for a thesis he had casually mentioned wanting to publish as soon as possible.
It had been more of a joke, but Karina had taken it seriously. Or maybe, seeing how much work was piling up on him, she had taken the initiative to draft it for him.
On her desk, several similar drafts were stacked neatly. She had likely rewritten the proposal countless times, trying to make it perfect.
All of it, for his sake.
“Honestly, you….”
When he turned to look, Karina had already fallen asleep, slumped over her desk.
Vanitas chuckled and draped his coat over her shoulders.
“You’ll catch another cold if you keep this up.”