He'd been annoying Noah to make sure things played out properly—a story line that went too off track was one he couldn't fix anymore, after all.

But to think that the confident, elegant and powerful Noah could make such a disgusted expression. He hoped it wouldn't become too addicting of a hobby... but annoying Noah made him feel absolutely accomplished.

In fact, it was like watching that perfect and proper dragon distort due to his actions or words... there was something inexplicably satisfying about it.

If the dragon had heard of his thoughts, he would've beaten Kaden up with no doubt. Verbally and physically.

Of course, Noah was a person that Kaden felt incredibly guilty towards, and also a hero he admired from the past—but a bit of teasing would be fine, right?

Noah ground his teeth together, his complexion darkening by the minute. He could see the smug little look on Kaden's face, with the quirk of his lips and glittering eyes that weren't like the usual fake mockery.

A proud rat, Noah would call him.

Or a sly fox, perhaps.

Regardless, although Noah could learn the information in classes on his own time, having notes would help him to an incredible extent.

Kaden's writing was neatly printed, written very carefully, as if he'd practiced. He also organized the sections of his notes properly—a rather diligent student, for the act he put on.

The different faces of the man perplexed and intrigued Noah.

This so-called villain that he'd felt some sort of strange interest in from the first day, acted cold-hearted and sarcastic at times, then innocent and foolish at others.

Yet he was also a hard-working student whose notes were likely the best in class, and a person who ate everything with the exception of olives.

Kaden's ever-changing expressions were the sort that Noah couldn't look away from. Of course, ultimately, Kaden was a person who couldn't be trusted, because his destruction and harmful acts were a fact.

Although the dragon had grown curious, he remained cautious and alert.

Kaden frowned at Noah, who had fallen into a deep silence. "What're you lost in your head about?"

An indifferent blink. "I'm thinking about you."

"What?"

"How foolish you are."

"...what? Aren't you the one asking me for notes?" Kaden tilted his head, confused. He felt childish, indulging in this pointless conversation of bickering and teasing, and sighed.

Noah nodded simply. "May I please see your notes, Kaden Chauvet?"

Really, the other didn't mind lending his notes. It would be the first time he'd lent a classmate notes before, an experience he was certain he'd be able to cross off on his checklist of 'things to do in the Academy'.

Therefore, he nodded and handed over the notes. Noah uttered a gruff thanks, before skimming through the rows and rows of organized writing.

Kaden watched as the rich black eyes reflected his written words, flicking to the next page and then back again. He watched as Noah scrunched his nose slightly at sections harder to understand, then relaxed at easier ones.

Ten minutes later, the man closed it and held it up.

Kaden, in response, opened out his palm and waited until Noah stared deeply and frowned. The dragon attempted to place the notes down, and Kaden curled up his fingers.

"...what is it you want, Chauvet?"

"A trade, or payment, of course. How about my notes for a pen of yours?" offered Kaden, teasingly, awaiting the irritable frown that eventually relented in order to stop Kaden from speaking any longer.

However, Noah's eye twitched and his expression grew gloomy, dangerous. "I don't lend out my items."

"Even after I graciously lent you my notes?"

"I will not lend out my belongings."

Kaden opened his mouth to speak, before realizing that something was off. Noah clutched his notes tightly, waiting to return them, and his stone expression had gone more rigid and tight.

It wasn't a good time to keep pressing. Though what particularly had set Noah off, Kaden wasn't entirely certain.

His insistence hadn't gone for long, and Noah often indulged him for longer. Therefore, what was the reason for this time? Regardless, he accepted the notes back and Noah nodded.

"Thank you."

"...you're welcome." Kaden took the book in his hands, feeling a little awkward. Niklas still waited at the door, eagerly watching. "If that's all, I'll be taking my leave.

"Wait."

Kaden turned, halfway towards the door. "What?"

"I'm eating with you."

"Again?" Kaden couldn't help but say in surprise. The other had religiously sat in front of him, regardless of whether Niklas attended or not. He'd wondered when Noah would stop, finding his own group of friends to sit with instead.

Wouldn't it be easy for Noah, revered and worshiped by many?

"Again."

But the dragon never stopped. And he didn't seem to have that intention, either.

Niklas overheard this part and ran over, waving his arm wildly in the air. "Of course, of course! Aren't you a permanent part of our table now, Noah?"

The man didn't agree nor deny his words.

The odd pair of three started down the hallway. Niklas, as always, was the one to begin a new conversation. "Hey, there's an exploration coming up. Are you guys participating?"

"An exploration?" Kaden had heard vague things about it in the past, but hadn't gone because he'd been too scared to even try asking.

"Yeah, into the Eastern Forests. It's an activity run by the Academy—there are all sorts of curious creatures, most are safe for us to see. There are lots of rare plants to study too! Plus, the monsters that are there usually are pretty weak."

"Monsters? Isn't that dangerous for untrained students?"

"They'll be a teacher or two, chaperoning, of course. As well as a group of graduating students. I heard the two student presidents themselves will come along this time!"

Kaden hesitated. "Student... presidents?"

Niklas noticed the flicker of fear, remembering the scene he'd briefly witnessed in the beginning of the week.

There was something incredibly misplaced about the relationship between Reed and Kaden... but since the latter refused to tell, Niklas could only wait and observe.

"Well, they have their own mission to complete, so it's unlikely we'll run into them. Even if we do, we'll be in a group. You won't be alone." Niklas placed emphasis on the last words, and the tension lining Kaden's shoulders relaxed slightly.

Noah narrowed his gaze, listening quietly to the side. So there was some sort of secret, a relationship between one of the student presidents and Kaden.

Of course, he was well-aware of Reed and Kaden's sibling relationship.

How could he not, when the contrast between the brilliant and sunny Crown Prince, and the sadistic and cruel illegitimate child were the most famed rumours around?

But even Noah wouldn't make that assumption so quickly. Just as how Kaden's true face was unpredictable under the disguise of confidence, Reed's careful display of gentlemanly kindness seemed coated in false pretense.

For now, he would simply observe and see.

Wait to discover the true faces of the two princes in this land.