The rich aroma of gourmet dishes filled the Royal Suite, but the air between us remained stiff—strangely heavy. Silverware gently clinked against porcelain plates as the meal continued in quiet intervals.
Despite the occasional polite exchange, the group found it hard to relax. They conversed softly among themselves, yet their attention kept drifting back to me.
Every graceful movement I made—each measured sip, every poised nod—seemed to reinforce whatever image they had begun forming in their heads.
The awkwardness lingered, thick and unspoken.
Then, suddenly, Thomas stood up.
Without a word, he reached for the ornate bottle of aged wine at the center of the table and leaned toward me. Gently, he refilled my empty glass, his movements smooth and deliberate, almost ceremonial.
"Please, Young Master Cedric," he said with a respectful smile, "allow me."
My hand stilled on the table.
The room froze.
Even I wasn't sure how to respond.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught the subtle reactions of the others.
Oliver blinked slowly, struggling to mask his surprise.
'Thomas? Pouring someone else a drink? That guy doesn't even do that for our board director.'
Henry's brows twitched for the first time.
'I've only ever seen him like this with serious investors... Who the hell is this Cedric really?'
Samuel tilted his head slightly.
'Respect like that can't be faked. Either Thomas has lost it, or this guy is someone we really shouldn't offend.'
Daniel's fingers paused mid-cut into his steak.
'Even the guy in the flashy pink suit is playing humble now. What did we just walk into...?'
I picked up the glass, steady and calm, and offered Thomas a slight nod of gratitude.
"Thank you," I said simply.
He returned to his seat with a satisfied smile, as if he had just done something natural.
But the shift had already begun.
---
Here's the continuation for Chapter 9: The Glass:
---
As the last course was cleared from the table, the once-tense atmosphere had mellowed into something more contemplative.
One by one, the young men stood and respectfully handed Cedric their business cards—each with personal numbers scrawled at the back. No words were exchanged, only solemn nods. A silent acknowledgment.
Cedric received them gracefully, tucking each into the inner pocket of his coat before turning toward the exit. His steps were calm, measured—his back straight and head held high. He didn't need to say a word.
Once Cedric was out of earshot, the composure among the group shattered like glass.
"What the hell was that?" Henry muttered, gripping the edge of the table.
"Yeah, Thomas," Samuel added, eyes narrowing, "you poured him a drink like he was royalty."
Daniel leaned in, voice low. "You recognized something, didn't you?"
Thomas exhaled slowly. "The watch."
They all blinked.
"The one on his wrist," Thomas continued. "Velviora. Limited Prestige Series."
"...You sure?" Oliver asked, already dreading the answer.
Thomas nodded gravely. "Only five were ever released globally. I know because our firm tried to bid for one, and failed. That specific model—midnight frost dial, platinum trim, hand-forged links—is worth over a hundred million. And it's real. I'd bet my entire inventory on it."
A heavy silence fell across the room.
The others sat back, stunned, minds racing.
They hadn't just dined with a noble. They had dined with someone leagues beyond their world.
And he hadn't even needed to say a word.
"That can't be," Samuel muttered, still in disbelief. "What if it's just a replica?"
Thomas looked at him flatly. "You think someone would walk into The Royal Suite—wearing a replica? That watch alone can't be copied. The movement inside is unique to Velviora, and that frost dial? It changes hues under light. I saw it."
Daniel scratched the back of his neck. "Even if that's true… what if he borrowed it from someone rich?"
Henry shook his head slowly. "Then explain the way he ordered food that costs more than most people's yearly salary without flinching. Not even a twitch."
Oliver leaned back, arms crossed. "And that way he carries himself—how he moves, how he talks… That kind of composure isn't faked. It's raised into you."
Thomas nodded. "That's what gave it away before the watch. He didn't just look noble. He was noble. Everything about him—the silence, the restraint, the dignity. It's like he grew up in a marble hall with servants standing at attention."
None of them had anything left to argue.
The weight of what had just happened settled deep into their bones.
They had just spent the evening with someone who didn't belong to the same world as them. And they had no idea who he really was.
---
As I sat back in the same luxurious car prepared by the system for me, the opulence of the Royal Suite and the surreal experience of the evening still hung in the air.
My mind, however, was somewhere else. It wasn't the stunning meal, the extravagant spending, or even the elegant company that occupied my thoughts.
I had pulled it off—barely. The system had pushed me through every hurdle, every rule, every act, but now that it was over, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief.
"System," I muttered under my breath, staring out of the window at the city lights blurring by, "did I really just do that? Did I really just… fit in with all of them?"
[Yes, Cedric. You executed the task exactly as required. You acted the part of the nobleman with remarkable accuracy.]
"Yeah, but it felt... surreal." I rubbed my temples, trying to shake off the confusion. "I'm just a regular guy. I don't belong in that world. But I did it, didn't I? I acted like one."
[Correct. Acting as a nobleman, as you did, is only the first step. You must now internalize the behavior, the mindset. You must make it part of you.]
"I know... but, still, I feel like I'm playing pretend," I murmured. I leaned back in the seat, letting out a sigh. "What if they find out I'm just... a college student? What if they ask about my background, my family?"
[The system will support you as long as you maintain the role. Remember, Cedric, you must remain composed. The appearance you present is your greatest tool. Do not let your doubts show.]
I closed my eyes, trying to calm my nerves. "I don't know how long I can keep this up. It's so much pressure… but I did get through it. Right?"
[You succeeded. The assessment is now complete, Cedric. Your next step will be revealed shortly.]
"Next step..." I murmured, my mind racing. I didn't know what to expect, but one thing was clear: things were changing. Whether I was ready for them or not, this was just the beginning.
The system's voice broke through my thoughts again, calm and matter-of-fact.
[Cedric, your assessment has been completed. The system has finished calculating your performance.]
I straightened up slightly, waiting for the results. My nerves, which had settled a bit earlier, flared up again.
[Your score is 89%. This is a satisfactory result, given the short time you had for preparation.]
I couldn't help but exhale in relief, leaning back against the soft leather of the car seat. "89%... That's not bad at all," I said, letting the words settle. "I actually did better than I thought."
[Your performance was indeed impressive, especially considering your limited training. You have demonstrated the potential to blend into the environment of the wealthy.]
I ran a hand through my hair, trying to suppress the nagging feeling of doubt that still lingered. "I can't believe I pulled it off. But... I still feel like a fraud."
[That feeling is natural, Cedric. It is a byproduct of your training. To act like a noble, you must first convince yourself that you belong in that world.]
I nodded slowly, staring out of the window as the car sped through the night. "I guess I'll get used to it… but the pressure's insane. What's next?"
[Now that you've passed the assessment, it's time for you to receive your first reward.]
I sat up straight, a mix of excitement and wariness coursing through me. "A reward? What is it?"
[The system will now provide you with a draw. You can choose to spend it on anything that will help you maintain your current path.]
I frowned slightly. "Anything?"
[Correct. The draw is yours to control.]
"Okay..." I murmured, the weight of the moment sinking in. The possibilities were endless, but at the same time, the uncertainty was just as strong.
The system's tone softened slightly. [Remember, Cedric, you are now bound to this path. What you gain from the system will help you grow into the man you're meant to become.]
"Right," I muttered, my mind racing with the idea of what I could do next. "Well, I'm ready. Let's see what I get."
I stared at the spinning wheel, the swirling colors and numbers pulling my focus. The system had presented it to me—an opportunity, a chance to draw something that could change everything.
[This is your first draw from the main task, Cedric. The wheel is ready. Are you prepared?]
I nodded, trying to push away the lingering doubts. "I'm ready."
With a soft mechanical click, the wheel began to spin. Each section was filled with various rewards—some small, others promising greater things.
A house, a luxury car, expensive jewelry, connections with influential people—there were countless possibilities, but I focused on the first section that stood out to me.
[The system's probability has been calculated. Now, your fate lies in your hands.]
My finger hovered over the button. I could feel the weight of the moment pressing on me.
And then, I pressed it.
The wheel whirred faster, the lights flashing before my eyes, and I could feel my heart race in anticipation.
It slowed, each passing moment dragging out the tension until finally, it stopped with a soft click. My eyes widened in disbelief as I saw the words that filled the display: Villa Élysée.
The system's voice spoke calmly, but I could sense the slight edge of satisfaction in its tone.
[Congratulations, Cedric. You have won your own house—Villa Élysée. A luxurious villa, located in the heart of an exclusive estate. It is valued at an extraordinary price.]
I blinked, my mind struggling to catch up. "Wait, what?" I muttered, feeling a rush of disbelief wash over me. "I just won a house?"
[Yes, Cedric. Villa Élysée is now yours. The system will facilitate the transfer of ownership immediately. This is a significant reward, one that will help solidify your new standing.]
I ran a hand through my hair, trying to process what just happened. A villa. A luxury property. My own house.
"It's real… this is actually happening," I whispered to myself, the magnitude of the win slowly sinking in.
[Indeed. With this house, you will have a place to call your own—a symbol of your success as you continue your journey.]
I couldn't help but grin. It was almost too much to believe. A part of me still felt like I was in some sort of dream. But the system's words and the results were clear.
I had a villa. Villa Élysée. The thought of it felt surreal, like a fantasy suddenly brought to life. And now, with this newfound asset, I could finally begin to carve out my own place in this world.
"Well, it's not a bad start," I said, leaning back in the seat and allowing myself a moment of quiet triumph.
[Remember, Cedric, this is just the beginning. Your journey is far from over.]
I smiled to myself, already thinking about the possibilities. This was only the beginning, but already, things were changing. And for the first time, I felt like maybe—just maybe—I was starting to belong in this world after all.