Dio Perspective

  As Dio and Cairo entered the luxurious bathroom in the de Foix family mansion, the silence was heavy and awkward.

  They threw off their torn, dirty clothes and sank into the jacuzzi, its steam filling the air with the scent of calming herbs.

  Cairo said after a long few minutes of silence ,Oi Dio.

  Dio looked at him. Don't worry about it. I'll wipe this day from my mind.

  Cairo said Thank you,, and he seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. I think... I've matured. I've changed." He nodded his head seriously. Yes, I've changed too . Is this what embarrassment means?

  Dio said with a half-smile forming on his face I think so .

  After they had changed into clean, loose-fitting clothes, they went to Rive office. Rive de Foix was sitting in the chair in front of the desk, while Alma stood by the window, her back to them. Rive looked at them seriously, then... he burst into a booming laugh.

  I can't take it! he shouted, slapping his knee. Are you two fools or what?!I won't give you my food, Dio! Where are we, in a forest?!

  Cairo and Dio were looking at the floor, their faces burning with shame.

  Alma screamed You must punish them Rive! .

  Punish them?! Rive laughed even harder. What do you want me to do? Anyone who saw the situation would laugh!

  Cairo stood up, his face red, trying to hold back his tears. Why... why didn't you come sooner?! I am a genius sorcerer, missing for a day, and no one looks for me!

  Rive said We knew you were in the city from the first hour , wiping away tears of laughter. But your mother and I... we couldn't bring ourselves to go until after a day of laughing!

  Right, did you guys see the video?

  Dio said What video? , still looking at the floor.

  Cairo said in shock ,Don't tell me the video was released.

  Rive took out his phone. How many people watched it? I beg you, don't say a lot. I've matured! Yesterday I was a child, today I am a man!

  Rive said, smiling , A lot of people have watched it. Ten million views in one day.

  Cairo let out a muffled scream. No... no!

  Look at the comments, Rive said, enjoying himself. Someone wrote: I am Cairo de Foix and I have a dragon in my left eye.

  No! I'm begging you!

  And another comment: Dio van der Wooooood. They really focused on the 'Wood'.

  Kill me! Kill me now! I don't want to live in this cruel world!

  ...Alma turned from the window and said in an icy voice, Yes, it is a cruel world. And what a storm has passed over the de Foix family. Do you know, Cairo, that all the ladies of the Five Great Families have called me about the matter, and they were laughing?

  In that moment, the door opened and Maria entered the room. She stopped and took in the scene: her brother Rive laughing like a madman, her sister-in-law Alma's face a mask of anger, and her nephew Cairo looking as if he were on the verge of collapse. Finally, her cold gaze settled on her son, Dio, who was sitting silently.

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  Dio looked at her for a moment, then returned his gaze to the ceiling with indifference.

  Maria ignored everyone and spoke directly to her brother Rive, her voice dripping with quiet contempt as she gestured with her chin towards Dio.

  Do you see, brother? I told you he was a curse. He brings nothing but shame wherever he goes.

  Rive said I think, Dio, ignoring his sister's bitter comment, that all your chances of remaining Corvus's son have evaporated. And what a great reason.

  Alma said coldly That's right, Dio, picking up the thread of conversation. I have a message from your family. You have been summoned to the main mansion. Feel proud, the reason is a very great one.

  The journey to the main mansion was silent. Dio sat in the luxurious car, thinking.

  He's right. It is a great reason.

  Suddenly, he felt the driver let out a muffled laugh.

  Dio said in shock, Why are you laughing?

  I am not laughing, Young Master.

  "No, you laughed."

  I did not laugh... Then another laugh escaped him.

  I don't believe this, Dio muttered, and leaned his head back to look at the car's ceiling.

  When he got out in front of the mansion where he was born, he said to himself, Act like you own the place. You didn't even speak in the video.

  He entered. He felt that all the servants who passed by him were holding back their laughter. What strong willpower they have.

  This way, Young Master.

  A servant led him through the familiar corridors that stirred up bad memories. He reached his father's office. The master is inside.

  Dio opened the door and entered. Corvus was sitting behind a massive blackwood desk, and when Dio entered, he looked directly at him. They had the same golden eyes.

  Dio sat down on the sofa.

  Corvus said coldly ,I don't remember I told you to sit .

  Do you want to make your son stand? What a father. Or do you want to throw your son out on the street?

  It seems you've compensated for your lack of talent with your tongue. Why was I summoned? Get to the point.

  Then a woman with red hair and black eyes entered, looking at him with disdain. Edith, his stepmother, from the Revimont family one of the Five Great Families alongside Knoxville, Eisengard, Philanter, and of course, Van der Wood.

  Dio said sarcasticallyI ,thought it would be a time for me alone with my father, what a shame.

  Edith said ,Cut your sarcasm, brat.

  Corvus began ,I summoned you today , because, as you know, you are still, on paper, my heir. But, Louis has been tested, and it has been revealed that he has a talent for magic.

  Edith looked at Dio with a condescending gaze and a slight, triumphant smile.

  Dio smiled. Congratulations to my brother whom I have never seen in my life. How generous of you, and what wonderful timing to tell me this news, head of the family. Everyone was expecting you to throw your son out on the street.

  Feel proud, son of de Foix, Edith interrupted him with biting sarcasm, using his mother's family name as an insult.

  Dio smile froze. She had touched a nerve. It was true the de Foix family hated him, but Cairo was now... his friend. He looked at Edith with his golden eyes, knowing full well how much people feared this gaze. And what's it to you, woman? A son and his father are talking. Why are you interrupting? Did you not learn manners at Revimont?

  Edith turned her face slightly, with visible fear.

  Corvus said That's enough! . Dio, if I haven't thrown you out, it is because I still see some use for you. Now, get out.

  Dio stood up. Did you forget something, Father? He smiled.

  What do you want?

  Money. I've heard you can't just buy food with your name.

  Corvus sighed. I will send some servants to deal with the matter. And do not disgrace the family again.

  Of course, if you treat me well.

  Dio walked out, thinking, What a lovely trip. I met my stepmother, and my useless throne was taken from me.

  He was walking in the corridor and saw a small child with red hair and black eyes, about five years old. His brother, Louis.

  My god, it seems 'Revimont has taken over his body. He looks nothing like Corvus.

  He knelt down to his level and extended his hand. Hi I am your big brother.

  Louis's eyes widened. A big brother? I've always wanted a big brother!

  Yes, you have one. It's me.

  Louis suddenly hugged him tightly. *What a cute being,"*Dio thought. When he learns that I'm a failure, what will his expression be like?

  You have the same eyes as Father!" Louis said with admiration. I wanted golden eyes.

  Dio laughed. It doesn't matter, both are beautiful. But I'll tell you a secret, your black eyes are more beautiful. They give you a strong look.

  Dio felt something new. If I am to be a brother to someone, I will be the best brother possible. He patted his hair. If you need anything, come directly to me, understood? Especially if you're angry with your father, tell me, ok brother.

  ok brother!

  That's enough! Edith's voice came from behind him.

  Mom! Louis ran to her.

  Dio looked at Edith, then at Louis. Even if every child in this mansion hates me, I will not hate him. He is only imitating his parents.

  bye bye, Louis.

  Brother! Louis called out as he was being led away.

  Dio turned. What is it, Louis?

  What is your name, brother?

  Dio laughed a genuine laugh. My name is Dio. Your guardian who will protect you from the demons.