The Porcelain Lake, a breathtaking marvel within the Vermont Noble Estate, is veiled in mystery and elegance. Its namesake derives from the lake’s glassy surface, which reflects the surrounding world with an eerie perfection, as though the entire scene were painted on porcelain. It’s said that the lake has a strange, hypnotic beauty, capturing all who gaze upon it in a trance-like state, lost in the lake’s still, mirror-like depths.

Encircling the lake are lush, manicured gardens brimming with exotic flora—rare blossoms of impossible colors and textures, meticulously tended by the estate’s most skilled gardeners. Among these gardens, fantastical creatures roam freely: unicorns graze near beds of glowing lilies, griffins bask in the dappled sunlight, and otherworldly animals frolic amongst the blossoms. Some of these creatures have been adopted by the Vermont heirs as familiars, symbols of power and prestige within the family.

Rising on the lake’s shore is the Ivory Pavilion, an architectural wonder crafted from pure alabaster and ivory. Its pale spires stretch heavenward, casting an air of regal elegance. Here, visiting nobles gather to marvel at the lake’s beauty, savor rare wines, and indulge in delicacies from distant lands. At night, the pavilion glows with a supernatural light that emanates from the lake’s waters, illuminating the estate with a warm, ethereal glow. On special occasions, this light shifts hues according to the will of the Estate Master, Duke Ashen Vermont, casting the entire scene in mystical colors.

This place, filled with quiet power, holds a deeper significance for Jake. It was a favored retreat of his mother, Elisa Amor Vermont (Elise), who used to stroll with him by the lake. Their last walk together took place on a balmy summer night, when Jake was only three years old—a memory that remained with him, vivid and bittersweet. Her words lingered in his mind:

"Jake, my little boy," she had said, her voice soft but resolute. "When you face life’s challenges, be brave. Stand tall, face them head-on, but—"

Tearing up, young Jake had interrupted her. “No, I want you to help me then.”

With a tender smile, she replied, "Yes, my dear. I will. But when I’m not here, remember to be strong. Pay attention to those around you… but until then…”

As they sat together in the Ivory Court by the lake, she lifted Jake onto her lap. “Remember, Jake, no matter what, you can always reach me. I am your mother before I am a matriarch.”

Jake, tears in his eyes, had asked her, “But Mother, what is a ‘matriarch’?” She had laughed softly, running a gentle hand through his hair as she pulled him close.

Now, as he approaches the lake, guided through the estate, he feels those memories rushing back.

“Young Master, we have arrived,” his attendant announces.

Before him stands an archway woven from Oribi flowers—exquisite blossoms that shift colors with the time of day, from radiant pink at dawn to deep purple at midday, and finally to a glowing golden-white at night. The arch marks the entrance to the Porcelain Lake, a gateway constructed of Greta stones, each shimmering with a subtle crimson hue and violet undertones. As Jake steps forward, the gate emits a gentle glow, responding to the presence of the Vermont bloodline, creating a soft purplish aura around him—a legacy left by the first Vermont patriarch, Aesir de Vermont (Ryo-Gae-Rong), designed to acknowledge his descendants.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

As he enters, whispers ripple through the crowd gathered around the garden.

“Did you see that?”

“Yes… It’s a Vermont, isn’t it?”

“But he never participates in these events…”

Murmurs intensify, laced with curiosity and disbelief as they recognize the ‘Cursed Child’ of the Vermont family. Even the younger nobles from prominent families glance his way with intrigue. Ignoring the disapproving stares, Jake makes his way toward the Ivory Pavilion, his calm stride undisturbed by the murmurs that surround him.

“Hmph, the Cursed One is here, I see!” The voice rings out, disdainful and mocking. All eyes turn toward its source: Johnathan, known as the Red Oni. Tall, broad-shouldered, and with a fierce gleam in his yellow eyes, Johnathan radiates an intimidating presence. His red hair falls around his face, and his muscular frame, more mature than his sixteen years, seems ready to break anyone who challenges him.

“That’s the Red Oni!” whispers one spectator.

“He’s one of the Seven Sin-Swords of the Vermont family, right?” replies another. “The one who earned the title ‘Beast King’ after defeating the Aslan Lion…”

The title “Seven Sin-Swords” is reserved for the seven heirs chosen by the demon-sealed swords passed down through Vermont blood. The swords are rumored to harbor spirits representing the Seven Deadly Sins, a testament to the family’s dark history with demons.

“But why would he block the Cursed Child’s path?” someone murmurs nervously. “Doesn’t he fear the misfortune?”

Johnathan, eyes gleaming with malice, steps directly into Jake’s path. Yet Jake meets his gaze calmly, bowing slightly as he greets him. “Hello, Brother Johnathan.”

A shiver runs down Johnathan’s spine as he looks into Jake’s cold, intense purple eyes. The chill in Jake’s gaze unsettles him. “Y-yes… Hello, Brother,” he stammers, his voice betraying his unease.

From behind Johnathan, a slender figure steps forward. Dressed impeccably, with thin glasses framed in bluish-green, he has an air of detached elegance. Green eyes glint from behind the lenses. “Look at that, you even rattled our fourth brother, Jake,” he jokes, lips curling in a faint smirk.

“Greetings, Brother Jade,” Jake says evenly, maintaining his calm demeanor.

Feigning nonchalance, Jade leans closer to whisper, “Ah, good. Now you’re acting as you should, Cursed One. A lowly disgrace like you should keep your head bowed… or be dead and rid of your shame.” He steps back, eyes glittering with concealed malice.

Jake raises his head slightly, his expression shifting to one of utter disdain, as though Jade were no more than a smudge to be wiped away.

“Oh, and don’t forget,” Jade calls over his shoulder, his tone laced with mockery. “Brother Jackson would like to see you at the Pavilion.”

“Of course, Brother,” Jake replies, bowing again. As Jade and Johnathan turn back toward the Pavilion, Jake straightens, his gaze steady as he resumes his path.

Shrouded within the Pavilion's shadows, enigmatic figures recline in grand, gilded seats, their forms cloaked in darkness, eyes glinting with an otherworldly gleam as they watch the unfolding spectacle with an eerie, silent intensity.

“I see… So he’s participating this year,” one voice muses.

“Yes, Brother,” another responds.

“What do you make of it, Jane?” a voice asks, a hint of amusement in its tone.

A tomboyish voice replies, “What’s there to think? He’s here to participate, so why not help him along?”

A low chuckle follows. “Then let’s welcome our dear sixth one, shall we?”