"What!? You're a student at the Butler Academy, big brother?!"

Mirror October nearly covered his ears at the shrill disbelief. He admitted he’d underestimated this freckled girl. Even a small beast’s roar held surprising force when roused. For a moment, he almost wanted to silence Mumu’s cherry lips—

*Ahem.* Not that he was some pervert. It was just professional habit from his host club days. To handle difficult clients, Mirror October always knew precisely where to scratch—making them feel cherished. His charm had seeped into his bones. Worth noting: his clientele wasn’t exclusively female. He could flirt with men too.

"My apologies for not mentioning it. But does it matter?" Mirror October tidied his papers slowly, that faint, critical smile still playing on his lips. He looked like a composed elder watching a child throw a tantrum.

"No! It doesn’t matter! Even if you’re a butler—" Mumu’s voice softened. The winter-sun warmth in his demeanor made her realize she’d overreacted. Her habitual insecurity made her lower her head.

She just couldn’t reconcile the jarring contrast.

In today’s hero culture, butlers were practically servants—a reputation many hero-butlers earned themselves. Staring at Mirror October’s flawless, restrained face, Mumu felt an unexpected pang. Her teammates’ lessons about hierarchy echoed in her mind.

*If this Mirror October, who gave me such courage on our first meeting, is truly a butler… could I finally speak to him without shame?*

Mumu clenched her tiny fists. She took a deep breath beside him.

"And if I am a butler? What of it?"

Mirror October suddenly looked up. His crimson eyes glinted beneath narrow lids, radiating an indifference that froze courage solid. One glance shattered Mumu’s resolve. Watching her deflate, his smile deepened.

*Ah, humans.* Human nature was complex but not unfathomable. Witness enough beauty and ugliness at life’s edge, and anyone could become a psychologist. Mirror October was self-taught. He’d seen Mumu’s instinctive rebellion—and crushed it effortlessly.

*Courage fades with each failed attempt.*

Born to dissect humanity coldly, Mirror October manipulated emotions with surgical precision. He could’ve brainwashed this insecure girl into a fanatical devotee. But that clashed violently with his own brand of justice. He wouldn’t stoop that low.

"No! I’d never—I’d never look down on you for that!" Mumu twisted her skirt, determined not to betray the one who’d given her hope.

"Let’s discuss this outside."

"Okay…"

Mirror October seized the initiative again. Mumu had already surrendered control. His blood-red eyes gleamed as he did something bold: he gently ruffled the hair of the girl who trembled like a cornered fawn. The gesture was pure, gentle older brother.

Mumu’s ears burned crimson. *This* impossibly perfect, restrained boy—straight out of a manga—was being tender to plain, ordinary her? Today felt like a dream. *God, if this is a dream… please don’t let me wake up. Let big brother Mirror October stay by my side forever!*

She’d completely forgotten her classmates. Mumu followed Mirror October out of the classroom, docile as a lamb.

As a class crasher, Mirror October knew his limits. A butler trainee mingling with hero cadets? He’d be ridiculed. He’d planned to approach them through psychological guidance—but now he had a better option.

*This toes the line… but it’s far from true evil.*

If Mumu became hopelessly infatuated with his mask, he’d show this hothouse flower the world’s darkness. Until she either embraced the Jigsaw Sect’s creed or fled. As for love? Too luxurious for Mirror October. He had none to give.

*How could anyone love a disaster?*

"May I ask about your hero ability, Mumu? I’m deeply fascinated by Superheroes." *Fascinated* in every sense. Since becoming Saw, Mirror October studied heroes with chilling intensity—a fascination that could kill.

"Huh? Mine? It’s nothing special… I can just… ignite flames."

A tiny flame flickered on her pale fingertip. Mumu’s cheeks flushed with shame. Compared to her teammates’ dazzling powers, her spark was pitiful.

"May I see it up close?"

"Of course!"

The insecure often mask loneliness with bright smiles—but Mumu’s joy was genuine. Mirror October showed no disdain for her weak ability. Instead, he cradled it like treasure.

In his crimson eyes, a candle flame danced.

The girl he held beamed with shy delight, her gaze tracing his perfect features. For the first time, she thanked her hero power—for making this boy look at her like she was the world’s rarest jewel.

"Truly… a remarkable ability." The flame nearly singed his eyelid, startling him. This unstable fire, flaring strong enough to burn him at her awakening stage, mirrored Mumu’s own volatility.

"My teacher says if I train hard, I can become a powerful hero too!" Thinking he’d mocked her weakness, Mumu protested. Her bright eyes darted as she added, "Like Winter Empress—strong like her!"

Just then, a group of Hero Academy students rounded the corner. They burst into laughter at her words. Only one didn’t laugh: Ruosui Jing, her face ashen.

Her watery eyes locked onto Mirror October—and his hand holding Mumu’s.