THE VILLAIN'S POV Chapter 10 10: The Senate Council (1)

"Cold."

Ada remained motionless by the doorway. Frey had once again transformed into that icy, inscrutable man. He had become a riddle she could no longer solve.

There were moments when he appeared sorrowful, others where he seemed consumed by rage, but his default state was—coldness.

While his demeanor had shown signs of improvement over the last few days, his encounter with Vulcan had caused him to retreat back into his detached shell. She was at a loss to understand the shift in his soul.

He was certainly an improvement over the old, malevolent Frey. Throughout her entire stay, he hadn't raised a hand against anyone. He seemed to have matured…

Yet, a seed of doubt remained. Was this a genuine transformation? Or was it merely the deceptive stillness preceding a violent storm?

Tossed by these uncertainties, Ada departed for the banquet. For the moment, her primary duty was upholding the family's prestige.

...

- Frey Starlight POV -

I propped myself against the door.

The chamber I occupied was expansive, featuring towering walls, opulent décor… and a bed of modest proportions.

It contained nearly everything my former quarters possessed—with the exception of the bed’s size.

Noticing a rocking chair in the corner, I let myself collapse into it.

I began to sway rhythmically, my gaze fixed on the ceiling.

'The bastards are keeping tabs on me.'

It was a blatant reality. I had been under constant surveillance from the very second I arrived.

The Senate—nothing more than a collection of corroded gears and absolute hypocrites.

Those idiots were doing everything in their power to keep me suppressed.

Had it not been for the final will of Frey’s father, they would have disposed of this body's original owner long ago.

They claimed to hold Abraham Starlight, Frey's father, in high regard. However, I failed to see any shred of respect in their actions.

True, they refrained from killing me, but they opted for a fate far more insidious.

During my month-long stay with Ada, the full picture had become clear.

First, Frey had been isolated entirely from the clan's ancestral lands. His manor was situated on the empire's furthest edge, a move that felt like exile—or a setup for an easy assassination.

Second, his path of Cultivation was intentionally hindered. Given his status, he should have been granted the finest resources to reach higher ranks. Instead, they ensured he remained at the very bottom.

Third, they sought to eliminate Frey through subtle manipulation. This was the