Chapter 3 - The Crimson and Violet Meeting

Crimson Hearts: The Mafia Queen & The Ice Violet King

The next morning...

The Valentine Mansion was unusually peaceful.

Until—

BANG!

Killiam slammed the dining room door open.

"I HAVE IMPORTANT NEWS!"

Hazel looked up from her pancakes.

"...Did the world end?"

"No."

"Then why are you yelling?"

Killiam grinned.

"Because it's fun."

Hazel took another bite.

"I hope your pillow is warm on both sides tonight."

Killiam gasped dramatically.

"...That's evil."

Marcus nodded.

"She chose violence before breakfast."

Lucian, who had arrived with his family a few minutes earlier, quietly sipped his coffee.

"Haze wins."

Killiam sighed.

"Lucy, whose side are you on?"

Lucian answered without hesitation.

"Hers."

Hazel smirked triumphantly.

"Good choice."

The entire table laughed.

---

After breakfast...

The atmosphere turned serious.

Ivan activated a holographic screen in the meeting room.

A single symbol appeared.

A black crown with crimson flames.

Arthur narrowed his eyes.

"I haven't seen that emblem in years."

Emily frowned.

"They're back..."

Hazel leaned against the table, arms crossed.

"The Crimson Crown."

Lucian's expression became cold.

"They disappeared ten years ago."

Thevan spoke calmly.

"They've resurfaced."

Oliver looked at the reports.

"They've taken over dozens of criminal organizations."

Alex added,

"And someone is funding them."

Marcus adjusted his glasses.

"They've already infiltrated several international companies."

Cassius whistled.

"They're ambitious."

Layla frowned.

"They're also stupid."

Hazel smiled faintly.

"I agree."

---

Ivan looked at Hazel and Lucian.

"This mission belongs to the two of you."

Neither of them hesitated.

"We'll handle it."

Arthur nodded.

"You'll attend tomorrow night's charity gala."

Cassius blinked.

"...A party?"

Marcus smirked.

"A disguise mission."

Hazel sighed dramatically.

"I have to wear a dress."

Emily smiled.

"You always look beautiful."

Hazel looked at Lucian.

"And he gets to wear a comfortable suit."

Lucian shrugged.

"I see no problem."

Hazel narrowed her eyes.

"I suddenly remember why I roast you."

Lucian smiled.

"I survived every time."

"For now."

---

Later that afternoon...

Emily and Lyra dragged Hazel upstairs.

"We're choosing your dress."

Hazel looked horrified.

"...This is kidnapping."

"No."

"It feels like kidnapping."

Meanwhile...

Arthur took Lucian shopping for a tuxedo.

Cassius folded his arms.

"Brother."

"Yes?"

"If Hazel says you look handsome..."

Lucian raised an eyebrow.

"I'll note the date."

---

Two hours later...

Hazel finally stepped out of the dressing room.

She wore a long crimson gown that shimmered like liquid fire.

Her long crimson hair flowed over her shoulders.

Even her brothers were speechless.

Oliver blinked.

"...Our little sister?"

Marcus nodded slowly.

"She's going to terrify people... elegantly."

Killiam wiped away an imaginary tear.

"They grow up so fast."

Hazel rolled her eyes.

"I'm literally standing right here."

---

At the same time...

Lucian walked out wearing a perfectly tailored black tuxedo with a violet tie.

Cassius stared.

"...Brother."

"Hm?"

"You actually look like a prince."

Arthur smiled proudly.

"You clean up well."

Lucian sighed.

"It's just a suit."

---

That evening...

The two families gathered in the main hall.

Hazel walked down the staircase.

Lucian looked up.

For the first time in years...

He completely forgot what he was about to say.

Hazel tilted her head.

"Lucy?"

"..."

"Lucy?"

"..."

Cassius elbowed him.

"Your brain stopped working."

Lucian blinked.

"Oh."

Hazel smiled teasingly.

"I look that scary?"

Lucian shook his head.

"No."

"...You look breathtaking."

The room fell silent.

Hazel froze.

A faint blush spread across her cheeks.

Emily smiled knowingly.

Lyra covered her mouth to hide her grin.

The five Valentine brothers stared at Lucian.

Ivan slowly looked at Arthur.

Arthur coughed into his fist.

"...He's brave."

Killiam cracked his knuckles dramatically.

"So... should we chase him now or after dinner?"

Hazel quickly stepped between Lucian and her brothers.

"Nobody is chasing anybody."

She looked at Lucian.

"...Thank you."

Lucian smiled softly.

"You're welcome, Haze."

Their families exchanged amused glances.

Neither Hazel nor Lucian noticed the warm smiles around them.

But elsewhere, in a dark office lit only by a single lamp, the masked leader of the Crimson Crown watched footage from the warehouse.

He leaned forward.

"So the Mafia Queen and the Ice Violet King are finally moving."

A slow smile appeared beneath his mask.

"Excellent."

"It will be far more entertaining to destroy legends than ordinary people."

The game between two legendary families and a mysterious enemy had officially begun.

End of Chapter 3

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***