(Arc 1 : The raven and the dragon)

"Hi Kae. When did you arrive?" Gwenval asked as he entered the studio.

"Must be an hour or two since I got here. And your appointment?"

Sitting in front of a large canvas, Kaelan was wearing overalls, formerly white, now covered with paint stains. He was helding a large, flat brush, soaked in paint, in his hand. His hair was tied back in a ponytail.

Gwenval sat down on a chair next to his friend.

"I felt like I was in a spy movie." Gwenval commented.

"Hmm ?"

"The CEO of Jade Shielding did not steal his reputation. Thanks to him, we were able to come up with a list of suspects in no time."

"Oh, that's great! What are you going to do now?"

Kaelan put down his brush and turned excitedly to Gwenval.

"We've come up with a simple plan. At least on paper. For it to succeed, we'll need your help." Gwenval announced with a mischievous smile.

"Me ??"

Gwenval explained to Kaelan the plan he had devised to catch the stalker, outlining all the elements he had gathered.

"Hmmm... It's a bit far-fetched, isn't it?" Kaelan took a moment to think.

"It's the quickest and most effective way we've found. My apartment is inaccessible to my stalker, and I haven't been to my studio in a while. Public places are his only chance to reach me. I am also afraid that he will attack those closest to me instead."

"It's not like he could attack your family either, and you don't have many friends... Wait. That means he might attack me to get to you if he finds out we know each other..." Kaelan sighed.

"I won't let anyone hurt you, Kae."

"I'm not afraid of anything happening to me... But when I think about it, I can't help but think that the culprit is really stupid. Still, something's bothering me: you said he's become more aggressive. What if he's trying to kill you? I know what you're capable of, but you can't be too careful." Kaelan worried, thinking the worst.

"Don't worry. Nothing will happen to me. So, will you help me?" Gwenval smiled at his friend.

"What a question! Of course I will. I don't want to miss the moment when your stalker realizes that he did all this for nothing. Of course, I expect a box of cream puffs in return."

" "Of course." " Gwenval repeated with a laugh.

The two friends then ordered food and went to the workshop storeroom to choose the pieces for the exhibition.

"What about Sir Nienrao? Do you think he'll make a good "knight"?"

"We'll have to see. It's too soon. But he's... interesting..."

___

After dropping off the musician, Ashlay went straight to meet his mother at Orchid Prestige headquarters. He took a seat in her office. During the thirty minutes he waited for his mother because she was in a meeting, he took the opportunity to call Secretary Shin to give him instructions for the management of the hotel for the coming weekend.

When a woman with a dominant "aura" entered the office, Ashlay stood up and walked over to give her a gentle hug. 

Intira Nienrao, Ashlay's mother, ran Orchid Prestige with an iron fist, but she was also very caring for her son. She was very beautiful and looked especially young. Mother and son began to converse in Thai.

"This morning, the director of the Seoul Arts Center called to thank me for the donation for the charity concert. I saw that you also won your race. Congratulations, my son," Intira said as she sat down at her desk.

"Congratulations, young master." Complimented a male voice.

There a third person in the room. He was Intira's secretary, Kittanan Wattana. He was also the lawyer for the Orchid Prestige Group. Although not related by blood, this man had always looked after Ashlay as if he were his own child. Ashlay naturally considered him a member of his family.

"Thank you, Uncle Watt."

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" Asked Intira. "You didn't have to come all the way here to give me your report on the benefit concert. We could have discussed it over dinner. There's another reason you're here, isn't there?"

"As perceptive as ever, Mother."

Without wasting any more time, Ashlay explained the situation to his mother and the secretary, leaving out certain details.

"Last night, after the concert, I saw a suspicious man whom I followed but unfortunately lost track of. Then I discovered a ransacked dressing room. This morning I went to the center to tell them that I would take charge of renovating the dressing room. Before coming to see you, I was with Hao Ming. He helped me come up with a list of suspects."

Ashlay finished by explaining what he was going to do at the hotel this weekend.

"Why go to all that trouble? You should leave that to the authorities."

"I agree." Intira agreed. "Was only one lodge destroyed? What does that have to do with you? Which musician was it assigned to?"

"To... To the pianist Altaha Gwenval... An acquaintance..."

Intira searched her computer. When she saw the photos of Gwenval, she smiled and looked playfully at her son.

"He's handsome...So? Why are you doing all this for an 'acquaintance'?"

Ashlay didn't answer and looked away. He was thinking of a credible answer.

"You must have a good reason. As long as you promise to be careful, I won't stand in your way. After all, the Turquoise is under your supervision. Besides, I know you. You didn't come to ask my permission, you came to inform me of your plans so that I wouldn't be surprised if something happened. Am I wrong, my son?"

"Not at all, mother." Ashlay replied with a slight chuckle. "My dear mother really is the wisest of women. I'll be careful. Thank you !"

Ashlay quickly went to give his mother a kiss on the cheek, then saluted Secretary Kittanan before hurrying out of the office, leaving his mother no time to add anything.

Intira remained silent for a moment, puzzled by all the energy her son was expending to help a mere acquaintance, then looked outside. She had her theories, though.

"This child. Always ready to help others." 

Intira turned back to her secretary. 

"Watt, find out everything you can about this Altaha Gwenval and get someone to investigate what really happened at the concert last night. Send some men to the Turquoise as well. I want to be notified of any unusual occurrences there."

"Yes, Madam."

Secretary Kittanan bowed respectfully to Intira and then left the office.

Intira went back to her work.

" "Altaha"... I've heard that name somewhere before." She thought aloud.

___

The next day, around eight o'clock, Ashlay came to pick up Gwenval from his apartment, as promised. Thinking that the musician might not have had time to eat, he bought him an iced Americano, an egg sandwich, and a bag of pastries. Gwenval appreciated the attention and gladly accepted.

Not far from the entrance to the residence, a sinister figure watched Ashlay's car. As soon as the car was gone, the figure disappeared.

"The hotel staff has started to organize for Saturday. What about your friend? Has he agreed?" Asked Ashlay.

"Yes, he's agreed. He knows the situation I'm in. So he didn't hesitate to help. We chose the paintings for the exhibition yesterday. He should be able to bring them to the hotel tomorrow morning. He'll come too."

"That's perfect. And... uh... this "friend", have you known him long?"

Gwenval didn't answer, but gave him a small smile.

"I'm... I'm sorry, that was an inappropriate question. I just wanted to make sure that he was trustworthy."

"He and I have known each other for several years. Going after me wouldn't do him any good, if that's what you're asking. I know I can count on him." Gwenval replied simply.

"I see."

"Come on, Ashlay! "Is he really a friend?" Why did I even ask that? If I start asking him such embarrassing questions, I'll blow my chances right away!"

Gwenval had excluded the members of his entourage from the list of suspects because he knew it wouldn't give them any satisfaction or advantage.

"Is it okay if you stay with me all day?"

"Don't worry, Gwen Gwen."

Ashlay motioned for Gwenval to look in the back seats. There was indeed a computer bag and a pile of documents.

"I warned them that I wouldn't be in the office today. My secretary is monitoring things at the hotel. If there's an urgent problem, he'll call me immediately."

"Hmm..." Gwenval was a bit impressed.

Arriving at the recording studio, Gwenval opened the door while Ashlay looked around. The area was quiet and nice. On the street where the studio was located, there was a suit shop and a rather fancy shoe shop. Across the street was a restaurant and a café. Not far away was a large park. A small group of people were working out there.

After gathering his belongings, Ashlay joined Gwenval. The place was quite spacious. Upon entering, there was a piano and a small, well-appointed lounge. A little further on was the control and registration room, facing Gwenval's office.

Shortly after, the studio door opened and a woman's voice was heard.

"Altaha? Are you back?"

"Madame Nam?" Gwenval came out of his office. "Yes, it's me. He came to see the lady."

"I haven't seen you since someone broke in. I was worried."

"Good Morning. My name is Nienrao Ashlay. I'm a friend of Gwenval's." Ashlay greeted the lady as he arrive next to the musician.

The woman, who looked to be in her forties, was very surprised to see Ashlay. Since he was very handsome, she immediately thought he was a singer or an actor. But when she saw Ashlay's business card, she was even more surprised.

"I'm Nam Ok Hui, the owner of the café across the street. Don't hesitate to come in." she insisted. "We make delicious desserts and quality drinks."

Madame Nam felt twenty years younger in front of the two men. Her cheeks were flushed.

"With pleasure." Ashlay said with a charming smile.

Madame Nam was about to take the day off and sit all day admiring the two young men in front of her, but a notification on her phone pulled her out of her reverie: someone had just placed an order.

"Oh! I have to go. I'm glad you're doing well, Altaha. Come and have coffee with your friend anytime. Have a nice day."

The woman greeted the duo, then left the studio to return to her work.

"Mmm..." With pleasure." " Gwenval repeated, imitating Ashlay. "At the Seoul Arts Center too, all you needed was a smile to find your way into my dressing room. What a seducer, it seems no one can resist you."

A chill ran through Ashlay's body. He began to panic for no real reason. He had the feeling he'd done something stupid. Quickly, he followed Gwenval back to his office.

"Gwen Gwen. I won't do it again! Are you angry?"

For his part, Gwenval smiled mockingly. He seemed to enjoy teasing Ashlay.

The day passed quietly. Gwenval and Ashlay went back to work without a hitch, and the hours flew by unnoticed. By noon, Ashlay had brought lunch for the two of them, and they were chatting about anything and everything.

Ashlay learned that Gwenval composed for many singers in South Korea, as well as for other artists abroad. He also composed his own music, which was sometimes played on the radio or in public places.

As for Ashlay, Orchid Prestige had occupied most of his life. He wasn't complaining. In addition to his talents in marketing and management, he had mastered many martial arts and loved extreme sports. He even talked enthusiastically to Gwenval about the race he had won.

Around 5 p.m., Gwenval informed Ashlay that he was going home. The businessman nodded and went to put his things in his car while Gwenval closed the studio.

Looking in one of his rearview mirrors, Ashlay had a strange feeling. He saw someone who seemed to be looking in the direction of the studio. They were half hidden behind one of the trees in the park. The stalker!

The young man ran after the fleeing stalker. Gwenval, alarmed, turned to the fleeing person and understood immediately. He went after him.