Soon after making his decision, Kazu found himself in a prestigious recording studio with Liora Hart—the undisputed queen of R&B, a vocalist whose voice had defined a generation. Occasionally, the legendary Julian Cross appeared to assist with editing, his presence both commanding and kind.
Though he rarely took to public stages anymore, Julian remained an influential force in the industry, quietly mentoring emerging talent with the wisdom of an “unconventional genius.”
Kazu felt understandably nervous performing before such musical giants. But as soon as he recalled the countless hours spent practicing with Naosa—her patient guidance echoing in his memory—the tension dissolved completely.
Music is meant to be enjoyed, he reminded himself calmly.
After completing one song, Liora and Julian exchanged a meaningful glance before nodding with evident satisfaction.
“That was absolutely magnificent, Kazu!” Liora applauded with genuine enthusiasm.
Julian added with a smile that reached his eyes, “For this particular track, I didn’t want polished technical perfection. I wanted someone young and pure—someone exactly like you. That was precisely what I envisioned.”
Kazu exhaled in profound relief, his confidence restored and strengthened.
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Julian then asked with professional curiosity, “How about the contract I sent recently? Has your legal counsel reviewed it?”
Kazu bowed his head with grateful respect. “I’m deeply thankful for the opportunity, but I’d like to decline payment. If possible, I’d love to participate purely as a volunteer.”
Both stars blinked in surprise at his unexpected response.
Julian frowned in mild confusion. “As a volunteer? Why would you choose that?”
Kazu explained earnestly, “I’m still learning and growing as a musician. I don’t think I’m at a level where I should be accepting that kind of compensation. My family simply wants me to enjoy the experience and develop my abilities. That’s more than enough.”
Liora and Julian exchanged puzzled looks, then accepted his quiet determination with growing respect.
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As the session continued, they grew increasingly curious about Kazu’s background. Yet no matter what they asked, every story somehow circled back to Naosa.
“So,” Liora finally asked with amused curiosity, “your aunt taught you piano? Is she a professional musician?”
Kazu shook his head, smiling proudly. “No, she’s a lab scientist. But in Europe, she occasionally performs at recitals when friends invite her.”
Julian raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What’s her name?”
“I call her Nao, but her full name is Naosa,” Kazu said with clear affection.
Liora and Julian shared a meaningful look. This mysterious “aunt” sounded like someone worth meeting.
When the recording was completed, Liora announced that she would perform one of their new collaborations at the upcoming annual music awards—and invited Kazu to join her live on stage.
He accepted with grateful enthusiasm. Julian and Liora then added warmly, “Please bring your aunt. We’d love to meet her.”
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On the night of the celebration, Kazu proudly escorted Naosa into the elegant venue. She wore a modest formal dress that somehow drew every eye in the room, its understated simplicity only heightening her natural grace and poise. Around her neck and wrists were heirloom jewels passed down through generations of the De Valois family—rarely worn treasures of quiet, breathtaking beauty.
She looked like royalty come to life from a fairy tale.
Liora and Julian were already seated at their reserved table, chatting casually as they waited for Kazu’s arrival. But when he approached with Naosa at his side, they both fell into stunned, reverent silence.
Naosa offered a warm, gracious smile. “Thank you for inviting me this evening. I’m certain my nephew learned tremendously from this experience. Thank you for giving him such a wonderful opportunity.”
Still momentarily speechless, they nodded as Kazu pulled out her chair and helped her sit with gentlemanly care.
“Perfect,” Kazu whispered, satisfied with his performance. “Just like we practiced.”
Naosa smiled back, her eyes twinkling with affectionate amusement.
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Liora, finally finding her voice, asked in bewildered amazement, “Wait—you mentioned you were bringing your aunt?”
She had expected someone older, perhaps more traditionally Japanese in appearance—certainly not someone who looked like a young queen stepping out of an enchanted tale.
Julian appeared equally stunned by her unexpected presence.
Kazu tilted his head in innocent confusion. “Yes, she’s my aunt.”
Naosa explained gently, “I’m his mother’s half-sister. Our father is Kazu’s grandfather, and my mother was French. So I’m not fully Japanese like him.”
They both nodded slowly, still processing this revelation.
“You’re…” Julian said, half laughing in disbelief, “so much younger and more beautiful than we imagined.”
“Stop it,” Kazu laughed with playful embarrassment. “Nao has a raccoon face! Don’t tell her she’s beautiful or she’ll get unbearably proud.”
“Excuse me?” Naosa raised an eyebrow in mock indignation, giving Kazu’s arm a light, playful swat.
Everyone burst into laughter at their sibling-like teasing.
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Liora leaned closer with genuine admiration. “That dress is absolutely gorgeous. Is it from a famous designer?”
Naosa smiled warmly. “Thank you. It was made by a tailor in my hometown. He’s not internationally famous, but he’s crafted my dresses since I was a baby. He’s quite elderly now, but he insists he still wants to create my wedding dress someday.”
Julian admired her jewelry with sincere appreciation. “That necklace is truly exquisite.”
Naosa touched it softly with affectionate reverence. “These pieces have been treasured in my family for generations. They usually rest quietly in a drawer, so it’s wonderful to wear them for such a special occasion.”
Liora and Julian exchanged another glance. This woman wasn’t merely someone’s aunt—she was someone truly extraordinary.
To Kazu, however, she was simply his beloved older sister-like aunt.
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Later in the evening, pop sensation Leo Hartley stopped by their table. He greeted Liora and Julian with easy familiarity, then turned his attention to Kazu and Naosa with growing curiosity.
He paused, staring with recognition. Have I met her somewhere before? he wondered.
A short while later, a waiter approached carrying an elegant wine list.
“Would you like to choose something to accompany the meal?” he asked with practiced courtesy.
Naosa accepted the list with a polite nod, studied it thoughtfully, and smiled with calm confidence. “Actually… may I request something that’s not listed here?”
She named a specific vintage and vineyard—an obscure but exceptionally elegant French wine.
The waiter raised his eyebrows in surprise but promised to check.
Several moments later, he returned carrying exactly what she had requested.
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When Liora and Julian tasted the wine, they exchanged amazed glances.
“This is incredible,” Liora said in delight. “Where did you learn about such remarkable selections?”
“I simply love wine,” Naosa said with characteristic modesty.
“I have absolutely no idea what I’m experiencing,” Leo admitted, swirling the glass with fascination.
Naosa turned to him with a gentle, encouraging smile. “Here—place your hand,” she said, extending her palm toward him.
Somewhat amused, Leo placed his hand in hers.
“Now,” she said softly, almost like a guide in meditation, “close your eyes… and breathe in the wine’s essence.”
He obeyed, trusting completely.
In that moment, something profound shifted within him. He could almost see it—golden sunlight spilling across a peaceful vineyard, the crisp scent of morning earth, a gentle wind rustling through ancient vines. When he sipped the wine, it was as if he were tasting the land itself.
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He opened his eyes, blinking in astonishment at the intensity of the experience.
Naosa still held his hand tenderly.
“This,” she said with quiet reverence, “is the wine I truly love.”
Liora and Julian sat speechless, awed by the almost magical demonstration, while Kazu smiled knowingly, having witnessed such moments countless times before.
Naosa chuckled softly and added with playful wisdom, “There’s one essential phrase about wine appreciation: if you don’t know what to say, simply murmur thoughtfully, ‘Hmm… it’s quite interesting.’ People will assume you’re an expert.”
Everyone burst into laughter at her charming honesty.
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Just then, Kimberly appeared from another section of the venue, radiating his usual confidence.
“Hey, Kazu. Good luck tonight,” he said, giving him a quick, affectionate pat on the head. He turned to Naosa with a faintly furrowed brow. “Why are you here this evening?”
Naosa smiled with perfect calm. “Kimberly, I’m here as Kazu’s guardian, simply watching the performance.”
He looked visibly relieved, nodded to the others, and walked away satisfied.
Liora blinked in disbelief. “Did… did she just talk to Kimberly Delacroix like that?”
“She absolutely did,” Julian murmured, eyes wide with growing amazement.
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When Liora’s performance began, Kazu prepared to take the stage with nervous excitement. He glanced toward Naosa for reassurance. She blew him a kiss and whispered with maternal affection, “I bless you completely.”
Kazu caught it with a radiant smile and renewed confidence.
As the first notes rang through the venue, Naosa closed her eyes, listening intently. When the song ended, she whispered with proud satisfaction, “Beautifully done.”
Kazu’s performance was flawless—a testament to both natural talent and loving guidance.
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Afterward, Julian leaned toward Naosa with growing curiosity. “Do you have a French name as well?”
Naosa nodded with quiet dignity. “Yes. Séraphine De Valois.”
Julian blinked with sudden recognition. That name… it sounded hauntingly familiar, stirring memories he couldn’t quite place.
Leo continued staring at her, deep in thought. Where had he seen her before?
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After the celebration ended, as Kazu and Naosa offered their farewells and headed toward the exit, the pieces finally fell into place.
Leo murmured, suddenly certain, “That’s her. That’s the woman from that Halloween celebration—the one who became a superhero and saved that little girl on stage. A real-life superhero.”
Julian froze as the realization struck. “De Valois… the family from the French countryside. That wasn’t simply a girl.” He watched Naosa’s departing figure in quiet awe. “I encountered a queen tonight.”
He turned to Leo with a knowing smile. “Try not to stare so obviously. You’re the king of popular music. Of course you’d recognize a queen when you see one.”
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