The halls were as bustling as ever. Students poured out of their classrooms to head for their next destinations. It was one of London's most prestigious universities, after all. From the most common of folks to the highest of aristocrats - many from different social classes attended to chase their dreams and increase their knowledge. Barok van Zieks was one such person. Born of a thoroughbred aristocratic family, he had high hopes for his future. To study law and follow in his older brother's footsteps was an honor, and he would stop at nothing to become a great prosecutor just like Klint.

"Barok! Wait up!"

The young, violet-haired man paused, looking back to the owner of the voice. A shorter, thinner male hurried to his side, panting from his brisk walk over. His blond hair bounced with every step, and his bright green eyes shined behind his glasses.

"Albert," Barok greeted with a calm smile.

"Barok, you won't believe all the possibilities with this new hypothesis! If my theory is correct, and with the right calculations and formulas, I could be on the precipice of a scientific breakthrough!"

"Sounds exciting."

The two walked side by side, books in hand. They had free time before their next classes, so they decided to grab lunch. Barok van Zieks didn't normally waste time making friends. His focus was always on his legal studies. But Albert Harebrayne was one of the few exceptions. Despite focusing on a completely different field of study, the budding scientist had grown close to the aristocrat.

Upon arriving at the refectory, Barok reached for the door to pull it open and nearly collided into someone. The young lady hugged her books to her chest, jumping with surprise when the door opened before she could even grasp the handle. She was dressed quite formally which wasn't surprising since she was a noblewoman. Her midnight black hair was pulled into a ponytail, the ends forming natural princess curls that fell against her upper back. Eyes as blue as sapphires gazed up at the men, and her pink lips turned up in a kind, lovely smile.

"Lord van Zieks." With her free hand, she delicately took hold of her dress between her fingers and curtsied. "Forgive my clumsiness. I nearly ran into you."

Barok stepped aside, still holding the door open. "There is nothing to forgive, Lady Bellerose." He elegantly bowed with a light smile. "Please, go ahead."

Albert kept his head down, hoping to hide his nervous gaze. "R-right…we're at fault. No need for apologies."

The young woman strolled past them with a soft giggle of amusement. "Come now, gentlemen. We can drop the formalities. I'm here to study just as much as everyone else." Her smile was a beautiful sight. It was no wonder she had so many admirers. "I'd love to stay and speak with you both, but I'm afraid I must take my leave. Barok, Albert, let's catch up soon, all right?"

Barok nodded. "It would be a delight, Sophia."

The girl hurried away without another word. Sophia Grace Bellerose was the jewel of her aristocratic family. She was beautiful, talented, and as sweet as the pastries in London's finest tea shop. What's more, her family was rather close to the van Zieks. There had even been talk of marriage on multiple occasions. But the young Sophia was going against her parents' wishes by attending university. She wanted a good education and to be able to hone her talents. It was her hope to become a star - a singer, or a dancer perhaps - just someone who could bring smiles to others.

Barok noticed his friend watching the young woman with a slight redness to his face. "Albert. You shouldn't gaze upon a lady in such a vulgar manner."

The blond's attention was swiftly diverted from the noblewoman to his friend. "What? N-no! It's not like that! I would never!" He furiously shook his head. "Besides, I know full well of the rumors. You and she are planned…" He cleared his throat. "To be wed. Or at least that's in both families' best interests." He took one last glance in the girl's direction even though she was already out of sight. "I'm simply honored to be allowed in the presence of such a fair maiden."

"Indeed," Barok replied with a chuckle. He followed his friend's gaze down the hall, his pale blue eyes holding a look of admiration. "Few in the lower class are granted such a privilege."

"I sure am a lucky fellow to be surrounded by all these aristocrats!" Albert's grin grew wide with joy.

The pair shared a laugh before entering the refectory. While it was true that the Belleroses and the van Zieks were particularly close, the idea of marriage came up rather recently. Sophia had been promised to Barok with the intentions of combining and fortifying both families' prosperity and fame. It might have been a marriage of convenience, but Barok didn't mind. He had a duty to his family and his status. He would accept the best course of action, and he couldn't deny the adoration he held for Sophia. It was a win-win.

The day swiftly passed by like it always did when Barok was absorbed in his studies. He parted ways with Albert, and just when he was stepping outside of the university's front doors, he caught sight of a commotion out by the road. Sophia was standing before two men, her head hung down in shame. One of them was Klint van Zieks. The other was Barnaby Bellerose, Sophia's older brother. Barok steadily approached, their voices reaching his ears.

"Sophia, you know better than to disobey Father," Barnaby chided, his hands on his hips. "He told you to forget about these silly classes. But you did so anyway, behind his back, no less."

"I'm sorry. I just wanted…to make something of myself. To do something with my life."

"You're better off erasing that ridiculous notion from your mind. You have a duty as the daughter of the Bellerose family."

The two men shifted their attention to Barok who boldly stopped by the girl's side. "Why can't she continue her studies?"

With his arms crossed, Klint sighed and finally spoke up, "Barok, a woman of such nobility shan't partake in such frivolity. It's unheard of."

"But it's unfair to rob her of an education," his younger brother argued. "Every man or woman deserves to seek knowledge-"

Barok was halted by a gentle hand on his arm. He looked at the girl beside him wearing a rueful smile. "It's okay. You don't have to speak on my behalf." Her shoulders slumped. "I knew this sort of thing would happen. It's best if I do what I'm told."

"But your ambitions. You wanted to sing - to entertain."

"I know, but I refuse to be a burden to my family…and to yours." She slowly shook her head. "I don't know why I ever thought I could keep up this charade. I'm nothing more than a precious gem to be preserved."

Barok stared at her, perplexed. He wasn't sure what to say or do. It wasn't his place to disagree and argue, yet he could keep quiet. "Are you certain you're all right with this?"

Sophia nodded, smiling weakly at him. "Yes. My life has always been laid out for me. I don't know why I ever thought this time would be any different." Her brother gestured for her to come to the nearby carriage awaiting them. "I have to go. I'll see you again soon, Barok. And thank you for defending me. You're truly a kind man."

Turning away, Sophia followed her brother and climbed into the carriage. She was whisked away just like that, leaving Barok befuddled. He might've been unable to act then, but someday, he hoped to aid her in pursuing her ambitions. If they did marry, then he would break her free of her family ties and allow her to make her own decisions.

But perhaps it was fortunate that she was taken out of university, for not long after her departure did the Professor case take place. The mass murders of aristocrats was a terrifying and trying time for many. Klint van Zieks lost his life before the killer was caught, and that event is what brought upon a change for Barok. The young prosecutor began his successful career in a closed trial for the murderer, and effectively earned himself the title of "Reaper of the Bailey". But without his brother - his guiding light to lead him - he began to close himself off from others. Even the Bellerose family grew distant to him while he tirelessly pursued the worst criminals in London.

It seemed as if he had taken his role as a demigod of death to heart. It wouldn't be until ten years later that a foreign student from the Empire of Japan would finally uncover every secret and unveil the truth behind the Professor case, and free van Zieks from the chains of his past.