Lyriana stared at Draven in disbelief.
"Are you seriously trying to get me killed?" she hissed, her eyes widening in panic. "If I dared say that to His Majesty, I might be—"
She stopped mid-sentence, quickly correcting herself.
"No… I will definitely be killed."
Her gaze shifted toward Draven.
His glowing red eyes had narrowed, fixed sharply on her. His expression was unreadable, making it difficult for her to tell what he was thinking.
*Does he really want me dead?*
Fear settled in her chest.
She quickly lowered her head in a bow.
"Young Master, I'm very sorry if my words were inappropriate. I just—"
A quiet sound interrupted her.
A giggle.
Lyriana froze.
She slowly raised her head, only to find Draven getting out of bed, wearing nothing but a pair of shorts.
*Why is he laughing all of a sudden?*
"I didn't think you'd react like that," Draven said, clearly amused.
"I'm so sorry, Young Master, for—"
But Draven waved her off, still grinning.
"No need to apologize. I get it. And it's not like I want you dead. You only just started working here."
*Though, to be fair, I doubt the old man would actually kill her.*
With that thought, Draven casually walked past her and headed for the door. He opened it and glanced back.
"Let's go."
Lyriana blinked.
"Young Master… are you really going to meet His Majesty dressed like that?"
Draven glanced down at himself.
"It's just the training room. I'm not going to a party."
*Luckily, I didn't sleep naked.*
He stretched slightly, then yawned.
*I wonder what the old man wants. Maybe I should grab something to eat first.*
After a moment, he turned toward Lyriana.
"Hey, where the hell is your brother? I don't see him."
Lyriana's expression suddenly changed. A sly, teasing smile appeared on her face.
"I didn't know you cared about him, Young Master."
Draven scoffed, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"Like hell I do."
He glanced at her again.
*Her mood sure changed fast…*
Lyriana's teasing expression faltered. She lowered her gaze before answering quietly.
"He's in the training room. With His Majesty."
Draven continued walking, but her answer made him pause for a moment.
"What the crap?"
His eyebrows drew together.
"Isn't he supposed to be my bodyguard? What the hell is that bastard doing there?"
Without waiting for an answer, he continued down the corridor.
---
### An Unexpected Training Session
The training room echoed with the sounds of hurried footsteps and clashing movements.
Aldric darted across the floor, moving with impressive speed as he launched one attack after another.
His movements were precise, each strike aimed carefully at his opponent.
But despite his efforts, the man standing before him seemed completely unbothered.
Draven's father effortlessly avoided every attack, shifting his body just enough to let Aldric's strikes pass by. He barely seemed to be putting any effort into defending himself.
A faint smirk appeared on his face.
"You're much too weak for a High-Blood still have a lot to improve," he remarked.
He casually stepped aside as Aldric launched another attack.
"Let's stop here."
Just then—
The doors swung open.
Draven entered the training room.