Everyone turned to look at Lucien.
His interaction with Vivian hadn't gone unnoticed. It was too familiar and natural.
Some of the boys glared at Lucien with thinly veiled hostility.
Maelin tilted her head curiously.
"Esteemed guest… do you know student Vivian?"
Lucien offered a warm smile as he turned to face her.
"Know her? We're family. Ah—pardon me, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Baron Lucien Lootwell. Vivian's little brother."
"EH?!"
The classroom echoed with disbelief.
Up until now, they had assumed Lucien was either a key figure from Silvermine or perhaps someone of even higher standing, especially after seeing him boldly challenge Thornel Golddust.
But now? The revelation that he was Vivian's younger brother... and a baron at that... completely shifted their perception.
Reactions were mixed.
Some had a strange glint in their eyes. Calculating. Opportunistic.
Others looked uneasy. Unsure whether siding with Lucien was a risk worth taking.
