Lucius was humming to himself as he strolled back to his room, excitement bubbling in his chest. Today, he had finally planned to try his hand at magic. But before he could reach the door, a maid stepped into his path and bowed.
"Young Master, the Duke summons you to his office."
Lucius's shoulders slumped. Of all times, Father… With clear disappointment written on his face, he reluctantly followed the maid down the long corridor toward the Duke's office.
When they arrived, Lucius gave a soft knock and announced, "Father, it's me."
"Enter," came the commanding voice from within.
Lucius slowly pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside. He bowed politely before taking a seat opposite his father. This simple courtesy was enough to make the Duke raise a brow in surprise.
The Duke cleared his throat lightly before speaking. "The Marquis wishes to present you with the elixir of the goddess's grace—a divine draught said to awaken hidden talent and elevate one's potential."
Lucius tilted his head slightly. "It seems like… a very valuable gift."
Bang!
The Duke's palm struck the table with such force that Lucius nearly jumped from his seat.
"Valuable? It is priceless!" his father roared, eyes narrowing with unshakable intensity. "Now tell me, boy—what do you plan to do with it?"
Inwardly, the Duke scowled. My old friend may be generous, but that elixir must not be wasted on a careless brat.
"I… I would like to refuse," Lucius stammered, his voice trembling but determined.
The Duke's gaze sharpened like a blade. "What did you just say?!" he thundered, though he had heard his son perfectly well.
"I… would like to refuse the gift," Lucius repeated, his tone steadier.
"You dare?!"
In an instant, the Duke rose, seizing Lucius by the collar and slamming him against the wall. The shelves rattled, the air itself seemed to crackle with fury. Lucius struggled for breath, choking under the Duke's iron grip.
"Give me one good reason," the Duke roared, veins standing out on his forehead. "If your excuse fails to move me, I will kick you out of this house!"
Lucius's body trembled, but he forced his lips to move. His mind screamed at him to stay silent, but his heart… his heart wouldn't allow it.
"It's because… Lady Aurelia does not want me," he said, voice shaking yet resolute. "And I refuse to take advantage of an engagement that is doomed to break sooner or later!"
For a heartbeat, silence ruled the room.
Then—hahaha…
A rich, amused laugh drifted in from behind the door. Both Lucius and the Duke turned, as the Marquis stepped inside.
The Duke released Lucius instantly, and the boy collapsed to the floor, coughing violently. He clutched his throat, his breaths ragged and shallow.
"Well said, boy," the Marquis declared with a satisfied smile. He reached out and ruffled Lucius's hair.
"That courage alone proves you are worthy of the gift." Then, glancing at the Duke, he added, "See, Dominic? There is still hope for this brat."
"…Perhaps," the Duke muttered, though his stern eyes lingered on his son.
The Marquis produced a small vial from within his robes. It gleamed with a faint, celestial radiance—the elixir of the goddess's grace, whispered to awaken untapped potential and shape the destiny of those who drank it.
He pressed it into Lucius's hands.
"This is yours. Take it, and become the man worthy of my daughter."
Lucius's hands shook. His lips parted. "…But your daughter doesn't even like me, and—"
Smack!
The Marquis gave him a light knock on the back of his head. "Then change her mind," he interrupted, grinning. "That is your challenge."
Lucius's chest tightened. "…And if… even after I give my everything, she still rejects me? What then? How can I possibly return the Elixir if I've already taken it?"
"Then I will honor my daughter's will," the Marquis replied without hesitation. "But for now—stop worrying. Take it and do your best."
Lucius lowered his gaze. His fingers tightened around the vial as a storm raged within him.
But… how can I? I'm not even truly Lucius. My heart, my soul… they are still Samantha. Even in this body, I can't change who I am inside. Can I really live up to their expectations when I don't even know who I am supposed to be anymore?
Before he could think further, the Duke grabbed his arm and dragged him toward the door.
"Enough whining," the Duke barked. "Be a man, drink it, and rest. Tomorrow, your training in swordsmanship and magic begins." With that, he shoved Lucius out and slammed the door shut.
The corridor fell into silence.
Lucius stood there, the Elixir glowing faintly in his trembling hands. He pressed it against his chest, his heart aching with uncertainty.
"…is this really the path I'm meant to walk?" he whispered to himself. With a weary sigh, he turned and walked down the hall, the weight of the vial heavier than any sword.