Sunlight streaked through the window, slipping past the half-drawn curtains and making Lucian toss about slightly.
With a grunt, he stretched out his hand from the bed, reached over his head, and pulled the curtains closer together to block the light.
Just as he was about to slump back into his bed in satisfaction, the light shone across his face once more—this time even brighter.
With a groan, he covered his eyes before slowly opening them. Standing by the window was a mature woman with brown hair tied neatly into a bun. She carefully fastened the curtains to either side, then shifted her gaze toward him.
"Young Master Lucian, it's already nine in the morning," she said with a gentle smile.
Marlene, his personal maid, had served him for over twenty years—since he was just a child. She had practically raised him alongside his mother, and though she always wore her classic black-and-white maid uniform, there was an unmistakable warmth in her presence.
"Just nine? Give me another hour," Lucian muttered, pulling the blanket over himself.
Or at least he tried.
The blanket halted midway, gripped firmly by Marlene before he could pull it higher.
"I believe you have many important duties today," she reminded him with the same gentle smile.
"Those little errands? Some of our knights can handle them," he grumbled, burying his face into the pillow.
"These tasks are your responsibility as a noble son of the Merrick family, young master," she replied.
Lucian held her gaze for a moment, but eventually sighed in defeat. With a sluggish motion, he dragged himself out of bed and trudged toward the bath chamber, shoulders slumped as though he were heading to an execution.
Steam soon filled the chamber. He bathed as usual, pausing to admire his reflection in the mirror one last time before dressing. Lucian had short, striking blonde hair—just like everyone else in his household. His blue eyes, however, mirrored those of his mother and younger sister, Selene.
He chose simple clothes for the day: a plain white shirt and blue trousers. Nothing fancy—he was never one for fashion like his older sister.
Exiting the room, he nodded toward the two maids waiting at the entrance, who immediately slipped inside to begin their daily cleaning routine. Lucian stifled a yawn as he descended the grand staircase, polished marble reflecting the sunlight pouring in through the high windows.
The vast dining hall awaited him. A massive long table stretched across the room, covered with silver platters of bread, butter, cheese, and wine for breakfast. Chandeliers above sparkled faintly, though the atmosphere at the table was far less bright.
At the head of the table sat a mature, cold-faced man in his fifties with dark eyes: Edric Merrick, his father. Beside him was Serenya Merrick, his beautiful mother, whose blonde hair and kind blue eyes radiated warmth in stark contrast to Edric's stern presence.
To either side sat his older siblings—Garrick and Elaina Merrick—both resembling their father with blonde hair and sharp dark eyes.
But one seat remained forever empty. Selene Merrick, his younger sister, had passed away a few years ago in a tragic incident—her laughter now just a memory echoing in Lucian's mind.
Lucian approached quietly, taking the seat beside his brother. He reached for the bread prepared for him, breaking it in silence.
The quiet tension was broken when his father's deep voice rumbled.
"You are late, Lucian… again."
"…," Lucian said nothing and continued chewing his bread, pretending not to hear.
"You—"
"It's okay, dear. He hasn't caused any trouble, after all," Serenya interrupted with a gentle smile, placing her hand lightly over her husband's.
She's an angel, Lucian thought, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Edric cleared his throat, turning his gaze toward Garrick.
"How is your meeting with the princess coming along?"
"Oh, I think it's going well," Garrick replied with a grin, puffing his chest slightly.
Well, he does have a huge crush on her, Lucian thought, half-amused.
"Did Her Highness agree to our proposal?" Edric pressed.
"Umm… not yet. B-But there's been good progress between us. I'm confident I can make Seraphine accept the marriage," Garrick stammered before finishing with forced confidence.
"Let me guess. Your 'progress' is just saying hi and bye?" Lucian smirked.
Garrick turned and glared at him, making Lucian hurriedly return to his meal as if he hadn't said anything.
What I said is true though.
"You have two months, Garrick. That is the time I asked of His Majesty. If you fail, the Setros family will make their move," Edric warned.
"Y-Yes, Father." Garrick nodded grimly, his earlier grin fading.
Edric's attention then shifted to his eldest daughter.
"Elaina, are you preparing well?"
She stayed silent for a moment, her lips pressed tightly together, before muttering, "…No."
Edric sighed, rubbing his temple. "Not this again."
Elaina slammed her hand against the table, making the silverware clatter. Lucian flinched at the sudden burst of energy.
"This is my life! I should decide who I spend it with. I will not marry into those… filthy races!" she shouted, eyes burning with fury.
"This is our chance to secure an alliance with the elves—for both our family and the kingdom of Ardenfel," Edric explained, his tone patient but firm.
"Did you forget how many humans they killed? Selene was one of their victims, for god's sake!" Elaina shot back, her voice trembling with anger and grief.
"First, Selene's passing was not entirely the elves' fault. Second, the war ended four years ago. We must build stronger ties now to prevent another war—or worse, to secure allies against a greater threat," Edric replied calmly, though his jaw tightened.
"Why me? What about him?" Elaina pointed at Lucian, who blinked mid-bite with bread still in his mouth. "He does nothing but sleep. Arrange a marriage for him instead!"
Lucian swallowed before replying dryly, "What trait of mine could Father possibly boast about to secure a marriage, sister? It's clear he's aiming for big alliances, not small ones."
Elaina glared, but found no words to counter. What he said was true.
"Elaina, you will be ready for your marriage in three months. That is final," Edric declared with authority.
Elaina glanced at her mother with pleading eyes, but Serenya only returned a sad, apologetic look. Defeated, Elaina lowered her head in silence, hands clenched into fists on her lap.
Finally, Edric turned his sharp gaze to Lucian.
"And you. I expect you to at least complete the tasks assigned to you."
Lucian said nothing, but nodded faintly. At the very least, it was something he could contribute. After all, compared to his remarkable siblings, he was the ordinary one.
He finished his breakfast quickly, rising from his seat without another word. He slipped out of the tense dining hall, the air heavy behind him, and headed off to complete his errands and begin another peaceful day.
Same as always.