Lusian lowered his sword and let the sweat on his brow dry. Dainslein rested in his hand, still humming with a faint energy that pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat. He could feel the Arcanum within the blade drawing residual mana from his skin, seeking balance.
As a special-rank weapon, its hunger for energy was relentless—a burden no amateur-level fighter could sustain without collapsing in seconds.
He wiped himself with a towel and turned toward the courtyard gate, surprised to see a servant running toward him.
"Lord Lusian," the man panted, "Miss Emily Carter has arrived."
Lusian frowned, torn between surprise and mild irritation. Emily? Again? He carefully sheathed the sword, wary that any sudden motion might disrupt the delicate connection he was beginning to feel with it. His muscles still trembled from training, and a knot formed in his stomach at the thought of seeing her.
Entering the main hall, he found her speaking with Sophia. Emily laughed naturally, without the stiffness Lusian remembered from their first meeting. Sophia, elegant and composed, seemed to be enjoying the scene as Lusian approached with measured steps, trying to mask his inner turmoil.
"What are you doing here?" he asked finally, disbelief threading his voice.
Sophia regarded him calmly, as if she could read every emotion running through her son.
"I invited her," she said softly. "The city center is close to the mansion. A walk would do you both good."
"Wouldn't it be better if you went with her, Mother?" Lusian replied, trying to keep his tone firm, though a faint tremor betrayed him.
Sophia let out a warm, reassuring laugh.
"I have matters to attend to, Lusian. Besides, there's no better company for you than your fiancée."
Her smile left no room for argument. Lusian exhaled, resigned. Any attempt to resist would be useless. Perhaps Sophia saw a reflection of her own past in Emily—or perhaps she simply believed the young woman could help Lusian open himself to the world now waiting for him. Either way, the decision was made.
Shortly afterward, they stepped outside. Two of Count Carter's knights—William and Alejandro—stood beside the carriage, expressions serious and formal. Sophia left no room for discussion.
"Miss Carter's safety will be under the protection of the Douglas duchy."
The knights stepped back, acknowledging the duchess's authority. Lusian shot a quick glance at Emily, who returned it with a gentle smile, as if she understood the tension in every one of his movements. He approached the carriage, adjusting his jacket with a mixture of nervousness and resolve.
Every step toward her reminded him that his life had changed. He could no longer hide behind the comfort of routine. Every meeting, every word, every glance belonged to this new world he had to face.
"So… ready for the walk?" he asked, trying to make his voice sound steadier than he felt.
Emily nodded, and for a moment, Lusian felt as though the city itself—the streets, the lights, the rhythm of life—was waiting for him too.