When Lusian returned to his room, he found an unexpected visitor: Caleb. Upon seeing him, Caleb greeted him with a mix of cordiality and caution:
—Brother, I see you've recovered.
Lusian raised an eyebrow, surprised by the visit.
—Did you come to fight over Isabella too, like Leonardo? —he said with a hint of disdain—. Let me make it clear now: I'm not interested in her.
Caleb shook his head, smiling with a touch of irony.
—No, it's not that. But... hitting him like that was a bit excessive. It might have been smarter to challenge him to a formal duel.
Lusian shrugged indifferently.
—I didn't have time to drag out something so insignificant. So, why did you come?
—I just... came to advise you —Caleb replied, his tone turning more serious—. Don't get into trouble. Father is too busy and doesn't have time to deal with this nonsense.
Lusian smirked sarcastically.
—Since you came to give me advice, I'll give you some too: stay away from Isabella. Women only bring problems. And if you don't want to listen, never go out alone beyond the academy. You're the heir to the duchy; the empire's people would gladly take advantage of any mistake.
Caleb looked at him with genuine concern.
—Thanks for the advice. I'm just worried about your safety. We don't have to be enemies, right?
—Of course not —Lusian replied, his voice cold and distant—. I have no interest in carrying all those responsibilities. That's what you're for.
Caleb nodded, half-smiling at his brother's ambiguity.
—Does that mean you'll leave all the hard work to me?
—Yes —Lusian said—. Work hard and do your best.
Caleb stood up, preparing to leave, though his expression held both respect and a trace of challenge.
—Understood. But don't think I'll let you wander freely.
At the end of the month, the students enjoyed a five-day break before returning to their homes. When Lusian left the academy, Albert, Charles, and forty-two escort knights were waiting for him. As he climbed into the carriage, he was surprised to see Emily sitting inside.
—What are you doing here? —Lusian asked—. Don't you have a way back to your mansion?
—That's not it —Emily replied—. Duchess Sofía invited me to join you for a meal. I think she wants to talk to us.
Lusian raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
—Talk to us? We haven't done anything wrong...
Emily looked at him firmly.
—Really? You hit Kara excessively and struck Prince Leonardo without any real reason. Doesn't that count as doing something wrong?
—But I still need to hit Prince Andrew, Niel Sneider, and I'll probably have to teach Kara an even harsher lesson next time —Lusian muttered under his breath.
Emily frowned, worried.
—You need to control yourself if you don't want to get into trouble.
—Shouldn't you inform your family that you'll be delayed? —Lusian asked.
—Albert will handle that —Emily explained—. He told me about the duchess's invitation when I was leaving with my brother.
During the journey, Lusian spotted an adventurer in the distance whom he immediately recognized: Keitaro Macallister, the hero of the God Kairos of space-time. He instantly ordered the carriage to stop and asked Albert to find out everything about him. Emily, surprised, asked what was happening. Lusian replied indifferently:
—It's nothing important.
When they arrived at the restaurant, an imposing five-story building, a butler guided them through each floor: the first was simple, the second more striking, the third luxurious, and the fourth and fifth, breathtaking. Lusian spotted Alessia Ferrussi, the king's concubine, along with Count Tobi Macallister and his children, as well as Duke Derek Sneider. Finally, they reached Duchess Sofía's table, where Lusian and Emily sat.
Duchess Sofía, pretending to be displeased, reprimanded Lusian:
"I see that my dear son, whom I raised to be a great noble, is not behaving accordingly. Therefore, I will punish you. When we finish at the academy and return to the duchy, you will train every day with Albert from dawn until dusk, without rest."
Lusian, surprised by the severity of the punishment, replied:
"Don't you think you're exaggerating over trivial matters, mother?"
Alessia, the king's concubine and mother of the second prince, who had been observing the scene, approached the table accompanied by her attendants. Her posture was firm, her gaze filled with authority.
—Duchess, may I have a moment of your time? —she asked, her tone blending respect and firmness—. I would like to discuss an important matter.
Sofía responded impatiently:
—I hope it's quick. I'm reprimanding my son.
—It will be brief —Alessia assured.
They stepped aside.
—I assume you've heard what your son has done —Alessia began.
—Yes, and I will take measures —Sofía replied confidently.
—I believe I should be informed of those measures, considering my son is the one affected —Alessia said, a thread of challenge in her voice.
—That won't be necessary —Sofía answered—. Our family matters concern only us. Not even the king may interfere. If you wish to make a scene over something so trivial, go ahead—but I doubt it will be useful.
Alessia frowned inwardly.
(This woman has no idea what the empire will do if things continue this way. I won't let the Douglas act unchecked.)
Sofía added coldly:
—I will be watching for any pointless interference. The Douglas have never bowed to anyone—and we won't start now.
Alessia withdrew, casting a warning glance at Lusian before returning to her place. Sofía returned to the table with Emily and Lusian.
—It's nothing. Dealing with proud people is always annoying —she said, softening her tone.
Emily asked nervously:
—Lady Sofía… what if the king intervenes?
—Emily, listen to me —Sofía said firmly—. You are now part of the family. You must act with that status. Even if someone from the royal family disrespects you, you must preserve your dignity—and ours.
Emily nodded.
—Yes, my lady. I will remember that.
Lusian leaned closer and whispered:
—Don't worry. I'll take care of that.
Sofía observed them and commented:
—Don't spoil her too much, Lusian. She must learn, just as you did.
—Don't be so strict, mother —he replied with a faint smile—. Let her learn gradually.
After dinner, Sofía, Lusian, and Emily walked through the city center, drawing astonished looks from citizens as a massive lion strolled calmly beside them. At the central park, Lusian noticed a fountain crowned with the statue of the goddess of light, Aurora Celestia. At that moment, a knight approached Sofía to inform her of a summons from Queen Adelaine.
Lusian accompanied Emily to the Carter mansion, where they were received by Count Daniel and Manuel.
—Welcome, Lord Lusian —said Count Daniel with a polite smile—. Congratulations on your outstanding performance at the Faldmord Academy. You are now among the top fifteen warriors.
—Thank you for your refined manners —Lusian replied with a hint of irony—. Unfortunately, your heir does not seem to share that same upbringing.
Emily quickly intervened:
—Lusian, don't be so resentful. My brother has reflected on his behavior, haven't you?
She shot Manuel a sharp look. He lowered his head slightly.
—The academy is one thing, and nobility is another, Lord Lusian —Manuel said respectfully—. Here, you have my full respect. I hope you can understand that.
—I do —Lusian replied with a nod—. Emily, have a good night.