Before him stood an enormous mansion that looked less like a residence and more like a royal palace.
Tall white stone walls stretched outward like a fortress, polished so smoothly they reflected the pale sunlight. Massive iron gates stood open, engraved with the crest of the ducal house—an elegant emblem carved with such precision that even from a distance it radiated authority.
Beyond the gates stretched a wide courtyard paved with silver-gray marble, large enough to line several carriages side by side. Carefully trimmed gardens bordered the path, along with marble fountains whose water shimmered softly under the daylight.
Further inside rose the mansion itself.
Multiple tall towers and wide balconies reached toward the sky, their roofs covered with deep blue tiles that glimmered faintly like fragments of the night sky. Large arched windows framed with golden carvings lined the walls, and banners bearing the ducal insignia hung proudly from the upper floors.
Servants moved around the courtyard in orderly lines while armored guards stood stationed along the path like unmoving statues.
Yet despite all its magnificence, Lucas could still tell one thing clearly.
This was not a royal palace.
It was the mansion of a count's house—already grand enough to leave him stunned.
And if even a count's residence looked like this…
Really—what the holy fuck is this…? Lucas thought, his mouth hanging wide open.
The boy stepped slightly behind Arcelia, clutching her sleeve a little before speaking timidly.
"I hope you will not be disappointed by our little house," he said to Lucas.
Lucas forced a faint, awkward smile.
"N-No, no… how could I be? It's very grand."
Inside his head, however, his thoughts were screaming.
Are you joking with me? This is the most luxurious mansion I have ever seen in my whole life. Even before coming to this world I never saw a mansion this grand.
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Maybe I should make my mansion like this too… once I become rich.
The boy's cheeks reddened faintly.
"I am pleased you are not disappointed."
Lucas blinked.
Wait… was the little fellow actually worried I would be disappointed by the look of his house?
…How cute.
Soon after, they stepped inside.
The interior of the mansion was just as magnificent as its exterior—vast halls lined with polished marble, towering pillars, chandeliers shimmering like frozen stars, and long crimson carpets stretching across the floor.
Before Lucas could properly admire it all, a man hurried toward them.
He looked to be in his mid-forties, possessing a sturdy, slightly muscular build. His hair and beard were both a refined shade of blonde, neatly groomed. He wore elegant white noble attire trimmed with gold embroidery, the symbol of his house stitched proudly over his chest.
The moment he saw the boy, he rushed forward and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Do you know how much Daddy has missed you, Adrian!" he exclaimed, rubbing his cheek against the boy's face affectionately.
Lucas blinked.
So his name is Adrian…
"In the novel they never even mentioned his name," Lucas thought with surprise. "I know about this rich old fart, but not him."
His gaze shifted toward the man.
That must be Count Cedric Everhart, Lord of Valenridge. A noble with a very good reputation. His house is also known for their affinity with light magic.
"Father, that tickles!" Adrian laughed while trying to push his face away.
Cedric chuckled warmly.
"Who's Daddy's boy? You are!"
Lucas watched the scene with a blank expression.
Just… what exactly is happening here?
Is he some kind of father completely obsessed with his son…?
He paused.
Well… who could blame him? The kid really is adorable.
Lucas glanced around the hall again.
If he's here… then she must be here too.
His eyes scanned the room.
I can't see her anywhere… where is she? Is she not home today?
Arcelia's calm voice suddenly cut through his thoughts.
"Are you searching for something?"
Lucas stiffened slightly before forcing a polite smile.
"Oh no, not at all. I was simply admiring the interior, my lady."
Cedric finally released Adrian and turned toward Arcelia.
"My apologies for my rudeness, Lady Arcelia," he said respectfully.
"It is fine, Uncle," she replied calmly.
Cedric then shifted his attention toward Lucas.
"And who do we have here?" he asked.
Adrian immediately brightened.
"Father! He is the hero who saved our cavalry from the monster attack!"
Cedric's expression instantly changed.
"What? You were attacked by monsters?" he exclaimed in alarm, grabbing Adrian by the shoulders. "Are you injured? Let Father take a look!"
"I am alright, Father! I am totally fine," Adrian replied quickly.
Cedric turned toward the nearby guards and shouted.
"Call the doctor at once! No—call two doctors! Immediately!"
Adrian sighed helplessly.
"Father… I said I am okay, so please don't worry that much."
Cedric froze for a moment, clearly still panicking despite his son's reassurance.
The man's gaze shifted from his son and finally settled on Lucas.
"I am very grateful for saving my son and the cavalry," he said with a dignified tone.
Lucas shook his head lightly.
"No, sir. It was simply what any person would do in that situation."
Inside, however, his mind was already working.
I need to keep this going… for my admission.
Cedric nodded slowly.
"In that case, I must reward you. Ask for anything you desire."
Lucas immediately waved his hands politely.
"No, sir. I cannot accept such generosity."
Cedric frowned slightly.
"No. I cannot simply thank you without giving a reward. I insist."
Lucas still shook his head.
"No… I truly cannot accept it."
Cedric paused for a moment before speaking again.
"…Very well then."
Lucas's expression froze.
What…?
A blank look spread across his face.
WHAT!?
Did I push too much? No—wait… what about my admission!?
Just as panic began to rise, Cedric continued.
"Then as the Count of Valenridge, I order you to receive my reward."
Lucas nearly sighed in relief.
I thought I was really doomed.
He immediately dropped to one knee and bowed his head respectfully.
"Then how could I reject your offer, my lord?"
I need to show him proper respect.
Cedric waved his hand dismissively.
"There is no need for such formalities. Simply name your reward."
Lucas slowly raised his head.
"Then… if I may."
He spoke carefully.
"I am only a commoner with weak magic and little physical strength, without any power or status to rely on…"
He paused for a moment.
"…but even so, I wish to study in the Royal Arcane Academy."
"No… I cannot fulfill your wish," the man said.
Lucas froze.
The hell now!? he thought, his expression stiffening in disbelief.
Cedric continued calmly, "I cannot grant you only admission to the academy. That would be far too little for someone who saved my son."
Lucas blinked.
…Wait.
"You deserve something more," Cedric said. "How about this—I will give you one hundred gold coins in addition."
Lucas's eyes widened, his face turning pale with shock.
One hundred gold coins…!?
His mind nearly stopped.
I hit the double jackpot! he thought, an excited grin slowly creeping onto his face.
With that kind of money I can do anything. I wouldn't have to work for two whole years. I could live comfortably—luxuriously even…
His imagination was already running wild.
I shouldn't push my luck any further, he thought quickly.
"My lord, I kindly—"
But before he could finish speaking—
"Refuse."
The single word cut through the room.
Both the man and Lucas turned their heads in confusion.
What…? they both thought.
Arcelia spoke calmly, her voice cold and unwavering.
"He will not accept the reward. No matter how much you insist."
Cedric frowned slightly and looked toward Lucas.
"Is that truly so?" he asked.
Lucas slowly turned his head toward Arcelia.
She was looking at him.
A faint grin rested on her lips.
"Isn't that right?" she said softly.
Lucas hesitated for a moment before forcing a stiff smile.
"Yes… my lord. My lady is speaking correctly."
Inside, however—
JUST WHY YOU!?
Lucas screamed internally.
I thought of her as a goddess… but she's truly a villainess!
His face nearly twitched.
Can't you see me being happy for once!? he cried silently inside his head.
Cedric sighed softly.
"That is a pity," he said. "But even so… I still cannot let you leave like this."
Lucas felt a strange sense of unease creeping up his spine.
What now…? he thought cautiously.
Cedric looked at him for a moment before speaking again.
"In that case—how about this then—"