On the day of the funeral, the sky was blanketed by a gray shroud, as though even the gods were mourning the fallen. Every noble family in the kingdom gathered in the great white marble courtyard, where the King, dressed in a black robe trimmed with gold, presided over the ceremony. In a solemn voice, he swore to avenge the kingdom, promising to wipe out the demonic cult without leaving a trace.
Each noble house had its own designated crypt, where the names of its fallen would be engraved for eternity.
Before the Carter mausoleum, Lusian stood beside Emily as she bid farewell to her brother through silent tears. A few steps away, Alejandro Jones, Manuel's closest friend, stared at the coffin with a gaunt expression.
"I'm so sorry I wasn't there to help your brother," he said, his voice breaking. "But you can count on me if you ever need anything."
"Thank you," Emily whispered, accepting his embrace. "My brother cared about you a great deal. You don't have to blame yourself."
Alejandro closed his eyes for a moment.
"Manuel was more than a friend to me. He was like a brother. And so are you, Emily. If you ever need anything... just tell me."
"Thank you, Alejandro... and please, take care of yourself. I don't want to lose anyone else."
Alejandro nodded silently.
As he stepped away, his gaze met Lusian's.
For a single instant, the hatred that flashed through his eyes was so intense that Larryet abruptly raised his head. His mane bristled, and a deep growl rumbled through the air.
Everyone nearby froze.
The massive lion took a step forward, never taking his eyes off Alejandro.
The young man stood perfectly still.
What radiated from him wasn't fear.
It was hatred so overwhelming that even a Magical Beast had reacted to it.
"Lusian!" Emily cried in alarm.
Lusian rested a hand on Larryet's head.
"Easy."
The lion slowly obeyed, though he continued watching Alejandro as if he were tracking an enemy.
Lusian looked up.
"I don't blame him."
Emily looked at him in surprise.
"After everything that happened between our families... it would be strange if he didn't hate me."
Alejandro clenched his fists.
He said nothing.
He simply turned around and disappeared among the crypts.
Emily lowered her head.
"I'm sorry... I know he never accepted our engagement."
"Give him time," Lusian replied calmly. "He just lost Manuel. Grief makes some people search for someone to blame."
Emily watched Alejandro's back until he vanished into the crowd.
"I hope one day he can let go of that resentment..."
Lusian didn't answer.
He knew there were wounds that could survive for generations.
The rest of the ceremony passed in silence.
As evening fell, Lusian met up with his mother.
"Mother, the ceremony is over."
"Yes," Sophia replied, gazing toward the horizon. "But I have a meeting with the Queen. If you're tired, you can return to the mansion."
"No, it's fine. I'll go with you."
Sophia arched an amused eyebrow.
"Since when do you enjoy these meetings? Or does this have something to do with Princess Elizabeth?"
"No, Mother," Lusian replied, looking away. "I just want to accompany you."
Sophia smiled mischievously.
"Of course... says the young man half the kingdom saw locked inside a theater with the princess."
Lusian cleared his throat awkwardly.
"We were only rehearsing a play."
"I certainly hope so," Sophia replied as she started walking. "Lately, you can't take a single step without ending up in the middle of some disaster."
Lusian let out a weary smile and followed her in silence.
When mother and son arrived at the chamber reserved for the meeting with the Queen, they found Andrew and Elizabeth already there.
The moment Lusian saw the princess, he felt the weight on his shoulders lighten ever so slightly.
It was a strange feeling.
Ever since he had arrived in this world, it only happened when he was near her.
The anxiety disappeared.
The memories of his previous life became more distant.
It was the same peace he had felt for years while gazing, through the screen of a game, at the Demon Queen.
While Sophia and Queen Adelaine began their discussion, the three young nobles were invited to sit around a small table where the servants had already prepared tea.
Elizabeth was the first to speak.
"Lord Lusian... I'm glad to see you've recovered."
Andrew raised an eyebrow.
His sister had never spoken to anyone with such courtesy.
"Thank you, Princess. I'm much better now."
"I heard you were seriously injured."
"Nothing a few weeks of rest can't fix."
Andrew set his teacup down on its saucer.
"All right... someone explain what's going on."
The two of them looked at him.
"What do you mean?" Elizabeth asked.
"This."
Andrew pointed back and forth between them.
"A few months ago, you could barely stand the sight of each other. Now you're talking like old friends."
Elizabeth cleared her throat.
"People can mature."
Andrew narrowed his eyes.
"I don't buy it."
Lusian smiled calmly.
"Maybe we're just trying to get along better."
"That sounds even more suspicious."
Elizabeth let out a small sigh.
"Brother..."
Andrew understood that look.
His sister wanted to speak with Lusian alone.
With a resigned sigh, he stood up.
"Fine. I'll go listen to Mother's meeting."
Before leaving, he pointed at Lusian.
"But don't make my sister cry."
"Andrew..."
Elizabeth felt her cheeks begin to warm.
She waited until he disappeared down the hallway before standing up herself.
"Would you like to take a walk with me?"
"It would be my pleasure."
They walked through the palace's long corridors in silence.
Only the sound of their footsteps disturbed the quiet.
When they reached a small inner garden, Elizabeth stopped.
She spent several moments looking at the flowers before speaking.
"Why didn't you write to me?"
Lusian looked at her in confusion.
"Write to you?"
"You were injured."
She lowered her gaze slightly.
"I didn't know if... you were still alive."
Her voice had lost all of its formal restraint.
"You could have at least sent me a letter."
Lusian smiled helplessly.
"You know perfectly well that a ducal heir can't send personal letters to a princess without starting rumors."
Elizabeth made a small face.
She knew he was right.
"Even so..."
She fell silent for a few seconds.
"I was worried."
Lusian felt a pang of guilt.
"I'm sorry."
"I never imagined you'd worry that much."
Elizabeth looked up.
"And why wouldn't I?"
Lusian answered naturally.
"Because I thought you were still angry about... what happened at the theater."
She stood perfectly still.
Then she crossed her arms.
"That was exactly the problem."
"What was?"
"That you disappeared after stealing my first kiss."
Lusian blinked.
"When you put it that way... it does sound pretty serious."
Elizabeth looked away, embarrassed.
"It is."
Silence settled between them.
Then Lusian took a step closer.
"So... what should I do to make it up to you?"
Elizabeth took a deep breath.
She was a princess.
She shouldn't say this.
But she couldn't keep it to herself any longer.
"Take responsibility."
Lusian smiled.
"Responsibility for what?"
She closed her eyes for a moment.
Then she spoke so softly that she was almost impossible to hear.
"For me."
Lusian didn't answer right away.
He simply looked at her for a few moments.
Then he slowly reached out and gently caressed one of her hands.
"I'll think about it."
Elizabeth's eyes flew open.
"You'll think about it?!"
"Of course."
"You're impossible!"
She gave him a light punch in the chest.
Not to hurt him.
Only to hide her embarrassment.
Lusian chuckled softly.
"But you didn't say no."
Elizabeth let out a defeated sigh.
"One day you'll stop teasing me."
"Maybe."
He leaned in slightly.
"When you're officially my girlfriend."
Elizabeth felt her face burn.
"You shameless man..."
This time, she was the one who closed the distance.
Lusian covered the rest.
Their lips met once more in a brief kiss.
Gentle.
Soft.
Without needing to say another word.
Hours later, when the meeting concluded, Adelaine turned to her children with a serious expression.
"The academy will suspend classes for one month. We'll use that time to reorganize the kingdom's security and strengthen our alliances. I don't want either of you leaving the palace without permission. Understood?"
"Yes, Mother," they both replied.
Adelaine remained silent for a few moments before turning to Elizabeth.
"Now tell me... where were you with Lusian?"
Elizabeth felt a slight jolt.
"We only went for a walk. We talked about his recovery."
The Queen looked at her intently.
"Elizabeth."
The princess looked away for just an instant.
That tiny gesture was enough.
Adelaine sighed wearily.
"I've known you since the day you were born. I don't need you to tell me when you're hiding something."
Elizabeth clasped her hands tightly in her lap.
She didn't answer.
"I already warned you once. The two of you cannot continue meeting alone."
"Mother..."
"It's not because I distrust Lusian."
Her voice softened slightly.
"It's because the two of you represent the two most influential families in the kingdom. A single rumor can become a political problem."
Elizabeth slowly lowered her head.
She knew her mother was right.
"I understand."
Adelaine looked at her with a mixture of firmness and concern.
"From now on, you will not meet with him again without my permission. Is that clear?"
A brief silence followed.
"...Yes, Mother."
Andrew watched the exchange in silence.
For the first time, he understood that this was no longer a simple friendship between two young people.
It was a matter that could affect the entire kingdom.
The carriage rolled through the late afternoon mist, the Douglas crest engraved in gold upon its doors. Its wheels creaked over the cobblestone road as the landscape drifted by, bleak and silent.
Inside, Lusian and Duchess Sophia Douglas shared the journey back to the manor.
"What did you discuss with Her Majesty?" Lusian asked, breaking the silence.
"The academy suffered far too much damage," Sophia replied without taking her eyes off the road. "Classes will be suspended for a month. During that time, we'll venture into the Beast Forest to investigate what caused the stampede. We'll also try to determine whether the Demon Cult is still hiding there."
Lusian frowned.
"You're organizing an expedition?"
"Yes. Every noble house will contribute knights. It will be the largest expedition in many years. If we don't eliminate the problem at its source, the academy will have to relocate."
"And who will lead the Douglas forces?"
"I will."
The answer came without hesitation.
"Your father is occupied hunting down the kingdom's traitors. He can't abandon that investigation."
Lusian fell silent for a few moments.
"Mother... I don't like the idea of you going."
Sophia chuckled and pinched his cheek.
"Look who's talking. The young man who nearly gave me a heart attack a few days ago."
Lusian gently brushed her hand away with a resigned smile.
"That's exactly why. Let me come with you."
Sophia's expression changed instantly.
"No."
It wasn't a harsh refusal.
It was instinctive.
"I'm not putting you in danger again."
"But Umber is still recovering. If you take Thunder with you, I'll only have Larryet."
"Larryet is more than enough to protect the manor."
"And who's going to protect you?"
Sophia let out a soft laugh.
"Do you honestly think your mother needs protecting?"
"No."
Lusian shook his head.
"I think you're the strongest person I've ever known."
She raised an amused eyebrow.
"Then I don't understand why you're worried."
"That's exactly why I want to go."
He looked directly into her eyes.
"If there's anywhere I'll be safest... it's by your side. You'll have Thunder, Larryet, and Aureus with you. There's no safer place in the entire kingdom."
Sophia remained silent.
She knew his reasoning made sense.
But the image of Lusian lying unconscious, covered in blood across Umber's back, returned to her mind again and again.
"I don't ever want to see you like that again..." she murmured, almost to herself.
Lusian smiled gently.
"Then take me with you. If you leave me at the manor, I'll just follow you anyway."
Sophia glanced sideways at him.
"Is that a threat?"
"It's a promise."
The Duchess let out a long sigh.
She knew her son far too well.
If he said he would go...
He would.
At last, she shook her head in resignation.
"Very well."
Lusian smiled immediately.
"But you will obey every single one of my orders."
Her voice regained its usual firmness.
"You will not leave my side under any circumstances. If you disobey me even once..."
A faint smile touched her lips.
"...your punishment when we return will be worse than any monster in that forest."
"Deal."
The Oasis Hotel stood like a palace of marble and crystal in the heart of the noble district. Inside one of its private salons, illuminated by amber chandeliers, sat Count Noah Armett and his daughter Isabella, along with Count Tomas Denisse and his son Lorenzo. The room carried the scent of aged wine and poisoned diplomacy.
"Have you considered my proposal for an engagement between your daughter and my son, Count Tomas?" Noah asked, folding his hands on the table.
Tomas smiled politely.
"I have. But Isabella deserves the freedom to choose for herself. Forcing an engagement would only breed resentment."
"It has been quite some time, and she still hasn't chosen anyone," Noah insisted. "Perhaps Lorenzo will earn her trust."
Tomas pretended to ponder the matter for a few seconds.
"Perhaps you're right."
Lorenzo seized the opportunity.
"Father, may I accompany Lady Isabella to the garden? That way the two of you can continue your discussion in peace."
"Go ahead."
Isabella suppressed an irritated sigh, but etiquette prevented her from refusing.
"As you wish."
The two of them left the salon.
The inner garden was surrounded by blooming rose bushes and stone fountains. The fragrance of the flowers barely masked the tension hanging between them.
"Lady Isabella, I must admit that you look especially beautiful today."
"I appreciate the compliment, but it's unnecessary. I've already told you that I have no interest in you."
Lorenzo maintained his smile.
Inside, however, anger boiled.
One day you'll stop looking at me with that contempt.
"You shouldn't close so many doors. Beauty is fleeting."
"I'll wait for that day without concern."
Her answer was so calm that it nearly shattered Lorenzo's smile.
At that moment, a well-dressed man approached them.
"Forgive the interruption."
Lorenzo turned toward him.
"Lady Isabella, allow me to introduce an old friend of our family. Elton."
The man offered a flawless bow.
"It's an honor to meet you."
He extended his hand.
Out of simple courtesy, Isabella accepted it.
The moment their fingers touched...
Everything disappeared.
The murmur of the fountain.
The fragrance of the roses.
Even her own thoughts.
The light vanished from her eyes, leaving them completely empty.
Lorenzo swallowed.
"Did it work?"
Elton nodded, frowning.
"Yes... but not for long."
His voice sounded rougher than usual.
"My ability consumes far too much mana."
"Then hurry."
Elton gently guided Isabella to a small garden table.
He placed a quill in her hand.
"Write."
Without the slightest trace of emotion, Isabella obeyed.
The quill glided across the paper.
Lorenzo watched every stroke impatiently.
When she finished, Elton picked up the letter, skimmed through it, and smiled.
"It's perfect."
"It will look as though she wrote it of her own free will."
Lorenzo stared at the wax seal that had just been pressed onto the envelope.
Just a single letter.
Nothing more.
And yet...
That one sheet of paper would be enough to ignite a war between two of the most powerful noble families in the kingdom.
A few minutes later, the spell faded.
Isabella blinked several times.
Her head felt strangely heavy.
She looked down at her hands.
They were stained with ink.
She frowned.
She couldn't remember writing anything.
"Are you feeling all right?" Lorenzo asked, feigning concern as he discreetly slipped the envelope inside his coat.
"I think... I got dizzy."
"You merely fainted for a moment. Don't worry."
He offered her his arm.
"We should head back. Our fathers might become concerned."
Isabella accepted with a slight nod.
As she walked back toward the main salon, an unsettling emptiness lingered in her chest.
It felt as though she had forgotten something important.
Something she should never have forgotten.