?? Many noble families, even those far from House Ardentis’ influence, became invested in the outcome.
?? The rival factions of Ardentis watched with wide eyes, wondering if the youngest son, once dismissed as weak, was now a rising force.
?? Some nobles bet against Lucius, believing a mere boy could never defeat a seasoned warrior like Darius. Others, intrigued by the Duke’s silent approval, saw potential in him.
At the Ardentis estate, the news made waves within his own family.
Cassius and Julius, Lucius’ older brothers, who once ignored him, now found themselves troubled.
?? Cassius : "The brat was in a coma for three years… and now he thinks he can threaten our position?"
?? Julius : "Father wouldn’t have allowed this if he didn’t see something in him. That means he’s dangerous."
For the first time, Lucius was no longer invisible to them. Instead, he was a potential rival.
Meanwhile, his sisters, Selena and Erene, worried for him.
?? Selena: "I just don’t want anything bad to happen to him…"
?? Erene: "Lucius is reckless, but if he’s doing this, it means he has thought it through."
His mother, Lady Seraphina, remained composed, simply watching events unfold.
?? Seraphina: "If Lucius has chosen this path, then he has already decided ."
The days passed with Lucius rigorously training with Reynard. One evening, exhausted from another brutal session, he sat beneath a large tree in the Ardentis countryside. The wind was cool, the golden hue of the setting sun painting the landscape in warm tones.
As Lucius leaned back, lost in thought, a voice rang out.
?? ???: "How strong did you become in such a short time?"
Lucius opened his eyes, and standing a few feet away was Adrian Ardentis, his third eldest brother.
Lucius blinked. It had been two years since he last saw Adrian, who had left for the Imperial Academy.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
?? Lucius (smirking): "Adrian? Aren’t you supposed to be at the Academy? Or did they kick you out?"
Adrian chuckled, stepping forward.
?? Adrian: "Finished my first year. Unlike you, I actually have to study."
Lucius raised an eyebrow.
?? Lucius: "Didn’t you leave two years ago? How did you just finish your first year?"
Adrian sighed dramatically.
?? Adrian: "It took me an extra year to get accepted, you little brat."
Lucius let out a rare genuine laugh. Their conversation flowed easily, naturally, as if no time had passed.
Adrian, however, soon grew serious. He studied Lucius carefully, his golden eyes sharp with evaluation.
?? Adrian: "You’ve changed… a lot."
Lucius tilted his head.
?? Lucius: "I should hope so. I’ve been through hell."
Adrian remained silent for a moment before speaking again.
?? Adrian: "No. It’s more than that."
He walked closer, standing directly before Lucius.
?? Adrian: "You’ve become strong… strong enough that if I fought you with my full power, I might lose."
Lucius' expression didn't change, but his amber eyes gleamed with curiosity.
?? Lucius: "Might?"
Adrian grinned before shaking his head.
?? Adrian: "No… I will lose."
Lucius’ smirk widened slightly. That was unexpected.
Adrian continued, his voice holding a tone of rare sincerity.
?? Adrian: "I don’t know what happened to you while I was gone, but I can tell… you’re different now."
Lucius exhaled, glancing at the sky.
?? Lucius: "People change when they’re forced to."
Adrian looked at him for a long moment before laughing again.
?? Adrian: "Well, I came to see the duel. I’ll be watching and cheering for you, along with our sisters."
Lucius glanced at him, his smirk softening.
?? Lucius: "Don’t cheer too loudly. You’ll embarrass yourself."
?? Adrian (grinning): "Shut up, brat."
The two brothers sat there for a while longer, enjoying the peaceful countryside.
For the first time in years, Lucius felt a sense of camaraderie.
The day finally arrived.
The Ardentis Training Grounds had been transformed into a grand arena, filled with knights of every rank, noble families, and warriors eager to witness the duel.
The noble families close to Duke Magnus sat in the VIP section, their eyes filled with curiosity.
At the highest platform, sitting beside Duke Magnus, were:
-
Lady Seraphina (Lucius’ mother)
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Selena and Erene (his sisters)
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Cassius and Julius (his eldest brothers)
-
Adrian, watching closely
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, excitement, and expectations.
?? Whispers from the crowd:
?? "Can the youngest son of Duke Magnus really stand against a commander?"
?? "Darius is a monster in combat. The boy won’t last a minute."
?? "But if he has Reynard’s backing… maybe there’s something special about him?"
Lucius stepped into the arena, his heart steady, his mind clear.
Standing opposite him was Commander Darius, the seasoned warrior who had once been his trainer.
In the center of the battlefield, Marshal Reynard, the referee, raised his hand.
?? Reynard: "The duel will now commence."