Chapter 44

"Wow, Lady Cecily, you are a lucky woman. You are married to a friend of mine," I said, a smile spreading across my face. Meeting Ezekiel's fiance on this trip was a wonderful coincidence. "I can tell you right now he is a man with morals and a righteous attitude. He is nothing like his useless father."

"You know him? What a coincidence. Maybe it was fate that led us to meet in that forest," she said, her relief and happiness evident in her small smile. However, she didn't react to my comment about Ezekiel's father.

"You mentioned that you guys were trading partners. It must be difficult being forced into a marriage," I said, sensing a hint of sadness on her face before she responded.

"It is my noble duty. My father wants to create a good relationship with Baron David, but he is a bit of a hassle for us. So it's only logical that I step up and do my part," she said, her words making it seem like she was fine with the arrangement, but her face couldn't hide her emotions. What a poor child she was, basically sold by her own father.

"Well, Lady Cecily, I do admire your commitment, but if only that man wasn't in power, both you and Ezekiel wouldn't be in this situation," I said, looking at her and waiting for her reaction, but she just sighed.

"If only, Sir Lucas, if only," she said, fidgeting with her hands. Her face turned into that of deep thought throughout the day.

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Two weeks had passed in the blink of an eye, and finally, we arrived in SilverGlade. I couldn't be happier to be back in this city after spending the past month away. I was eager to train and live in peace once again.

Lady Cecily looked nervous, which was understandable considering she was about to meet Ezekiel for the first time. Even the maid seemed anxious for some reason. "We're here!" Andrew's voice interrupted my thoughts as we arrived at the majestic estate of Lady Calliope. Her butler and Ezekiel were waiting outside.

"Ezekiel! My friend, did you miss me?" I got out of the carriage with open arms and gave him a small hug. He seemed slightly surprised, but he quickly recomposed himself and asked if I had encountered any trouble during my travels.

"Well, things did happen, but nothing I couldn't handle," I said, flashing him a smile. I turned back to the carriage and saw Lady Cecily stepping out, looking nervous with her maid following behind.

"Ah, Lady Cecily, this is your fiancé, Ezekiel," I said, introducing them. Ezekiel looked shocked, as if he had no knowledge of his father's arrangements. "Wait, what? What do you mean I'm her fiancé?" he asked, but I didn't pay much attention to him as I continued to talk to Lady Cecily.

"See what I told you, you lucked out. He's pretty good-looking, pretty strong, and on top of all that, he has a good personality," I said, tapping Ezekiel's chest with the back of my hand. Lady Cecily still seemed highly nervous as she quickly presented herself.

"Um, Sir Ezekiel, I have come from Baron Joan Fitzroy to inform you that we are engaged as part of a union between our families. I am now in your care," she said. I laughed, but Ezekiel's face was in complete shock, and he seemed to recite a prayer under his breath.

Just then, Lady Calliope's butler interrupted us. "Master Lucas, Lady Calliope wishes to see you in her office as soon as possible." I turned to leave, putting my hand on Ezekiel's shoulder. "Good luck," I said, leaving him to meet his fiancé.

As I entered the room, Lady Calliope greeted me with a bright smile. "Lady Calliope, I have returned from my travels," I announced. She gave me a quick glance before responding.

"What happened? Your armor is dented and partly broken, and the carriage you returned in isn't the same," she said with genuine concern.

"We ran into Lady Cecily, and one of her knights angered a nature spirit. I decided to help them, but sadly, I couldn't kill it. Thankfully, I had my trusted knight, Andrew, who could," I explained, gesturing towards him.

Lady Calliope appeared completely unimpressed and looked at me as if I were an idiot. "So you were told that she was being chased by a nature spirit, and instead of running, you fought it? I can't tell if you're brave or an idiot," she remarked. I chuckled and replied.

"I simply overestimated myself. Of course, I had a failsafe, which is Andrew. If I didn't have him, I probably wouldn't have helped," I explained.

She seemed to buy my response, but she still let out a sigh of disappointment. "Well, your parents have returned a letter to me. They say that they will allow me to be your mentor for two years before you have to go back to them," she informed me, taking a sip of her wine.

"Now, your training will begin tomorrow. I have already given you a preview, but it's time for the real thing now that your parents have agreed," She continued, "Now go, get yourself cleaned up and get some rest. I'm sure you are tired."

'Finally,' I thought to myself. I needed a much-needed peaceful rest. Throughout the trip, the roads were ragged, and sleeping on the floor couldn't compare to sleeping in a soft bed.

"See you tomorrow, Master Calliope," I said, bowing. As I looked up, I noticed a smug look on her face. It seemed she enjoyed my little addition of "Master" to her name.

Leaving the office, I headed towards my room. I instantly took my armor off and switched to much more comfortable clothes. "Andrew, go to the local blacksmith and order new armor tomorrow," I instructed him before I laid in bed. Finally, I could just focus on getting stronger for a while.