Chapter 71

The sunlight streamed into my room, casting a warm glow as I meticulously packed my belongings, ensuring that nothing was left behind. Clothes, books, and personal items all found their place in my luggage. Just as I finished, a knock resounded on the door, and I opened it to find Andrew standing there.

"The carriages are ready to depart," Andrew informed me, taking hold of my luggage. "It's best that we start moving."

"Very well, let's get going," I replied with a smile, following Andrew as we made our way to the front of the estate. Three carriages awaited us there—one for my master, one for myself, and one for Ezekiel. I had offered Ezekiel the option to stay in my territory instead of returning to his father's, and now it was my responsibility to fulfill that promise.

Scanning the surroundings, I spotted my master approaching. She noticed me and turned in my direction.

"Are you happy, Lucas?" she asked, a smile playing on her lips. "Your training is over, and this will be the last time you see me."

"I wouldn't say I'm happy; I'll miss learning under you," I responded, returning her smile. "Besides, we will see each other in two months for the council meeting."

"I meant the last time you will see me as your master," she chuckled, brushing her hair to the side.

"Nonsense. I will always see you as my master," I declared, gazing into her eyes, which shimmered with pride and happiness.

After bidding our farewells, my master entered her carriage, and it began to depart. As I turned around, I noticed the Baron observing us from a distance, accompanied by a maid I had met some time ago. A smile spread across my face upon seeing her standing next to the Baron. She was the one I had recommended for the position, but the Baron's expression betrayed a hint of displeasure before he composed himself.

"Let's get going, Master Lucas," Andrew interjected, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Yes, let's get going," I replied, stepping into the carriage. Elena was already seated across from me, and Andrew followed suit, closing the carriage door behind him.

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A month had passed since our departure from the Baron's territory, and the journey had been rather uneventful. We made occasional stops in small towns along the way, but nothing of significant note occurred. Now, we were just a few minutes away from arriving at my father's estate.

Peering outside the carriage window, I caught sight of the city in the distance. It was a bustling hub of activity, with a long line of visitors attempting to gain entry. It seemed my father had continued to invest in the city's development, evident from the construction work on the walls. Old, deteriorating sections were being replaced with newer, stronger ones.

Navigating our way around the line, we approached the gate and instantly drew the attention of the guards. The crest of the De Clare family, proudly displayed on the side of our carriage, quickly caught their eyes. Word spread like wildfire throughout the city: "The Great Lucas De Clare has returned!"

As soon as we entered the city, our carriage became the center of attention, eliciting awe and admiration from the people. Cheers filled the air, and the sight of the souther council banners flying alongside the flags of the De Clare family indicated that my father was not only showcasing his own accomplishments but also highlighting mine. Or perhaps it was my mother's doing.

"You certainly have quite the fanbase," Elena commented, her gaze fixed on the crowd outside the carriage.

"It would be strange if I didn't, considering that, to them, I am part of their family," I replied, waving towards the enthusiastic onlookers. The admiration in the eyes of young children and the respect emanating from the soldiers all pointed to a common sentiment: awe.

Finally, we arrived at the gates of the estate, where the guards swiftly swung them open. As I glanced out the window, my heart filled with joy at the sight of my mother, father, and Gustav waiting for us. It had been far too long since I last saw them, and despite not being my biological parents, I couldn't deny that I had missed them.

Stepping out of the carriage, I was enveloped in my mother's loving embrace. "Oh, my sweet little Angel, I heard what happened. I knew we should never have let you become her disciple," she exclaimed, her voice filled with worry.

"Our son had to experience real battle at some point, Alice. It was best for him to face it under the watchful eyes of Marquis Calliope," my father interjected, pulling me away from my mother and holding me tightly, almost suffocatingly so.

"Dad is right, Mom," I managed to say, attempting to loosen my father's grip. "Besides, I'm not a child anymore. After all, I am the leader of the South," I boasted, inflating my own ego. My parents gazed at me with their ever-loving eyes, clearly proud of my accomplishments.

"I've heard of your achievements. I couldn't be prouder as a father," my father said, making another attempt at a hug, but I skillfully evaded him this time. "You must have heard what they're calling you now, haven't you? The Lord of the Damned."

"Oh, have I introduced you to Elena?" I quickly changed the subject, not particularly fond of that nickname. I had heard it before, but it struck me as rather cringey, so I never really embraced it. Taking hold of Elena, I presented her to my parents, and she nervously waved in greeting.

"She is my advisor. I met her during my stay in Silverglade," I explained as my parents scrutinized her from head to toe.

"Nice to meet you, young lady," my father greeted her with a simple handshake before refocusing his attention.

"Oh, sweetheart, you better tell me everything Lucas did, okay?" my mother interjected, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"That reminds me, Lucas. I heard you got married! Why didn't you tell us about your decision? We had to find out through the newspaper," my mother scolded, her anger evident on her face. If I were completely honest, my engagement had happened spontaneously, leaving me with no time to send them a letter before the news spread far and wide.

"I'm sorry, Mother," I apologized, offering a nervous smile.

"No matter. I've already reached out to your fiancée to come to our estate," my mother announced, a wide grin spreading across her face. Despite my intentions to spend the remaining two years before the academy focusing on work and tying up loose ends, my mother had a different plan in mind.

Before I could utter a word, another carriage entered the estate. I recognized it immediately—it was Ezekiel's carriage. Curiosity danced in my parents' eyes as they observed the new arrival, awaiting an explanation from me.

"That's a friend of mine from the north. I met him during the tournament in Silverglade. His name is Ezekiel," I clarified, directing their attention towards the carriage.

Ezekiel stepped out first, followed by his fiancée, Lady Cecily. My father took the initiative and approached them, extending his hand for a greeting. Ezekiel reciprocated with a firm handshake, displaying his manners.

"Pleasure to meet you, young man," my father greeted warmly.

"It's an honor to meet the parents of a dear friend," Ezekiel replied, bowing respectfully. The surprise on my parents' faces was evident.

"You don't need to do that, Ezekiel," my mother interjected, gesturing for him to stand. "And who might you be?" she inquired, turning her attention to Lady Cecily.

Bowing gracefully, Lady Cecily introduced herself, "I am Cecily, Ezekiel's fiancée." She paused momentarily, her gaze fixed on my parents.

"Oh, how wonderful! You two can go on double dates with Lucas and his fiancée," my mother exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement. Ezekiel and Lady Cecily exchanged confused glances, clearly taken aback.

"Fiancée? Lucas has a fiancée?" Ezekiel questioned, shooting me a reproachful glare, which I skillfully avoided.

"Don't worry, he attempted to keep it a secret from us too," my father chimed in. "You must be tired. Let's head inside. We have a grand feast prepared," he offered, his smile warm and inviting.

"Is my fiancée already here?" I inquired, falling into step with my parents.

"No, she will be arriving in a week. So, you better prepare with gifts and flowers. After all, the first impression is the most important," my mother advised, her smile widening.

"When were you planning on telling me?" Ezekiel asked, walking alongside me. I scratched the back of my head, searching for a plausible excuse.

"Well, you were occupied with Cecily, and I thought it would be better for me to keep it to myself," I replied, but it didn't quite convince him as he rolled his eyes and continued walking. Laughter filled the air, and smiles adorned our faces—a stark contrast to the past two years. It was moments like these that I would forever cherish.

10 left....