Adam and Lucian stood under the shade of the trees lining the dirt road.
A gentle breeze blew past them, making the hems of their clothes flutter. For a long time, the two didn't speak to one another. Instead, they were sizing each other up.
"You look like a child," Lucian said in amazement. "Just when did you form your mana core?"
Adam deliberated for a moment, gazing at the dappled shadows on the grass. He then looked at the Emperor and smiled.
"Around fifteen years ago, I think."
"Fifteen…" Lucian couldn't help but scoff. "You're a little monster, aren't you?"
"I'm a big monster." Adam grinned.
The two stared at each other for a few moments, and then…
They burst into laughter.
"Does the Emperor deign to sit on the grass?" Adam asked with a smirk as he sat on the ground, his back resting against the tree trunk.
Lucian glanced at the raven-haired youth with an amused smile.
Though Adam was his subject and was far younger than him, Lucian regarded him as a friend.
