The grand dining hall of the Knight estate shimmered beneath the glow of enchanted chandeliers.
The long obsidian table stretched across the room, lined with golden plates, silver cutlery, and crystal glasses that caught every flicker of light.
Sebastian sat silently on the right side, posture straight, eyes lowered slightly.
Across from him sat Alric, the ever-confident second son, casual as always — one elbow resting on the armrest, fingers tapping lightly on the polished wood.
At the head of the table sat Duke Damien Knight, presence alone enough to silence even the faintest whisper.
Beside him, Duchess Selene, elegant and distant, her expression calm but unreadable, violet eyes as still as the moonlight pouring through the tall windows.
Servants moved quietly, laying plates of roasted meat, glazed vegetables, and fine bread across the table.
The aroma of seasoned spices filled the air, but the atmosphere remained heavy — too refined to be comfortable.
Sebastian's gaze flickered across the table before dropping again.
His thoughts drifted…
His father — Damien Knight, a Monarch-rank knight.
His mother — Selene, once the Transcendent Saintess of Blades.
His elder brother Lucien, now on an academy mission, already a Mid Master-rank.
And Alric, seated across from him, a Peak Advanced-rank knight even while still in his second year at the Royal Academy.
Compared to that lineage of monsters… his own ability didn't seem so bad.
At Intermediate rank, he was ahead of most nobles his age.
But the old Sebastian — the one before him — had a problem.
His innate potential had been only Advanced rank, a ceiling too low for a Duke's son.
That was why his family had long stopped expecting much from him.
But now…
That had changed.
His current potential — Monarch, though sealed — was something beyond comprehension.
Even if the world couldn't see it yet, deep inside, he knew the blood that ran through this body was no longer that of a failure.
A faint spark of confidence flickered in his violet eyes before he suppressed it again.
He couldn't reveal anything. Not yet.
Damien finally spoke, breaking the silence.
"So, Alric," he said, tone even. "How goes your studies at the Academy?"
Alric smiled lightly. "Quite well, Father. I ranked second this term."
"Second," Damien repeated, sipping his wine. "I assume the Imperial Prince still holds first place?"
"Yes," Alric replied, confidence unwavering. "He's strong — I'll surpass him soon enough."
A faint smirk ghosted across the Duke's face.
"I know the Imperial Prince is formidable, but don't grow content, Alric. Strive harder."
"Yes, Father," Alric said, nodding.
Damien's gaze then shifted to Sebastian.
For a moment, he simply looked — eyes narrowing ever so slightly, as though studying something that didn't quite add up.
"You've reached Intermediate rank," he finally said, voice calm but sharp. "That's… quite the improvement. You were still at Novice Low when I left for the neutral lands. Three months, was it?"
Sebastian met his gaze, his own expression composed.
"Yes, Father," he replied evenly. "I focused on refining my mana control during the isolation period. My talent responded better than I expected."
A flicker of something — curiosity, maybe suspicion — passed through Damien's eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it came.
"Hm," the Duke said, leaning back. "I see. Diligence can make up for what talent lacks… at times."
He took another sip of his wine, eyes still fixed on his son.
"I'm not expecting a high rank in the entrance exams," he added. "But at least pass. Don't embarrass this house."
Sebastian inclined his head slightly. "Understood, Father."
The Duchess remained quiet throughout, her expression unchanged — as though her thoughts were elsewhere entirely.
Moments later, Damien placed his goblet down.
"Let the eating begin."
The servants bowed and stepped back.
The family began their meal in silence —
and though the hall was filled with warmth and golden light,
Sebastian couldn't help but feel the chill of being the forgotten heir of the Knight family…
the one with power waiting behind a sealed bloodline.