Cassian's arms wrapped around Lionel's shoulders in a brief but friendly hug. When he pulled away, his smile didn't fade even for a second.
"It's really good to see you again," Cassian said warmly. "You've grown taller since last time."
"Not as tall as you," Lionel answered.
"Give it a few years, cousin. You'll catch up soon enough." Cassian laughed before clapping him lightly on the shoulder.
The Duchess smiled at the sight of the two. "It's good to see you both getting along," she said. "Come, let's have lunch. You must be tired from the journey, Cassian."
"Thank you, Duchess. That would be wonderful." Cassian nodded politely.
Soon, they moved to the dining hall.
The dining hall was bright and filled with fresh flowers. The long table was already set with silverware. The maids quickly moved to serve them as soon as everyone sat down.
Cassian sat across from Lionel, while Elera sat at the head of the table.
Cassian looked completely at ease. As they began to eat, he started talking. His voice carried a cheerful tone that filled the room.
"My father has been quite busy these past few days," he said in between bites. "There was a meeting with the duke Last week. Apparently, there are rumors about some monster movements near the western border."
"My husband told me that," The Duchess frowned slightly. "The recent events with the monster's attacks sound troubling."
"It is," Cassian agreed, though his smile didn't fade. "But Father seems confident it'll be handled soon. The Empire's forces have already been mobilized."
"How awful… I can't imagine what those soldiers must be going through." The Duchess's expression softened with worry.
"That's why Father's been sending knights to patrol the borders. They're trying to keep the monsters from spreading too far." Cassian muttered.
Monsters…
They were dark entities that appeared out of nowhere a century ago. No one knew where they came from or what caused their sudden existence. They often took the form of animals, but their eyes glowed red.
They attacked anything they saw, whether it was a human or a beast.
Some believed that they were the result of twisted man, others said they were cursed souls that failed to move on. But no one really knew the truth.
What everyone knew was that once a monster appeared, destruction would soon follow. Entire villages could be wiped out if one wasn't stopped in time.
"How about the academy? Has it been treating you kindly?"
Cassian nodded.
"Ah, the academy's been lively as ever. Our training's tough, but I guess that's why we're there." Cassian turned to Lionel then, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"In a year, you'll be joining us there too, won't you, Lionel?"
"Yeah," Lionel nodded lightly. "That's the plan."
"Don't worry, my dear cousin! Since you'll be with me, I won't let anyone touch you!" Cassian leaned back in his chair before laughing loudly.
"Then I'll be counting on you, Cassian." Lionel smiled back.
As you wish.
Cassian grinned and raised his glass slightly. "Of course. That's what family is for."
Lionel's smile stayed, but behind it, he couldn't help but laugh in sarcasm.
Family, huh…?
"Oh, that reminds me," Cassian set down his fork after a few more bites, his smile never fading. "We'll be heading to the forest retreat in a few days, won't we?"
"Ah, right. I almost forgot about that." Lionel blinked, feigning surprise.
"You don't need to worry about bringing soldiers with you this time. I already have my own knights accompanying me. They'll be more than enough to protect us." Cassian chuckled.
At that, Duchess Elera's hand paused midair, her expression turning worried.
"The forest? Isn't that a little dangerous, Cassian? You're already said that the monsters have been appearing more frequently lately."
Cassian immediately gave her one of his reassuring smiles.
"You don't need to worry, Duchess. The area has already been checked and cleared by the Imperial knights. There are other nobles at the same age of us who will be going. Besides," he added lightly, "it's not as if we're going too deep into the forest. We'll be safe."
"Even so…" Still, the Duchess didn't seem fully convinced.
"Mother, it should be fine. But just in case, I can't go completely unguarded. You and Father would worry." Lionel then spoke.
For some reason, Lionel didn't have a good feeling about Cassian's suggestion. In the past, he just ignored it because of his blind trust in him. But now that he knew better, he just couldn't blindly agree to him again.
"Cassian, how about I bring two or three of our soldiers with me? Just to help around and for extra safety." He looked at Cassian with a polite smile. "I worry that my mother and father would be worried if I only went with my maids."
Lionel knew that Cassian wouldn't be able to say no to that, especially under his mother's eyes.
Cassian's smile faltered for a split second. It was so quick that anyone else might have missed it. But Lionel didn't. He caught the small irritation flickering in his cousin's eyes before it disappeared.
"Of course," Cassian replied. The warmth in his tone was quickly back in place. "If that will put the Duchess's mind at ease, then I see no problem with it."
"Thank you, Cassian. I appreciate your understanding." Elera sighed in relief and gave both boys a gentle smile.
"Anything for my family," Cassian said, turning his attention back to his meal. However, it was obvious how his mood slightly changed as if he never got what he fully wanted.
Lionel lowered his gaze to his plate, a faint, knowing smile forming on his lips.
Yes… family.
Lionel's fork moved slowly as he glanced down at his plate.
He needed to be ready since he knew that this trip wasn't going to be just a simple gathering of nobles.
And with his current stats, he had to train even harder. He couldn't afford to make the same mistake again. Not this time.
I'll also need someone loyal, Lionel thought quietly, before his eyes narrowed slightly.
Just as that thought crossed his mind, a faint blue light screen appreared again in front of his eyes.
[Mission Unlocked!]
[Mission: Prepare for the Forest Trip.]
– Select a loyal knight to accompany you.
– Train your body and mana daily.
– Absorb enough energy to advance your Mana from E → E+ grade.
[Amount required: 500 units.]
[Reward: Stopwatch | +1 Bonus Grade Upgrade]