Upon arriving at the mansion, Lusian wrote a letter to Andrew asking for them to meet, and then insisted that Albert train him; he felt weak in the face of the dangers that lurked in that world.
—Alright, Lusian —Albert said with determination—. I will teach you an advanced technique. Attack me with all your strength.
Lusian launched himself into the attack. Albert stepped forward with surprising agility, blocked the strike with mastery and, taking advantage of the clash of swords, twisted his body to strike Lusian's back with his own. Lusian ended up on the ground, in pain and complaining.
—Yes, you saw the movement —Albert commented—. Do you want us to repeat it?
—You shouldn't explain how to do it before hitting me —Lusian growled, frustrated by the training method.
—That would be boring —Albert replied calmly—. Practice is worth more than theory.
Lusian stood up, rubbing his back. —You should combine theory and practice. You're a terrible teacher.
Albert took a moment to think and then spoke patiently:
—Very well. Listen. First, you take advantage of the force of the clash of the swords. Then your feet do the work: use the momentum to move faster and complete the rotation. Now, try it.
Hours passed. Lusian practiced the sequence over and over again, sweating and repeating the steps, but progress was slow. Each repetition left him more exhausted; the technique still didn't quite fit.
In Count Denisse's mansion, Thomas was harshly reprimanding his son Lorenzo.
—You are a disappointment —he snapped—. You don't even know how to use your good looks to win over a woman.
Lorenzo lowered his gaze, resentful.
—Father, ever since I approached the princess, she has always looked at me as if I were inferior. It's not my fault our house cannot compare to royalty.
—No excuses, idiot —Thomas growled—. If you hadn't spent your life playing around with so many women, you would have a better reputation and maybe the princess would see you differently. Although, you are partly right: I doubt you could win her over.
Thomas leaned back and frowned, thoughtful. —They say the princess is interested in someone. If we find out who it is, we can take advantage of it. So make sure you discover it.
—Yes, father —Lorenzo replied with apparent willingness—. But she keeps herself away from most nobles; she sees them as her subordinates. The only one who seems to look at her differently and smile at her is Lusian Douglas.
—Lusian Douglas? —Thomas muttered through his teeth—. Damn it... of course, she must be close to him because of the relationship between the queen and the duchess. Fine. Forget Elizabeth for now and focus on Isabella. We can use her in our plans.
Lorenzo swallowed.
—Father, it's a bad idea. My life would become a nightmare. Prince Leonardo and Caleb Douglas are always near her; they don't allow anyone to get close.
Thomas fixed his gaze on his son, sharply.
—Stop complaining and do what I tell you. —And he offered no further explanation.
One day before returning to the academy, Lusian was summoned by Princess Elizabeth to a private room.
—Hello —she greeted with a playful smile—. Did you miss me?
—Princess, it's a pleasure to see you —Lusian replied, trying to maintain composure.
—I heard you had a lovely outing with your fiancée —she commented with a curious look—. Did you have fun?
—Yes... although unpleasant things happened —he replied cautiously.
—If none of that had happened, would you have had more fun with her?
—Maybe... I don't know. I suppose so.
—Then you'll have to go on a walk with me to find out who you enjoy spending time with more.
(Damn... being alone with the princess is too challenging.)
—If I'm alone with you, I might not be able to hold myself back —Lusian said, taking a step toward her.
—Then let's try it —Elizabeth whispered, moving closer until she was just a few centimeters from his face.
At that exact moment, Andrew entered the room and stopped upon seeing them almost face to face. He greeted them, but neither responded. He coughed a couple of times and said:
—You do remember I'm the future king, right?
Both responded in unison:
—Yes, so?
Andrew rolled his eyes.
—So, Lusian... did you call me just to witness you flirting with my sister?
Elizabeth smiled mischievously and, before leaving, winked at Lusian.
—I wasn't flirting with her —Lusian said, clearing his throat—. I called you because I found someone who might interest you.
Andrew crossed his arms.
—Who is it?
—Have you heard about the disappearance of the heir of the Markallister family, from the Empire?
Andrew straightened, surprised.
—You found him?
—Yes. He is hiding as an adventurer within the kingdom.
Andrew fell silent for a few seconds, assessing the implications.
—That would be troublesome... but also very useful. What level is he?
—Legionnaire, in an advanced stage. He will soon ascend to Lord. His magical affinity is Delta.
Andrew smiled.
—Tempting. It will be worth the risk, although if the Markallister family discovers him, we'll have problems.
—The decision is yours —Lusian replied—. If you don't want him for the crown, I'll take him to the duchy.
—I'll consult my father —Andrew concluded—. This could become an external conflict... or a perfect opportunity.