The tea had been brought to the small side parlor, a space more intimate than the grand dining hall. The low table was set with fine porcelain cups, steam curling lazily upward from freshly poured tea. Nadoka had excused herself shortly after breakfast, leaving only the Marquis, Valeria, and Lucavion to carry on the conversation—or what was left of it after the morning’s tension.
The Marquis sat back in his chair, his hands wrapped around his teacup, his posture more relaxed than it had been earlier. Still, his sharp gaze flicked between Lucavion and Valeria, his mind clearly working through the implications of the discussion.
Lucavion, as unbothered as ever, lounged in his seat, his teacup balanced lightly between his fingers. His smirk had softened into something more thoughtful, though the glint in his eyes suggested his mind was far from idle. Valeria sat stiffly, her cup untouched as her hands rested on her knees. Her face betrayed little, but her posture was rigid—her mind, too, was far from at ease.
The Marquis broke the silence first, his tone measured. “You’ve given me much to consider, Lucavion,” he said, setting his cup down with deliberate precision. “Your proposal is… bold, to say the least. It has the potential to reshape the dynamics of this region, and perhaps even the Empire itself.”
Lucavion inclined his head slightly, the faintest trace of amusement playing at the corners of his lips. “I only suggest what the situation demands, Marquis. Nothing more, nothing less.”
The Marquis’s eyes narrowed slightly. “And yet, the consequences of such an action could ripple far beyond what you’ve outlined. It’s not only the Cloud Heavens Sect that would be affected, but every noble, every faction with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. Even with evidence, such an act would undoubtedly provoke retaliation.”
Lucavion sipped his tea, unhurried. “True,” he conceded, setting the cup down with a quiet clink. “But retaliation, Marquis, is a response—a reaction to strength. And strength,” he added, his voice lowering slightly, “is what the Olarion name represents. Isn’t it, Valeria?”
Valeria stiffened, her gaze snapping to him. “The Olarion name stands for justice and honor,” she replied sharply. “Not reckless destruction.”
Lucavion chuckled softly, leaning back with an air of nonchalance. “Of course, of course. Justice and honor—noble ideals indeed. But ideals don’t mean much without the strength to uphold them. That’s what I’m suggesting, Valeria. A chance to bring the Olarion legacy to the forefront, to make it a name that commands respect, not just in the central politics of the Empire but across its borders.”
The Marquis watched their exchange in silence, his expression unreadable. He tapped a finger lightly against the edge of his cup, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. His original proposal to Valeria had been calculated—a way to bring the Olarion family into his sphere of influence. Their connections to the central nobility, while diminished, were still valuable. Their history as knights, protectors of the Empire, carried a weight that few could match.
But Lucavion’s audacious plan had changed the game. If the Olarions were to spearhead this crusade against the Cloud Heavens Sect, they wouldn’t be a family he could control. They would be partners—equals. And while that shift in dynamic complicated his plans, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. The Olarions’ history could be wielded as a powerful symbol, uniting people under a banner of righteousness.
The Marquis finally spoke, his tone careful. “Lucavion, you suggest a path that would place the Olarions at the forefront of this crusade. But tell me—what role do you see for me in this grand scheme of yours?”
Lucavion’s smirk widened slightly, his expression almost playful as he leaned forward, setting his teacup down gently on its saucer. “A grand scheme?” he echoed, shaking his head with a soft chuckle. “No, Marquis, it’s nothing so elaborate. It’s just a change in the wind—that’s all.”
His gaze sharpened slightly as he continued, his tone light but carrying an undeniable weight. “And truth be told, I think you’re far more qualified to answer that question than I am. After all, I don’t do anything, Marquis. I simply observe and present opportunities. What you choose to do with them… that’s entirely up to you.”
Read exclusive chapters at empire
Lucavion spread his hands in a gesture of casual surrender, leaning back into his chair with an air of finality. “You have the evidence you need. Everything else? Well, it’s your decision.”
The Marquis’s sharp gaze lingered on Lucavion for a long moment, studying him as though searching for any trace of hidden intent. But Lucavion’s expression remained unflinchingly calm, his smirk unbothered, his posture relaxed.
Finally, the Marquis exhaled quietly, the faintest hint of resignation in the gesture. He realized he wouldn’t extract anything further from the young man. Lucavion had said his piece and had no intention of offering more than he already had.
“I see,” the Marquis said, his voice steady but tinged with something akin to amusement. “You’re a difficult man to pin down, Lucavion.”
Lucavion’s smirk deepened, though he said nothing, merely inclining his head in acknowledgment.
The Marquis leaned forward slightly, his steepled fingers resting against his lips as he regarded Lucavion with an unwavering gaze. “But I still wonder,” he said, his tone quiet but probing. “What do you gain from all of this? What’s your stake in this grand opportunity you’ve presented?”
Lucavion met the Marquis’s gaze without hesitation, his smirk softening into something more deliberate. He set his teacup down gently, the porcelain clinking faintly against the saucer, and leaned back in his chair. For a moment, he said nothing, letting the question linger in the air as though savoring it.
“What do I gain?” he repeated, his voice calm but carrying a subtle weight. His sharp eyes flicked briefly to Valeria before returning to the Marquis. “Two things.”
He raised one finger, his expression hardening slightly. “First, I eradicate a bunch of parasites—leeches feeding off this world, preying on the innocent. Their existence is a stain, one I’d be quite happy to see wiped clean.”
Then he raised a second finger, his smirk returning with a faint glint of mischief. “Second, I make a connection with a future noble. And not just any noble, but one who stands to become a symbol of justice and strength—a force to be reckoned with in the Empire.”
He shrugged lightly, spreading his hands in a gesture of mock simplicity. “Really, is there anything else I need?”
The Marquis watched him carefully, his expression unreadable as the weight of Lucavion’s words settled over the room. Finally, he shook his head slowly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
“This kid…” the Marquis thought to himself, his sharp gaze lingering on Lucavion. He’s shrewd. Far shrewder than his age or demeanor would suggest.
The Marquis was a man of principle, bound by a code that had been passed down through generations of his family. They had risen to the rank of Marquis not through deceit or treachery, but by honoring every deal they made and cultivating a reputation for reliability and fairness. Even on the border, where chaos often reigned, this unwavering commitment to integrity had earned his family respect and influence.
And now, as he regarded this audacious young man, the Marquis couldn’t help but acknowledge the truth. If he succeeded in this endeavor—if he managed to uproot the Cloud Heavens Sect and emerge stronger for it—it would be thanks to Lucavion.
The evidence, the boldness to antagonize such a powerful organization, the willingness to push the boundaries of conventional wisdom… it had all opened the Marquis’s eyes.
“Not going to lie,” the Marquis murmured, more to himself than anyone else, “you’ve certainly given me much to think about, Lucavion.”
Lucavion’s smirk deepened, and he inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. “That’s all I aim to do, Marquis. Present the opportunity. The rest is up to you.”
The Marquis exhaled slowly, his gaze shifting to Valeria, who had been silent, her expression thoughtful but tense. He could see the storm of thoughts playing out behind her eyes, the weight of her family’s legacy pressing against the uncertainty of the path before her.
For the Marquis, the decision was not yet final—but the path ahead was becoming clearer. And Lucavion, for all his audacity and recklessness, was undeniably the one who had illuminated it.
The Marquis exhaled quietly, letting the tension of the earlier conversation dissipate. He lifted his teacup, taking a small sip before setting it down again with deliberate precision. His gaze shifted between Lucavion and Valeria, the weight of the previous discussion replaced with a more measured tone.
“Well,” he began, his voice calm but purposeful, “now that this matter is concluded, it’s time we spoke of more practical matters—rewards and ceremonies.”
Lucavion raised an eyebrow, his smirk softening into something more curious. “Rewards and ceremonies?” he echoed, tilting his head slightly. “Do tell, Marquis. I’m all ears.”
The Marquis chuckled softly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “As you know, the tournament is not just a competition of skill—it’s a spectacle, a celebration that brings the people together. Traditionally, the winners are awarded their prizes in the grand tournament hall, a setting befitting their achievements. It’s a formal affair, steeped in tradition, with the entire city watching as the victors are honored.”
He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he regarded Lucavion. “Following the awards, the festival begins—a time of feasting, revelry, and joy. It’s as much for the people as it is for the participants, a way to mark the end of the tournament and celebrate the strength and spirit of Andelheim.”
Lucavion listened quietly, his smirk faint but present. There was a glimmer of thoughtfulness in his eyes, though he said nothing.
The Marquis’s expression shifted slightly, his smile gaining a wry edge. “However,” he continued, his gaze sharpening, “you, Lucavion, are a little… different.”
Lucavion’s smirk widened, and he leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the armrests of his chair. “Different, am I?” he drawled, his tone laced with amusement. “I take it you’re about to explain why.”
The Marquis’s faint smile lingered, though his tone grew more serious as he leaned forward slightly, steepling his fingers once more. “Let’s not make things too long… Lucavion, now that you’ve already become a target for the Cloud Heavens Sect, showing your face at the ceremony would be dangerous. They won’t hesitate to act, even in a public space like the tournament hall.”
Lucavion’s smirk faltered slightly, his expression turning more thoughtful. He gave a small nod, his demeanor shifting as he straightened in his seat. “Indeed, Marquis,” he said, his voice calm but carrying a weight of understanding. “If you hadn’t made this offer, I was already planning to do the same. The Sect is many things, but subtlety isn’t always their strong suit. A public appearance would be asking for trouble.”
He paused, his gaze steady as he met the Marquis’s eyes. “Please, if possible, I’d like to receive my reward quietly, without any unnecessary attention. Then, I’ll leave Andelheim as discreetly as I arrived. The fewer people who notice my departure, the better.”
To that, Valeria somehow felt a pang of something.
‘Ah….’
The time for departure was coming, after all…..