Lucavion lingered in the reception area for a few moments after Elara disappeared up the staircase. The faint sound of her steps faded into the soft hum of the inn’s nighttime activity, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He stretched lightly, the easy smile on his face giving way to a more reflective expression as he turned and ascended the stairs at a leisurely pace.
He didn’t follow immediately. Instead, he gave her the space she deserved, content to take his time. After all, he had also rented the highest quality room in the inn—the finest they had to offer, positioned conveniently close to Elara’s. It was an indulgence, sure, but Lucavion never saw indulgence as a vice. Comfort, in moderation, was a luxury worth savoring.
As he reached the landing, his footsteps silent against the polished wood, his thoughts shifted inward. Well, it seems your daughter has some sense of safety in her, Master, he mused, a faint flicker of amusement tugging at the corner of his lips.
His invitation earlier had been more than just a casual suggestion. Of course, a part of him genuinely wanted to enjoy the night air and perhaps engage in a meaningful conversation with Elara. But another part—a quieter, calculating part—had wanted to observe her decision. Elara, the central figure of this tangled romance-fantasy world, had a magnetic pull. Many men would—and did—pursue her, drawn not only by her beauty but by the strength and complexity that made her stand apart.
But Lucavion knew men too well, understood their desires and motivations with a clarity born from years of experience. Not everyone was as honorable as they seemed, and beauty often attracted not only admiration but opportunism. A sense of restraint and an awareness of one’s own safety was not only a strength—it was a shield, one that could mean the difference between thriving and suffering in a world as ruthless as this.
It’s a cruel truth, he thought, his expression darkening slightly. Restraint is important for everyone, but the ones most often burned by its absence are women. It’s not fair, but fairness has never been a staple of this world.
Elara’s refusal tonight, her clear decision to prioritize caution and her responsibilities, had impressed him more than she might have realized. It spoke of a sharp mind and a sense of self-worth that were vital, particularly for someone whose life was bound to grow more complicated with every step.
Reaching the corridor, Lucavion moved past her room, his footsteps measured and light. He didn’t linger but allowed himself a brief glance at her closed door before continuing to his own. A faint smile returned to his face as he turned the key and stepped into the lavish room he’d claimed for himself.
As he removed his coat and set it neatly on the back of a chair, he let his thoughts settle. You’ve got potential, Frost Mage. Let’s hope you hold onto that sense of safety—this world has a habit of testing it.
Just as Lucavion set it onto the chair, the quiet of the room was disrupted by a sudden, weightless movement. In a blur of sleek fur and a flicking tail, Vitaliara landed gracefully on his shoulder, her luminous eyes gleaming with mischief. Her tail curled lazily around his neck as she tilted her head to regard him, an unmistakable smirk in her gaze.
[You look rather contemplative, Lucavion,] she teased, her tone carrying a singsong lilt. [Disappointed you didn’t get to spend the night with your little crush?]
Lucavion let out a short laugh, leaning back and shifting slightly to balance her weight more comfortably. “She’s not my crush,” he replied smoothly, his tone light but firm.
Vitaliara’s tail flicked, her smirk deepening. [Hmm? You were awfully smiley for someone who’s not smitten.]
He raised an eyebrow, his expression perfectly composed. “I’m always smiley,” he countered with a shrug. “That doesn’t mean I’m harboring secret feelings for everyone I meet.”
[Of course, of course,] she drawled, her voice dripping with mock innocence. [But I couldn’t help but notice how very sincere your smile was tonight. Quite unlike your usual smirks.]
Lucavion sighed, giving her a pointed look. “You read too much into things, Vitaliara. Smiling doesn’t equal pining.”
[Doesn’t it?] she quipped, her ears twitching as she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. [You seemed very invested in her decision tonight, though.]
He met her gaze, unflinching, as he reached up to give her an affectionate but firm flick on the ear. “Invested, yes. Curious, definitely. But that’s because she’s intriguing, not because I’m fawning over her.”
Vitaliara huffed softly, flicking her tail again as she perched more securely on his shoulder. [If you say so. But you might want to check that beating thing in your chest. It doesn’t always follow orders, you know.]
Lucavion smirked, his tone playful but edged with a quiet finality. “Thanks for the advice, but I think I know my own heart better than you do.”
[Do you, though?] she replied, her tone lilting with amusement as she hopped lightly down to the armrest of his chair. Her tail swayed idly as she looked up at him with a knowing gleam. [Because sometimes, I think you’re the last one to notice what it’s up to.]
He chuckled, shaking his head as he moved toward the window. The cool moonlight bathed the room in a soft glow, and he gazed out at the distant ocean, his expression thoughtful. “I notice plenty, Vitaliara.”
Lucavion shrugged off the remainder of his attire, the finely tailored shirt slipping from his shoulders to reveal a sculpted frame honed through years of relentless training and battle. His muscles, lean but powerful, bore faint scars—silent reminders of a life lived on the edge. The moonlight streaming through the window cast faint silver highlights across his chest and arms, accentuating the defined lines of his physique.
He caught Vitaliara’s gaze lingering on him, her luminous eyes betraying more interest than she likely intended. With a teasing smirk, he said, “You’re lucky. You get a good show tonight.”
[Humph,] Vitaliara huffed, turning her head as though unimpressed, but her tail swished in a way that gave her away. She flicked her ears dismissively but couldn’t resist a final glance, her gaze darting back to him for a brief second before she looked away again.
Lucavion chuckled softly, his amusement evident. “You’re a terrible liar, Vitaliara,” he said as he crossed the room toward the adjoining bath area.
[You wish,] she retorted, hopping lightly from the chair to the windowsill, her tail curling around her paws. [I’ve seen better.]
“Sure you have,” he called over his shoulder, his tone dripping with mock skepticism as he disappeared into the bath.
The sound of running water filled the air, blending with the distant murmur of waves outside. Lucavion took his time, the warm water washing away the day’s dust and tension. His movements were deliberate, each stroke of his hands across his skin methodical, as if scrubbing away not just dirt but the weight of unspoken thoughts.
The bath’s subtle fragrance of herbs and minerals added to the calming atmosphere, a rare indulgence that Lucavion allowed himself when the opportunity arose. He leaned back slightly, letting the water flow over him as his mind quieted, the earlier events of the day melting into the background.
But then he remembered something.
“I forgot to talk about the carcass of Evolved Sea Serpent….”
He forgot something really important…
******
As the sun broke over the horizon, casting its golden glow across the bustling docks of Stormhaven, the adventurers and knights gathered once more for the second day of the expedition. The air was brisk, carrying the salty tang of the sea, but the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.
Captain Eryndor stood atop a raised platform near the Fourth Station, his sharp eyes scanning the assembled crowd. Behind him, a group of knights awaited his orders, their polished armor gleaming in the early morning light. The events of the previous day lingered heavily in his mind, shaping his decisions for the day ahead. Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire
He raised a hand, silencing the low murmurs of conversation. “Yesterday, the Fourth Station held its ground admirably,” he began, his voice carrying with practiced authority. “Many of you demonstrated skill, courage, and the ability to adapt under pressure. However, as with all battles, there is room for refinement.”
Eryndor’s gaze flicked briefly to Lucavion, standing among the other adventurers with his usual calm demeanor, the white cat perched comfortably on his shoulder. Then to Elara and Cedric, who stood a short distance away, Cedric’s hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword while Elara listened intently.
“I’ve reviewed the reports from yesterday’s engagements,” Eryndor continued, his tone measured. “It has come to my attention that while one Evolved Sea Serpent was brought down in the central area, another was felled near the western flank. The latter was handled by two adventurers from this station—Adventurer Luca and the frost mage, Elara.”
A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd, many glancing between the two named individuals with newfound interest. Elara’s cheeks tinged with a faint blush, but she held her composure. Cedric stiffened slightly beside her, his expression unreadable.
Eryndor raised a hand again, silencing the whispers. “This is not a common achievement. Evolved monsters of that caliber are not easily slain, even by experienced teams. Such a feat suggests not only individual skill but also the potential for synergy between combatants.”
He stepped forward, his sharp gaze settling first on Lucavion, then on Elara and Cedric. “Which is why, for today’s operation, I am making adjustments to the team structure. Adventurer Luca, Elara, and Cedric—you will be grouped together.”
The announcement drew mixed reactions. Some adventurers murmured with envy, while others nodded in approval, recognizing the logic behind Eryndor’s decision. Lucavion, as always, remained composed, though a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. Elara glanced briefly at Cedric, who gave her a reassuring nod, though his gaze lingered warily on Lucavion.
Eryndor’s voice cut through the noise. “Your team will be positioned at the central flank today. You’ve proven capable of handling high-level threats, and that area will require both power and precision. Work together, and we’ll push this wave back like the last.”
With that, Eryndor stepped down from the platform, signaling for the adventurers to begin organizing into their assigned groups. The morning bustle resumed, though many still cast curious glances toward the newly-formed trio.