Lucian spotted Belle waiting by the entrance, tapping her foot impatiently. Sir Roswell stood beside her, calm as ever as he watched the street.
"You're late! What happened to your things?" Belle exclaimed, eyeing the dirtied book covers in his hands.
"Are you alright, young lord?" Sir Roswell asked, his brow furrowed in concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Lucian replied casually. "I just went to the bookstore. Something happened, and that's why they got a bit messy."
Belle rolled her eyes but quickly brightened. "Well, we're done here, and I got a piece of cake for you!" she announced, holding out a small, neatly wrapped package.
He took the cake with a grin. "Thanks, Belle."
Just as they turned to leave, Mary appeared from another room, her dress swaying gently as she approached.
"You're leaving already?" she asked softly.
"Yeah, we got the order. Besides, it's getting dark, and Mother will be mad if we're late," Belle replied.
Mary nodded, then looked at Lucian. "Did you find what you were looking for at the bookstore?"
"Most of it," he said. "Maps and some history. Enough to keep me busy for a while."
She tilted her head slightly. "History of what?"
"Valeria mostly." He paused, then added, "Your father's company trades across most of the continent, doesn't it? You probably know the routes better than any book I could find."
Mary blinked, clearly not expecting that. "I — yes, actually. Father talks about it often." She hesitated. "You're interested in trade routes?"
"I guess." He smiled. "Maybe you could tell me about them sometime. At the party, if you're coming."
She smiled back, a little surprised, a little pleased. "I'll be there."
"Then I'll look forward to it."
Belle was already watching them with a smug expression, like she was storing this away to use against him later.
"Alright then. See you at your party, Lucian," Mary said.
"Yeah," he said. "See you then, Mary."
With that, they said their goodbyes and stepped outside. The cool evening air carried a hint of winter as they climbed into the carriage and began their journey home. The rhythmic sound of hooves striking the cobblestone roads filled the quiet as Belle and Lucian sat in comfortable silence.
. . .
While they were in the carriage, Belle glanced over at him, her eyes catching the golden glow of the lantern hanging above them as he read one of the books he had just bought.
"What are you reading?" she asked, leaning closer with a curious look toward the cover.
"About history," he replied, turning the page without looking up.
She wrinkled her brow and took a bite of cake. "That's grown-up stuff. You should have fun and meet people."
"You should be the one reading books," he retorted calmly. "You know you're going to enroll in the academy this year."
She swallowed her bite, then replied with a huff, "Hmph. I'll study when I'm in the academy."
"Yeah, sure. Like you can read a book without falling asleep."
She rolled her eyes. "Please. I only fall asleep because it's boring."
Though Belle seemed carefree about the topic, it was a serious matter. At the age of ten, everyone was required to take a test and attend the academy for at least two years to qualify for the Awakening Ceremony.
Suddenly, Belle shifted the topic with a teasing smile. "What do you think about Mary? Isn't she beautiful?"
Lucian paused reading and glanced up. "Yeah, she's prettier than you."
She pouted. "You're mean! You talked to her like you're interested."
"Did I?" he said.
"Yeah! She may not be a noble but she's rich and smart." Belle continued, probing with that same glint in her eyes.
He shook his head. "Not interested. Besides, we're still young." Relationships weren't exactly on his list of priorities right now.
Belle sighed dramatically. "You're weird, Lucy," she muttered, turning her attention to the window. The dark landscape of Linberg stretched out before them, dotted with the faint glow of lanterns from passing houses and shops.
They settled into a quiet stretch after that, the gentle sound of the carriage wheels rolling along the road filling the space as Belle leaned against the seat, lost in thought, and Lucian resumed reading.
. . .
When they returned home, Lucian headed to his room to change and put away the items he had brought. Meanwhile, Belle went to Mother to share the details of their day. After placing everything in its proper place, he decided to visit his father's office.
As he approached, the door opened, and a familiar man with brown hair and a neatly trimmed mustache stepped out. His expression was tense, though he managed a polite smile when he saw Lucian.
"Good evening, Lucian."
"Good evening, Mr. George." He hesitated for a moment. "I met your daughter earlier. She seemed well."
His shoulders eased just a little. "Ah. That's good to hear."
Lucian could see the relief in his face when he mentioned Mary, but it didn't erase the tension from his body.
He cleared his throat. "It's been a difficult day. Your father and I were busy, especially after the recent incident with the ships."
Ships. So that was it. It made sense.
"I understand," Lucian said, keeping his reply short.
He nodded once, more firmly this time. "Anyway, I won't keep you. I'll see you at your party, young lord."
"Of course. Take care, Mr. George."
George gave a short bow and headed down the hall. Lucian watched him go, then walked toward Father's office.
. . .
He stepped into Father's office. Father was seated at his desk, a stack of documents spread before him, his eyes still moving across the page as Lucian entered.
"Belle mentioned that you also want to train with Tyrion," he said without looking up, his tone calm and direct.
"Yes, Father!" Lucian said, unable to contain his excitement.
Father finally looked up, a small smile forming on his face. "At your age, it won't be easy, but you'll manage." He chuckled.
Before he could continue, curiosity overcame Lucian. "By the way, Father, I noticed Mr. George seemed a bit worried earlier. Is everything alright?"
Father's expression turned serious. "A few of Goldhart's ships were plundered. Criminal activity in the region has been increasing. As of today, I've decided to lead the investigation personally and have requested the Church to send agents for support."
He handed Lucian the report without hesitation. "Read it and tell me your thoughts."
Lucian skimmed it carefully, making a few notes as he went. "Most of it doesn't look like a major operation. The timing and targets are scattered, more opportunistic than planned."
Father nodded slowly. "That's what I thought."
"But not all of them," Lucian said, tapping the page. "Three attacks inside two days, all near the east route. That's not the same people working the same way. Someone gave them the shipping schedule."
Father's eyes moved to the report, then back to him. He was quiet for a moment.
"An informant," he said.
"Possibly. It might be worth checking who had access to the routes before each attack."
Father looked at him longer than usual. "I'll look into it." He took the report back. "Good thinking."
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. A maid entered and bowed slightly.
"I apologize for the interruption, my lord. Lady Arian has requested the young master's presence."
Father grinned knowingly. "You'd better go. We can continue this tomorrow. You know how your mother is."
Lucian sighed, already knowing he was right. "Goodnight, Father," he said, and left the room.
. . .
The moment he stepped inside Mother's room, she rushed over with an expression of pure delight, her emerald eyes sparkling.
"How's my Lucy!" she exclaimed, wrapping him in a warm, suffocating embrace.
"You've been locked away in that room for so long! I'm starting to regret letting you use it."
"I'm okay, Mother," he said. "I'm sorry about that. What can I do for you?" he asked, attempting to free himself from her grip.
Her face lit up with a wide grin. "Really? You mean it?"
He instantly regretted his words. "W-wait, I—"
Before he could react, she caught his arm and pulled him across the room, her grip firm enough that resisting never occurred to him. "Perfect! Come here, my Lucy."
They stopped in front of a large vanity cluttered with suits, ties, and fabrics of all colors and textures.
"Sit," she said, gently enough, though her tone left no room for argument. She began fitting various suits on him as though he were a life-sized doll.
"Are you excited about your party? The preparations are almost complete, and many people are coming!" she said while sorting through the clothes.
"I'm not sure," he replied hesitantly.
She paused, then gave him a soft, reassuring smile. "You don't need to worry, Lucy. Just enjoy the evening. Besides," her smile turned mischievous, "no one would dare mess with you."
"Alright." He nodded, though part of him remained unsure. She was kind, but you didn't want to make her angry. Even Father was careful when she was truly upset.
She helped him into a crisp white shirt, humming a cheerful tune. "You've grown so much. I feel like yesterday you were still wobbling when you walked."
"Really?" he murmured.
"Oh yes," she said, giggling. "You used to cling to my dress every time Belle annoyed you."
"I don't remember that," he muttered, scratching his cheek.
"I do."
She pulled out a black waistcoat with intricate dark patterns and tied a red silk tie around his neck. "There," she said, stepping back to admire her work.
He turned to look in the mirror. The white shirt and black waistcoat fit him perfectly, while the red tie added a striking accent.
"I like it," he said, adjusting the collar slightly.
Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "I knew it would suit you!" she said, clasping her hands before hugging him again.
They spent a while chatting as she continued adjusting small details and telling him stories about the guests who would be attending.
Eventually, he excused himself and headed toward the old room to review the report Father had given him.