Lucien closed the last page of his lecture notes.
Rows of young aspiring mages stared at his with admiration, respect and disappointment by the fact, that his brilliant lecture has come to an end.
"Review the basic magic circles of the four basic elements," Lucien said calmly, placing his notes down.
"Next week's class will be a practical class, so arrive at the training grounds at time."
"Class Dismissed."
After Lucien left.
Chairs scraped. Students erupted into hushed conversation the moment he left.
"Grade 5...He really is a grade 5 mage, the youngest one at that"
"He even solved one of the 8 unsolved Magical Phenomenon..."
.
.
*....*
The corridors of the Mage Department stretched long, sunlight falling on the marble floors.
He felt many gazes along the way...different from before, filled with respect, caution and curiosity.
But dared to approach... because of the rumours.
his office door clicked shut behind him. Books lay stacked in a disciplined manner. A neat room, well organized. At the center desk rested the sealed Mage Tower's notice confirming his advancement to Grade 5 Mage. Beside it lay another document. Acknowledging that he solved the 8th phenomenon asking for the publication of his findings and a presentation in front of the renowned mages associated with the Mage Tower.
"No Thanks...I have no intentions of explaining or publishing the concepts of chemistry from basics."
Lucien signed the final paperwork, sealed several research requests. Work finished. He stood, taking his coat.
Outside the Office, the door opened. Lucien stopped immediately. Isolde stood in the corridor.
Just… standing there.
Her hand hovered inches from the door, frozen mid motion as though she had been about to knock but lost courage at the final moment. Silver hair caught the evening light from the windows behind her. Her usual composure was fractured, eyes lowered, shoulders tense .She looked smaller somehow. Guilty, Regretful.
When she noticed him, she straightened instinctively, but the motion lacked conviction. Silence stretched between them.
Unlike her previous indifferent expression, Today it was replaced by a unreadable expression.
"..Professor Blackhart" She broke the silence but then faltered.
"...Lucien." Her fingers tightened around the folds of her gloves.
"I heard...about the examination."
He said nothing. That silence pressed harder than accusation.
Her gaze finally lifted to meet his. There was no coldness now, only conflict.
"I thought you were lying," she said.
"When I heard your claim, I felt betrayed...that you were reverting to your old ways....and I ended up...accusing you without even giving you a chance, or ever believing you... "
"Even though I knew how hard you had been trying this last month...trying to change, trying to keep our promise."
"And now everyone says you passed. That you solved something even Headmaster had abandoned."
Lucien tilted his head slightly. "At least now," he said evenly, "you may accuse me properly if I fail."
The words were identical to what he had told her before the exam.
Isolde flinched.
"I was wrong." her voice soft soft...almost fragile.
"I thought… you were chasing pride again. I thought you were breaking our promise because you couldn't accept your limits."
Her voice lowered.
"I didn't realize… you had already changed beyond that.. already..."
The corridor felt very quiet
Lucien watched her carefully.
A month ago, he would have rushed to reassure her. Apologized. Explained desperately trying to gain her affection. Now he simply waited.
Isolde clasped her hands together, gathering courage.
"I regret what I did," she continued. "And… I'm sorry." The words seemed difficult for her, someone so righteous and talented that had never made any mistakes...unused to apologies. She took a small step forward.
"I should have trusted you."
Lucien's gaze softened almost imperceptibly, though his posture remained composed.
'sigh...This girl...Even i wouldn't have trusted myself...after all how is it possible for someone to promote from rank 7 to 5 in a month. That too with the original Lucien's talent...But i still need to keep this act up, if i want to receive her trust from now on, Along with setting the route for our amicable parting...as i don't wish to keep this engagement.. '
"…You trusted the person I was before," he said.
"Not the one I am becoming."
Her breath caught.
"And perhaps," he added quietly, "that is not entirely your fault."
For the first time since their engagement , She felt a sense of distance between them. Different from before...set by Lucien rather than by herself.
'Is he disappointed in me...'
If it was the old Lucien, she wouldn't care but now...
'Why did I have to betray his expectations...and not even trying to believe him...., Him...who was changing so desperately for me...'
He reached for the doorframe, preparing to leave.He stepped past her. For a moment, she did not move.
Then she spoke again, quieter."…Lucien."
He stopped, but did not turn.
"...I would like," she said, voice trembling despite her effort to remain composed,
"to understand who you are now."
A long silence followed. At last, Lucien glanced back over his shoulder. Not cold, Not warm, Simply thoughtful.
"…Then walk with me," he said. And for the first time since their engagement, they walked side by side. Though there was silence and perhaps a invisible wall between them...they left the corridor together.
One was filled with guilt and resolution...and perhaps hope for their future.
While the other was thinking of maintaining a bare minimum level of trust and friendship, so as to amicably part...and so as to free both of them from this engagement that neither desired.
unbeknownst to the changing feelings of the other party involved.