Upon returning to the mansion, Lusian wrote a letter to Andrew requesting a meeting, then insisted that Albert train him; he felt weak in the face of the dangers lurking in that world.

  —Alright, Lusian —Albert said firmly—. I'll teach you an advanced technique. Attack me with everything you've got.

  Lusian lunged forward. Albert stepped in with surprising agility, blocked the strike masterfully, and, using the clash of their swords, twisted his body to slam his back into Lusian's. Lusian hit the ground, groaning in pain.

  —See the movement? —Albert remarked—. Want to try again?

  —You should explain how to do it before hitting me —Lusian grumbled, frustrated with the training method.

  —That would be boring —Albert replied calmly—. Practice is worth more than theory.

  Lusian got back to his feet, rubbing his back.

  —You should combine theory with practice. You're a terrible teacher.

  Albert paused for a moment before speaking patiently.

  —Very well. Listen carefully. First, use the force from the clash of the blades. Then your feet do the real work—use that momentum to move faster and complete the rotation. Now, try it.

  Hours passed. Lusian practiced the sequence over and over, sweating as he repeated each step, but progress came slowly. Every repetition left him more exhausted; the technique simply refused to click.

  At Count Denisse's mansion, Tomás was harshly scolding his son, Lorenzo.

  —You are a disappointment —he snapped—. You can't even use your good looks to win over a woman.

  Lorenzo lowered his gaze, resentment simmering inside him.

  —Father, ever since I approached the princess, she has always looked at me as if I were beneath her. It's not my fault our house cannot compare to the royal family.

  —No excuses, idiot —Tomás growled—. If you hadn't spent your life fooling around with so many women, you'd have a better reputation, and perhaps the princess would see you differently. Though, in part, you're right—I doubt you could have won her over anyway.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  Tomás leaned back, frowning thoughtfully.

  —They say the princess is interested in someone. If we find out who it is, we can take advantage of it. So make it your job to uncover his identity.

  —Yes, Father —Lorenzo replied, feigning compliance—. But she keeps her distance from most nobles. She treats them like subordinates. The only one who seems to look at her differently—and even makes her smile—is Lusian Douglas.

  —Lusian Douglas? —Tomás muttered through clenched teeth—. Damn it… of course. She must be close to him because of the relationship between the queen and the duchess. Fine. Forget about Elizabeth for now and focus on Isabella. We can use her in our plans.

  Lorenzo swallowed.

  —Father, that's a bad idea. My life would become a living hell. Prince Leonardo and Caleb Douglas are always around her; they never allow anyone near her.

  Tomás fixed his son with a sharp glare.

  —Stop complaining and do as I say.

  He waited for no further arguments.

  One day before returning to the academy, Lusian was summoned by Princess Elizabeth to a private room.

  —Hello —she greeted him with a playful smile—. Did you miss me?

  —Princess, it's a pleasure to see you —Lusian replied, trying to maintain his composure.

  —I heard you had a lovely outing with your fiancée —she said, her gaze curious—. Did you have fun?

  —Yes… though some unpleasant things happened —he answered cautiously.

  —If none of that had happened, would you have enjoyed yourself more with her?

  —Maybe… I don't know. I suppose so.

  —Then you'll have to go on a stroll with me to find out who you enjoy spending time with more.

  (Damn… being alone with the princess is far too dangerous.)

  —If I stay alone with you, I might not be able to hold myself back —Lusian said, stepping closer.

  —Then let's test that —Elizabeth whispered, moving until she stood just inches from his face.

  At that exact moment, Andrew entered the room and froze when he saw them standing nearly face to face. He greeted them, but neither responded. He cleared his throat a couple of times before speaking.

  —You do remember I'm the future king, right?

  They both replied in unison:

  —Yes, so?

  Andrew rolled his eyes.

  —Then, Lusian… did you call me here just so I could watch you flirt 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 runaway heir of the Markallister family from the Empire?

  Andrew straightened, surprised.

  —You found him?

  —Yes. He's hiding in the kingdom, posing as an adventurer.

  Andrew remained silent for a few seconds, weighing the implications.

  —That could be troublesome… but also very useful. What level is he?

  —Legionary, in an advanced stage. He'll ascend to Lord soon. His magical affinity is Delta.

  Andrew smiled slightly.

  —Tempting. The risk will be worth it… though if the Markallister family finds out, 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 with my father —Andrew concluded—. This could turn into an external conflict… or a perfect opportunity.