Lawrence sat beside the lake, enjoying the scenery of the glistening waters. Giving out a broad sigh of exhaustion, Lawrence tries to ease his mind. 'Even if I had already experienced this pain. I still can't get used to it. I've killed countless people and justified the wicked. I'm a warrior, but why does it still ache? Why does my stone-heart ache at this time? If only I had enough strength, enough to not need to be saved. But what can I do now? Time had passed, and I'm still grieving.'
He felt the heavy burden of impatience and responsibility. The thought of giving up had slipped into his mind, tempting him to give up on hope. His thoughts were interrupted by a ray of light from the other side of the lake. It was a shine from a blade that is as if someone was training. He stood in determination as he remembered his training, 'For several months, my physical and mental workout had paused. Now, my aura had weakened while my body grew frail. If this continues, how am I going to avenge mother?' he asked himself.
Standing up, he focused his gaze at the edge of the lake, trying to get a gist of the person training himself. Tempted to go closer, but had no boat to cross the lake. Lawrence decided to call it a day and head back inside. 'Fine. I will recover my previous capabilities and strengthen my power. But for now, I shall exercise my knowledge. I've already wasted countless days in my life. I will not waste it any further. After studying, I shall find out who is behind the forest across this lake.' he declared.
Cleaning himself, he prepares to go back to the mansion. His clothes were crumpled, and his face had some dirt. Lawrence, just on time before dusk before entering the household. He finds himself meeting his long-forgotten friend, Grace. Along with his mother, Eleonora.
Lawrence looked at himself, 'I'm dirty.' he said inside his mind. Facepalming, he approached the two, who looked eager to see the manor. "The Granted Marchioness, it is my greatest honor to welcome you on my home," he said.
Surprised by the sudden voice from her left, Eleonora turned her gaze towards the youngin, who dirtied himself by relaxing on the ground. "Lawrence. Your flattery is always shocking. It's as if I'm talking to an adult. You never fail to make me dumbfounded." she said in between her giggles.
Lawrence smiled at her before meeting the eyes of Grace. "Miss Grace, it is my greatest honor to have you in my manor. Welcome," he said with all the sweetness in his voice while gesturing a kiss on the young lady's hand.
Grace jumped towards Lawrence and hugged him. "Xavi!" she called out. "I missed you," she added.
"I missed you too, Grace. Can I escort Miss Grace and her majesty?" he let go of Grace and gestured towards his mansion.
"Please, lead the way." the two requested.
Lawrence humored the two as they walked towards the entrance of the mansion. Finally, Lawrence had set aside Estella's safety to his father. Giving himself the time he needs before the years after Estella's recovery. The three had finished their talk and had entered the cozy, warm mansion as the maids greeted them. Two other maids approached Eleonora and Grace as they helped take care of their coats.
"Escort these two ladies to the other guests and take care of their luggage," Lawrence ordered the head maid before turning himself back at the two.
"I must bid my farewell, for now, Mrs. Sage & Grace. As you can see, I must first take care of myself to look rather presentable." Lawrence genuinely smiled as he bowed before leaving up to the stairs.
"Bye, Xavi!" Grace waved.
"We understand," Eleonora said, waving towards Lawrence.
Lawrence was just before his room when Lewis, the Captain of the Chivalry Knight Order, had crossed paths with him. Lawrence bowed and greeted him, "The empire's blessing. May the saints of the Paths bless thy self."
"At ease, my prince."
"Sir Lewis. I apologize for my rather rude behavior earlier." Lawrence apologized.
"It was reasonable, my prince," Lewis said.
"Well then, thank you for accepting one's apology, sir Lewis. I must take my leave and prepare myself. I will meet you at the banquet." Lawrence smiled before passing Lewis.
'So he has yet to know of his brother, huh?' Lewis thought.
Lawrence had reached his door and entered his room. Inside, an unfamiliar desk, and beside it was Emilia. With her sad and nervous expression. "Emilia," Lawrence called out.
Emilia jumped by surprise, "S-sir! I-I greet thy prince!"
"At ease, Emilia." Lawrence sighs.
"I apologize for my sudden reaction, your highness."
"You may call me prince, but don't call me 'your highness,' it does not fit a lowly prince like me. Countess Emilia. From today onwards, you will be taking care of what I order and what I assign you. As my assistant, are you willing to give your loyalness to me?"
Emilia froze in confusion, slowly apprehending the situation. A minute passed, finally- the countess flinched, "Prince Lawrence..." she called out with her nervous expression. "Yes!" she answered, hiding her face.
"Good. Now, ready my bath." Lawrence ordered.
"I- huh?" she cocked her head in confusion, bewildered by the order. "Yes, prince Lawrence" finally, she answered.
An hour passed, and finally, Lawrence was in his presentable clothes. Lawrence stared at Emilia, "First, tell me why visitors had come in this mansion and why are their new workers." he ordered.
Emilia nodded and explained everything. She explained what the Granted Marquess, Leighton. Along with what the Emperor had ordered. The two of them prepared a banquet for Lawrence's return in the mansion with guests arriving, including the Granted Marchioness. She also told the schedule within the week that Lawrence had to handle and the new desk installed in his room.
Starting that day, he will be learning and having mentors for different classifications that the Marquess appointed. That includes etiquette, mannerism, management, economics, mathematics, swordsmanship, history, and many more. Finally, the explanations had elapsed.
"Prince Lawrence. The banquet will start any minute now." Emilia informed while bowing.
"At ease," Lawrence said. "Let's go. We have a banquet to attend."