"Chaos in the capital!!"
"Rebels, invade the 4th princess birthday, making several victims."
"Is a revolution approaching?' how will the king respond."
Those were the headlines that dominated the newspapers the next morning.
The attack on the capital took everyone by surprise. With the aid of the jackal mercenaries many nobles and commoners alike were killed.
But thanks to the swift response of the military along with the knight divisions, the attack was quickly thwarted before casualties could reach high numbers. The city quicky recovered from the shock as the rebuild stated the next day and all deceased were properly buried, but some unrest still lingered specialty with the lower class.
The royal palace also was severely damaged due to the clash between 2 king class knights and a 7th rank mage.
Most of the guest present survived, some injured but not life threatening, thanks to the efforts of the duchess Amanda.
After everyone the major threat was quelled, they noticed that the princess was missing, leading to a massive search for her. Thankfully she was found in the forest behind the palace and taken to the medical ward along with silver haired boy near her.
**
Inside a private room, A silver haired boy warped in bandages was peacefully sleeping in a bed, anyone who looked at his current state could tell he went through a difficult battle.
-ughhhhh
Luke opened his eyes with a groaning sound. His sight me the beautiful chandelier hanged on the ceiling.
He tried to stand up, only to be met with a paralyzing pain, which made him recall the events before he passed out.
- I guess the plan worked.
Although the power of the spell exceeded his expectations, it did his job in immobilizing his opponent.
'And since I'm alive, she probably managed to kill him'.
He was about to return to sleep when a voice called him out.
- oh! You're awake.
He turned to his right. A Golden-haired girl about his age was sited in a chair beside him, holding what seems to be a newspaper, even when wearing a simple hospital gown, the air of nobility around her was still strong.
-What bring you here your highness.
She placed down the newspaper in a near desk, locking eyes with Luke.
- I wanted to speak with you, so I was waiting for you to wake up.
'She must be here for my punishment…'
The events of him slapping her in the face, pointing a gun and berating her flashed through his mind at that moment.
Just one of those actions was a serious crime against royalty, and he committed 3 in succession. Even a member of A Duke's family like him, would not escape imprisonment.
He Buried his concerns and asked.
- what did you wanted to speak about?
She Corrected her posture and started speaking.
-First, Father has decided to award you for your role in rescuing me. There's going to be a ceremony in 2 days to congratulate you.
He gave a long eye roll at the response.
- You seemed bothered by this…
- Not really fond of ceremonies…
She raised her eyebrow at his response. An "are you serious" expression appeared on her face.
…
…
-moving on…
Fortunately, the silence did not last long.
- You've sustained some serious burns due to your little stunt, most of it has been healed with magic but they were unable to heal a big scar on your left arm.
-Oh!
That was a surprise for him, not the fact that he got a scar, but the fact that magic didn't cure it,
'So, there are thing magic can't heal'.
He tried to peek under the bandages, but Layla stopped him.
- Don't take those off, they still haven't finishing heling your body.
Luke found her comment a little strange, he closed his eyes, mana was flowing from the bandages into his body.
- Are these magic items?
-Correct. Those haven't been available to public yet, be honored to be the first user.
Her lips curved in a slight grin.
'What's up with her?'
Luke decided to ignore her strange behavior.
-Is there anything else?
Layla snapped back to her behaved demeanor.
-Yes, the ones responsible for the attack were a rebellious group who called themselves patriots. They were aided by the now blacklisted jackal mercenaries. Though most members were captured, the key figures in the assault were either dead or managed to get away.
- I see.
The patriots appeared after the last great continental war. Their members are commoners who seeks equality through the death of the nobles, thus are classified as terrorists due to their extreme actions.
Although their actions were mostly theft, vandalism, and failed revolts in small territories, this was the first time they tired something on this scale.
And the jackal mercenaries, well they are just a bunch of overpowered bandits. All the information on them was either scarce or classified.
- Also, there's one last thing.
-What is it?
She got up form her seat, took a deep breath, and bowed.
-Thank you for your assistance, without you I would not be here.
A hint of gratitude was mixed with the usual indifferent tone from the interaction.
This caused Luke to widen his eyes. He did not expect her to swallow her pride that easily.
A soft smile appeared on his face.
'She's got a good head on her shoulders'.
Before he could say anything, she raised her head, heading towards the door.
Before leaving, she turned around and spoke.
- About your barbarian actions yesterday. I haven't forgot about it.
She closed the door after these parting words.
A long sigh escaped from his mouth.
'This is definitely coming to bite me in the back'.
**
2 days later.
Thanks to the efficient action of various constructions companies along with mages form various associations, the capital had recovered from most of the damage from the attack.
The streets were filled with numerous carriages. Carrying various types of materials and equipment. Workers and mages worked in union nonstop to repair houses and shops, thankfully the city's historical landmarks were spared from any major damage.
A funeral for the deceased was held yesterday. A massive stone slab was inaugurated in one of the capital's parks contained all the names of those who passed away, commoners and nobles alike.
Although this calmed the anger of the population, a resent still lingered in the heart of both nobles and commoners.
Right now, Luke was in one of the palace's guest rooms being dressed in the help of several maids.
Today was the award ceremony, Luckly his injuries were fully healed and was discharged in the morning. He was brough to one of the guest rooms where he stayed until it was the time to get ready.
He was provided with a new set of clothes since he burned his by hitting himself with lightning.
- All done young master Luke!
Once the maids were done, he looked to the mirror on his left.
He was wearing a dark brown uniform with golden threads along with a Dark brown robe with the royal family's symbol sewed with golden lines on its back.
'The royal magic corps uniform huh?'
The only squad of mages among the knight divisions under the royal family. Not much is known about them aside from the fact that they exist, thanks to it they are looked down upon by the public.
'For an obscure squad they sure get high quality gear.'
He spotted tiny magic stones sewed into the uniform, powering a variety of magic engraved onto it.
Defensive barrier, temperature control, healing, along with other useful ones.
He wondered why he was provided such an expensive outfit for a ceremony. Surely the palace had spare clothes for occasions like this.
He turned to one of the maids.
- Are these the only clothes available? Because I don't think they match well with my hair.
Although it sounded like an excuse, it bothered him a little seeing such odd color combination.
Without a single change in her expression, she responded with a light bow.
- I am sorry, but it was his majesty's order to provide these clothes to you.
-I see…
'Is he planning to recruit me? Or is it just to mess with my father?'
Luke knew there was some meaning behind him wearing those clothes but decided to ignore for now.
'The reaction of the nobles during the ceremony should provide some clues'.
*Knock knock
He turned to the source of the noise. A voice was heard through the door.
- Excuse me, I brought a gift on behalf of the 4th princess for young master Luke.
'She gives me a warning, then brings me a gift, what the hell?'
He wanted to refuse gift but it would look bad since he didn't have a proper reason for it.
-Come in.
!
Luke was slightly surprised by the person who came in.
-You are…