While we were in the carriage, Belle glanced over at me as I read one of the books I'd just bought.
What are you reading?" she asked, leaning closer with a curious look.
"About the country of Sapira" I replied.
She wrinkled her nose, taking a bite of cake. "Boring. Where is that? That's grown-up stuff yo-you should be having fun."
"No, you should study," I continued. "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."
At the age of ten, it's mandatory for everyone to attend the academy for two years to determine if you're qualified for Awakening Ceremony.
Belle change the topic. "What do you think about Mary? Isn't she beautiful?" She asked while grinning
I paused reading, glancing up to tease her. "Yeah, she's prettier than you"
She pouted and said "Your mean!"
I chuckled. "Just telling the truth"
"So you like her then? She's also smart, like you"
I shook my head. "Not interested. Besides, we're still young."
"You're weird, Lucy," she replied, then looked outside at the passing scenery.
Having good relations with the Goldhart family is part of my plan, but relationships are far from what I really want.
We both settled into a comfortable silence, the sounds of the carriage rolling along as Belle watched the dark landscape pass by while I continued to read.
...
As we returned home, I headed to my room to change and put away the books I had brought. Meanwhile, Belle went to mother to tell what we did.
I walked toward my father's office when suddenly, a chubby man with brown hair and a mustache opened the door. He looked concerned about something; whatever issue they were discussing inside must be important.
"Good evening, Lucian," he greeted me with a smile.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. George," I replied politely.
"I met your daughter earlier; she seems to be doing fine." I added
He chuckled, though worry lingered in his eyes.. "Really? I'm worried—"
This was George Goldhart, Mary's father. I had met him a few times and shared some conversations.
"Oh, Count Luke is inside," he continued. "I'm in a bit of rush right now, but I'll see you at your party."
"I understand you're a busy man. I'll see you later then," I replied as he hurriedly took off.
As he walked away, I opened the door and greeted my father, who was reading the documents on the table.
"Belle said you also want to train with Roswell?" Father asked, looking up from his paperwork.
"Yes, Father!" I exclaimed excitedly.
"In your age it's not going to be easy, but you're my son, so you'll be fine." He laughed out loud.
"By the way, Father, I saw Mr. George looking concerned about something," I said with curiosity.
My father's brow furrowed at my words. "Yes, one of our ships was plundered again. Criminals are becoming more active these days. As of today I'll be leading the investigation and have requested a backup from the church's agents."
"Can I see the report?" I asked, with intrigued look.
"Of course," Father replied, handing me the report without hesitation
To gain approval to use the old room, I had previously reviewed and suggested solutions to some issues, which had proven useful. So, my father was fine with letting me read the report.
"Can I study this tonight?" I asked.
"Of course, just don't work too much." The he handed me a copy.
As we continued our conversation the knock of maid interrupted us and said. "Good evening my lord, Lady Arian wish to see sir Lucian immediately."
Father gave me a grin. "You should go ahead, you know your mother."
"Alright, goodnight, father" I bowed and left
...
We walked through the hallway of the household, the maid leading the way. When I opened the door to my mother's room, she jumped at me suddenly, her eyes sparkling with delight.
"How's my Lucy? You've been locked in that room for so long, I'm starting to regret approving your use of it!" she said, pouting playfully.
"I-I'm okay, Mother. I'm sorry about that. W-what can I do for you?" I asked, while trying to free myself from her embrace.
Her face lit up with a wide grin. "Really? You mean it?"
Opss, I regret what I said. Before I could react, she grabbed my arm and dragged me toward the suite she had ordered. Mother had a bright expression as she began fitting various suits on me, treating me like a dress-up doll.
"Are you excited for your party? The preparations are almost complete, and many people are coming!" She asked me while adjusting my sleeves.
"I'm not sure," I replied hesitantly.
Since I arrived here, I rarely leave and hardly interact with anyone, especially the nobles.
"You don't have to worry, just enjoy it," she replied with a mischievous smile. "Besides, no one would dare mess with you." She giggled, a bit wickedly.
She's kind, but you don't want to make her angry. Even my father is a little afraid when she's truly upset.
"Here! What do you think?" she asked, stepping back after dressing me.
I walked over to the mirror and took in the outfit: a crisp white shirt with long sleeves beneath a black waistcoat with intricate dark patterns, paired with a neatly tied red tie. My black trousers with subtle stripes added to the formal look.
"I like it," I replied, straightening the collar a bit.
Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "Really? You can add this black coat too!" she said, while holding the coatsleek.
I put on the coat and check it. We continued our conversation for a while before I leave and went to the old room to check the report that my father handed me.
...
I sat in the chair, placing the report on the desk and began reviewing it.
I read one of the report about recent pirate attack on a cargo ship. Half of the crew had been killed, some injured, and most of the goods are stolen. The incident was a severe blow to Goldhart Trading. However, as I studied the inventory of the ship, the location, motive, and the past record. I concluded that this is just a small pirate crew rather than a powerful organization.
There are three powerful Sea Warlords and five Sea Admirals that dominate the oceans. However, they typically focus on high-value targets and rarely go into Linberg's waters, as such a move could be seen as an act of war to Valeria, a risk they wouldn't take.
As I began drafting a solution to the problem, I muttered aloud, "Maybe we could let the church's agents handle the pirates. Hmm."
The church's agents include powerful and uniquely skilled individuals that deal specifically with rogue Awakeners.
Every creature possesses a hidden potential for power, though only a rare few can awaken it. The Awakening Ceremony is a primary method to unlock this power and it used by this kingdom to ensures safety by monitoring the process, because some Awakeners risk falling into madness, transforming into dangerous abominations. Rogue Awakeners, who gain their abilities through illegal methods or outside the church's knowledge, are investigated or prosecuted by the church.