As the night wore on and the guests bid their farewells, Lucian retired to his room, weary but content after a successful evening of celebration. Victoria, ever the attentive caretaker, guided Prince Alexandre to his chambers, ensuring he was settled in for the night.
Meanwhile, Roman and Kelam made their way to their respective chambers, their minds still buzzing with excitement from the events of the evening. The next day dawned bright and clear, and Roman decided it was the perfect opportunity to test his skills in a friendly sparring match with Prince Alexandre.
Kelam, on the other hand, sought solace in the shade of a towering tree, opening a book titled "The Seven Beasts." He settled in to watch the impending match between Roman and the prince, curious to see how their skills would fare against each other.
As Roman and the prince squared off, Roman initially underestimated Alexandre's strength, intending to take it easy on the younger boy. However, he quickly realized his mistake as Alexandre's ghoul heritage granted him unparalleled physical prowess.
"You're quite skilled, Alexandre," Roman remarked, parrying a swift strike from the prince's blade. "I underestimated you."
Alexandre's eyes sparkled with admiration as he circled Roman, his movements fluid and precise. "Thank you, Roman," he replied with a wide grin, his voice tinged with excitement. "It's an honor to spar with you!"
With renewed determination, Alexandre launched into a flurry of attacks, each one executed with finesse and precision. Roman found himself impressed by the prince's skill and enthusiasm, his initial reservations melting away as he fully engaged in the match.
Roman then adjusted his approach, meeting the prince's attacks head-on. The spar grew more intense with each passing moment, the sound of clashing blades echoing through the courtyard.
Kelam watched from the sidelines, his interest piqued by the display of skill and determination. "They're evenly matched," he mused aloud, turning a page in his book. "It's impressive to see."
Just as the combat reached its peak, Victoria appeared, ringing a bell to signal the end of the match.
As Roman and the prince backed off, Roman's demeanor was noticeably colder towards Victoria. "You interrupted at a crucial moment, Victoria," he remarked sharply, his tone laced with annoyance.
Victoria, taken aback by Roman's tone, tried to explain. "I'm sorry, Roman, but safety comes first," she replied, her voice tinged with concern. "I couldn't let the spar escalate too far."
Meanwhile, Alexandre couldn't contain his excitement as he watched Roman in action. "Wow, Roman, that was an amazing fight!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with admiration. "You're like a legendary hero!"
Roman, slightly caught off guard by Alexandre's fervent admiration, softened his demeanor. "Thanks, Alexandre," he replied, a hint of warmth entering his voice. "But remember, it's just a spar."
Alexandre nodded eagerly, his admiration undiminished. "Still, you're incredible! I hope to be as skilled as you one day," he said earnestly, his eyes shining with determination.
Kelam chuckled from his spot under the tree, amused by Alexandre's enthusiasm. "Looks like you've got yourself a fan, Roman," he teased, a playful smirk playing on his lips.
Roman grinned."It seems so," he replied, his tone light. "But let's not forget, there's always room for improvement."
As the evening drew to a close, Victoria guided Roman, Alexandre, and Kelam back to the dining room. Despite the camaraderie shared during the spar, a lingering tension hung in the air, especially between Roman and Victoria.
Setting down the steaming dishes on the polished wooden table, Victoria forced a smile, attempting to lighten the atmosphere. "I hope you gentlemen are hungry," she said, her voice gentle yet strained. "I've prepared a meal fit for champions."
Roman remained unfazed, his gaze fixed on his plate as he picked at his food. Alexandre and Kelam exchanged worried glances, sensing the palpable animosity in the room but unsure how to address it.
As they ate, the silence grew heavy, broken only by the clinking of cutlery against porcelain. Victoria's attempts at conversation faltered, her words met with chilly indifference from Roman.
Once the meal was finished, Victoria discreetly excused herself from the table, her heart heavy with disappointment. As she navigated the dimly lit hallways of the manor, she nearly collided with Lucian, who was just heading to the dinning hall.
"Victoria, is everything alright?" Lucian inquired, concern etched into his features as he noticed her somber expression.
Victoria sighed softly, her eyes betraying her inner turmoil. "It's Roman," she confessed quietly. "He still harbors resentment about the cult's attack and Leonna's death. No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to mend the rift between us."
Lucian placed a reassuring hand on Victoria's shoulder, his voice gentle yet firm. "I understand," he replied, his gaze filled with empathy. "Healing takes time, especially in the face of such tragedy. But rest assured, with patience and compassion, we will navigate through this together."
With a nod of gratitude, Victoria found solace in Lucian's comforting words.
As Lucian burst into the dining hall, his presence exuded with charismatic energy addressing his students. "Gentlemen!" he exclaimed with a wide grin, his voice ringing with enthusiasm. "I have incredible news for you all!"
The boys looked up from their seats, their attention immediately captured by Lucian's infectious excitement.
"With great pleasure, I announce that you three have been accepted into Leibenscraft Academy!" Lucian declared, his voice carrying a sense of pride and anticipation.
The boys' eyes widened in astonishment, their hearts racing with excitement at the prospect of attending the renowned academy.
Kelam was the first to react, his voice filled with eager anticipation. "When do we begin, Master Lucian?" he asked eagerly, his eyes shining with excitement.
Lucian chuckled, his demeanor playful yet authoritative. "You'll be starting your journey in just seven months' time," he revealed, his tone brimming with confidence. "That's when Alexandre turns eleven and awakens his soul, just like you two did."
Alexandre's eyes lit up with excitement as he processed the news, a sense of determination burning within him. "I can hardly wait!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with youthful enthusiasm.
Roman nodded in agreement, a smile spreading across his face. "It's going to be an extraordinary adventure," he thought to himself.
As Lucian finished delivered the news , the young prince's eyes widened with a mixture of astonishment and excitement. "Wait does that mean my father wants me to stay here and train with you?" Alexandre exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.
Lucian nodded, a warm smile gracing his features. "Indeed, Alexandre," he confirmed, his tone reassuring. "His majesty believes that staying here and honing your skills will prepare you for the journey ahead."
Alexandre's heart soared with joy at the prospect of becoming Lucian's official apprentice. Unable to contain his excitement any longer, he leaped from his seat, his princely composure momentarily forgotten in a burst of jubilation.
"Yes! This is incredible!" Alexandre exclaimed, his voice ringing with unbridled enthusiasm. "I can't believe it!"
His infectious joy spread to Roman and Kelam, who grinned in delight at their friend's elation. The three boys shared a moment of camaraderie, united by their shared passion for adventure and discovery.
As the excitement in the dining hall reached its peak, Lucian couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his young apprentices. With their determination and spirit, he knew they were destined for greatness.
Together, they would embark on a journey that would shape their destinies and change the course of history.