After a while, Lucian returned to the living room where I was seated.
"Is it done?" I asked as he approached me.
"Yes, he was given the funds," Lucian replied as he stood before me, then took a seat on the sofa to my left. "And he was riled up seeing that I was supporting you," he added, confirming that both my goals had been achieved.
"Good work," I complimented, for which he inclined his head slightly.
"Now, about the Astral Knights, do you want to tell me how you are related to them?" I asked after he had settled down on the sofa.
The question made him pause briefly before he regained his composure.
"Actually, when I grew tired of my brother's constant bullying and assault, I left the house to prove to him that I didn't want his throne," he began, staring ahead as if recalling the scenes.
"But that wasn't enough to reassure him. He still continued his antics. I became so exhausted by the end that I decided to join the one organization where even his influence wouldn't reach," he explained.
"And that was the Astral Knights?" I asked, to which he nodded in affirmation.
"But how did you come to know of them? Their existence isn't common knowledge, after all," I inquired, intrigued.
"Well, my father could see Gunnar's antics, so he offered me a place in the ranks of the Astral Knights. He was the one who requested His Highness's approval too," he answered.
That connected the dots—his father, an elder in the council, surely knew about the Astral Knights. His father must have also had my father's approval, given that Lucian was allowed into their ranks.
"So, I joined the ranks of the Astral Knights, where I was trained relentlessly before being allowed into the field," he continued.
"I made a name for myself, even saving the life of an extended royal relative. Because of that, His Highness granted me a promise despite it being only my duty," he added.
"I continued for a while before I met the Headmaster and decided to leave for the academy," he paused.
"So, you used the promise my father gave you to leave the Astral Knights and join the academy," I clarified, to which he nodded.
"I was not allowed to leave the academy unless specifically authorized by His Highness or granted explicit permission by the Headmaster," he added, glancing at me as though saying I knew the rest.
"That's just a very general recount without delving into specifics," he remarked.
"This is enough for now. We'll get into specifics when I feel the need," I replied.
We then discussed some details related to the operation before Lucian decided it was time to leave. However, just as he was about to stand, he paused and sat back down.
"Your Highness, you have been very kind to me and Elina. We have decided to present you with a gift," he said after a moment, catching me off guard.
"There is no need for that, Lucian. I've told you before, I only do what I wish to do, and I'll claim my reward when I want it," I replied, reiterating my previous stance.
"It's Elina who wants to present you with something special to thank you for the sewing room. I'm merely delivering the message," he clarified, lifting his hands in a gesture of surrender.
"So why are you telling me this now?" I asked, knowing they wouldn't have prepared a gift so quickly.
"Actually, Elina wants your measurements," Lucian said, revealing his intention.
"Fine. I'll stop by when I get a chance," I replied, for which he expressed gratitude.
Afterward, Lucian stood, paid his farewells, and left the living room. I also rose and walked out.
Entering my room, I headed to the washroom, where I freshened up and donned a simple silver robe.
The day had passed, and the moon shone through the large windows. I moved to the bed and sat in a meditative position as silver fireflies materialized around me. Slowly, I began guiding and refining my right kidney.
The process, though faster than before, had grown increasingly taxing as I refined more organs. Without the blood's assistance, refining this kidney alone would have taken months. But now, with my full potential unlocked, it would take at most twenty days to a month.
As I continued, I noticed a small white spot forming within my kidney. At the same time, the room grew warmer. Opening my eyes, I saw the morning sun peeking over the horizon, replacing the silver glow with the orange hues of dawn.
I felt a slight unease, realizing my anticipation of a bloodbath while meeting Gunnar had affected my refinement.
Perhaps it was time to pay my little "slut" a visit, I thought, as the silver essence still swirling around me buzzed with my excitement. My silver eyes shimmered with essence, complementing my silver hair. A smile crept across my face as my fangs sharpened.