Lucas couldn't help but replay Sebastian's earlier words in his mind.
'Eldric acted really cold when I first met him; I thought that was just how he really was. Could I have been wrong?'
His curiosity grew, and before he could second-guess himself, he spoke up. "Dr. Sebastian, I don't really understand. What did you mean by 'what happened back then'? Can you tell me?"
Sebastian's face turned serious. He took a deep breath before responding. "Why don't you sit down here beside me?"
Lucas hesitated but eventually nodded. "Uh, alright."
He walked over and sat beside Sebastian on the worn couch. Now at eye level, he could see the weight of years etched into Sebastian's expression. Whatever this was, Lucas could tell it wasn't easy for him to discuss.
Sebastian began, his voice heavy with emotion. "Eldric wasn't always like this, you know. Back then, he was such a joyful kid. He loved magic—he was obsessed with it. He'd beg his parents to show him spells all the time. They were his whole world. His admiration for them was boundless."
Lucas listened intently, his gaze fixed on Sebastian as he continued.
"His parents… they were incredible mages. Both of them held the title of S-rank mages, the strongest in this land. They weren't just his parents—they were a symbol of hope for all of us in the Land of Blossoming Flowers." A small, wistful smile flickered across Sebastian's face before vanishing. "But their strength came at a cost."
Lucas's brow furrowed. "What happened?"
Sebastian's expression darkened. "Six years ago, a dragon attacked our land. A massive, terrifying beast. It ravaged everything in its path, and no one else had the power to stop it. Only Eldric's parents could stand against it. They fought with everything they had and managed to drive the dragon away. But…"
Sebastian's voice cracked slightly. "They didn't survive the battle. Both of them… gave their lives to protect us."
Lucas's face fell, his stomach sinking. "I… I had no idea."
Sebastian nodded solemnly. "Eldric was just a boy back then, barely eight years old. He adored them. Their deaths shattered him. He lost the light in his eyes that day. The joy, the curiosity—all of it was replaced by hatred and sorrow. He's been carrying that burden ever since."
Lucas sat in silence, trying to absorb the weight of what he'd just heard.
'I thought Eldric was just some rude guy. I didn't expect this at all. What a tragic story...'
He glanced at the floor, guilt washing over him. 'Maybe I shouldn't judge people so quickly.'
Sebastian's voice broke through his thoughts. "Lucas, I have some questions for you as well."
Lucas blinked and looked up. "Questions? What do you mean?"
Sebastian's eyes studied him closely. "Where are you from? When I first saw you, I couldn't help but notice how… unusual you are. Your clothes, your mannerisms, even your name. They're unlike anything I've encountered before."
Lucas froze. His face turned pale as panic set in. He hadn't prepared for this. What could he say? What kind of excuse could he make? His mind raced, grasping for an answer.
Sebastian noticed the hesitation and sighed. "Actually, forget it." He leaned back, his tone softening. "I won't pry if it makes you uncomfortable."
Lucas exhaled, relieved but still uneasy.
Sebastian continued, his expression now thoughtful. "Let me ask something else, then. Are you on some kind of journey, Lucas? Eldric mentioned that you came out of the forest looking like… well, like you'd been running for your life. I've been wondering what would bring someone like you to a place like this, especially alone."
Lucas's heart sank again. Another difficult question.
'A crazy maniac? Did Eldric really describe me like that?' he thought bitterly.
Still, this was easier to navigate than the first question. Lucas took a moment to gather his thoughts and said, "Uh… actually, I ran away from home."
Sebastian's eyes widened in surprise. "Ran away? From home?"
Lucas nodded quickly, trying to seem convincing. "Y-Yeah. I guess I just wanted to… find my own path, you know?"
Sebastian regarded him carefully. He didn't seem entirely convinced, but he let out a small sigh. "I see. Well, I suppose no one would be reckless enough to set out on a journey without knowing how to fight."
Lucas's eye twitched slightly. 'Was that an insult?' he thought.
Sebastian didn't press further. Instead, he shifted the conversation. "By the way, Lucas, have you eaten breakfast yet?"
Lucas tilted his head in confusion. "Huh? Breakfast? Isn't it already afternoon?"
Sebastian chuckled lightly. "Ah, I suppose it is. Time has a way of slipping past when you're caught up in conversation. Come, let's see what we can prepare."
Lucas stood, his mind still swirling with thoughts about everything Sebastian had shared. As they moved toward the kitchen, one thing was clear: this world held far more complexity than he'd imagined, and he was only beginning to scratch the surface.