After their conversation, Princess Selene insisted gently but firmly:
"You need to rest, Luther. You're not fully recovered. I promise we'll talk tonight, but for now, you must recover."
However, Luther shook his head, leaning on the bed for support. "No. We'll talk now. I can't stay here without knowing what's going on."
Selene sighed, reluctantly giving in. "Alright… but it won't be easy to hear."
She sat beside him, looking directly into his eyes. Her expression revealed an internal conflict between her concern for him and her duty to the kingdom.
"Last night, after the great explosion, we ran to where you were. The guards and I got there as fast as we could, but when we arrived, it was too late. No one died, but many were gravely injured… and Marcus had disappeared."
Luther squinted, struggling to recall the events, but his mind remained foggy.
"We found you unconscious, and Elise was with you," Selene continued. "She said Marcus and his allies had kidnapped her, sedated her, and when she woke up, she was beside you. Everything had already happened. Marcus, as I said, is missing. The others are injured and haven't woken up yet… which is why, Luther, you are the main suspect."
Luther opened his mouth, incredulous, but no words came out.
Selene lowered her gaze, as if it pained her deeply to continue. "It's not that I doubt you, but we've received orders to imprison you until everything is resolved. The kingdom is on the brink of chaos… and this was the breaking point."
The weight of her words left Luther breathless, but Selene pressed on, her voice trembling.
"There's something else you need to know, something I've kept secret until now… but you must promise me you'll keep it to yourself, for your sake and the kingdom's."
Luther nodded slowly, his chest tightening with anxiety.
"A few days ago… the castle was attacked. My father, the king, was gravely wounded. He's in a coma now, hospitalized, and we don't know if he'll recover. We found traces of dark mana in his room and around the castle. Everything points to demons… and those who support them."
Selene fixed her gaze on him, tears forming in her eyes.
"Your dark mana… so potent, so… different, has made you a target. The nobles are thirsty for justice—or at least a scapegoat. They want to pin this on you, Luther, to gain honor and climb the ranks. They're looking for any excuse."
The weight of her words fell like a stone on Luther, leaving him stunned.
"Selene… I didn't… it wasn't me," he finally murmured, his voice broken with confusion and pain.
"I know," she replied, though her voice wavered as she added, "or at least, I want to believe it. But no one else will. You're alone, Luther. No one supports you—not even those who are supposed to protect the kingdom."
Finally, Selene's composure crumbled. Tears began to fall as she covered her face with her hands.
"I don't know what to do! Everyone expects me to act, to keep the kingdom together, but… no one supports me. It's too much to bear, and I'm not strong enough…"
Her voice broke, and her sobs filled the room. "I miss my father…"
Luther, frozen for a moment, finally moved. He rose from the bed with effort and wrapped her in a protective embrace.
"Selene…" he murmured softly, "it's going to be alright…"
She clung to him, crying into his chest.
"Thank you, Luther… but what if I can't? What if the kingdom falls into chaos because of me? What will happen to the people, the children, the—"
Before she could finish, Luther tightened the embrace, his eyes filled with determination.
"I won't let that happen. You're not alone, Selene. I'll be with you, no matter what."
She gradually calmed down in his arms, though the weight of the situation remained overwhelming for both of them. They knew the road ahead would be dangerous and uncertain, but for now, that moment of mutual comfort gave them the strength to face what was to come.
After a few minutes, Princess Selene calmed herself and stepped away from Luther, wiping her tears with her hand. She thanked him for his support and, with a more composed expression, gave him space to speak.
Luther took a deep breath and began recounting what he could remember, his voice grave yet resolute. "Marcus and his friends… they attacked me. It wasn't just an ambush. I wanted to protect Elise, but they manipulated her, used her to throw me off balance. I don't know how it happened—I just know I lost control, and when I came to, everything was already out of place."
Selene listened intently, understanding the pain and confusion in his words. When he finished, she gave him a look full of empathy. "I believe you, Luther. I understand what happened. No one can remain fully in control when a friend is being threatened. But you must be careful. Things will only get worse from here. This isn't over."
Luther nodded slowly, his face reflecting a mix of relief and worry. "I know… but even so, I can't return to the academy, can I? I'll have to face all of this on my own."
Princess Selene gave him a faint smile, tinged with sadness but carrying a hint of resolution. "Well… about that…" She paused, ensuring her next words carried the necessary weight. "Elise decided to give you most of the stones. She said you deserved them for what you truly accomplished. In the end, you came out first in the exam."
Luther's face lit up with surprise. "What? Really?" Joy momentarily broke through his expression, but before he could celebrate, Selene continued in a more serious tone.
"Yes, but… I already told you everyone is watching you. Most of the nobles opposed it, even though you came out on top. It was hard, but I managed to get you in—under certain conditions." Her expression shifted to one of warning. "You'll be supervised by a special instructor, someone who will watch over you and ensure you stay on the right path. So, Luther, make sure you keep a low profile. Don't cause any trouble at the academy, or I won't be able to keep protecting you."
Luther's smile faded as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by a look of sincere gratitude toward Selene. He knew what she had done for him, the sacrifice it entailed, and the risks she was taking by supporting him. "Thank you, Selene… I don't know what else to say. You've done more for me than I ever imagined anyone would."
Selene gave him a soft smile, though it was still marked by worry. "It's late, Luther. You should rest. Tomorrow will be a long day, and in the morning, we'll leave for the academy. You need to be ready."
Luther nodded, the exhausting mix of emotions leaving him with little else to say. "I will… I'll rest. Thank you for everything."
Selene, before leaving, gave him one last look. "Remember, Luther, what happens at the academy isn't just about you. It's for the kingdom, for your future. Do it well, and all of this will have been worth it."
With those words, she left the room, leaving Luther alone with his thoughts, his mind filled with doubts and hopes. He lay back on the bed, feeling the weight of what lay ahead but also a glimmer of hope for the opportunity he still had. Closing his eyes, he let the exhaustion take over as he thought about the future awaiting him.