Dinner in my room?
I couldn't help but repeat the words, feeling an unexpected pang in my chest.
"Yes," Jail, our ever-stoic butler, confirmed with his usual monotone. "Lady Carla will bring your meal shortly. Lord Dawson has requested you take dinner privately this evening."
"Ah, I see."
Understanding dawned, and the explanation made perfect sense. Jail's sharp, unreadable eyes stayed on me, waiting for a response. His composed demeanor was impenetrable, but it wasn't difficult to guess why this decision had been made.
"This dinner is an important occasion for Johan and, by extension, for the Nazzario family," Jail added, as if to preempt any protest. "Your understanding in this matter would be appreciated."
I offered a faint smile, though it was forced. "Of course. Johan is important to me as well. I'll stay in my room and not get in the way."
"Thank you." Jail gave a curt bow and disappeared into the hall, the door closing behind him with a soft click.
Left alone in the quiet of my room, I sat down on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the door. A sigh escaped me as I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees.
It wasn't the first time I'd been excluded, and I doubted it would be the last. The logic was sound—why let the family's black sheep mar an evening meant to showcase Johan's brilliance? They were sparing themselves the embarrassment of my presence and sparing me the awkwardness of enduring polite yet pitying glances.
That was the explanation. It was rational. I understood it.
But understanding didn't erase the sting.
Lying back on the bed, I exhaled deeply, staring at the ceiling. It had been a long day—morning research with Johan, an unexpected encounter with Lady Fiolette at the front door, and a visit to the shrine that ended with meeting Seiryu, a self-proclaimed spirit of water. Each event felt stranger than the last, as if the universe had decided to test my sanity for amusement.
Now, this. Dinner alone in my room. Again.
I closed my eyes, trying to shake the creeping sense of isolation. It didn't matter. I had work to do. Plans to make. And if the world wished to exclude me, so be it. I'd find my place, even if it wasn't here.
I woke to the sound of faint voices.
Groggily sitting up, I realized the room was steeped in darkness. The soft glow of moonlight seeped through the window, illuminating the faint outlines of furniture.
"What time is it…?" I muttered, rubbing my face. My mouth felt dry, and my limbs were heavy with the remnants of sleep.
I reached for the lamp, its warm light revealing a tray of food sitting untouched on my desk. Carla must have left it while I was asleep. The bread looked dry, and the soup had cooled, but I was too hungry to care. I ate quickly, washing it down with water.
Outside, the world was silent save for the faint whispers that had stirred me awake. Frowning, I moved to the window and opened it, letting the cool night air fill the room.
Voices carried faintly from the direction of the back garden. For a moment, I stared into the shadows, wondering who could be awake at such an hour. Then I remembered Johan's earlier conversation with Marduk, Lady Fiolette's knight.
A duel.
They'd planned a secret duel for tonight.
I hesitated. Johan wouldn't appreciate me watching. He'd consider it prying, an intrusion on his pride.
But…
Curiosity tugged at me. Watching a live duel—a real battle of magic and skill—was an opportunity too rare to pass up. Especially one involving Johan, the family genius, and Marduk, a seasoned knight.
Slipping on a cloak, I made my way quietly through the darkened halls, my bare feet making no sound against the cold stone floors. The air grew cooler as I approached the garden, the faint murmur of voices guiding me.
The garden was draped in shadows, the tall hedges and towering trees forming a natural arena. Moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled light over the clearing where Johan and Marduk stood facing each other.
Johan looked determined, his small frame taut with anticipation. Across from him, Marduk stood tall and composed, his posture relaxed but radiating the quiet confidence of a man who knew his strength.
"Shall we begin?" Marduk asked, his tone calm.
Johan nodded, his voice sharp with resolve. "Let's get this over with before someone notices."
Marduk chuckled softly. "Very well. But remember—this is the only match I'll entertain tonight. There will be no encore."
"Fine by me. Just don't hold back."
I crouched behind a large rock at the edge of the clearing, careful to stay hidden. My heart raced with excitement.
Marduk set his sword aside, planting it firmly against a tree. Johan followed suit, his weapon resting against another trunk. The terms of their duel had clearly been agreed upon beforehand.
"The rules are simple," Marduk said. "No weapons. No excessive damage to the surroundings. The match ends when one of us is incapacitated or concedes. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
Both combatants fell silent, their gazes locked as they waited for the signal.
High above, a thick cloud drifted across the moon, plunging the garden into near-total darkness. The world seemed to hold its breath.
Then, the cloud passed, and moonlight spilled into the clearing.
In an instant, the duel began.
Johan darted forward, faster than I'd expected, his small form blurring with speed. A flicker of blue light appeared in his hand, coalescing into a shimmering orb of water. He hurled it at Marduk, the magic cutting through the air like a thrown spear.
Marduk moved with startling grace, sidestepping the attack with ease. The orb struck a tree behind him, exploding into a shower of droplets.
Johan didn't relent. Another orb materialized in his hand, then another. He sent them flying in quick succession, each aimed with precision.
But Marduk was unfazed. He weaved through the onslaught, his movements smooth and unhurried, like a dancer stepping through raindrops.
"Not bad," Marduk said, his voice calm despite the flurry of attacks. "But you'll need more than that to beat me."
Johan smirked, leaping into the air. His mana-infused jump carried him higher than any normal human could reach. Spinning mid-air, he lashed out with a powerful kick aimed at Marduk's head.
Marduk ducked just in time, the force of the kick whistling past him. Johan landed lightly, already preparing his next move.
But Marduk was faster. In a blur of motion, he stepped forward, his palm glowing faintly with mana. He thrust it toward Johan's chest, and a powerful pulse of air erupted from his hand.
The impact sent Johan flying backward. He crashed into a tree with a heavy thud, a pained grunt escaping his lips.
"Gah—!"
I winced, my hands balling into fists as I resisted the urge to run to him. But to my relief, Johan was already moving. He staggered to his feet, brushing dirt from his clothes and wiping a trickle of blood from his lip.
"Not bad," he muttered, a grin tugging at his mouth despite the pain. "But I'm not done yet."
Marduk nodded, his expression unreadable. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. Let's see how far it takes you."
They squared off again, the moonlight glinting off their forms as the tension in the air thickened.
And from my hidden vantage point, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.
This was Johan—my brother. The pride of our family.
And tonight, he shone brighter than ever.