Lucan had finally regained enough strength to move about on his own. His wounds still ached, and every step was a reminder of the brutal fight he'd survived, but he could walk without stumbling. Today was important. Today, he would face Lord Emberlily, and hopefully, secure a future for himself.
Captain Thorne walked beside him, his presence both comforting and imposing. Lucan had learned much from the man in the past few days, though it had not been easy. Lady Lyra had personally asked him to help Lucan as a favor. Thorne wasn't the kind to go easy on anyone, but Lucan was beginning to see the value in the harsh lessons.
They approached the grand chamber where Lord Emberlily awaited. Lucan straightened, trying to look dignified despite the weight of uncertainty that hung over him. He had practiced the etiquette Thorne had taught him, but it still felt foreign. As they entered, Lucan quickly glanced at Lyra, who sat in silence beside her father. She offered him a small nod, which Lucan took as a silent encouragement.
Lord Emberlily was seated at the head of a long, polished table. His gaze flicked to Lucan as he entered, but he didn't move. Lucan took a deep breath, bowing low with his hands at his sides, as he had been taught.
"My Lord," he said, his voice steady despite the nerves that threatened to shake him.
Lord Emberlily chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "Ah, it seems the lessons have taken hold," he said, eyes watching with amusement. "The maids were likely losing their minds at the sound of you speaking improperly last time."
Lucan didn't look up, but his cheeks flushed slightly at the mention of his earlier, more awkward attempts at speaking. He kept his head bowed, waiting for the lord's next words.
"Now," Emberlily continued, "You've had time to think. Have you decided what you want from me, boy?"
Lucan stood tall, meeting Emberlily's gaze as he took a deep breath. This was it. "I have," he said, voice firm. He could feel the weight of the moment. "I saved your daughter's life. I ask for 60 gold crowns in return."
The room was eerily silent. Lucan felt every eye on him, the tension thick in the air. He could see the surprise flicker across Emberlily's face, but the lord quickly masked it. A moment passed before Thorne spoke, his tone cool but measured.
"Why would we give you 60 gold crowns, boy?" Thorne asked. "You're not even a soldier, and your wounds are barely healed. What will you do with that gold?"
Lucan swallowed, then met Thorne's gaze with determination. "I want to attend the Great Oak Academy. To learn. To become stronger. I have nothing now, but I can be something if given the chance."
The room went even quieter. Lucan could almost feel the weight of every gaze pressing down on him. Lyra had yet to speak, but her eyes were fixed on him, and her expression while trying to unreadable showed surprise.
Emberlily's brow furrowed. "The academy is no small thing. You're asking for more than just gold. You're asking for the opportunity to rise above what you are." He leaned forward, his voice lower now, sharp. "Do you even understand what they put candidates through? The tests? Especially for someone without noble blood?"
Lucan hesitated, his confidence faltering for just a moment. He hadn't thought much about the tests. All he knew was that it was his only chance. He looked down briefly, then back up at Emberlily.
"I know it won't be easy. But I can learn. I'll pass the test, and if I fail, I'll leave, but I want the chance to prove myself."
Emberlily studied him for a long while, his gaze piercing. "Thorne," he said after a moment, still looking at Lucan, "You have him for three months. Train him. Mold him. If he passes the entrance exam, I'll pay the 60 gold crowns." He paused and added, "If he fails... well, he'll succumb to the life of a soldier."
Thorne nodded, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "As you wish, my lord."
Lucan could hardly believe what he was hearing. Three months. That was his chance. He could make it. He would make it.
After the meeting, Lucan found himself alone for a brief moment in the hall. He was still trying to process what had just transpired. A part of him wanted to collapse with relief, but he couldn't afford to let his guard down, not yet.
Lyra appeared in the hallway shortly after, walking briskly toward him. Her expression was unreadable at first, but it softened slightly when she spoke.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice genuine.
Lucan gave her a tired but grateful smile. "Better. Still sore, but I'm getting there."
She hesitated before speaking again. "You know, my father would never have done this for anyone else," she said quietly. "He doesn't give his trust easily, and 60 crowns is still a sizable amount even for a lord." She gave him a small, almost wistful smile. "But you... you've shown something that others haven't."
Lucan nodded, not entirely sure how to respond. He still couldn't quite believe it. Emberlily, one of the most influential men in the region, had just offered him a chance to change his life. But the road ahead wouldn't be easy.
"You'll need to train hard," Lyra continued, her tone turning more serious. "Thorne doesn't go easy on anyone. And the academy... it's not something you can just walk into. You'll be tested, and they'll make sure you're ready."
Lucan clenched his fists, the determination returning to his chest. "I'll make sure I'm ready."
Lyra smiled, her expression softening. "I know you will. But just so you know, I have a direct acceptance to the academy," she added, almost as an afterthought.
Lucan blinked in surprise. "But your family... House Emberlily isn't exactly one of the great houses, right?"
Lyra nodded. "My father knows the headmaster personally. That's why."
Lucan blinked again, trying to wrap his mind around it. The Great Oak Academy only accepted those with the means or the connections to attend. Lyra's father had that kind of influence?
"You're a mage, then?" Lucan asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Not a strong one," she admitted, shrugging slightly. "But mostly, I'm there for the knowledge. The magic... it's not my focus."
Lucan nodded, impressed in spite of himself. Lyra was more than she appeared, and it seemed her connection to the academy could open doors for him—doors that would otherwise be closed.
The next three months would be critical. But Lucan had a chance now, and he wouldn't waste it. Not for anything.