After leaving the restaurant, Lusian and Emily walked leisurely through the academy gardens.
In the distance, the roar of battles spread throughout the entire campus.
The Class 1A qualifying tournament had already begun.
Every few seconds, an explosion of mana illuminated the sky. The clash of swords, the instructors' shouts, and the students' cheers blended together into a constant noise that traveled through the corridors.
The academy seemed much more alive than usual.
Emily watched the groups of students rushing toward the arena.
"It seems like everyone wants to watch the battles."
Lusian nodded.
"It's natural. Many of them will decide here who their future rivals will be."
Emily looked toward the main arena.
"Should we go closer?"
"Yes."
Lusian smiled faintly.
"Watching is also part of training. Sometimes you learn more by seeing others fight than by fighting yourself."
When they arrived, several matches were already underway.
Swords.
Magic.
Shouts.
The atmosphere was chaotic.
An instructor announced the next match while healers carried away the defeated participants and restored the damaged platform for the next fighters.
Lusian scanned the arena with his eyes.
It did not take long for him to find Master Austin.
He approached him.
"Master."
Austin turned his head and smiled when he saw him.
"Well, I thought you would still be bedridden for a few more days."
Lusian shrugged slightly.
"I feel much better."
He paused briefly before asking:
"Am I going to have to fight today?"
Austin laughed.
"Better that you rest. You wouldn't want to use the excuse that Kara still left you with a few broken bones, would you?"
Lusian let out a small smile.
"That sounds reasonable."
Austin crossed his arms.
"The qualifiers have only just begun. You'll have plenty of opportunities to fight."
Lusian nodded silently as he turned his gaze back toward the arena.
The tournament had only just started.
And judging by what he was seeing, there were still many students capable of surprising him.
The next day, the routine of Faldmord Academy led Lusian to a class he never would have expected to find in a combat institution.
Arts and Culture.
As he walked through the building's corridors, he discovered something that contrasted completely with the training halls.
There were painting workshops.
Dance rooms.
Libraries dedicated to literature.
And a large room devoted to music.
It was not education designed to turn students into professional artists.
It was noble education.
A future leader needed to understand the culture of his kingdom. They needed to appreciate works of art, hold conversations about literature, recognize a good musical composition, and at the very least, perform a simple piece during a ceremony or banquet.
Lusian looked at the classrooms with some disbelief.
Something similar had existed in his previous life.
But there...
It was different.
Music did not seem to have developed in the same way.
"I suppose even the nobles of this world have to learn how to play instruments," he muttered.
He sighed.
"Although I would still prefer a combat class."
He entered the music room.
It was a spacious hall illuminated by enormous windows. Sunlight poured over dozens of carefully arranged instruments.
Pianos.
Violins.
Harps.
Flutes.
String instruments similar to lutes.
Some students practiced under the supervision of the teacher.
A young woman repeated the same section of a piece over and over until she mastered it.
Another student pressed the piano keys while trying to correct his rhythm.
The music filling the room was elegant.
Perfect.
But also distant.
Lusian slowly walked between the instruments.
He had never been an exceptional musician.
In his previous life, he had learned simply out of curiosity.
Nothing professional.
Only enough to play a few melodies.
Even so...
Something felt strange.
He recognized the notes.
He recognized the scales.
But the way musicians in this world constructed their compositions was different.
As if they had taken a completely different path from the beginning.
His gaze eventually fell on a piano.
He sat down.
Placed his hands on the keys.
The first note sounded clean.
Then another.
He tried to remember a simple melody.
But his fingers did not respond the way he expected.
He made a mistake.
He tried again.
Another mistake.
Lusian frowned.
"Remembering a song doesn't mean knowing how to play it..."
He tried a scale.
Three mistakes in a row.
Finally, he let out a small laugh.
"My memory exaggerated my abilities."
He stood up.
He picked up a violin.
The first note was an unpleasant sound that made several students turn their heads.
Lusian remained silent for a few seconds.
Then he calmly returned the instrument to its place.
"Definitely not."
He tried a lute.
The result was slightly better.
But not by much.
Then his gaze stopped on a simple instrument resting beside a window.
A small wooden flute.
No decorations.
No eye-catching details.
It looked like an ordinary instrument.
He picked it up out of curiosity.
Lusian walked through the room, observing the instruments.
It was not a class he expected to enjoy.
The music of this world was not bad.
In fact, it was quite elegant.
But there was something about it that felt strange to him.
Every piece seemed to be created for important occasions.
Ceremonies.
Banquets.
Noble gatherings.
Everything was perfect.
Too perfect.
He stopped in front of a small wooden flute placed beside a window.
He took it in his hands.
It was a simple instrument.
Nothing special.
For some reason, it reminded him of something.
A melody.
But he could not remember exactly what it was.
He frowned.
—How did it go...?
He stared at the flute for a few seconds.
Then, almost without realizing it, he began to hum.
A simple melody.
Without words.
Just a sequence of soft notes he had heard many times in his previous life.
At first, it was barely a whisper.
But little by little, the melody returned.
A memory that had remained buried for years.
Lusian smiled faintly.
—Ah... that's how it was.
It was not a famous song.
It was not a complicated piece.
It was simply one of those melodies that remained in your memory without you knowing why.
A quiet song.
Something someone might listen to on an ordinary afternoon while looking out a window.
Without realizing it, some nearby students began paying attention.
Not because it was impressive.
But because it was different.
It did not have the structure of the songs they knew.
It did not seem created to showcase skill.
It simply felt like...
An emotion transformed into sound.
Lusian brought the flute to his lips.
And began to play.
The first note was gentle.
Then another.
The melody that had existed only in his memory slowly took form again.
The sound of the flute gradually filled the room.
It was a simple piece of music.
But there was something unusual about it.
It did not speak of heroes.
It did not speak of great battles.
It did not speak of the glory of nobles.
It was a song about small moments.
About memories.
About the feeling of missing something that no longer exists.
The students slowly stopped practicing.
A violinist lowered his bow.
A girl sitting at the piano left her hands motionless above the keys.
Even the professor looked up.
Not because Lusian was playing like a professional musician.
In fact, there were small mistakes.
But no one thought about correcting them.
Because the melody carried something that the compositions of this world rarely showed.
It was intimate.
It was imperfect.
It was human.
From the other side of the room, Isabella slowly raised her gaze.
She had heard hundreds of compositions.
She had studied music theory for years.
She could recognize styles, techniques, and structures.
But this...
It belonged to nothing she knew.
It was not a piece created to impress.
It was as if she were listening to someone's memories transformed into a song.
And yet, somehow...
She understood what it was trying to say.
A few meters away, Isabella could barely hold back a sigh of boredom.
Again.
Caleb and Leonardo.
The two of them were competing for her attention as if they were fighting a silent battle.
An arrogant remark.
A carefully practiced smile.
A casual mention of their family's prestige.
Always the same.
To them, it was a competition.
To Isabella...
It was exhausting.
Then something unexpected happened.
A melody began to spread through the room.
Soft.
Calm.
So simple that it almost seemed fragile.
Isabella stopped listening to the conversation.
She was not the only one.
Little by little, several students lowered their voices.
Some stopped practicing.
Others simply raised their heads.
They did not understand why.
That music did not resemble any of the compositions taught at the academy.
The classical works of Kuria were solemn.
Created for ceremonies.
With dramatic changes, prolonged notes, and rhythms meant to convey authority.
This was different.
The melody moved naturally.
It did not try to demonstrate difficulty.
It did not seek to impress.
It simply...
Flowed.
Like the sound of a river.
Like the wind passing through a forest.
Isabella followed the direction of the music.
Beside one of the windows, a young man held a simple wooden flute.
Lusian Douglas.
Her body tensed slightly.
She had heard enough rumors about him.
She knew the name.
She knew the reputation of the Douglas family.
She knew what kind of person she should expect to find.
But that image did not match any of those stories.
Lusian's eyes were closed.
His expression was completely relaxed.
He did not seem to be playing for others.
He did not even seem to remember that there were other people in the room.
As if, for a few minutes, he had forgotten the academy.
As if that melody had carried him somewhere far away.
Isabella remained still.
She had no intention of approaching.
She would only listen for a few seconds.
That was all.
However...
Those seconds continued to pass.
And the melody continued to surround the classroom.
It was a difficult feeling to explain.
It did not create excitement.
It did not demand respect.
It conveyed something much simpler.
Nostalgia.
A strange kind of nostalgia.
The feeling of missing a place she had never known.
Isabella slightly frowned.
Why could such a simple melody cause something like this?
Only then did she realize she had started walking.
One step.
Then another.
By the time she noticed, she was already standing in front of him.
Lusian played the final note.
The silence remained suspended for a few moments.
As if no one wanted to be the first to break it.
Then Isabella spoke.
—What a beautiful melody...
Lusian slowly opened his eyes.
He seemed surprised to see her there.
He lowered the flute calmly.
—Thank you.
Isabella looked at the instrument.
—I have never heard anything like this before.
She paused briefly.
—Who composed it?
Lusian remained silent for a few seconds.
His gaze lowered to the flute.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
It was a peaceful smile.
But also a melancholic one.
—Someone...
He paused.
—From a very distant place.
Isabella waited for an explanation.
None came.
Lusian absentmindedly ran his fingers along the wooden flute.
—A place I probably can never return to.
His words were so natural that Isabella did not sense any intention to hide something.
It sounded like...
A confession.
Not an excuse.
—Is it really that far away?
Lusian raised his gaze toward the window.
For a moment, his eyes seemed to wander beyond the sky itself.
—Farther than any carriage could ever travel.
Isabella followed his gaze.
She did not understand what he meant.
But, for the first time since she had heard his name...
She was not seeing the heir of the Douglas family.
She was seeing someone who seemed to miss a home that no longer existed.
And, for some reason...
That made her wonder who Lusian Douglas truly was.
Disappointment crossed Isabella's face.
But she did not press further.
She only lowered her gaze back to the flute.
—I would have liked to learn that melody...
Lusian felt a slight heaviness in his chest.
No.
It was better this way.
The less he got close to her...
The better.
The future was already cruel enough to both of them.
He should not give her false hope.
He placed the flute back inside its case and began walking toward the exit.
Then someone blocked his path.
Leonardo.
A mocking smile appeared on his face.
—Well...
He looked at the flute.
—I never imagined that the young master of the Douglas family would waste his time with something so... refined.
Around them, several students began watching the scene.
Lusian felt a knot form in his stomach.
Perfect...
Exactly what he needed.
If he continued acting like he had moments ago...
People would start having questions.
About him.
About the Douglas family.
About Isabella.
No.
That would only complicate things.
He took a single breath.
And buried every trace of nostalgia.
When he raised his gaze again...
The Douglas heir had returned.
—Move.
His voice was cold.
Leonardo raised an eyebrow.
—Or what?
He smiled arrogantly.
—I don't think you would dare lay a hand on me.
He tapped his own chest with a finger.
—After all, I belong to the royal family.
A murmur spread throughout the room.
Everyone waited for Lusian's response.
Lusian stared at him for several seconds.
No anger.
No provocation.
Only the contempt of a noble raised to look down on others.
—Last warning.
—Move me if you can.
Lusian took a step forward.
His fist became covered in mana.
The impact was sharp.
Directly into the abdomen.
Everything happened so quickly that Leonardo barely had time to widen his eyes before the air was knocked out of his lungs.
His body folded forward.
He dropped to his knees, coughing violently.
Silence filled the room.
Lusian did not even look back at him.
He continued walking toward the exit as if nothing had happened.
That was when Umber moved.
The enormous black wolf slowly walked past Leonardo.
Then stopped.
He lowered his head until his face was only a few centimeters away from his.
A deep growl made the floor tremble.
Leonardo became completely motionless.
If that beast decided to attack him...
After a few seconds, Umber looked away and continued walking behind Lusian.
As if the man lying there was nothing.
Isabella watched as the two of them disappeared down the hallway.
She could still remember the calm expression he had worn while playing that melody.
And yet...
The young man who had just walked away seemed like a completely different person.
That only made the confusion in her heart grow even greater.
Lusian had just settled onto his bed when someone knocked on the door.
Three soft knocks.
—Come in.
A servant opened the door slightly and bowed his head.
—Young Master Lusian, Lords Dilan Bourlance, Julian Erkhan, and Liam Briggs wish to see you. They are waiting for you in the reception hall.
Lusian closed his eyes for a moment.
Again.
He just wanted to rest.
He let out a small sigh.
—I'll be there.
When he arrived at the reception hall, three students were waiting for him in immaculate uniforms.
All three belonged to the Class A disciplinary committee.
Dilan stepped forward.
—Young Master Lusian.
He gave a slight bow.
—By order of Director Magnus, we are required to escort you to his office.
Lusian raised an eyebrow.
—Let me guess...
He looked at the three of them.
—Leonardo went crying to report me?
Julian calmly shook his head.
—No, sir.
—There were too many witnesses.
Liam added:
—The incident happened in front of almost the entire art class.
Lusian sighed.
Of course.
He could not even hit someone peacefully.
—Understood.
Let's go.
He did not resist.
There was no point.
As they walked through the hallways, he could only think of one thing.
What a long day...
Meanwhile...
Inside the director's office.
Kara slammed her fist onto the desk.
—Nothing works!
Magnus slowly raised his gaze from the document he was reading.
—What doesn't work?
—Everything!
Kara gritted her teeth.
—I train.
I practice.
I follow your advice.
And I still lost again!
Magnus remained calm.
—Did you expect to become stronger in two days?
—While I move forward one step, Lusian moves forward ten!
Magnus placed his pen down on the desk.
—No.
You have improved as well.
A lot.
The problem is that he improves at the same speed.
Kara fell silent.
Magnus continued.
—Albert created something difficult to face.
Every battle allows Lusian to understand his opponent better.
He learns.
He adapts.
He corrects his mistakes.
The next time, he always fights better.
He rested his arms on the desk.
—I fought him too.
I know exactly what it feels like.
Kara clenched her fists.
—I hate him!
She stood up abruptly.
—I hate him!
She opened the door...
...and found Lusian walking through the hallway, escorted by the disciplinary committee.
Their eyes almost met.
Almost.
Because Lusian walked past without even looking at her.
As if she did not exist.
That only made her even more furious.
When he disappeared down the hallway, Kara turned her head.
—Did he hear... anything?
Magnus smiled tiredly.
—Yes.
Your shouting.
Only your shouting.
Kara closed her eyes.
—...
How embarrassing.
A few minutes later.
Lusian took a seat in front of the director's desk.
Magnus poured two cups of tea.
He pushed one toward him.
—I have to admit, you have quite a bit of courage.
Lusian picked up the cup.
—Why?
—You punched a prince.
Lusian took a sip.
—I only removed an obstacle.
I asked him several times to move.
He refused.
Magnus let out a small laugh.
—That is a very particular way of describing the situation.
—It is the most accurate one.
A few seconds of silence passed.
Magnus placed his cup on the desk.
—I will have to report what happened to the royal family and the Douglas household.
Lusian nodded.
—As expected.
But we both know nothing will happen.
Magnus looked at him curiously.
—Are you that certain?
—The royal family needs the Douglases.
The Douglases need the royal family.
Neither side will create a conflict over a fight between students.
He paused.
—Besides...
He glanced around the office.
—Doesn't this academy pride itself on the idea that everyone here is equal?
A faint smile appeared on Magnus's face.
—I see you paid attention to the rules.
—I am only trying to understand when rules are actually rules...
And when they are just decoration.
Magnus let out a laugh.
—You are more observant than you appear.
He studied him for a few seconds.
—Laurence is completely blind if he believes Caleb will be a better heir than you.
Lusian placed the cup down.
—That is his business.
Not mine.
—Then...
Do you know why I actually called you here?
—To lecture me.
—Exactly.
I thought you would be worried.
But it seems I wasted my time.
—Probably.
Magnus shook his head, both amused and resigned.
—You are not going to apologize?
—No.
I warned him several times.
I will not apologize for something that could have been avoided.
Magnus sighed.
Arguing with that boy was exhausting.
Lusian stood up.
—If that is all...
I will take my leave.
He was already at the door when he slightly turned his head.
—Although I do have one request.
—What is it?
—Keep Kara away from me.
Magnus smiled tiredly.
—I will do my best.
But I cannot promise miracles.
That girl stopped listening to me years ago.
Lusian sighed.
—What terrible luck I have.
Magnus laughed.
—And you still wonder why she is obsessed with you?
—I defeated her.
That is all.
—No.
She was defeated by someone younger.
She was humiliated in front of everyone.
And then you defeated her again.
For Kara, that is much worse than simply losing.
Lusian thought back.
—Alejandro defeated her too.
—Barely.
If the judges had given the victory to Kara, nobody would have complained.
With you, it was different.
There was no possible argument.
Silence.
Lusian eventually shrugged.
—Well...
If she challenges me again...
I will defeat her again.
Magnus laughed.
—That answer explains exactly why she keeps coming after you.
—It is not my fault she insists.
—Leave before I regret letting you out.
—Gladly.
When he opened the door, he found Axel Thompson waiting outside the office.
He carried several documents under his arm and wore an expression of absolute confidence.
The moment he saw Lusian, he stepped forward.
As if he intended to block his path.
Lusian did not even slow down.
He simply walked around him.
And passed by as if Axel were nothing more than a coat rack placed in the middle of the hallway.
Axel froze.
With his prepared speech...
...but no one there to hear it.
He gritted his teeth.
Then Magnus's voice echoed from inside.
—Axel!
The young man flinched.
—Come in already and close the door!
Axel could only obey.
Meanwhile, Lusian continued walking down the hallway.
One less problem.
Hopefully, the rest of the day would leave me alone as well.