random123456

Chapter 134: The Reward

"I have learned that from my master."

Lucavion's mention of his master immediately caught Edris' attention, and his eyes lit up with interest. As far as the Baron knew, Lucavion was an orphan with no familial ties, so the mention of a master—a figure who had clearly played a significant role in shaping the young man's abilities and refinement—piqued his curiosity.

It was only natural to assume that Lucavion's strength and noble bearing had come from this mysterious figure.

"Your master must be a truly remarkable person," Edris said thoughtfully, leaning forward slightly. "To have trained someone of your caliber… it speaks volumes about his own prominence."

'He was indeed a man like that.'

Lucavion's lips curled into a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Indeed," he said calmly, his tone steady. "My master was… very prominent."

There was a certain weight in the way Lucavion said it, a subtle shift in his demeanor that conveyed much more than the simple words. Edris, sharp as he was, quickly picked up on the unspoken warning. While Lucavion had answered his question, it was clear that this was not a subject he wished to delve deeper into. The air between them held a quiet finality.

Edris, sensing the boundary, gave a respectful nod. He had learned enough for now—pushing further would be an intrusion, and Lucavion's past was not something he was willing to share so openly.

"Well," Edris said, easing back into his seat, "whoever they are, they've done well to raise such a capable disciple." His tone was respectful, and there was a note of admiration in his voice. "You've proven your worth beyond any doubt."

Hearing that, Lucavion just smiled as he looked into Edris' eyes.

While he was clearly remembering some things from the past, he was still connected to the present.

"Thank you for your kind words."

Edris nodded at Lucavion's polite response, but he sensed the time was right to shift the conversation toward the true purpose of this meeting. While the meal had been pleasant and respectful, there was still the matter of formal recognition—and more importantly, the rewards owed to Lucavion for his bravery and contributions.

With a subtle shift in his tone, Edris leaned forward slightly, clasping his hands together on the table. "Now, Mister Lucavion," he began, his voice taking on a more serious note, "there is another reason I invited you to this dinner, beyond showing my gratitude for saving my son. Your actions have gone far beyond what any of us could have expected.

You not only saved Ron but also led the charge in subjugating Korvan, a peak 3-star Awakened—a feat that cannot be overlooked."

Lucavion met Edris' gaze, his expression unreadable but attentive. He had anticipated this moment; the Baron's gratitude was not just a formality—it was an opportunity for compensation and further leverage.

"As Baron of Rackenshore," Edris continued, "it is my duty to ensure that such deeds are properly rewarded. You've earned much more than just the respect of my family—you've earned the right to claim rewards for the lives you've saved and the threat you've eliminated."

Edris gestured toward a servant standing near the door, who quickly retrieved a small, ornately decorated box and placed it on the table. The Baron tapped the box lightly before continuing. "Inside, you will find a substantial sum of gold—more than what was initially promised. This is but one part of your reward, to acknowledge the danger you faced and the valor you displayed."

Lucavion glanced at the box, though he remained composed. Gold was expected, of course, but he knew there was more to come.

"But," Edris went on, his tone now carrying the weight of formality, "there is another matter to discuss. Your abilities and your actions in defending this city have not gone unnoticed. I would like to offer you something more—a title of honorary knighthood within my domain, and the rights that come with it.

You would have authority over a portion of my lands, and a place of influence within Rackenshore."

The offer hung in the air, and Lucavion's eyes narrowed slightly, considering the implications. Honorary knighthood was a way to officially bind him to the Baron's household, granting both influence and responsibility. It was a clever move—offering both reward and obligation.

Lucavion took a moment, his mind working quickly as he weighed the offer. Edris had clearly thought this through, knowing that Lucavion's strength and influence would be valuable not just to his family, but to Rackenshore itself.

Lucavion could see the anticipation in Edris' eyes as he considered his next words. The offer of an honorary knighthood was a significant gesture, but Lucavion had other ambitions, ones that extended far beyond Rackenshore. After a brief pause, he spoke with the same measured calmness.

"I appreciate your generous offer, Mister Edris," Lucavion began, his voice respectful but firm. "However, I must decline."

Edris' eyebrows lifted in surprise, and his expression shifted slightly as he leaned forward. "Decline?" he echoed, genuinely taken aback. "May I ask why? You would have a secure position here, and with your talents, your influence would be immense."

Lucavion gave a faint smile, his gaze steady. "My goals lie elsewhere. I intend to join the Arcania Academy."

The moment the words left Lucavion's mouth, Edris froze, his eyes widening with shock. For a brief second, the entire dining room fell into silence, save for the soft crackle of the fireplace. The Arcania Academy was the most prestigious institution in the Empire—attended by royalty and the children of the most powerful and noble families in the land.

With the Empire's constant advancements, it was considered one of the finest academies in the entire world, producing the strongest Awakened, scholars, and leaders.

Edris, regaining his composure, let out a deep, hearty laugh, though there was clear admiration in his eyes. "The Arcania Academy," he repeated, shaking his head with a mixture of disbelief and respect. "I must admit, I wasn't expecting that answer, Lucavion. It seems my offer was far too small for someone with your ambitions." He smiled broadly, still amazed at the revelation.

"You truly are aiming for the heights, aren't you?"

Lucavion nodded, his expression unwavering. "It's a path I've chosen."

Edris continued to chuckle, leaning back in his chair as he studied Lucavion. "The Arcania Academy... yes, that makes sense. For someone with your strength and potential, that's exactly where you belong. My offer of knighthood must have seemed downright ridiculous in comparison."

Lucavion allowed a small, polite smile. "It was a generous offer, and I appreciate it. But I have other goals to pursue."

Edris nodded, clearly impressed. "I respect that. The Academy will be fortunate to have someone like you." His eyes gleamed with curiosity. "If I may ask, how do you plan to gain entry? It's not exactly easy to get into."

Considering the criteria of the academy before, it will make sense that Edris has asked such a question. After all, no matter what he does, the fact that he is a commoner will remain and never in the history of the Arcania Academy that someone from a commoner background was allowed to enter.

But that was the case for the previous generation. It was now different, as the case was no longer similar.

Lucavion's gaze sharpened slightly, a quiet confidence in his voice. "I have my ways. The academy looks for talent, and I intend to prove myself worthy."

After all, from that point onwards, the academy would be accepting students from commoner backgrounds as well by opening a new type of enrollment system, where they would test the 'talent' of the said commoners.

In the end, if not for such a setting, how could the protagonist of Shattered Innocence enter the academy?

Such a setting was necessary for the layout of the novel, and that was why Lucavion was confident.

Seeing Lucavion's unwavering confidence, Baron Edris remained silent for a moment, weighing the young man's words. It was clear that Lucavion's ambitions were far greater than what Rackenshore could offer, and there was no doubt in Edris' mind that he would succeed. After a brief pause, Edris finally nodded, accepting Lucavion's decision with grace.

"Very well," the Baron said, a small, respectful smile playing on his lips. "I see you have your path laid out before you. Though you've refused my offer, I want you to know that you will always be welcome here in Rackenshore. I won't forget the hospitality you've shown me by accepting this dinner."

Lucavion, ever composed, gave a slight nod. "And I won't forget the hospitality you've extended to me, Mister Edris." His tone was polite, but there was a certain finality in his words as if drawing a clear line between the two of them. The Baron may have been generous, but Lucavion had his own way forward.

Edris' smile widened slightly. "Good. And while you're focused on your future, know that Rackenshore will remember you fondly." He waved his hand toward the butler, who had been standing silently by the wall. At the gesture, the butler stepped forward, carrying a small, intricately carved box. He bowed his head respectfully as he presented it to Lucavion.

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking from the box to the Baron. "What is this?" he asked, his voice calm but with a hint of curiosity.

The Baron smiled warmly. "It's a gift. Not part of your official reward, mind you—you've already been paid the promised amount. This is something else, something personal." His tone softened as he continued. "I'm not offering this as the Baron of Rackenshore but as a father whose son was rescued. I didn't use the funds of the territory for this; it's from my own savings.

I hope you'll accept it."

To that, Lucavion could not help but stop for a second.

'As a father whose son was rescued.'

Those words awoke some bitter memories.

Chapter 135: The Reward (2)

"I'm not offering this as the Baron of Rackenshore but as a father whose son was rescued. I didn't use the funds of the territory for this; it's from my own savings. I hope you'll accept it."

Lucavion froze for a split second, the Baron's words, "as a father whose son was rescued," stirring something deep inside him. Memories—bitter, painful memories—rose unbidden to the surface, but just as quickly as they came, he pushed them back down. His composure returned, though the brief flicker of emotion didn't go unnoticed by the Baron and his wife.

"I appreciate your generosity," Lucavion began, his voice steady but carrying a hint of reluctance. "But I've already received what I need from you. Any further gifts would make things... complicated."

Before he could finish, the Baron's wife spoke up, her voice gentle but firm. "This isn't just about fulfilling a debt," she said, her eyes filled with warmth. "It was a family decision, Mister Lucavion. You saved our son, the most precious thing in our lives. There is no way we can ever repay you for that.

This gift isn't about compensation—it's about showing our gratitude in the only way we know how."

She smiled kindly, and even though Lucavion was not one to easily sway, her sincerity was palpable. "Please," she continued, "accept it. This is something that will be very helpful to you in your future endeavors."

Lucavion paused again, glancing at the box in his hands. It was clear that refusing at this point would only insult their gratitude. After a moment of consideration, he gave a small nod. "Very well. I'll accept the gift," he said quietly.

Ron, who had been watching the exchange with wide, eager eyes, piped up almost immediately. "Can you open it now, Mister Lucavion?" he asked his excitement barely contained.

Lucavion gave the boy a faint smile before nodding. With careful hands, he lifted the lid of the small box, revealing a sleek silver ring nestled inside. The design was simple yet elegant, with faint etchings along the band that gave it an air of craftsmanship. However, what stood out most was the subtle aura of magic radiating from the ring.

"It's a spatial storage ring," Edris explained with a smile. "Roderick mentioned you didn't have one, so we thought this would be useful for you. A gift not from the Barony but from our family to you."

Lucavion held the ring delicately between his fingers, studying it for a moment before slipping it onto his hand. He could immediately sense the vast storage space within, far more convenient than carrying his belongings through traditional means. It was a valuable gift indeed and one that would aid him greatly in the future.

'Roderick, that bastard. I just conventionally mentioned him when he was asking me how I had traveled, but to think that he would pick my words up and would not forget that.'

He looked back at the Baron and his family, nodding his appreciation. "Thank you. I'll put it to good use."

The Baron's wife smiled warmly, and even Ron looked satisfied, his eyes filled with admiration for the man who had saved him.

"That's all we ask," Edris said, his voice filled with sincerity. "That it helps you as much as you've helped us."

As the meal wound down, the Baron smiled warmly and gestured to the servants. "Mister Lucavion, before you leave, allow us to serve you tea along with our traditional dessert. It's a specialty of our Barony, and I'd like for you to experience it."

Lucavion, having already received much from the Baron and his family, was tempted to refuse, but knowing it would be disrespectful to decline such hospitality, he gave a polite nod. "Thank you, I'll stay for dessert."

The dessert was soon served, a small plate of delicate pastries infused with a sweet, fragrant filling. Lucavion took a bite, the subtle flavors of honey and spices blending pleasantly on his tongue. As they sipped their tea, Ron, who had been stifling yawns, finally excused himself.

"It's getting late," Edris said, his voice gentle as he ruffled his son's hair. "Go to bed, Ron."

Ron nodded, but not before casting one last admiring glance at Lucavion. "Goodnight, Mister Lucavion!" he said brightly before hurrying off.

With the boy gone, the conversation turned to more practical matters. Edris leaned back in his chair, studying Lucavion with curiosity. "How long do you plan to stay in Rackenshore?"

Lucavion set his tea down, his expression thoughtful. "Not long," he replied. "At most a week or two. Once I've finished my business here, I'll be moving on."

The Baron nodded, understanding but also sensing the underlying restlessness in Lucavion. "If you'd like," Edris offered, "I can arrange for better accommodations here at the mansion. You'd be more comfortable, and we'd be honored to host you."

Lucavion smiled slightly, appreciating the gesture but already knowing his answer. "I appreciate your offer, Mister Edris, but my current accommodations are sufficient. Besides," he added with a hint of amusement, "it's all part of my training."

Edris chuckled, though he seemed a little surprised. "Training, you say? You truly are dedicated."

Lucavion nodded, his eyes gleaming with quiet determination. "Every aspect of my life, even where I stay, contributes to my growth. I need to keep my focus sharp."

The Baron smiled, clearly impressed. "Then I won't press the matter. But know that the offer stands, should you change your mind."

"Thank you," Lucavion said with a respectful nod. "I'll keep it in mind."

The evening continued quietly after that, the air filled with a sense of mutual respect between the two men. As Lucavion finished his tea, he felt that, while he had refused the Baron's offer of a more comfortable stay, he had made a valuable connection. The Baron had given him more than just hospitality—he had offered trust, and that was something Lucavion could appreciate.

*********

As Lucavion stepped out of the mansion, the cool night air greeted him, a stark contrast to the warm, candlelit dining room he had just left. The stars twinkled above, and the streets of Rackenshore were quiet, save for the occasional flicker of lamplight in the distance. Just as he adjusted his cloak, there was a sudden weight on his shoulder, followed by a soft yawn.

Vitaliara had returned, her sleek black form draping lazily across his shoulder. [Finally,] she murmured, her voice carrying a hint of teasing annoyance. [I was bored waiting all that time.]

Lucavion glanced at her from the corner of his eye but said nothing. He had expected her impatience, and in truth, he couldn't argue with her. The dinner had dragged on longer than he anticipated, though it had been important.

[You know,] Vitaliara continued, yawning again as she lazily swished her tail, [the Baron is quite a decent man. He may have wanted to form connections with you, but he didn't push you or demand anything. He simply let you be and offered what he could.]

Lucavion couldn't help but agree. The Baron had handled the situation with surprising grace, offering Lucavion respect rather than coercion. Edris had wanted to form ties, yes, but not at the expense of Lucavion's independence. For a noble, that was rare.

"He is," Lucavion said quietly, his eyes glinting in the moonlight. "But that doesn't change my goals."

Vitaliara purred in agreement. [Of course not. But at least he didn't try to manipulate you, like many of his kind would. He simply gave you the freedom to choose.]

Lucavion nodded, appreciating that subtle distinction. It had made the evening bearable, even pleasant in some ways. Edris had shown sincerity, which was something Lucavion could respect, even if he wasn't seeking long-term alliances with noble families.

As they walked away from the mansion, Vitaliara curled herself comfortably on his shoulder. [So, what's next? Back to the inn for some rest, or straight into more training?]

Lucavion smirked at her question. "We'll see." He glanced up at the sky, feeling the pull of his ambitions tugging at him once more. Rest would come, but only when it was earned.

*******

Three days had passed, and Lucavion once again found himself in the familiar clearing just beyond the town walls. The early morning light filtered through the trees, casting soft shadows across the ground as he moved through his training forms. Each strike, thrust, and parry flowed seamlessly, the estoc in his hand a natural extension of his body.

The rhythm of his movements was calm yet powerful, the mana circulating within him, merging with the physical effort as he focused on balancing vitality and death energy through the [Flame of Equinox]. Sweat dripped down his brow, but he hardly noticed it, his mind entirely consumed by the precise control over his energy.

With each passing day, his connection to his cultivation deepened. The balance between life and death became clearer, his body responding more naturally to the flow of mana as his core strengthened. Today felt different, though. There was a clarity to his training, a sharpness to his movements, as if something had clicked into place.

After what seemed like hours, Lucavion finally lowered his blade, his breathing steady but his muscles burning with exertion. He glanced up at the sky—dawn had only just broken, the soft light signaling the end of his training session.

'Not bad,' he thought to himself, satisfied with his progress.

[Are you done yet?] Vitaliara's voice chimed in, lazily drifting into his thoughts as she stirred from her slumber.

"Yes," Lucavion replied aloud, wiping the sweat from his forehead. He had grown used to her timing. She always seemed to wake up right when he was finishing his training. With a soft sigh, he sheathed his estoc and made his way toward the river, the cool breeze refreshing against his heated skin.

Reaching the riverbank, he wasted no time shedding his training gear and stepping into the water. The cold water rushed over him, sharp at first but gradually easing the tension in his muscles. He submerged himself fully, letting the river cleanse him of the morning's effort, both physically and mentally.

As he resurfaced, the cold air prickling against his skin, he couldn't help but appreciate the quiet moments like these. Alone with his thoughts, with nothing but the sound of flowing water and the distant chirping of birds, he felt a sense of clarity that wasn't often afforded to him.

After drying off, Lucavion dressed quickly and began his walk back to the inn. The town was still waking up, the streets slowly coming to life with merchants setting up their stalls and townsfolk beginning their day.

When he arrived at the inn, the familiar scent of breakfast greeted him as he stepped inside.

But before the smell, there was something else who welcomed him.

"Are you the man named Lucavion?"

Someone stood right before him.

Chapter 136: Lady Knight

As I stepped through the inn's door, I was greeted by the soft glow of the morning light filtering through the room. The warmth of breakfast already filled the air—a far more welcoming scene than the harshness of the night before. Just as I began to let my guard down, a figure stood before me, commanding the space.

She was tall and armored, and every part of her screamed precision. Her hair, a light pink, was braided tightly, resting over her shoulders as if it could snap free at a moment's notice, much like the rest of her. Her violet eyes were locked onto mine, unflinching, and her face held a stern, almost unreadable expression—a knight.

'This…..'

There was something that bugged me with the combination of her hair color and eyes. It was something that felt like I knew.

"Are you Lucavion?" Her voice was clear, cutting through the murmurs of the inn.

I paused for a moment, taking her in fully. The steel of her armor glinted softly in the morning light, but it was more than the armor or the sword at her hip that caught my attention—it was her presence. She carried herself with the discipline of someone who had seen battle, and her eyes told me she wasn't one to be trifled with.

"Yes, I am," I replied, my voice even but wary.

Her gaze flickered, almost imperceptibly, as though she was reassessing me. "Really?"

Her eyes scanned me from head to toe, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of her lips, though it carried none of the warmth a smile should. Instead, her expression held a kind of cold amusement, like someone inspecting something far below their station.

"So," she began, her voice dripping with arrogance, "you're the one who dealt with Korvan?"

She tilted her head slightly, her violet eyes narrowing. "I have to say," she continued, looking me up and down again, "you don't exactly seem the part. I expected someone… taller. More imposing."

I couldn't help but chuckle softly at her words, meeting her condescending gaze with a relaxed smile. "Well," I said, my voice smooth with a hint of sarcasm, "not everything is as it seems, is it? A person's appearance doesn't always match what's inside."

Her face darkened at my response, her smile vanishing in an instant. The shift in her demeanor was subtle, but unmistakable—her eyes grew sharper, colder, and I could feel the weight of her displeasure bearing down on me.

"What exactly are you implying?" she asked, her voice low and dangerous, like the unsheathing of a blade.

I simply smiled again, unfazed by the change in her tone. "Nothing at all," I replied, my expression remaining calm, almost playful. "Just that people often make assumptions based on appearances, and that can be… misleading."

Her jaw tightened, the tension radiating off her like heat from a forge. For a brief moment, it seemed as though she might draw her sword then and there, but instead, she took a slow breath, reigning in her temper.

"Watch your words, commoner." She warned, her voice icy.

"What if I don't?"

Her eyes narrowed dangerously, and for a moment, I could almost see the battle raging inside her—whether to strike me down where I stood or keep her composure. She chose the latter, though it clearly took some effort.

"You'll be punished for your insolence," she spat, her voice cold and commanding. "For disrespecting a noble."

I raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "A noble? You're a noble?"

Her reaction was immediate. She froze, her violet eyes widening ever so slightly before she quickly masked her slip-up. It was subtle, but I caught it—the hesitation, the brief flicker of uncertainty. She hadn't meant to reveal that.

The inn fell quiet around us, the patrons watching with a mix of curiosity and fear. The tension between us was palpable, and as her gaze darted around the room, she seemed to realize that there was no taking back what she had said. She was caught, and now everyone knew.

She let out a soft, exasperated sigh, her shoulders tightening as she regained her composure. Slowly, her gaze hardened once more, but this time it was directed at the onlookers.

"What are you all staring at?" she barked, her voice sharp enough to send a shiver through the room. Several patrons quickly turned back to their meals, pretending they hadn't been watching at all.

Turning back to me, she gave me a cold, calculated look, as if sizing up her next move. "You," she snapped, "follow me. Now."

Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel, her cloak swirling behind her as she strode out of the inn, her posture rigid with barely contained irritation.

I watched her go for a moment, the amused smile never leaving my face.

"I refuse."

The words left my mouth smoothly, almost lazily, as I leaned back slightly, folding my arms across my chest. The room fell into a tense silence. The knight, already halfway to the door, halted in her tracks, her cloak swirling slightly before settling. Slowly, she turned to face me, her eyes now dark and brimming with cold fury.

"You refuse?" she repeated, her voice low and dangerous, each word dripping with barely contained rage. The room seemed to shrink under the weight of her presence, her violet eyes locking onto mine as though daring me to repeat myself.

I met her gaze evenly, the smirk still tugging at the corner of my lips. "Yes," I said, my tone casual. "I don't think I'll be following anyone until they ask me nicely."

Her face tightened with anger, the tension in her jaw clear as she took a step forward, her boots clinking against the floor. "I gave you an order," she said, her voice cold as steel. "I am a noble, and you will obey."

I shrugged, completely unfazed. "That's the thing, isn't it?" I replied. "Anyone can claim to be a noble. If I followed every person who shouted orders and claimed a title, it'd be quite the mess, wouldn't it?"

Her eyes narrowed, the fury in them unmistakable now. "You are insolent," she hissed, her tone like a blade drawn across a whetstone. "You think you can ignore the orders of someone like me?"

I raised an eyebrow, maintaining my calm as I replied, "I'm more than happy to follow orders… when they come from someone who's earned the right. But if you're asking me to follow you on the basis of being a noble, you'll have to do better than vague claims. If you want me to obey, then reveal your identity. Otherwise, a polite request might work."

For a moment, her mouth tightened into a thin line, and I could see the war within her—whether to keep pushing or to back off. The room remained utterly silent, every patron too terrified to breathe, let alone speak. She opened her mouth to retort, but I spoke again, cutting her off before she could gather steam.

"Besides," I said, my tone still light but edged with challenge, "if everyone here were to claim they were a noble and bark orders around, the world would be chaos, wouldn't it? Surely, a true noble would understand the importance of order."

Her face darkened further, and for a split second, I thought she might actually draw her sword. But instead, she exhaled sharply, forcing her shoulders to relax—barely. Her pride was wounded, but she wasn't entirely reckless. She glanced around the room, no doubt aware of the many eyes watching, even if they pretended otherwise.

"I don't have to explain myself to the likes of you," she said, her voice quieter but still laced with venom. "But fine. If you want to make this difficult, then so be it."

She took a step closer, her face inches from mine, her breath cool and deliberate. "I am Valeria Olarion, daughter of House Olarion, and I will not tolerate any more of your disrespect. You will follow me, or you will regret it."

I smiled, unbothered by her attempts to intimidate. "Now, was that so hard?" I asked, my tone still light, though there was a flicker of challenge in my eyes. "See? We're making progress."

Her eyes blazed with cold fury, and she took a slow, measured breath. It was clear that, for the moment, her patience had reached its end. "You have no idea who you're dealing with," she whispered, her voice dangerous. "Follow me now, or I will ensure you suffer the consequences."

I let the silence stretch for a moment, holding her gaze. "It's still an order, Valeria," I said softly. "And I already told you. I don't follow orders."

Her jaw clenched, the fury boiling beneath the surface. The tension was palpable, hanging in the air like a sword poised to drop.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she exhaled sharply, a mixture of frustration and resignation. "Very well," she said through gritted teeth. "Lucavion, will you please follow me?"

The words were practically spat out, but the fact that she had said them at all was a victory in itself.

I grinned, bowing slightly in mock respect. "Now that wasn't so difficult, was it?" I straightened, my tone becoming more neutral as I nodded. "Lead the way, Lady Olarion."

With a glare that promised retribution later, Valeria turned on her heel once more, storming out of the inn. This time, I followed, the amused smile never leaving my face.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

'She is really Valeria Olarion…..'

After all, I had met another character from the novel.