Liam marched into his grandfather’s study with renewed determination. Adrian looked up from his mountain of letters, a knowing smirk on his lips.

“I take it Elara told you about the Grand Tournament,” Adrian mused.

Liam nodded. “I want to compete.”

Adrian leaned back. “Good. I had already planned for it. Your name has been entered.”

Liam’s eyes widened. “You knew I’d want to fight?”

Adrian chuckled. “You’re my grandson. Of course, I knew.”

Just then, Lady Catriona strolled in, holding a bundle of letters. “Oh, and Liam, these came for you.” She smirked, waving the stack in front of him. “Engagement proposals. It seems the noble families are quite interested in securing you.”

Liam groaned. “Already?”

Catriona laughed. “You’re fifteen, dear. That’s the perfect age for a noble to start receiving such offers.”

Lilia entered next, picking up one of the letters and scanning it with disinterest. “This one’s from the Countess of Everglade’s daughter. Apparently, she’s known for her poetry.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Liam snatched the letter from her. “I don’t even know who she is!”

His grandmother Evelina smiled. “That’s the nature of nobility. But ultimately, the choice is yours.”

Mara and Lilia shared a knowing glance before Lilia smirked. “Perhaps Elara would be interested to hear about these?”

Liam turned red. “No need for that!”

Catriona giggled. “Oh, I must tell her.”

Adrian shook his head, amused. “Enough teasing. Liam, focus on the tournament first. The rest will come in time.”

As the days passed, Liam threw himself into training with renewed vigor. He sparred with Helena, absorbing her every move. He refined his magic under Valeria’s guidance, honing his ability to wield multiple elements simultaneously. Evelina continued drilling him in political strategies, while Adrian himself tested his endurance in battle.

Between training, Liam found moments of peace with his family. He played with Amara in the gardens, enjoyed evening tea with his grandmothers, and continued his playful banter with Lilia. One night, after a particularly late training session, he passed by his parents’ chambers and overheard muffled noises.

The next morning at breakfast, he smirked at Lilia. “Rough night?”

She nearly choked on her tea. “Excuse me?”

Mara burst into laughter, while Adrian simply sighed. “Liam, behave.”

Lilia’s glare could have melted steel. “You little—”

Liam grinned. “Just saying, those walls aren’t very thick.”

As the laughter settled, Adrian’s gaze turned serious. “The tournament is fast approaching. Are you ready?”

Liam met his grandfather’s eyes with unwavering determination. “More than ever.”

The Grand Tournament awaited, and with it, the chance to carve his name into history.