Lucas's POV

That same night, Lucas had all his meals in his room. He barely saw anyone, spending the day lost in his thoughts.

...Or so he would had liked to be this minute, but a certain someone was giving him a visit.

"Devin, I really can change into my own sleep wear, you know!" Lucas said, a bit annoyed.

"Oh I know, I know! This is still our job though. You should get used to it by now!" Devin replied, loud as ever, as he helped Lucas into his sleepwear.

I don't want to get used to this!

Just as soon as Devin was done with Lucas, there was a knock on his door. Both Devin and Lucas were surprised someone is visiting in such an hour, it was very late after all.

"Who is it?" Lucas asked.

"It's I, Count Alistair Leclair." Came the response from the other side of the door. "May I come in, Master Lucas?"

What does he want at this hour?

"You may."

The count entered the room, his gaze landing on Devin and Lucas.

"Did I come at a bad time?" Alistair asked, seeing Lucas was preparing to go to bed.

"Well.... It's fine. Do you need something?" Lucas replied, uncertain how to address the man.

"I'd like to have a talk with you." Alistair turned to look at Devin. "Alone, just us two."

Devin understood what the Count meant.

"I'll take my leave now, good night Master Lucas!" Devin said as he made his way out, closing the door behind him.

It was now only the Count and Lucas in the room. In Lucas's mind, his room was a sanctuary for him to rest and forget about all that which troubles him, and yet here stood Count Alistair in it, shattering that fantasy.

"You not only missed your meals, but you also missed our lesson today." Alistair began, getting straight to the point.

"I've had my meals in my room....., but yes, I did miss my lesson. I'm sorry." Lucas apologized, feeling a pang of guilt for wasting the Count's time due to his family situation.

"Listen to me, Master Lucas. I know you are new to all of this, but as the son of a Duke, as a man of this Kingdom, you can't behave this way." Alistair started, Lucas felt the Count had a lot in his chest he wanted to say. "I've heard an argument took place between you and her Grace, and I can't pretend to understand how you feel, but locking yourself in your room all day? Master Lucas, you are not a child anymore, that kind of behavior won't be looked at fondly in the realm of nobility."

Lucas listened, unsure what to say. He knew he needed some time away from everyone, which is why he spent the entire day in his room, but he could understand why the Count would look down at him for going such a route.

Count Alistair took a deep breath, calming himself down. "I didn't come here to give you a lecture, I came here to ask what you have planned for tomorrow. Are you planning on spending the entire day in your room again?"

Lucas didn't need much time to find the answer to that question.

"No, I won't. I'll... go eat with everyone again. I'll also be attending our lesson of course. I won't run away." He responded, sounding serious. Lucas's tone caught Alistair off guard for a second.

"...Really? You won't run away? You sound determined." Alistair remarked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

Lucas closed his eyes.

"You see, I've realized that this place has some really kind people... With them around, I feel I'll be fine." Lucas spoke, thinking of Isabella, Elliott, and Clarisse. "And beside if I ran away, or locked myself up, I'd never learn some answers I'm looking for."

Like how the Duchess knows of my mother, or who my father is and what he wants from me for example.

"I see. I'm glad to hear that. Depending on your answer, I might have had decided I won't teach you anymore. I'm glad you didn't disappoint me." Alistair spoke, sounding almost proud.

Lucas knew the Count was serious, he would leave him if he started slacking off in his studies.

"Oh, right. Count Alistair, there is something I want to ask you... Where is my father? When will I get to meet him?" Lucas asked, a question heavy on his heart.

"Your father, Duke Aldridge, is currently busy with some matters in the capital of the Kingdom. I'm not sure when he'll have time to come and greet you, but I'm sure it'll happen eventually." Alistair answered, calm, as if he had expected this question.

"Oh.... I see."

"Anyhow, I should take my leave now. I'll see you tomorrow for our lesson, good night, Master Lucas."

After the Count made his leave and Lucas got in his bed, his head was full of thoughts.

It's true that I'm not running away because I want answers, it's true that it worries me to know that there is something I may not know about dear mother and I want to find out what it is, but truly the biggest reason I'm leaving my room tomorrow is that... I didn't want to feel lonely again for another day.

I love how big and comfortable my room is, but it's so very lonely in here all on my own.

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The next day, Lucas made his way to the dining hall, closely followed by Clarisse.

He found only Isabella there. Lucas couldn't help but blush when her eyes made their way to him.

"...Good morning, Lucas." She greeted him with a warm smile which made Lucas's heart flutter.

"Good morning, Isabella." He greeted back as he took a seat.

It's true that his mind had been swirling with all type of thoughts the previous day, and the time he spent alone with Isabella as she played the piano was one of the moments that lingered in his mind.

He hated how simply thinking of how close they were that night made his cheeks turn bright red, but he couldn't help it. He's not used to being that close to a girl.

"I'm glad to see you here today." Isabella spoke. "I wanted to give you a visit yesterday, but I thought you might have wanted some time alone..."

Stolen story; please report.

"T-Thank you, and yeah I needed some time for myself, but I'm here now." Lucas responded, glancing around the table. "Where is... everyone?

"I believe we're here early, they should be here soon." Isabella answered.

A part of Lucas was happy the first person to greet him was Isabella, it made the start of this day much less awkward than it otherwise could have been.

"Oh right, Lucas. Since you weren't here yesterday, you missed the news about our upcoming guest." Isabella said, capturing Lucas's attention. "He should arrive just in time to join us for breakfast I believe."

"A guest? Who are they?"

Before Isabella could answer, the door to the dining hall swung open.

In walked Elliot, who paused in his place to glance at Lucas before taking his seat beside him.

"...Good morning, Elliot." Lucas greeted cautiously, sensing an undercurrent of conflicting emotions in Elliot's demeanor.

"Morning, Lucas.... I see you're having breakfast with us today after all." Elliot said, which caused Lucas to frown. He was unable to read Elliot's emotions.

"Do you... not want me too?" Lucas asked, not holding back. It hurt, but he'd rather know how Elliot is feeling.

"No, I'm glad you're here. Yesterday was so.... Lonely without you here." Elliot responded unexpectedly, surprising Lucas. He didn't expect that answer.

Lonely.

So you also felt lonely too, Elliot.

Elliot, oh Elliot.

I suppose I don't understand you that well after all. I was so sure you'd tell me you didn't want to see me anymore.

"Yesterday was eerily quiet, not a word spoken as we ate." Elliot spoke softly, his sad gaze on Lucas, his eyes full of melancholy.

Lucas found himself drawn into Elliot's gaze, where sadness and longing seemed to mingle, creating an unspoken connection that resonated deep within him

"Elliot...." Lucas wasn't sure why, but he really wanted to hug his brother for some reason. He stopped himself, though. "I'm sorry, I made you sad, didn't I?"

In more ways than just one.

A heavy silence hung between the two boys for a moment, broken only by Isabella's voice.

"I do doubt today will be anywhere near as quiet with him around." Isabella interjected. "Truly, what a bad timing for him to show up."

"The guest? Right, who is-" Before Lucas managed to ask the same question again, the door to the dining hall opened once more.

Two people stepped in this time.

The first was Duchess Seraphina, her gaze as cold as ever. Following closely behind her was a young man with blond hair.

He appeared to be 16 years of age, his grey eyes scanned the room as soon as he walked in. Isabella and Elliot stood up when they saw him, prompting Lucas to do the same.

"He only just arrived. I'm glad you can join us for breakfast, Leopold." Seraphina said, though the tone of her voice didn't make it seem she was that glad.

"Thank you, your Grace." Leopold replied smoothly, his voice carrying a hint of arrogance. His eyes then shifted to Isabella.

He approached her with a charming smile, he took her hand and brought it to his lips, placing a delicate kiss on the back of her hand. "It's so good to see you again, you look even more enchanting than I remember." He said, his tone flirtatious. Isabella’s polite smile faltered slightly, and she quickly withdrew her hand, clearly uncomfortable with the gesture.

"T-Thank you. I hope the journey here wasn't a hard one, Leopold."

Elliot, standing beside her, clenched his fists, his face darkening with a mix of jealousy and distaste.

He stepped forward, trying to mask his agitation. "Leopold, it’s good to see you again." He said, his voice terse and clipped. Leopold, however, merely offered a dismissive nod, his eyes flicking over Elliot with an air of indifference. "Indeed, Elliot. Always a pleasure to see you standing on your feet." Leopold Replied coolly.

Finally, Leopold's gaze turned to Lucas, who stood awkwardly by the table.

For a moment, Leopold’s eyes narrowed, his expression unimpressed and calculating. He surveyed Lucas from head to toe, the faintest smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "And you must be the new addition to our family, Lucas." He said, his tone dismissive, as if Lucas’s presence was an inconvenience.

Lucas swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Leopold’s judgmental gaze. He forced himself to meet Leopold’s grey eyes. "Yes, I'm... I'm Lucas." He managed to say, his voice steady but his heart pounding in his chest. "Wait, did you say our family? Who are you?" Lucas asked, nervous.

"My name is Leopold Augustus von Devereaux. I'm your cousin."

"C-Cousin?" Lucas stammered, taken aback.

I suppose he does resemble Isabella and Elliot now that I'm taking a better look at him.

"I took a short leave from Cheveralie Academy and came here for one reason, and it was to see you myself. So this is Uncle's bastard...." Leopold spoke, sounding very condescending. Lucas really didn't like his tone.

So he's my cousin? All I know is I already want to punch him in the face!

"L-Leopold, don't say that!"Isabella stepped in.

"Oh, sorry, sorry. I spoke too loudly, I meant to keep that thought to myself." Leopold offered a shallow apology, which only irritated Lucas more.

"Enough." Duchess Seraphina's voice cut through the tension, commanding attention. "We are here to have breakfast now. Save your discussions for later." Her sharp gaze swept over Lucas and Leopold, leaving no room for argument.

Leopold ended up joining them for the meal, and to Lucas's dismay, it seems he'll be staying at Devereaux Hall for a while.

Lucas thought having a meal with the Duchess after their argument will be hard, little did he know what was coming up.

Why is meal time in this place never easy?

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After breakfast, Lucas and Elliot were walking together, Clarisse behind them, but keeping her distance.

"I know he's my cousin, and that I shouldn't say this, but I don't like him!" Elliot confessed, his disdain evident on his face.

"S-Same, and I just met the guy." Lucas added. "Why did he come here just to see me?" Lucas pondered aloud, his thoughts swirling with uncertainty.

Is it mere curiosity? Though by the way he talked to me, I doubt he came here in hopes of creating a bond with a long lost family member.

"I have an idea why he came to see you." Elliot continued, drawing Lucas's attention.

"Hm? Well?"

"It's about inheritance. You being here makes things harder for him as Leopold is hoping to inherit the duchy from father." Elliot explained matter-of-factly, causing Lucas to gasp in surprise.

"Huh?! How?!"

"You saw how close he was trying to get to dear sister, right? You see, Leopold hopes to marry Isabella. If father gave her to him, then with both his and her claim on the duchy combined, it'll be as good a claim as mine."

Lucas was lost for words.

I had no idea any of this... drama, for lack of a better word, was unfolding.

"I'm impressed, Elliot. Did you figure Leopold's intentions out on your own?" Lucas asked, curious about Elliot's insight. Elliot let out a small chuckle.

"No, it was mother. She's very sharp." Elliot admitted, which stirred a pang of guilt in Lucas, given the Duchess had also accused him of vying for the heir's role.

"Well, all I know is that you clearly are the better heir than that jerk, Elliot!" Lucas asserted firmly.

Elliot let out a laugh. "I know, right? Sorry Lucas, but I'm clearly the most fitting heir here, and I'll be even all the better once I attend and graduate from Cheveralie Academy."

Cheveralie Academy? Oh, Leopold mentioned it.

"What is this Cheveralie Academy?" Lucas inquired, his interest piqued.

"It's in the Tedia duchy, very south of the Kingdom. It's the most prestigious school in Cryilld. Noblemen and wealthy families send their sons there to study. I'll be attending it next year when I turn 13." Elliot explained eagerly, Lucas noticing the passion in Elliot's green eyes—eyes he could easily get lost in forever.

Elliot, oh Elliot.

"I can't wait to make father proud, next year really can't come sooner. Honestly, I think attending that academy is my dream."

Your eyes feel like a dream, Elliot.

Just then, Leopold appeared, his presence disrupting their conversation. He was searching for the two of them.

"There you two are! Hmmm, were you two talking about me by any chance? I feel like you were." Leopold asked, his tone tinged with arrogance.

Elliot shot back, "Not everything revolves around you, Leopold."

Lucas, feeling the tension rise, stepped in before things escalated. "We were just discussing... Elliot's future plans."

"Elliot's future plans? That's a funny one." Leopold remarked with a smirk.

"And just what is that suppose to mean? Is there anything you need from us?" Lucas asked, annoyed.

"Oh, I'm simply here to talk to you. I want to see for myself what kind of person you are." Leopold said, circling Lucas and Elliot with a scrutinizing gaze fixed on Lucas. "When I received Uncle's letter about you, I was so very shocked. And now that you're here in front of me, I can't understand what he was thinking."

This guy.... Is he looking for a fight?

Before Lucas could snap, Elliot grabbed his hand.

"L-Lucas, forget him! He's clearly in a bad mood, must have gotten a horrible mark on a quiz or something! Let's go play now!" Elliot spoke, pulling a fuming Lucas away.

Leopold chuckled, watching them leave.

And just as Clarisse was about to follow behind them, Leopold grabbed her hand, stopping her.

"Wait, you."

"Huh? Me? Do you... need something, Master Leopold?" Clarisse asked, caught off guard by his firm grip.

"Hmmm, you're not bad to look at. A little older than me, I suppose, but who cares. Come to my room as soon as you can. I'll be waiting for you." He commanded, his tone leaving no room for refusal, before walking away.

"Y-Yes, Master Leopold......" Was all Clarisse could say. As a von Devereaux, she couldn't refuse him.