Chapter 48
"Mmm... Marie..." Lucien mumbled the name in his sleep, the syllables heavy with drowsiness as they slipped past his lips. His brows furrowed ever so slightly as he stirred, eyelids fluttering against the soft glow that tinged the room in hues of pale green. It was a strange, ambient light that seemed to hover within the very walls, pulsing softly—gentle as a lullaby, yet alive with ancient energy.
As his senses slowly returned, Lucien blinked and scanned his surroundings, momentarily disoriented. The fine velvet curtains, the intricate bookshelf of bound tomes and potion jars, the ornate carpet bearing the winged lion insignia of House Velebrandt—yes, this was his room. And standing beside his bed, still in ceremonial attire, was none other than Marie, his maid.
"Young Master Lucien," Marie said gently, dipping her head with graceful composure, "the Grand Duke has ordered me to wake you and help you prepare for the celebration of your birthday."
Lucien’s eyes opened wider in realization. "Ah... right," he murmured, sitting up slowly. "That’s tonight."
His mind groggily shuffled through the pieces. The carriage ride, the greetings, the decorated streets—yes, it all made sense now. The grand celebration of his official birthday was to take place this evening. Somehow, he had completely forgotten amidst his long nap.
He shifted his legs off the bed, back straightening with an audible stretch and a faint sigh escaping him. Just as he began to stand, his eyes caught the noble attire Marie had laid on the nearby bench. Its fine embroidery and the subtle shimmer of mana-thread were impossible to miss. It was elegant—perhaps even excessive for a child his age—but it carried with it the weight of ceremony, status, and tradition.
Before he could admire it further, however, he felt something wet slide down his chin.
"Huh?"
His fingers reflexively touched the corner of his lips and his cheeks, only to feel the undeniable slickness of drying drool.
"Oh... damn."
Lucien’s face flushed. In one swift motion, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and then cast a sideways glance at Marie, who was—of course—watching quietly.