Chapter 52
The two moons had long claimed the night sky, its glows casting soft silver and blue across the gleaming rooftops of the Velebrandt estate. The birthday celebration of Lucien Caelum Velebrandt—though a belated one—had come to a graceful end. The great hall, once filled with music, laughter, clinking glasses, and swirling dresses, now stood still and echoing with the quiet hum of the late hours.
Outside, the estate grounds echoed with the faint rumbling of departing carriages. Luxurious vehicles adorned with the crests of various noble houses rolled down the gravel paths in dignified procession, guided by knights of House Velebrandt clad in midnight-blue cloaks. Their armor gleamed faintly under the moonlight, polished and resolute even at this late hour.
Inside, the maids moved like wraiths of elegance and efficiency. Dressed in their deep navy uniforms trimmed in silver, they worked in near silence, gathering fallen goblets, folding decorative linens, and brushing stray crumbs from the velvet carpets. The once brilliant feast tables had been cleared, and only the lingering scent of magical spices and rich wines hung faintly in the air.
Lucien stood quietly near one of the tall arched windows, his hands behind his back, eyes half-lidded in fatigue. He could still hear the distant popping of fireworks echoing across the valley, emanating from the townsfolk’s continued celebrations. Their joy extended the night, painting flickers of red, blue, and gold into the night sky far beyond the estate walls.
His gaze was drawn away from the window by the soft approach of two figures. Turning, Lucien recognized them immediately—his father, the Grand Duke, and his mother, the Archduchess. The two carried their usual air of silent authority, but their eyes held warmth as they approached.
Lucien straightened instinctively, though exhaustion tugged at his limbs.
"Father. Mother," he greeted with a respectful nod.
The Grand Duke, regal as ever in a deep navy tunic adorned with sapphire accents, returned the gesture with a firm but gentle tone. "Lucien. We won’t keep you long. Your performance tonight was commendable. You upheld the name of House Velebrandt with grace."
Lucien dipped his head, his silver hair falling slightly across his brow. "Thank you. I did my best."
The Grand Duke exchanged a glance with the Archduchess, then continued. "About your awakening... we’ll be reaching out to several specialists—old allies and scholars of the arcane—to discern the nature of your power. Whether it is aura, mana, or holy light, we must understand it before your next stage of training."
The Archduchess, serene in her flowing gown of starlight gold, placed a soft hand on Lucien’s shoulder. "It may take weeks before we receive answers. In the meantime, I want you to rest. You’ve done more than enough for today."