Zaek looked at Aelira, who was walking slightly ahead of him.

  ?He expected to see tear tracks on her cheeks or perhaps a slump in her shoulders after the ordeal with Clara. Yet, she was examining the crumbling walls of Kirsk with wide, curious eyes.

  ?Well, she also found her answer on that necklace, I guess, he muttered to himself, quickening his pace to catch up.

  ?“The drivers must be awake by now. Let’s head back.”

  ?“Yes.”

  ?They retraced their steps to the carriage yard.

  ?Inside the cabin, the two men were still unconscious, leaning against each other like sacks of flour. Their snores shook the wooden frame.

  ?Zzzzz... snort... zzz...

  ?Zaek slapped them both. Hard.

  ?Smack! Smack!

  ?No response. Just a change in the rhythm of their snoring.

  ?Just how hard did those thugs hit them?

  ?He grabbed one man by the collar and shook him violently.

  ?“Oi! Wake up already!”

  ?When he let go, the man’s head lolled back as if his neck were made of rubber. Dead to the world.

  ?“What should we do now?” Aelira asked, watching with concern. “Can we find someone from the town?”

  ?“I don’t think so,” Zaek sighed. “Driving this carriage takes skill. These aren’t normal horses. I doubt we can find anyone here who won’t get eaten by them.”

  ?The Black Nightmares snorted outside, their red eyes glowing in the dark.

  ?“So what will we do? Should we ask for a normal carriage instead?”

  ?“No. Too slow. Besides, we can’t leave these beasts here. They’re worth more than this entire town.”

  ?Zaek rubbed his chin, thinking.

  ?Then, one of the drivers groaned. His eyelids fluttered.

  ?“Where am I...?”

  ?“Oh! You’re awake!” Aelira rushed to the window.

  ?Zaek leaned in. “About time.”

  ?The man clutched his head. “My head... feels like it split open...”

  ?“Yeah, they hit you pretty hard from the back. Can you stand?”

  ?“I think so...”

  ?The man tried to push himself up. His legs wobbled like jelly, and he collapsed back onto the seat.

  ?“Urgh...”

  ?“Easy now.” Zaek caught him before he hit his head again.

  ?He sighed. No chance he’s driving tonight.

  ?“Neither you nor your friend is in any shape to travel. Here.”

  ?Zaek tossed a heavy pouch of coins onto the man’s lap.

  ?Clink.

  ?“W-What is this...? I can’t accept this...”

  ?“Take it. Find a room at the inn for you and your friend. See a doctor. And don’t die.”

  ?Zaek helped the groggy man wake his companion, then practically carried them both to the nearby inn.

  ?When he returned, Aelira was waiting by the carriage, looking small and worried.

  ?“What will we do now, Sensei?”

  ?Zaek looked at the massive, terrifying horses. Then he looked at the empty driver’s seat.

  ?A slow, mischievous grin spread across his face.

  ?“...?”

  ?A chill ran down Aelira’s spine.

  ?That smile... I don’t like where this is going.

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  ?“Hop in, kid.”

  ?“W-Wait—sensei?”

  ?“Trust me.”

  ?Before she could protest, he lifted her into the cabin and slammed the door shut.

  ?A moment later, the carriage lurched violently.

  ?SCREECH!

  ?“Uwahhh!” Aelira tumbled off the seat.

  ?“YEE-HAA!”

  ?Zaek’s maniacal laughter echoed from the roof.

  ?The carriage shot forward like a cannonball, dust billowing in its wake.

  ?Under normal circumstances, two skilled mages were needed to feed mana to the Nightmares. But with Zaek at the reins, pouring his monstrous mana into the harness, the beasts roared with newfound energy.

  ?One of the groggy drivers watched from the inn window as the carriage disappeared into the night like a black comet.

  ?“...Are they going to be okay?”

  ?“I hope so,” his friend mumbled, clutching the coin pouch. “I really hope so.”

  ?Far away, in the silent halls of the Viremont Estate.

  ?The study was immaculate. Everything was arranged in perfect order. A black-feathered quill lay across the heavy oak desk, the ink still wet.

  ?Celdric Viremont leaned back in his chair. The wood groaned under his weight—the only sound in a room so vast and cold it seemed to swallow all warmth.

  ?He moved briskly from page to page, signing documents with mechanical precision.

  ?Knock. Knock. Knock.

  ?Three sharp raps.

  ?His gaze lifted. He softened his expression into a mask of paternal concern.

  ?“Come in.”

  ?The door creaked open.

  ?“I heard you called for me, Father...”

  ?Lysric stood there. His usual energetic bounce was gone. His shoulders were slumped, his eyes fixed on his boots.

  ?“Yes, Lysric. Come in.” Celdric’s features hardened back into severity. “I’ve been waiting for you. Do you have any idea why you’re here?”

  ?“I... don’t know,” Lysric whispered.

  ?“You see... the Legendary Hero Zaek has taken Aelira as his pupil. She is traveling to the capital with him. She will meet the Royal Family.”

  ?Celdric folded his hands on the desk, leaning forward.

  ?“Do you know what that means?”

  ?“...I... don’t know...”

  ?“It means she has not only proven herself to be a hero candidate, but she will also gain the favor of the Crown Prince—the future King.” His voice grew louder, each word a hammer blow.

  ?“Isn’t that a good thing for the family?” Lysric asked timidly.

  ?“No, Lysric. It is not good at all. She has taken a step ahead of you.”

  ?“But, Father—”

  ?SLAM!

  ?Celdric rose sharply, slamming his fist onto the desk. The inkwell rattled.

  ?“BUT WHAT?!” he roared. “ALL YOU DO IS MAKE EXCUSES FOR YOUR FAILURES!”

  ?Lysric flinched violently, trembling like a leaf in a storm. He stared at the floor, terrified.

  ?Celdric took a deep breath. He walked around the desk and placed a heavy hand on his son’s small shoulder.

  ?“Listen, Lysric. I want you to be the next Hero of our family. I’ve told you this before, haven’t I?”

  ?“...What about my brother?” Lysric whispered.

  ?“Your brother will inherit the title of Duke. This isn’t about him. It’s about you restoring our family’s glory through strength. Do you understand?”

  ?“Yes, Father... but...”

  ?“But?”

  ?“Isn’t my brother with Uncle Lucien? Shouldn’t you have sent me instead of him?”

  ?“Stop pushing responsibility onto others!” Celdric squeezed his shoulder painfully. “He is not there to train as a hero. He has another purpose. When the time is right, you’ll know.”

  ?“...I understand.”

  ?“Good. Now, back to the matter at hand. It’s unfortunate you failed to impress that old dog, but it isn’t too late. From now on, you must work harder. Twice as hard as that girl. Understand?”

  ?“...Yes, Father.”

  ?Celdric released him and returned to his chair.

  ?“Do not disappoint me. Go.”

  ?Lysric hurried out of the room. He didn’t notice the maid passing him in the corridor. He was muttering to himself, over and over.

  ?“I can’t let Father down... I can’t let him down...”

  ?His small fists were clenched so tight his nails dug into his palms.

  ?Celdric watched him go, then sighed.

  ?“Children... How many times must I break them before they take things seriously?”

  ?He leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

  ?“If we had left it to him, who knows what state this family would be in. Fortunately, I did what was necessary.”

  ?Knock. Knock.

  ?Another knock.

  ?Celdric cleared his throat. He checked his reflection in the window glass, adjusting his collar.

  ?“Come in.”

  ?The door opened. Lassandra entered.

  ?She wore her simple maid uniform, her brown hair tied back neatly. But her green eyes were guarded.

  ?“I heard you wanted to see me, Lord Celdric.” She bowed respectfully.

  ?“Ah, yes, Lassandra. I’ve been waiting for you. Please, take a seat.” He gestured to the plush chair opposite his desk.

  ?“Thank you for your kindness, My Lord, but I must refuse. May I know the reason I was called?”

  ?“Of course. I wanted to ask about my niece.”

  ?“Lady Aelira...?” Her eyes narrowed slightly.

  ?“May a man not concern himself with his niece?” Celdric’s voice was smooth as silk. “You are the only one she truly seems close to. I worry about her.”

  ?He stood up and walked around the desk, stopping just a few feet from her.

  ?“...Master Celdric, I believe you should speak with Lady Aelira directly, rather than asking a lowly maid,” Lassandra replied, taking a subtle step back.

  ?“Lowly?” Celdric chuckled softly. He stepped closer, invading her personal space. “I don’t think you’re lowly at all, Lassandra. You are... valuable.”

  ?He reached out, his fingers brushing a loose strand of her hair.

  ?Lassandra flinched. She stepped back sharply.

  ?“Sir, I just remembered an urgent task from Lady Vivianne. I—I must leave.”

  ?A flicker of annoyance crossed Celdric’s face, but he masked it quickly with a smile.

  ?“If it’s my sister calling, I cannot keep you. How unfortunate.”

  ?He paused, letting the silence hang heavy in the air.

  ?“Very well. You may go. We can continue this conversation later.”

  ?“Thank you, My Lord.” Lassandra bowed curtly and turned toward the door, her heart pounding.

  ?“Before you leave...”

  ?Lassandra froze, her hand on the handle. She glanced back.

  ?“Yes...?”

  ?Celdric smiled. It didn’t reach his eyes.

  ?“I hope your family back in Oryndel is doing well. Your mother... your little sisters... They are so lucky to have a daughter who sends them so much support. It would be a shame if anything happened to that support.”

  ?Lassandra’s blood ran cold.

  ?“Send them my best regards.”

  ?“O-Okay...” she whispered, her voice trembling.

  ?She opened the door and fled.

  ?Celdric watched her go, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips.

  ?“With this... I wonder how my dear sister will react when her pawn starts dancing to my tune.”

  ?He poured himself a glass of amber liquid.

  ?“Still,” he murmured, taking a sip, “being rejected by a maid... stings the pride just a little.”

  ?Outside in the corridor, Lassandra leaned against the wall, gasping for breath. Her hand clutched the fabric over her heart.

  ?He knows. Why he knows about my family?

  ?Anger and fear warred in her eyes. She pushed herself off the wall and walked away, her steps heavy with a new, terrifying burden.