On his way to his room, Lusian ran into Andrew.

  "Hello, Lusian," Andrew greeted him with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

  Lusian looked at him coldly, calculating."I believe we have unfinished business, Prince Andrew."

  Andrew frowned, confused."With me? I don't recall doing anything against you."

  A brief, sarcastic smile curved Lusian's lips."Don't overstep your bounds, Andrew."

  Andrew stiffened, searching for an excuse."Ah… you mean that. I only said it so Prince Leopold would stop bothering you. It wasn't personal."

  "Don't expect mercy in the tournament, Andrew," Lusian replied, his voice icy.

  Challenging the chill radiating from his rival, Andrew tried to press him."Hey, don't push it. Do you want me to tell my mother about your secret meetings with Elizabeth?"

  For a fleeting instant, rage flashed through Lusian's mind. Useless prince.Aloud, restraining himself, he said,"You win this time. But speaking of which, Andrew… I need you to investigate the damned Denisse."

  Andrew blinked in surprise."You lose and change the subject… how immature. I wanted to see you beg a little. Come on, Lusian—beg."

  Lusian cleared his throat, suppressing his disdain, his voice turning firm."This is serious. They may be connected to the demonic cult."

  The color drained from Andrew's face."Wait… you're not joking, are you? If that's true, this is extremely serious. We need to report it immediately."

  "Do you think I would joke about something like that?" Lusian's tone allowed no doubt.

  Andrew swallowed."Then I don't think you're joking anymore… Damn it. I can't believe a noble house would associate with people like that. I'll send men to investigate. This is more complicated than it looks. We can't ignore it—or the whole kingdom will suffer."

  Lusian raised an eyebrow, studying the prince's reaction.

  "So, from the way you're acting, I assume you have irrefutable proof?" Andrew asked.

  "If I had proof, I wouldn't be asking you for this favor, idiot," Lusian replied bluntly. "I need you to get that proof. I can only assure you that the Denisse are a plague that's gone too far."

  Andrew took a deep breath, absorbing the weight of it."Fine… I'll believe you."

  From a distance, Leonardo had been watching the exchange. He was surprised to see Lusian and Andrew speaking so closely; he didn't recall them having any significant bond. When Lusian walked away, Leonardo approached his brother.

  "Since when are you close to that man?" Leonardo asked, curiosity and distrust mingling in his tone.

  "Close? With that bastard? Of course not," Andrew shot back defensively. "I was just being polite for once. Do you need something?"

  Leonardo sighed in frustration."Brother… I need your help with Isabella's family. I know they're innocent. Please… Father wouldn't listen to me."

  Andrew studied him carefully."I'll try to help, but I can't promise anything. It's delicate. As soon as I have results, I'll let you know."

  The next day, as Lusian headed toward the academy restaurant, he crossed paths with Jean and Adela, who were chatting beneath the morning light.

  "My lord, it's a pleasure to see you!" Adela greeted him with a slight bow and a sincere smile.

  "Gone into bodyguard mode, Adela?" Lusian replied with restrained amusement. "Hello, training partner," he added, nodding to Jean.

  He bent down to stroke Aureus, Adela's companion.

  "He's much stronger now, my lord. If Umber slips up, we'll take his place," Adela joked, earning a disapproving look from Umber.

  Taking advantage of the pause, Jean asked cautiously,"I heard you're going to visit Duchess Sofía. Did something happen, sir?"

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  Lusian answered calmly,"Nothing important. Just settling a few unfinished matters."

  Upon entering the restaurant, his gaze swept the room—and then he saw Emily. For a moment, his eyes lit up. Without hesitation, she rose and walked straight toward him. Lusian watched her approach, his heart beating faster than usual. Each of her steps seemed to slow time itself.

  From a corner table, Elizabeth and Kara observed discreetly over their cups and plates. Every gesture held their full attention.

  In a thread of a voice laced with disdain, Elizabeth muttered, barely audible:"That damned bitch."

  Kara frowned slightly."What? Did you say something?"

  Elizabeth shrugged, her smile radiant and venomous all at once."I didn't say anything."

  Leaning forward, lowering her voice as if it could pierce the distance, she changed the subject with obvious curiosity."By the way… why are you wearing dresses now? I thought you hated them. Trying to win someone over?"

  Kara's cheeks burned. Her hands tightened on the table."Who do you think I'm trying to win over—that idiot!?"

  Elizabeth arched a brow, amused by her reaction. After letting the silence linger, she asked with surgical precision,"Was it Lusian you made that bet with?"

  Kara lowered her gaze, her voice barely audible."Yes… that idiot beat me again. He's gotten really strong. I bet I'd have to wear dresses for a week."

  Elizabeth's gaze turned cold, almost judgmental."Remember, the four great houses of the kingdom cannot intermingle. Stay away from Lusian."

  Kara lifted her head, determination brimming in her posture."I know that already. You don't have to remind me. Once I defeat him, I'll finally have peace."

  At midday, Lusian left the academy with Isabella at his side. His stride was firm, resolute, as though each step brought him closer to unraveling the Denisse's schemes. Isabella walked beside him, nervous yet determined.

  They arrived at the Temple of Sangus, imposing and silent, its towering columns and statues seeming to watch every movement. Lusian paused near the entrance until he heard the tense voices of Sofía and Laurence. The moment Laurence saw Isabella, his fury erupted; his posture radiated threat.

  Lusian and Umber immediately stepped forward, forming a protective shield around her.

  "Calm yourself, Father," Lusian said firmly. "There's something you need to hear."

  "You're the one who doesn't understand!" Laurence nearly shouted. "Step aside!"

  "It's my duty to guarantee her protection. I won't allow anyone to harm her."

  Laurence hesitated, surprised by his son's resolve."You've fallen under that witch's charms as well! What a disappointment!"

  Sofía crossed her arms beside him."Stop being so immature, Laurence. Wanting to harm a girl whose guilt hasn't even been proven is disgraceful."

  Inside the temple, sunlight filtered through stained glass, casting fractured patterns across the cold stone floor. A monk invoked a spell before the statue of the god Sangus. A bluish, ethereal light enveloped Isabella—any lie she spoke would trigger a curse leading to a painful death.

  Laurence listened, fists clenched, jaw tight. As Isabella confessed, the tension in his brow gradually eased. Behind the Armett family's downfall lay a calculated strategy—one that benefited another house and aligned with imperial efforts to destabilize the kingdom. Caleb had been an innocent victim.

  When Isabella finished, exhausted and trembling, Laurence left the temple with rigid steps, fury and resignation warring on his face.

  Sofía approached Lusian and gently pinched his cheeks, smiling warmly."You did very well, my little one."

  "Do you think this will make any difference, Mother?" Lusian asked.

  "Of course it will. Laurence is not a fool. He understood clearly."

  Relief softened Lusian's rigid posture."So Isabella and her family will be safe."

  "It's not that simple," Sofía warned, her gaze turning solemn as she addressed Isabella. "According to noble law, you have three options: death, slavery, or servitude. Even without intent, you bear responsibility."

  She met Isabella's eyes."I'll allow you to choose your punishment. Decide."

  "I… have to decide now?" Isabella asked faintly.

  "I'll give you one week. If you do not choose, I will choose for you."

  Later, as they returned to the academy, Isabella thanked Lusian again. He promised to try persuading his mother to lessen the punishment, though Isabella insisted she would accept what came.

  By the time they arrived, the sky was painted in orange and violet. Her brothers intercepted her, fear etched across their faces.

  "Are you alright? That monster didn't hurt you, did he?" Benjamin asked.

  "I'm fine," Isabella assured them gently. "Lord Lusian was kind."

  "What price do we have to pay?" Benjamin pressed.

  "You don't have to pay anything," Isabella said softly. "I'll handle it."

  The corridor was nearly empty when Lusian felt a crackle of electricity brush his back. He spun, narrowly avoiding a second bolt that struck the wall.

  Elizabeth stood before him, illuminated by fading blue sparks.

  Without a word, she motioned for him to follow. In an empty room, she shoved him against the wall. The impact echoed. She leaned in close enough for him to feel her breath.

  "I see you enjoy having many women around you, my dear," she murmured, sarcasm barely masking jealousy.

  "It's not what you think, Eli," he replied calmly.

  "Perhaps I'm confused," she said tensely. "There's your fiancée, Kara chasing you, and now you're taking Isabella out on dates. Explain yourself—or you'll have a problem with me."

  "You know my engagement to Emily wasn't my choice. Kara is obsessed with fighting. And Isabella… I was helping her avoid a conflict."

  Elizabeth studied him silently. Then she leaned closer and lightly bit his ear—a mix of punishment and provocation. As she pulled away, Lusian caught her arm and drew her back, kissing her with pent-up intensity.

  "What do you think you're doing?" she gasped, striking his chest lightly. "I'm not in the mood."

  He didn't let go. This time, his kiss was softer.

  "You know you're the only one," he confessed quietly. "I've had strong feelings for you for a long time. Seeing you jealous only makes me want you more."

  The silence that followed was thick. Elizabeth stared at him, breath uneven, pride and emotion warring behind trembling lips.