World of Terror

As I walked back to the building, I spotted Belle waiting by the entrance, tapping her foot impatiently. Sir Roswell stood nearby, his usual calm demeanor unchanged as he observed the street.

"You're late! What happened to your things?" Belle exclaimed, eyeing the dirtied book covers in my hands.

"Are you alright, young lord?" Sir Roswell asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied casually. "I just went to the bookstore. Something happened, and that's why they got a bit messy."

Belle rolled her eyes but quickly brightened. "Well, we're done here, and I got a piece of cake for you!" she announced, holding out a small, neatly wrapped package.

I took the cake with a grin. "Thanks, Belle."

Just as we turned to leave, Mary appeared from another room, her dress swaying gently as she approached.

"You're leaving already?" she asked softly.

"Yeah, we got the order. Besides, it's getting dark, and Mother will be mad if we're late," Belle replied promptly.

Mary nodded in understanding. "Alright then. See you at your party, Lucian," she said warmly, her eyes meeting mine with a hint of affection.

"See you then," I replied with a smile.

With that, we said our goodbyes and stepped outside. The cool evening air carried a hint of winter as we climbed into the carriage and began our journey home. The rhythmic sound of hooves striking the cobblestone roads filled the quiet, as Belle and I sat in comfortable silence.

...

While we were in the carriage, Belle glanced over at me, her eyes catching the golden glow of the lantern hanging above us, as I read one of the books I'd just bought.

"What are you reading?" she asked, leaning closer with a curious look toward the cover.

"About history," I replied, turning the page without looking up.

She wrinkled her brow and took a bite of cake. "B-Boring. That's grown-up stuff. You should be having fun and meeting people."

"You should be the one reading books," I retorted calmly. "You know you're going to enroll in the academy this year."

She swallowed her bite, then replied with a huff, "Hmph. I'll study when I'm in the academy."

Though Belle seemed carefree about the topic, it was a serious matter. At the age of ten, everyone is required to take a test and attend the academy for at least two years in order to qualify for the Awakening Ceremony.

Suddenly, Belle shifted the topic with a teasing smile. "What do you think about Mary? Isn't she beautiful?" she asked, her tone playful and her eyes gleaming mischievously.

I paused reading and glanced up to tease her. "Yeah, she's prettier than you."

She pouted and said with annoyance, "You're mean! Give me back my cake."

I chuckled. "Just telling the truth."

"So you do like her then? She's smart, she's rich. Just like you!" Belle continued, probing with that same glint in her eyes.

I shook my head. "Not interested. Besides, we're still young."

Relationships aren't exactly on my list of priorities right now, I thought to myself.

Belle sighed dramatically. "You're weird, Lucy," she muttered, turning her attention to the window. The dark landscape of Linberg stretched out before us, dotted with the faint glow of lanterns from passing houses and shops.

We settled into a quiet stretch after that, the gentle sound of the carriage wheels rolling along the road filling the space as Belle leaned against the seat, lost in thought, and I resumed reading.

...

When we returned home, I headed to my room to change and put away the items I had brought. Meanwhile, Belle went to Mother to share the details of our day. After placing everything in its proper place, I decided to visit my father's office.

As I approached, the door opened, and a familiar man with brown hair and a neatly trimmed mustache stepped out. His expression was tense, though he managed a polite smile when he saw me.

"Good evening, Lucian," he greeted warmly.

"Good evening, Mr. George," I replied with a nod. "I met your daughter earlier. She seems to be doing well," I added, hoping to lighten the mood.

He chuckled softly, though the concern in his eyes remained. "Really? I've been concerned about her—"

I smiled reassuringly, though I couldn't help but notice the strain in his voice. "I'm sure everything will work out, Mr. George."

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded once more. "Ah, yes—just a few matters to handle," he said before adding, "I'll see you at your party, young lord."

"Of course. I know you're busy. I'll see you then," I replied as he hurried off, his pace brisk and focused.

Once he was gone, I stepped into my father's office. He was seated at his desk, deeply engrossed in the stack of documents before him.

"Belle mentioned that you also want to train with Tyrion," he said without looking up, his tone calm and direct.

"Yes, Father!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.

He finally looked up, a small smile forming on his face. "At your age, it won't be easy, but you're my son. You'll manage." He chuckled, the sound warming the room.

Before I could respond, curiosity overcame me. "By the way, Father, I noticed Mr. George seemed a bit worried earlier. Is everything alright?"

My father's expression turned serious. "One of our ships was plundered again. Criminal activity in the region has been escalating. As of today, I've decided to lead the investigation personally and have requested the Church to send agents for support."

"Do you believe it's the work of a larger organization?" I asked, intrigued by the implications.

He handed me a report without hesitation. "No, this seems more like the work of a smaller crew. But read it and tell me your thoughts."

I skimmed the report, making a few notes as I went. "I agree with you, Father. It doesn't seem like a major operation. Perhaps deploying the Church's agents as planned would be the most effective course. Their presence will not only resolve the matter but serve as a deterrent to others."

He smiled, clearly pleased. "Exactly. That's the plan. As for the other crimes, we're still piecing together the details."

Our conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. A maid entered and bowed slightly. "I apologize for the interruption, my lord. Lady Arian has requested the young master's presence."

Father grinned knowingly. "You'd better go. We can continue this tomorrow. You know how your mother gets."

I sighed, already knowing he was right. "Goodnight, Father," I said, taking the report with me as I left the room.

...

We walked through the hallway of the household as the maid led me toward where my mother was waiting. Upon reaching the door, she knocked lightly before pushing it open.

The moment I stepped inside, my mother rushed over with an expression of pure delight, her emerald eyes sparkling.

"How's my Lucy!" she exclaimed, wrapping me in a warm—almost suffocating—embrace. "You've been locked away in that room for so long! I'm starting to regret letting you use it."

"I-I'm okay, Mother," I stammered. "I'm sorry about that. W-what can I do for you?" I asked, attempting to free myself from her affectionate grip.

Her face lit up with a wide grin. "Really? You mean it?"

I instantly regretted my words. "W-wait, I—"

Before I could react, she grabbed my arm and dragged me across the room with surprising strength. "Perfect! Come here, my Lucy."

We stopped in front of a large vanity cluttered with suits, ties, and fabrics of all colors and textures.

"Sit," she commanded gently, though her tone left no room for argument. She began fitting various suits on me as though I were a life-sized doll.

"Are you excited for your party? The preparations are almost complete, and many people are coming!" she said while sorting through the clothes.

"I'm not sure," I replied hesitantly.

She paused, then gave me a soft, reassuring smile. "You don't need to worry, Lucy. Just enjoy the evening. Besides," her smile turned mischievous, "no one would dare mess with you."

"Alright." I nodded, though part of me remained unsure. She's kind—but you don't want to make her angry. Even my father is careful when she's truly upset.

"Try this one—and that one too," she said, holding up a crisp white shirt with long sleeves. She helped me into it, humming a cheerful tune all the while. "You've grown so much."

"For the finishing touch," she added, pulling out a black waistcoat with intricate dark patterns and tying a red silk tie around my neck. "There," she said, stepping back to admire her work.

I turned to look in the mirror. The white shirt and black waistcoat fit me perfectly, while the red tie added a striking accent.

"I like it," I said, adjusting the collar slightly.

Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "Really? Oh, I knew it would suit you!" she said, clasping her hands before hugging me again.

We spent a while chatting as she continued adjusting small details and telling me stories about the guests who would be attending. Eventually, I excused myself and headed toward the old room to review the report Father had given me.