The morning sun cast a golden hue over the palace as preparations for departure were underway. The Ardentis Estate was far more lively than usual, with carriages lining the courtyard, banners fluttering in the wind, and noble retainers bustling about, ensuring everything was in order.
In the center of it all, ten young nobles, the chosen representatives of the Ardentis Territory, stood in their formal attire, their expressions filled with a mix of excitement and tension. Each of them had earned their place in the Empire's Academy—a privilege granted only to the top ten contenders from every noble territory.
Among them was Adrian Ardentis.
Unlike the others, who would be traveling in standard academy-bound carriages, Adrian's status as a direct member of the Ardentis family meant he had his own personal carriage. It was distinct, adorned with the Ardentis Crest—a blazing sword wreathed in flames—etched onto its doors. The carriage, drawn by four powerful black steeds, stood as a symbol of his noble lineage.
Yet, despite this honor, Adrian's presence was met with silence from the people who mattered most.
Neither Duke Magnus nor his two eldest sons, Cassius and Julius, had come to see him off.
Instead, only Lady Seraphina, their mother, and his two younger sisters, Lady Selene and Lady Irene, were present.
Lucius stood a little behind them, observing the moment in silence.
For Adrian, this departure should have been a moment of pride. But in truth, it felt more like an escape.
At nineteen, he had finally secured his place at the Academy—but only after eight consecutive failures. His name had been dragged through years of humiliation, overshadowed by the brilliance of his elder brothers.
Even now, though he was leaving as an official Academy student, there was no celebration. No recognition.
As the last of the luggage was loaded, Adrian turned toward Lucius.
"Lucius."
Lucius, surprised to be addressed so directly, met his brother's gaze.
Adrian's blue eyes, usually filled with quiet determination, held something more—a warning.
"Listen to me carefully." His voice was low, meant only for Lucius to hear. "You should learn the true Ardentis Swordplay as soon as possible."
Lucius blinked. The true Ardentis Swordplay?
Everyone knew that Ardentis knights practiced a refined sword style, but the real swordplay—the legacy of their bloodline—was a secret art. Only direct family members were allowed to wield it.
Even the strongest knights in their army could not access it.
Lucius had never even considered the possibility of learning it.
Adrian continued, "It won't be easy. Getting approval from Marshal Reynard will be difficult."
Lucius frowned. Marshal Reynard?
Adrian sighed, glancing toward the estate's training grounds. "You know who he is, don't you?"
Lucius hesitated before nodding.
Marshal Reynard Ardentis.
He was a name spoken with deep respect—and fear. The younger brother of Duke Magnus, he was the second most powerful warrior in the Ardentis Territory, second only to their father.
But unlike the Duke, who rarely participated in combat, Marshal Reynard was the true warlord of the family. He was the one who led their armies, the one whom knights and generals feared.
Even among Ardentis warriors, his brutal methods and unshakable discipline were legendary.
Adrian's voice grew firmer. "You will have to earn his recognition. And that will not be easy."
Lucius felt a chill run down his spine. Earn his recognition?
That meant he would have to prove himself to a man who had spent decades perfecting the art of war—a man feared even by veteran knights.
Lucius exhaled sharply.
"That may be difficult," he muttered.
Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "Difficult? It may be outright impossible."
Lucius looked at him, confused.
Adrian smirked. "Because even within the family, no one has ever learned the true Ardentis swordplay without the Duke's direct approval. And I highly doubt our dear father would allow it."
Lucius's expression darkened.
Adrian continued, "But if anyone can force the issue, it's Marshal Reynard. He is the only one who can challenge Father's authority when it comes to swordsmanship."
Lucius clenched his fists.
So that was it. If he wanted to grow, he would have to convince the harshest warrior in Ardentis history to train him.
At that moment, Lady Seraphina stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Adrian's arm. Her expression was filled with worry, her tone soft yet firm.
"Adrian, remember to write home."
Adrian hesitated before nodding. "I will, Mother."
Lady Selene and Lady Irene, standing beside her, both offered small smiles and words of encouragement.
Unlike their brothers, the two sisters had never distanced themselves from Adrian. They had stayed by his side during the first two months of his recovery, speaking to him, bringing him books, and encouraging him when no one else did.
Even now, their presence reassured him.
"Try not to pick fights with everyone, Adrian," Selene teased, her silver eyes gleaming.
Irene sighed. "And try not to break any more bones this time."
Adrian let out a short laugh. "No promises."
Finally, the head steward signaled for departure.
The other nine noble representatives climbed into their respective carriages, each bearing the insignia of their noble houses.
Adrian, however, stepped into his personal Ardentis carriage, the crest gleaming in the morning sun.
The moment he was seated, the doors shut, and with a command from the coachman, the carriage wheels began to turn.
Without looking back, he and the nine others rode out through the gates, heading toward the distant Academy.
Lucius remained standing there, watching until the last carriage disappeared over the horizon.
His mind replayed Adrian's words.
"The true Ardentis Swordplay…"
"Marshal Reynard Ardentis…"
"The second strongest in Ardentis..."
Lucius clenched his fists.
If he wanted to grow stronger, this was his next step