Meanwhile, in a private chamber of the royal palace, Adelaine and Sofia conversed at ease.

  "So that's what happened with that woman," Adelaine remarked curiously.

  "That poor, lost princess doesn't even understand her own position," Sofia replied with open disdain.

  "Your son has been reminding me of you lately—back when you were young," Adelaine continued with a smile. "Quite the troublemaker."

  Sofia laughed softly.

  "Yes, it seems all my efforts to raise Lusian into a strong and respected Douglas are bearing fruit. I feared I might have been too strict, but seeing him now—confident and unwilling to bow to anyone—fills me with pride."

  "It appears you raised him so well that my foolish Elizabeth has taken an interest in him," Adelaine added dryly.

  "I can't blame her. She has good taste," Sofia replied with an ironic smile. "What a pity the Douglases and the Erkhans cannot be joined in marriage. If not for that, I would gladly welcome Elizabeth as my daughter-in-law."

  Adelaine shifted the subject.

  "Everything you requested to deal with the matter called Caleb is prepared. Do you intend to proceed?"

  "Of course," Sofia answered without hesitation. "Any obstacle that stands in my son's path will be removed."

  "It seems Laurens has made quite a mess of things this time," Adelaine remarked with faint amusement.

  The following morning, Lusian rose early, only to be intercepted by Albert, who delivered the information Lusian had requested about the adventurer. After hearing the report, Lusian went to see Sofia.

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  The moment he stepped inside, he was caught off guard by a familiar voice—and an unexpected embrace.

  "Well, look who it is—my little lord!" Adela exclaimed brightly, wrapping her arms around him.

  "Adela, what are you doing here?" Lusian replied, startled as he gently freed himself from her embrace.

  She tilted her head. "Am I bothering you now?"

  Lusian felt a flicker of discomfort and chose honesty.

  "It's not that I've started to dislike you, Adela. We've simply grown up, and things have changed. The academy isn't a place where we can behave with the same familiarity we once had."

  Adela blinked, surprised by the coolness in his tone.

  "So that's it? We can't act like we did when we were children anymore?"

  Seeing the confusion on her face, Lusian clarified,

  "It's not just that. There are responsibilities and expectations we must uphold. We're not children anymore—it isn't appropriate for us to behave the same way."

  Sofia intervened, drawing their attention as she gently stroked the small white tiger she had gifted Adela seven years earlier.

  "That's enough, you two. Adela, how is this little one progressing?"

  "Very well," Adela replied, affectionately petting Aureus. "His magical affinity is improving rapidly. At just seven years old, he's already reached Epsilon rank. I don't think Cassandra is very pleased about it."

  Sofia frowned slightly.

  "Is Instructor Cassandra giving you trouble?"

  "Occasionally," Adela admitted. "But ever since Umber defeated her so humiliatingly, she's toned it down."

  A determined glint flashed in Sofia's eyes.

  "If she steps out of line, I may have to pay her a personal visit."

  Taking advantage of the pause, Lusian made his request.

  "Mother, I would like to visit Dreville Village. I've heard it's an excellent place to rest near the capital, and its famous healing spring is said to be remarkably effective."

  Sofia nodded, but imposed a condition.

  "Very well—but you will take Emily with you. I want the two of you to grow closer."

  "That won't be necessary, Mother," Lusian said, attempting to dissuade her. "Emily and I already get along well. Besides, she's spending time with her family. It wouldn't be right to disturb her."

  Sofia struck the table firmly.

  "It seems you've grown bold enough to contradict me."

  Lusian felt Larryet's low rumble near his ear and quickly amended his tone.

  "Of course, Mother. If that is your wish, it shall be done."

  Sofia pinched his cheek affectionately.

  "Good. I do like it when you're obedient."

  Adela suddenly jumped up, eyes shining.

  "I want to go too!"

  Sofia sighed.

  "Very well. You may go—but as Lusian's escort. Continue training Aureus while you're at it. Consider this practical experience. Inform Albert to prepare three hundred soldiers to accompany him."