Night fell.
At the Crown Guard estate, inside the grand banquet hall.
This hall was reserved only for special occasions. The last time it had been opened was for Garen's coming-of-age ceremony. Back then, the Pitre couple had hosted a lavish banquet to celebrate their eldest son's entry into adulthood.
For that ceremony, Garen had even gone so far as to hunt down a Stonehide Behemoth on his own.
That kind of beast was notorious for its thick hide, normally, it would take seven or eight hunters working together to bring one down.
Yet Garen, barely stepping into manhood, slew the monster single-handedly and brought it back as a mark of his adulthood.
Even now, the Stonehide Behemoth's head still hangs in Pitre's study as a trophy.
Inside the banquet hall, soft music drifted across the air. Guests in fine attire held wine glasses, gathered in groups of twos and threes, trading the latest gossip.
"Quite the commotion from Noxus lately."
"Isn't that the truth!"
"First they closed off the trading ports near Ionia, and now they're mustering troops on a massive scale. Looks like they're preparing for war."
"But their own lands are a mess, aren't they?"
"Sure, but you know how those barbarians are. Who can ever predict their thinking?"
"A pity about my shipment bound for Ionia…"
"You could redirect it to Piltover or Bilgewater!"
"True, but the costs would rise… though there's still some profit to be had."
"Have you heard? Trouble's brewing in Shurima."
"That I did! Word is, someone spotted an ancient god-warrior from a thousand years ago, a man with the head of a crocodile, wielding a colossal axe, slaughtering scores of people!"
"A bunch of ignorant sandfolk, probably seeing mirages!"
"Noxus even blockaded the northern ports of Shurima. Always so restless, those dogs."
"Let's just hope things stay stable…"
"They say Lux's teacher is from Piltover!"
"I heard that too. Supposedly he had something to do with Galio's awakening!"
"The news of Galio's return has already reached the capital. They're all waiting for that master craftsman to head there."
"If Demacia could master the art of awakening the Colossus of Justice, we'd have no fear of foreign invasion for centuries!"
"Indeed, indeed!"
"By the looks of it, the time is almost upon us."
"Yes, it's nearly time."
…
The conversations flowed from Noxus to Ionia, then to Shurima, with all sorts of strange rumors. Most wore skeptical expressions, until the topic turned to Galio's awakening. Then, faces lit up with awe.
Only true Demacians knew what the Colossus of Justice meant.
It was not only the symbol of Demacia's glory, but the very pillar of its spirit.
In past wars, whenever Galio marched onto the battlefield, no matter the foe, Demacia's warriors would prevail.
Tonight, Lux was dressed unlike ever before: a golden gown that matched her long blonde hair, embroidered gloves making her arms look as white and smooth as lotus roots.
Though only thirteen or fourteen, she already showed the promise of breathtaking beauty.
"The time's come. Brother Duke should be here any moment!"
Lux glanced nervously at the banquet hall doors. At her side, Tiana chuckled: "Still calling him 'big brother'? After tonight, you'll have to call him 'teacher'!"
"Teacher…"
Lux's eyes shone with anticipation. In the week she had spent with Duke, she had seen and learned things she never imagined, realizing her world was not limited to Demacia.
Through Duke's stories, she had glimpsed Bilgewater's turbulent seas, the fantastical magic of Bandle City, and the wild jungles of Ixtal.
Each tale only deepened her yearning for the wider world. After tonight, she would finally leave the land that birthed her, to see a broader sky beyond.
"Thank you for your efforts with the Hextech Gate."
Camille raised her glass with graceful poise. Pitre nodded slightly, while Barrett laughed: "If the Hextech Gate succeeds, travel between Demacia and Piltover will be instantaneous. I look forward to that day, my lady."
"You won't regret your decision today."
"And when can we finalize our delegation to Piltover?"
Ruehl, less patient, snorted: "I've already agreed to let that brat build the Gate's tower base."
"It won't be far, Lord Ruehl."
Camille lifted her glass. The four exchanged smiles and drank together.
The initial division of interests was already settled. Now, all that remained was to suppress the waves of opposition.
The Crown Guards, Demacia's most illustrious house; the Bouvier family, stewards of the kingdom's trade; and the Durand family, leaders of Demacia's craftsmen, three great houses together had thrown their weight behind the Ferros Clan, ensuring the Hextech Gate plan could live on.
As time ticked by, the guests gathered around the long table at the center, awaiting the evening's main event.
Lux fidgeted by the doors. Old Master Durand glanced at the crowd and grumbled: "Should've hosted my own banquet!"
At his side, Shirley whispered: "Grandfather, it's just a formality. Besides, he's already taken me as his disciple."
"You'd better learn well from that rascal!"
"I will!"
Durand's family had given Duke's second apprenticeship slot to Shirley, his granddaughter, whose talents rivaled even their ancestors.
For her, Duke had gifted his personal tool pouch, not as ornate as the staff he prepared for Lux, but still a symbol of passing down his craft.
After all, Shirley was an ordinary girl, unlike Lux, a mage. They required different forms of tutelage.
Creak, !
The banquet doors swung open. All eyes turned toward the entrance.
At last, the evening's protagonist arrived.
Duke entered slowly, clad in formal dress, his attendants carrying a gift box prepared for Lux.
"Seems I'm not too late, after all."
Taking a glass from a servant, Duke raised it to chest height, saluting the guests.
As the master of tonight's ceremony, custom dictated he should have mingled with the crowd beforehand, at least, according to Piltover tradition. But Demacia's customs were different.
If a local master accepted a foreign disciple, the master would wait within.
But if a local child took a foreign teacher, then the teacher was the last to appear.
An odd tradition indeed.
"All right, the guest of honor has arrived. Everyone, quiet down!"
Pitre tapped a silver spoon against his glass, drawing silence and every gaze toward him.
"Today, I am honored to welcome you all. This is a great moment for the Crown Guard family."
"You all know why you've been invited here."
"Yes, today we celebrate my daughter, Luxanna Crown Guard's, apprenticeship ceremony!"
"And her teacher, Duke Sanchez of Piltover!"
Pitre stepped aside, placing Duke in the center of attention. Duke only smiled faintly and nodded. He disliked such fanfare, but the occasion was important, and it would have been rude to show impatience.
"Greetings to you all."
"Welcome, Master Duke!"
"Your exoskeleton design is a stroke of genius!"
"An honor to have you in Demacia, Master Duke!"
…
As one voice after another greeted him, Duke returned polite smiles.
At the edges, Tiana nudged Camille with a grin: "I bet Duke's about ready to crawl out of his skin."
"Mind your manners, Tiana."
Camille cast her niece a sharp look, and Tiana stiffened.
Then Camille softened. "But don't be too tense, dear. Today is a joyous day. A little mischief is forgiven."
Tiana exhaled in relief.
Meanwhile, Lux approached Duke with both hands cupping a small gift, a simple handmade cloth doll.
"Teacher!" Blushing crimson, she held it up high. "This is for you!"
"Thank you, Lux. I have something for you as well."
Taking the box from his attendant, Duke handed it over. "I hope you will grow, and dedicate yourself to the pursuit of science."
"Thank you, teacher!"
Lux opened the box, and her eyes sparkled in delight at the sight of a staff.
"A Hextech staff, the crystallization of pure technology. I give it to you for protection."
Duke's timely explanation soothed the murmurs. After all, it was still a staff, and everyone knew how Demacians shunned magic.
But this was Duke's way of helping Lux embrace her powers without fear. With this staff, and with her new identity as his apprentice, few would dare to question her again.
"Everyone, let us drink!"
Pitre raised his glass with a smile. The guests followed suit.
"To Demacia and Piltover!"
"May our friendship endure!"
End of chapter....
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