Lucian stepped out of the guest room, the soft click of the door closing behind him echoed in the hallway. Agatha waited outside, her calm presence relaxed him
For the short moment .
"Right this way, Master Lucian," she said gently smiling , turning on her heel and leading him down the hallway The wooden floorboards creaked softly beneath their feet as they walked
They passed through an big arched doorway into a quieter side of the manor, where the light dimmed slightly, through heavy velvet curtains
.
At the end of the hall stood a heavy oak door, carved with intricate patterns and the Valcairn crest in silver. Agatha paused, placing a delicate hand on the gold handle.
"…This is the Lord's office," she said softly. "You'll want to make a good impression…he can be quite intimidating"
Lucian swallowed and nodded, the weight of the moment settling over him again. "Thank you, Agatha. I'll keep that in mind…."
She gave a small, encouraging smile. "Good luck, Master Lucian. I'm sure he just wants to judge your character"
With that, she stepped back, leaving Lucian alone before the door. Taking a deep breath, he reached out turned the handle, stepping into the room where his fate awaited.
The door swung open, and Lucian stepped inside, his eyes immediately were drawn to the man seated behind a massive mahogany circlular desk. The man was shockingly handsome, Wearing a red dress shirt cuffed on his forearms, looking barely older than his early thirties, yet carrying an undeniable air of authority and power. His black hair was neatly parted in the middle, strands falling loosely over his forehead. A scruffy beard framed his strong jawline, and piercing light blue eyes that held Lucian's gaze.
A thin wisp of smoke hanged through out the air from the cigarette in between his fingers, the scent of tobacco was pugent in the air
"You must be Lucian," the man said, his voice low and smooth, there was a faint edge of amusement in his tone. "The one my daughter brought back."
Lucian swallowed, managing a nervous laugh that came out more like a cough. The pressure of the moment pressed down on him, but he forced himself to meet the man's eyes.
"Y-yes, sir," Lucian stammered.
The man's gaze didn't waver as he gestured to a brown leather seat across from him. "Sit."
Lucian hesitated for a moment, then lowered himself into the chair, the leather creaking beneath him.
The man took a slow drag from his cigarette, exhaling a plume of smoke that filled the air . "Tell me, Lucian," he said, voice steady and firm, "what exactly do you want from House Valcairn?" he said looking into Lucien's eyes, it almost felt like he was looking into Lucien's soul
Lucian stood there in shock, caught off guard by the directness of the question. "Sorry, sir? I'm not sure what you mean," he replied cautiously, his voice steady despite his heart feeling like it was gonna jump out of his chest.
The man leaned forward slightly on the desk, Fixing Lucian with a sharp gaze. "Well, you came here with a reason, I'm sure. Did you not?"
Lucian shifted uncomfortably in the chair, rubbing the back of his neck as he searched for the right words. "Well, the situation is pretty complicated, and I'm not sure you would believe me," he admitted, voice low and hesitant.
The man's blue eyes narrowed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "go ahead," he said smoothly, taking another slow drag from his cigarette. The smoke filling the air between them almost like he was challenging him.
Lucian hesitated, feeling the weight of those intense blue eyes pressing him for truth. He tried to steady his breath, searching for words that wouldn't betray too much of him transmigrating to the mysterious world.
Lucian's gaze dropped to his hands, fingers curling into his black pants . "I woke up in a cave. I Didn't know where I was or how I got there. The place was sealed off—I couldn't find a single way out. I was trapped inside for what must've been three months." He swallowed, careful to keep his voice even. "I barely survived and escaped, and then fenrine found me in the forest."
He forced a nervous laugh, glancing up at the man behind the desk. "So if you're asking why I'm here, it's because Fenrine found me and Gave me a chance. I didn't have anywhere else to go."
The lord regarded his answer in silence, his blue eyes unreadable, The silence was loud between them.
The lord took a slow drag from his cigarette, the tip glowing bright in the dim light. He exhaled a long cloud of smoke.
He sighed deeply, the weight of his decision settling over the room like a heavy cloak. "Very well," he said finally, voice steady but with an edge of reluctant acceptance. "You may stay. Dinner should be ready shortly. Come."
Rising from his chair, Lucian took in the tall man's impressive muscular physique.
"Holy shit this guys fucking ripped..i didnt think that was possible" Lucian said internally with shock
"Follow me. There's much to discuss." He said His piercing blue eyes locking onto Lucian's with quiet authority.
With graceful steps, the lord moved toward the door, the floorboards echoing softly beneath his shoes. Lucian hesitated only a moment before getting up and falling into step behind him.
They made their way to a lavish dining room, t scents of roasted meats filled the air. The walls were draped in blue flags embroidered with the Valcairn crest, and the long table gleamed beneath the glow of beautiful golden chandelier that hanged above.
Seated at the head was Fenrine, her sharp eyes softening as she spotted Lucian. Beside her sat a woman who shared Fenrine's features except for eye color—a Wolf Demi-human with golden eyes, long Lucious silver hair, This was Fenrine's mother, she was very beautiful in a way that made someone respect without a word.
Along the sides of the table, two younger twins were seated, their sharp eyes and pointed ears resembling Fenrine and her mother, they were indeed her siblings. Their matching faces held a spark of mischief.
Near the mother sat a man, close in age to Fenrine and Lucian,who appeared surprisingly human, he had short dark black hair and piercing blue eyes mirroring those of the lord he had met earlier. He carried himself with a calm presence, filling the room without a single word.
As Lucian stepped inside, the room went silent, all eyes briefly jolting toward him. Fenrine's smile widened, Fenrines mother gave a small nod.
"Lucian," Fenrine said softly, "these mother and siblings. They've been waiting to meet you…well annoying me all evening "
The lords gaze was intense, but he spoke politely. "Welcome to House Valcairn, Lucian. If you would, please join us."
The woman, Fenrines mother rose slightly from her seat, her eyes softening as they settled on Lucian. There was an unexpected warmth in her gaze, it almost felt motherly.
"So," she said, voice smooth and surprisingly sweet, "you must be the person Fenrine rescued."
Lucian nodded, feeling a sigh of relief at her tone. "Yes, ma'am. I'm grateful she did."
She gave a small, approving smile, then gestured toward an empty seat near the twins. "Please, sit. You must be hungry after your journey coming here."
He moved toward the chair, the was wood cool beneath his fingers as he sat himself down. The twins exchanged curious glances, while Fenrine's mother continued to regard him with an almost motherly warmth.
The chandeliers light danced across the table, casting soft shadows that seemed softened the pressure of the evening.
The soft rustle of some fabric that looked like silk, footsteps could be heard coming, announcing the arrival of some servants, their movements were practiced and precise. They carried tray after tray of fancy lavish dishes Lucian hasn't seen in his 18 years of living, each one a masterpiece you only see in
Some fantasy movie.
Many plates glew beneath the chandelier, with tasty looking roasted meat glazed with honey and some herbs, steaming bowls of vibrant vegetables seared by rare spices, and pastries that looked like cinnamon rolls
Lucian's eyes widened as a silver tray was set before him, bearing a dish of tender meat wrapped in what appeared to be fragrant leaves, its aroma both foreign and intoxicating making his mouth drewl slightly. The twins whispered excitedly nearby, their expressions reflecting the same excitement.
Fenrine's mother smiled knowingly. "Only the best our guests," she said softly. "Dont be shy Lucian Eat, You'll need your strength."
The lord of the house lifted a glass of wine in a toast, his gaze steady. "May this mark the beginning of something new."
As plates were passed, chatter began to fill the room, Lucian allowed himself a moment to savor not just the food, but the fragile hope that came with it, after being alone and trapped for so long.
Lucian dug in meal with eagerness, the rich flavors exploding across his tongue. "This is amazing," he said between fast bites, his eyes brightening as he swallowed each bite. "Probably the best food I've ever eaten in my life."
A single tear escaped his eye, trickling down his cheek.
Fenrine's gaze flicked toward him, concern softening her features. "Are you alright, Lucian?"
He blinked quickly, wiping the tear away with his thumb. "Yes… of course," he answered, forcing a smile. "My bad. I've been surviving on eating moss in that cave. This…" He gestured vaguely at the dinner before him, his was filled voice with gratitude, "this is heaven compared to that."
Fenrine's nodded gently. "Well eat to your heart's content, you deserved it after that" letting out a little chuckle
The lord's voice cut through the warm murmur of the dining room, calm but edged with curiosity. "So, Lucian, how did you even escape the cave?"
Lucian paused mid-bite, the light of the chandelier reflecting in his eyes as he gathered himself. He swallowed slowly, choosing his words. "Well I kind of used gravity magic and used a spell to shoot a opening through the cave…"
The twins exchanged curious glances. One finally asked, "Magic? What's magic?
The lord's eyes widened, a faint blue glow flickering in his irises. "Magic? He shook his head, clearly surprised. "I'm not sure why you call it this "magic". It's resonance."
He turned his gaze to Lucian, studying him intently. "So you know how to use resonance, Lucian? Interesting."
"Wait, what the hell is resonance? …Excuse my, language," Lucian said, eyebrows curling in confusion.
The lord paused, fork in hand, blue eyes glinting with a faint, unnatural light similar to Lucien's purple eyes—a sign of his own resonance. "Well….Resonance is the world's true energy. Every stone, every gust of wind, every element, every thought you have—each vibrates with its own frequency. To be a Resonator is to listen, to reach out….. " his wife cuts him off
"Alaric, give the poor kid a break," a gentle but firm tone from across the table. Her eyes warm with sympathy as she looked at Lucian. "He's been through enough already. Let him relax, and enjoy his meal."
The lord scratched his scruffy beard a rare glimpse of uncertainty crossing his composed features. "I'm not sure I can explain all this to you in a way that truly makes sense right." He gave a small, shrug. "Resonance is complicated. It takes time to feel it, and understand it's nature."
He leaned back, as if weighing his options. Then a faint smile appeared. "I suppose I'll have to send Lucy a letter. She's a Shatterer, a martial artist who specializes in destructive resonance. She also wields gravity resonance, same as you. She's Always wanted a little disciple to guide."
He tapped the table lightly. "She's fierce and precise, a master of channeling resonance into devastating strikes."
Lucian's eyes sparkling with despite the fog in his mind. "Lucy? Who's she?"
The lord's smile deepened, though his eyes held a hint of something unreadable. "Well you could say she's a close friend of mine…and a..ahem" he adjusts his throat "lively person"
Fenrine and the other siblings suddenly started making a cross gesture over their chests, eyes darting nervously toward Lucian.
Lucian blinked, confused. "Wait, why are you guys doing that?"
Fenrine's mother cleared her throat, forcing a awkward . "… well, Lucy can be… quite the handful."
Fenrine laughed quietly, trying and failing to suppress a grin. "You'll see. She's like a fierce dragon, with a terrible temper to match."
A twin nudged him, "Better start praying now, Lucian."
Lucian raised an eyebrow, half amused, half wary. "Great… a mentor who's a walking bomb, two for one special what a deal". Just what I needed." He said to himself internally
The table erupted into chuckles as lord Alaric shook his head, a small smile tugging at his face. "You'll survive… probably."
Dinner was winding down, and Lucian felt the heavy weight of the day's revelations pressing on his mind. The warnings about resonance, the mention of Lucy—it was a lot to take in, and sleep felt far away.
As he stood to leave, a familiar presence stepped beside him. It was Fenrine's older brother who Lucian had noticed at the table but never spoke to him.
Issac gave a small, knowing smile. "Hey, Lucian. I didn't get to introduce myself and talk properly I'm Issac, how are you doing?.
Lucian nodded, grateful for the break from his swirling thoughts. "Yeah... I'm fine for the most part …it's been a lot to process."
Issac chuckled softly. "I won't lie—the whole Lucy situation can be intimidating. She's got a reputation, you know? But don't let that scare you. She's tough, but she's loyal to those she trusts."
He gave Lucian a light punch on the shoulder. "You'll do fine. And if she gets too much, just remember sometimes a obstacle clears the way for something better."
Lucian managed a small smile, feeling the tension ease just a bit. "Thanks, Issac. I appreciate that."
Issac nodded and stepped back toward the table. "Well..you'd better Get some rest."
Issac's easy smile and warm words lingered in Lucian's mind as he watched the young man return to the table. "Wow, what a nice guy" Lucian thought, shaking his head slightly. "I honestly thought he wanted to kill me."
Lucian took a deep breath and made his way back up the grand staircase to the room Agatha had shown him earlier. The quiet hallway felt both unfamiliar and strangely safe, the glow of some lanterns casted soft shadows on the walls.
He reached the door, hesitated for a moment, then stepped inside. The fancy room was simple but warm, the big bed neatly made, the big window opened slightly letting in the cool night air.
Lucian sank into of the bed, the weight of the day pressing down, but with a faint spark of hope, maybe, just maybe, this place wasn't as lonely as he'd feared.
Far to the east in katagawa, Lucy was finishing up a sparring match that left 9 practice dummies in splinters and a few observers wondering if the training hall would survive another day. She wiped sweat from her forehead, grinning wide.
A young woman in a kimono came and handed her the letter, looking a little nervous. Lucy tore it open with her teeth, eyes darting to the message
-Fenrine rescued a boy with gravity resonance. I'm sure you're already sprinting over here so calm down Lucy I know you like the back of my hand. Well, this was just some information, so do what you want with it—Alaric Valcairn.
She snorted, folding the letter with one hand and tucking it into her belt. "He knows me too well," she muttered to her self, her grin never leaving her face.
She didn't bother packing much. Just grabbed her battered sword, slung her heavy coat over her shoulders, and was out the door before anyone could ask questions. The trip to Lalucia was long.