Chapter 21: Imperial Envoys
The sunlight wafted through the curtain like gentle waves of shimmering gold, piercing my eyes. My body trembled slightly as I shot up from my bed, eyes shut tight against the sudden brightness.
"Ugh!" I groaned, clutching my head as pain throbbed through my skull. Every inch of my body ached, a dull, persistent reminder of the battle.
"Mana exhaustion," I muttered, recognizing the telltale signs. Using Sword Domain had pushed my mana channels to their limits, straining my entire system.
Sword Domain demanded a tremendous amount of mana, infusing Sword Intent into the surroundings and turning everything around the user into an extension of their blade. The sheer effort of channeling that much energy had drained my core and left me exhausted.
'Even with a green core, I barely managed to pull it off,' I reflected. 'If I had a yellow core, I wouldn't have been able to use it at all.'
The domain I had created was incomplete and weak due to my current limitations. That was why it had taken so long to defeat the Imperial Knight Lieutenant. He wasn't just an ordinary opponent—he had been enhanced by the rebels' elixirs.
Elixirs that temporarily push a person's core to the next stage do exist, but they're dangerous. They should only be used in life-or-death situations because of their severe aftereffects. I had chosen not to kill the knight, knowing he would be powerless once the elixir's effects wore off.
'Mana can be dangerous if used recklessly,' I reminded myself, a lesson learned through hard experience.
Reaching over, I rang the bell beside my bed to inform the others that I was awake. As I waited for someone to respond, I allowed myself a moment to take in my surroundings. The room was familiar, yet it felt different in the aftermath of the battle. The curtains billowed gently in the breeze, casting dappled shadows across the floor. The air was thick with the scent of healing herbs, a testament to the efforts of the estate's healers.
A soft knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. "Come in," I called, my voice still hoarse from the strain.
The door creaked open, and Lyra stepped inside, her eyes widening as she took in my condition. "Lancelot, you're awake," she said, relief evident in her tone. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I got trampled by a herd of wild horses," I replied with a wry smile. "But I'll live. How's everyone else?"
"Everyone's fine, thanks to you," Lyra said, her eyes shining with gratitude. "The estate is secure, and the Imperial envoys have been helping with the cleanup."
"Speaking of which—" Lyra began, but she was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps and the door bursting open. My family flooded into the room, their faces a mixture of relief and worry.
Elara was the first to reach my side, her dark eyes wide with concern. "Lancelot, thank the heavens you're awake!" she exclaimed, her hands gently cupping my face as if to reassure herself that I was truly there.
Lucas followed closely behind, his usually stoic expression softening as he saw me. "You really overdid it this time, little brother," he said, shaking his head but with a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Father's stern visage cracked as he stepped closer, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and concern. "You fought bravely, Lancelot. We're all proud of you," he said, his voice gruff but warm.
Mother, bringing up the rear, looked as though she might burst into tears at any moment. She rushed to my side, wrapping me in a careful but fierce hug. "My brave boy," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You've scared us half to death."
The room felt suddenly crowded and warm, the love and concern of my family wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. I smiled weakly, feeling the weight of their support lifting my spirits.
"I'm alright, really," I assured them, though my voice was still hoarse. "It was tough, but we managed to protect the estate and Count Arlen."
"You shouldn't push yourself so much when you're so young, Lancelot," my mother said, her voice gentle but firm. "Baron Cedric and Count Arlen told us how hard you fought alongside Lucas to help them deal with the swordsman. To think an Imperial Knight betrayed the Imperial Family and reached indigo core using an elixir!"
"Really?" I asked, widening my eyes in feigned shock.
"Yes," my father confirmed, his tone serious. "The Imperial envoys are here, and they want to reward you and Lucas for such a massive achievement. Though most of the merit goes to Baron Cedric, of course."
'If I revealed my true power, they might make me an Imperial Knight Captain,' I thought wryly. 'But it's best to keep that a secret while I'm still this weak.'
Mother's eyes were filled with concern as she continued, "You must take care of yourself, Lancelot. Your health is more important than any accolades."
I nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "I understand, Mother. I'll be more careful."
"Father," Lucas said, stepping forward with a resolute expression. "I also want to discuss something important before I go back to adventuring."
Father nodded, casting a glance at Lyra, who bowed gracefully before excusing herself from the room.
"What is it, Lucas?" Mother asked, her curiosity piqued.
Lucas took a deep breath, his gaze steady. "I would like to give up my position as the heir to the Orbel house."
"What?" Mother's voice trembled with shock, her eyes widening.
Father raised his hand to calm her before addressing Lucas. "Are you certain about this, son?"
"Yes, Father," Lucas replied firmly. "I intend to become an Imperial Knight and earn my own noble peerage. My heart lies in the path of the sword, not in becoming a feudal lord."
A heavy silence filled the room, the gravity of Lucas's declaration sinking in. Mother's eyes were filled with a mixture of sorrow and understanding, while Father studied Lucas with a discerning gaze.
"Lucas," Father began, his voice measured, "this is not a decision to be taken lightly. The responsibilities of an heir are substantial, and your path as an Imperial Knight will be fraught with its own challenges."
"I understand, Father," Lucas said, his determination unwavering. "But my calling is clear. I wish to serve the Empire with my sword and make my own way in the world."
His resolve reminded me of my own past life. Although Lucas pursued the sword out of a desire for strength rather than survival, his willingness to stake everything on his chosen path mirrored my own experiences. I understood him deeply, perhaps more than anyone else.
"Shouldn't it be fine if Lucas wishes for that, Father?" I interjected, my voice steady. "I am also here as a potential heir, and both of you are still very young. There's no immediate need for someone to succeed you."
Father hummed thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of the decision hanging heavily in the air.
Mother's expression softened as she looked at me, her eyes reflecting a mix of pride and concern. "Lancelot is right. We have time to decide the future of our house. Lucas's happiness and fulfillment are just as important."
Lucas's eyes met mine, gratitude shining in his gaze. "Thank you, Lancelot. Your support means a lot to me."
Father's hand rested on Lucas's shoulder, a gesture of both acceptance and encouragement. "Very well. Follow your heart and make us proud. The Orbel name will always be with you, no matter where your journey takes you."
Lucas nodded, his resolve unshaken as a small smile curled at the edges of his lips. "Thank you, Father."
"Excuse me," a voice echoed from the doorway, drawing our attention. "Apologies for the interruption, but we have received news of the rewards for Lucas and Lancelot Orbel for their assistance in the subjugation of the rebelling Imperial Knight."
"Please come in, Sir Vestial," Father said, bowing respectfully as the man stepped into the room. Sir Vestial was a tall, imposing figure with sleek black hair and steel-trimmed spectacles that glinted in the light. His suit, adorned with the Imperial insignia, marked him as an official envoy of the Empire.
"For Lancelot Orbel," Sir Vestial began, his voice steady and formal, "the reward is a high-quality enchanted sword and spear crafted from adamite, to be presented on his twelfth birthday."
I felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of such a valuable gift. Adamite was a rare and incredibly strong material a level above mythrilite, and weapons forged from it were prized possessions.
"And for Lucas Orbel," Sir Vestial continued, "he shall be granted an official title as an Imperial Knight Apprentice, along with a small estate in the Imperial Capital and a stipend to support his endeavors as he trains to become an Imperial Knight and works as an adventurer."
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