Chapter 10

Arriving at the Lesnor Estate, I was met with an expansive property so vast it could host a small footrace from one end to the other. The mansion itself was adorned with dozens of windows, standing as a testament to grandeur. The latticework gate was three times my height, an imposing barrier between me and the world within.

I was just an ordinary student—an orphan who didn’t even qualify as a commoner. Someone like me had no hope of meeting royalty without an appointment. I’d likely be turned away at the gate.

But I had already decided. I couldn’t leave without doing anything. I’d persist until I could at least have my words heard.

“This is the residence of the Duke of Lesnor. Leave if you have no business here,” came the gatekeeper’s stern voice, striking my resolve like a blow.

“I-I do have business! I came to speak with Lord Brute’s father!” I stammered.

“Arthur!? As if someone like you could meet Lord Arthur! Leave immediately!”

“I won’t leave until I’ve spoken to him!”

“You insolent—!”

Even I thought my demand was absurd. If I were the gatekeeper, I wouldn’t let in someone as suspicious as me either. But with nothing else to my name, I had no other choice. I wasn’t afraid of the consequences—not when I had already lost the chance to continue my education. I’d stand my ground for as long as it took.

“What’s all this commotion? And at the gate, no less, where anyone might see.”

A dignified man in gentleman’s attire suddenly appeared, stepping out through the gate as though from nowhere. The distance from the gate to the mansion’s front door was considerable. I should have noticed him approaching, yet here he was.

“L-Lord Arthur!?”

“While it’s commendable to be serious about your duties, you should exercise better judgment. Look closely—this boy is wearing the uniform of Wemons Academy. Did it occur to you that he might be a friend of my son?”

“M-my apologies…”

“I must apologize for the inconvenience. And you are…?”

“A-Ausell, sir!”

“Ausell? Then you must be… Ah, you’ve done well to come all this way. Please, step inside. Allow me to guide you to our home.”

Crossing the threshold, I was greeted by dozens of servants. The interior was vast and extravagant, a world completely removed from my everyday life.

I was surprised by how easily I’d been allowed in—and even more so by the fact that I’d soon meet Lord Brute’s father. Part of me feared it was some sort of trap or mockery, but the dazzling surroundings overwhelmed those worries.

Following instructions, I was led to a spacious room. Whether it was a study, lounge, or something else entirely, I couldn’t tell. It was so grand I felt I could spend an entire day there without needing to leave.

The gentleman who had introduced himself as Arthur Lesnor, head of the Lesnor Ducal House and uncle to the king, sat elegantly sipping tea. When he invited me to sit, I hesitated, opting to remain standing.

“Nervous, are you?” he asked with a bright expression.

“Y-yes…”

“That’s only natural. In a place like this, lives can be snuffed out with a word. Be mindful of what you say—ha ha ha!”

“…”

“It’s a joke, my boy. I wouldn’t harm a friend of my son.”

His attempt at humor failed to ease my tension, and I struggled to absorb his words.

“Now then, I doubt you came here just for idle chat. Let’s get to the matter at hand.”

I dropped to my knees and bowed deeply, my forehead striking the floor with a dull thud.

“P-please! Forgive Luke!”

“What…?”

“Please, I beg of you. Forgive him!”

“Hmm… This is not the direction I anticipated. Lift your head. There’s no reason for you to apologize.”

“Huh…?”

Arthur moved closer and placed a hand on my shoulder.

“I received a direct report from the academy principal. My son’s misconduct led to the withdrawal of your educational support. I’ve annulled that unjust decision. Your recommendation will be reinstated, and you’ll be able to advance to the middle division without issue.”

I was left speechless as Arthur continued.

“It is I who should apologize, not you.”

His words were beyond anything I could have hoped for. The contrast between him and his son left me stunned.

“But I must admit, I’m surprised you came to plead for Luke, the boy who struck my son. According to the report, Luke is described as an unruly delinquent…”

“That’s not true! Luke isn’t like that!”

“Ah, I see. It seems even the report I reviewed has been tampered with by my son. Tell me more.”

I explained everything: how Brute had been jealous of Luke’s rare sword talent, how he tried to use me to manipulate Luke, and how the revocation of my recommendation was part of that scheme.

“So, you came to apologize on behalf of a friend. A rare display of loyalty. I admire your courage. But…”

“You believe me?”

Arthur reclined in his chair, a look of exhaustion on his face.

“Brute’s misbehavior is nothing new. I’ve scolded him countless times, but he doesn’t listen. His antics lack sophistication—if he were to cause mischief, he could at least aim for something grander, like overthrowing a nation…”

Coughing lightly to refocus, he straightened his posture.

“Still, I cannot let an attack on my son go unanswered. Ordinarily, such an act would result in exile. Even with leniency, expulsion is unavoidable.”

“Then let me take responsibility! I’ll do anything, just please forgive Luke!”

“Shouldering a punishment that isn’t yours?”

“Yes!”

Arthur leaned forward, studying me curiously.

“This Luke you wish to save… Is he truly so valuable?”

“Absolutely! Luke is amazing—brave, intelligent, skilled in swordsmanship, and he even possesses the rare sword skill. He’ll achieve greatness, I’m sure of it! Compared to him, I’m worth nothing.”

“I see. Such passion makes one want to believe. But are you prepared to endure life in this kingdom after taking on such a stigma?”

“I am.”

“You’re willing to tread a harsh path, all for someone else?”

“Because Luke is my best friend.”

Arthur closed his eyes, a small, serene smile gracing his lips.