Chapter 512 – Love In The Air.

“Sir Durendal, huh?”

“I like it. It sounds… very knightly.”

“Mine isn’t bad either. Didn’t know your brother was this well-versed in names.”

“Well… we never really talked much.”

“Ah, well, I’m sure you two will hit it off! He seems to live in his own world, but he’s very kind and capable.”

Lucille’s voice held an unexpected softness as she spoke about Roland. The respect she had developed for him through the whirlwind of events softened any lingering bitterness she might have felt about leaving her old life behind. Robert could hear the admiration in her tone and smiled under his helmet.

“Yeah, my younger brother is truly remarkable. I wonder if Father would have let him become the heir – I don’t think any of us could match his achievements.”

Robert sighed, reflecting on recent events. His brother Roland, who had left home at the age of ten, had risen to the rank of Knight Commander. He on the other hand wasn’t even a tier 3 knight yet and was older than Roland. While Robert had always believed his progress was rapid enough to reach this rank before thirty, Roland’s talent seemed almost inhuman by comparison.

To make things even more bewildering, Roland’s abilities were enigmatic. He wielded runic machinery with ease, and his magic seemed endless. Robert had only begun to realize his brother’s true power during the events at the De Vere estate. Even his father who misread his identity showed him some respect, something Robert had been striving to do at the border as a Royal soldier.

The two had arrived just yesterday and slept through the entire day. When they awoke, Roland had already prepared suits of armor for them and laid out a detailed plan. He gave them a choice: they could either stay in Albrook and work under him and the local lord, or they were free to do as they pleased. That was it – he wanted nothing in return for his help. If they wished, they could leave and go wherever their legs would carry them. He even offered to give them some money and new identities as adventurers.

They felt a deep gratitude toward him, and leaving without repaying him was out of the question. They decided instead to stay and work, finding the idea of remaining in this well-developed region appealing. After a tour of the estate, they were free to look around on their own. They used this time to stroll the grounds – without the maid Mary, which added some danger to their exploration. Roland had already warned them about a few people they’d be wise not to cross, and Mary was on that list.

“I suppose we’re truly starting over,”

Robert finally said.

“New names, new lives… It’s strange how quickly the past can fall away.”

“Does that bother you?”

Lucille asked, glancing at him but her face remained covered by her current mask.

“Leaving it all behind?”

Robert stopped walking and paused for a moment before finally giving his reply.

“Part of me feels…unsettled, like I’ve abandoned who I was meant to be. But then I think about Roland, and how he made his own way. He seems to have found a purpose without needing to look back, and seeing him thrive makes me wonder if I … no if we can do the same.”

Lucille replied in a soft-spoken tone.”

“It’s funny – there was a time when the thought of leaving my family would have terrified me. But here? With you, and even your brother… I feel free. Like I can finally choose who I want to be.”

Robert felt the weight of Lucille’s words settle around them like a warm cloak against a chilly night. He had been so accustomed to the expectations of his father’s title and family that he hadn’t realized how much they constrained him. Now, in this place, it was as if a door had opened, one leading to a life unbound by old duties. He glanced at Lucille, who seemed lost in thought, her gaze drifting over the quiet garden.

They walked in sweet silence, the crisp sounds of their footsteps on gravel were the only disturbance to the tranquility of the estate grounds. Their thoughts were interrupted as Lucille broke the silence, a mischievous glint in her eye.

“Sir Durendal~”

She repeated, drawing out the title in a teasing tone.

“How does it feel to have a name so knightly it sounds as if it belongs in a legend?”

Robert laughed softly, feeling embarrassed for some reason.

“It’s a bit surreal, but I suppose a fresh start deserves a grand name. Durendal. There’s a certain… strength to it. It’s a good choice. And Curtana… that sounds both elegant and sharp but more fitting for a lady knight than a scholar.”

“Perhaps I’ll just have to become one, Sir Wayland seems to have a knack for both.”

The two laughed and as their laughter faded, Robert felt his gaze linger on Lucille. They had something genuine, something that had formed in their shared decision to leave behind their former lives. At first, he had questioned if running away had been the right choice, but the more time they spent together, the more he yearned for a future by her side. Though they had not yet wed, he couldn’t imagine anyone else in his life, and he sensed that Lucille felt the same.

The air shifted as they turned a corner, and the main manor house came into view once more, standing tall and solemn in the soft afternoon light. The Valerian banners fluttered slightly, their rich hues mirroring the colorful city in the distance. In the quiet that settled between them, they stopped, their hands finding each other, fingers interlocking as they stood face to face.

“Lucille… I mean, Lady Curtana…”

“Y-yes? Sir Durendal?”

Though they both wore helmets, their eyes held a longing that spoke louder than words. But before they could continue, a cough echoed from nearby, breaking the spell. They sprang apart in a panicked motion, their hands slipping away as they quickly composed themselves.

“Ahh…”

“Uh…”

“Sir Durandal, Lady Curtana… I hope that I’m not intruding on something important?”

They turned to the voice to see Roland standing nearby. They weren’t sure if he had been standing there for long but both their faces were now flushed. This was the only time they were glad that he had made them wear these face covers as he caught them in quite an embarrassing moment.

“Not at all, Sir Wayland.”

Robert stammered, clearing his throat awkwardly, his posture stiffening. Lucille straightened her back and gave Roland a small bow, attempting to hide her embarrassment behind a composed exterior.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

*****

“I see, very well then. I’ve finished my talk with Lord Arthur, but before we return, I want you to meet someone.”

Roland nodded, maintaining the appearance of being their direct superior. With so many soldiers around, it was best, at least for now, if they believed he was in charge. His plan was to elevate both Robert and Lucille to tier 3 as soon as possible, with the hope that Robert could take on a role as one of the Knight Commanders under Arthur. Alongside Sir Gareth and Sir Morien, Robert would complete the trio of Knight Commanders, which might finally allow Roland to step down and focus fully on his workshop instead.