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It was only natural to assume that Lucavion\'s strength and noble bearing had come from this mysterious figure.

"Your master must be a truly remarkable person," Edris said thoughtfully, leaning forward slightly. "To have trained someone of your caliber... it speaks volumes about his own prominence."

\'He was indeed a man like that.\'

Lucavion\'s lips curled into a small smile, though it didn\'t quite reach his eyes. "Indeed," he said calmly, his tone steady. "My master was... very prominent."

There was a certain weight in the way Lucavion said it, a subtle shift in his demeanor that conveyed much more than the simple words. Edris, sharp as he was, quickly picked up on the unspoken warning. While Lucavion had answered his question, it was clear that this was not a subject he wished to delve deeper into. The air between them held a quiet finality.

Edris, sensing the boundary, gave a respectful nod. He had learned enough for now--pushing further would be an intrusion, and Lucavion\'s past was not something he was willing to share so openly.

"Well," Edris said, easing back into his seat, "whoever they are, they\'ve done well to raise such a capable disciple." His tone was respectful, and there was a note of admiration in his voice. "You\'ve proven your worth beyond any doubt."

Hearing that, Lucavion just smiled as he looked into Edris\' eyes.

While he was clearly remembering some things from the past, he was still connected to the present.

"Thank you for your kind words."

Edris nodded at Lucavion\'s polite response, but he sensed the time was right to shift the conversation toward the true purpose of this meeting. While the meal had been pleasant and respectful, there was still the matter of formal recognition--and more importantly, the rewards owed to Lucavion for his bravery and contributions.

With a subtle shift in his tone, Edris leaned forward slightly, clasping his hands together on the table. "Now, Mister Lucavion," he began, his voice taking on a more serious note, "there is another reason I invited you to this dinner, beyond showing my gratitude for saving my son. Your actions have gone far beyond what any of us could have expected.

You not only saved Ron but also led the charge in subjugating Korvan, a peak 3-star Awakened--a feat that cannot be overlooked."

Lucavion met Edris\' gaze, his expression unreadable but attentive. He had anticipated this moment; the Baron\'s gratitude was not just a formality--it was an opportunity for compensation and further leverage.

"As Baron of Rackenshore," Edris continued, "it is my duty to ensure that such deeds are properly rewarded. You\'ve earned much more than just the respect of my family--you\'ve earned the right to claim rewards for the lives you\'ve saved and the threat you\'ve eliminated."

Edris gestured toward a servant standing near the door, who quickly retrieved a small, ornately decorated box and placed it on the table. The Baron tapped the box lightly before continuing. "Inside, you will find a substantial sum of gold--more than what was initially promised. This is but one part of your reward, to acknowledge the danger you faced and the valor you displayed."

Lucavion glanced at the box, though he remained composed. Gold was expected, of course, but he knew there was more to come.

"But," Edris went on, his tone now carrying the weight of formality, "there is another matter to discuss. Your abilities and your actions in defending this city have not gone unnoticed. I would like to offer you something more--a title of honorary knighthood within my domain, and the rights that come with it.

You would have authority over a portion of my lands, and a place of influence within Rackenshore."

The offer hung in the air, and Lucavion\'s eyes narrowed slightly, considering the implications. Honorary knighthood was a way to officially bind him to the Baron\'s household, granting both influence and responsibility. It was a clever move--offering both reward and obligation.

Lucavion took a moment, his mind working quickly as he weighed the offer. Edris had clearly thought this through, knowing that Lucavion\'s strength and influence would be valuable not just to his family, but to Rackenshore itself.

Lucavion could see the anticipation in Edris\' eyes as he considered his next words. The offer of an honorary knighthood was a significant gesture, but Lucavion had other ambitions, ones that extended far beyond Rackenshore. After a brief pause, he spoke with the same measured calmness.

"I appreciate your generous offer, Mister Edris," Lucavion began, his voice respectful but firm. "However, I must decline."

Edris\' eyebrows lifted in surprise, and his expression shifted slightly as he leaned forward. "Decline?" he echoed, genuinely taken aback. "May I ask why? You would have a secure position here, and with your talents, your influence would be immense."

Lucavion gave a faint smile, his gaze steady. "My goals lie elsewhere. I intend to join the Arcania Academy."

The moment the words left Lucavion\'s mouth, Edris froze, his eyes widening with shock. For a brief second, the entire dining room fell into silence, save for the soft crackle of the fireplace. The Arcania Academy was the most prestigious institution in the Empire--attended by royalty and the children of the most powerful and noble families in the land.

With the Empire\'s constant advancements, it was considered one of the finest academies in the entire world, producing the strongest Awakened, scholars, and leaders.

Edris, regaining his composure, let out a deep, hearty laugh, though there was clear admiration in his eyes. "The Arcania Academy," he repeated, shaking his head with a mixture of disbelief and respect. "I must admit, I wasn\'t expecting that answer, Lucavion. It seems my offer was far too small for someone with your ambitions." He smiled broadly, still amazed at the revelation.

"You truly are aiming for the heights, aren\'t you?"

Lucavion nodded, his expression unwavering. "It\'s a path I\'ve chosen."

Edris continued to chuckle, leaning back in his chair as he studied Lucavion. "The Arcania Academy... yes, that makes sense. For someone with your strength and potential, that\'s exactly where you belong. My offer of knighthood must have seemed downright ridiculous in comparison."

Lucavion allowed a small, polite smile. "It was a generous offer, and I appreciate it. But I have other goals to pursue."

Edris nodded, clearly impressed. "I respect that. The Academy will be fortunate to have someone like you." His eyes gleamed with curiosity. "If I may ask, how do you plan to gain entry? It\'s not exactly easy to get into."

Considering the criteria of the academy before, it will make sense that Edris has asked such a question. After all, no matter what he does, the fact that he is a commoner will remain and never in the history of the Arcania Academy that someone from a commoner background was allowed to enter.

But that was the case for the previous generation. It was now different, as the case was no longer similar.

Lucavion\'s gaze sharpened slightly, a quiet confidence in his voice. "I have my ways. The academy looks for talent, and I intend to prove myself worthy."

After all, from that point onwards, the academy would be accepting students from commoner backgrounds as well by opening a new type of enrollment system, where they would test the \'talent\' of the said commoners.

In the end, if not for such a setting, how could the protagonist of Shattered Innocence enter the academy?

Such a setting was necessary for the layout of the novel, and that was why Lucavion was confident.

Seeing Lucavion\'s unwavering confidence, Baron Edris remained silent for a moment, weighing the young man\'s words. It was clear that Lucavion\'s ambitions were far greater than what Rackenshore could offer, and there was no doubt in Edris\' mind that he would succeed. After a brief pause, Edris finally nodded, accepting Lucavion\'s decision with grace.

"Very well," the Baron said, a small, respectful smile playing on his lips. "I see you have your path laid out before you. Though you\'ve refused my offer, I want you to know that you will always be welcome here in Rackenshore. I won\'t forget the hospitality you\'ve shown me by accepting this dinner."

Lucavion, ever composed, gave a slight nod. "And I won\'t forget the hospitality you\'ve extended to me, Mister Edris." His tone was polite, but there was a certain finality in his words as if drawing a clear line between the two of them. The Baron may have been generous, but Lucavion had his own way forward.

Edris\' smile widened slightly. "Good. And while you\'re focused on your future, know that Rackenshore will remember you fondly." He waved his hand toward the butler, who had been standing silently by the wall. At the gesture, the butler stepped forward, carrying a small, intricately carved box. He bowed his head respectfully as he presented it to Lucavion.

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking from the box to the Baron. "What is this?" he asked, his voice calm but with a hint of curiosity.

The Baron smiled warmly. "It\'s a gift. Not part of your official reward, mind you--you\'ve already been paid the promised amount. This is something else, something personal." His tone softened as he continued. "I\'m not offering this as the Baron of Rackenshore but as a father whose son was rescued. I didn\'t use the funds of the territory for this; it\'s from my own savings.

I hope you\'ll accept it."

To that, Lucavion could not help but stop for a second.

\'As a father whose son was rescued.\'

Those words awoke some bitter memories.