Marked Ones: Advent of the Demon Prince

Her story was corroborated by the reports he received just before he went to bed last night. His men reported after the fact that there were signs of monster bait strewn about the home. Seeing as it used ingredients different from that which they were familiar with in Eroa, they assumed that it was simply a background smell from a small town like Pelith.

It wasn\'t until Rubellia had told her she recognized the scent as monster bait that they looked into it deeper after the monster left. Someone intentionally wanted that creature to kill Rubellia, and by the time someone thought to look into the situation, any evidence of bait would have long decayed.

This was something Lucius expected, though. He made himself untouchable for the most part, so the only thing left were people close to him. Rubellia was a particularly prime target for them. She was out in the middle of nowhere, in a territory far from the capital where Lucius was, and if made to look like an accidental monster attack, then it would be an easy way to hurt him.

There were not many suspects available, and at the moment, the most likely ones were members of the Petra family. He could not rule out the Church of Celestia either, though, because he did kill three of their spies. However, the turnaround time on retaliation for that was too quick for it to be realistic. It was possible but unrealistic.

As much as he wanted to rampage and destroy the Petra\'s… he was still far too weak. Richard was a powerful Master Rank warrior who also excelled at magic. On top of that, he was extremely skilled at using his warhammer. There was no way for Lucius to overcome the gap in rank by using skill when it came to Richard.

Not only that, but the family was still extremely connected to the core of the kingdom. While Lucius was untouchable, so too were they…

While pondering the situation in the early morning light, he heard the rustling of sheets next to him and a soft moan. Rena was beginning to stir after a long night\'s rest. Her stunning hair was splayed out around her on the silk sheets, and it reminded Lucius somewhat of a rose. The thought made him smile, and he leaned down to kiss her softly on the forehead.

As a reaction, the woman scrunched her face somewhat and pulled the remainder of the covers into her arms. Had Lucius been under them, she would have pulled them right off him. Unable to resist her cuteness any further and realizing that she peeked at him through squinted eyes and was actually awake… they worked together to ensure the embassy staff had extra cleaning to do.

An hour later, they finally made their way to breakfast, with Rena hurriedly casting healing spells on herself. Everyone was waiting for them at one of the many tables in the dining hall. They conversed politely with one another while Rubellia served each person a bowl of stew.

Stew for breakfast was not common in the capital, but in his household growing up, it was common to keep a stew going all morning, adding liquid and ingredients as the day went on. It was simple, cheap, and perfectly nostalgic.

No one complained about the food, partly because it was delicious and partly because they knew that he needed this. Their quiet acceptance of his desire to be babied a little by his mother was vastly appreciated. However, the calm was short-lived, as they needed to have a serious discussion about the next steps.

"So as some of you may know… work studies are starting soon," Lucius said after finishing his breakfast by sopping up the soup with the morning bread.

The work studies were a requirement for senior students at the academy. Essentially it was like adventure work. Except they did not just go out and kill monsters; they also held the responsibility of trying to learn something about the world. As such, many students took work details for excavation teams who were investigating ruins.

Others chose to specialize in a certain type of monster and form reports on their behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses.

Essentially there were a near limitless number of ways to complete the task. What Lucius wanted to discuss with everyone was their plan. The way the group would work was Lucius, Natali, and Rena would work together on the task. Lyrah was not allowed to leave the capital, so she was exempted from the requirement.

Natali was unable to get the same exemption, so she had to join a group on the work-study project. Lucius\'s plan for that, at Wally\'s request, was to loan his biological twin Kalliope and his men in the city. Though he would not tell Lyrah their identities, but working things out with Kalliope, she would have access to his resources for the purposes of protection.

The only thing left for them to discuss what they planned on doing for their work-study. "Any ideas?" Lucius asked the group.

Rena thought for a moment, then brought out a small metal card. It was her adventurer card. Lucius also still had his with him, but it had not gotten any use since Lelvern.

"I say we do something interesting like guarding an excavation team. No offense, my love, but you are more suited to combat tasks. While you are good at quick thinking and rapid response situations… your smarts are oft better for combat and intrigue.

"I think that if we do that, then Natali and I can learn from the researchers on-site while you focus on the fighting part. Of course, we will still help because neither of us are helpless maidens after all." Rena explained.

"That\'s a good plan," Lucius said.

"A word, brother dearest." Lyrah interrupted.

"What is it?"

"I have a feeling you should take Desmond and his little sister on this excursion of yours." The girl said while sipping tea and smiling. "I think it would behoove you to have another warrior on your side. The truth of it is that he is quite the fighter. His sister also has a wonderful head on her shoulders. Very bright."

"Is this from a vision?"

Experience tales at mvl

"Who can say, brother." Lyrah teased. "Probably better to call it a hunch. Besides, you told me of that letter he received. Though he was honest with you about it, would it not be better to have a potential threat closer where it can be watched? It will also help you determine how to address Lord Adler in the future."

Lucius looked at the ceiling and thought about it for a moment. It wasn\'t that he distrusted Desmond more than he distrusted anyone else… it was more that he did not want to complicate matters. Though Lyrah did have a point…

"Fine. I will ask Desmond. He can only come on the condition of bringing his sister. If he says no, then he\'s out. She\'s as much an asset as a hostage."