Nearly 20 years ago | Early autumn morning of 1777:
Morven was standing behind the second-floor window of the Blacktide family manor, watching Lucien practice swordsmanship. As he observed Lucien's fencing with his master, he held a book in his hand; the weather outside the manor was cloudy, making the air seem dark.
The servants passed by Morven with respect, and Morven was just staring at Lucien's swordsmanship, clenching his right hand tighter and applying more pressure.
Until he heard the voice of the head servant from behind him saying:
Is something wrong, my lord!?
Morven turned and, upon seeing the head servant, gave a small smile and said:
I'm not old enough yet for you to call me lord...
The head servant almost knelt in front of Morven and said:
As you wish, then. May I ask why you're standing here!?
Morven turned again, glanced briefly at Lucien's swordsmanship, then looked back at the head servant and said:
I was watching my brother's sword practice!
The head servant calmly leaned a bit to the left, quickly glanced at Lucien's swordsmanship too, and then looked back at Morven:
May I ask why you were watching your brother's practice!?
Morven gripped the book in his hand tighter and said:
Can I avoid swordsmanship lessons when I grow up!?
The head servant thought for a moment and said:
Of course, your brother practices with the sword by his own choice!
Morven lowered his head slightly and, a second later, looked back at the head servant and said:
What career does my brother want to choose!?
The head servant glanced at the servants around him, took a deep breath, and said:
Only he knows that.
Morven wasn't surprised and just felt a bit regretful. He was about to say something when the head servant said:
I must go, my lord. Do you need anything else from me!?
Morven chuckled softly and replied to the head servant:
No, just as I said, I'm not your lord!
The head servant stood still calmly, gave a gentle smile, and said:
Yes, yes, I know. Unfortunately, I forget! After his last words, the head servant moved away from Morven and left.
Morven slowly started walking toward the tutoring room; it was time for his lessons, and he had to spend time with his private tutor.
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Around noon in autumn 1777:
The weather was still cloudy, and Morven had just finished his class. As usual, he assumed his meal was in his room.
As he was heading to his room with his attention on the book in his hand, he suddenly collided with someone and fell to the ground. His book had flown a bit farther due to the impact. Morven reached for the book when he heard a familiar voice.
Lucien, while touching his head with his hand, said:
Where's your mind at, kid!
Morven turned at the sound and saw Lucien, Morven saying:
I... I'm sorry!
Lucien opened his eyes and was startled upon seeing Morven. He gave a short cough and said:
I don't need apologies from a loser like you!
Morven knew his brother hadn't been very kind to him since childhood, so he just smiled and said:
Yes, with your permission.
At that moment, Lucien told him:
Watch yourself so you don't get crushed under my future achievements... I'm going to become someone even Father bows his head to...
Morven was about to pick up his book, but with Lucien's words, his smile faded. His dark red eyes trembled slightly; all of this was from Morven's anger, but with great effort, he controlled himself and said:
Y... Yes, I know... I hope by then you'll pay a little attention to me, your younger brother!
And Lucien stood up proudly and said:
Why should I care about a loser who knows nothing about power and politics... when I'm going to rise above everyone in our family!? And after these words, Lucien passed by Morven and said very softly:
As a loser, you've lived way too long already! And he moved away from Morven.
Morven stood in place; his eyes and hands were shaking. He clenched his fists to control himself. In the end, he picked up his book and just went to his room.