The marble corridors of the Knight estate stretched long and silent, the faint echo of footsteps marking the only sound.
Sebastian walked steadily, his expression calm — eyes sharp, violet irises catching the faint light.
He had no maid following him.
No attendant either.
In a family where even servants possessed mana cores and noble pride, Sebastian stood apart — not for brilliance, but for what he lacked.
The old Sebastian's potential was merely Advanced rank — decent among nobles, but utterly unimpressive for a Duke's son.
Perhaps that was why his parents had never bothered assigning him a personal maid.
Behind him walked Rowen, the butler of the Knight household. His uniform was pristine, movements exact, each step measured.
He was Master rank — a level most nobles would consider powerful — but here, in the Knight Dukedom, even household knights reached Grandmaster, and the elite captains surpassed that, touching Transcendence.
Yet Rowen never once overstepped his position. His loyalty was steady, his tone respectful.
"Master Sebastian," he said quietly, bowing slightly. "The Duke and Duchess are approaching the main courtyard. Preparations are complete."
Sebastian gave a silent nod, violet eyes flicking toward the distant sunlight spilling through the open arches.
The Duke and Duchess had returned from the Neutral Lands — a diplomatic visit to the Elven Council, one of the few powers capable of standing beside the Empires.
He had heard rumors of the meeting — alliances, old grudges, fragile peace. None of it concerned him.
As he stepped into the courtyard, a gust of wind brushed past, carrying the faint scent of steel and dust.
Rows of armored knights stood aligned on either side, silver and obsidian armor glinting under the sun.
The Knight family's banner — a sword piercing through a rising sun — fluttered high above.
"Prepare for the arrival of His Grace, Duke Damien Knight, and Her Grace, Duchess Selene Knight!"
The command echoed.
Moments later, the gates opened.
Duke Damien Knight rode in first, atop a black stallion armored in silver and engraved runes. His presence alone carried weight — pale silver hair swept back, his cold eyes sharper than the blade at his hip.
Behind him followed a line of knights — the Duke's personal retinue, armor polished to a mirror's gleam.
Then came a carriage, drawn by four white horses, its frame of dark wood lined with silver trim. Inside sat Duchess Selene Knight, her calm elegance visible even through the open curtain — violet eyes serene, a faint smile ghosting her lips.
Sebastian stood quietly near the steps, posture perfect. His gaze drifted briefly to the side.
Alric, his older brother, stood by the fountain — taller, confident, dressed casually without his academy uniform.
Still on break from the Academy's second-year term, Alric exuded ease, a contrast to Sebastian's reserved composure.
As for Lucien, the eldest, he wasn't home. A fourth-year student at the Academy — currently away on a long-term mission issued by the institution itself.
The prodigy of the family, the one the empire itself praised.
"You're punctual as always," Alric muttered with a faint grin.
Sebastian gave him a sideways glance. "Someone has to be."
That earned a small chuckle.
The Duke dismounted, boots striking stone with quiet finality. He turned to the carriage, offering his hand as the Duchess stepped down gracefully.
Knights bowed in unison.
"Welcome home, Your Grace!"
Damien's gaze swept over them — impassive, assessing — before settling on his sons. He nodded to Alric first.
Then his eyes landed on Sebastian.
A pause.
No greeting, no change in expression. Just silence.
"Rowen," the Duke said, voice calm yet carrying command.
"My Lord."
"Prepare the dining hall. Her Grace and I will dine with our sons tonight."
"As you command."
With that, the Duke turned, escorting the Duchess toward the mansion. The knight formations began dispersing, the rhythmic steps fading into quiet order.
Sebastian watched them go, eyes unreadable.
"Dinner with them again, huh?" Alric said lightly, stretching his arms. "Try not to stare at the food all night."
"I don't recall being there for conversation," Sebastian replied evenly.
Alric smirked. "Exactly my point."
Sebastian's gaze lingered on the fading silhouettes of their parents.
The Duke and Duchess — figures the world revered.
And yet, even now, his presence barely warranted a word.
He exhaled quietly.
"Let's get this over with."
And together, they turned toward the grand halls of the Knight estate.