Lord Rikon Valemont sat at the head of the long oak table, his posture rigid and eyes sharp as steel. Though he was only in his early forties, he looked closer to fifty. The weight of responsibility had carved lines across his face. Most in the realm said he worked harder than the King himself to ensure that the Kingdom of Norwyn thrived. That every coin, crop, and soldier under his name stood firm.
His wife, Lady Eliza Valemont, sat beside him, a striking contrast to her husband's weary appearance. Despite having birthed four children, she looked radiant and almost untouched by time. Her beauty was whispered about throughout Norwyn; some said she carried elven blood, others that she'd once been blessed by a priestess of light.
The family of six gathered at the table as servants poured wine and laid out bread, butter, and honey.
At the father's right sat Eric, the eldest. He was eighteen, tall, broad-shouldered, and already pursuing knighthood. Word across the duchy was that Eric Valemont was among the finest young swordsmen in the realm, a prodigy who could even best the King's sons.
Across from him sat Lucien, aged thirteen, the second son, and the quiet one.
He trained with Eric occasionally, but his swordsmanship was average at best. What no one truly noticed, except his mother — was his mind. Sharp, observant, and dangerously intelligent.
Next to them were the twins, Zed and Zes, both nine. Mischievous, spoiled, and endlessly talkative, their constant squabbling filled most of the mornings with laughter and headaches alike.
Lucien quietly took his seat, observing the family dynamics from a new perspective. The morning sun filtered through the tall arched windows, casting golden light over silver plates and crystal cups.
Then, it happened again.
Above each person's head, faint translucent bars appeared, softly pulsing with golden glow.
[Rikon Valemont - Loyalty: 53%]
[Eliza Valemont - Loyalty: 83%]
[Eric Valemont - Loyalty: 75%]
[Zed Valemont - Loyalty: 77%]
[Zes Valemont - Loyalty: 77%]
Lucien's eyes flicked subtly across them all, careful not to draw attention. His father's loyalty bar was the lowest. His mother's, the highest. It wasn't hard to guess why.
He wondered what exactly these numbers meant. He could feel their significance, but he'd need to confirm with E.Y.E later. For now, he just smiled faintly and reached for his cup.
Lord Valemont cleared his throat, the deep sound commanding quiet across the long table.
"It's been almost two months since we've all sat together like this," he began, his voice gravelly yet firm. "I'm always in the Capital, serving the realm…"
Lady Eliza smiled softly, resting her hand near his. "Oh, darling, the children understand. Everything you do is for the good of Norwyn."
"Indeed, Father," Eric added between bites of roasted bread and honey. "Your presence in the Capital is essential. Everyone knows how much the kingdom relies on you."
Lord Valemont's stern features softened, the tension in his brow easing. "You've no idea how much I'd rather spend my days here with all of you," he said, glancing at each of his children in turn. "To see you grow, to guide you… to make you the finest knights this realm has ever seen."
"And a lady," little Zes interrupted cheerfully, raising her small cup of milk with a grin.
The Duke's lips curved into a rare, genuine smile. "Yes, my beautiful Zes," he said warmly. "And your mother will make sure you become just as graceful and wise as she is."
Lady Eliza blushed slightly, brushing a strand of golden hair behind her ear. "Flattery before breakfast, Rikon? You must be in a good mood."
The table filled with soft laughter. Even the servants nearby allowed themselves faint smiles.
Lucien, however, sat quietly, watching the exchange. It was a picture-perfect noble family scene, but he could feel the distance underneath it. A subtle stiffness between words, the kind that years of duty and formality carved into people.
Lord Valemont's voice carried across the long table like a low roll of thunder.
"I will be here for only two weeks," he said, setting down his goblet of wine. "After that, my presence will be required at the King's court. Before I leave, I would like to see what my sons have learned in my absence."
His sharp blue eyes drifted toward his heirs. "Eric. Lucien. I hope you are both one step closer to the men you should be."
Eric straightened proudly, his grin wide and confident. "If his lordship approves, I challenge him to a duel."
There was a brief silence, then Lord Valemont's lips curved with approval. "Now that's the spirit I want to see. His lordship accepts."
Eric let out a triumphant whoop, slamming his hand playfully against the table.
Then, the Duke's gaze turned. It landed on Lucien. The warmth vanished.
"What about you, Lucien?" his father asked, tone flat but probing. "Do you have any new skills you wish to show your father?"
Lucien froze for a heartbeat. He felt every eye at the table shift toward him, his mother's hopeful glance, Eric's smirk, the twins' curious eyes. Even the servants seemed to hold their breath.
From the memories of this body, Lucien knew the truth, the original Lucien never had anything to show. He had been the quiet one, the disappointment. But that wasn't who he was anymore.
"Yes," he said finally.
The single word hung in the air. It came out steadier than he expected, though his pulse thudded in his ears. Lady Valemont blinked in surprise. Eric's smirk faltered. Even Zes tilted her head, confused.
"You do?" Eric said, disbelief creeping into his voice.
"That's good news," their father interrupted, his deep tone carrying authority again. "It seems both of you have been making progress. Excellent. I'll test you both this afternoon, after I'm done with the servants."
Eric frowned. "I can take you on alone, Father," he protested.
Lord Valemont chuckled. "Confidence is good, boy. But never mistake it for strength."
[MISSION ALERT]
[Prove your worth to Lord Valemont.]
[Objective: Defeat Eric in the family sparring match.]
[Reward: +5 Loyalty (Lord Valemont), +10 System Points.]