The trident which was just inches from Julia, was stopped by a sudden explosion that erupted. It sent shockwaves through the training ground. Fog swirled around them, obscuring their vision and adding to the chaos. As the dust began to settle, Julian felt a heavy presence looming over him.
Emerging from the mist was the Duke of Ethwer, his aura radiating with suffocating intensity. The air felt heavy and Julian’s eyes narrowed as he assessed the sudden change of event.
The Duke of Ethwer stood tall and his presence was commanding the attention of everyone gathered.
“What are you doing, boy of the Easvil family?” he thundered. His voice was filled with anger and authority that echoed throughout the training ground.
The fog slowly faded, revealing the gathered crowd of nobles. All eyes were fixed on Julian, whose recklessness had triggered this unexpected confrontation.
Duke Alden Easvil and Duchess Regina stood among the onlookers, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion. The air was thick with anticipation, as whispers swept through the crowd, igniting curiosity about the unfolding drama.
The three other dukes, each with their own duchesses, exchanged glances of disbelief, intrigued by the audacity of the young heir to challenge one of their own so recklessly.
The Duke of Norish, his brow furrowed in disapproval spoke up, “Julian, this is no way to showcase your talents. You risk igniting a conflict that could escalate beyond control!”
The murmurs grew louder, with voices of concern mixing the with the shouts of discontent as onlookers debated whether the young mage’s actions warranted such a reaction from the Duke of Ethwer.
Isabel who was standing beside Julia, clenched her fists clearly torn between admiration for Julian’s bravery and fear for the consequences of his reckless display of power.
Julia glanced at Julian as her heart raced. Her expression shifting from shock to worry as she realized the weight of the situation.
“You need to apologize, Julian,” she whispered urgently, her voice barely above a breath.
But Julian stood his ground, his heart pounding with adrenaline, emboldened by the pressure of the moment. He met the Duke’s furious gaze with defiance, an unyielding fire igniting within him.
“I was merely testing my skills, Duke,” he replied, his tone steady despite the chaos surrounding him. “Isn’t that what we are here for? To grow stronger?”
The Duke of Ethwer took a step closer, his aura swirling like a tempest around him. “Strength is not shown through reckless actions, boy. It is earned through wisdom and control,” he retorted, his voice low and menacing. “Do not mistake your power for invincibility”
As the weight of the Duke’s words hung in the air, the surrounding nobles held their breath, aware that a single misstep could plunge them into a conflict neither side could afford.
Tension crackled like electricity, a fragile peace balancing on the knife’s edge as all awaited Julian’s response.
Julian couldn’t help but laugh internally at the absurdity of the situation. What had started as a playful game to strip his opponents down had spiraled into a tense standoff with the Duke of Ethwer, a confrontation he never anticipated.
He realized how far off he was from his original plan and was now caught in a battle of authority and expectations, yet the thrill of the unexpected only fueled his excitement.
Julian sighed, his voice softer as he turned to Julia, sincerity glimmering in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Lady Julia. I messed it up. I didn’t mean to inflict any pain on you.”
The tension in the air seemed to dissipate slightly as he took a step back, allowing her to regain her composure. The chaos of the moment faded as he awaited her response.
The Duke of Ethwer’s voice thundered across the training ground. “Kneel and ask for mercy! You would have killed her if not for the fact I was here, and all you can say is that you’re sorry?”
His presence loomed over Julian. The other nobles stood silently, their eyes fixed on the unfolding drama.
Julian felt a rush of humiliation, the playful bravado from moments ago replaced by a harsh reality. The Duke’s demand echoed in his mind. It was a challenge to his pride, and he knew he had to choose his next words carefully.
However, Duke Alden stepped forward, his voice rising above the tension. “Do not cross your line, Ethwer! He has already apologized!”
His gaze darted between the Duke of Ethwer and Julian, a protective fire igniting in his eyes. The air thickened with the weight of his words.
“Julian may be young and reckless, but he didn’t intend to harm anyone. This is a learning moment, not a death sentence.”
The tension in the air hung like a charged storm, the nobles waiting for a response from Duke Ethwer whose anger was hidden beneath the surface.
He was well aware of the power that the The Easvil family held. The presence of the Grand Mage alone would be capable of destroying their whole Ethwer family so he knew, he could not continue to press them forward
