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Chapter 191: Iron Matron (3)

"It's been a long time."

"Indeed it has." Lucavion shook his head, his playful grin fading into something softer, more nostalgic. His tone, once light and teasing, took on a more somber note as he spoke again. "If Master were here," he began, "he would have most likely said, 'The little bear has grown up to be a splendid one.'"

The sadness in his voice wasn't overwhelming, but it was enough to make Mariel's chest tighten. There was something deeper beneath the surface of his words—something that carried a weight far greater than just the passing of time. She sensed it immediately, the shift in the atmosphere, and before she could ask the question that was already forming in her mind, Lucavion spoke again.

"It's unfortunate," he said quietly, his eyes darkening slightly, "that he can no longer ask such a question."

The words settled like a heavy stone in the pit of Mariel's stomach. There was no need for further explanation; the answer was clear. The being of starlight, the one who had saved her, who had left such an indelible mark on her life, was gone. The realization hit her harder than she expected, a wave of sorrow washing over her, tempered only by the fact that she had known—deep down—that something had changed long ago.

For a moment, she stood there, processing the loss. Her mind drifted back to the countless times she had thought of him over the years, the gratitude she had never fully been able to express. And now, knowing that she would never have the chance to meet him again, the weight of that unspoken gratitude pressed down on her.

"I see," she said softly, her voice quieter now, laced with a sadness of its own.

Lucavion's eyes softened, and for a brief moment, there was a shared understanding between them—a mutual respect for the person who had touched both of their lives in such profound ways.

Mariel swallowed, her throat tight as she forced herself to remain composed. "Thank you," she said, her voice steady, though the sadness remained. "For telling me."

Lucavion gave her a small nod, his own grief carefully hidden behind the layers of his usual demeanor. "He spoke highly of you, you know," he said, a touch of warmth returning to his voice. "Even after all these years."

That brought a faint smile to Mariel's lips. "I'm honored," she replied, her voice tinged with both sorrow and pride. "Truly."

Just as the air between Mariel and Lucavion was beginning to settle into something more solemn, the clattering of footsteps and a cheery voice cut through the atmosphere.

"Boss?" Jorkin appeared with a plate balanced in one hand and a drink in the other, his brows raised in surprise when he saw Mariel standing there, deep in conversation. "What are you doing out here?" he asked, clearly taken aback by her presence at the bar.

Mariel, her expression now composed again, glanced at the drink and plate in his hands. Without answering his question, she reached out and took them from him with a calm, practiced motion.

"Bring me another drink," she said, her voice even, though the earlier tension still lingered in her eyes.

Jorkin blinked, momentarily stunned, before nodding. "Right away, boss." He hurried off without another word, though his thoughts were already racing.

'Who's this young man?'

Jorkin wondered as he glanced back at Lucavion while preparing the drink.

'Boss doesn't usually sit down with patrons, especially not during busy times like these. This must be someone important... or at least someone interesting enough to make her stop.'

He shook his head as he filled a glass. Mariel had always been selective about who she gave her time to. She wasn't the type to entertain idle chatter or be easily impressed.

'Whoever this guy is, he's got to be something special for the boss to stay and talk.'

Jorkin made his way back to the bar, placing the drink down in front of Mariel without saying a word. He could feel the subtle shift in her demeanor, the quiet intensity that meant she was in for a long conversation. He knew her well enough to recognize when something—or someone—had caught her attention.

As he walked away, Jorkin couldn't help but glance back once more, his curiosity piqued.

'Guess we'll see what this is all about,'

he thought, his mind buzzing with questions as he left Mariel and Lucavion to their conversation.

As Jorkin left them to their conversation, Lucavion glanced down at the meal and drink placed before him, his usual playful grin spreading across his face. He picked up the glass, swirling it briefly before leaning back in his seat.

"Let's not dwell on the past," he said, his voice casual, yet carrying a deeper weight underneath. "People come and people go. That's just how the world is supposed to be, isn't it?"

Mariel studied him for a moment, her sharp eyes catching the subtle nuance in his words. There was a sadness behind that grin, expertly hidden, but it was there.

Lucavion, for all his carefree demeanor, was someone who had learned to mask his true emotions behind a smile. She could see it now more clearly. But she appreciated the effort—his way of lightening the moment, of pushing them away from a potentially heavy conversation.

She respected that, and she knew better than anyone that dwelling on such feelings would do little good.

With a nod, she took a small sip from her glass of water, letting the cool liquid soothe her. "You're right," she replied simply, the unspoken understanding passing between them.

Lucavion gave her a small, acknowledging nod and then lifted his drink to his lips, taking a sip. The moment the liquid hit his tongue, however, his face immediately contorted into a grimace. His expression was priceless—a mix of surprise, disgust, and confusion all at once. The usually calm and collected young man seemed momentarily at a loss.

The drink, known as

Bitterroot Brew

, was notorious for its extremely harsh, bitter flavor. It wasn't a drink most people ordered willingly, and Mariel's eyes widened slightly as she realized what had happened. Seeing that it was Jorkin who had served the drink, the truth clicked into place.

'Of course. Jorkin's playing one of his little pranks,'

Mariel thought to herself, shaking her head with a bemused smile. It was a typical move from her employee, especially when he thought he could get away with it. And the way Lucavion's face twisted in reaction to the drink was precisely the kind of entertainment Jorkin loved.

Lucavion coughed lightly, trying to regain his composure, but the taste clearly lingered on his palate. He glanced down at the glass with suspicion, then back at Mariel, his eyes narrowing playfully.

"You… serve this to all your guests, or am I just special?" he asked, a strained chuckle escaping him.

Mariel couldn't hold back a small laugh. "Special indeed," she replied, her tone light. "It's not every day someone gets served Bitterroot Brew. Consider it an initiation."

Lucavion groaned dramatically, setting the glass down with exaggerated care. "Initiation, huh? I'll remember that next time."

Mariel just smiled, shaking her head slightly. It was a normal reaction to the Bitterroot Brew, after all. Jorkin's prank had landed, and for a moment, the mood lightened again, just as Lucavion had intended.

After his dramatic reaction to the Bitterroot Brew had subsided, Lucavion set his glass aside and leaned forward slightly, his tone shifting once again. "So, tell me," he said, his voice a touch more serious, "how did you meet my master? I'd love to hear the details."

Mariel paused for a moment, letting his question hang in the air. Her eyes drifted off, her thoughts taking her back to a time she hadn't revisited in quite a while. For a few seconds, the present faded away, replaced by memories of a distant past.

"When I was young," she began slowly, "I wasn't much different from the other children in our village—except for one thing. My family… we were stronger than most. My father, especially, was a well-known ranger, the protector of our village. We were proud of our role, proud to stand guard for the people."

Her gaze grew distant as she recalled those early years, a faint sadness creeping into her voice. "But that pride came at a cost. One day, the village was attacked. A monster, far beyond anything we had ever seen, came for us. My parents were the first to stand against it. They fought valiantly, but in the end, it wasn't enough. They died protecting us, protecting me."

She paused, taking a breath as the weight of the memory settled over her. "I was left alone after that, just a child with no family, no real direction. I didn't have the luxury of grieving properly. Instead, I picked up the mantle my parents left behind. I threw myself into training, learning the skills my father had once used to protect our home. It was my way of honoring them, of keeping their legacy alive."

Lucavion listened in silence, his gaze focused, though his face remained unreadable.

Mariel continued, her voice gaining strength as the memories unfolded. "I wanted to be strong. Stronger than my father or mother so that when the time came and I was in a similar situation, this time I wouldn't die. So that, the people I cared about wouldn't feel the same pain I felt at that time."

Chapter 192: Iron Matron (4)

"I wanted to be strong. Stronger than my father or mother so that when the time came and I was in a similar situation, this time I wouldn't die. So that, the people I cared about wouldn't feel the same pain I felt at that time."

Hearing this, Lucavion's gaze flickered with something unreadable as he listened to Mariel speak. His usually playful demeanor was absent, replaced by a rare moment of introspection. When Mariel finished speaking, he mumbled, almost to himself, "Some will die protecting others... it's not easy. But it's also not easy to be the one protected. To be the one left behind."

There was a weight in his voice that caught Mariel's attention, a subtle shift in the air around them. It wasn't just a platitude—he spoke as though he knew the feeling personally. As though he, too, had been left behind, had felt the sting of helplessness. Mariel glanced at him curiously but said nothing. She was the one telling her story, after all, and it wasn't the time to pry. Still, she filed the thought away, making a note of it.

And yet, just as Lucavion finished speaking, Jorkin approached with a large bottle in hand, his usual grin in place as he set it down on the table between them. "Figured you might want the whole bottle," he said, his tone light but knowing. "You two seem like you'll be here for a while."

Mariel glanced at the bottle, then back at Jorkin. There was no need for words; she understood the gesture. Jorkin knew her well, and he was providing them the space to continue their conversation without any further interruptions.

"Thank you, Jorkin," she said, her voice a little softer than usual. Jorkin simply nodded and walked away, leaving the two of them alone once again.

Lucavion chuckled, leaning back in his chair and glancing at the bottle. "Looks like you want to talk for a while."

Mariel nodded, pouring herself a glass and then gesturing toward Lucavion. "Seems like it," she replied, taking a sip. She appreciated the gesture—not just from Jorkin, but also the way Lucavion was easing into the conversation, never pushing too hard. He seemed to know when to listen and when to speak, a trait she found admirable.

As the warmth of the drink spread through her, she smiled faintly. "I suppose it's fitting. This story has been a long time coming."

She continued, her voice steady. "That's why I decided to leave my village and travel to the city. I had heard stories—tales of adventurers and the Awakened, people with strength beyond the ordinary. People who could change their fate, who had the power to protect others. I wanted to be like them."

Lucavion nodded slightly, his eyes watching her intently.

"I arrived at the guild and registered as an F-rank adventurer," Mariel said, her lips curving into a faint smile at the memory. "It was the lowest rank, of course. And back then, all I could take on were simple missions—hunting weak monsters, gathering materials, that sort of thing. But even then, I could feel that spark inside me, pushing me to grow stronger."

Her smile deepened as she spoke. "With the strength my family passed down to me, I didn't struggle much with those early missions. I was still just a mortal, not Awakened, but I was stronger than most, able to take down small creatures without much trouble."

Lucavion's expression softened as he listened. "You sound like you were always pushing forward," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Even when the odds were against you."

Mariel gave a slight nod. "I had no choice. That drive to become stronger, to make sure I would never feel helpless again, was everything to me. I wasn't just living for myself—I was carrying my parents' legacy, and I wasn't going to let it die with them."

Her words lingered in the air, the weight of her past still pressing down but lighter now that she had shared it. Lucavion's eyes softened even more as if he understood her journey on a deeper level than he had let on. Mariel could tell he wasn't just listening to her story—he was relating to it in ways she hadn't expected.

Mariel leaned back slightly in her chair, her eyes distant as she continued recounting her story. "As the months went by, I started taking on more difficult jobs, gaining a reputation within the guild. I'll admit, the string of successes started to get to my head. I thought I could handle anything they threw at me."

Lucavion nodded, listening intently as she continued.

"One day, I took a job that involved hunting monsters in a forest nearby. It wasn't supposed to be anything special—just another routine task. At least, that's what I thought." Mariel's voice held a touch of bitterness as if recalling the folly of her younger self. "But when I got there, I discovered something unexpected: a hidden ruin deep within the forest."

She paused, the weight of that decision still lingering even after all these years. "I should have known better. I should have left, reported it back to the guild, and let someone more experienced deal with it. But... greed got the better of me. I was still that young adventurer, desperate to prove herself, and the thought of treasure hidden inside those ruins was too tempting."

Lucavion remained silent, his expression growing more thoughtful as she spoke.

"So, I went in," Mariel continued her voice steady but carrying the weight of regret. "At first, everything seemed fine. The ruins were quiet, old, and crumbling, just like you'd expect. But then, it happened. I stumbled into a chamber, and before I could even think about retreating, it appeared."

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she recalled the monster that had nearly cost her everything. "A

Gravestone Maw.

A peak 1-star monster."

Lucavion raised an eyebrow at the name. He was familiar with it—Gravestone Maws were quite strong creatures, known for their immense strength and their ability to manipulate the earth around them.

For a mortal, even one as strong as Mariel, facing such a beast would have been a death sentence.

"Even with my unnatural strength, I was no match for it," Mariel admitted, her voice low. "I fought as hard as I could, but nothing I did worked. The more I struggled, the more I realized how outmatched I was. I was out of my depth, and there was no one to save me. I was completely alone."

She sighed, the memory of that battle clearly still vivid in her mind. "It was my greed and overconfidence that had led me there, and I knew I was going to die because of it."

Lucavion's gaze remained steady, but Mariel could see a flicker of understanding in his eyes. He wasn't just hearing her story—he was connecting to it, maybe even seeing pieces of his own experiences reflected in her words.

"And that's when

he

appeared," she said softly, her voice dropping as she recalled the moment that had changed her life. "Your master. Out of nowhere, he stepped in and saved me. If it weren't for him, I would've died in that ruin, just another adventurer lost to greed and ambition."

Her words lingered in the air, heavy with the weight of the memory.

Mariel smiled faintly, her eyes softening as she recalled the exact words that had been spoken to her that day. "I remember… after he saved me from the Gravestone Maw, he looked me over and, in the most casual way, he said, 'Wow, you really are like a bear girl. Hmm... yeah, I've decided. You'll be Little Bear from now on.'"

Lucavion's eyes brightened with recognition, and he chuckled quietly. "That sounds just like him."

Mariel nodded, her smile growing a little. "At the time, I didn't know what to make of it. I was still shaken from the battle, and here was this mysterious figure, giving me a nickname like it was nothing. But then, as if saving me wasn't enough, he started talking about how I was different. How there was something unique about me—something in my constitution that I hadn't realized."

She glanced down at her hands, remembering how powerless she had felt before that encounter. "He told me I was talented, but I just didn't know how to cultivate or awaken myself. I had always relied on my raw strength, thinking that was enough. But he saw potential in me that I couldn't see in myself."

Lucavion listened, his expression serious but intrigued. "And he taught you how to circulate mana, didn't he?"

Mariel nodded again, her voice growing a touch softer. "Yes. He didn't just save me and leave. He showed me how to control the mana within me, and how to circulate it properly. He guided me through the basics of cultivation, something I'd never been exposed to before. It felt like unlocking a part of myself that had always been there but was dormant, waiting for the right moment to awaken."

She took a deep breath, her tone filled with quiet gratitude. "That day changed everything for me. I went from being a simple, stubborn mortal with a little strength to someone who could harness their true potential. And it's all because of him."

Lucavion's gaze softened, and there was a certain understanding in his eyes. "He had a way of seeing things in people that others couldn't," he said quietly. "I'm not surprised he saw that in you."

Chapter 193: Iron Matron (5)

"I'm not surprised he saw that in you."

Lucavion chuckled softly as Mariel finished her story, but the sound quickly faded as he picked up his fork, finally turning his attention to the meal that had sat largely untouched in front of him. He chewed thoughtfully, the warmth of the food filling him as the weight of their conversation lingered in the air. Between bites, he washed down the meal with a drink, his eyes still focused on Mariel, listening without missing a beat.

For a while, they sat in a comfortable silence—Mariel quietly reflecting, and Lucavion eating, his gaze occasionally flickering back to her. It wasn't until he had nearly finished that Mariel spoke again, her voice hesitant but filled with curiosity.

"There's something I've never been able to figure out," she began, her eyes meeting his steadily. "The man who saved my life… I never learned who he really was. I've heard whispers and rumors, but no one ever gave me a clear answer. Was he really…?"

Her words trailed off, and for a moment, Lucavion didn't reply. He simply set down his utensils, wiping his mouth with a casual flick of his wrist before leaning back in his chair. His playful demeanor was gone again, replaced by a quiet gravity that matched the tone of the conversation.

After a brief pause, Lucavion nodded, his voice low, almost reverent. "Starscourge Gerald," he said softly, the name hanging in the air between them like a distant echo of the past.

Mariel's breath caught in her throat. She had suspected as much but hearing the name from Lucavion's lips brought it all into focus. Gerald. The figure of starlight who had saved her, the one who had changed the course of her life. She had never known his name, never been able to fully thank him for what he had done, and now, here it was—a truth she had sought for so long.

'It really was him.'

That name.

Starscourge Gerald.

It was not a name that one could just casually mention.

Starscourge Gerald.

A name spoken with reverence, fear, and awe across the world. He wasn't just an ordinary figure of myth—he was one of those who had almost reached the very peak of humanity. His strength, his skill, his knowledge—they were so immense that they had almost transcended what it meant to be human.

'A man who stood at the precipice of godhood.'

The memories of what she had heard about him came flooding back in an overwhelming rush.

Gerald

, the one whose mere presence on the battlefield could shift the tide of war. His name was enough to make even the mightiest kingdoms hesitate. His starlight mana was like a divine force, one that made armies falter and crumble beneath its glow. And his greatest feats… those were the things of legends.

'He could change the course of battles on his own. Entire armies, entire campaigns thwarted just by him standing in their path.'

Her mind turned to the stories of the

Arcanis Empire

, the very empire that had sought dominion over vast lands, advancing across nations, toppling kingdoms. And then…

Starscourge Gerald

. He alone had halted their progress, time and time again. His power was so vast, so uncontainable, that the empire itself was forced to adapt to his mere existence. He had stood as a barrier, a force that no one could overcome, and because of that, they feared him.

'A single man… giving the Arcanis Empire endless headaches, stalling their ambitions. How many times had he blocked their path? How many victories had he stolen from them?'

Mariel could feel the weight of those memories as though they were her own, despite having never witnessed them herself. The legends of Gerald were everywhere, and yet, to her, he was more than just a story—

he was the one who had saved her life.

And she never even knew his name.

Across from her, Lucavion continued eating with an almost meditative calm, his focus entirely on his meal. He seemed unfazed by the gravity of the conversation they were having, as though speaking the name of such a legendary figure was nothing out of the ordinary. But Mariel knew—she knew that the man who had saved her, the one Lucavion called master, was not someone whose name could be spoken so casually.

'Starscourge Gerald… to think I was saved by someone like him. And he—he saw something in me. Why?'

The question lingered in her mind, unresolved. Why had Gerald, someone so powerful, bothered to save her, a simple mortal at the time, struggling in the ruins against a monster far beyond her capabilities?

Her thoughts swirled as she remembered the feel of Gerald's presence that day, how effortlessly he had stepped in, how casually he had given her that nickname—

Little Bear.

At the time, it had all seemed like a dream. But now, with Lucavion sitting in front of her, speaking his name, it all became real.

Mariel watched Lucavion in silence as he continued eating, his posture relaxed, as if this was just another ordinary day for him. She envied that calm, that ability to carry the weight of such knowledge with ease. He took a sip from his drink, completely at ease, while she struggled to process the enormity of what had been revealed.

But there was something about Lucavion, too—something in his demeanor, in the way he spoke of his master. Mariel could sense it. There was more to this young man than met the eye. He might hide behind that playful smile and carefree attitude, but beneath it, there was a depth that reminded her so much of Gerald.

'He's more like his master than he lets on. I can see it… that same calm, that same quiet power.'

Lucavion finally looked up from his meal, catching her gaze, and gave her a faint, knowing smile as if he could read her thoughts. He didn't say anything, but the look in his eyes told her everything she needed to know. He understood what she was thinking—he had lived it, felt it.

And Mariel, for once, felt something she hadn't in a long time.

'Gratitude.'

She might never have had the chance to thank Gerald properly, but sitting across from Lucavion, she realized something important.

'Maybe… thanking him is enough.'

As Mariel sat there, she glanced again at Lucavion. He had just finished his meal, casually wiping his hands with the same calm demeanor that seemed to cloak him in mystery. Despite the powerful connection he had with Gerald—the man who had shaped her life—it suddenly struck her that Lucavion himself was still

just a young man

.

'Even if he's Gerald's disciple, he's still… so young.'

The thought stirred something new within her. For all the power and wisdom he may have inherited from his master, there was an undeniable truth in front of her. Lucavion was here, alone. No legendary figure stood by his side, no mentor guiding his steps. He was, in some ways, just like she had been all those years ago—trying to navigate a world that demanded more from him than most would ever know.

'

How did he come here?'

she wondered, her eyes softening as they lingered on him.

'What journey has he been on? And how did someone like Gerald come to meet this boy?'

She took another sip of her drink, the warmth of it spreading through her, but her mind was far from the present. She thought of the stories, the legends of Starscourge Gerald—the man who strode between realms, whose influence could shape the destiny of entire kingdoms. How did this boy, Lucavion, cross paths with such a figure? What had his life been like before that fateful meeting?

"If you want to ask something, you may ask. I don't mind."

Lucavion suddenly spoke.

Mariel blinked, pulled back to the present by Lucavion's words. His voice was calm, unhurried, yet there was an openness in his tone that caught her slightly off guard. She hadn't expected him to address her thoughts so directly. For a brief second, she wondered if he had sensed the depth of her curiosity, or if he had simply grown accustomed to people wanting to know more about him.

'Of course,'

she thought, setting her glass down with deliberate care.

'Why waste time wondering?'

Mariel wasn't one to dwell on uncertainties or dance around questions. The Iron Matron's reputation was built on her decisiveness, her ability to cut through the noise and get to the heart of things. And now, sitting across from someone as enigmatic as Lucavion, her instinct was to be direct. She'd always believed in facing things head-on, and this situation was no different.

Leaning forward slightly, her gaze sharp but not unkind, she spoke, her voice steady. "How did you meet Mister Gerald?"

No hesitation, no soft lead-in—just the question, clear and to the point.

Chapter 194: Iron Matron (6)

"How did you meet Mister Gerald?"

No hesitation, no soft lead-in—just the question, clear and to the point.

Lucavion, to his credit, didn't seem fazed by the abruptness of her inquiry. If anything, his expression softened, his lips curving into that familiar, knowing grin. But it wasn't the same playful smirk she had seen earlier. This one carried a hint of something deeper, something that hinted at the weight behind the answer.

He didn't answer right away, though. Instead, he picked up his glass and took a slow, thoughtful sip, as if collecting his thoughts before he spoke. Mariel watched him closely, her curiosity piqued even more by his silence.

Finally, after what felt like a long pause, he set the glass down and met her gaze with an intensity she hadn't expected.

"Meeting Master… well, it was out of the ordinary," Lucavion began, his tone quieter, more introspective than before. "At the time, I had been sent to the battlefield. Not as a hero or anything, just as a soldier."

Mariel's eyebrows shot up, her surprise evident. "A soldier?" she asked, her gaze sharpening as she took in Lucavion's appearance again. He looked young—far too young for something like that. And if he was speaking about a time before this, she couldn't help but wonder,

how long ago could that have been?

Lucavion's lips curved into a small smile, one that seemed to carry the weight of many untold stories. As if sensing her unspoken question, he nodded. "Yeah, I was really young back then. Barely more than a boy, and I wasn't even an Awakened yet."

Mariel's frown deepened. The thought of someone like him—still a child, by the sound of it—being thrown into the chaos of a battlefield unsettled her. And to be there without the power or protection of an Awakened… she couldn't imagine what that must have been like.

"I was sent to fight alongside others, but I didn't have a choice," Lucavion continued, his tone matter-of-fact. "It was a losing battle from the start. Most of us knew it. We were just bodies to throw into the fray." He paused, glancing down at the table, his fingers lightly tracing the rim of his glass. "And that's where I met him."

Mariel watched him closely, the pieces of the story slowly coming together in her mind.

Starscourge Gerald

, hiding in a battlefield camp. It didn't seem like the kind of place someone like Gerald would be, yet that was where he found Lucavion.

"At that time, Gerald wasn't the legendary figure that people speak of now," Lucavion continued, his gaze distant as though recalling that moment vividly. "He was hiding out in that camp for reasons I didn't understand back then. But he found me, in the middle of all that chaos, and he took me under his wing. It was the first time anyone had ever looked at me and seen more than just….."

There was a brief pause as Lucavion's smile faltered, his eyes darkening just slightly at the memory. "Anyway. He didn't approach me right away. He watched, and waited. And then, when the moment came, he made his move—offered to teach me, to show me what I could become. He told me I wasn't meant for the life they'd forced me into."

Mariel sat in silence, her mind racing. She could picture it—the boy Lucavion had been, standing on the edge of death in a war he never should've been part of. And then Gerald, stepping in like a figure from the shadows, seeing something in him that no one else did.

Lucavion met her gaze again, his expression lighter now, as if the heaviness had lifted, replaced by something more hopeful. "He became my master right there, in the middle of that war. He taught me everything I know now, took me away from that life."

Mariel took a deep breath, letting the story settle in her mind. She hadn't expected this. She hadn't expected the boy in front of her to have been thrust into such a brutal world so young, nor had she expected Gerald to have plucked him from it. But hearing it now, it made sense. Gerald had always seen potential in the lost, the broken.

"And the rest is history, huh?" she said, her voice softer now.

Lucavion chuckled quietly, the sound low and knowing. "Something like that."

Mariel nodded, still processing the weight of it all. She had always known that the world could be cruel, but hearing Lucavion's story—how he had been sent to die as nothing more than a child—only solidified her resolve.

"You've come a long way since then," she said, her tone firm but tinged with a rare warmth. "But I imagine there's more to your journey."

Lucavion didn't answer immediately. Instead, he picked up his glass once more, took a slow sip, and smiled, his expression somewhere between thoughtful and amused.

"Maybe there is," he said softly, his voice carrying the same mystery as always. "Maybe there's a lot more."

Mariel studied Lucavion carefully, her sharp gaze lingering on him as the weight of his story settled between them. She leaned back slightly in her chair, folding her arms across her chest.

"And now?" she asked, her voice low but firm. "Now that your master is no longer here… what are you planning to do?"

Lucavion's eyes flickered with a familiar glint of amusement, the kind of lightheartedness that masked something far deeper. His lips curled into a smirk, the playful edge returning to his expression. "What am I planning to do?" he repeated, almost as if the question itself amused him.

He paused for a moment, as though savoring the tension between them before answering. Then, with a casual shrug, he leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on the table. "I'm here for the tournament," he said simply, but there was a weight behind his words. "To make a name for myself."

Mariel raised an eyebrow. "A name for yourself?"

Lucavion's smirk widened. "I can't exactly stay in my master's shadow forever, can I?" His tone was light, but there was a certain seriousness in his eyes that told Mariel this wasn't just about the tournament. "People knew Master. They feared him, respected him. But me? I'm still just a nobody to most people."

There was a brief pause as he leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady on her. "So, what better way to start than by standing out here? The tournament is a stage, and I intend to make sure everyone knows who I am by the time it's over."

Mariel tilted her head slightly, watching him. His confidence was undeniable, but there was something more behind it—something that hinted at a greater plan. She couldn't help but admire his ambition, but she also knew that the tournament wasn't just a game. It was brutal, unforgiving, and filled with competitors just as hungry for victory as he was.

"You're serious," she said, more as a statement than a question.

"Dead serious," Lucavion replied, his smirk fading into something more focused. "Let's say this is the beginning of something."

Mariel nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing in thought. "And you think the tournament will give you that? The recognition you're after?"

Lucavion shrugged again, but there was no doubt in his expression. "It's a start. If I win—or even get far enough—people will remember me. And from there… well, the path forward gets a lot more interesting."

Mariel couldn't help but smile slightly at his determination. There was a fire in him, a drive to carve out his own place in the world. It reminded her of herself when she was younger, fighting to make a name for her family, for her village. And in some ways, she understood exactly where he was coming from.

"You've got ambition," she said, her voice thoughtful. "But ambition alone won't get you far in that arena."

"Tutututu…" Lucavion clicked his tongue rapidly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he wagged his index finger at Mariel. The playful gesture contrasted sharply with the seriousness that had filled the conversation moments before.

"Ambition alone?" He shook his head, eyes gleaming with amusement. "No, no, no. I don't just have ambition, Miss Little Bear. I've got talent too." He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "Since we all know that ambition without talent is meaningless, don't you think?"

Mariel raised an eyebrow, her smile deepening. His confidence was undeniable, and while part of her admired it, she couldn't help but test him a little further. "Talent, huh?" she repeated, her tone light but with an edge of skepticism. "And you think that talent will carry you through the tournament?"

Lucavion's grin widened. "I don't think. I

know

it will." His voice was steady, filled with certainty.

Mariel leaned back, crossing her arms as she considered him. He wasn't just boasting—there was something in the way he carried himself that made her believe he truly meant every word he said.

"But aside from that….There is one more reason I am here at this moment."

Chapter 195: Iron Matron (7)

"But aside from that….There is one more reason I am here at this moment."

Lucavion paused after his words, the weight of what he was about to say hanging in the air. Mariel watched him closely, waiting for him to continue, but instead, he let the tension break with a sudden, playful grin.

"But aside from that," he said, his voice lowering as if he were about to reveal something serious. He stopped again, glancing down at the remnants of his meal. "The food here is really good," he added casually, leaning back in his chair as he took a long, satisfied sip of his drink. "Your chefs are talented. Very talented."

Mariel's eyebrow arched, amusement flickering in her eyes as she realized he was toying with the moment. He had the audacity to shift the conversation like that, and for a second, she considered pressing him to get to the point. But something about his playful manner made her hold back.

Lucavion set his glass down, his expression returning to something a little more thoughtful, though that glint of mischief never left his eyes. He seemed perfectly at ease, as though the entire weight of their conversation had been lifted with that one teasing remark. Mariel, however, was intrigued. She waited, her curiosity piqued, and after a moment, Lucavion continued.

"You know, even though you're here now, managing this inn, one thing can't be denied." His voice was softer now, more reflective. "You can't escape your nature."

Mariel felt a slight shift inside her, her expression sharpening as his words found their mark. She wasn't sure where he was going with this, but there was an undeniable truth in what he said.

Lucavion leaned forward again, his eyes locking with hers. "You might have hung up your sword, but you're still the Iron Matron, aren't you?"

Mariel didn't respond immediately. She didn't need to. The reputation she had built for herself, the life she had lived before running this inn—it was something she carried with her, even if she didn't always acknowledge it.

Lucavion smirked, seeing the flicker of recognition in her eyes. "So, let me ask you this," he said, his tone growing more serious. "If you were to witness something that made your blood boil… something that stirred the fire inside you—would you just sit and watch? Or would you act?"

His words hung in the air, the playful atmosphere dissipating in an instant. Mariel's eyes narrowed slightly, her posture shifting. She wasn't one to sit idly by, not when the situation called for action. And she knew that Lucavion, despite his teasing nature, wasn't asking her a simple question.

"Depends on what it is," Mariel said carefully, her voice steady, though the challenge in her gaze was unmistakable. "But if something needed to be done, I wouldn't hesitate."

Lucavion smiled, leaning back in his chair, satisfied with her response. "Exactly," he said softly. "That's why I'm here."

Mariel didn't speak, waiting for him to continue. There was more to his reason for being here than just making a name for himself in the tournament. She could feel it.

Lucavion's fingers continued to trace the rim of his glass, his expression growing more contemplative, though the edge of mischief in his eyes never quite disappeared. He let the silence linger for a moment longer, then spoke, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of something more dangerous.

"If I were to destroy someone now," he began, his tone deceptively light, "someone who could cause me trouble in the future… would you support my judgment?"

Mariel's gaze locked onto his, her sharp eyes searching his face for any hint of what lay beneath his words. There was no doubt in her mind that Lucavion was talking about something—or someone—specific. The casual tone he used couldn't mask the seriousness of what he was asking.

For a brief second, Mariel said nothing. Her thoughts drifted back to that pivotal moment in her life, when the man of starlight, Gerald, had stepped into her path and changed everything. His judgment, and his decisions, had shaped the course of her life. And now, sitting across from Gerald's disciple, she couldn't help but see the same shadows of her past reflected in Lucavion.

'He's his disciple,

' she thought, her mind weighing the words carefully. '

If Lucavion carries the same wisdom and insight that Gerald had…'

Mariel took a breath, her posture straightening as she looked at him with the same stern resolve she had carried all her life. She wasn't someone who trusted easily, but Lucavion's connection to Gerald was undeniable. And that alone carried weight.

"Since you are

his

disciple," Mariel said, her voice firm but steady, "I'll trust your judgment."

Her words hung in the air between them, and Lucavion's smile returned, softer now but with a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. It wasn't just the trust she offered—it was the understanding that she, too, had once placed her faith in someone who had walked a similar path.

Lucavion's smile deepened as he heard Mariel's words, the flicker of satisfaction in his eyes turning to something warmer, more genuine. He inclined his head slightly, a gesture of respect, and spoke softly.

"If that's the case, then I'll thank you for your faith, Mariel." His voice was lighter now, though the seriousness of their conversation still lingered beneath the surface. There was a mutual understanding between them—one born not just of trust, but of shared experiences, paths that had crossed through the influence of one man.

Mariel gave him a small nod in return, her gaze still steady. She wasn't one to give her trust easily, but she had placed it in Lucavion for a reason. Whether it was his own strength or the echoes of Gerald she saw in him, she knew that the decision felt right.

Lucavion stood up slowly, pushing his chair back with a smooth motion. "I should take my leave now," he said, his voice light again as if they hadn't just been discussing matters of life and death. He straightened his coat, his ever-present smirk reappearing as he glanced at her one last time.

"Don't worry," he added with a playful gleam in his eyes. "I'll make sure I don't disappoint Miss Little Bear. After all, you'll be watching."

Mariel watched him as he moved toward the door, her eyes following him with the same sharpness she had carried all her life. "I will," she said simply, her voice steady. "I'll be watching closely."

He paused at the door, turning back to flash her one last grin. "Then I'll make sure it's a show worth remembering." With that, he tipped his hat to her and slipped out of the inn, his footsteps light and confident as he disappeared into the night.

Mariel remained where she was, staring at the door long after it had closed.

******

Lucavion stepped out into the cool night air, the soft glow of lanterns lining the streets casting long shadows across the cobblestones. The hustle of the city had quieted, though the distant murmurs of conversation and the occasional clatter of a cart echoed faintly in the background.

PAT! PAT!

His boots made soft sounds against the street as he walked with a purposeful yet unhurried stride, his mind already drifting toward the events of the following day.

Vitaliara, perched comfortably on his shoulder, had been silent throughout his conversation with Mariel, but now, as the two of them moved through the streets, her curiosity bubbled to the surface.

Her tail flicked thoughtfully as she glanced at him.

[You know I'm not one to pry,] she began, her tone filled with an edge of curiosity, [but what exactly did you mean back there? 'Destroying someone who could cause trouble in the future'?]

Lucavion didn't answer immediately. His eyes remained focused ahead, the smirk that had been his constant companion since he left the inn softening just slightly. He had always been good at teasing, at keeping people guessing, but Vitaliara had always been sharp enough to sense when something more serious lingered beneath his words.

He finally shook his head, though the smile never left his lips. "You'll see soon enough," he said lightly, his tone carrying a note of finality

[Hmm? Really?] She said, humphing. [Humph. You are no fun.]

Lucavion chuckled softly at Vitaliara's playful huff. "Trust me," he said, his tone laced with amusement, "when tomorrow comes, you'll be happy I didn't spoil the surprise."

Vitaliara flicked her tail, her green eyes narrowing as she shot him a sideways glance. [You always like keeping me in the dark until the last moment, don't you?]

Lucavion grinned. "What can I say? I enjoy seeing your reaction when things unfold."

[Humph,] she repeated, her tone full of mock annoyance. [One of these days, I'll figure you out, Lucavion.]

He smiled but didn't respond directly, letting the light-hearted banter between them settle into a comfortable silence. The cool night air brushed against his skin, and the flickering lanterns of the city guided them as they made their way toward the next step in Lucavion's carefully planned path.

Tomorrow would bring challenges—both expected and unexpected—and he knew that it would not be that easy.

But well so what?

After all, what was the point of having a grand plan if you couldn't enjoy a bit of mystery along the way?