The Ardentis Palace was unrecognizable.
For the first time in months, its vast halls were decorated with golden banners embroidered with the family crest—an intricate sword wrapped in roaring flames. The chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished marble floors, and the air carried the faint scent of rare incense.
It was a night of celebration.
At least… for some.
Lucius, standing near the window in his room, let out a slow breath. He was used to seeing this level of grandeur only during imperial visits .
But this?
This was for Adrian.
The brother who had struggled for nearly a decade to enter the Empire's Academy.
Lucius understood the significance of this moment. But he also knew… not everyone in the family saw it that way.
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Young Master, may I enter?"
It was Elise.
Lucius turned. "Come in."
The door creaked open, and Elise stepped in, carrying a neatly folded set of clothing.
"Lady Selene sent these for you," she said with a small smile. "She thought you should have something special for the occasion."
tunic, embroidered with silver linings, along with matching trousers and a black coat adorned with the Ardentis family crest—a silver sword wrapped in flames.
"These were sent by Lady Selene," Elise, his personal maid, informed him, adjusting the fabric to ensure it was in perfect condition.
Lucius ran his fingers over the embroidery. Selene... she never forgets.
Despite the cold nature of the Ardentis household, Selene and Irene had been his only source of warmth when he had first awoken from his coma. For those first two months, they had stayed by his side, ensuring he was comfortable, treating him as their beloved younger brother.
Even now, though they couldn't always be present, their care had never disappeared.
By the time he arrived at the grand dining hall, the banquet was in full swing.
The arrangement was the same as always—his father and mother sat at the head of the long table. To their right was the eldest son, and to their left was the second eldest. The remaining seats were filled in descending order of status and importance.
Lucius' seat was near the far end.
Five months ago, during the last family dinner, he had been completely ignored—his existence barely acknowledged.
Tonight, however, was different.
As he took his seat, he noticed Adrian sitting rigidly in place, his expression composed. His dark blue formal attire suited him well, but the tension in his shoulders was obvious.
The congratulations had already begun.
His mother, the Duchess, smiled warmly. "You did well, Adrian."
A simple statement.
But for Adrian, it was probably one of the few kind words he had received in years.
He bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Mother."
Next was Selene and Irene.
"You worked hard for this," They said, offering a rare smile. "Congratulations."
Adrian gave a polite nod. "I appreciate it, Sisters."
Lucius watched in silence.
Then, after a brief pause, he spoke.
"Congratulations, Adrian."
It was the first time he had ever spoken at a family dinner.
His voice was calm but firm. And in that moment, the room briefly fell silent—as if they had just noticed he existed.
Lucius wasn't sure if Adrian was surprised, but his brother turned slightly, nodding in acknowledgment.
Then, of course, the mockery began.
"Yes, you did great," came a smooth, mocking voice.
Lucius didn't even have to look to know who it was.
Cassius Ardentis, the eldest son and heir to the duchy. A prodigy who had formed his Third Circle before the age of 14—a feat considered rare even among noble families.
"Only eight failures, and you finally made it in," Cassius continued, a smirk playing on his lips. "Truly, an inspiration for all of us."
The second brother, Julius Ardentis, chuckled. "At this rate, maybe in another ten years, you'll catch up to the rest of us."
A few low laughs spread across the table.
Adrian's fingers curled into fists under the table, but his expression remained composed.
Lucius felt something stir within him—an unfamiliar sense of irritation.
It wasn't as if he had some deep bond with Adrian, but the way the elders dismissed him so easily...
It felt too familiar.
And then, the Duke finally spoke.
"Enough."
His voice was not loud.
But it was cold.
The mocking laughter stopped instantly, and the entire hall grew silent.
Duke Magnus, a man of towering presence, slowly turned his gaze toward Adrian.
"You have already shamed our family for too long," he said, his tone devoid of emotion. "Try not to do so again."
The words landed like a blade to the throat.
Adrian's face did not change, but Lucius could see the tension in his posture—the slight tightening of his jaw.
And then, in a calm and measured tone, Adrian replied:
"Yes, Father."
Lucius observed this exchange with a quiet fascination.
This was the first time he had seen his father acknowledge Adrian's existence at all.
Not with pride. Not with warmth.
But with disappointment and obligation.
The rest of the dinner continued, but Lucius barely paid attention.
The dynamic was clearer than ever.
His father only cared for Cassius and Julius—the powerful ones. The ones who had potential.
Adrian? He was nothing but a failure in the Duke's eyes.
And Lucius?
He wasn't even considered worth judging yet.
For now.
Lucius' fingers tapped lightly against his glass.
His father, his brothers… they saw only strength.
Then he would show them strength.
Not the way they expected.
But in his own way.