024
Lucien stood by the window of his private suite, a crystal cup resting lightly in his hand, he raised it to his lips as he took a slow sip of the deep red wine within.
“Nothing better than a fine vintage after a successful day of training,” he murmured.
Beyond the glass, the sea stretched endlessly beneath the night sky, dark and calm, its surface catching faint traces of moonlight. Lucien had always found peace in the ocean. As it was vast and patient he thought.
Lucien lingered there in silence, eyes fixed on the horizon, as the taste of wine faded
What are you saying?” a woman’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
Lucien turned.
Two figures sat comfortably within his suite each on opposite couches. Vaelis lounged with parchments spread across his lap, eyes scanning line after line with quiet intensity. Aurora sat across from him, relaxed, paying full attention to Lucien. His gaze lingered on her longer than he intended.
Aurora noticed. “You can stare all you want, Lucien,” she said evenly. “I won’t change my mind.”
His silver-blue eyes met her clear and beautiful. For just a moment, color rose to her cheeks. She turned away quickly, redirecting her attention toward her brother.
Vaelis didn’t look up, another parchment slid aside as he reached for the next.
Lucien sighed and crossed the room, settling onto the couch beside Aurora, as soon as Lucien sat down Aurora immediately shifted, sliding to the far end.
“Now, Aurora,” he said lightly, leaning back, “there’s no need to move, I don't bite.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Aurora replied without looking at him. “That’s what you always say.”
Lucien ignored her and turned his attention to the other couch.
“So. Any progress, Vaelis?”
Vaelis finally looked up from the stack of parchments in his hands.
“Yes,” he said. “I found someone who could fit us.”
Lucien raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
Aurora scoffed. “I still don’t understand why you want more team members. The three of us are more than enough for our time here.”
“You might say that,” Lucien replied calmly, “but I don’t agree.”
Aurora waved a hand dismissively. “Then why don’t you just ask that tiger, what was his name again?”
“Rashan,” Vaelis snapped sharply, his tone sharp as he spoke to his sister.
He then turned to Lucien, his voice noticeably calmer.
“If you had paid even a little attention during our meetings, you’d know Rashan already has a full team of six, a powerful team , there all in the Ocean Class.”
He lowered the parchment slightly. “He also took the only amplifier in our class for himself. Sneaky bastard.”
Aurora’s expression darkened instantly.
“Oh yeah?” she shot back. “And whose responsibility was that supposed to be, little brother? If you hadn’t taken so long evaluating potential teammates, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”
Vaelis didn’t even look at her.
“True,” he said flatly. “Always my fault, so typical of you. If it weren’t for your attitude, we’d already have a full party”
Aurora sprang to her feet, fingers snapping around the dagger at her hip, ready to strike, but before she could Lucien raised a single hand.
Golden light pulsed outward from him, his aura flooding the room, calm and controlled, but unmistakably heavy with authority. The air itself seemed to become pressurised under its weight.
Aurora froze
“Enough.” Lucien said as his gaze shifted to Aurora.
She sat back immediately and crossed her arms, clearly annoyed, she looked at Vaelis as soon as she sat down with a gaze that could cut through steel and whispered.
“I will deal with you later… Brother”
Lucien cleared his throat, deliberately drawing the room’s attention back to him.
“It’s no one’s fault,” he said evenly. “We simply took too long. Most of the capable allies have already been claimed.”
He paused, then continued, eyes flicking briefly from his cup toward Vaelis. “Rashan is good with people, after all.”
Vaelis inclined his head slightly.
“And,” Lucien added, voice thoughtful, “if I recall correctly, Rashan is Rank Two, he alone is a threat to consider.”
He leaned back. “His team composition is solid, he recruited ranks six through ten. Not to mention he managed to get a Balanced composition. Two skirmishers, two frontliners and two backliners.”
Vaelis nodded once. “See?” he said. “Lucien understands.”
Aurora said nothing.
She stared at the floor, jaw tight. She knew it was, at least partially, her fault after all the first day of class, she remembered how people had approached Lucien with polite introductions, tentative offers… and how she had driven them away. Some with words and others with fists.
Lucien broke the silence. “What about the Archduke’s son?”
Vaelis answered immediately. “Rank Five. He’s already formed a team, Ranks eleven, twelve… and the Siroth sisters.”
Lucien’s brow creased. “What about ranks thirteen, fourteen, fifteen?”
“All with him as well,” Vaelis replied. “Also they don’t meet our requirements.”
Lucien exhaled slowly. “Then,” he said at last, “what’s the good news?”
Vaelis finally allowed himself a small smile.
“The Siroth sisters,” he said. “They’re in Lake Class. I saw them leaving the class a few days ago, murmuring something about Thalessa Archypego.”
Aurora’s eyes flicked up at the name.
“So I got curious,” Vaelis continued, reaching into his coat. He pulled out a folded parchment and slid it across the table. “And I looked into it.”
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Lucien picked it up, his eyes moved quickly over the page, after a brief moment of thought he looked up at Vaelis and spoke “…Meliodas Archypego, eh”
****
Meliodas sipped his tea slowly, his thoughts lingering on the events of the previous night.
Carrying Liora to Morvack’s office had been harder than he expected. To his surprise, Morvack had been awake, the healer had taken her from him without a word, examined her carefully, before assuring that she would be fine. Exhausted and gravely injured but she would be fine.
“She’ll need a few days,” Morvack had said. “Medical wing so she can get some much needed proper rest.”
The tea had gone lukewarm in his hands. Across from him, Professor Aurelius sat in silence, his eyes were distant, lost somewhere far beyond the walls of his study. The light outside had begun to fade, sunset already creeping in.
He had, again, spent the entire day here.
“I think it’s time for you to leave, Student Meliodas,” Aurelius said at last, breaking the silence. “You are welcome here anytime.”
“Yes, Professor,” Meliodas replied before he stood and turned toward the door.
“Student,” Aurelius spoke.
Meliodas paused. “Yes, Professor?”
“You forgot something.”
The ashen familiar manifested beside Aurelius, carrying a heavy book in its arms. It floated forward and gently placed it into Meliodas’ hands along with a leather shoulder bag; it was sturdy and well-crafted.
Meliodas blinked. “Professor… what is this?”
“A gift,” Aurelius replied calmly. “Your own copy of the Monster Encyclopedia, and something suitable to carry it.”
Meliodas stiffened. “I—I can’t accept this, Professor.”
Aurelius took a sip of his tea and raised one hand, dismissive.
“Consider it a courtesy for enrolling in my course,” he said. “Besides, both of those would only gather dust here.”
Meliodas hesitated, then slowly slung the leather strap over his shoulder. The weight of the book settled comfortably against his side as he put it in the bag.
“…Thank you,” he said quietly. “It’s incredible.”
Aurelius nodded once and Meliodas smiled.
He turned to leave, but just before opening the door, he paused, steadying his thoughts.
“Is something wrong, Student Meliodas?” Aurelius asked, noticing the pause
Meliodas turned back to him. “Actually, Professor… there’s something I wanted to ask.”
Aurelius raised an eyebrow slightly. “Can it wait until tomorrow? I’m quite tired, student.”
“It could,” Meliodas admitted with a lowered voice, his nerves slipping through despite the effort to stay calm. “But I’ve been thinking about it for the past few days, and I wasn’t sure when I’d get another chance.”
Aurelius studied him more carefully now.
“Is everything alright?” he asked, with a concerned tone.
Meliodas straightened and took a deep breath. Here goes nothing, he thought.
“I wanted to ask,” he said, meeting Aurelius’ gaze, “if you would be willing to be my mentor.”
Silence.
Aurelius didn’t respond at first. His expression froze as the words sank in. One second passed, then another.
After a few more seconds his teacup slipped from his fingers.
It shattered against the floor.
“Professor—are you okay?” Meliodas said quickly. “It’s fine if you say no. I just… I feel like I could learn a great deal from you.”
Aurelius’ expression shifted, his surprise disappearing, replaced by seriousness. He gestured silently toward the chair across from him. “Sit.”
Meliodas obeyed at once.
Seconds stretched into minutes as Aurelius stared into his cooling tea, eyes unfocused, mind clearly elsewhere. Meliodas sat there and he could swear that the room felt heavier with each passing breath.
Finally, Aurelius sighed.
“You should not speak those words lightly, Student,” Aurelius said. “Choosing a mentor is not a casual decision. It is a responsibility, if you ask for one, you place your education and your early advancement entirely in that person’s hands.”
Meliodas didn’t speak. He simply nodded.
Aurelius studied him again, more carefully this time.
“…Why me?” he asked at last.
“As I said,” Meliodas replied honestly, “I feel I can learn a great deal from you.”
Aurelius shook his head slightly.
“Monster Entomology alone is not reason enough,” he said. “With discipline, you could learn most of it from books. If you applied yourself—”
“That’s not it, Professor,” Meliodas interrupted, voice steady despite the tension.
Aurelius paused looking at the student, his nervousness gone.
“It’s the way you think,” Meliodas continued. “The way you analyze monsters—not just what they are, but how they fight, how they react, there weaknesses and your tactical analysis,” Meliodas paused before continuing, “When you explained how we could have dealt with the Burrowfang… I knew, you spoke like someone who’s faced them countless times. From that moment, I wanted you as my mentor.”
Aurelius sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
“It seems you are sharper than I initially thought,” he said quietly.
Meliodas brightened just a little. “Thank you, Professor, so—”
“I do not know,” Aurelius interrupted calmly. “This is a significant decision for me as well.”
The words landed harder than Meliodas expected. His shoulders drooped slightly.
“I understand,” he said after a moment. “I’m sorry if it was too much to ask.”
Aurelius raised a hand, stopping him. “Give me time,” he said. “I will think it over.”
Meliodas nodded, relief mixing with uncertainty, he pushed himself up from his chair, preparing to leave.
“Before you go,” Aurelius said.
Meliodas stopped and turned back.
“Let me give you a test.”
“A test?” Meliodas frowned.
“Yes,” Aurelius replied evenly. “If you wish for my mentorship, I must know how you think when faced with uncertainty. Even if you answer correctly, my decision may still be no.”
Meliodas straightened, resolve returning to his posture.
“I understand.”
Aurelius studied him for a long moment, then nodded once. “Good,” he said. “Listen carefully.”
****
Aurelius sat alone in his quarters.
Meliodas had left some time ago. Night had settled in fully, a cup of tea sat untouched before him, steam long since faded, what should I do… he thought
A knock at the door broke his thoughts. “…Who is it now,” he muttered under his breath.
Then, louder, “Come in.” The door opened, letting in a woman.
“Professor Elowen,” Aurelius said, straightening slightly. “To what do I owe the visit?”
“Oh, stop it,” she replied, waving a hand dismissively as she entered. “Just call me Elowen.”
She paused, then added more quietly, “I came to check on an old… friend.” The last word carried weight.
She took a seat across from him. Aurelius poured her a cup of tea without asking and slid it toward her. She took a sip before speaking again.
“I heard you finally have a student,” Elowen said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Congratulations.”
Aurelius nodded once.
“And?” she asked. “How does it feel to teach again?”
“…It’s good,” he answered after a moment.
Elowen raised an eyebrow. “Only good?”
She leaned back slightly. “If I remember correctly, last year someone came to my office complaining that his course isn't advertised enough, since no one enrolled again?”
Aurelius exhaled slowly, gaze drifting toward the window. “Yes,” he admitted.
“Then say it,” Elowen said gently. “What’s bothering you, Aury?”
Aurelius winced. “Please. I told you not to call me that.”
Elowen rolled her eyes. “You used to beg me not to use your full name.”
“That was a long time ago,” Aurelius replied quietly.
Elowen studied him for a moment. The faint amusement on her face slowly faded, replaced by concern.
“Now you’re scaring me,” she said. “Is everything alright?”
“Yes… well not really ” Aurelius stopped himself, then exhaled. “It’s just that… my student asked me to be his mentor.”
The words slipped out before he could stop them, he froze before bringing a hand to his forehead. “I shouldn’t have said that,” Aurelius muttered.
Elowen shot to her feet, eyes wide. “What? That’s great news, Aury. That’s wonderful, congratulations.”
She paced once, then stopped and looked at him more carefully.
“…You said no,” she said slowly.
Aurelius glanced up. “What?”
“You said no,” Elowen repeated. “Didn’t you?”
“You confuse me,” she added dryly. “Though, to be fair, you always have. But why? Why would you refuse?”
“I didn’t refuse,” Aurelius said, rubbing his temple. “I told him I didn’t know and gave him a test.”
Elowen raised an eyebrow. “Then what’s the problem? And don’t tell me it’s responsibility. You’ve wanted an apprentice since before the—”
She stopped herself. “…Well. You know.”
Aurelius leaned back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling. “It’s not that,” he said quietly. “Or… only partly.”
He was silent for a moment, choosing his words. “It’s the student himself,” Aurelius continued. “How should I put this… he’s quite the challenge for my first apprentice.”
Elowen frowned. “Who is it?”
She leaned forward slightly, curiosity piqued. “Who could possibly concern you this much? You’ve never cared about nobility, reputation, or politics.” She paused, as her eyes widened just a fraction.
“…It isn’t Lucien von Lichtheim, is it?”
“No,” Aurelius said immediately. “Not a Chosen One.”
Elowen blinked. “Then who?”
Aurelius turned his gaze from the ceiling back to her, his expression heavy.
“Someone worse,” he said.
Elowen felt a chill run down her spine. “Worse than that?”
“The child of a friend,” Aurelius said quietly.
The room fell silent.
“…Meliodas Archypego,” Elowen said after a moment. “It’s him, isn’t it.”
Aurelius nodded once.
For a heartbeat, Elowen simply stared at him, then she laughed. Aurelius raised an eyebrow, clearly confused at her laughter.
“Sorry… Sorry,” she said, waving a hand as she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. Before straightening as her composure returned.
“Trust me on this, Aury. Maera would be incredibly happy, no, grateful, if you took her third child in as an apprentice.”
Aurelius leaned back.
“…And what if I fail him?” he asked quietly. “What if I get it wrong? How could I ever face Ma—”
“Stop,” Elowen said firmly.
She planted her hands on her hips and looked him straight in the eye.
“What happened to you?” she demanded. “Where is the decisive, irritatingly confident man I used to know?”
Aurelius blinked.
“You won’t fail him,” she continued. “And you know it. Besides,” she added with a small smile, “that boy is a buffer and a spellcaster. I can’t imagine a better mentor for him than you.”
Aurelius was quiet for a moment, then, slowly, he nodded.
