I opened the lounge room door. He was sitting on the couch, (And yes, a new invention I invented.) his arms leaning on his knee.

“Lucian Asterias the second.” I called. I felt somewhat proud that I remembered his name.

He looked up, his hair a little wet from the rain outside. His eyes though---- Its blue. Or was it the trick of the light?

Lucian looked back down to the ground. “As you can see, Grandma passed.” His voice sounded hoarse.

I was surprised that someone who looked so well not so long ago had died, but I wasn’t surprised at the same time since living at such an age was rare. I sat down next to him and patted his back. I wasn’t the type who was good at pep talking. Luckily he didn’t wave me off.

“Hey, you need help?”

Lucian trembled. He would become one of the youngest Duke. He was only 19 or 20 and he’ll have to suddenly shoulder the job of a Duke. Although it sounded similar to me, I did it willingly and I had my brothers’ help. He, on the other hand, did not have siblings and he couldn't just trust his relatives. I wouldn't either, if they didn't help you when you were struggling. So he didn't have someone, someone as a friend, someone who could support him both politically and mentally. I wondered if he felt panicked and a little stressed to hold the work and the responsibly all of a sudden. Adonis stood by the door, giving us space.

Finally he spoke. “I’m fine, thank you. I just came to inform you that I’m the head now.” he wiped his tears on his sleeves. Normally I wouldn’t mind it if anyone did something like that but I decided to be proper. I handed him my handkerchief which I happened to have. He took it.

“I know you aren’t.” I sighed. “I’ll help you adapt to your new environment. I’ll ask Aeson if he can go to your place and help you while you recollect yourself.”

I took his hand to reassure him. “You don't have to rush to collect yourself though. You don't need to rush your emotions by shutting or killing them down because emotions are hard and rare to appear. Take your time. If you need help, well,” I shrugged, “Your place and our place isn't so far. Come and have tea with us and relax. I’ll listen to whatever stuff you have in your mind and just,” I smiled, hoping he would understand that I was trying to befriend him, “be someone you can lean on.”

I crafted my words carefully which I especially suck at, I hope he understood it. I usually went straight to the point but saying to him while he was grieving: “Dang, I know you are sad but hey, I’ll be your friend in place of your grandma!” wasn't such a nice thing to say.

“Thank you.” he said.

I turned to Adonis. “Call Aeson for me. He should be done with the meeting by now.”

I left Lucian alone in the room to give him some space and some time to comfortably sip his tea and warm up. I met Aeson outside the room.

“What happened?” He pointed his chin to the room.

“Lucian is here and he came to inform me that,” my voice took on an emotional turn, “the head passed away.”

“Oh, that's bad. How’s he doing?”

“He’s resting at the moment. Thought it wouldn't be proper to send him straight off when it's raining.” It was pouring outside. The road might be muddy and the carriage tyres might get stuck in the mud, if they didn't use the road. Plus the rain might worsen Lucian’s mood even more. “And I was wondering if you or I should help him out? Personally I wouldn't mind going.”

“Then maybe you should go. I’m not so sure if I can do it. I’m not familiar.” He seemed to have a lot of meanings with ‘familiar’. “Are you going to stay at his place?”

“Yeah. Maybe.”

“Then I’ll handle the work a butler is meant to do. Take a rest while you are there.” he took a deep breath as if he had come to realize how much work he had. “When are you leaving?”

“Today at best, if the weather’s better. I suppose the people of the Lune manor will be worried that their new head suddenly disappeared.”

“True. ” he gazed out the window. “Ah, look who's here.”

I stepped closer for a better view. The butler of the Lune came out of the carriage, covered in specks of mud. He was stopped at the gate but he showed them something and they let him in.

‘He’s coming.’ I thought.

The butler came with Arye and another knight trailing behind him.

The butler curtsied. “I greet the light of the Empire.”

“Mmm. Your purpose?” I asked.

“Is the Young Duke here? You may not have heard yet but-”

“He’s resting now.” I intervened. “Oh and, by the way, I’ll be helping out there, so don't be surprised.”

The butler clearly looked surprised. “But you are the Emperor-”

Aeson patted my shoulder. “It’s fine. You should be happy that she will come and help.”

The butler’s eyes widened like it finally sank in. “Yes! I understand. That will be the greatest honour any noble can get.”

The door behind us creaked and Lucian stepped out. This time, he looked more composed and calm, like his crying was an illusion. “We’ll leave now. You can come later today, as we will prepare the rooms for you.” his voice sounded completely normal, I couldn't find a trace that he cried. He looked at me. “Are you going to bring your maids?” he asked.

“Uh, yeah I will. If you just prepare a room, that will be fine.” I glanced at Adonis, to see if I was the only one shook. Adonis’s eyebrows were raised. He looked surprised as well.

“Well then,” Lucian held his coat tight, “we will excuse ourselves, Your Majesty.” He walked past us, his butler following him.

Aeson turned to me. “Will you be able to manage it in a timely manner? The ball is near and-”

“I know, I know.” I might’ve sounded a bit annoyed. I ruffled my hair and took a deep breath. “Send in the designers for the final fittings. I’ll overlook the ball and schedule the urgent matters at hand as well.”

“At least I have a few more days to relaxingly fit the clothes.” Aeson mocked then smiled at me. It was a smile I hadn't seen for a while.

“Well anyways, I must go back and make a sketchy schedule for the coronation before you go so you can check it.” he hesitated.

“Aw, no goodbye hugs for your sister?” I prompted.

He awkwardly hugged me, but I could feel the tension in his neck.

We left him with Sir Liam.