Temporary Crown

2 | NEWS

Since when he started having nightmares? He doesn’t know the specific date but Lucien Anderson Von Stein knew that all of these nightmares started hunting him the moment he had seen the despair of his mother and her way to her death.

They were the cliché noble family who once married for love but all went down because of his father. He was always busy that he did not have time for her anymore. Her health deteriorated making Lucien’s mother ill for she can’t stand the absence his father had created. Lucien was angry before wanting to confront his father but with his mother’s death, it was not important anymore.

After her death, loneliness became normal to him. It was not normal for teenage to eat alone but for him, it was. He was surrounded by servants that care his needs but those were just empty sympathy for he was the heir and they were his servants.

Lucien continued his life. His expressionless and cold face was known to his servants. They once said that it perfectly reflected the coldness of their country, the northern nations. Well, he left the country to attend the academy after his mother died a few years ago. He is 17 years old, so it only takes two years to graduate and go home. His life at the Academy was simple. Lucien did not deepen his ties with other humans. They all didn't want to spend energy on waste talk because he was too annoying.

Today, inside his room, he was reading a book discussed by some scholars at the next meeting where he heard the sound of knocking on the door. He closed his textbook, "Who is it?"

"Young Master, a messenger from the Principality." Messenger? He asked.

This was the first time his father wrote a letter. With a sigh, he opened the door, but he only received a letter with the door opened and hadn’t dismissed the messenger yet for if he needed to reply he can send it right away.

There was no greeting or affection in the Letter. There was a simple command to get back as soon as possible. Well, Lucien didn't expect anything more than that.

As he stepped in, he thought about this month's activities at the academy. There was nothing because it was the academy's three-month vacation time, and all the kids went home.

When he found out he was free, he packed up his luggage and ordered, "I will go, so prepare a carriage." He said to the messenger that his father had delivered. The young man nodded expecting it.

Lucien just leaves the room and packs the books and paperwork needed to study. He already has some clothes on their mansion. Without delay he left the room and locked the door.

As Lucien got inside the carriage, he noticed that everything was already prepared. The two servants who accompanied him made sure that there were no inconvenience in their trip.

As they settled, the knight that was stationed to protect the young master ordered for them to leave. The carriage rolled on the street.

The moment Lucien arrived, the atmosphere of the Duchy was noisier than usual, he thought that something was brewing. As his emerald eyes surveyed the place, the servants who were stationed outside greeted him with respect.

Lucien only gave a nod. It's autumn now, so the wind is a bit cold and it perfectly represents the weather in the northern country.

The butler first greeted him: “Welcome Home young master, Lucien Anderson Von Stein. The lord isn't at home yet, but he specifically instructed us to notify the duke as soon as you arrived, young master."

Lucien only stare. After a few contemplations, he gave a nod.

--

After all the travels, he was now in his room and it was somehow comfortable and a little familiar. Without changing his expression, Lucien took off this cloak and lay down on a soft bed, feeling the tiredness accumulated during the trip washed away by the softness of the mattress.

He's hungry so he can't wait to take a bath and eat right away. After the death of his mother, he returned home only when his father came to him like him, or when the New Year's festival arrived on sovereign territory. And after years of separation, he finally came back.

He was lying in bed without thinking. After a while, he heard a knock on the door, so he sat in bed.

"Young Master, the water is ready."

"prepare my clothes." Lucien added just before entering the luxurious bathroom. Everything was black and white marble. It was very easy for my eyes. The water that came out was hot enough to steam the entire room.

It was already cold, so hot water caressed his skeletal muscles. When he soaked his body in hot water, Lucien sighed a little and became a little sleepy.

What does father want now? Lucien wondered why his father wanted him to go home in the first place. Realizing that he didn't know, he sighed for defeat. Dressed in new clothes that had just been ironed sat in a chaise lounge facing the window and enjoy the view of the in the sun. He waited there thinking of the passing day and wondering his plans now that he came home after a long while.

--

On his way to the dinning room, he noticed the amount of food being carried was a little to big for two people. Do we have guest? He asked looking down at his clothes but not deciding to change any of it.

Knocking on the door, his father gave the permission to enter. Taking a deep breath, he twist the door knob in order for the door to open. But little did he know that his father was not the only one who was waiting for him.

A little puzzled, he frowned.

“Ah, Lucien, you’re here?” His father spoke and there’s a smile plastered on his face. Lucien stood there not moving. His eyes were questioning who was the lady.

“This is Nesta Claire, and she’ll be your older sister. I hope you get along well.”

Lucien can only stare. He did not like the sound of that at all.