Lily of the valley

"The Royal Academy has now opened for enrollment."

My mother’s voice is calm, but there’s an underlying tension in the air.

"The Emperor has requested that at least one of you attend."

I freeze.

The Royal Academy?

Before I can respond, my sister speaks up.

"I want to go, Lucien… but I can’t." Her voice is hesitant, uncertain. "I’m managing our business in the other kingdom. If I leave now, it’ll be a disaster."

I look at my father, expecting him to say something, but he just clenches his jaw, frustration clear on his face.

"That damn Emperor… he’s trying to trap my children in political marriage."

His voice is low, dangerous.

"He made sure to announce it loud and clear in the meeting hall so that everyone could hear. If I refuse, they’ll say I’m disobeying his orders."

I stay silent, letting the information sink in.

As I thought… the Baldoverys are too powerful.

The Emperor wants to take advantage of that.

By sending one of us to the academy, he’s setting up the perfect opportunity for a strategic marriage.

And it’s not just him.

There were a lot of people in that meeting hall.

Which means… how many of them are thinking the same thing?

"Honey, no one has ever seen Lucien before."

My mother sighs, massaging her temples. "All they know is that we have two children. Elise is too busy, and maybe… it's time for Lucien to meet other people."

I freeze.

"What?!"

Both my father and sister gasp in unison.

"So we're really going to let Lucien set foot in that academy?" my sister asks, disbelief clear in her voice.

My mother nods, her expression grim. "Yes. We don’t have a choice. The Emperor announced it in front of so many people—if we refuse, he’ll use it as an excuse to make things difficult for us."

I clench my fists under the table.

This isn’t just about education.

This is a battlefield.

And I’ve just been thrown into the center of it.

That damn Emperor."

I scowl, slumping back into my chair. "So I won’t be living in peace now, thanks to him?"

I’ve already gone to school in the past—bribed teachers, skipped classes, and controlled an entire mafia before I even hit twenty.

Do I really have to do this all over again?

"Fine." My father’s deep voice cuts through my thoughts. "Lucien will keep a low profile. With that face, you’ll attract too much attention. No one knows you—so make sure you stay that way. Make yourself… unappealing, especially to the rich."

I blink.

Did my father just tell me to make myself ugly?

My sister sighs, crossing her arms. "Just be careful, Lucien-yah. That school is full of bullies."

"She’s right," my mother agrees. "Based on our experience, that academy is… ruthless."

I nod absentmindedly. Not like I’m new to ruthless.

But then my mother’s gaze softens, concern lacing her voice. "You’re too fragile for this kind of thing, Lucien."

Fragile? Me?

"Mom, you know I can take care of myself, right?"

My father and sister exchange a look.

My mother, however, just shakes her head with a knowing smile. "Oh, we know. But you’re spoiled, dear. If someone crosses you, you might throw a tantrum."

…

Well.

They aren’t wrong.