Kneel?

Kneel?

The trident, just inches from Julia, was halted by the sudden explosion that erupted, sending shockwaves through the training ground.

Fog swirled around them, thick and impenetrable, obscuring vision and adding to the chaos. As the dust began to settle, Julian felt a heavy presence looming over him.

Emerging from the mist was the Duke of Ethwer, his aura radiating with suffocating intensity, like a dark cloud hovering over the battlefield.

The air felt electric with tension, and Julian's eyes narrowed as he assessed the sudden shift in power dynamics.

The Duke of Ethwer stood tall, his presence commanding the attention of everyone gathered. His voice, laced with anger and authority, echoed through the training ground, cutting through the tension like a blade.

"What are you doing, boy of the Easvil family?" he thundered, his eyes blazing with fury.

The fog slowly receded, revealing the gathered crowd of nobles, all eyes fixated on Julian, whose defiance had triggered this unexpected confrontation.

Duke Alden Easvil and Duchess Regina stood among the onlookers, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion. The air was thick with anticipation, as whispers swept through the crowd, igniting curiosity about the unfolding drama.

The three other dukes, each with their own duchesses, exchanged glances of disbelief, intrigued by the audacity of the young heir to challenge one of their own so recklessly.

The Duke of Norish, his brow furrowed in disapproval, spoke up,

"Julian, this is no way to showcase your talents. You risk igniting a conflict that could escalate beyond control!"

The murmurs grew louder, with voices of concern intermingling with shouts of discontent as onlookers debated whether the young mage's actions warranted such a reaction from the Duke of Ethwer.

Issabel, standing beside Julia, clenched her fists, torn between admiration for Julian's bravery and fear for the consequences of his reckless display of power.

The tension in the air seemed to dissipate slightly as he took a step back, allowing her to regain her composure. He felt a mix of regret and relief, realizing that even in his playful ambition, he still cared for her well-being.

The chaos of the moment faded, replaced by a sense of humility as he awaited her response.

The Duke of Ethwer's voice thundered across the training ground, filled with authority and anger.

"Kneel and ask for mercy! You would have killed her if not for the fact I was here, and all you can say is that you're sorry?"

His presence loomed over Julian, a palpable weight of expectation in the air. The other nobles stood silently, their eyes fixed on the unfolding drama.

Julian felt a rush of humiliation, the playful bravado from moments ago replaced by a harsh reality. The Duke's demand echoed in his mind, a challenge to his pride, and he knew he had to choose his next words carefully.

However, Duke Alden stepped forward, his voice rising above the tension.

"Do not cross your line, Ethwer! He has already apologized!"

His gaze darted between the Duke of Ethwer and Julian, a protective fire igniting in his eyes. The air thickened with the weight of his words, and the other nobles exchanged glances, sensing the escalating confrontation.

Duke Alden's stature commanded respect, and for a moment, the atmosphere shifted as he defended his son.

"Julian may be young and reckless, but he didn't intend to harm anyone. This is a learning moment, not a death sentence."

The tension in the air hung like a charged storm, the nobles waiting for a response from Duke Ethwer, whose anger hidden beneath the surface.

He was well aware of the power that the The Easvil family held, the presence of the Grand Mage alone would be capable of destroying their whole Ethwer family.