Chapter 10.1: Making a Decision

Chapter 10.1: Making a Decision

Zeke could make out a second figure behind the boy. He recognized the girl with the lowered head as Lilly, the same girl he had harbored feelings for until not too long ago. His eyes flitted to the boy in front, who had introduced himself as Samuel.

Samuel looked at Zeke with a knowing gaze as his lips curled into a sly smile. "I know you used to be good friends with Lilly," he said, glancing over at the girl who was still staring at the ground.

"I've got some good news to share with you," Samuel continued, the words dripping with false sincerity.

Zeke narrowed his eyes, his body tensing in preparation for whatever was coming. "I'm not sure I believe you," he said, his voice laced with suspicion. Samuel chuckled in response, his eyes glittering with malice.

"Oh, you'll believe me soon enough," he said, his voice low and dangerous, You see, I have taken a liking to this girl and we have come to an agreement. Lilly will be adopted into my Luftschloss family. This is a great chance for her to move up in the world.

Despite how things ended between them, Zeke felt happy for his childhood friend. He knew that this was a great opportunity for her.

"Congratulations," he said, "I'm happy for you."

Lilly seemed ashamed at his words and kept her head lowered. She didnt seem very happy at the announcement for some reason. Zeke had the impression that he was missing a crucial piece of information. Sure enough, Samuel didnt let him wait for long.

"Oh, and there's another bit of news that I'd like to share," Samuel said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Lilly has also agreed to become my concubine! That was the deal she accepted in order to be worthy of the honor to join my family.

Zeke whipped his head at the girl that would still not meet his eyes. Zeke could not understand her decision. With a greater Wind affinity, she had options. Why would she accept such a deal?

Now, Lilly here tells me that I have you to thank for her coming here in the first place, Samuel continued, Thank you, little Zeke. You've prepared a fine present for me."

Zeke's heart sank, his mind racing with disbelief and anger. He had known right away that Samuel was a sleazy, spoiled brat, but he had never imagined that he would stoop so low as to call Lilly a present right to her face.

Zeke's fists clenched at his sides. His body tensed up. All his life, he had been protective of Lilly. Their recent falling out was not enough to completely kill those instincts. It was hard for him to accept the thought of her marrying such a person.

"Lilly deserves better than to be treated like a piece of property!" He said in a silent voice.

Samuel sneered at him, his eyes narrowed in contempt. "Who are you to tell me what I can and can't do?" he spat out. "Lilly has agreed to this arrangement, and I have the support of my family. Your opinion is irrelevant."

Samuel's eyes darted around. His body was trembling with fear. He seemed to be weighing his options, trying to decide whether it was better to confess or face the consequences. After what seemed like an eternity, Samuel gritted his teeth and responded.

You think Im afraid of you? Samuel asked, Do you think I have nobody backing me? Even as a member of the Steiner Family, there are people you cant afford to provoke lightly.

Theodore was unimpressed by the threat. He started to shake the boy in his grasp like a sack of wheat. Where are your protectors then? Theodore asked, All I see is that scared girl behind you. Is she going to defend you? Doesnt seem like she will, Samuel. It seems to me like you are all alone. Whoever you made a deal with seemed to have given up on you.

But Alexander promised Samuel started, but immediately realized his mistake as he shut his mouth. Far too late. Theodore's eyes narrowed as he glared at Samuel.

"And you were foolish enough to listen to him?" he spat with contempt, "You're not a child anymore, Luftschloss. You shouldve known better. What do you think Viola will do when she learns that you have become his Lapdog? Youll be lucky if your family doesnt end up paying the price for your idiocy.

Its only a matter of time before youre kicked out of school if you continue to blatantly attack that kid. You guys have been lucky so far because he heals fast, but now you even attack him in the middle of a classroom? Right in front of so many witnesses? Right in front of ME? THE FUCKING GALL YOU HAVE!" Theodore started off calm but seemed to get more and more enraged as he continued talking. At the end of his sentence, He was screaming right in Samuel's face. He ended his tirade by tossing Samuel on the ground like a used rag.

Samuel retreated as if he was running for his life. He only stopped once to grab Lilly and drag her with him. However, before he reached the door he was stopped once more by Theodores voice.

"You have gotten away with a lot, Samuel, Theodore stated, But that stops now. Word on the street is that Bombastus has asked to see the boy. I am not getting dragged into this mess if that old monster is involved. You should know as well what happens if you cross him. You can tell that slimy cunt Alexander to fuck off as well. I have an idea what this is about, and I'm getting real sick of him playing politics at school!"

Samuel merely nodded before leaving with Lilly. Theodore didnt even turn once to look at Zeke before he also exited the room. The sound of his footsteps faded into the distance. Zeke was deep in thought. He had learned a lot from the discussion between the two nobles.

When Zeke returned to his senses, he was alone. Everybody else had left at some point without him noticing. He couldn't believe what he had learned today. Lilly, his former friend, had agreed to marry a man like Samuel, an arrogant, entitled noble, just for the sake of gaining a title and status.

More importantly, someone named Alexander had been the mastermind behind his suffering. Who could that be? The only Alexander that he knew of was Alexander Feuerkranz, but how could it be him? Zeke had never even crossed paths with the older boy, much less talked to him. He felt a sense of despondency wash over him. He had long since realized that the powerful and rich held all the cards in this world, but to see his former friend succumb to their manipulation and coercion was a wake-up call.

He remembered the offer that Maximilian had made him. The old man had offered to adopt Zeke, make him a noble, and teach him a new way to use magic. Up until now, Zeke had been hesitant. But now, as he stood alone in the room, he realized that he had nothing to lose and everything to gain by accepting the offer.

Since when had he become such a coward that he wouldn't dare to take a hand offered in friendship for the fear of betrayal? This was not the person he was, not the person he wanted to be.

Zeke's eyes regained their clarity. His mind was made up. He would accept the old mans offer and gamble on the veracity of Maximilian's words. It was a risky move, but the gains were more than equal to the risk. As he was now, he would forever remain a plaything of those in power. He could either give up on his dreams and return to his life as a farmer or take a chance on Maximilian.

He made his way to the location that Maximilian had specified, his determination growing with each step. What was the worst that could happen?