Lyra leaned against the wall, arms folded with a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she watched the heartfelt reunion unfold before her. Damian wrapped his arms tightly around his mother, burying his face in her shoulder as he drowned in Amelia's warm embrace.
"You've gotten taller," she said softly, ruffling his jet black hair as she managed to break the hug apart. "And boy aren't you a handsome one hehehe." she teased.
"Yes yes I know but coming from you that's a little too..."
"What? Can't a mother admire her little boy once in a while?" she pouted, stepping back to look him over properly. Her eyes sparkled."
"Alright." he responded, puffing out his chest. "You should see me at school. I'm basically the strongest student there haha."
"Oh my?" she replied in disbelief.
"Yep! And guess what, just the other day, I slayed a real Goblin king ."
Her expression shifted. "A goblin king?" she repeated, eyebrows lifting. "You mean during class practice or... something else?"
"Uh... yeah! It was part of the class showcase. Y'know, to prove our training and all." He replied.
Then Amelia gave a soft, hesitant smile while responding. "I see..." Her gaze lingered a bit longer on him this time. "You've really grown a lot sweety... Look at those arms!"
Damian laughed, a bit bashful. "This is nothing... You should see the other guy in our class. He has arms are like tree trunks." he replied as a knowing smile formed on Lyra's face.
"Oh?" She raised a brow. "But I bet they can't compare to your father's can they." she mused teasingly as tgey both burst into laughter.
Amelia turned, her eyes settling on the smiling Lyra who flinched in surprise. She beckoned her closer with a graceful hand gesture.
"My, my," Amelia said, taking Lyra's hand in hers. "You've grown into quite the goddess, haven't you?"
Lyra dipped her head slightly to hide her embarrassment. "Thank you."
"Haha... I know right?" Damian cut in. "Back in the day she used to cry over every... little... thing..." His voice fading at the end In terror as Lyra shot him a cold glare that stared daggers into his soul telling him to 'just shut up' which he complied instantly.
Lyra turned back to Amelia with a hearty smile. "It's been a while, Your Highness. You're still as radiant as ever."
Amelia blushed, placing her palms on her cheeks. "Oh stop, you're going to make me blush..."
Then, leaning in slightly with a conspiratorial smirk, Amelia whispered softly. "By the way... Don't let Damian hear this, but... does he have a girlfriend?"
"Hey!... I'm right here!" Damian protested in embarrassment.
"Shut up Damian." she retorted instantly before turning back to her gist partner.
Lyra laughed slightly. "Rest assured your highness... He's still single."
"How is that supposed to be a good thing?"
Amelia gave a satisfied nod. "Good. Keep it that way. He's too young to be breaking hearts."
"Seriously?"
"Yes seriously." She replied.
"And what makes you I would do that?" he inquired.
"Because it's you honey" she answered with a smile.
"I agree." Lyra supported.
"Whatever..." He turned away. "By the way, I got a welcome back present for you mother."
"Really? Where is it?" she asked as he didn't really look like he was carrying anything with him.
But Damian simply gestured to her neck.
"There's noth-... Oh my..." She spoke up in surprised as what lay on her neck was a brand new amulet that Damian got for her.
"When did you put it?..." She pondered. "I-it was during the hug right?" She smiled.
"I promised you didn't I?" Said Damian as he pulled her in for a hug as he smiled, letting her bury her face in his chest. "You're welcome."
Then after a few moments, she gently pulled Damian back. "Okay... It was nice seeing you again Mom, but we gotta go meet the old man now."
Amelia's expression softened further, her hand lingering on his shoulder. "Alright. Good luck in there..."
"Thanks."
• • •
The halls leading to the Baron's chamber were just as Damian remembered—grand, but modest by royal standards. Yet something felt lighter now, like the air itself was loosening up.
The guards stationed at the entrance saluted as they passed, but it was clear that security had thinned. He pushed the thought aside for now.
"Young master..." Lyra whispered. It seems he wasn't the only one who noticed it.
"Yeah... Something's up." he responded.
They stopped before the familiar giant golden double doors.
"Nervous?" Lyra asked.
"More than I'd like to admit," he replied before looking at the guards present. "I'm here to see the king."
They looked at each other before one of the two entered first to request permission.
'Come to think of it, this is the time I'm meeting father on my own accord.'
Before long, the guards had pushed the doors open as a deep voice called out from within.
"Come in... Damian."
Sitting at the far end, of the hall illuminated by the sun rays coming from. The grand windows to the side. He looked exactly the same as Damian remembered. Towering figure surrounded by a menacing aura.
His face was hard—stern, unreadable. With sharp and calculating golden eyes giving off a soft gleam.
Damian and Lyra cautiously walked up to the center before kneeling down and speaking out. "Greetings... King Elric."
"I see you've finally returned..." Elric began. "I trust you remember our wager?" Elric inquired, cutting straight to the point.
"Yes, Father," Damian said, his posture straightening with confidence. "Unfortunately, the positions will not be released until next week when we officially graduate."
Elric gave a slow nod while stroking his chin.
"Then why have you come here boy?" He asked menacingly.
'Geez... So scary...' Damian thought.
"I just came to report my return to you father..." He replied as his gaze met his father's.
"Hmmm... If that is all then you may leave now... In case you didn't notice, were busy right now." he said while turning to face his butler, Winston who stood beside him in silence.
On hearing those words, Damian finally realized that the hall was quite filled with people this time around. One thing he noticed was that the guests were all influencial nobles in their circles.
But Damian didn't mind as he was bent on improving his father's opinion of him. And right now, he wasn't about to leave until he'd played all his cards.
And so, with a cunning young grin on his face, Damian spoke up to his father.
"My, my... If I didn't know any better I'd say you didn't want me to tell you that our dearest principal has recognized the achievements my retainer and I... Doesn't that interest you?... Father?"
"T-the principal?" Elric replied in surprise.
"Is this really the infamous 7th Prince I heard of?"
"To think he would waste the King's time over something so trival."
"Tell me about it hahaha"
Damian's little speech brought muffled whispers and from the many nobles present here as only a handful of them actually knew the school Damian went to.
"Yes father... To be more precise... Principal Xavier Alexandria.