The estate felt different.
Not quieter—
More… controlled.
Workers moved with purpose.
Voices were lower.
Less arguing.
The water channels continued to flow steadily across the fields.
Not perfect.
But better.
Adrian stood near the courtyard, watching for a moment before turning away.
"…At least it's moving forward."
A Call
"Young Master."
A servant approached and bowed slightly.
"…The Baron has requested your presence."
Adrian sighed.
"…Of course he has."
Baron Ardent
The study was as rigid as ever.
Clean.
Organized.
Heavy with authority.
Baron Ardent didn't look up immediately.
"…You've been busy."
Adrian stood calmly.
"…There were things to fix."
A pause.
Then—
"…I heard about the irrigation."
Adrian didn't respond.
"…Efficient," the Baron continued.
"…Simple."
Another pause.
"…Unexpected."
Adrian tilted his head slightly.
"…I'll take that as approval."
The Baron finally looked up.
"…Don't misunderstand."
"…One improvement doesn't change the state of this territory."
"…I know."
Silence settled for a moment.
Then—
"…That's why you're leaving."
Adrian blinked once.
"…Leaving?"
The Decision
"…You're going to the Royal Academy."
The words were direct.
Unquestionable.
Adrian exhaled quietly.
"…I was wondering when that would come up."
"…All noble heirs attend," the Baron said.
"…But not all are worth sending early."
A brief pause.
"…You've been recommended."
Adrian's gaze sharpened slightly.
"…By the Count?"
"…Count Rosenberg," the Baron confirmed.
"…He spoke well of your conduct."
"…That's rare."
Adrian let out a small breath.
"…Didn't expect that."
What Awaits
"…At the academy," the Baron continued,
"…you will train in swordsmanship."
"…You will study strategy."
"…And you will learn how to act as a noble beyond this territory."
"…Sounds exhausting."
"…It is."
A pause.
"…You will also be evaluated."
"…Constantly."
Adrian's expression didn't change.
"…So nothing new."
A Subtle Warning
The Baron's gaze hardened slightly.
"…There will be those above you."
"…Higher rank. Better training."
"…Do not embarrass this house."
Adrian met his eyes.
"…I won't."
After the Meeting
Adrian stepped out of the study.
"…Royal Academy, huh."
New place.
New people.
More trouble.
"…At least it won't be boring."
A Small Matter
As he walked through the halls—
He stopped.
"…Emily."
The maid turned quickly.
"…Yes, Young Master."
"…The girl."
"…How is she?"
Emily hesitated slightly.
"…Quiet."
"…But she's been helping with small tasks."
Adrian nodded once.
"…Good."
"…Give her something simple to do regularly."
"…Nothing heavy."
"…Understood."
He paused.
"…And Emily."
"Yes?"
"…Make sure no one bothers her unnecessarily."
A brief surprise crossed her face.
"…Of course."
Ending
Adrian stepped outside once more.
The estate stretched before him.
Stable.
For now.
"…Guess I won't be here for long."
His gaze shifted forward.
Toward something beyond this place.
"…Royal Academy…"
A faint smirk appeared.
"…Let's see how annoying that gets."