Meanwhile Francis was done with all he could find himself in the meantime, summarizing with the duke his trusted guard
Francis closed the file with a quiet snap.
The investigation had taken longer than expected, but everything was finally in place. The last statements were recorded, the inconsistencies marked, and the names that mattered highlighted. He leaned back slightly in his chair, stretching his shoulders.
"That's the last of it," he murmured.
The temporary office assigned to him overlooked the lower city. Evening light spilled across the desk, painting the documents gold. In a few hours, he would return to the capital and report everything directly to Ethan.
Clean. Efficient. Done.
Just the way he liked it.
He reached for his phone, already planning the order of things. Report to Ethan first. Then student council matters. Then classes. Then—
A knock.
Not hesitant. Firm. Professional.
"Enter."
The door opened and Captain Rowan stepped inside, posture straight as ever. He had been with Francis since childhood, originally assigned as part of his family's security detail. Over the years, he had become something between a guard, an aide, and a quiet observer.
"Young master."
Francis looked up, mildly surprised. "You're still here? I thought you'd already prepared the departure."
"I have," Rowan replied. "But there is… a matter that requires your attention."
Francis frowned slightly.
That tone usually meant family politics.
He leaned back in his chair. "Go ahead."
Rowan hesitated only briefly. "Your father has finalized discussions with the Blake family."
Francis blinked once.
"The Blake family?" he repeated.
"Yes."
Rowan met his gaze calmly. "An engagement arrangement has been agreed upon."
Silence settled in the room.
Francis didn't move immediately. The words registered slowly, like pieces sliding into place.
"…Engagement?" he said at last.
"Yes, young master."
Rowan paused.
"With Miss Avery Blake."
Francis straightened slightly.
That… he hadn't expected.
"Avery?" he repeated quietly.
For a moment, his expression was blank. Then a small crease formed between his brows.
"When was this decided?"
"Negotiations began some time ago," Rowan replied. "It was concluded this afternoon."
Francis let out a short breath.
"That's sudden."
"It appears both families believe the timing is favorable."
He leaned back again, one hand resting lightly against the armrest.
Avery Blake.
The name didn't feel unfamiliar. It shouldn't. They had known each other since childhood, crossing paths at events, gatherings, charity functions. She had always been… composed. Quiet. Cool.
Different.
He rubbed the back of his neck.
"And they decided without asking me?"
There was no anger in his tone. Just mild disbelief.
Rowan answered carefully. "Your father believes you would not object."
Francis let out a soft, humorless laugh.
"That's convenient."
He stood and walked toward the window, staring out at the city lights beginning to flicker on.
An arranged marriage.
It wasn't unusual. Not for families like theirs. He had always known the possibility existed. Still, hearing it stated so plainly felt strange.
"Is it official?" he asked.
"An announcement will likely be made soon."
Francis nodded slowly.
He wasn't upset.
Not exactly.
But something about the situation sat awkwardly in his chest.
"And Avery?" he asked. "Did she agree?"
Rowan hesitated. "The Blake family has given their approval."
That wasn't an answer.
Francis noticed, but didn't press.
He folded his arms loosely.
"This is… sudden," he repeated.
He wasn't angry. Not really. Just caught off guard. The idea of being engaged, tied to someone through family expectations, felt distant from the easy rhythm he had been living.
He exhaled slowly.
"I suppose father thinks this is politically useful."
"Yes."
Francis nodded.
Of course he did.
He turned back toward the desk, glancing at the documents he had just finished. His life had felt simple moments ago. Now another layer had quietly settled over it.
"And the timeline?" he asked.
"To be determined."
Francis gave a small nod.
"Right."
He picked up his coat, expression returning to calm neutrality.
"Well… I suppose I'll discuss it with him when I return."
Rowan studied him briefly. "You are not… opposed?"
Francis paused.
The question lingered.
He considered it honestly.
Opposed?
Not quite.
But not entirely comfortable either.
"I don't like being informed after the fact," he said finally.
"Understood."
Francis slipped on his coat.
"Avery…" he murmured lightly, almost to himself. "It's been a while."
A faint, unreadable smile touched his lips before disappearing.
"Let's head back," he said.