After-School Summons
The location was the student council room, and the one who summoned him was none other than Crown Prince Kai Tempest.
Lucan had no personal relationship with the crown prince, so naturally, this was the first ti he had ever been summoned.
"Well then… I wonder what this is about," Lucan murmured to himself as he walked through the academy's hallways.
While he could have ignored the summons, curiosity got the better of him. He arrived at the student council room after school and knocked on the door.
"Co in," ca the imdiate response from within.
Permission to enter granted, Lucan slid the door open and stepped inside. His eyes were imdiately drawn to the room's five occupants.
At the far desk sat Crown Prince Kai, the one who had summoned him. Ruki, the shota-type boy who had inford Lucan of the eting, stood by the window. When their eyes t, Ruki turned away, clearly displeased. At another desk sat Alec and Damian. Alec, a mber of one of the four great noble houses, watched with interest, his chin resting on his hand. Damian gave a polite nod in greeting.
"Hm…?"
There was also an unfamiliar female student present. With long bangs that obscured her eyes, she had an air of introversion, avoiding Lucan's gaze and staring down at her desk.
"Ah, Mr. Ironfist. Thank you for coming," Kai said as he stood up from his chair, gesturing toward a reception sofa. "Please, have a seat. We'll prepare so tea shortly."
At his words, the unfamiliar female student stood up, unprompted, and began preparing tea at a table by the wall.
"There's no need to trouble yourself…" Lucan began, but then he got to the point. "So, what do you need from today? I don't recall doing anything to warrant a summons from the crown prince."
"Yes, I apologize for the abrupt summons," Kai replied, moving from his desk to sit on the opposite sofa. "But there is sothing important that I must discuss with you."
Lucan followed Kai's request and sat down on the sofa. The unfamiliar female student soon placed a cup of tea in front of him and another in front of Kai. Kai took a sip before continuing.
"To be truthful… a new criminal organization that recently ford in Lost City was destroyed not long ago. Evidence of their cris was found in their hideout, and among the docunts was a plan to kidnap you."
"…!"
"And there's more," Kai added gravely. "We have reason to believe that soone you know might be involved in these cris."
Lucan's expression tightened. "Who might that be?"
"Himan…" Kai's voice was heavy as he revealed the na. "We found evidence that he was the mastermind behind the newly ford organization. He also has deep ties to Lost City."
Lucan sighed deeply. He hadn't expected another old friend to turn against him. Himan had once been a close companion, but Lucan had severed their friendship two years ago when he discovered Himan's obsession with forbidden magic. Over ti, Himan had grown increasingly unstable, consud by his thirst for power.
"...Himan was a good guy once," Lucan said quietly, "but he changed. To be honest, I had nearly forgotten about him."
Kai nodded solemnly. "Well, he's back, and he's now plotting to kidnap both you and Maris. Recently, several gangs and criminal organizations have been attacked and eradicated by an unknown force. The evidence found at their hideouts suggests Himan's involvent.
It seems he's been providing these gangs with knowledge and tools, manipulating them from the shadows rather than affiliating himself with any one group."
Lucan's eyes narrowed. "He's always been cunning… But why did you call here? I can guess the reason, but I'd rather hear it from you."
Kai clasped his hands on the table, his expression serious. "Now, to the main point… I want to capture Himan sohow. For that, I need your cooperation, Mr. Ironfist."
"Of course, I'd be happy to help in any way I can," Lucan replied without hesitation.
Kai paused for a mont, then made his proposal. "You can refuse, but… I want you to act as bait to lure Himan out. Again, you can refuse because it's dangerous."
"A sting operation, then…" Lucan muttered, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Himan's whereabouts were currently unknown, but they knew his targets were Lucan and Maris. This was why Kai proposed using Lucan as bait.
After a mont of consideration, Lucan nodded. "…Alright, I'll accept your proposal."
"Thank you for your cooperation," Kai said, relieved. "With your help, we might be able to put an end to this threat."
"Don't worry, Mr. Ironfist. We'll protect you thoroughly!" Alec added confidently.
"We'll prioritize your safety above all else," Damian assured him.
Lucan acknowledged their support with a nod. Alec was a skilled warrior, and Damian was a capable magician. However Lucan was strong enough to handle himself. So he doesn't need them.
"Hmph…" Ruki, who had been pouting by the window, finally spoke up. "How do we lure Himan out? They won't just show up if we wander around town."
"Actually… I have a suggestion," Lucan interjected.
The group turned their attention to him, and Lucan shared his plan. It was ti to put an end to the gangs targeting him and Maris. Lucan knew that soone was pulling the strings behind the scenes, and he suspected that Lyria, though she had returned to her ho, had left soone behind to continue her sches. Himan might just be the clue they needed to find this soone.
Kai listened intently, nodding as Lucan explained his strategy. "This could work," the crown prince agreed. "If we play our cards right, we might not only capture Himan but also uncover the person who placed the bounty on you and Maris."
With the plan set in motion, the group began discussing the finer details.
---
Maris listened to the plan and clenched her fist. She was determined to teach Kai a lesson. How dare he use her beloved Lucan as bait.
However, the plan Lucan devised was flexible, and Maris was also troubled by these outlaws. If there was a way to put an end to this, she was willing to go along with it. But after the plan, Maris would make sure Kai and the others learned a lesson they would never forget.
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