Chapter 64

### Lucas' Chapter. He is earnestly reforming.

He can't go out or attend official duties, so he is studying diligently.

The sound of pages turning quietly was the only thing that fell.

It continued at regular intervals, rustling, rustling.

His eyes traced the words, and he carefully chewed on the knowledge and stories woven from those words and sentences. The time he spent reading deeply and savoring it was incredibly luxurious.

Until now, his reading had mainly been about tactics, history, and princely studies. He had crammed them into his head, forcing them in with brute force. He had learned hastily, as if being chased.

At first, when he was placed in the VIP cell, he was alternately consumed by anxiety and despair. His mind was filled with remorse, and his heart sank. However, this gradually turned into resignation and regret, and he decided to accept what he had done with a clear resolve.

He lost his appetite and energy, and spent his time gazing blankly at the small room.

At first, his mother, Mezarin, came and blamed and lamented Lucas for what he had done. Her concern for her son was overshadowed by her self-pity. Making Lucas the crown prince was her lifelong wish. If that happened, Mezarin would become the mother of the nation.

After a while, to his surprise, his half-brother Leord came quietly, slipping past the guards. He had also been punished, but not as severely as Lucas. Despite his sarcastic words and looks, Lucas felt a warmth in his concern.

He only stayed for a short time each visit. He kept his distance, exchanged words, and carefully provided the information Lucas would want.

The direction of Lucas' treatment, the situation with the baroness Renaria, whom Lucas had been obsessed with, the movements of Mezarin, who no longer visited, and the activities of Graham, his former confidant.

He gradually provided the hard-to-obtain information to Lucas, who was isolated in the VIP cell.

The people who had once praised him as the first prince quickly disappeared when his place in the line of succession became the lowest among the direct descendants of King Lauses. They turned their backs and left.

At first, he felt frustrated, but now he even feels refreshed.

He had wanted to become the crown prince.

Renaria had always been mistaken, or rather, misinformed, thinking, "Prince Lucas is the crown prince!" This might have made him more stubborn.

Now that he has his own time, he sometimes feels at a loss, but recently, that's not the case.

Recently, he has been engrossed in reading. It's one of the few hobbies he can pursue in the VIP cell.

Count Cruitz was a collector of all kinds of books. Magic books, history books, fairy tales, myths, and even romance novels that young women might enjoy, and adventure stories for young children.

He had only read hero tales and myths related to the founding of the country, but even those had slight variations depending on the region, which made the subtle differences interesting.

When compared with history books, there were often political factors involved in the background, and many were based on religion or regional characteristics.

For example, someone treated as an evil or malevolent deity in this country might be treated as a benevolent or fortunate deity in a neighboring country.

This reflects the background of the people living there.

For instance, the country of Goyuran is dry and has many desert areas, so water-related spirits and deities are invariably treated as benevolent. The sun god is absolute and powerful, sometimes cruel. The moon is a quiet and gentle goddess. Conversely, in coastal regions, water-related entities are both a source of bounty and sometimes cruel.

The stories passed down in these regions are often closely tied to traditions and daily life.

They are often embellished to make them more relatable to the people.

When he mentioned this, Leord's eyes lit up in agreement. He seemed to have a deep knowledge of such things. Sometimes, Lucas even wondered if he came here more for the books than for him. It seems that Leord is quite intimidated by Count Cruitz. Indeed, he is the younger brother of Duke Latitche and bears a strong resemblance, but the aura he exudes is quite different. Lucas was initially terrified, but after several meetings, he began to understand his character.

He is competent, has a sense of humor, and is quick-witted. He is also calm and principled, with a wide network of connections. While many nobles are selfish, Count Cruitz has little ambition for advancement.

He is more of a family man, often smiling wistfully about wanting to spend time with his family. If he were to try a little harder, he could easily be promoted. He is so excellent that Duke Latitche has taken a keen interest in him, and he is good at getting along with people. The fact that the people of the Fortuna Duke's family, who have close ties to the Latitche family, do not criticize Count Cruitz at all is a testament to his character.

He is in the capital because of the turmoil caused by Lucas, which has led to significant changes in personnel and punishments among the nobility.

The new appointments require even more consideration, so Count Cruitz, who is unambitious, excellent, and fair, was pulled out of his quiet life in the countryside.

Additionally, he is a very rare talent who can criticize Duke Latitche without being crushed, so people who can no longer bear the fear have been sending letters, bowing deeply, and even crying to bring him here forcefully.

One could say he drew a very poor lot.

When he visited Lucas, he often looked exhausted and aged.

Still, despite his resemblance to Duke Latitche, every time Lucas saw his weary appearance, he couldn't help but think that this was a man with a heart. Duke Latitche is a man of unparalleled beauty, but his age is so indeterminate that he seems detached from the world in many ways.

"His Highness Prince Lucas, the daughter of Duke Armandine is here to see you."

"………Show her in."

"Yes. She brought flowers as a get-well gift. What would you like to do with them?"

"Put them in the study."

"As you wish."

The knight bowed respectfully but coldly and left.

Lucas had proposed to his father, the king, to start his studies anew, and his collection of books, both for study and pleasure, has grown.

At this rate, Count Cruitz jokingly said that the floor might collapse from the weight of the bookshelves or the study might be buried first. He chuckled, saying he had already done it.

While he can't read documents directly related to politics, the expansion of his reading material, starting with history books, has allowed him to consider things from multiple perspectives. It is understandable that knowledge enriches a person.

To make up for the time he had wasted, Lucas threw himself into his studies with great enthusiasm.

He rubbed his temples lightly and sighed.

When it came to the daughter of Duke Armandine, it must be his fiancée, Vivian von Armandine. With her lustrous golden curls and sapphire-blue eyes that exuded strength, she was a striking beauty. Born into one of the four great ducal families, she was among the top in terms of lineage among the young ladies of Lucas' age.

If one were to rank them, the daughter of Duke Latitche would undoubtedly be the top, and in terms of royal blood, Elmedia is also noble. However, the only redeeming quality of the princess is that. Vivian is elegant, intelligent, and diligent. She has influence in society and has not neglected her training as a princess. She is a true noblewoman and one of the victims of Lucas' misconduct.

When he was infatuated with Renaria, he treated her poorly for correctly advising him, his fiancée. He remembers sending letters of apology and flowers at appropriate times, but he received no response. Given his actions, it wouldn't be surprising if she found his belated apologies laughable.

He had unjustly slandered the exemplary Vivian.

Not just once or twice. Vivian never averted her eyes and always looked straight at Lucas, advising him. At the time, he thought she was such a boring woman. While she was a model young lady, he didn't hide his disgust at her noble pride.

But that was only natural. Few could advise him on his love-stricken behavior, and some had given up on his tyranny.

Swallowing his bitter feelings, Lucas took a deep breath and stood up from his chair.

At first, when he was placed here, he was disheartened by the small and shabby space, but recently, he has come to appreciate its manageable size.

Given that it is a VIP cell, it is more modest than the reception rooms and VIP rooms he used to have.

Even on a leather sofa in such a place, Vivian, with her straight back and elegant posture, exudes a vibrant presence.

"It has been a long time, His Highness Prince Lucas. I am delighted to see you."

Her refined manners were impressive, and her ladylike curtsy brought a sense of nostalgia.

She curtsied, lifting her skirt and bowing her head. It may seem simple, but this gesture is one of the essential social manners for a noblewoman, and it can even be used to judge her status.

"It has been a long time. I should not ask if you are well, but I must apologize for the trouble I have caused. I know that mere apologies are not enough, but I must apologize."

"No, your apologies are more than sufficient. The king has also apologized."

It seems the letters had arrived. However, her statement that apologies are not necessary suggests that it is too late.

Vivian, who had always been trained as a princess and a princess consort, must have faced intense pressure from the Armandine family and Queen Mezarin.

"Still, I should apologize personally. Not as a prince, but as Lucas. Even if you accept my apology, whether you forgive me or not is your choice. It may be my ego, but I acknowledge that my actions have demeaned and hurt you, and I believe I should formally apologize."

"………Your Highness."

Vivian's voice sounded somewhat lost. She seemed unusually weak, unlike her usual resolute self.

Overlapping her words, he bowed his head.

"I am sorry, Lady Vivian von Armandine. Your words were right, but instead of correcting my attitude, I criticized you and demeaned you with my words and actions."

It is rare for a prince to apologize to someone.

While there are times when he must do so as a public figure, it is even rarer for him to bow so deeply as a person.

After a while, Vivian's hesitant voice broke the silence.

"Please, Your Highness, raise your head."

At her request, he raised his head to see Vivian looking unusually lost.

Her face seemed to say that she didn't know what to do.

She, who usually wears an ironclad smile unbecoming of a noble lady, looked like a girl her age.

"I am sorry. This is just my self-satisfaction. I did not mean to cause you any trouble."

It would be difficult for a duchess to loudly demand that Lucas, who still has a place in the line of succession, apologize.

Moreover, Vivian is an extremely polite young lady. Despite their long engagement, she always kept her distance.

"No, no, Your Highness. Your words are more than enough. Just knowing that my words reached you and that you understood them is enough to make me feel rewarded."

Her blue eyes glistened, and her awkward smile was incredibly beautiful.

She looked like a different person from the usual resolute Vivian. She seemed vulnerable yet incredibly radiant.

For the first time, Lucas felt as if he was meeting Vivian.

Without the connection of being a duchess and the first prince, or the barriers of their status.

While he felt guilty for making her show such an expression, he also felt a mix of joy and sorrow. But his rationality told him that it was wrong.

Even knowing the passion behind her tearful gaze, he knew it was something he should never express.

It was too late.

On the contrary, this feeling would only make Vivian unhappy.

Spilled milk cannot be put back.

"You brought flowers, I hear. Thank you. I can see the garden from here, but it's been a while since I've enjoyed the scent."

"I am glad if it can provide some comfort. The orange roses I brought today are particularly beautiful and well-regarded in my family."

"That is a pleasant surprise. I plan to decorate my study with them. It's rather barren."

Blushing and blushing, Vivian smiled shyly. Lucas nodded with a gentle smile.

An amicable conversation took place, which was unusual for a VIP cell.

Lucas hadn't realized that the intense struggle for the throne had been lifted from him, and the tension that had been building up had disappeared. As a result, Vivian also seemed to relax.

Unlike before, when she had to be on high alert, constantly restraining herself and avoiding any actions that might deviate from her position.

Lucas knew that Mezarin was forcefully holding onto their engagement.

For the Armandine family, there was no benefit in marrying their daughter to Lucas, who had effectively lost his place in the line of succession.

Even if there was a significant age gap, they would prefer to marry her to a family of higher status.

Alternatively, they might delay her marriage and have her marry someone younger. In the noble society, it is more common for the husband to be older, as women tend to marry at a younger age.

Vivian is seventeen this year and will graduate from the academy in another year. In this country, marriage is possible from the age of fifteen, but most people wait until they have built their social network at the academy before graduating.

There are a few exceptions, such as those who have lost their parents and need to leave school urgently, or those who stop attending and complete their studies through correspondence.

Frankly, at this age, it is almost impossible for Vivian to find a good match.

The better the family, the younger the age at which they tend to become engaged. The better the match, the more intense the competition.

There are rare cases like Count Dmitrius and the son of Duke Latitche, who have no fiancée or specific partner. They are very popular, but the decision on their marriage is in the hands of Duke Latitche.

The Dmitrius family nearly fell into decline about ten years ago due to the illness of the then-head of the family. It was Duke Latitche who came to their aid, providing business partnerships, financial support, and connections. Thanks to the efforts of the young current head, Mikaelis, the family has flourished. Given this debt of gratitude, he would not be able to refuse a woman introduced by Duke Latitche as a fiancée.

Kistaria, being the son of a duke, would have his marriage decided by his father, Grail, if he were to choose a fiancée.

It is likely that the Armandine family wants to marry their daughter to one of these two.

Both are excellent, and their lack of interest in Renaria is highly regarded.

However, while they treated Vivian with respect and politeness, it was only in the sense of being exemplary in social settings.

Ideally, she should not have come to see Lucas, given her situation.

However, seeing her soft, flower-like smile, he couldn't bring himself to say such a thing.

The Vivian in Lucas' memory always had a stern gaze and a smile that seemed more like a mask of a noble lady.

If he wasn't deluding himself, Vivian admired him more than her duty as a fiancée.

"Your Highness, Lady Armandine. It's time to go."

The guard's words brought Lucas back to reality, leaving him with a mix of regret, guilt, and relief.

"Already? Time flies."

"It seems so. I am grateful for your visit. I would like to see you off, but I cannot leave this place—only to the door."

He extended his hand, and Vivian, for a moment, looked taken aback.

Her gaze wavered slightly, but she tentatively placed her white fingers on his.

Even considering their engagement, her hesitation was clear. The escort, a simple gesture, made her hesitate. This realization left a bitter taste in his mouth, a mix of disappointment and frustration. He knew he was not in a position to judge, and his past actions were the most regrettable.

On the way to the door, he made an effort not to reveal his inner turmoil.

"Be careful on your way back. The castle has been unusually noisy lately."

"………About that, Your Highness."

Vivian's hesitant tone and slightly shadowed expression caught his attention.

"Is something wrong?"

When Lucas lowered his voice, Vivian nodded quietly.

"Do you remember the daughter of Duke Latitche, whom you met at the academy?"

"Albertina von Latitche, right? Of course.

………I do want to apologize to her if the opportunity arises. However, whether the duke would allow it is another matter. I plan to negotiate patiently."

Lucas clearly remembered the extremely disrespectful