[Morning – Raven Estate]

The morning sunlight just begins to stream through the windows. Eivar wakes up, his hair a little messy, the weariness of the previous night still lingering in his eyes.

He steps out of his room, quietly descending the stairs.

One of the servants approaches him with a respectful bow.

Servant:

“Excuse me, Lord Eivar. Duke Kael has requested your presence. He’s in his study.”

Eivar nods and heads toward the duke’s study.

[Duke’s Study]

The room is bright. The scent of strong coffee and aged wood fills the air. Duke Kael stands by the window, hands clasped behind his back, gazing out into the garden.

Eivar enters and closes the door behind him.

Eivar (quietly):

“Good morning, Duke.”

Without turning around, the duke replies in his usual stern, dry tone:

Duke:

“Good morning.”

A moment of silence. Then the duke turns and looks straight at Eivar.

Duke:

“You need to go to the palace today, Eivar. From now on, you’ll be under royal training… for an indefinite period.”

Eivar’s eyes widen slightly. His eyebrows rise in surprise.

Eivar:

“But… I already trained before the engagement. I learned how to behave. Is it really necessary?”

Without hesitation, the duke replies firmly:

Duke:

“That was just etiquette. Something every noble should know. But this is different, Eivar. This training is for members of the royal family. It’s more precise, more demanding, with higher expectations.”

Eivar falls silent for a few seconds. A faint frown forms on his face, but he says nothing.

The duke steps closer, his tone even more serious:

Duke:

“I know you’re not happy about this. But remember, you’re now the fiancé of a prince. That’s not just a title—it’s a responsibility. From now on, everything you do will be seen. You need to be careful.”

Eivar lowers his gaze. After a short pause, in a soft voice:

Eivar:

“…Understood.”

He then quietly exits the room.

[Duke Kael – By the Window]

As Eivar leaves, the duke turns back to the window. Outside in the courtyard, Sarit is practicing swordsmanship. His movements are sharp and unforgiving—like someone at war with the world.

The duke mutters under his breath:

Duke (quietly):

“He’s just like you… hot-headed and short-tempered.”

[Downstairs – Courtyard]

Eivar walks slowly into the courtyard. From a distance, he sees Sarit spin his sword with precision. Beads of sweat drip from his temples.

Eivar calls out:

Eivar:

“I’m heading to the palace… for royal training.”

Sarit lowers his sword and turns around, panting. He looks at Eivar for a few moments.