The Do-Over System:My Beloved is the Villain! - Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Lucian’s Instruction

Once inside the grand hall, Aeliana followed Lucian closely, her brow furrowed with concern. She could tell something was troubling him deeply, more than just Lady Selinthra’s unwelcome visit.

Lucian led her to the long dining table, its polished surface reflecting the flicker of the massive chandelier above. Kael followed silently, his sword still in hand, scanning the room for any lingering threats.

Lucian gestured for Aeliana to sit, pouring a goblet of wine for her before leaning back in his chair. He ran a hand through his dark hair, his usual stoic demeanor cracking ever so slightly.

“Selinthra,” he began, his voice low, “is a powerful sorceress and the head of a coven notorious for meddling in affairs they have no business in. She and I share a… complicated history. We were allies once, but her ambition knows no bounds. If she’s here, it’s not without a hidden agenda.”

Aeliana sipped her wine thoughtfully. “Do you think she’s after something specific?”

Lucian nodded. “No doubt. She sees you as a threat to the balance she benefits from. The announcement of our engagement has stirred more unrest than I anticipated. The werewolf clans, Selinthra’s coven, and even certain demon factions—all have something to lose or gain from our union. This isn’t just about us, Aeliana. It’s about power.”

Aeliana frowned, her fingers tightening around the goblet. “And the duel? How does that fit into all of this?”

Lucian leaned forward, his gaze intense. “Ulric proposed the duel as a way to settle things between you and Sylvara, the werewolf Luna who was supposed to be my bride before our engagement. In two full moons, you’ll face her. If you win, it’ll solidify your place as my rightful partner and ally. If you lose…” He hesitated, his jaw tightening.

“What happens if I lose?” Aeliana pressed.

Lucian’s crimson eyes softened, though his voice remained firm. “You won’t. But if you did, it would undermine our union and give the werewolf clans leverage to demand my alliance through other means.”

Aeliana’s heart sank. The weight of the situation pressed on her chest, making it hard to breathe. She glanced at Kael, who had taken a seat nearby, still silent but clearly troubled.

“And Selinthra?” Aeliana asked. “How does she play into this?”

Lucian sighed. “She’s unpredictable. She might side with the werewolves, or she might strike out on her own. Either way, her presence complicates things. She knows your duel is crucial, and she’ll do everything she can to tip the scales in Sylvara’s favor.”

Aeliana set her goblet down, determination hardening her features. “Then I’ll train harder. I’ll be ready for her.”

Lucian allowed himself a faint smile. “That’s the spirit. But remember, this isn’t just about physical strength. Sylvara is a seasoned fighter, but she’s also cunning. You’ll need to be ready for anything.”

Kael finally spoke, his tone cautious. “It’s not just Sylvara you need to prepare for, Aeliana. The political stakes are high. If Selinthra’s involved, she’ll try to manipulate the outcome in her favor. We’ll need to watch our backs.”

Lucian nodded in agreement. “Which is why I need both of you to be vigilant. This isn’t just a duel; it’s a battle for our future. And Aeliana…” He reached out, taking her hand in his. “I believe in you. But I also need you to believe in yourself.”

Aeliana met his gaze, her resolve strengthening. “I won’t let you down.”

As the weight of the conversation settled over them,

As they sat in the quiet of the hall, Kael leaned back, folding his arms across his chest. His sharp green eyes studied Lucian, who seemed lost in thought, his fingers tracing the rim of his goblet. Breaking the silence, Kael asked, “What’s her progress so far?”

Lucian placed the goblet down and met Kael’s gaze with a measured expression. “Her endurance has improved dramatically,” he said, his voice calm but edged with thoughtfulness. “Her ability to sustain herself in prolonged training sessions or simulated battles is leagues beyond where she started.”

Kael nodded. “Endurance is key, but what about battle strategy?”

Lucian allowed himself a faint smile, almost as if recalling a specific moment. “She’s learning. Her adaptability is one of her strongest traits. She can quickly assess a situation and adjust, even when faced with unconventional tactics. But…” He trailed off, his smile fading.

“But what?” Kael pressed, leaning forward slightly.

Lucian sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “She lacks the finesse and precision to execute a decisive blow. It’s one thing to outlast or outmaneuver an opponent, but another entirely to finish them when it matters most. Against someone like Sylvara, that’s a fatal gap.”

Kael frowned, his brow furrowed in thought. “And you don’t think she’ll develop that in time?”

“She could,” Lucian replied, his tone thoughtful. “But it’s not just a matter of technique. It’s a mindset. Aeliana has been raised to rely on magic as her ultimate weapon, but in close combat, especially against a seasoned fighter like Sylvara, magic won’t always be reliable. She needs to trust in her physical abilities and her instincts.”

Kael raised an eyebrow. “Then maybe you should focus on building her confidence in that area. Magic is her comfort zone, yes, but you’ve seen how determined she is. She’s not one to back down from a challenge.”

Lucian’s lips quirked into a small, appreciative smile. “True. Her determination is unmatched. But determination alone won’t be enough. Sylvara isn’t just a seasoned fighter—she’s a predator. She’ll exploit every weakness, every hesitation.”

Kael rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “So, what’s the plan? You’ve already been pushing her hard.”

Lucian leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. “We’ll need to change the way we train. perhaps I need to approach her as an opponent instead. She needs to experience the intensity of a real fight. She needs to know what it feels like to face someone who isn’t holding back.”

Kael raised an eyebrow. “And you think that will work? If you push her too hard, you might risk breaking her spirit.”

Lucian shook his head. “Aeliana is stronger than you give her credit for. She won’t break. If anything, she’ll thrive. But it has to be controlled—calculated. She needs to feel the pressure without losing her footing entirely.”

Kael nodded slowly, though his expression remained cautious. “Fair enough. But don’t underestimate the mental toll. She’s carrying a lot of weight on her shoulders, especially now that she knows how much is at stake.”

Lucian’s expression softened. “I’m aware. Which is why I need you to be there for her when I can’t. She trusts you, Kael. And I trust you to guide her when I’m occupied with other matters.”

Kael smirked, though there was genuine warmth in his tone. “Don’t worry, Dark Lord. I’ll keep her sharp.”

Lucian chuckled softly at the nickname but quickly grew serious again. “Good. Because in two full moons, she’ll be facing not just Sylvara but the expectations of everyone watching. And failure isn’t an option.”

As they sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the coming weeks settled over them. Aeliana’s journey was far from over, and though her progress had been remarkable, the hardest challenges still lay ahead. Lucian knew he couldn’t afford to hold back—not with so much at stake. And deep down, he believed in her. She just needed to believe in herself.

Lucian knew all too well that the time for leniency had passed. These last months would determine everything, and he could no longer allow Aeliana the comfort of Kael’s guidance or the safety net of shared effort.

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing with resolve. “From this point forward, she’ll train with me. Alone,” Lucian said firmly.

Kael raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. He understood what Lucian was doing, even if it seemed harsh. “You’re right,” Kael said after a moment. “In a real battle, there’s no one to rely on but yourself. If she’s going to face Sylvara, she needs to learn that mercy isn’t an option.”

Lucian nodded, his gaze darkening. “Mercy is only for the weak. And Sylvara is anything but weak. If Aeliana hesitates, even for a second, Sylvara will exploit it without a shred of remorse.”

Kael sighed, pushing his chair back as he stood. “Then I’ll step aside. But don’t break her, Lucian. She’s strong, yes, but she’s somewhat part human. Push her to her limits, but don’t push her past them.”

“I won’t break her,” Lucian said, his voice low but unwavering. “But she needs to feel the weight of what’s coming. If she falters now, she’ll falter in the arena. And that… I can’t allow.”

Kael nodded, though his expression remained concerned. “Then it’s settled. These last months are yours, Lucian. Just… don’t forget why she’s doing this. She’s fighting for you, for your future together. Don’t let her forget that either.”

Lucian’s expression softened slightly, though the determination in his eyes didn’t waver. “I won’t. She’s stronger than even she realizes. And when the time comes, she’ll be ready.”

As Kael left the room, Lucian turned his thoughts to Aeliana. He could already imagine her frustration when she learned of the new arrangement, but he also knew she wouldn’t back down from the challenge. She was a fighter, through and through. And under his guidance, she would become the warrior she needed to be.