Lucian slapped her hand away and looked to his mother for help. He saw her shook her head slightly as if to say that it was out of her control.
"Lucian! Why did you hit Lady Olenna? Apologize now," His father reprimanded him then raised a hand in apology to the old woman.
"I don't want to go anywhere with her," Lucian said with a scowl and sank further in his seat.
Meanwhile Lady Olenna held an injured face which morphed to acceptance when everyone turned to look at her.
"Never mind, they're all so feisty when they're young, I remember my son—"
"Lucian, I'll come with you. Let's go," His mother said cutting her short.
He couldn't argue with that and his stomach twisted with unease as his mother pulled him up and gently nudged him forward.
"We'll be back soon," Lady Evelyne said to the Duke planting a kiss on his cheeks. Behind her Lucian tugged on her hands unable to stand the sight.
With that they set off towards where the priests were. Lady Olenna attempted to strike a conversation with his mother but gave up when she refused to indulge her so they walked in silence.
It would have been awkward if their environment was also quiet but as they happened to be at an occasion, it wasn't. The noise of the festivity was all around them and Lucian was soon invested in the numerous sights before him as they moved further.
The air smelled of incense and roasted meat and there were different attractions around; jugglers, fire breathers, everything you would expect in a grand feast. It was his first time attending one and he was surprised that his family was able to afford it.
His steps were slow, his feet dragging against the grassy ground. Before long, his mother commented on it.
"We will never reach there at the rate you're walking, Lucian. Move faster."
He noticed that they were gradually attracting attention and he knew that it was because of his mother.
Lady Evelyne was blessed with looks and she was easily the prettiest woman around. Her long, blonde hair was always neatly arranged, and her emerald-green eyes held a sharpness that few dared to challenge.
She wasn't loud or overly commanding like some noblewomen, but there was a presence about her that made people stare when she was around them.
Though she rarely raised her voice, Lucian had learned that she was revered for her magic as she was formidable in her youth. She had mellowed down after marriage and hadn't engaged in a single duel since then.
Sophia has gotten her looks but none of her restraints. She had taken after Duke Aldric in that. He had also gotten her looks but it was still early to form an opinion about other qualities.
Every noble eye in the room was already on Sophia, but as they made their way toward the raised dais where the priest stood, whispers trailed after them.
The priest was an elderly man dressed in deep blue ceremonial robes embroidered with silver sigils. His long, white beard nearly touched his chest, and his sharp eyes studied Lucian as they approached. In front of him sat a pedestal with a glowing crystal orb, pulsing faintly like a heartbeat.
Lucian swallowed hard. He had seen this ritual before—someone would place their hand on the crystal, and if they possessed mana, it would react, revealing their affinity. If they had none… nothing would happen.
His mother's grip on his shoulder was firm but reassuring. "Go on, Lucian. There's nothing to fear," she said softly.
Lady Olenna clapped her hands together, barely able to contain her excitement. "Let's see what potential the young Vaelcrest heir possesses!"
Drawn by the trio, a small crowd had gathered around them to see what would happen and they were excited whispers. Lucian spotted his sister among them and she stuck out her tongue as their eyes met.
He turned from her and stared at the crystal. He wasn't sure what he feared more—that he would fail or that the result would change everything.
"Do not be afraid, young one," the priest said gently. "This process will not hurt."
I'm not afraid, Lucian thought bitterly. I just don't want to embarrass myself.
"Go on Lucian. Stop stalling."
He glanced back to see that his father had also come to watch him and his heart sank further. His sister stood at his side, smug as ever.
The priest raised his staff, the crystal at the top glowing with a faint, pulsating light. He began to chant, his voice low and steady. The air around them shifted anf Lucian could feel the magic in the air.
He held his breath.
Come on… please, let there be something.
The priest's brows furrowed slightly. His chanting slowed. The glow of the crystal flickered.
Then, after a long, excruciating silence, the light faded entirely.
The priest took a slow step back, his expression unreadable.
Lucian's heartbeat pounded in his ears.
"Well?" his father asked.
The priest lowered his staff. "I am… deeply sorry."
Lucian froze.
"There is no mana core within him."
The room fell deathly silent.
Lady Olenna was the first to react and she shrieked dramatically.
"You mean to tell us that Duke Aldric first son is useless."
At the words, Lady Evelyne shot her a dirty look and went over to console her son. His father gritted his teeth stunned by the humiliation in front of his guests.
Lucian felt the weight of their disappointment before anyone even spoke.
"No mana core? It has never happened in my generation," his father repeated, his voice cold, disbelieving.
"It is not unheard of," the priest said carefully. "Sometimes the ability to wield mana skip a person no matter how talented their predecessors are," He turned to Lucian, his eyes filled with sympathy. "It does not mean you are lesser, child. Strength comes in many forms."
Lucian barely heard him.
No mana core.
The words echoed in his mind, hollow and cruel.
His entire life in this new world, his plans, his ambitions all hinged on one thing: magic.
And now, he had nothing.
He glanced at Sophia, who was staring at him with wide, delighted eyes.
The realization hit him like a punch to the gut.
In this world, he was useless.