Within another elaborate carriage, a chubby youth held his mother's hand while staring at her reassuringly.
"…mother… you don't need to worry. Your son will enter the Proving and emerge as the ultimate victor."
"Lucien… this sounds dangerous." City Lord Marisse Dovaire looked genuinely worried. "Are you absolutely certain we shouldn't turn back? There's still time for us to suddenly fall ill and return home."
"Mother." Lucien smiled warmly while holding her hand. "Everything will be fine. None of them could possibly stand against my might! I'll defeat them all! Including that so-called genius, Zephyrion!"
"Oh my…" Marisse's eyes instantly grew watery. "Listen to how confident he sounds! My baby has become so dependable!"
Lucien nodded solemnly.
"For you, mother, I would conquer the entire South."
"Oh gods…" Marisse placed a hand over her chest dramatically. "What did I do in my past life to deserve such a wonderful son?"
