After-School Summons


    The location was the student council room, and the one who summoned him was none other than Crown Prince Kai Tempest.


    Lucan had no personal rtionship with the crown prince, so naturally, this was the first time he had ever been summoned.


    "Well then… I wonder what this is about," Lucan murmured to himself as he walked through the academy''s hallways.


    While he could have ignored the summons, curiosity got the better of him. He arrived at the student council room after school and knocked on the door.


    "Come in," came the immediate response from within.


    Permission to enter granted, Lucan slid the door open and stepped inside. His eyes were immediately drawn to the room''s five upants.


    At the far desk sat Crown Prince Kai, the one who had summoned him. Ruki, the shota-type boy who had informed Lucan of the meeting, stood by the window. When their eyes met, Ruki turned away, clearly displeased. At another desk sat Alec and Damian. Alec, a member of one of the four great noble houses, watched with interest, his chin resting on his hand. Damian gave a polite nod in greeting.


    "Hm…?"


    There was also an unfamiliar female student present. With long bangs that obscured her eyes, she had an air of introversion, avoiding Lucan''s gaze and staring down at her desk.


    "Ah, Mr. Ironfist. Thank you foring," Kai said as he stood up from his chair, gesturing toward a reception sofa. "Please, have a seat. We''ll prepare some tea shortly."


    At his words, the unfamiliar female student stood up, unprompted, and began preparing tea at a table by the wall.


    "There''s no need to trouble yourself…" Lucan began, but then he got to the point. "So, what do you need from me today? I don''t recall doing anything to warrant a summons from the crown prince."


    "Yes, I apologize for the abrupt summons," Kai replied, moving from his desk to sit on the opposite sofa. "But there is something important that I must discuss with you."


    Lucan followed Kai''s request and sat down on the sofa. The unfamiliar female student soon ced a cup of tea in front of him and another in front of Kai. Kai took a sip before continuing.


    "To be truthful… a new criminal organization that recently formed in Lost City was destroyed not long ago. Evidence of their crimes was found in their hideout, and among the documents was a n to kidnap you."


    "…!"


    "And there''s more," Kai added gravely. "We have reason to believe that someone you know might be involved in these crimes."


    Lucan''s expression tightened. "Who might that be?"


    "Himan…" Kai''s voice was heavy as he revealed the name. "We found evidence that he was the mastermind behind the newly formed organization. He also has deep ties to Lost City."


    Lucan sighed deeply. He hadn''t expected another old friend to turn against him. Himan had once been a closepanion, but Lucan had severed their friendship two years ago when he discovered Himan''s obsession with forbidden magic. Over time, Himan had grown increasingly unstable, consumed by his thirst for power.


    "...Himan was a good guy once," Lucan said quietly, "but he changed. To be honest, I had nearly forgotten about him."


    Kai nodded solemnly. "Well, he''s back, and he''s now plotting to kidnap both you and Maris. Recently, several gangs and criminal organizations have been attacked and eradicated by an unknown force. The evidence found at their hideouts suggests Himan''s involvement.


    It seems he''s been providing these gangs with knowledge and tools, manipting them from the shadows rather than affiliating himself with any one group."


    Lucan''s eyes narrowed. "He''s always been cunning… But why did you call me here? I can guess the reason, but I''d rather hear it from you."


    Kai sped his hands on the table, his expression serious. "Now, to the main point… I want to capture Himan somehow. For that, I need your cooperation, Mr. Ironfist."


    "Of course, I''d be happy to help in any way I can," Lucan replied without hesitation.


    Kai paused for a moment, then made his proposal. "You can refuse, but… I want you to act as bait to lure Himan out. Again, you can refuse because it''s dangerous."


    "A sting operation, then…" Lucan muttered, understanding the gravity of the situation.


    Himan''s whereabouts were currently unknown, but they knew his targets were Lucan and Maris. This was why Kai proposed using Lucan as bait.


    After a moment of consideration, Lucan nodded. "…Alright, I''ll ept your proposal."


    "Thank you for your cooperation," Kai said, relieved. "With your help, we might be able to put an end to this threat."


    "Don''t worry, Mr. Ironfist. We''ll protect you thoroughly!" Alec added confidently.


    "We''ll prioritize your safety above all else," Damian assured him.


    Lucan acknowledged their support with a nod. Alec was a skilled warrior, and Damian was a capable magician. However Lucan was strong enough to handle himself. So he doesn''t need them.


    "Hmph…" Ruki, who had been pouting by the window, finally spoke up. "How do we lure Himan out? They won''t just show up if we wander around town."


    "Actually… I have a suggestion," Lucan interjected.


    The group turned their attention to him, and Lucan shared his n. It was time to put an end to the gangs targeting him and Maris. Lucan knew that someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes, and he suspected that Lyria, though she had returned to her home, had left someone behind to continue her schemes. Himan might just be the clue they needed to find this someone.


    Kai listened intently, nodding as Lucan exined his strategy. "This could work," the crown prince agreed. "If we y our cards right, we might not only capture Himan but also uncover the person who ced the bounty on you and Maris."


    With the n set in motion, the group began discussing the finer details.


    ---


    Maris listened to the n and clenched her fist. She was determined to teach Kai a lesson. How dare he use her beloved Lucan as bait.


    However, the n Lucan devised was flexible, and Maris was also troubled by these ouws. If there was a way to put an end to this, she was willing to go along with it. But after the n, Maris would make sure Kai and the others learned a lesson they would never forget.