Chapter 40 – Steel, Light, and Unexpected Company

The Whispering Hollow courtyard echoed with the sounds of battle.

Qingsai spun with his glaive, weaving threads of Lucentia, Water, and Flame in harmony. His control had grown sharper. Each swing left trails of glowing mist or heat, depending on the element he invoked.

Nearby, Lucen watched silently, nodding as the boy moved with focus and instinct.

But before the next movement, a guard rushed in, bowing low.

> "My lord, two guests await in the main hall. One claims kinship with Lady Chunsi. The other is… a nobleman bearing House Baoshi's crest."

Qingsai blinked.

"House Baoshi?" he asked, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Small house. Known for gemstone mining and smithing in eastern Eirsola," Lucen murmured.

Qingsai sheathed his glaive. "Then let's meet them."