CHAPTER 550: I HAVE LEVERAGE

Liam’s irritation surfaced so quickly and so sharply that Lucy noticed the shift before he even spoke. His eyes had hardened, his posture subtly tensed, and the temperature of the room seemed to dip with the sudden frost in his demeanor. ’He clearly isn’t pleased with the terms of this restriction,’ she thought, her gaze lingering on him. ’I can’t blame him... but I can’t simply bend the situation to his preference either. I’ll have to make him understand—convince him, if nothing else.’

She exhaled softly, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "That is because Sheila refuses to enroll in any academy other than the Dark Knight Academy. She has been adamant about it, and King Valemir has no intention of denying his daughter’s wishes."

Liam’s brow arched at that, disbelief flickering openly across his face. This has to be a joke, he thought, staring at Lucy as though waiting for her to take it back.

Lucy continued before he could speak. "Aside from that, there is a law signed by every kingdom in Amthar. It ensures that students have the freedom to choose whichever academy they wish to attend, regardless of their kingdom of origin. No ruler may interfere with that right." After a brief pause, she added, "It is because of this law that young people from all three kingdoms can study wherever they choose across the realm."

Liam’s eyes widened slightly as the explanation settled in. ’So that’s why students from all over the three kingdoms enroll in academies outside their own territories... It explains why the system felt overly simple. There’s an actual law supporting that freedom, ensuring no one is blocked or harassed for their choice.

’But even so... just because Sheila insists on attending the Dark Knight Academy doesn’t justify restricting my right to use my own magic.’

"I understand," Liam finally said, though the faint stiffness in his tone remained. "The explanation makes things more logical. Still, I can’t agree with these terms. Being barred from using my affinity within the academy feels like an infringement on my right to develop and perform to the best of my abilities."

"Liam," Mystica interjected gently, her voice steady but sympathetic. "You aren’t entirely wrong. But what remains true is this: you are a dark mage. That alone is reason enough for some people to demand your removal from the academy. Even some citizens here in Tempest would protest if given the chance." She shot a glance toward Lucy. "The only reason that hasn’t happened is because Queen Lucy has the unwavering trust of her people. But even that doesn’t give her absolute control over their sentiments. Their opinions can shift overnight, and if they do, things could turn ugly."

She leaned forward slightly, her violet eyes fixed on Liam with earnest clarity. "Then there’s the Crescent Kingdom, which already wants you dead. If unrest breaks out here in Tempest, they will not hesitate to seize the opportunity. They will push for your elimination. And yes, I know you have strong forces backing you, but even then—we cannot risk conflict between the Kingdoms of Amthar. So please, consider cooperating with this agreement. The restriction is limited strictly to academy grounds. There is no reason to let it weigh heavily on you."

Liam met her gaze, studying the sincerity and caution behind her words. Her tone wasn’t defensive or manipulative—just honest. ’She isn’t wrong,- he admitted inwardly, though annoyance simmered beneath the realization. ’If I reject this restriction, things could spiral quickly. Valemir is exactly the kind of man who would concoct any excuse to push for my execution. He’s obsessed with his twisted view of dark mages and won’t rest until he sees me gone. Refusing this might give him the opening he needs. I don’t know how he’d use it, but that old bastard would absolutely find a way.’

The thought alone irritated him further, though he kept that storm tucked behind a calm exterior.

’Tch. This entire situation is a nuisance. If only there were some way to tear this useless restriction off me.’ Liam’s thoughts churned with muted agitation. Logic won’t work here, and I don’t have any real leverage against the Crescent Kingdom...’

The word lingered in his mind—leverage. It echoed again, sharper this time, sparking something inside him. ’Wait... I actually do have leverage.’

His expression settled back into its usual cool, detached unreadability as he lifted his gaze toward Lucy. "Your Majesty, I have a question," he said, voice steady, tone measured.

Lucy noticed the subtle shift in him—the quick return to that calm that usually meant he was about to do something clever. Curiosity stirred in her eyes as she answered, "Of course. You may ask anything."

"Is it possible," Liam began, "for a kingdom to be indebted to a citizen of another kingdom due to an act of bravery? Especially if it involves directly ensuring the safety of one of their royal family members?"

Lucy tilted her head slightly, puzzled by the sudden line of inquiry. "Yes, that is very possible. But why ask something like that?"

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Liam’s lips—barely there, but unmistakable to anyone watching closely. "Nothing significant. I just needed to confirm it. And apparently, the Crescent Kingdom is indebted to me."

Lucy’s brow furrowed, unable to see what he was referring to. Mystica, however, went still for a heartbeat... then her eyes lit up in recognition, a knowing smirk curling her lips as she glanced at him.

"What are you talking about?" Lucy asked. "How is the Crescent Kingdom indebted to you?"

"For protecting their princess," Liam replied simply. "Sheila."

Mystica let out a soft, amused breath, her gaze warm with mischief. "You really are something, Liam. I can’t believe the rest of us forgotten about that, and here you are already turning it into a tactical advantage. Color me impressed, my little shadow."

Lucy looked between them, confusion deepening as she tried to piece together Mystica’s reaction.

"Oh—my apologies, Your Majesty. It seems I neglected to mention this earlier," Mystica said lightly. "Dear Liam here made sure Sheila wasn’t captured by Gordon and Ember during the war. Before Magnus arrived to watch over her, Liam bought her precious time—clever thinking, self-sacrificing choices, and a calculated delay that kept her from being taken until much later."

Lucy’s eyes widened as the weight of those words sank in. A slow smile formed on her face as she turned back to Liam, finally understanding where he was going with this.

"Well," she said warmly, "that is a very valid reason for the Crescent Kingdom to be indebted to you. With that alone, you can challenge King Valemir’s demand and potentially overturn the restriction placed on you—perhaps even gain further ground if you push correctly."

"Glad you see it as well," Liam answered in his usual even tone. "As much as King Valemir wants me dead, he can’t simply ignore a good deed done for his own daughter. And if he proves stubborn... Sheila herself would be enough leverage. Getting her to confirm what happened shouldn’t be an issue."

"I thought you never told her about it," Mystica remarked, genuinely curious.

"I never did," Liam replied plainly.

"Then how do you expect her to testify on your behalf?" Lucy asked.

"By helping her connect the dots," Liam said, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Sheila is far more observant than most. So there’s no doubt she noticed the unnatural shifts in events those days. All she needs is the right pieces placed in front of her and once she has them, she’ll put everything together in a heartbeat."

Lucy’s expression softened with quiet admiration, clearly impressed by how swiftly Liam had pieced everything together. "I see," she murmured, her eyes lingering on him for a moment longer. "Well, you have my support. And don’t worry—I’ll do my best to arrange an audience for you before Valemir."

"I’m grateful for your aid, Your Majesty," Liam replied with a respectful nod.

"Think nothing of it," Lucy said gently. "Just be sure you’re properly prepared. Only you can speak on your own behalf and make your point clear."

"Understood," Liam answered, his tone steady as always.

Lucy studied him briefly, something like pride flickering in her eyes, mingled with faint amusement. "Very well," she said as she rose to her feet, Mystica rising with her. "I suppose we should get going so you can return to your training."

They began walking toward the door when Liam remembered something he had meant to bring up days ago but had forgotten. "Your Majesty," he called.

Lucy turned back to him. "Yes, Liam?"

"Could you get me a barber? I need my hair cut. It’s becoming a real inconvenience to deal with."

"Hm?" Mystica quirked a brow, mischief already dancing in her violet eyes. "You want to cut your hair? Personally, I think it looks better longer. And judging by how neat it is, you’ve been taking good care of it. You even keep it tied properly. Consider me impressed."

Liam stared at her for a moment before responding. "Sorry to disappoint you, but that’s not my doing." He gestured subtly toward the door. "She handles all of that."

Mystica’s gaze snapped to Mabel, who had stood silently by the door the entire time. Her lips curved into a sly, teasing grin. "Aren’t you two just adorable," she said, her tone dripping with playful mischief.

"Don’t worry," Lucy added, amused but composed. "I’ll have someone sent to take care of your hair."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Liam said with another nod.

"You’re welcome. If that’s all, we’ll take our leave."

Lucy and Mystica headed for the door. As they passed Mabel, they exchanged looks—Lucy offering her a warm, approving smile with a glimmer of amusement, while Mystica wore a wickedly playful smirk that promised teasing for days.

"You two enjoy your time together," Mystica chimed as she slipped out, closing the door behind her with a soft click.