Ultimate Zero

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Year 1239
(336 years after Darius's reign)
☘

House Ludovig

"Your Grace, the carriage is here," the head butler announced.

Jenos Arthur Ludovig, the current Grandmaster of Ludovig, took a last sip before standing up. He fetched the black coat hanging at the corner and went straight to an old, vertical mirror, in which, he spotted the reflection of his youngest son, Lance Ludovig, who seems to be in a daze for a while.

The steam coming from the coffee of the young lord suggests it was barely touched. His son's absence of mind somehow made him anxious.

"Lance, is she ready yet?" He inquired, giving him a quick glance.

It took a moment before Lance realized his father was talking to him and began clearing his throat.

"Oh.. I guess," he replied, finally taking a sip from his cup.

"Luther?" The butler who was on standby immediately entered the room after hearing the grandmaster's call.

"Yes, Your Grace?" He bowed his head in respect.

"Tell the servants to bring Keziah's luggage outside–" he paused for a moment then continued, "oh..and tell her to come here."

The butler bowed in response.

It only took a few minutes before a beautiful young lady graced the chamber.

"Young lady Keziah is here, Your Grace," Luther announced.

Her long, dark violet—almost black, hair reflected the light from the windows while her dark purple eyes sparkled, complemented with her beautiful, long and curly lashes.

Keziah was clad in a rich maroon outfit, covered by a cotton black cloak adorned with the intricately embroidered emblem of the Ludovig house at its back.

Lance took a glance before standing up. He fixed his tie and began to fetch his hat. It will not be too long now until he accompanies her in her travel.

"My dearest." As if on cue, Lord Jenos immediately smiled like a fool after seeing his youngest daughter's presence.

Despite not being her real father, his treatment was not any less. As a matter of fact, the grandmaster dotes on Keziah more than his own sons.

But unlike the house's cherished image of her, the young lady seemed indifferent. She was showing a rather stoic expression at the moment.

"Yes, Father." Keziah greeted with a bow before glancing back to Lance, who is now waiting at the side for their departure.

"Are you not nervous, my dear?" He asked, creasing his forehead in worry.

"You should not worry, Father. Brother already taught me everything about Heimr." She took another glance, bowing her head slightly. "I swear to bring honor to the grandmaster and to the house."

"Enough pressuring yourself, dear one. You will go there to learn. We need not of more honor, you ought to have a good time there."