Lloyd glanced over. Ken Park. Tall, broad-shouldered, impassive face, dressed in the discreetly expensive livery of the Arch Duke's personal staff. Ken wasn't just a butler; he was Roy Ferrum's shadow, his long-serving right hand, and, as rumour and occasional quiet demonstrations had it, a Void user of terrifying proficiency. His presence was less 'escort', more 'mobile security detail with extreme prejudice'.
"Yes, Father," Lloyd replied dutifully, sliding into his seat and tackling the eggs with newfound purpose. Business studies. Master Elmsworth (or 'Master Elm' as the staff sometimes called him). Maybe today's lesson on tariff arbitrage (or whatever dusty topic Elm dredged up) could count as a 'Normal Task' for the System? Every coin counted.
He ate quickly, keenly aware of his father's silent, assessing presence and Ken Park's unnervingly still watchfulness from the doorway. No repeat of yesterday's Professor Grumbaldi fiasco. Stick to the facts. Nod politely. Look engaged. Maybe even ask an intelligent question about export duties on griffin feathers.
Soon enough, breakfast concluded, Roy disappeared back into his study with a mountain of documents, and Lloyd found himself walking through the bustling outer courtyards and towards the city proper, Ken Park gliding silently half a step behind him. The transition from the gilded cage of the estate to the vibrant, noisy reality of the capital was always slightly jarring. Merchants hawked wares, carriages clattered over cobblestones, the air thick with the smell of baking bread, horse dung, and a hundred competing perfumes.
As they walked, Lloyd couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversation from passersby who recognized the Ferrum heir and his formidable shadow.
"...see him? Young Lord Ferrum."
"Looks pale, doesn't he? Always does."
"Shame about his powers, they say. Not like the Arch Duke…"
"And married to Viscount Siddik's girl! Rosa, wasn't it? Cold beauty, that one."
A sharp female voice cut through. "Beauty, yes, but matched with him? Like pairing a swan with… well, a rather drab duckling, wouldn't you say?"
A snort of laughter followed. "Harsh, Elara, but not wrong…"
Lloyd kept walking, his expression neutral. Drab duckling, huh? He chuckled internally. If they only knew about the potentially lethal steel waterfowl lurking beneath the surface. The eighty-year-old in him found the petty gossip amusing rather than hurtful. Let them talk. Perception was a tool, and right now, being underestimated might even be an advantage. Besides, he had more pressing matters. Like finding Master Elmsworth's lecture hall without getting lost. And maybe earning some quick cash.
As they turned onto a slightly less crowded side street, lined with artisan shops and smaller residences, a commotion ahead caught Lloyd's attention. Three youths, lounging against a wall with swaggering arrogance, were blocking the path of two younger girls, clearly students by their simple dresses and satchels. The girls looked frightened, trying to edge past, while the tallest of the youths – presumably the leader, judging by his sneering expression and the way the other two flanked him – leaned in, blocking their way, saying something crude Lloyd couldn't quite make out. Classic bully behaviour. Pathetic.
Just as a surge of annoyance, the ingrained 'don't be a bystander' instinct drilled into him during his Earth life, pricked at Lloyd, a familiar blue screen flickered into view.
[New Task Available!]
[Task: Public Nuisance Correction]
[Description: Three local hoodlums are engaging in unsavory behaviour, harassing innocents. Deliver a swift, corrective slap to the designated leader's face.]
[Reward: 2 System Coins (SC)]
[Bonus Objective (Optional, No Extra Reward): Deliver a brief lecture on social decorum. Because someone has to.]
Lloyd blinked. Two coins? For a slap? And a lecture? The System had a strange sense of justice. And apparently, a fondness for public service announcements.
He glanced back slightly. Ken Park hadn't reacted, his expression as impassive as ever, but Lloyd knew the bodyguard missed nothing. Ken wouldn't interfere unless Lloyd was directly threatened, but his mere presence was a significant deterrent. These street toughs, while bold enough to bother young girls, wouldn't dare lay a hand on the Arch Duke's heir, especially not with Ken looming nearby. They might posture, they might bluster, but physical retaliation? Not a chance. The consequences would be swift and severe.
Well, Lloyd thought, a slow grin touching his lips. Free slap, free coins. Don't mind if I do.
He changed direction abruptly, striding purposefully towards the group. Ken adjusted his position seamlessly, remaining just behind and to the right, a silent, imposing shadow. The hoodlums looked up as Lloyd approached, their sneers faltering slightly as they recognized the crest on his tunic, their eyes flicking nervously towards Ken. The leader straightened up, trying to regain his swagger.
"Well, well," the leader began, puffing out his chest. "If it isn't young Lord Ferrum slumming it. What brings nobility-"
SMACK!