Roman climbed inside the motorcar, eagerly claiming the seat between both of his parents. Throughout the entire journey, he did not cease peppering them with a barrage of questions, all of which Damian and Eilika answered with steady patience.
An hour later, the vehicle came to a smooth halt in front of the academy gates. Maurice was the first to step outside, assessing the perimeter. A contingent of bodyguards was already stationed around the entrance, and after one of them gave a brief nod of clearance, Maurice stepped forward to open the door on the Duke's side.
Damian stepped out, lifting Roman down after him. The young boy stood frozen for a moment, looking up at the sprawling, grand architecture of the academy building.
Maurice then moved quickly to open the remaining door for Eilika. She offered him a brief word of thanks before stepping onto the pavement and walking over to take her place at her husband's side.
"Shall we proceed?" Damian asked, glancing down at his wife.
