The Villain Professor's Second Chance

Queen Aurelia sat at the center of the room, her golden hair cascading down her shoulders like a river of molten sunlight. Her emerald eyes, usually filled with a sharp, calculating light, were softened with something almost childlike—eager anticipation. She glanced toward the grand double doors at the far end of the hall, her fingers drumming lightly on the armrest of her throne.

The silence stretched on, broken only by the faint sound of her tapping fingers.

"Hey, Prime Minister, when will Draven arrive?" The Queen's voice, though commanding, carried a note of impatience that was uncharacteristic for her. She turned her gaze to the elderly man standing beside her throne, his weathered face creased with a gentle smile.

Prime Minister Elric Othmar, a man who had served the crown for decades, chuckled softly at the Queen's question. He was used to the young monarch's restlessness, especially when something—or someone—had captured her interest. "Your Majesty, please be patient," he replied, his tone laced with amusement. "Earl Drakhan is a man of precision. He will arrive at the appointed time, not a moment sooner."

Aurelia huffed slightly, crossing her arms over her chest in a manner that belied her royal stature. She was known for her sharp wit and even sharper tongue, a ruler who often found the trappings of royalty more bothersome than anything else. But today, something had shifted in her demeanor. There was a spark in her eyes, a rare energy that made her appear younger, more vibrant.

"Patient?" she muttered under her breath, more to herself than to the Prime Minister. "I've been patient for days, Elric. Why is it that time seems to drag when you're actually looking forward to something?"

Elric's smile widened, though he kept his gaze forward, not daring to show too much familiarity in the presence of the royal court. "Perhaps it's because anticipation has a way of stretching moments, Your Majesty. But rest assured, Earl Drakhan will be here soon."

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Aurelia glanced at him, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "You sound like an old sage, Elric. I didn't know you had it in you."

"I have my moments," the Prime Minister replied, his voice still light with amusement. He had seen Aurelia in many moods—boredom, anger, frustration—but this excitement was something new. It intrigued him, made him wonder just what it was about Draven that had captured her attention so thoroughly.

The Queen sighed, leaning back in her throne and fixing her gaze on the double doors once more. "He'd better not keep me waiting much longer," she murmured. Her fingers resumed their rhythmic tapping on the armrest, and Elric could only smile quietly to himself. The Queen, so often burdened by the weight of her responsibilities, finally had something—or someone—to look forward to.

Before she could ask again, the grand double doors swung open with a soft, almost reverent creak. The sound echoed through the hall, drawing the attention of everyone present. The royal guards, who had been standing at attention along the walls, snapped to even greater vigilance, their hands tightening on their spears. The court fell into a hushed silence as all eyes turned toward the entrance.

A herald, dressed in the deep blue livery of the royal house, stepped forward into the hall. His voice rang out clearly, cutting through the silence like a bell. "Earl Draven Arcanum von Drakhan has arrived!"

Aurelia's lips curved into a wide smile, the anticipation in her eyes flaring into something brighter—excitement. "Finally," she whispered to herself, more amused than impatient now.

As Draven entered the throne room, a noticeable shift occurred in the atmosphere. The temperature seemed to drop by several degrees, and a palpable pressure filled the air, as though the very walls of the palace were straining under the weight of his presence. The ministers who had been standing near the Queen exchanged uneasy glances, their discomfort clear.

The guards, though trained to remain impassive, couldn't help but feel a chill crawl up their spines as the man they had heard so many rumors about made his way toward the throne.

Draven moved with a calm, almost predatory grace. His dark hair was neatly combed, his blue eyes sharp and cold, like shards of ice. He was clad in black, his tailored coat adorned with subtle silver embroidery that caught the light just enough to hint at the wealth and power he commanded.

As he approached the throne, the pressure in the room grew more intense, the very air thickening with the weight of his aura.

Queen Aurelia watched him with a mixture of admiration and curiosity. She had heard many tales of Draven—his ruthlessness, his intelligence, his mastery of the arcane—but seeing him in person was something else entirely. There was a magnetic quality to him, a presence that demanded attention and respect. He was not a man to be trifled with, and yet, there was something about him that fascinated her.

"He does have a tremendous aura as always," she muttered under her breath, her eyes gleaming with a rare spark of excitement. The Prime Minister, standing beside her, caught the words and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. It was not often that the Queen showed such open admiration for anyone, let alone a man like Draven.

Elric glanced at Aurelia, noting the unusual light in her eyes. The Queen, who often found the duties of the throne tedious and tiresome, seemed genuinely excited—perhaps for the first time in years. He had known her since she was a child, watched her grow into a capable, if often irritable, ruler. But this was different. This was something… new.

As Draven reached the foot of the throne, the court held its collective breath. The room, already quiet, seemed to descend into a deeper silence, as though even the air itself was waiting for what would happen next.

To the surprise of everyone present, Queen Aurelia rose from her throne. The sudden movement startled the ministers and guards alike, their eyes widening in shock. It was a rare occasion indeed for the Queen to stand, let alone to do so in such a public setting. But Aurelia's smile remained, her gaze locked on Draven as she spoke.

"Welcome, Draven," she said, her voice warm and welcoming, a stark contrast to the chilly atmosphere that had accompanied his arrival.

Draven, ever the picture of decorum, immediately dropped to one knee, bowing his head in a show of respect. "Your Majesty," he replied, his voice as cold and indifferent as ever, yet with a subtle undertone of deference. To those who knew Draven, this was a sight to behold—the feared and powerful lord, kneeling before the throne with a humility that seemed almost at odds with his usual demeanor.

The ministers exchanged glances once more, their surprise evident. They had heard stories of Draven's arrogance, his disregard for tradition and decorum, and yet here he was, kneeling before the Queen like a faithful servant. It was a sight none of them had expected, and it only served to deepen the air of mystery that surrounded him.

Queen Aurelia, however, seemed more pleased than surprised. "Rise, Draven," she said, her voice gentle but commanding. "There is no need for such formality between us."

Draven stood smoothly, his cold blue eyes meeting the Queen's with a calm, unreadable expression. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

Aurelia's smile widened ever so slightly. "Congratulations, Draven. You have served the crown with great distinction, and for that, I am most grateful." Her tone was sincere, her words carrying the weight of her authority. "You have saved my life and my brother's during the attack at the royal banquet. For that alone, you have earned the gratitude of the entire kingdom."

Draven inclined his head slightly, acknowledging her words but remaining silent. He knew better than to interrupt the Queen when she was speaking, and besides, there was little he could say that wouldn't sound like empty flattery. Instead, he waited, letting the Queen continue at her own pace.

Looking at his perceptiveness to that kind of detail, the Queen smiled.

"And then there is the matter of the Goblin King," Aurelia continued, her voice growing more serious. "The Icevern territory was on the brink of disaster, yet you intervened and brought peace to the region. You even went so far as to eliminate those who sought to obstruct our communications with the Icevern clan. Once again, you have proven your loyalty and dedication to the crown."

Draven's expression remained unchanged, though his voice was calm and measured as he replied. "It is nothing but my duty as a servant of the royal family, Your Majesty."

Aurelia's eyes sparkled with a mixture of amusement and something else—something that might have been admiration. "You are a man of few words, Draven. But your actions speak volumes."

There was a brief pause, during which the Queen seemed to study Draven with an intensity that made the ministers shift uncomfortably in their places. It was as though she was searching for something, some hidden truth behind the man's cold exterior.

Finally, she spoke again, her tone softening, though it retained its regal authority. "Tell me, Draven, what reward do you seek for your services?"