Chapter 222: Young Lord Luca

Words : 1325 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 222: Young Lord Luca But it was not. For when the unaware heir realized just what was happening, it was already all too late. They arrived at around lunchtime to a striking planet of gold, green, and blue. It was magnificent. And Luca practically pressed his face against the glass as he looked at the planet before they entered. But throughout the journey, a particular father wondered how his son would like the Duchy’s capital planet. Would he like it? Was it a little too green? Or a bit too blue, maybe? He had too many questions, and yet, the conclusion? The Duke just decided to change it if his son found it lacking. ’It,’ as in the planet. Migrating shouldn’t be that difficult, right? That wasn’t difficult. They could choose from existing planets or buy new ones if necessary. Or if nothing worked, there were still plenty of unchartered celestial bodies to consider. If it made his son happy, so be it. So he watched. Every flicker of Luca’s expression. Every small smile, every fascinated blink. He noted them all, convinced that this was the most significant judgment ever passed upon the Duchy. After all, this was Luca’s judgment about the planet he should’ve learned to call ’home.’ But it was his son’s first time in ages. And had it not been for certain circumstances, this may never have been possible. So, everyone was a nervous wreck. However, more than the nervousness was one person’s deep-seated wishfulness. Or, if he was being honest, regret. And even self-blame. A feeling that had gnawed at him for years. His son should have grown up beneath these golden skies, surrounded by the people who should have adored him. But instead, Luca had spent his childhood elsewhere—alone, burdened, and far from the warmth of family. And the worst part? For the longest time, the bedridden Duke couldn’t do anything about it. In the end, forcing his wife to act in his stead. And like any father or any husband, he couldn’t help but tighten his fists at this thought. The guilt was unbearable. Sometimes, suffocating, even. For it was a weight that no other achievement could alleviate. No amount of success in battle, politics, or finance could undo the undeniable truth. He had failed. Failed as a father. Failed as a husband. And as much as the Duke wanted to bask in this moment—the long-awaited return of his son—the shadow of the past loomed too close. Yet, at the very bottom of it all was a small hope. It was the same hope that he clung to all these years and has proven stronger than all his fears. So even then, his heart still whispered. ’Look, Lia. There’s our son. He’s coming home." The thought echoed painfully in his mind. "Maybe you ought to come home, too?’ Thought the conflicted husband as he watched his son’s reactions. Only to come to a decision to make this all about their son. He was the one here right now. So he was going to do it for two and do his best to compensate for every day that had been lost. And that was his resolve. A resolve that shook the solemn planet. *BANG!* *POP!* *BOOM!* The sky erupted. Or what was supposed to be the noon sky did. A cascade of colors exploded above them, filling the heavens with vibrant plumes of gold, red, and dazzling white. The sky itself seemed to shimmer, and the force of the display reverberated through the air. It was no ordinary fireworks show. For one, this was inside a sky dome. It was inside the security blanket activated by the careful Father just for this monumental occasion. And so they had fireworks even during lunchtime. The people of the Duchy, but mainly the Duke, had gone all out. But none of the explosions were as shocking as what followed. Because as the smoke cleared, an enormous figure emerged. Luca. Not physically, of course. But a massive, radiant image of the Young Lord’s face now floated proudly in the sky. His golden eyes gleamed, his expression bright and peaceful — a little too peaceful, really. The expression was so serene that Luca couldn’t help but think he looked like one of those historical portraits. And just when he thought the display had reached its peak— *FWOOSH!* Additional fireworks traced elegant words across the sky: "Welcome Home, Young Lord Luca!" The sheer grandeur of the display was enough to make Luca feel faint. His cheeks burned with unidentified emotions as the Duke, on the other hand, looked on in satisfaction and pride. "Host! Your face is in the sky?! How splendid! And it’s even blinking!" Prompted D-29, who even recorded this one-of-a-kind treat for a very deserving Host. What a keepsake, or black history, depending on who you asked. Like one blonde mop who was in absolute stitches. "They’ve really captured your essence, brother!" Exclaimed Ollie, who looked straight at the display as Kyle judged him. Was he kidding, or was he serious? But of course, he was serious, as he was a firm believer in his brother’s worthiness. And if there was any person deserving of such a display, it was only his brother, who had not only the achievements but also the looks! However, Luca remained silent. For he was shell-shocked. And it was an expression and state that he kept as they moved towards the manor. For that was only the beginning. As the ship hovered closer, Luca’s already wide eyes widened even further. Because dotted throughout the massive estate were... statues. About a dozen of them. All were painstakingly crafted, with intricate details that made them eerily lifelike. And every single one of them depicted him. Luca in thought. Luca gazing into the horizon. Luca holding a wrench like a victorious warrior. And, most absurdly, a statue of Luca with glowing eyes—specifically, eyes that flickered ominously in simulated delight, as though he’d just discovered a particularly profitable trade deal. "Why—why is it glowing?" Luca croaked, barely able to process it. The Duke, however, beamed proudly. "So that it’s closer to reality, my son! It’s to show them what they’ve been missing all this time!" Luca wasn’t sure if it was brilliance or pure, unfiltered horror. But for some reason, it was a statue that apparently looked closer to reality, as even Xavier thought it was accurate. As Luca’s eyes always lit up like that when thinking of the things he loved—like money and, well, even more money. However, Luca didn’t have the chance to ask why everyone but Steward Han nodded at the statues as people came as the battleship descended. Hundreds of them. The once-quiet manor was now bustling with life. They gathered in the grand courtyard, from stewards in pristine uniforms to enthusiastic servants and guards in shining ceremonial armor. The air was thick with excitement, and anticipation buzzed through the crowd. Yet, despite the formality of the setting, joy radiated from them. These were not people who bowed out of mere duty. No—they bowed in genuine reverence and affection. They bowed for him. And as the battleship touched down, Luca felt his breath hitch. The massive doors opened with a hiss. Cool air from the ship’s interior met the warmth of the Duchy’s real sun. Then, with a step that seemed to echo through the very soil, Luca descended the ramp. "Welcome home, Young Lord Luca!" The chorus of voices rang out as the people knelt, heads bowed low. Luca blinked, his hands fidgeting slightly as the overwhelming reception bore down on him. Oh no! For this was not a ’little’ preparation. As the Duchy had gone all out for him. And then there it was—warmth. The little heir, who was now the center of affection, felt it all right before trembling in realization. What to do?! There was likely not enough food!

Chapter 222: Young Lord Luca

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