Julian's smirk returned as he continued, "But... that being said, she is just as prideful as her status," he said with a smug grin. "And I'm going to enjoy every moment of crushing that pride."
He chuckled softly to himself, clearly relishing the idea of bringing her down.
"A woman like her thinks they are untouchable, but we'll see about that," he added with a wicked grin.
With that, he made his way toward his parents' room, his steps slow and unhurried. Once outside, he knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" A voice came from inside the door.
Julian leaned slightly forward. "Father, it's me."
There was a brief pause before Alden responded. "Oh, Julian. Wait a moment."
The door opened, and he stepped inside, his eyes lazily scanning the room.
His father sat by a small table, with a glass of wine in hand, looking as composed as ever.
He walked in casually and sat on the nearby chair. Leaning back, he crossed one leg over the other, exuding the confidence of a duke.
His hands rested on the armrest of the chair as he watched his father sip his wine.
"Did I disturb you, Father?" He said.
Alden shook his head, taking a slow sip of his drink. "No, you haven't, Julian. What's the matter?"
Julian tilted his head slightly. His eyes flicked around the room, noting the absence of his mother.
The faint scent of her lingering perfume filled the air, teasing him even in her absence.
"Where is Mother?" he asked.
Alden barely looked up, setting the glass of his wine back down on the table. "She has gone to bathe. She should be here any moment."
Julian's lips curled into the faintest smirk. His eyes flicked toward the door leading to the bathing chambers, lingering just a second too long.
The thought of Regina, her wet skin, droplets falling down her body, making their way for her curve, was too tempting. He exhaled deeply, suppressing the heat that threatened to rise.
He turned back to Alden, who remained utterly oblivious to the heat inside his son.
Julian found it amusing. His father, the mighty Duke of Easvil, the man respected by countless nobles, had no idea just how much of his world Julian was already rearranging.
Julian leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on his knees. "She must be tired," he said slowly.
"A warm bath… I bet she's taking her time."
Alden chuckled, not catching the hidden meaning behind those words.
"Your mother does like her baths," he admitted innocently, swirling his wine.
Julian's smirk deepened. "I imagine she looks quite… relaxed right now."
Alden nodded. "She always does after a long day."
Julian bit his lips, suppressing the urge to laugh. His father really had no idea. He stretched, cracking his neck, before casting one last glance toward the bathroom door.
"Good," he murmured.
He had come at just the right time. Regina would return soon—refreshed, warm, and completely unaware that he had come to visit at just the right moment.
He could hardly wait. Maybe we could have some fun.
Just then, Regina's voice rang out from the bathing chamber. "Alden, have you brought me my warm milk?" she said impatiently.
Alden jolted straight and shouted, "Wait, dear, I'll bring it once I finish this."
But Regina wasn't having it. Her voice rang louder this time. "No, Alden! Go and bring it, fast!"
Julian couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange. "Mother is impatient as ever," he said.
Alden laughed, clearly used to Regina's commanding tone. "Yes, she really is like that."
Julian's attention, however, was quickly drawn to something else. He noticed the faint blue glow emitting from the object his father was holding.
His gaze narrowed slightly. "What's this, Father?" he asked curiously.
Alden held the glowing object a bit higher, as if proud of his work.
"Ah, this?" he said, his voice full of excitement. "I'm thinking of making a magic item. This is my first prototype. Not quite finished, but I'm getting there."
"I didn't know you had such a passion for magic, Father. What exactly is this supposed to do?" Julian said.
Alden's eyes glowed with pride. "I am thinking of something like an energy source to run certain items. For example, we use torches or lamps for light, but we never truly use mana or the light element—it's a waste, really. So what if we create an energy that can be used as an alternative for mana in day-to-day activities? Something that can replace traditional methods but won't drain mana reserves."
Julian's curiosity deepened as he processed Alden's idea. An energy source for everyday use that didn't rely on mana? That was ambitious. If successful, this could revolutionize how magic is integrated into daily life.
Alden continued, his voice growing more enthusiastic. "And it doesn't have to be an entirely new energy source. We could just use mana more efficiently, channeling it in ways that it's not wasted. Imagine being able to power entire homes with a more sustainable flow of mana, without overloading or draining resources."
Julian nodded. His idea wasn't just practical—it was innovative.
If they could perfect this method, it would give them an edge over anyone still relying on traditional methods.
Regina's voice rang out again, urgent and insistent, "Alden, why are you still here?"
Alden chuckled nervously before standing up quickly. "Well, Julian, I better go before your mother decides to kill me."
"Yes, off you go, Father," Julian teased with a laugh.
Alden didn't waste any time and sprinted toward the door with an urgency that made Julian laugh quietly to himself.
With his father finally gone, Julian sat there in silence, his attention drifting toward the bathroom.
The faint sound of water splashing from inside stirred his mind, and a part of him was drawn toward the allure of what lay beyond the door.
He waited until his father's footsteps had faded down the hall before he stood, making his way for the door of the bathing room. He silently pushed it open and entered, the warm, moist air immediately enveloping him.
The sight before him was more tantalizing than he had allowed himself to imagine—Regina's naked, curvy body creating an alluring silhouette in the steam.