"Your Grace, should I increase the security around Young Master?"
After Kael left, Ruth turned his scrutinizing gaze toward Rami.
"Did he leave an impression on you?"
Rami didn't hesitate. "He seems different. But the more different he feels, the more of a threat he'll become to others."
Ruth tapped his fingers on the desk, his expression unreadable. "A fair point, but…" His eyes shifted toward the window. "Aren't you curious about what he'll do next?"
Rami considered the question, then nodded. But when he looked back at Ruth, he blinked in surprise. The Grand Duke known for his cold demeanor almost seemed… pleased.
Before either could say more, a guard appeared at the entrance of the study, standing stiffly, awaiting permission to speak.
"Speak," Ruth commanded without looking up from his papers.
"Your Grace," the guard said with a deep bow. "Regalina and Henna, the prisoners, were found dead in their cells."
Ruth's hand stilled. He finally looked up, his piercing gaze locking onto the guard. The flickering candlelight cast sharp shadows across his face, making him appear even more menacing.
"Cause of death?" His voice was calm, yet it carried a dangerous weight.
"They died in their sleep, Your Grace," the guard answered carefully. "The healers suspect poison, but there were no signs of forced entry."
Ruth leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against the polished wood. The silence that followed was suffocating.
"Dispose of their bodies. No burial rites," he said, his tone indifferent as if they were nothing more than pests to be swept away.
"Yes, Your Grace." The guard bowed and quickly retreated.
Rami, who had been watching quietly, finally spoke. "Someone wanted them silenced before they could talk."
Ruth smirked slightly. "Or perhaps… they were too afraid to speak and chose death instead." He chuckled a low, amused sound that sent a shiver down Rami's spine.
"Should I extend the investigation?"Rami asked.
"No!"Ruth cut him off coldly.
"It's just a waste of time cause you know who is behind this."
For the first time in a long while, the Grand Duke seemed satisfied.
Adele tapped her finger looking at the bearded man and then at Mariana.
Mariana nodded," I am sure. If he changes his first step must be aimed around that."
Adele then turned towards a bearded man named Nerd who was the Captain and instructor of Team 5 of Blue Lion guards.
"You know what you should do right?"
The bearded man pressed his arms onto the chest and bowed deeply.
"Rest assured My Lady. I will make sure that he remains as a laughing matter throughout his life.
Kael woke to the sound of his own stiff joints popping as he stretched. The luxurious bed beneath him was the only thing he still found comfort in.
But something was off.
No attendants. No servants. Normally, at least one would be stationed outside his door, waiting for his orders. Yet the corridor outside was eerily silent.
He clicked his tongue. "Tch. This is getting out of hand."
He dressed simply and strode out of his room. As he walked through the estate, he felt the weight of countless stares—servants peeking from behind corners, guards stiffening as he passed. Unlike before, there were no whispered insults or sneers. They bowed, but their fear was evident.
"Rami's scolding worked but fear alone won't earn their respect." A smirk ghosted his lips.
"I'll have to teach them in a different way."
Today, he would fix that.
Then rubbing his hand, he smiled," Let's start the special treatment.
The training grounds stretched wide, filled with hundreds of knights and trainees. Some ran laps, others practiced sword drills, and many engaged in sparring matches. The air was thick with sweat, dust, and the sharp clang of metal striking metal.
But all the noises were silenced
A single figure had stepped onto the field.
At first, the knights ignored him. Then, as realization set in, murmurs spread like wildfire.
"Wait… is that Kael?"
"You're joking. What's he doing here?"
"The Grand Duke's weakling son? Running here?"
"What is he doing here?"
"If anything, he is just a hindrance.'
Kael ignored them, his face impassive as he joined the knights in their grueling warm-ups.
He ran laps, lifted weights meant for seasoned fighters, his breath harsh but steady. Even after finishing the routine, he didn't stop.
When he finally paused, he walked to the weapon racks.
He picked up a sword.
He swung it around randomly.
It had no finesse,no proper stance.
It was just raw movement.
Laughter erupted around him as he watched the swing.
"Holy hell, what was that?"
"Even my little sister swings a broom better!"
"The Duke's whelp is playing soldier!"
Holy shit, what is that?"
"Even my dog swings his tail better!"
"Looks like the Duke's whelp is playing soldier!"
Among them, a tall knight with a scar over his cheek scoffed. "Is this really the level of someone born into the Duke's house? Even alley brats and women swing a sword better than that."
Yawning, he set his own weapon down.
A warning cry rang out.
The knight barely had time to react before something whizzed past his face—a sword flying straight at him!
His instincts kicked in, and he ducked, the blade missing him by mere inches.
Before he could fully rise, something else was already coming for him.
His vision suddenly cut off.
'huh!'Darkness…What happened?"
A knuckle smashed straight into his face.