It wouldn't take an intellectual to know that both Ophelia and Vhelian were taken aback by the Duke's words.
"I beg your pardon, Father?" Vhelian asked, his voice rising as he did so, "Are you telling me to chase that… that woman?"
"Did you not hear me clearly? The heir candidates are required to undergo several missions in the entire period of the deliberation. Since you've expressed your desire to be the heir, there's only one choice for you -- It's to accomplish your missions as fast as possible. A single mistake will warrant your disqualification."
"But Father, I'm willing to partake in any mission. Just don't give me that kind of pe--"
"Petty?" The Duke uttered, his stare penetrating through the young man's soul.
Vhelian couldn't help but lower his gaze. He was, evidently enough, afraid of his father. The young man had never felt that way before. The Duke would usually let him do whatever he wanted.
