The Third Young Master was named Azares. The recently born baby bore a great resemblance with the late duchess. Although the rest of the people in Hayndal manor were still wallowing in sorrow, they couldn't help but look after Azares. Only the First and Second Young Master felt apprehensive about their baby brother. After all, their brother's life comes from great sacrifice. They did gain a new sibling, but they also lost their dearest mother. The Duke too was drowning in sadness, he shut himself and started working like a madman. This was the start where they grew distant from Azares.
Nobody in the manor noticed the situation within this family, as the atmosphere around the manor became cold. The residence of the manor was in a dispirited mood so they didn't have the energy to chat around or gossip like before. So they naturally didn't realize the changes in the First and Second Young Master attitude. Though they were aware of The Duke's changes, they didn't dare to say anything.
The first period of Azares's life was fulfilling. While he was being ignored by his family, the servants were respectful and treated him like a normal young master. Even still, the servants kept their distance from him, afraid to offend the other two young masters. Little Azares was forced to grow up alone without familial love. At first, Azares thought it was normal for everyone to ignore him as he was still young and didn't have power nor influence yet.
However, when Azares read a fairy tale about a happy family, he began to crave love and attention. He went around trying to get close to the residence of Hayndal manor, only to get shooed away. Since that's the case, Azares ran to his brothers in hope that they would play with him. That was how he understood the reality was harsh. Azares was beaten by the two young masters until he couldn't get up from bed the next morning.
Little Azares was aggrieved. When night came and the surrounding was quiet, Azares would cry bitterly in his room. Nevertheless, he pulled himself up. Instead of giving in to the situation, he preferred approaching it from another way. And that is to earn the love of his father.
Yet, all he obtained from his father was a gaze full of hate and disdain. It was so hard to bear that little Azares' heart shattered at once. The Duke who was reminded of Alissa's death issued an order to throw Azares to the abandoned manor to fend for himself.
From then on, Azares turned gloomy. He grew up as a silent and timid child. He was so timid that the servants dare to disregard him. They treated him like air. Everybody knew he was around but nobody would notice him. Unfortunately, they missed the glowed in Azares eyes. There wasn't a trace of warmth in those pair of eyes.
---
Now, the bright-looking Azares stood uprooted to the ground with a determined gaze. Eugene couldn't picture the word gloomy at all. As shocked as he was, Eugene maintained a cold expression on his face.
His eyes narrowed when he recalled Azares greeted him as the Duke not father. Although he no longer hated his son, he had never paid attention to him either. Even so, Azares had always called him father. For Azares to call him Duke, he must have heard the news. It should be normal for Azares to switch his stance, yet he felt something prick at his heart.
"What do you want?"
"I heard Your Excellency wants to disown me?" Azares apathetic voice permeated through the air
Eugene's eyebrows raised a little. Perhaps, he can't accept it?
"Yes"
Azares's face lit up faintly. But as a swordmaster, Eugene quickly caught it. He thoughtfully observed his son's face but found nothing. It vanished as fast as the wind.
Eugene was feeling doubtful. He actually agreed with Nos. This third son didn't show any disappointment after hearing the news. His face merely showed relief.
"Then, can you grant me a wish? Just treat it as a final present or something"
Azares casual way of talking irked Eugene a bit. What the hell happened to him?
For the first time, Eugene was having troubled to face his third son.
"What's with this attitude?"
Eugene's aura that was retracted earlier was released again. It almost occupied the whole room. Nos's body couldn't help but tremble. He had never been pressured this much.
Nonetheless, Azares looked unperturbed. He didn't even care about giving his father a face as he played dumb, pretending not to know about the aura surrounding him.
"You are still my son, yet you dare gave me an attitude?"
Seeing Azares reaction, Eugene's fastest reaction was increasing his tone rather than doubting his son's ability. To hold your ground against the overwhelming aura of a swordmaster, one's ability must be on the same rank as that swordmaster or stronger than him.
Azares found his father's retaliation laughable. To think the high and mighty Eugene, the Sword of Empire would overlook this detail. It was embarrassing.
"My apologies, You Excellency" At last, Azares took a step back and knowingly relented. It would be a waste of time, fighting about this kind of thing.
Eugene stared for a minute at Azares. He couldn't detect any remorse. He could only detect the blank gaze his son gave him. This time, he became thoroughly not in the mood to talk with Azares. All of these changes were way too sudden. He wanted to end this and took the time to carefully think about it.
Eugene couldn't be bothered with Azares's wish.
At least, he thought so
"What is it?"
"I wish to participate in the subjugation next month"
"..." Eugene was once again surprised.
Eugene blinked. He glanced at Nos and saw the shocked face he had. Considering Nos' expression, that means he hadn't heard wrong.
The next subjugation was a really important event in the Empire. Since monsters' attacks had been viciously destroying the Empire's south region, the Emperor had thrown the responsibility to the Hayndal's family. Eugene and his sons were to go and kill all those monsters. Of course, Azares wasn't included in the list of participants.
"You?"
"Even if you suddenly became brave enough, you are weak"
Azares retorted in a sarcastic tone, "That's not a problem Your Excellency. You don't have to mind me. I will take care of myself"
"Do you think I don't know that?" Eugene scowled at Azares.
"It's troublesome if you died"
In the next minute, Eugene who had carelessly said it, became stunned. When he imagined his third son's dead body lay on the ground, his heart somehow felt pain. Eugene was confused at this feeling.
Before he could realize why, Azares interrupted, "Won't you be happy if I'm dead my lord?"
"You-"
"Anyway, even if I died I can confidently say that trouble won't come after you, my lord. After all, I will no longer be this family's young master next month"
Eugene was stumped. That's right. Azares wouldn't be considered as a Hayndal anymore starting next month. Whether he died or not, Eugene shouldn't be concerned. But, why though?
Why does it feel like something was wrong?
Eugene couldn't pinpoint where the mistake was. He was at a loss. In the end, he approved Azares's participation with a light-headed mind.
Nos who had been watching from the side pursed his lips tightly. He didn't see anything. He was blind. He was deaf. Nos kept chanting in his head, in order not to get dragged into the mess.
Meanwhile, Azares's expression finally shifted. The corner of his lips twitched. He tried hard to suppress the smile. When he passed by the servants working in the hallway, His face looked scary as he walked steadily to the abandoned manor. Some of the servants felt stifled. They had never seen the Third Young Master so angry before. Even when they mocked him, he had never shown a big reaction.
Is he mad at being disowned?