Drowsing under the blanket of the sunset, Duine sat along the shore as he watches his father's personal ship sailed back to the mainland.
Being the only bastard of Baron Bureau Du Montagu, he never experienced his father's affection the moment he was handed over to the noble family.
Apparently, Duine's mother was Bureau's mistress when he first laid eyes on her in some forsaken tavern. The relationship they once had remained to be a mystery as she passed away from childbirth.
His time within the Montagu household wasn't pleasant either. Since His father has already sired children with his official wife, the family often look at him with distain. Thus, he was put to work along with the servant staff. There are even times when the staff didn't notice him, since Duine's black hair isn't a resemblance to the iconic golden-brown hair of the Montagu dynasty.
His 2 older brothers, Valtris and Evan, would often harass him whenever they pleased, mocking him for being a mere bastard. His sister, Beatrice, would frame him for every mess she made as, despite her father's household knowing the truth. Last but not least, Bureau's wife, Rebecca Tryvin, of the Tryvin barony, who hated him just by his mere existance.
Yet, Duine never wavered from their remarks.
Duine could connect all the logical points and understand his despair. Though he was a bastard, he was still a Montagu by blood, thus the baroness feared that the competition for claimant of the title will not land on her own. His siblings on the other hand are too prideful within their noble entitlement and their spoiled nature often lead to indulging themselves to whatever they desired.
His father on the other hand, only allowed him in, simply because of his obligations as the head of the household. After all, if he refused, then he would likely face backlash upon his reputation as a noble and his virtues.
He knows his father from the inside and out despite never once speaking with one and another. After all, why waste his time with family matters when he could focus on administrating his fiefdom. Despite their prestige status of barons, someone has to make the money, as well as paying taxes to their liege.
Despite his prediciment, Duine took advantage on whatever knowledge he could get his hands on. After all, it saved him from numerous occasions, such as where his siblings would be doing or whatever his "Step-Mother" schemes are.
In the world of magic, anything's possible, as Duine acquired the book of "Basic fundamentals" in the family library that they've never bothered reading. The book only express the development of magic and its history, not the incantations of casting one. After all, the kingdom favored strong warriors that not only were available in numerous places, but also express valiant effort other than mages who simply remain the backline and cast whatever they've learned.
When the time came upon the age of 12, he's considered eligible to provide for himself. Duine expected to be ousted by the family. After all, who would want to waste centuries of dedicated resource to divide among his kin. They'll just become another lesser nobles, if not at all. Especially if they're a baron.
Until one evening, one of his father's retainers came with a message to his attic room.
"Duine Du Montagu, you are hereby granted territory on the island of Causatrie. Lord Bureau of Montagu have also acquired a title barony of Causatrie and hereby grants it to you. Henceforth, you shall be known as Baron Duine of Causatrie."
When the messenger finished his speech, he slightly bowed and turned away.
Before leaving the door, the servant added another statement.
"Your father has also informed you to pack up your things and head to the outermost castle gate. There should be a carriage waiting for you." And with that, he left.
Though it is within the parameters of his predictions, Duine was nearly surprised of the news. He never expected to receive a title at a young age, especially under his circumstances. He was quite stunned to think throughly as he gathered his clothes, pondering why such a thing happen. After all, the only person who had authority to grant such prestige would be of someone of higher status.
Then it shocked him as he connected the missing pieces. It seems lady Rebecca may have used her ties in her household to advocate an undeveloped island. After all, one of her sister is married to Count Grendell of Lusmye.
She must've nagged her husband to support her decision. Though it seemed odd for the Count, Duine knew her intentions. Since he gained lordship, as well as being a bastard, not only was he disqualified from the succession line, but he is also placed on a remote island, where he couldn't even start his own foundation as lord.
It's not all bad. For all he care, he's leaving this terrible family behind to start anew.
As Duine dragged his personal belongings to the main door, Valtris awaited behind him above the stairs.
"To think father decided to grant you of all people some land, I'm quite jealous." Valtris shrugs as he then grins.
"It's a shame that my little brother isn't here to see you off. He send's his regards of course." Valtris said. Evan was off to make his debuts in noble society. Beatrice on the other hand didn't seem to take notice of his departure. She might be preoccupied playing dolls in god knows where in the manor.
Valtris walked down the stairs as he approaches Duine.
"This will be the last time a dog like you will-"
He tried to grab Duine, but the moment he gotten close, Duine threw his fist at Valtris guts.
Valtris felled on his knees, as he succumbs to his demise on his stomach. It seems that Duine threw it out of reflex.
"It seems Lord Bureau have been far too lenient on the boy's education. The heir should have known better than to touch another noble of the county." Duine made a snide remark. For the first time in his life, he obtained a sense of independence. He isn't going to allow this immature moron to ruin this day.
Thus, he immediately proceed himself out of the door as the maids tried to attend their master's heir.
Baron Bureau awaited in the carriage as the coach held the door to the new lord.
As Duine entered the carriage, he heard some fussy screeching of his step mother. He didn't care as he and his father glared at each other during their travels.
Duine's red eyes tried to stabbed the man into guilt. Perhaps he want to get a reaction out of him, to see whether or not he felt remorse for putting his child in the wilderness, but his father's dark eyes were unfazed.
Not once had they spoken a word to each other as they ride to port.
The harbor consist of only one shipping dock despite being close to the city. Perhaps the Montagu estate couldn't afford to expand their ship yard, nor do they have interest in so, since they've primarily focus on agriculture produce and merchants caravans.
Duine smirked as he gazed the only ship his father possessed. Although it wasn't typically a rundown sail boat, his father only excused it as his personal cruise vessel.
Nevertheless, that is how Duine ended up on the forsaken island. He could barely see the mainland for miles, since he left this morning.
As the ship slipped out of view, Duine began to smile.
Despite all of Rebecca schemes, his half siblings abuse, and his father's neglect, it had never affected Duine even to this very day.
Although the family may have caught a glimpse of his behavior, they never decipher his greatest secret.
He murdered a reincarnate soul.