A grin spread across Evan's face as he noticed the stunned look that had taken over Havelock's features. The delight in Evan's eyes was palpable as he watched Havelock's expression transform into one of complete and utter surprise. It was evident that Evan was thoroughly enjoying the sight before him, relishing in the shock that he had caused in Havelock.
Just a day ago, Evan had been under the impression that he and Havelock were the best pair of master and servant, not realizing that his trusted subordinate had already betrayed him. Despite Havelock's humble beginnings, Evan had thought the man's exceptional abilities meant he was pure of heart and had only good intentions in serving him. Even when his childhood friend had warned him that Havelock was not what he seemed, Evan had refused to listen, believing only what he saw
It wasn't until Evan regained his memories of his past life that he realized Havelock's true motives. Every time Havelock had offered encouragement or praise, it had been a calculated taunt. Looking back, Evan realized how blind he had been, believing he had found a loyal and trustworthy friend in Havelock.
Evan's smile slowly faded away, revealing a cold expression and an icy gaze that sent shivers down one's spine. His emotions had been toyed with, and any joy he had experienced at catching Havelock off guard had vanished. It was clear that he couldn't feel happy.
Havelock was like a deer caught in the headlight as he stared at Evan, who was glaring at him with a cold, steely gaze.
"You were sent here to serve me. You weren't told to spy on me on behalf of the minor families. My father picked you up from the streets, gave you a home and a purpose, and this is how you repay him? How could you betray his trust and go against his wishes? You have crushed my father's hopes and dreams for you. You have trampled on his feelings, and that is something I cannot forgive easily." Evan said, his voice dripping with anger and disappointment.
Genuine emotions were emanating from him as he spoke; he wasn't putting on an act. The news of Havelock's betrayal had deeply wounded him, yet the hurt he experienced from this was nothing compared to the anguish he felt upon learning that Havelock had let his father down.
"I never asked him to!" Havelock exclaimed, his voice tinged with frustration and annoyance. There was no hint of remorse in his tone as he spoke. "He was the one who felt pity for me and brought me here."
Havelock hailed from a world ravaged by war, where destruction and chaos had become the norm.
Twelve years ago, he was a frail and unkempt street urchin, shivering and suffering from the biting cold of the harsh winter in a desolate alleyway. It was at that moment when all hope seemed lost for Havelock that the benevolent Imperial Lord of Frost chanced upon him, yanking him out of the jaw of death.
However, despite this gracious act of salvation, Havelock showed no gratitude. Instead, he brazenly turned against his savior, Magnus, the Imperial Lord of Frost, with no hesitation or remorse.
His reason was simple.
He didn't think he owed Magnus anything.
Amidst the chaos of the war-torn world, there were numerous individuals akin to Havelock, but Magnus made a conscious effort to rescue only him from the bleak fate that awaited so many others. Wasn't it because Magnus recognized something in him that was rare and precious?
Havelock had never accepted Magnus' benevolence at face value. After being saved, he was always suspicious that Magnus had ulterior motives. Havelock suspected that Magnus' kindness was merely a ploy to cultivate him into a valuable asset for his son, and his suspicion was confirmed when he was tasked to serve Evan.
Evan's features contorted into an expression of disgust. His hand darted towards the vase sitting atop the nightstand beside his bed. He grabbed it tightly before hurling it at Havelock, who was standing at the entrance to his room, with all his might.
The vase collided with Havelock's head, the force of the impact causing the delicate object to shatter into pieces and injuring Havelock. It was a skin wound, but it looked dreadful.
Blood began to trickle out of the wound, staining his face with streaks of crimson.
Edmund and Evan were aware that Havelock possessed the agility to dodge the projectile easily. Yet, he didn't even attempt to do so.
They both knew his intent. Now that he was wounded, it would be easy for him to manipulate others into feeling sorry for him, thus earning their sympathy and trust. The wound he now bore would serve as proof of his victimhood.
Evan wasn't going to let things go his way.
"Even a beast knows not to bite the hand that feeds it," Evan spat, "yet you don't. You're worse than a beast, Havelock. You make me sick. You are plainly disgusting."
His eyes narrowed as he glared at Havelock, his contempt for the man evident in every word.
"So what if you find me disgusting?" Havelock made no attempt to hide his true face. "It's not like you can do anything about it. You are not ready to go against me."
After pondering over the fact that Evan was well aware of his treachery, Havelock had assumed that Evan had also uncovered the identity of those who had granted him the authority to act as he did. They wielded significant influence within the Frost Clan. Though Evan was the Crown Prince of Frost, he couldn't afford to confront them directly as they were stronger than him, and compared to them, his reputation in the empire was minuscule.
Furthermore, they were his seniors, capable of reprimanding him if they discovered any flaws in his conduct.
Therefore, Havelock believed that Evan wouldn't immediately take action against him.