The duke's piercing gaze settled upon Dan, scrutinizing him with a keen intensity. With a voice that carried the weight of authority, the nobleman directed his inquiry towards Gabriel.
"Pray tell, Gabriel, who might this young man be?" His words were laced with disdain.
Gabriel's response was measured, his tone respectful yet firm as he addressed the duke.
"Forgive me, Duke Cedric, but this is Dan. He arrived in our city just yesterday, and I have chosen to have him by my side, if that meets with your approval."
Dan couldn't help but feel a shiver run down his spine under the weight of the duke's scrutinizing gaze. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. The duke's expression softened slightly as he nodded in acknowledgment. "Very well. In any case, I am here to discuss the matter of your son's marriage to my daughter, Victoria."
Dan's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected turn of events. He glanced at Sebastian, who wore a mask of stoic composure, betraying no hint of emotion.
Gabriel turned to his son, Sebastian, who met his father's gaze with reluctance. Gabriel then directed his attention back to Duke Cedric, a sense of urgency in his voice.
"Forgive me, Duke Cedric," Gabriel began, his tone respectful but tinged with urgency, "but my son is not yet prepared for such a significant commitment. Could you grant us one more week to ensure that he is fully ready for this union?"
The duke's face flushed with anger. "I gave you three months, which were already insufficient for your son to decide. I granted you an additional three months, and now you ask for just one more week? Are you looking down on my daughter? If she wishes to marry him, then that is what she will get. Do you understand, Gabriel?"
The duke's tone softened slightly as he continued, "Fine, I will grant one more week. But remember, Gabriel, there will be no further extensions. Make sure your son makes the right choice. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must take my leave. Have a good day, Sebastian, and I hope you make the right choices."
Soon, the Duke walked out, and the door closed, leaving Dan, Gabriel, and Sebastian all silent in the dining hall.
Dan broke the silence, addressing Gabriel, "City Lord, what just happened?"
Gabriel glanced at Dan, his expression grave. "It seems the Duke is adamant about the marriage between Sebastian and his daughter," he replied tersely before standing up from his chair. With a disappointed glance at Sebastian, Gabriel left the dining hall, leaving Dan alone with Sebastian.
Dan turned to Sebastian, curiosity evident in his expression. "So, why did you not want to marry her? Is she ugly, or is there something else going on?" he asked, probing for answers.
Sebastian's frustration was palpable. "Damn it, I can't marry her. I just can't. There's something about her that doesn't sit right with me," he confessed.
Dan looked at him intently, sensing the weight of Sebastian's words. "What do you mean?" he pressed further.
Sebastian hesitated before replying, "Her eyes. They're beautiful, and her skin is smooth, but... there's something in her gaze that unsettles me."
Intrigued by Sebastian's cryptic response, Dan pressed for further clarification. "What exactly unsettles you about her?" he inquired, leaning in attentively.
Sebastian hesitated, grappling with his emotions before offering a candid admission. "Her gaze... It's beguiling yet disconcerting. It's as though she sees through me, as if every word she utters is a carefully woven enchantment," he revealed, his unease palpable in his voice.
Dan absorbed Sebastian's revelation, mulling over the implications of his words. "So, you feel entrapped by her allure, yet wary of her intentions?" he ventured, attempting to grasp the complexity of Sebastian's predicament.