"Please, hurry. The Duke requests your presence for breakfast."
Looks like the 3 Piece Suit will come in handy, afterall.
Valac glanced at the towering figure of Xavier, his breath still ragged from the run. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he muttered under his breath.
"The Duke wants to see me? First thing in the morning, after this?"
"Seems like it," Xavier replied, unfazed by Valac's annoyance. "But you don't have much time. Better hurry."
Valac groaned, slowly rising to his feet. His legs felt like jelly, and every inch of his body ached, a stark reminder of how much he'd let himself fall apart.
He shot Xavier a glare, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Next time, warn me about the Duke's sudden summons before you make me run laps."
Xavier stared astonished, clearly amused by Valac's suffering. "How was I supposed to know he'll call you for breakfast?"
Valac rolled his eyes as he made his way back inside the castle, his footsteps heavy from exhaustion.
"Kyu!"
How did Lav get here? I thought he was sleeping in room.
"Kyu!"
Lavathore floated beside him, curiously poking its head into his shoulder every now and then. Valac absently petted it as he walked, the small creature offering a strange comfort in the midst of his frustration.
---
After a quick wash and a change into the charm-boosting three-piece suit he'd won from the system, Valac made his way to the dining room. The suit, sleek and tailored, hugged his body perfectly, enhancing his sharp features.
He muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair as he walked. "This better be worth it. Charm… who needs charm when you're about to collapse from exhaustion?"
As he stepped into the dining room, the Duke was already seated at the head of the table, his piercing eyes locking onto Valac the moment he entered.
The room was grand, with long, polished wooden tables, and the faint scent of herbs and freshly baked bread lingered in the air.
The Duke raised an eyebrow as Valac approached. "You look... presentable today, Valac. I suppose that's progress."
Valac offered a slight smile, ignoring the jab. "Well, I figured I should make an effort since you requested my presence so early in the morning… father."
The Duke gestured toward the empty seat beside him. "Sit. We need to talk."
Valac took his seat, his eyes flicking to the plates of food laid out before him.
The scent of roasted meats and freshly cut fruits filled the air, but his appetite was nonexistent. His mind was still focused on the poison in his veins, the temporary suppression, and the thought of finding a permanent cure.
The Duke's voice broke through his thoughts, his tone as cold as ever. "I've heard from Xavier about your... efforts."
Valac glanced up, his expression carefully neutral. "And, what has he told you?"
The Duke leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he studied Valac. "That you plan to quit alcohol."
Valac's lips twitched into a wry smile. "I see. I don't see other family members here. Are you trying to play father figure after locking me up?"
The Duke's gaze sharpened. "Don't mock me, boy. I eat alone. And, you and I both know it was necessary. You've been a disgrace to this family for years. What am I supposed to do when the priests label you as a curse? You were also a complete degenerate. The fact that you're even making an effort now is... unexpected."
Valac bit back a retort, reminding himself that antagonizing the Duke wouldn't get him anywhere. Instead, he shrugged. "People change."
The Duke's eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to gauge the sincerity in Valac's words. After a moment of silence, he spoke again, his voice low and measured. "You still have much to prove before I believe you want to change. How long can you make an effort before your addiction relapses?"
Valac raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth quirking up in amusement. "Oh, I suppose we'll find out. However, I hope you won't hold prejudice against me before that. Maybe, I'll give you a surprise."
The Duke's gaze flicked over Valac's suit, and for a brief moment, there was a hint of approval in his eyes. But it was gone just as quickly.
"Surprises don't impress me. Results do."
Valac leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he met the Duke's stare head-on. "Then you'll get your results. I'm already working on it. I hope you can protect me from the Duchess's eyes before that."
The Duke's eyes narrowed. "Hmm. I'll assign you another guard apart from Xavier, bringing them to your side is your job."
Valac hesitated for a split second before answering, carefully choosing his words. "Do you not hate me for being illegitimate?"
Why did I ask that? It sounds so stupid. I suppose I couldn't help myself.
"What illegitimate? You are my blood. Your mother is my concubine. Though, it's a second wife position. She's still my wife. Also, she's more favored by the people of Dukedom than the Duchess. I suppose that's enough to answer your question."
Valac blinked, stunned by the Duke's response.
It was the most straightforward acknowledgment he'd ever received, and it left him at a loss for words. He expected a cutting remark or a reminder of his low status, not... this.
He sounds different from my father. But, what are the chances that he is?
What if I begin chasing my father's affection and get killed like the past?
The Duke didn't wait for him to gather his thoughts. "You've let your potential rot for too long, boy. But the blood of this family still runs in your veins, even if it's buried under layers of vice. Prove that you're worthy, and consider your place in this household secure. Till I'm alive at least."
Valac, recovering quickly, nodded. "I understand."
The Duke's sharp gaze softened for just a fraction of a second. "Good. You'll need every advantage if you plan to survive what's coming."
Valac raised an eyebrow. "Survive? What do you mean?"
"The heir selection ceremony will be held in 2 days. I want you to participate."