Valac slowed his pace as they exited the training grounds, his thoughts swirling around the knights' disdainful comments.
Despite his outward confidence, he couldn't ignore the undercurrent of tension in the room, but that didn't bother him too much. They could sneer and mock him all they wanted—as long as they followed orders when it mattered.
They'll come around eventually. Circumstances make people bend.
"What is it, Xavier?" Valac asked, not slowing down, though a smirk played on his lips. "Going to join the chorus of whispers like you did the first time? Say I was too preospertous as someone who has spent his life drinking?"
Xavier cleared his throat. "Actually, Young Master Valac, I've been thinking for the past few days and after what I saw on the grounds I wish to say something. I wish to bet."
Valac halted, raising an eyebrow. He turned to face Xavier, folding his arms across his chest. "Oh? Do tell what do you want to bet. I do love a good wager." His voice dripped with amusement, but his eyes were sharp, calculating.
Xavier hesitated for a moment, his hand drifting to the hilt of his sword—a habit of the knights when they were nervous. It didn't go unnoticed by Valac's eyes.
The man took a deep breath before meeting Valac's gaze with a serious expression.
"I've served the Noctis Duchy long enough to know when a mission is doomed... or when someone has a fighting chance. However, I cannot make a judgement this time, Master Valac. So, I would like to bet my loyalty with you."
Valac tilted his head, studying Xavier's face. "Really? And here I thought you were all aboard the 'Valac's a failure' train. What's changed your mind, Xavier? That you are willing to bet your loyalty with me, the cursed illegitimate son."
Xavier shook his head.
"It's not just about this mission. Sir Christian… he's grown arrogant. He no longer sees this as service to the Duchy, but as a stage for his own ambitions. And, I believe he's not suited to be the heir."
Valac's smirk widened.
Ah, so that's what this is about. Xavier wasn't here out of some sense of loyalty to me. This was about Christian.
Bro has got a good sense. After all, Christian does sacrifice the entire duchy to the demon.
What was the demon's name again?
"And where do I fit in all this?" Valac asked, leaning against the stone wall. "You want to place your bet your loyalty with the 'ducal love project' now? Quite the gamble."
Xavier's eyes narrowed.
"I've seen men like Christian, they ruin themselves for more power. In past, I was planning to just leave the Duchy. However, the change in you made me make this bet. The difference with you is… you don't seem to care what people think anymore. Unlike, before when you'd fly into rage. So, if you survive this trail I'll swear a mana oath in the heir selection ceremony. That's my bet."
Valac chuckled. "I accept. You think I'm suitable to be the heir though?"
"No." Xavier's voice was firm. "But I think if you learn more you definitely can be a good heir."
Valac studied him for a moment, his smirk fading slightly. "I never had plans on being a good heir, Xavier."
"Well... You need that position to protect Lady Darina. Would you just let her suffer injustice at the hands of the Duchess?"
"Master Valac, it's just a bet," Xavier's voice broke through his thoughts. His tone was stiff, and Valac raised an eyebrow, glancing over at his ever-loyal shadow. "Are you that afraid? I'm not asking for anything in return."
Valac gave Xavier a sideways look. "Fine. Let's make the bet. What are the conditions?"
Xavier's face, predictably, didn't change much. "Please make sure to bring back the entire Subjugation Team back. Don't let a single person die."
"You are very righteous, huh?" Valac stopped walking, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms. "Alright, Xavier."
Xavier hesitated for a moment, then squared his shoulders. "And, as a down payment for the bet, I want to swear the knight's oath to you. So, you can be at ease on the mission. I'll protect Lady Darina with my life if I have to."
Valac blinked. A knight's oath? Now that was unexpected. He tilted his head, curious.
"A knight's oath? To me? For a matter that's of no benefit to you?" He let out a low chuckle. "Xavier, are you drunk?"
"No, Master," Xavier said, his voice firm. "I'm serious. Would you have it any other way?"
Valac straightened, his smirk fading as he studied Xavier's face. The guy was dead serious. No hint of a joke or a prank. Alright, Valac thought. Let's see where this is going.
"Okay," Valac said, his tone now more curious than mocking. "I don't play by the same rules as Christian, Xavier."
"I understand, Master."
"Do you?" Valac raised an eyebrow, his smirk returning. "Because I've done some questionable things. I mean, just last year, there was this whole... well, let's just say I've got a colorful past. I'm no saint, Xavier. You're sure you want to place your bet on me? What if I'm still the same? Won't you regret it?"
Xavier didn't flinch. "I'm sure, Master. I don't need a saint. I know what I saw. And, I owe my life to Lady Darina. I can do this much to repay her."
Valac chuckled, shaking his head. "You're a brave person, Xavier. Stupid, maybe, but brave and... loyal, it seems." He glanced around taking in a deep breath, then back at Xavier. "Alright then. You want to swear an oath? Go ahead. I won't stop you."
Xavier knelt, his armor clinking softly as he lowered himself to the ground.
"By my honor as a knight, I, Xavier Galen, swear my loyalty to Valac Noctis. I will follow you into battle, serve you with all my strength, and protect you with my life, for as long as you shall have me."
"I, Valac Noctis, accept you, Knight Galen as one of my own. I hope you will protect my mother while I'm away."
"Yes, My Lord."