Seth's sudden appearance caught the servants off guard. They scrambled to set the table with practiced urgency, their movements precise yet fearful under his scrutinizing gaze. One maid struggled desperately to fasten a napkin around his neck, trembling so much that Seth lost his patience.
"Forget it," Seth snapped irritably.
Still, she persisted through her trembling, finally securing it. The lavish breakfast laid before him was exquisite—truffle-infused soups, roasted meats glistening with golden crispness, delicate pastries, and spiced wines fragrant with cloves and cinnamon.
Seth ate slowly, deliberately, observing the servants' hungry gazes drifting toward the untouched dishes. "Feed the leftovers to the dogs," he said dismissively, enjoying the fleeting relief that softened their expressions.
When he rose, Royfield quietly followed, prompting Seth's abrupt irritation. "Why are you trailing me?"
"I'm concerned the young master may lose his way again," Royfield replied smoothly, his expression subtly teasing.
Seth suppressed a flush of embarrassment, snapping, "Prepare a wooden sword and summon the knights. I'm going to the training grounds."
Royfield, slightly puzzled yet obedient, guided him swiftly.
------
The training grounds were disappointing. Knights moved sluggishly, their postures slumped in complacency. Seth felt frustration surge through him. If the demon portal appeared today, Arlecia would stand no chance.
"Seems my gold is wasted here," Seth remarked coldly, picking up a rusted sword and pointing it challengingly at the nearest knight.
A young knight with flaming red hair chuckled arrogantly, stepping forward. "Your humor is sharp today, my Lord."
Recognition flashed through Seth instantly. "Aiden Wolfe," he murmured, eyes narrowing.
Aiden stiffened, his smile vanishing instantly. "How do you know that name?"
Fury ignited in Aiden's eyes. Without warning, he lunged forward, his blade slicing the air violently. Seth, relying purely on Lucias's honed instincts, dodged fluidly, parrying each strike despite his rusted weapon.
"Are you with them?" Aiden snarled, beast-like ferocity beginning to distort his features, fangs sharpening visibly.
"Hardly," Seth replied calmly, easily sidestepping another furious slash. "But I can give you the revenge you seek—if you become my dog."
Aiden recoiled, anger surging anew. "You're not strong enough to leash me, my Lord."
Seth's crimson eyes gleamed dangerously, a playful smirk forming. Without hesitation, he launched forward, aiming a swift kick at Aiden's head. Startled, Aiden narrowly dodged, stumbling backward.
The knights stared, dumbfounded, as Seth launched into a dazzling display of martial prowess, each kick graceful yet devastating, movements flowing like a deadly dance. Aiden roared, half-transforming into his beast form, muscles bulging, speed increasing drastically as he attacked with renewed vigor.
But Seth's moves were unpredictable, unlike anything they'd seen before. He effortlessly deflected each strike, dodging with a mocking ease that infuriated Aiden further.
Sweat poured down Seth's face, his unfamiliar body protesting the intense exertion. I can't hold out much longer, he realized grimly. With a final burst of strength, Seth closed the gap instantly. Aiden barely saw the motion—a blur, then Seth's foot connected precisely with the sword's grip.
The sword flew from Aiden's grasp, spinning away, leaving him unarmed and utterly shocked. Seth stood confidently before him, the mocking smile clear on his lips, silently declaring victory without words.
"Impossible..." Aiden whispered, his voice shaking with disbelief. His pride cracked, realization crashing like thunder through his mind. The arrogant lord had defeated him effortlessly, unarmed.
"Do you submit now, Aiden Wolfe?" Seth asked softly, eyes gleaming triumphantly.
Breath trembling, Aiden bowed his head in surrender, voice strained yet respectful. "I… accept defeat, my Lord."
Turning away, Seth threw a casual glance over his shoulder. "Come to my chambers tomorrow morning, fully geared. Don't be late."
The knights watched in stunned silence as Seth left the grounds, Royfield trailing behind, his expression a mask of astonishment.
------
Rumors spread rapidly. Whispers filled every corner of the castle about Seth's peculiar new behaviors, from sparing servants to challenging knights. Royfield observed everything carefully, puzzled yet fascinated by the sudden transformation.
Later, Seth sat in his chambers surrounded by stacks of documents detailing Arlecia's finances and operations. Royfield entered silently, bearing reports and a freshly baked berry pie. Seth looked up briefly. "Leave the documents here."
"You're truly taking an interest in estate matters now, my Lord?" Royfield ventured cautiously.
Ignoring the question, Seth cut into the pie, tasting it thoughtfully. Then he offered a slice casually to Royfield. "Try it."
Royfield froze momentarily, aware of his berry allergy. Nevertheless, he took a bite without protest, struggling to maintain composure as discomfort set in. "Thank you, my Lord," he murmured stiffly, quickly excusing himself.
Alone once more, Seth smirked knowingly. He'd confirmed yet another secret hidden in plain sight.
With each revelation, his control grew stronger. Tomorrow, Aiden would become his first stepping stone towards survival and power. The game had truly begun.