The morning sun rose lazily over the Wynthorne estate, casting long shadows across the sprawling grounds. The tension Cedric had felt the day before hadn't dissipated overnight; if anything, it had grown sharper, like a blade poised to strike.
His thoughts lingered on the cousins who had arrived late last evening. The System's quest to uncover their purpose seemed straightforward enough, but nothing about this world was simple. If he approached them wrong, it could end disastrously.
Cedric dressed in the plain, slightly frayed clothes of his station—just enough to remind everyone, including himself, of where he stood. His reflection in the cracked mirror didn't inspire much confidence. Dark hair fell messily over a face that, while sharp-featured, carried the perpetual shadow of sleepless nights.
"Not much to work with," he muttered, brushing his hair back with his fingers.
The System chimed faintly in his mind, drawing his attention.
--------------------------------------
[Daily Reminder: Prove Your Worth]
Time Remaining: 6 Days
--------------------------------------
"Right," Cedric said with a sigh. "No pressure."
The first stop of his day was the kitchen. It was early enough that the household staff hadn't yet begun their frantic preparations for the midday feast. As Cedric entered, the rich aroma of baking bread filled the air.
Rose was there, her sleeves rolled up as she kneaded dough at a large wooden table. She didn't notice him at first, too focused on her task.
"Good morning, Rose," Cedric said, keeping his tone light.
She jumped slightly, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks as she turned to face him. "My lord," she said, dipping into a quick curtsy.
"I wanted to thank you again for the meal yesterday," Cedric said. "It was… kind of you."
Rose hesitated, glancing around the empty kitchen as if expecting someone to overhear. "It was nothing, my lord," she said softly. "But you shouldn't linger here. If the others see—"
"I'm not here to cause trouble," Cedric interrupted. "I just need some information."
Her brow furrowed. "Information?"
"About the newcomers," Cedric said. "The cousins who arrived last night. Do you know anything about them?"
Rose bit her lip, her gaze darting toward the door. "I've heard whispers," she said finally. "They're from the southern branch of the family. The servants say they're here to discuss matters of inheritance with the Duke."
Inheritance. The word struck a chord in Cedric's mind. If the cousins were here to stake a claim, it could complicate his already precarious position.
"Do you know their names?" Cedric asked.
"Lord Alistair and Lady Evelyne," Rose said. "But that's all I know, my lord. Please… be careful."
"I will," Cedric said, offering her a reassuring smile. "Thank you, Rose."
Cedric left the kitchen with a growing sense of unease. He needed more information, but confronting Alistair or Evelyne directly would be risky. For now, he decided to observe from the sidelines.
The courtyard was bustling with activity as the household staff prepared for some sort of event. Servants rushed to and fro, carrying decorations, tables, and trays of food.
Cedric leaned against a stone pillar, watching the chaos with interest. His gaze drifted to the far side of the courtyard, where a man and a woman stood together, speaking in hushed tones. Even at a distance, their bearing was unmistakable—they were the cousins.
Alistair was tall and broad-shouldered, his golden hair catching the sunlight. He carried himself with the easy confidence of someone who had never known hardship. Evelyne, on the other hand, was smaller and more reserved. Her auburn hair was pulled back into an elegant braid, and her green eyes seemed to scan the courtyard with sharp intelligence.
Cedric stayed in the shadows, watching as they spoke. He couldn't hear their words, but their body language spoke volumes. Alistair's gestures were large and animated, while Evelyne's responses were measured and precise.
"What are they planning?" Cedric wondered.
The System chimed softly, breaking his focus.
--------------------------------------
[Observation Skill Unlocked: Keen Insight]
Effect: Gain minor information about individuals through prolonged observation.
--------------------------------------
As the system activated, a faint glow surrounded Alistair and Evelyne. Words appeared in the air above their heads, visible only to Cedric.
--------------------------------------
Alistair Wynthorne
Traits: Ambitious, Charismatic, Impatient
Current Intent: Secure inheritance rights.
Evelyne Wynthorne
Traits: Cunning, Analytical, Reserved
Current Intent: Evaluate household dynamics.
--------------------------------------
Cedric's eyes narrowed. So, the cousins weren't just here for a casual visit. They had specific goals—and neither of them boded well for him. His mind raced with possibilities, but he needed to confirm these observations. There had to be something more to their visit, something that would give him an advantage.
Later that day, Cedric found himself summoned to the main hall once more. This time, he wasn't alone. The entire household had gathered, filling the grand room with a sea of faces.
The Duke sat at the head of the room, his expression as unreadable as ever. Alistair and Evelyne stood to his right, their presence commanding attention.
Cedric lingered near the back of the room, trying to blend into the crowd. But it wasn't long before the Duke's gaze found him.
"Cedric," the Duke said, his voice carrying easily over the murmurs of the crowd. "Step forward."
The room fell silent as Cedric moved through the throng, every eye in the hall following his progress.
"You have lived under my roof for years," the Duke said, his tone cold. "Yet you have done little to prove your worth. Tell me, what do you intend to do about that?"
Cedric's mind raced. The Duke was testing him again, this time in front of an audience. He couldn't afford to falter.
"I intend to earn my place, Father," Cedric said, keeping his voice steady. "To show you that I am more than just a burden."
A murmur rippled through the crowd. The Duke's expression remained unchanged, but Alistair's smirk was unmistakable.
"Words are cheap," the Duke said. "Actions speak louder. Prove yourself."
"I will," Cedric said firmly.
The Duke leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze fixed on Cedric. "Then let us see if you can back up your words. Tomorrow, you will participate in the Wynthorne Trial."
A collective gasp swept through the room. Cedric's heart sank. The Wynthorne Trial was a brutal test, designed to weed out the weak from the strong.
"Do you accept?" the Duke asked, his tone leaving no room for refusal.
"I accept," Cedric said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.
The Duke nodded, a faint glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Then prepare yourself. Dismissed."
As the crowd dispersed, Cedric felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to find Evelyne standing there, her green eyes studying him intently.
"You're either very brave or very foolish," she said softly.
"Maybe both," Cedric replied.
Evelyne's lips twitched into a faint smile. "The Trial is dangerous. Many don't survive."
"Is that concern I hear?" Cedric asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Consider it a warning," Evelyne said. "You're not the only one with something to prove."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Cedric alone in the emptying hall.
As he made his way back to his chambers, the weight of what lay ahead settled heavily on his shoulders. The Wynthorne Trial would be his first true test in this world—a chance to prove his worth, or to fall before he even began.
The System chimed once more.
--------------------------------------
[Main Quest Updated: Prove Your Worth]
Objective: Survive the Wynthorne Trial.
Time Remaining: 24 Hours.
--------------------------------------
Cedric closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. Tomorrow would decide his fate.
But as he reached the door to his room, the System chimed again, pulling his attention.
--------------------------------------
[Side Quest Completed: Investigate the Newcomers]
Objective: Uncover the reason for the cousins' visit to the Wynthorne estate.
Reward: Unique Item: Scrying Stone
The Scrying Stone: a tool that allowed the user to peer into distant places, albeit only for a short time.
--------------------------------------
A small, polished stone appeared in the air before him. He reached out to grasp it, feeling its cool surface hum faintly beneath his fingers. It would be useful for gathering information from afar—or spying on someone.