The Rejected Offer

Led by his father, Lucas, Rest entered the parlor of the Eberne Honorary Viscount's estate. Behind them, his stepmother had only just realized Rest's identity, and she let out a piercing scream, which was promptly stifled by the butler. Ignoring the commotion, Rest walked through the hallways.

Sitting down on the parlor's sofa, Rest faced the man he had once called "Father."

"…It's been a while, hasn't it? Lord Eberne, the Honorary Viscount. Or should I call you 'Father' instead?"

"..."

His mocking tone deepened the wrinkles on Lucas's brow. Before, he would have shouted or even struck Rest, but today, Rest was an envoy from the Rosemary Marquisate. Laying a hand on Rest, who was representing Marquis Rosemary, would surely cost Lucas his head.

"Who would've thought… you would be an envoy of the Rosemary Marquisate. It seems your career is progressing well."

"You seem unchanged… Ah, wait. Where's Cedric? I don't see him around today."