I'M JUST BETTER!

The grand dining hall of House Astarot was dimly lit, casting long shadows that danced across the walls as the flickering candlelight played upon the polished surfaces.

Diaval sat alone at the massive oak table, his plate filled with a simple but hearty meal.

Unlike the communal breakfasts, lunch and dinner were taken separately, allowing each family member their own time to reflect and dine in peace.

Diaval chewed thoughtfully, his mind drifting between the events of the day and the grander scheme of his plans.

The silence of the night was comforting, a stark contrast to the bustling days within the mansion.

As he was about to take another bite, the door creaked open, and his father, Valtor, walked in, his presence filling the room with an unspoken authority.

Diaval looked up and greeted him with a nod.

"Father," he said respectfully.

"Diaval," Valtor replied, his deep voice resonating in the quiet room.

He walked over and took a seat across from his son, his eyes warm but inquisitive.

"How's your evening?"

"It's been quite productive," Diaval responded, setting down his fork.

"How was the council meeting?"

Valtor chuckled, a sound that brought a smile to Diaval's face.

"Oh, it was the usual—discussions, debates, and of course, a bit of drama.

The highlight was when two of the council members got into a heated argument over the new trade routes.

You should have seen them; it nearly came to blows! Quite a sight to behold," he said, shaking his head with amusement.

Diaval couldn't help but smile. His father's laugh had a way of warming even the coldest hearts.

But as he watched Valtor, a pang of guilt hit him. He couldn't forget that in the original story, one of his own sons had poisoned him to death. It made his resolve even stronger to protect his father and change their fates.

"And how did your discussions with Eldric go?" Valtor asked, his tone shifting to one of interest.

Diaval straightened up.

"They went well. We went over all the details and calculations.

Sir Eldric will have everything ready in your study for you to review."

Valtor nodded approvingly.

"Excellent. You've done well, Diaval. Tomorrow morning, you and Eldric will head to town to withdraw the money from the bank."

Diaval felt a sense of accomplishment and relief.

"Thank you, Father. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly."

Valtor stood up, placing a hand on Diaval's shoulder.

"I have no doubt you will. Goodnight, son."

"Goodnight, Father," Diaval replied, watching as Valtor left the room.

As the door closed behind his father, Diaval leaned back in his chair, feeling a mix of emotions.

He had taken the first steps towards altering the tragic fate that had been written for his family.

Now, with his father's support and Eldric's guidance, he was more determined than ever to see his plans through.

*sigh...

"Tomorrow will be a long day,"he said.

As soon as Valtor left the dining hall, the door swung open once more, and an imposing figure stepped inside.

It was Adrian, his presence unmistakable with his blonde hair and broad shoulders.

He strode confidently across the room and took the seat Valtor had just vacated, his eyes locking onto Diaval's with a predatory intensity.

"Diaval," Adrian greeted with a smirk. "I just wanted to thank you for passing the role of House Master to me. It must have been a difficult decision, but you made the right one."

Diaval's jaw tightened. "You're welcome, Adrian," he replied curtly, returning to his meal.

'This bastard nevee gets enough of teasing,'Diaval thought than rather saying it.

Adrian leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

"So, what was Father doing in here earlier? Looked like you two were having a serious conversation."

Diaval's annoyance flared.

"That's none of your business, Adrian."

"None of my business?" Adrian's smirk grew wider.

"Everything that happens in this house is my business, especially now that I'm the future House Master."

'What a cocky and arrogant bastard.'

"Not yet, you're not," Diaval shot back, his voice laced with irritation.

"And Father's business with me remains private."

Adrian's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in them.

"You really think you're better than me, don't you? Always have. Just because Father dotes on you like you're some kind of precious gem."

Diaval leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"It's not about being better, Adrian. It's about knowing my worth. And frankly, I don't need to prove anything to you."

Adrian's face reddened with anger.

"You're a fucking joke, Diaval. You think you're so smart, so special.

But you're just a coward, too scared to take on the responsibility that comes with being House Master."

'I might have passed down the role to you because I was scared of the future where I was going to die...I won't deny that part.'

'But if he tries anymore schemes related to the safety of this family, I won't hesitate...'

Diaval stood up, his own temper flaring but remaining calm and keeping his composure, somehow his words stabbing Adrian harder.

"You think you're tough because you can swing a sword and puff out your chest? Strength isn't just about muscle. It's about brains, strategy, and knowing when to act."

Adrian scoffed.

"Brains? You mean like hiding behind books and your little schemes? Real men fight with their fists, with their strength."

"Yeah, and real men know when to shut their damn mouths," Diaval retorted.

"If you think you're so much better, then prove it. But don't expect me to hand everything over to you on a silver platter."

The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with the unspoken threat of violence.

Adrian's fists clenched, and Diaval could see the barely restrained fury in his eyes. It was clear that Adrian was teetering on the edge of losing control.

Before things could escalate further, the door opened once more, and Mira stepped into the room, her eyes widening at the sight of the two brothers squaring off.

"What's going on here?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Adrian, embarrassed by the sudden intrusion, stood up abruptly, his face contorted with anger and humiliation.

"Nothing that concerns you, Mira," he spat before turning on his heel and storming out of the room, leaving Diaval and Mira alone.

Diaval let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, running a hand through his hair.

"Thanks for that, Mira. You have perfect timing."

Mira gave him a small, worried smile.

"Are you alright, Master Diaval?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, though his heart was still pounding from the confrontation.

"Just dealing with my lovely brother."

Mira nodded, her concern evident.

"Just... be careful, alright? Master Adrian can be... unpredictable."

'Oh that I know better than anyone.'

Diaval nodded, appreciating her concern. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Mira."

As Mira left the room, Diaval sank back into his chair, feeling the weight of the evening's events settle heavily on his shoulders.

Adrian might have his brute strength, but Diaval had his wits, and he was prepared to use them to protect everything he held dear.