A Nephew's Lamentation

Within the halls of Dunsten's mansion, hours after the explosion that shook the mansion. Viller runs to Vincent's bedroom in a panic. "What happened?" He slams open the door to see the red-skinned doctor who hurriedly lowers his head, a bit reluctant to tell Viller of his uncle's condition. he spoke, "Milord, Duke Vincent has merely fainted." Viller sighs in relief and smiles.

The doctor though coughs, to capture Viller's attention "Unfortunately," The words stop Viller's celebration "The recent stress has put a great burden on his body." Viller's expression was filled with anguish as he immediately held Vincent's hand. The doctor lowers his head as he continues, "Due to his old age his condition wasn't very good to begin with, but with the recent shock." The doctor shakes his head, "I don't think there'll be much time left for him."

Viller looks down before shouting, "GET OUT!" Viller grips his uncles' hand harder as he notices his paling red skin, 'Uncle.' He thought as his eyes were filled with tears. He bows his head to Vincent's hand as he thought fondly 'You've been the only parent I've ever had despite that I.' He sobs as he held back his tears, 'I had the gall to wish for your death.'

He closes his eyes as memories rush in, 'The smell of blood, as my parent bleed while protecting me. A hand reaches out as a man in tears takes me out of the rubble' He chokes back a sob as he looked to Vincent, 'The man who held me as I weep continuously. The man who took care of me as I grieved. The man that raised me to who I am today. I'm so sorry.'

The tears fall 'Please, don't die. I can't lose my family again.' The thought breaks something inside of him making him wail in anguish. As tears fall, He grips his hand as he rests his head on it, the small warmth, a reminder that he's still here.

An hour pass and Viller leaves before he finished composing himself. He exits the room quietly, afraid of waking up Vincent. He walks down the hallway only to notice Ansen Rivider standing by seemingly waiting for him to appear.

Ansen notices his arrival before he spoke consolingly, "Hey, You alright?" Viller only sighs as he holds his head, "I'll be fine." Ansen nods as Viller starts walking as he replied, "I see." Ansen followed then continued reluctantly, "So, we were waiting for you to get back."

Viller looks at him curiously as he spoke, "Why? Is there a problem?" Ansen coughs, feeling a bit awkward "Well, the guests have all returned to their homes but some of the royal guards came to investigate the explosion."

Viller nods as he started to walk hurriedly, "I see, then let us hurry." Ansen follows closely behind him before he spoke, "Who do you think did it?" Viller replies as he glares forward, eyes burning in anger "I don't know. But I'll make sure they cant do it again."

Ansen stays silent a bit afraid of speaking as a single worry worms into his mind 'Let's just hope father had nothing to do with this.' They continue to walk leisurely until they stop in front of the burnt servant quarters.

Athon walks to meet them both, a serious expression is written all over him. With his hand gestured for a handshake he spoke, "Hello Lord Viller," Viller shakes his hand back, "Your highness, It is with great relief to find you safe."

Athan dismisses his concern with a wave, "Thank you Lord Viller," He looks to the burning building as he spoke, "The fire has mostly been extinguished, It is quite a relief that it wasn't attached to the overall mansion so we were able to avoid any further damage." Viller nods as he takes all the information in.

He thinks for a few moments before asking him a question, "Where did the fire originate?" Athon only replies, "A room in the second floor, where we found this." Viller sees the collar, which was burnt and broken. His mind stops at a halt before he shouted, "He's dead!?"

Athon looks at him in confusion, Viller's mind was filled with thought. "Out of all those that could've died. It was him." He looks to the collar as he rubs the burnt ash, a thought forms in his head. He whispers, "The one that did this has it out against the House of Dunsten."

Athon speaks in agreement, "The evidence and the motives are clearly present, The wealth of house Dunsten would be greatly affected by their actions." He then points to the rooms, "The explosion was mostly from the room where this collar was found." Ansen then cuts in, "Then the only one that could've done this would be people with inconspicuous access.

Viller then spoke, "But the only one that could ever enter this building with none the wiser are humans." His face was then filled with anger as he clenches his fist, "It seems my parents weren't enough for these savages."

Athon merely raised his hands, hoping to placate the angered man. "Lord Viller, we still cannot make unnecessary moves." He looks around as servants return as they watch their burnt quarter, "The perpetrator could still be here," Athon then suddenly thought of something, "Lord Viller, what was the reason the servants all left?"

Vincent spoke as he irritatedly looks around, "I ordered them," Athon inquisitively looks to him making him reply, "I didn't want unnecessary servants running around the mansion during the celebration."

Athon nods as he started to think. Ansen meanwhile looks around as he spoke, "Where perhaps would the servant sleep," Viller waves his dismissively, "It matters little to me, they wouldn't remain my servants any longer."

Athon looks at him in shock, but before he could stop him. Viller already walked in front of the crowd of servants before he shouts, "All of you are fired," The murmurs and whispers of indignation was heard. Viller only glares as he shouts once more, "If you wish to stay you shall be investigated."

The crowd stops into silence as some groups leave in droves, face in clear disgruntlement. Athon only looks to him, "Werent we going to investigate them?" Viller shakes his head as he replied, "That is unnecessary, the perpetrator would have left by now."

He looks out to the leaving crowd, "What we need to check would be those that have the money spend." Athon stop in thought, "But ho-" Viller cuts in, "With all due respect, your highness. I wish to take the lead in this investigation under House Dunsten." Athon only nods and Ansen stand still as they watch Viller's face morph in complete anger.

"I wish to kill those who did this, myself."