CHAPTER ELEVEN : A SWORD (2)

"Good evening, young master," greeted an old manservant, catching Adrian's attention. Adrian held a book, reading reports from spies planted in the meeting room.

"My father was planning to shut down the merchant, just as I expected," he murmured to himself. Reflecting on his father's evolving nature, Adrian noted the Duke's recent cold demeanor. The once fiery presence now felt distant and icy.

"What is my sister doing?" Adrian wondered aloud. Isabella's attempt on their father's life had surprised him. Initially, he had wanted to comfort her, but conflicting emotions swirled as he considered their father's changing behavior. Was it in response to Isabella's actions?

The manservant observed Adrian lapse into silence. The manor had been unsettled since the Duke's poisoning attempt. Most staff chose to remain silent, pretending nothing had happened. "The lady is having supper, young master," the manservant reported.

"My father hasn't returned yet," Adrian remarked, feeling a pang of concern. He didn't harbor hatred towards his father, especially since their strained interactions ceased. Yet, the emptiness in the Duke's gaze troubled him deeply. Adrian had once hoped to replace his father and create a haven for Isabella. But was this mansion truly a home for the Duke?

"He hasn't. He canceled all his afternoon duties and left with the butler. Unfortunately, we couldn't track them," the manservant added.

Adrian knew his father was plotting something. He recalled their recent encounter; the Duke had appeared colder than ever before.

Shaking off his thoughts, Adrian reached for a drawer, unfolding notes received from a mysterious informant.

[Entries number #16:

Father refuses to allow the merchant to operate in the Northern territory. The citizens are suffering due to a lack of resources.]

[Entries number #21:

Managed to negotiate with merchants from the South and West. Promised father increased wealth, and he delegated the matter to me.]

[Entries number #29:

Empress pressured for Northern merchant ties. I declined, avoiding entanglement in the Throne succession conflict. Attack ensued; only 20% of the merchants survived.]

Closing the book, Adrian gazed at the moon shrouded by clouds, silently praying to a long-forgotten deity. "Please, do not abandon humanity."

*****

Allen sat before a bustling underground fighting arena, absorbing the atmosphere relayed by gatekeeper Glen. Klein fidgeted beside him, amidst the clang of metal and the roar of the crowd.

[Quest triggered!]

[Save your comrade Klein as the side character villain! Reveal the truth and earn his trust!]

[Reward: Gain fellow butler Klein's trust (+15% favorability), Failure: Death (-15% favorability)]

"If you have questions, ask," Allen said with a deep breath, preparing to evade any inconsistencies that could lead to a failed quest. His true identity as a Raphaelis weighed heavily on him.

Originally, Allen intended to sever the Raphaelis family's ties to the underworld. Yet Liam Ascente's suggestion of aligning with a devil for greater protection intrigued him. The underworld could become Adrian's staunchest ally if only he could maintain control.

However, demons in this realm were deceitful, and Allen trusted only himself. He had tried trusting in gods, but their Light magic rewards felt more like curses, stirring unease deep within.

"I never imagined such things within the Duchy of Raphaelis. Even my father was unaware," Klein remarked, assuming his father's ignorance extended to the former Duke's knowledge.

"No, my father knew, but chose not to intervene," Allen corrected him, shaking his head. "Your father's death had nothing to do with Raphaelis's secrets. Trust me."

"Then why did you return to the underworld?" Klein asked tentatively, the clash of swords drowning their conversation. Silent, Allen frowned, grappling with the questions now directed at him.

"I'm sorry, perhaps that was inappropriate," Klein muttered, sensing the sensitivity of his inquiry.

"It's not," Allen responded cryptically. After Ariel's death, he organized in the underworld, a swordmaster and magician until he inexplicably lost his powers, descending into despair.

"Master, you once spoke of young master's lineage. But to claim the former Emperor as your uncle?" Klein's curiosity surfaced, incredulous at this revelation of royal blood hidden in the Duke's lineage.

"Do you know why aristocrats obsess over blood purity?" Allen replied, his tone somber. "I'm not the Duke's biological son. That's all I can disclose. The less you know of Raphaelis's dark secrets, the better. Just as the former Duke distrusted your father."

"But I trust you, Klein. No oath is necessary but protect Adrian and Isabella. Today, Isabella's attempt on my life reminded me of my mortality. I must prepare them for the future."

Assuming that Klein's father does not know of this also means that his death is not related to Raphaelis's family secret. A growl can be heard from the stomach of his butler. Lucien coughed silently. "Go and get some dinner, we might stay here for the entire night. You should look around too. One day Valcian will come here, but I won't be able to accompany him at that time."

Klein wants to say something but he just shuts his mouth. If the young lady didn't try to take the Duke's life, would he continue to be blind and unaware for the rest of his life? How long have been the Duke protecting his children? Why did he act like that? Even so, he still cannot forgive the Duke.

It was because of the children's childhood. He has no right to treat his child like that. Allen's face looks sad but his calm demeanor shows him how relaxed he is. Klein bowed his head slightly left. Allen finally falls back to the chair. The pressure is too high. He still smiles, receiving the notification.

[Quest success!]

[Reward: The trust of fellow butler Klein (Favourability +15%)]

[Klein Hariel current favorability: 3%]

The fight continues. Allen has gotten bored. Magic and swords were normal in both of their worlds. Not to mention, both of the competitors fight like a beast. No sense of defense and organized an attack. He ignored a woman who was sitting in Klein's place. For some reason, he feels threatened but he focuses on the completion and tries to enjoy it.

If only he could shake the woman next to him, that would be more pleasant. When he glances to his right, he easily recognizes the woman who gave him a threatening aura. Fiery red hair with golden iris. Monarch of Blaze, Nathenia. A cruel woman who receives the title of the flaming phoenix of the underworld. But that's not the worst part.

Nathenia looks toward the man she once knew. Allen Raphaelis, people know him as a different person. He used to be someone who would shine brightly no matter where he went. Unfortunately, under circumstances that no one is clear about, he becomes colder and colder.

Allen stopped his path four years ago. Based on the rumors, he is a drunkard and crazy about women. Nathenia didn't believe it, but as time passed, she witnessed the fall of once the brightest star. Then, until she meets him once again. Allen Raphaelis is as cold and calm as he used to be. Even though he seems to run away from her. But that's not all. The coldness he gives is piercing and sharp.

Estrange yet lonely. Nathenia doesn't know what happened but she can sense it, the fallen star is not rising, but it plunges itself and welcomes the endless abyss. Allen glances towards the arena. Looking for someone he knows should be there.

"You're no fun." Nathenia tries to hug him. Allen grabs her hand and looks toward the woman's status window. He silently gulped. This woman is too overpowered!

[Name: Nathenia Blaze

Age: 75

Abilities: Fire dragon blessing Lv89, Charms Lv65, Elemental magic (Fire Lv93)

Character Identity: A child of the flame dragon of the East. After Allen gives up his position, she takes responsibility for smuggling and importing illegal monsters part outside the territory. She will die protecting Claes Vardinca against the demonic worshippers...(locked)

Favourability: 45%]

Such nonsense high level. What's wrong with age?

Nathenia smiled and laughed her heart out loud. "Anyway, I'm glad you're back. Some flies were infiltrating the underworld not long ago. They were too crazy for my liking. You should be careful."

"I know them. Contact Ruth as well." Allen spoke and nodded his head. As expected. The demonic worshipper has already built their base. That man should have arrived in Vardinca then.

"Uh? Is this why you return?"

"More and less. Just be prepared. He should contact me before entering the underworld." That man should get his citizenship pass by bribing the real Allen and slowly influencing him to join the demonic worshippers.

"He knew your identity?"

"No. He will visit Duke Raphaelis first."