7 days later part 6

I stole a quick glance at Jeffrey's status window as he was leaving the room, my curiosity getting the better of me. His profile revealed details of his current state, reminding me of the challenges he faced.

Name: Jeffrey (Injured)

Level: 32

Class: Senior knight

Job: Stormwind Knights

HP: 14,800

MP: 4,600

Strength: 50

Defense: 54

Agility: 42

Intelligence: 46

Charm: 20

Talents: Martial talent (C), Mana affinity (C), Bright heart (D)

Skills

Passive: Endurance (C), Fatigue Recovery (C), Great Strength (D), Swordsmanship (B), Mana control (C)

Active: Flame Guard (C), Flame Edge (B), Heat wave (E), Burning slash (C), Fire storm (B), Heart fire (C), Flame steps (D)

Divine Protection: Goddess of War (C)

Title: Fallen pride

After ten minutes had passed since meeting with Jeffrey, our lunch orders arrived. The dishes were meticulously prepared, satisfying both in quantity and taste. As we enjoyed the meal, Matilda couldn't contain her curiosity and asked me a question.

Matilda: Young master, how do you know that the grand Chamberlain wants Jeffrey dead?

I responded, trying to downplay my previous statement.

Arthur: I was merely speculating, Matilda. To be honest, I don't possess concrete knowledge of the grand Chamberlain's intentions regarding Jeffrey's fate.

Eleanor, surprised by my response, voiced her concern.

Eleanor: Young master, you deceived Jeffrey, and now you expect him to trust and help you?

Turning my attention to Eleanor, I explained my reasoning.

Arthur: Eleanor, you fail to grasp the bigger picture. It matters little whether the grand Chamberlain truly desires Jeffrey's demise.

What's crucial here is that the castle's inhabitants perceive me as destined to die, and whoever is responsible for my safety will suffer the consequences. Those within the duke's household and the knight order with certain status are aware of this dynamic.

Therefore, who do you think would willingly step forward to take Jeffrey's place? A position where certain death looms.

I paused for a moment, allowing my words to sink in before continuing.

Arthur: Why do you all think in the first place Jeffrey was assigned to this position?.

Beatrice added her perspective.

Beatrice:Jeffrey's selection serves a larger purpose, young master. Though you are treated as an unwanted presence in the duke's household, they are well aware that if any accident were to befall you and they cannot find someone of suitable status within the household or the knight order to take responsibility, it would appear as if they deliberately allowed the tragedy to occur.

Jeffrey fits the criteria perfectly. He is a person of certain status, hailing from the prestigious Stormwind Knights. Despite his injury, his past brilliance still shines. Moreover, being the son-in-law of the influential grand Chamberlain further solidifies his suitability. Blaming him for any mishap would effectively quell suspicions directed at the duke's household.

Arthur: You are correct Beatrice,hence Jeffrey doesn't have any choice but to take my hand and today he will realise that as his superiors will refuse to change his position.

After enjoying a pleasant lunch with my trusted maids, I bid farewell to the golden wheat restaurant and made my way to the bustling market plaza in the city.

The marketplace was alive with vendors selling their wares, and the aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air.As the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden hue across the landscape, I realized that time was slipping away. With the approaching dusk, I decided to expedite my errands and secure the necessary items swiftly.

Once my purchases were complete, I made my way to the awaiting carriage. The coachman greeted me with a respectful nod and opened the carriage door. Stepping inside, I settled into the plush seat, feeling a sense of tranquility wash over me as the carriage began its journey back to the castle.

The rhythmic clatter of the horses' hooves echoed through the streets, accompanied by the soft jingle of harnesses. Along the way, I gazed out of the window, observing the city's transformation as daylight gradually surrendered to the twilight hours.With each step I took towards the castle entrance, a renewed determination filled my heart.

Jeffrey's pov

I paced back and forth in my room, frustration boiling within me like a raging tempest. The echoes of George's words reverberated in my mind, each syllable piercing my heart like a dagger. "Fuck, fuck, fuck," I muttered under my breath, unable to contain my anguish any longer.I remembered vividly the conversation I had with George, one of the three vice commanders of the Stormwind Knights' first unit.

I had sought him out at the headquarters, desperate for a change in my assigned task.

As I entered his office, he greeted me with an air of friendliness, but it quickly dissipated when I made my plea."George, please," I implored, my voice filled with desperation.

"I can't continue guarding the young lord. I need a different job."A sardonic smile crept across George's face, and his tone turned mocking.

"Jeffrey, my dear," he retorted.

"The die has already been cast. You can't change your fate now. Even if you were to approach the grand Chamberlain himself, it would be futile."

His words hit me like a blow to the gut. It was a stark reminder of the powerlessness, I felt trapped.

George's demeanor shifted, his voice taking on a more serious tone as he issued a warning."Listen carefully, Jeffrey,"

He cautioned, his eyes piercing into mine. "Instead of trying to change your circumstances, embrace the remaining days you have. And let me make one thing abundantly clear: if you even think about running or abandoning your duty before it's completed, you will be branded a rebel. And you know what happens to rebels and their families."

The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, suffocating me with their gravity. Thoughts of my parents,Jonah,my new defenseless and vulnerable child, added to my distress.

George, with a calculated twist of gratitude, offered some assurance that my family would be taken care of, a bitter consolation for my sacrifice.

With nothing more to add, George dismissed me from his office, leaving me alone with my swirling emotions and the daunting realization that my fate was sealed.

I collapsed onto my bed, overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. The room seemed to close in around me, suffocating me with its oppressive silence.

As I closed my eyes, images of my family and the uncertainty of the days to come haunted my restless mind. In the midst of my turmoil, one thing became painfully clear—I had to find a way to navigate the treacherous path ahead, for my own survival and for the sake of those I held dear and the only person that can help me is the young lord.