“Indeed. I, too, think that his claim seems quite reasonable.”
The assertive voice belonged to the emperor.
The emperor, who had been watching Cassion with satisfaction all along, took his side.
As the emperor stepped forward to speak, the people around hastily nodded and added their own input.
“Honestly, the first son’s words are correct.”
“Yeah, and besides, we just witnessed it. With that level of skill, he could become a duke.”
“Exactly, what could be the problem? Now he can use magic too.”
“At a glance, he seems more capable than the second son, right…?”
With a few words from the people, Cassion was already a strong candidate for the duchy’s successorship.
Leo blinked.
His head was spinning.
Someone who had considered himself nothing became the biggest obstacle in his life all of a sudden.
Thinking it was a rock, he kicked it, only to find out it turned into a stepping stone and came back.
This was something he never expected or imagined.
He felt the blood rushing, but losing composure was not an option.
In times of crisis, he needed to stay calm and think.
Contemplating silently, Leo finally thought of one way to not completely yield to Cassion’s dominance.
“…But, Father. Unfortunately, we can’t immediately reinstate my brother as a successor candidate.”
“What?”
With an uncomfortable expression, the duke asked, but Leo didn’t care and continued.
“Isn’t it because of the tradition of the Carter family? To regain the status as a successor candidate after losing it, one has to go through some tests.”
This was Leo’s last ditch effort.
The longstanding tradition of House Carter.
To regain one’s status as a successor after losing it, they’d have to undergo several tests.
Closing his eyes and contemplating, the duke raised his head with a nod.
“Now that you mention it, there is such a procedure.”
“Yes, dear. Although Cassion’s case is a bit special… Still, we can’t ignore the family’s traditions, can we?”
At the voice of the duchess, who spoke up at the right moment, Cassion laughed inwardly.
The burning gaze from Leo.
The anxious voice of the duchess, who couldn’t hide her impatience.
All of this was unbearable and absurd.
Meanwhile, the duke nodded.
If he already had the qualification to be the successor, passing through a few gateways should be a breeze.
There was no need to violate tradition.
“Yes, that’s right. Since everyone is already watching, the witnesses should be sufficient.”
Smirking, the duke straightened his posture after clearing his throat.
People eagerly awaited the words coming from the duke’s mouth.
Finally, the authoritative voice of the duke echoed in the quiet hall.
“I decree a test for Cassion Carter to reclaim his successorship. If Cassion passes all three tests, then at that time, we will establish Cassion as the successor. However, if he fails the tests…”
The eyes of the duke, who had been looking at Cassion, briefly shifted towards Leo and returned.
“I will announce Leo Carter as the successor of the Carter Duchy.”
Thud, thud.
He tapped his cane on the ground twice.
People applauded and cheered at this intriguing turn of events. Even the emperor joined in with a benevolent smile, clapping his hands.
Cassion nodded graciously to those people.
‘Just as planned.’
No, it worked even better than planned.
Thanks to Leo and Urien’s pointless actions, the situation turned in his favor.
Approaching Leo with a face adorned with laughter, Cassion extended his hand.
“Regardless of who becomes the successor, let’s congratulate and accept it with joy, younger brother.”
In response to Cassion’s insincere voice, Leo also pulled the corners of his mouth, forcing a smile.
Then, he shook hands with Cassion.
“Yeah. Count on me.”
Two pairs of red eyes, seemingly similar yet different, locked gazes with each other.
Not even blazing flames would be able to match the intensity of their eyes.
That’s how the ball came to an end.
However, even days after the ball, Leo couldn’t easily calm his anger.
It was an inevitable matter.
His fingertips had almost touched the position of a duke.
No, they had touched somewhere close.
Now, it felt like it would have fallen into his grasp if he had just stretched out his hand a little more.
However, facing the crisis of having it snatched away right in front of him was a bitter pill to swallow.
It was tormenting to see Cassion, who had returned home, as he wasn’t the same Cassion as before. After all, if someone looks down on you, you will only naturally repay them in kind.
The duke subtly sided with Cassion as well, due to his impressive abilities.
As these changes became apparent, even the fact of sharing the same roof with Cassion began to irritate Leo.
Spending a few days in defeat, he exploded with emotion the moment he saw Daniel’s face.
“You were right. I was angry at the wrong person.”
Daniel shrugged at Leo’s calm tone. Leaning against the window frame, he looked at Leo.
“Well, I’ll still help you out.”
“You’re going to help me?”
“Yes.”
“What’s the catch?”
The first words that popped out were that. It was quite reasonable since Daniel, who Leo had experienced until now, was not someone who would help others out of pure goodwill.
“Catch? It’s harsh to call it that when I help someone for no special reason.”
“No way you’re helping with no reason.”
With a voice full of suspicion, Leo stared at Daniel. Without saying a word, Daniel smiled in response.
The soundless smile vanished as silently as it appeared, and his expressionless face seemed devoid of any emotions.
Though Leo encountered this expression frequently, he couldn’t get used to the eerie feeling it gave him.
Daniel tapped the window frame with his fingertips.
“Your brother, the one you consider a hindrance. He reminds me of a similar hindrance that we’ve encountered before.”
“Who?”
“Maxwell.”
At the familiar yet out-of-place name, Leo blinked.
“The Ducal Lady’s escort?”
“That’s right.”
“But I already confirmed his face. It wasn’t Cassion,”
Leo firmly replied, eliciting laughter from Daniel.
Oh, this foolish and naïve guy.
“We were deceived. Because Rita is…”
So adorably clever.
Daniel whispered, his words dripping with affectionate cunningness. He grinned, and a modest flush appeared unto his cheeks.
Leo found himself shaking his head again at the sight. “
‘Crazy bastard.’
Yet, amidst these thoughts, there was an odd credibility in Daniel’s words, perhaps because the energy sensed from both of them was similar.
Suddenly, he recalled Rosetta’s words from the ball.
“Oh my. It’s not a dream but reality. And it’s already inconvenient if you think so.”
“Well, it’s because there might be even more dream-like things ahead.”
Hah. Then had she been mocking him right then, teasing him about future events?
Irritation surged at the thought of the annoying woman, but he forced himself to stay calm.
He wasn’t foolish enough to talk badly of that woman in front of the crazy guy who seemed crazy for her.
Instead, he asked something else.
“So how are you going to help me?”
“There are three tests in total. First, gain the agreement of the three ducal families. Second, embark on the path of the dragon and gain enlightenment. Third, in the presence of another successor candidate, obtain their agreement or, if not, engage in a duel to determine the heir…”
Daniel trailed off for a moment. In the quiet silence, the man’s blue eyes flashed eerily.
“During the tests, opportunities will arise somehow. Then… at that moment, you can kill him. And I need to bring in Rita as well.”
The thought of Rita hiding that bastard beside her, especially considering the occasional affectionate exchanges between the two, made his stomach turn.
He wanted to rush to find Cassion and twist his neck immediately.
‘Why did she keep him by her side?’
It was obvious.
Because making Cassion the duke instead of Leo was, by way, twisting the original novel’s plot.
It seemed that she and her sister got along quite well, too.
But was that really the only reason?
Once again, a surge of anger welled up.
He wanted to twist that guy’s neck, cut off his breathing, and erase his existence without leaving a trace.
Oh, it wouldn’t be bad to kill him in front of Rita.
That way, she wouldn’t turn her attention to other things again.
When her mother died, for a while, Rita’s eyes were solely focused on him.
Perhaps, out of fear that someone else might lose their life because of Rita herself.
The occasional trembling gaze looking at him was more lovely than anything else.
Body, mind, and gaze—all of her belonged entirely to him during that time.
It was truly a happy period.
Well, if only they could go back to that time.
If they could go back, never again…
“Yes, never again should the chance be missed.”
A fierce snowstorm began to whip across the dark night sky.
“Well, to do that… first, I need to figure out what to do with the strange power Rosetta possesses.”
Daniel’s fingertips tapped the windowsill again. The rhythmic tapping suddenly stopped. In the darkness, his blue eyes glittered sharply.
Lips tinged with a smile drew a refreshing arc.
“I already have a method in mind for that.”
Several faces flashed through his mind.
Rosetta, Cassion, Alicia.
He intended to use all means available to him.
“Indeed. I, too, think that his claim seems quite reasonable.”
The assertive voice belonged to the emperor.
The emperor, who had been watching Cassion with satisfaction all along, took his side.
As the emperor stepped forward to speak, the people around hastily nodded and added their own input.
“Honestly, the first son’s words are correct.”
“Yeah, and besides, we just witnessed it. With that level of skill, he could become a duke.”
“Exactly, what could be the problem? Now he can use magic too.”
“At a glance, he seems more capable than the second son, right…?”
With a few words from the people, Cassion was already a strong candidate for the duchy’s successorship.
Leo blinked.
His head was spinning.
Someone who had considered himself nothing became the biggest obstacle in his life all of a sudden.
Thinking it was a rock, he kicked it, only to find out it turned into a stepping stone and came back.
This was something he never expected or imagined.
He felt the blood rushing, but losing composure was not an option.
In times of crisis, he needed to stay calm and think.
Contemplating silently, Leo finally thought of one way to not completely yield to Cassion’s dominance.
“…But, Father. Unfortunately, we can’t immediately reinstate my brother as a successor candidate.”
“What?”
With an uncomfortable expression, the duke asked, but Leo didn’t care and continued.
“Isn’t it because of the tradition of the Carter family? To regain the status as a successor candidate after losing it, one has to go through some tests.”
This was Leo’s last ditch effort.
The longstanding tradition of House Carter.
To regain one’s status as a successor after losing it, they’d have to undergo several tests.
Closing his eyes and contemplating, the duke raised his head with a nod.
“Now that you mention it, there is such a procedure.”
“Yes, dear. Although Cassion’s case is a bit special… Still, we can’t ignore the family’s traditions, can we?”
At the voice of the duchess, who spoke up at the right moment, Cassion laughed inwardly.
The burning gaze from Leo.
The anxious voice of the duchess, who couldn’t hide her impatience.
All of this was unbearable and absurd.
Meanwhile, the duke nodded.
If he already had the qualification to be the successor, passing through a few gateways should be a breeze.
There was no need to violate tradition.
“Yes, that’s right. Since everyone is already watching, the witnesses should be sufficient.”
Smirking, the duke straightened his posture after clearing his throat.
People eagerly awaited the words coming from the duke’s mouth.
Finally, the authoritative voice of the duke echoed in the quiet hall.
“I decree a test for Cassion Carter to reclaim his successorship. If Cassion passes all three tests, then at that time, we will establish Cassion as the successor. However, if he fails the tests…”
The eyes of the duke, who had been looking at Cassion, briefly shifted towards Leo and returned.
“I will announce Leo Carter as the successor of the Carter Duchy.”
Thud, thud.
He tapped his cane on the ground twice.
People applauded and cheered at this intriguing turn of events. Even the emperor joined in with a benevolent smile, clapping his hands.
Cassion nodded graciously to those people.
‘Just as planned.’
No, it worked even better than planned.
Thanks to Leo and Urien’s pointless actions, the situation turned in his favor.
Approaching Leo with a face adorned with laughter, Cassion extended his hand.
“Regardless of who becomes the successor, let’s congratulate and accept it with joy, younger brother.”
In response to Cassion’s insincere voice, Leo also pulled the corners of his mouth, forcing a smile.
Then, he shook hands with Cassion.
“Yeah. Count on me.”
Two pairs of red eyes, seemingly similar yet different, locked gazes with each other.
Not even blazing flames would be able to match the intensity of their eyes.
That’s how the ball came to an end.
However, even days after the ball, Leo couldn’t easily calm his anger.
It was an inevitable matter.
His fingertips had almost touched the position of a duke.
No, they had touched somewhere close.
Now, it felt like it would have fallen into his grasp if he had just stretched out his hand a little more.
However, facing the crisis of having it snatched away right in front of him was a bitter pill to swallow.
It was tormenting to see Cassion, who had returned home, as he wasn’t the same Cassion as before. After all, if someone looks down on you, you will only naturally repay them in kind.
The duke subtly sided with Cassion as well, due to his impressive abilities.
As these changes became apparent, even the fact of sharing the same roof with Cassion began to irritate Leo.
Spending a few days in defeat, he exploded with emotion the moment he saw Daniel’s face.
“You were right. I was angry at the wrong person.”
Daniel shrugged at Leo’s calm tone. Leaning against the window frame, he looked at Leo.
“Well, I’ll still help you out.”
“You’re going to help me?”
“Yes.”
“What’s the catch?”
The first words that popped out were that. It was quite reasonable since Daniel, who Leo had experienced until now, was not someone who would help others out of pure goodwill.
“Catch? It’s harsh to call it that when I help someone for no special reason.”
“No way you’re helping with no reason.”
With a voice full of suspicion, Leo stared at Daniel. Without saying a word, Daniel smiled in response.
The soundless smile vanished as silently as it appeared, and his expressionless face seemed devoid of any emotions.
Though Leo encountered this expression frequently, he couldn’t get used to the eerie feeling it gave him.
Daniel tapped the window frame with his fingertips.
“Your brother, the one you consider a hindrance. He reminds me of a similar hindrance that we’ve encountered before.”
“Who?”
“Maxwell.”
At the familiar yet out-of-place name, Leo blinked.
“The Ducal Lady’s escort?”
“That’s right.”
“But I already confirmed his face. It wasn’t Cassion,”
Leo firmly replied, eliciting laughter from Daniel.
Oh, this foolish and naïve guy.
“We were deceived. Because Rita is…”
So adorably clever.
Daniel whispered, his words dripping with affectionate cunningness. He grinned, and a modest flush appeared unto his cheeks.
Leo found himself shaking his head again at the sight. “
‘Crazy bastard.’
Yet, amidst these thoughts, there was an odd credibility in Daniel’s words, perhaps because the energy sensed from both of them was similar.
Suddenly, he recalled Rosetta’s words from the ball.
“Oh my. It’s not a dream but reality. And it’s already inconvenient if you think so.”
“Well, it’s because there might be even more dream-like things ahead.”
Hah. Then had she been mocking him right then, teasing him about future events?
Irritation surged at the thought of the annoying woman, but he forced himself to stay calm.
He wasn’t foolish enough to talk badly of that woman in front of the crazy guy who seemed crazy for her.
Instead, he asked something else.
“So how are you going to help me?”
“There are three tests in total. First, gain the agreement of the three ducal families. Second, embark on the path of the dragon and gain enlightenment. Third, in the presence of another successor candidate, obtain their agreement or, if not, engage in a duel to determine the heir…”
Daniel trailed off for a moment. In the quiet silence, the man’s blue eyes flashed eerily.
“During the tests, opportunities will arise somehow. Then… at that moment, you can kill him. And I need to bring in Rita as well.”
The thought of Rita hiding that bastard beside her, especially considering the occasional affectionate exchanges between the two, made his stomach turn.
He wanted to rush to find Cassion and twist his neck immediately.
‘Why did she keep him by her side?’
It was obvious.
Because making Cassion the duke instead of Leo was, by way, twisting the original novel’s plot.
It seemed that she and her sister got along quite well, too.
But was that really the only reason?
Once again, a surge of anger welled up.
He wanted to twist that guy’s neck, cut off his breathing, and erase his existence without leaving a trace.
Oh, it wouldn’t be bad to kill him in front of Rita.
That way, she wouldn’t turn her attention to other things again.
When her mother died, for a while, Rita’s eyes were solely focused on him.
Perhaps, out of fear that someone else might lose their life because of Rita herself.
The occasional trembling gaze looking at him was more lovely than anything else.
Body, mind, and gaze—all of her belonged entirely to him during that time.
It was truly a happy period.
Well, if only they could go back to that time.
If they could go back, never again…
“Yes, never again should the chance be missed.”
A fierce snowstorm began to whip across the dark night sky.
“Well, to do that… first, I need to figure out what to do with the strange power Rosetta possesses.”
Daniel’s fingertips tapped the windowsill again. The rhythmic tapping suddenly stopped. In the darkness, his blue eyes glittered sharply.
Lips tinged with a smile drew a refreshing arc.
“I already have a method in mind for that.”
Several faces flashed through his mind.
Rosetta, Cassion, Alicia.
He intended to use all means available to him.
