Chapter 107: Grand Festival 9

Chapter 107: Grand Festival 9



The first time I met the Duke was also the first time I met Liyana.

Knowing who he was and his role in the grand narrative of this world, I had always expected him to possess an aura that was heavenly, a cut above the rest.

That's why I was greatly surprised by how normal and gentle he was when we first met.

Yes, a single glance was all you needed to tell that the man was strong.

Even as a child, I wasn't blind to that fact. He was the only human in the room who felt out of place, like he existed on a higher plane of existence.

Yet at the same time, he was the most human.

He was kind. He was gentle. He was reliable. He was the perfect father and person you could have inside and outside.

"Please, sit down," the Duke repeated, gesturing to an opulent chair in the center of the

room.

I nodded and took my seat, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on me. The Duke took his seat opposite me, his piercing red eyes studying me intently.

The radiating aura of power that surrounded him...

'Did he get stronger?' I wondered.

I always found it strange that he didn't play a role in subjugating Liyana in the original scenario of the game, especially since he had the power and strength to at least somewhat match her.

Not to mention, she was his daughter. He held the most responsibility regarding Liyana.

But...

After spending more time with him and understanding who he really was, I could tell that even if you rearranged certain scenarios, this man didn't have what it took to kill his daughter.

That's how much he loves Liyana.

Even though she became the world-ender in the end, he chose to remain put, ignoring the happenings in the world.

He would rather die than put a single scratch on his beloved daughter.

That's why I respect him and don't like him at the same time. I get that he loves her, but to ignore what's at stake, especially if you have the power to change it, is just downright stupid. "Time really flies by before you know it, huh? It wasn't so long ago that you were just around my hip, and now look at you, all grown up," the Duke remarked, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

"Haha, well, time goes by when we least watch it," I replied with a small chuckle.

Nodding at my words, he wore a gentle, reminiscing smile as he closed his eyes briefly before crossing his legs. He then scanned me from head to toe, his expression a mix of pride and curiosity.

"Not only have you grown bigger, it seems you've also gotten stronger as well, son," he noted, his eyes taking on a discerning glint.

'I guess even if I hold back my mana, a sword master like him can easily see through it' He probably just needed to see my physique to guess my current level of strength.

His eyes then glowed red as he looked at me even more intensely. "It seems you've trained quite a lot. The muscle inside is firm and steady, and the way your mana is flowing directly to your heart through your mana veins is very smooth. Not to mention all the excess energy is being used quite well... Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to pry like that."

"It's alright father" I assured him. "I've been working hard to improve and be of use to Liyana and the family."

He smiled warmly at my words, a mixture of pride and satisfaction in his expression. "Your dedication is commendable, Riley. Liyana is fortunate to have someone like you by her side in the future"

I was a bit surprised that he wasn't questioning my sudden increase in strength, considering how weak I had been since childhood.

But given that people in this world sometimes bloom late, like his late wife who was also a sword master alongside him, I guess late bloomers were just normal for him.

A black-haired maid approached us, bowing slightly before placing two cups of tea in front of us. The Duke thanked the servant before she left, then took his tea and sipped it smoothly. "Riley, I'm sure you're quite surprised, no, probably more curious as to why I'm here, right? So I won't beat around the bush. As you've probably guessed by now, I'm here to watch the upcoming Grand Festival tomorrow."

"Won't it cause problems for the academy if such an important figure as yourself suddenly becomes part of the audience?" I asked, my concern evident in my voice.

The Duke smiled, a mixture of amusement and reassurance in his eyes. "I understand your concern. However, arrangements have been made to ensure that my presence doesn't disrupt the event. Besides, the Grand Festival is a significant occasion, and it's important for me to be here, not just as a spectator, but to support you and Liyana's future"

Even if he says that his presence alone is enough to shake the whole academy... Not even foreign royals and nobles can ignore him. After all, in this world, sword masters and archons

were akin to nuclear bombs, weapons of mass destruction.

His every movement causes whole nations to be concerned.

A living weapon-that's what he is.

"I'm here for other reasons as well, but those are matters that require secrecy under the Emperor's orders, so this is all the information I can share with you right now," he said, his tone steady but carrying an undertone of gravity.

As I walked out of the room. The nagging sense of recognition lingered, but I couldn't place

where or when I might have seen her.

Leaving the grand room, I made my way through the opulent halls of the Royal Hall, my

footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors.

.....

Back in the Duke's room, the young-looking maid approached him, gracefully refilling his

empty tea cup with a refreshing and warm brew. The delicate aroma of the tea filled the air, mingling with the residual tension from the earlier conversation.

The Duke glanced at her slightly, his sharp eyes softening as he observed her. "So, how was it? What was your first impression of your future master, Lillian?"

The maid smiled at his curious question, a mysterious glint in her red eyes that shone brightly

for a second. "He looked like a wonderful master to serve," she replied, her voice steady and

respectful.

"I actually wanted for your older twin to be here as well but Liyana seems to have taken quite

a liking to her"

"It's fine your grace I'm sure big sis likes being by milady's side as well"

....

As I stepped outside, the cool evening air greeted me, offering a refreshing contrast to the

intense atmosphere inside the Duke's room.

The academy grounds were unusually quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling activity that

would soon accompany the dawn.

The sky above was painted with the soft hues of twilight, the first stars beginning to twinkle

in the darkening expanse.

I began making my way back to my dormitory, my thoughts still lingering on the weighty

discussion with the Duke.

However, my steps were abruptly halted as a figure appeared before me, a beautiful girl with a mischievous smile etched across her face.

In her hands, she held a glowing, rolled-up parchment, unmistakably Clara Luminaria. "Riley, let's sign a contract, shall we?" Clara's voice rang out, playful yet insistent. It was

clear she had been waiting for the opportune moment, likely to confirm the relevance of the information the letter I had shared with her las time.

"Sure,"

With a graceful flick of her wrist, Clara unfurled the parchment she had been holding,

revealing intricate, glowing runes inscribed on its surface.

The air around us seemed to shimmer with a faint hint of magic, as if the very essence of the academy was becoming dimmer and darker.... an invisibility spell?

It seems her excitement wasn't enough to make her forget about certain precautions. She held out a quill pen, its tip glistening with a golden ink that pulsed with a subtle power.

As I took the pen from her, I couldn't help but feel a tingling sensation in my fingertips, a sign

that whatever I was about to agree to was more than just a mundane agreement. Carefully, I examined the runes on the parchment.

They danced before my eyes, seemingly alive with ancient wisdom and arcane energy.

Clara's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with excitement, as if she knew something I didn't

-a feeling she often seemed to revel in.

"By signing this contract your knowledge is mine and my time is yours...." She began "It's a

wonderful exchange, no?"

Yes, it truly is....