The Armaturova Family (Part - II)

Royal palace... It seems the royal one is trying to protect the rat. So they intend to use this rat to stir further unrest for me in the future.

Duke Armaturov's fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest of his chair, his expression unreadable.

"She spoke about it during the Awakening Day celebration?"

"Indeed. Her Majesty, Queen Violeta, was the one who brought up the matter in conversation."

The existence of his daughter was never meant to remain a secret indefinitely—he had accepted that much. But it was not something the Queen should have discovered so easily. He had a strong suspicion about how she came by this knowledge.

Royal blood was not hereditary. King Luther Vennon Sangrey had claimed the throne several centuries ago by exploiting a loophole in that very truth. Yet, the position had never truly belonged to him. His rule was one borrowed, not owned. Should the rightful heir appear, he would be forced to return it. That uncertainty had become his greatest weakness, breeding paranoia over the years.

"Are you certain you couldn't find anything about the one pulling the strings?"

"There is no mistake. I conducted a thorough investigation, but no one from the royal faction made any visits to the palace."

The royal faction consisted of clans that had supported King Luther in ascending the throne. Over two hundred years, their influence had only grown. Among them, the Magnus Clan—Queen Violeta's maternal family—and the Payne Clan, led by Duke Rojas Payne, held the most favor. Their members had grown increasingly brazen in recent years, yet the King had chosen to turn a blind eye to their excesses.

It was all the more surprising that neither of them seemed to be behind this.

Duke Armaturov skimmed through the report again, eyes narrowing.

"Then, I assume she received this information through him?"

"I have found no direct link to His Majesty, but if you wish, I will continue the investigation."

Duke Armaturov had wondered how the royal family would react to this news. As expected, they were displeased. But it was not something he could change, nor was it his priority. He had no fear of offending them, and he trusted Atlas's skills in handling such matters. However, this was not an urgent concern.

"That's unnecessary. The rat will reveal itself in due time. Right now, what matters is controlling the flow of information before any more leaks occur."

His decision was swift, precise. This was not something he could delegate like any other responsibility—it had to be handled personally.

"Understood, Master."

Atlas Vaelthorne was prepared to carry out his orders, yet he had expected his master to allow him some rest first. What came next, however, made him question his own hearing.

"I will be traveling to Araceli tomorrow with Vladimir. You will remain here at the mansion for security. Return to your duties."

Atlas: "…"

Master… what happened to the promised 'rest for a while' for my tired mind and soul?

Zoran: "…"

He pitied the knight.

Duke Armaturov paid no heed to the changing expressions of his subordinates.

The brat needs to attend the Awakening Ritual, which only happens once a year. Tomorrow is the final day of the week-long ceremony.

He could delay no longer. However, before departing for Araceli, he needed to set things in order. The journey would take two days if he used the teleportation gates. Using his own magic warp was out of the question—it couldn't cover such long distances.

"Oh, and call Nester here."

Atlas, who had momentarily hoped his master was showing some mercy, immediately knew better.

Some years had passed, yet the Xarya twins still refused to get along with him. Delivering a message to Nester meant only one thing: another duel challenge, as had been the case for the past ten years.

Ah… I just want to take a nap. Is that such a difficult wish?

Now, he understood why his master hadn't punished him earlier.

"Understood, Master."

Resigned to his fate, Atlas departed for his impending doom.

Duke Armaturov returned his attention to his work, but his focus wavered. His red eyes darkened as he sank into deep thought. Then, almost unconsciously, he spoke:

"Zoran, where is your Lady?"

As the butler of the household, Zoran was expected to know the movements of everyone within the mansion. Normally, he would answer immediately. This time, however, there was a pause. A hesitation.

"Her Grace has not received any messages from her lady-in-waiting, Lady Emrys, nor from her spirit familiar, Miss Freesia. As such, she is conducting a ritual to reestablish the link with Miss Freesia."

Duke Armaturov stilled.

A sharp, familiar pain struck his head—fear, raw and suffocating. It was quickly replaced by anger. Not at her. At himself.

I told her not to conduct any rituals for the time being…

He should have known better than to believe she would listen. When she set her mind to something, she was as unyielding as he was. She was fiercely protective of those under her care. That was precisely why he rarely interfered.

But this time—this time, she had gone too far.

Without another word, he rose to his feet and vanished in an instant, leaving only a single command behind:

"I'm going there."

My Lady… forgive me for failing you once more.

Zoran knew that in revealing this, he had betrayed his master's trust. Yet, ensuring his safety was also part of his duty.

Meanwhile, in Cordelia's Chamber…

The door creaked open, and a familiar head poked through the gap. Nester Xarya whispered conspiratorially, though his voice was anything but quiet.

"Ah! Edrie, I forgot to mention—that bastard came back from the capital. If he dares to come near the Young Lady or you, call for your big brother! I'll make sure to teach him a lesson!"

Baby Cordelia, who had been sleeping peacefully, stirred awake at the noise. The creaking door was already annoying, but the so-called whispering sealed her fate.

She just wanted to make this disturbance disappear.

A faint throbbing sensation settled in her head. Still, she focused on the new information gleaned from the chatterbox.

A new individual… Most likely a knight, like these two. Judging by how Chatterbox speaks of him, they're either rivals or outright hostile to each other.

Unaware of the dark future where his name would change forever, Chatterbox Nester was busy plotting how to beat up Atlas Vaelthorne.

Edriesa froze for a second, then corrected him in a noticeably colder tone.

"Nester Xarya, do not call me that again."

It was hard to tell what irritated her more—the nickname or the mention of Atlas. But the sharp glint in her eyes was unmistakable.

Cordelia observed the shift in Edriesa's mood. She didn't know how she sensed it, but she was certain she wasn't mistaken.

She has strong feelings for this man… Whether love or hate, I do not yet know.

"When did you get so bold as to call your brother by name?"

Nester's aggrieved tone almost made Cordelia believe he was truly hurt.

Truthfully, she wanted more information, but their conversation was heading in a familiar direction.

"Say another word, and you will be banned from this chamber in the near future."

That shut him up.

As expected…

Cordelia sighed inwardly. If only he had spoken back, she could have had him permanently banned.

The door shut, and peace returned to the chamber. It didn't take long before the silence lulled Cordelia back to sleep.