Romanoff Dukedom: Aftermath (4)

Duke Vartos headed towards the couch set on the other side of the Duchess' study. He took a seat and helped himself with the cold tea.

Prior to taking a sip, he looked at Ius and said, "Come here, Ius. Let's have a proper talk."

Ius didn't move for a few seconds. There were thousands, if not hundreds, of things bombarding his already cramped thoughts. Confused? Appalled? The young man didn't know what to feel.

Before he knew it, his mind went blank. His darkened heart overtook his reason.

Alyanus Versi Romanoff's death was connected to the Orschetta Clan. Ius knew that his older brother was trying to investigate the anomalies within the aforementioned clan. Because of that, Sir Prev, who was the spy commissioned by the Orschettas, killed Alyanus in the most brutal way possible.

But that was not all there was to it. There was a myriad of mysteries that he had yet to uncover.

Still and all, Ius couldn't believe that, through his actions which he believed to be in the right, was of great benefit to the clan he loathed the most.

Duke Vartos was sentient of how deep Ius' hatred ran. That's the reason why he chose to reprimand Ius for killing Erwin rather than telling the truth.

But it all ended up for naught. They were already at that stage in the conversation.

"Ius," The Duke called for his son again.

This time, Ius heeded his father's words, albeit inattentively. With his head down, the young man sauntered towards the couch. He was muttering his grievances incoherently, much to the Duke's dismay.

"Ius, listen to me."

Ius did raise his head, but his eyes were blank. It was clear to the Duke that his attention wasn't on him.

Duke Vartos raised the teacup and threw it at the glass table. The sound of glasses shattering woke Ius up which was what the Duke wanted.

Despite the fact that something in the room had been broken, no servant entered to clean the mess up. It was because the Duchess made sure to dismiss the servants lingering outside of her room as she exited the area.

With his bleeding hand, the Duke brushed through his hair. He then sighed as he looked his son in the eye.

"Ius, I appreciate that you're comfortable enough to show your weakness in front of your father. However, I'll only allow it once. After all, you're my only heir."

Instead of responding, Ius' gaze was pinned on his father's bleeding hand. His lips quivered as he took a glance at the Duke.

"Fa-- father, your hand," Ius said as he stood up, "I'll call the physician. We need to get that pa-"

"No need. It will heal soon."

"But father, your hand, it's bleeding."

"Ius, I'm alright. Sit down, we have a lot to talk about."

Though he didn't want to compromise, the Duke's insistent tone forced Ius to take a seat anew. His gaze lingered on his father's hand, managing to earn the Duke's ire.

"Ius, we're going to have a conversation. Face me properly." Duke Vartos said as he straightened his back.

Lagagrdly, Ius raised his head, only to meet his father's inquisitive stare. If not for the fact that the Duke ordered it, he would've lowered his head immediately.

"First of all, the grand elders will have a meeting in three hours' time. We will be deciding what punishment to bestow you. I will not, in any way, interfere with the Decision. As long as you will live by the end of it, I won't care whether you are to be banished or imprisoned."

Ius didn't have the strength to go against his father's words. Far from his earlier arrogance, the young man had realized what kind of sin he had just committed.

He didn't know that Erwin was in possession of that ability. Ivar only told him once he had already killed Erwin Pelt.

If he could, Ius would have long punished himself.

"As for the rest of the Valk League, they will be questioned about what transpired within the Eschira Forest. They will receive punishments of equal degree based on their participation. However, I will make sure that the grand elders remember that you're the one to catch the runaway of the Orschettas, Riberto Ilvos."

Regardless of how disobedient Ius had become, Duke Vartos only had the best interest of his son. Although they didn't have a good relationship, being that they're both imperious, the Duke had never forgotten to challenge Ius in order to make him grow in terms of capabilities.

Duke Vartos deeply cherished his son. Having said that, he wanted to castigate Ius for lacking judgment this time around. After all, the young man had continuously insisted on what he desired to happen rather than see the essence of the grand elders' commands.

"That won't be enough to lighten your punishment, lamentably. What do you have to say for yourself, Ius Romanoff?"

Ius mumbled an apology, but it didn't reach the Duke's ears. Nevertheless, Ius didn't speak thereafter.

Sighing heavily, the Duke got up on his feet and approached his son. He stood beside Ius and patted his head.

"I don't know why you insist on being independent. I also don't know why you're trying to investigate Alyanus' death on your own. You've never asked me for help, so I'm not aware of how to be of assistance."

As he listened to the Duke's words, a single droplet of tear came out of Ius' eyes. It landed on the carpet. Soon enough, it was followed by a shower of his cries. The young man began sobbing. He quickly covered his mouth with his hands, hoping to hamper his soft wailing.

"I deeply miss your brother, and so does your mother. We are not in a position to investigate his death at the moment. Investigating his death means antagonizing the Orschettas who were accused of the crime. So after you've received your punishment and repented over your sins, please come to us. We will help you find justice for Alyanus."