Father and Son

Duke Walter Mustero frowned when he heard his buttler's report. He vaguely knew the things that happened in the courtyard in his absence through short messages but his heart was still in pain when he heard the details. The death of his concubine, Melann, was a big shock for him.

When he first heard about her death, he was sad since she was the concubine he loved most. But when he learnt the details, he was furious. A fire break out in the courtyard could not be just some coincidence. But the butler said that he could not find anyone suspicious after investigating the matter. The butler, Alois Mustero, was someone who was a close attendant of him since he was young so he did not doubt his words.

Duke Mustero slowly raised up from half-kneeling and placed his hands on the grave stone in front of him. He swore in his heart that he would get back at the culprit, even if the culprit was his own wife, the duchess, or any other concubines! He ordered the butler who was standing silently behind him, to continue the investigation.

"But what should I do with that stupid son of mine?"

The duke had a headache when he thought about his second son, Huvel Mustero. The things he did after losing his memories were outrageous. If he was not his own son, the duke must have already killed such an immoral person who tarnished the reputation of him and his duchy!

The duke actually did not care much about his sons except for his heir Delano Mustero. However, he felt a little sorry for Huvel. After all, he lost his mother and he also lost his memories due to the death of his mother. He also had to consider his son's miraculous return from death and his possession of the former duke's badge.

"The elders of the family must be on edge regarding the matters about him..." He thought. "Huu… I'm sorry Melann!"

"Bring Huvel to my room." The duke made up his mind and ordered the butler.

"As your command, Your Grace." The chamberlain bowed deeply and passed the order to a servant.

The duke left the graveyard and went back to his office. It was a huge and extravagant room that often received important guests. His concubines nor their sons had never entered that room. But, soon, the sole exception, Huvel entered the room.

"I hope you have been well, father." Huvel greeted the duke with a sloppy bow.

"Humph!" The duke knitted his brows tightly. "I heard you lost your memories some months ago but you haven't even learnt the basic manners back yet?"

"Oh, I forgot the damned manners again!" Huvel raised his head and grinned. "I'm sorry father… no… I mean, my apologies, Your Grace."

"Behave yourself!" The duke raised his voice. "Do you know why I called you?!"

"Hmm… Is it to offer your condolences for the lost of my mother?" Huvel rubbed his chin. "You don't have to bother, Your Grace. After all, before she is my mother, she is your concubine. I mean, she was."

"YOU…"

The butler tried to say something but he was interrupted.

"BAM!!"

The duke hit his working table with his fist! The whole room became silent.

"Are you joking with me?!" The duke said coldly.

"I… I"

"Silence! I don't want to hear anything from you. From today, you are exiled from the Mustero Family! Leave the court and never come back! You cannot use 'Mastero' as your last name as well. I'll let you bring your belongings with you out of consideration for your mother."

"HaHaHa! This is ridiculous!" Huvel laughed like a lunatic. "What kind of father abandons his son as soon as his wife is dead?!"

Huvel had way passed his rebellious phase yet he could not help but bashed his father for neglecting his mother and for not looking for her killers. He had already expected to be exiled but he was disappointed when his father actually said the words. Normally, he could never criticize the duke however, the current him was regarded as a lunatic so he just let go everything in his heart.

"Young… no… Huvel! How dare you berate his grace!" The butler was the first to react to his harsh words.

Huvel was still laughing without caring the butler at all. He watched his father's face becoming redder and redder.

"Well... anyway, I'll continue to stay in the house I'm currently using until the day His Highness, Prince Leonard, returns to the capital. Then, please excuse me..., Your Grace." Huvel bowed slightly before he turned his back and headed to the door.

"You don't have the choice!" The butler cried. "Leave the court immediately as His Grace commanded!"

"Hmm? Who are you to shout at me?" Huvel's voice was cool and aloof. "I'm an honoured guest of His Highness so it is natural that I stayed in this courtyard. Or do you want to offend His Highness, chief commander of the war winning army?"

"What nonsense! How can you lunatic be a guest of His Highness?!" The butler continued, forgetting that the duke was still in the room. "Leave the court at once or don't blame me when the servants beat you!"

"Beat me, the guest of the prince?" Huvel stared at him intensely. "Butler of the Mustero Duchy, are you rebelling?!"