family problems

Lorad opened the door to leave the room and was greeted by the bright smile of a woman in her late twenties wearing a formal suit.

The woman had long black hair that reached her waist, blue eyes, pale skin, and dark circles under her eyes as if she was tired, but her smile did not reflect that.

Lorad's expression changed extremely quickly as he also appeared with a flawless smile and responded to the woman saying " ALaria, I couldn't sleep because of excitement, so I woke up much earlier than many times."

This was none other than Alaria, the chief servant in the household of Earl Baltimos Sostini

" It's clear on your face, but the Grand Master wants to meet you, so go downstairs quickly ! " Alaria spoke in a firm tone.

Lorad's smile widened when he heard Alaria's words and responded in an excited tone. " really ? You can go ahead of me. I'll be coming in a few moments. I have something to do now . "

Alaria didn't speak for a while. When she spoke, her gaze was harsh. "Hurry up , you know master's rules ." After that she left

Alaria's image gradually disappeared into the long corridor opposite the Lorad's room, and yet his smile gradually disappeared as well. The blank look reappeared on his face .

The corridor was long and wide, ending with a spiral-shaped staircase. The windows were wide and arranged symmetrically, allowing sunlight to enter and illuminate the place.

" this cursed one ! " Lorad cursed inwardly and let out a long sigh. He didn't really have anything to do, but he wanted to postpone the meeting with his father as much as possible. He hated him so much that he didn't want to see him again, but he slapped himself hard and brought the smile back to his face and stepped forward after a few moments.

Lorad's footsteps echoed through the empty corridor as he made his way toward the spiral staircase. The grandeur of the Earl's estate was not lost on him, but it was a grandeur that felt cold and uninviting. The sunlight streaming through the windows did little to warm the chill that had settled in his heart.

As Lorad descended the grand spiral staircase, his mind raced with thoughts of the impending encounter. The staircase itself was a marvel, with its intricate carvings and the sunlight dancing through the stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the polished marble steps. Yet, the beauty of his surroundings did nothing to ease the knot of apprehension tightening in his stomach.Reaching the bottom, he entered the grand hall, a vast room where the echoes of his footsteps were swallowed by the thick, ornate rugs that adorned the floor.

Portraits of ancestors lined the walls, their stern gazes following him as he moved. At the end of the hall, two large doors stood ajar, leading to the study of the Grand Master, his father, Earl Baltimos Sostini.Lorad paused for a moment before the doors, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

He could hear the low timbre of his father's voice from within, a sound that had once brought him comfort but now only served as a reminder of their strained relationship.Pushing the doors open, Lorad stepped into the study.

Lorad had long since learned to mask his true feelings in front of his father, presenting the image of the dutiful son. But behind the facade, resentment simmered. He could not forget the harsh words, the cold indifference, and the expectations that weighed heavily on his shoulders. His father's approval was an elusive shadow that Lorad had chased throughout his life.

The room was lined with shelves of books, the scent of leather and parchment heavy in the air. His father sat behind a large oak desk, his features sharp and his grey hair meticulously combed back ,With his gray eyes , Wrinkles were evident on his face The Earl looked up, his piercing gaze settling on Lorad."Ah, you decided to grace us with your presence,"

Lorad's features frowned slightly, but he maintained his composure before the grand master continued with his voice devoid of warmth. " Sit. We have much to discuss ."

Lorad took the seat opposite his father, maintaining the facade of a smile. "You wanted to see me , Father ?"

If we look at the matter frankly, the last question was really stupid, and even Lorad himself regretted saying it moments later.

Baltimos did not speak for a while, adding to the awkward silence in the room.

Baltimos' silence stretched on, and Lorad's smile began to falter. The heaviness of his father's gaze was almost palpable, and he could feel his heart beating in his chest. Finally, Baltimus broke the silence, his voice as cold and harsh as the marble sculptures decorating the hall."You know what day it is, don't you, Lorad?"