Chapter 6 A Father's Concern

A man sat in his grand office, fingers tapping against the polished wooden desk. The chamber was huge, with huge bookshelves running along the entire length, and as though they changed frequently, various old objects covered the walls, which inevitably reflected a rich, classic history. Papers lay neatly beside one side, and an untouched cup of tea beside the other.

[Duke Aldric Thorne] was not a creature of feeling. He had built his reputation on logic, strength, and unwavering discipline. Yet today, an unfamiliar feeling stirred within him—curiosity.

A knock echoed through the room.

"My lord," a deep voice called from behind the heavy oak door.

"Come in," Aldric responded, his tone firm but composed.

The door swung open with a groan and a man in shining knight's uniform stood before it. His physique was built from years of rigorous training, and his piercing gaze held unwavering loyalty. Leon took a step forward and by so doing fell directly to his knees, with his head bowed in deference.

"You called for me, my lord?"

Aldric observed the knight before him. Leon had been with the Thorne family for years—no, not just with them. He was family in all but name.

"I did," Aldric finally said, leaning back slightly. "How is he doing?"

Leon blinked, momentarily thrown off by the directness of the question.

"...Young Master Valerian?"

Aldric nodded, folding his hands together.

Leon managed a little laugh, shaking his head in mild amusement. "He's... different."

Aldric's sharp gaze locked onto him. "Explain."

Leon rose from his kneeling position, standing at attention as he spoke. "For the first time in years, he ate his breakfast in the dining hall. Not only that—he requested to train. Swordsmanship and physical conditioning."

Aldric raised an eyebrow. "...Did he now?"

Leon nodded. "It was surprising, to say the least. The young master has never shown interest in proper training before, nor has he ever willingly engaged in physical exercise. Yet, today he asked me—no, demanded—that I teach him."

Aldric's fingers stopped tapping. His son, training? Asking for guidance? The boy had always dismissed physical effort, claiming it to be a waste of time.

"And how did he perform?"

Leon smirked slightly. "Not well. His stamina is worse than I expected. He was panting like he had just come off the battlefield from a few simple movements."

Aldric sighed. That sounded more like the son he knew.

"However," Leon added, his expression turning more serious. "He didn't quit."

Aldric's eyes narrowed slightly.

"I expected him to give up. To complain. To act like his usual self and storm off after a few laps.". Leon crossed his arms. "But he didn't. He completed everything. No matter how much he struggled, he kept going. I've never seen him this determined before."

Silence stretched between them. Aldric leaned back in his chair, his mind processing the information.

"...Why now?" he muttered under his breath.

Leon remained quiet, knowing the question wasn't meant for him.

Aldric's sight moved to the left of his desk, and a portrait faced him. A lovely woman with soft eyes and a friendly smile stared back at him, locked in place forever.

His deceased wife.

For years, Valerian had been stagnant. He had been a child to flog in grief, standing in place, stuck in the past.

But now…

Aldric exhaled slowly. "Perhaps… he's finally trying to move on."

Leon also looked at the portrait and then at the Duke. "That would be a good thing, wouldn't it?"

Aldric didn't respond immediately. On the other, he stood up straight and fixed his eyes on Leon.

"Leon," he said, his voice lower now. "Do you regret it?"

Leon frowned slightly. "Regret what, my lord?"

"Staying here," Aldric clarified. "Serving Valerian as the bodyguard instead of advancing further in the Imperial Army for more fame. With your abilities, you could have achieved the top level."

Leon didn't hesitate. "No, my lord. Not even for a second."

Aldric studied him, searching for any sign of doubt. He found none.

"Without you," Leon said, "I wouldn't have ever escaped that orphanage. You gave me a home, a family, a purpose. Serving House Thorne is not simply a side road—it is my privilege. And besides..." A small, fond smile crossed his face. "Young Master Valerian is like a younger brother to me. Protecting him is not just my duty. It is something I want to do."

Aldric remained silent for a moment. Then, he let out a small breath. It wasn't quite a sigh, nor was it relief—it was something in between.

"...Very well," he finally said. "Then I leave him in your hands, as always."

Leon bowed his head. "Of course, my lord."

Aldric's gaze returned to the portrait of his wife. His fingertips ran along the border of the frame, his mind adrift in a past of moments.

Valerian… if you truly are changing… then prove it.

"Dismissed," he said.

Leon nodded and turned to leave. As the door closed behind him, Aldric remained still, the soft glow of candlelight flickering against the portrait.

For the first time in years, a glimmer of hope stirred within the Duke of House Thorne.