Chapter 6: 6. Duke Arslan
Kai had forgotten one important thing: that his father could arrive at any moment. At that moment, he was intently listening to Keith’s explanation of their surroundings—about the locals, their customs, the nobility, the kingdom, the natural environment around them, and how the people obtained food. He jotted everything down on his tablet, a modern gadget he’d bought because he was used to taking notes on a tablet or iPad rather than on paper.
Of course, Keith was puzzled by the object, but he assumed it was some kind of advanced magical device. In that world, Ardhez, there had been significant advancements in magical technology thanks to the talented wizards in the Magic Tower.
The Magic Tower was a region located within the Kingdom of Nagreize, where the Arslan territory was situated. However, unlike Arslan, which still belonged to the kingdom, the Magic Tower had no connection to the kingdom. It stood on its own and possessed its own sovereignty.
In fact, it was the kingdom that usually sought cooperation from the Magic Tower.
Just as Kai was busy jotting down anything he deemed important, they suddenly heard a commotion from outside the pavilion.
The commotion grew louder after they were invited inside by Keith.
Duke Arslan arrived with several of his followers, all of whom clearly disliked Kaileon.
However, Duke Arslan remained silent even though he noticed many changes in the place and especially in Kaileon himself.
Previously, whenever Kaileon looked at his father, his eyes always radiated fear and hatred. But now, all of that was gone.
There were no more looks filled with hatred and fear, yet Duke Arslan felt that Kaileon’s new gaze unsettled him far more.
A gaze of indifference.
Indeed, at that moment Kaileon greeted him politely; he also smiled warmly at everyone who had come with his father.
But there was no longer any "Dad" or eyes that gleamed with fear as usual.
On the other hand, Keith looked much better and more energetic than usual, and...
"Is your leg okay now, Keith? Shouldn’t that leg make it hard to walk?" asked Duke Arslan.
As was customary, Keith couldn’t answer right away until Kai gave him permission. And at that moment, it was clear that Kai was signaling Keith not to say anything.
So, Kai answered for Keith.
"Isn’t it strange that a leg that wasn’t supposed to be okay is now healed just one day after he decided to work with me? And what’s even stranger is, why are you questioning my servant’s leg first before asking about my condition?"
"You’re being very bold to speak to your father like that—"
Baron Grende, one of Duke Arslan’s followers who also worked for him, had to shut his mouth when Duke Arslan raised his hand. A sign that he wanted the Baron to stay out of it.
Baron Grende was a supporter of the Duchess—even her childhood friend—so it was no wonder he hated Kaileon.
"You’re right, I should have asked about your condition first. You’re okay, aren’t you?"
To be honest, Kai was sick of the man who was supposed to be his father. Having grown up without a decent parent, he found it easy to hate the man. He couldn’t see the man as his father, especially because of his terrible attitude.
"As you can see, I’m fine now, but a few days ago I was nearly dying. No one cared, no one came to help. Since I heard that Keith wanted to resign from his job as your servant, I offered him the position of my servant."
"Wait a minute."
Kai fell silent and remained patient as Duke Arslan interrupted him.
"Didn’t I already provide a butler and some maid for this pavilion? I’ve also been sending you money regularly," added Duke Arslan.
Kaileon gave a wry smile, which seemed both mocking and as if he were holding back disappointment. For some reason, Duke Arslan felt a pang of sorrow seeing his son like that.
"I know you’ve just returned from that endless war. But you should know—it’s been a year now—no, even longer—since any servants have come. They only show up occasionally to deliver money from you, or that disgusting hard bread."
Duke Arslan’s attendants looked worried and seemed ready to interrupt, but they hesitated, seeing the expression on Duke Arslan’s face—one that clearly signaled he did not want to be disturbed.
"Then how can the pavilion be in such good condition if what you say is true? Besides, your mother has already provided a detailed report on the pavilion—about your servants’ wages, and so on."
Kaileon didn’t answer right away; he let out a long sigh, clearly showing how deeply disappointed the boy was in his father.
Under normal circumstances, Duke Arslan might have gotten angry at Kaileon for sighing like that. But at that moment, he felt as if he’d been slapped upon hearing that heavy, disappointed sigh.
"She never liked being labeled as my mother; you shouldn’t call her that. She’ll be offended, Duke."
When Kaileon addressed him as "Duke" instead of "father"... it felt like a dagger piercing his heart.
It hurt so much.
What was this strange feeling?
Duke Arslan, known for being cold, cruel, and emotionless, suddenly felt an odd emotion simply because his son was disappointed in him.
But, come to think of it... it seemed Kaileon had every right to be angry.
"In that case, I’ll give you new maids and also—"
"No need, Father. Let Keith handle it. I don’t really need maids right now anyway. I’d be very grateful if you’d just let me be as I was before. I’m more comfortable that way."
Ugh, that strange, painful feeling again.
It made Duke Arslan’s legs feel weak, and his eyes stung.
It was very strange.
Was this a subtle rejection?
After all, Duke Arslan thought, Kaileon would usually greet him with a look of fear and hesitation.
But no, he was no longer wanted by that boy.
"Alright, I’ll come back tomorrow."
"You don’t need to force yourself; I’d rather you focus on the many tasks you still have. I’ll ask Keith to send some pastries to keep you company while you work tomorrow."
With those stinging words from Kaileon, Duke Arslan left the pavilion.
After walking a short distance, he turned back, gazing at the pavilion that had once looked like an abandoned building. Now it was a nice, clean place.
"In my opinion, he’s very rude for a child, Duke. Your second son is much more polite and sweet."
"He doesn’t possess the qualities of a typical noble."
Duke Arslan heard their harsh comments, but he simply ignored them.
He turned around again and walked away.
