Unlucky (II)

"Hmm... Marcus, how are you doing?" came the Duke's voice, cold as the air surrounding Clay.

Clay, however, displayed an unbothered look. He took a light sip of the piping hot tea brewed by the butler. He found it bitter, like what he felt right now.

To Clay, the Duke's appearance was nothing of a surprise.

At first glance, he seemed sharp and tidy, besuited in lavish black and yellow garments, the colors of the House of Durkton. His pale, middle-aged face bore a scar that spoke of his history as the former paladin of the first King.

'So this is the Duke... I don't like anything about this man.'

Despite asking how Marcus was doing, the Duke ignored Clay as he casually busied himself with the towering paperwork on his desk.

"I've been doing well, Father," Clay answered, mirroring the Duke's tone.

The Duke remained preoccupied. His lavish quill scratched the rough parchment. Then, he folded the paper and placed it on the pile where the butler stood arranging them. It was like a robotic routine.

The Duke soon gave Clay a fleeting glance before sighing and returning his focus to the next paper.

'Well, he does find it hard to deal with Marcus.'

[ Duke Glennard Durkton ]

Duke Durkton appears in the novel's second volume as the military minister of the Royal Council of Defense, the governing body of the Golian Kingdom next to the King.

Each member of this renowned council oversees a specific territory.

Duke Durkton's jurisdiction existed from the Kingdom's center, from the western part to its critical eastern borders—the open area between the Kruman Empire and the Kingdom.

The Duke is highly regarded in the novel for his strategic mind, especially for his contribution to the upcoming Third War, where he assisted Avie, the main character, in her heroic feats.

When the Duke met the heroine, Avie, her potential instinctively captivated the sly old man.

After all, Avie awakened the only ability to control the five fundamental elements—Fire, Water, Air, Storm, and Earth—even simultaneously.

Avie also has an immense mana core rivaling that of the Five Avatars—the divine beings who ruled the continent.

To the Duke, potential defines an object's worth.

Clay hypothesized that this is why he easily discarded his talentless son—as Marcus was Avie's enemy—after he lost his duel. The Duke had orchestrated it from the start.

'He sacrificed his son to win the heroine's favor. What utter bullshit.'

Clay was certainly pissed. The idea itself was despicable in all regard Clay would look at it.

Although Marcus is guilty of many misdeeds, Clay believes there is always room for growth. Marcus is still a young man, after all. It is never too late for a change. As a father of six, he knew that best.

"So, Marcus, it came to me that you had lost your memories. I'm surprised the doctor claimed it wasn't a playful act but a genuine case of partial amnesia. I only hope it will not affect your duties tomorrow," the Duke stated, his voice casual yet full of authority.

'Well, I guess it's time to set all up.'

"I am glad for your concern, Father. My memory is improving," responded Clay, forcing an obedient smile on the edges of his dry lips. "However, I intend to forfeit. I plan not to attend my duel tomorrow."

The Duke initially seemed to reject the idea but soon stopped as he turned to Clay. He crossed his arms and leaned back on his throne-like seat, his cold expression demanding an explanation.

"You know you cannot. You represent our House. What are you scheming now this time?"

'Good. I must now play my cards right and stick to the plan.'

"I have a proposal, Father."

Duke Durkton raised a brow, intrigued by the scheme. He studied Clay, trying to decipher his thoughts. "Oh, do tell. You've always been a quiet schemer, Marcus. You tend to keep your trouble from me and your older brother."

The Duke paused momentarily to meet Clay's eyes, looking at this son with a hint of disdain.

"There came reports of you committing harassment, extortion, and bribery in the academy. I remained still and waged my funds to compensate for your acts. However, you kept going. Not only did you ignore my warnings, but you stirred another. Kidnapping this time, huh? What was her name? Effelia? Well, all of this is no news to me."

'As I suspected. The Duke was aware of everything.'

"I have my reasons, Father. And I will accept any punishment the academy may lay upon me."

The Duke stayed still, unconvinced but also somewhat surprised. He signaled to the stiff butler to leave the room and sighed deeply.

When the door closed, the Duke responded, "My punishment is still different from the academy's. You've tarnished the name of the family. As your father, I have the right to punish you."

"Then, let me add something, Father," said Clay, his voice firm and calm.

With no interest, the Duke agreed. "Go on."

"Father, I know the Murk Spider problem at the border has been a big trouble for you for a long time."

The Duke touched his chin as he seemed to think about Clay's objective. He pressed his commanding aura further and asked, "Yes, what of it?"

[ Murk Spiders ]

These nocturnal creatures inhabit the Skev Mountains far west of the Golian Kingdom.

Unlike other monsters, Murk Spiders pose a difficult challenge.

Not only are they venomous, but they cluster in groups, and the scent of their carcass is toxic and lethal if inhaled in large amounts.

Even experienced adventurers avoid taking commissions related to them, and it is not until the fifth volume that this issue is resolved when a foreign lady alchemist visits the territory.

'Hmm... let's see.'

Although the lady alchemist's method isn't explicitly detailed in the novel, Clay understands how she may have solved it.

'The key lies in the Murk Spiders' habitat. These creatures dwell in caves, not the woods of the Dukedom's routes. Something in the woods attracts them, or something in the Skev Mountains repels them.'

Clay answered, "I know this issue placed an economic strain on the Dukedom as it disrupted the trade routes. It also threatened the safety of your citizens and caused diplomatic troubles in the neighboring territory. What if I say I can fix this problem in a single day?"

"Intriguing," spoke the Duke, though skeptical. He seems to play along, however. "That issue has indeed plagued me for seasons. How do you propose to resolve it—in a single day, no less?"

"The forests, Father. It has something to do with the woods beside the Skev Mountains. I cannot tell you the details, but I can assure you of an easy solution."

Doubtful, the Duke recounted his attempts to address the issue.

"I once dispatched our finest scholars to investigate the forests a season ago. Their report did not yield a usable result. I will accept your proposal since you seem overly confident in your solution. However, I must still ask why you insist on forfeiting your duel?"

"Father, it's no secret that I would lose the duel. I lack combat skills and the ability to use mana," explained Clay, his voice steady. "I know your meeting with Avie, the brave and honorary swordmage who took your interest. You plan to use her revenge on me to put her in your control, even if it means sacrificing your son."

Clay couldn't give this another thought. It is the only reason the Duke easily disposed of Marcus, his son.

Clay resumes, "However, I'm committed to keeping my place in the House longer. I will prove that to you."

A heavy silence fell upon the room before the Duke erupted into a mouthful of laughter, his demeanor shifting from stern to somewhat amused.

Clay couldn't tell if it was a good sign, but he felt good as this conversation went as he imagined.

"Very well, very well. I can't deny that," the Duke conceded, his sly smile pressing more joy than sarcasm. He resumes in a somewhat entertained tone, "The fact that you know all of this already makes you a more usable asset than I thought."

'This old fox...'

The Duke continued, "As I see it now, I will not dispose of you either way. I will let you have your way with your proposal. Well, then. Let's see if you can pull this off."