6 Adelyn and Emma (Rewritten)

After my conversation with Susan, I made my way towards Adelyn's office. This mansion truly lives up to its reputation as the Duke's residence. Its grandeur and exquisite decorations give it an air of luxury. The Augustride family has always been known for their appreciation of art, with each generation displaying a passion for different forms of artistic expression. Austin, my father, had a fondness for painting, while his own father was captivated by calligraphy.

Art has always held a special place in my heart as well. Callius, in his previous life, possessed a talent for playing the piano and violin, and I am confident in my own musical abilities. This body's voice is exceptional and pure. With some practice, I could easily make a living as a street musician. But for now, such matters are of little importance.

My primary concern is to prevent Adelyn from suspecting any changes in my personality and soul. Although Callius held a strained relationship with her and harbored resentment, he always maintained a proud facade whenever she interacted with Emma or Adelyn herself. I must adopt that same persona, fooling them into believing that nothing is amiss.

This event marks the beginning of Callius's transformation into the villain of the game. There is a high probability that they are plotting to expel me from this household. As it stands, I hold no power here, and they likely blame me for my father's demise. However, I still have a couple of months before they decide to banish me. During this time, I must make the most of the mansion's facilities, striving to increase my strength.

Callius had always refused to train with a sword, never even touching one. His physical abilities were lackluster, rendering any combat skills unnecessary. In the game, he was ultimately banished after his father's death, and it seems inevitable that history will repeat itself. But I have no need to prevent it. In fact, I care not for this country, this nobility, this Augustride House, or anything related to them. All that matters is my survival and the freedom to live life on my own terms.

I will achieve my own status, acquire my own wealth, and attain my own power. I have no use for anything bestowed upon me by others or gained through their assistance. The money and status that come with being the heir of the duke hold no allure. I reject the woman Austin arranged for me to marry. I have no need for any of it. My pride will never allow me to bow down before those hypocritical dogs in exchange for a comfortable existence.

Regardless, I have decided. Until the day of my banishment arrives or the plot to expel me unfolds, I will train diligently within this mansion. Once banished, I will sever all ties with these people. My mind filled with determination, and Susan and I arrived at Adelyn's office. As the wife of Austin and a respected figure in the nobility, her office was befitting of her status. Intricate engravings, statues, and various art pieces adorned the space near the entrance.

/KNOCK/ /KNOCK/

"Madam, Lord Callius is here," Susan informed Adelyn, knocking on the door.

"Come in," Adelyn replied with a soft yet approving tone. Susan opened the door, bowing her head before closing it behind me.

As I entered the room, I took a moment to observe Adelyn Augustride Valiana, the wife of Duke Austin and the daughter of the current king. She truly embodied the epitome of beauty, renowned not only in this country but throughout the world. Her fiery red hair and yellow eyes gave her an alluring, almost serpentine charm. Her slender figure and fair skin perfectly complemented her striking features.

"Why did you call me here, mother?" I spoke, gazing into her deep yellow eyes. Despite her attempts to hide it, I could discern a hint of swelling, evidence of the grief that had affected her deeply. Under normal circumstances, I, too, would be impacted, but this situation was far from ordinary.

Adelyn's expression turned angry, furrowing her brows as she retorted, "I am not your mother, so don't ever call me that again."

Acknowledging her reaction, I adjusted my words accordingly. "I see. Then, Duchess Adelyn, why did you summon me here?"

With a sigh, Adelyn's expression softened, revealing a mix of sorrow and dignity. "I called you here to inform you that in two days' time, we will hold Austin's funeral. The ceremony and rituals will commence in the morning, and we will proceed to the Celestia Church by carriage. Ensure you are ready before we depart. Is that clear?"

Her words held more significance than a mere announcement. There was something more she intended to convey.

"I understand. I will be prepared in the morning before we depart. However, I sense there is more you wish to discuss," I remarked, sensing an underlying motive.

Adelyn's eyes flickered with a mixture of emotions. "You're perceptive, despite your weakness and lack of talent. Perhaps you inherited Austin's intellect rather than that of your whore mother. Nevertheless, you are the reason my husband is dead, you bastard child. I swear upon my name that I will make your life a living hell. You will experience the agony of losing everything, mark my words. Do you comprehend? If not for you, my husband would still be alive. Be prepared to face the consequences."

Her glare seethed with animosity, her deep-rooted hatred evident. However, such logic was inherently flawed and foolish. I was not the cause of my father's demise. The blame lay with those attackers and the conspirators who orchestrated his downfall. I was merely a scapegoat, a convenient target for her anger.

But I welcomed her challenge. The prospect of her attempts to make my life miserable only fueled my determination. I cared little for her, her foolish father, or their pretentious circle.

I have endured Callius's torment and endured her condescending attitude for far too long. I will not forget or forgive once I attain the power to confront them all. The first thing I will do is force them to acknowledge their place, to grovel at my feet, shackled and humiliated.

Yet, for now, these vindictive thoughts remained impulsive, baseless musings. I mustn't act on emotions but rather employ logical reasoning.

"I see. You are entitled to your thoughts and feelings about me. However, I suggest you direct your consideration toward those who dared to orchestrate such a heinous act. They are the ones responsible for your husband's demise, not me. You know this truth as well. So, refrain from using me as your outlet and wallow in solitude in your office, as you were doing. I will seek vengeance for my father on my own terms. Do not impede me," I calmly stated before departing from the office, leaving Adelyn dumbfounded in my wake.

My impulsive declaration of seeking revenge was fueled by Callius's emotions, momentarily blurring my own judgment. Callius, despite never having known his mother, harbored profound affection for her, losing his composure at any mention of her. It seemed this trait had been passed on to me as well. Nevertheless, I must accept it as part of who I am.

Even though I know I had just said that I did not hold any attachment to my father, now feeling and hearing things related to them confirmed that at that time, the stability of my mind had yet to reach its peak, as my emotions also differed from normal ones.

Now that I had truly felt and heard about Callius, I can easily say that the words I had said were not true, though it doesn't matter too much.

Upon concluding our conversation, I proceeded to the kitchen, feeling a pang of hunger. I ordered the chefs to prepare a meal as I contemplated the complex dynamics at play. Adelyn should be a woman burdened with sorrow yet retaining her dignity, while Callius was known for his pride and arrogance, just as could be seen here. 

But at that moment, I saw the first heroine of the game waiting in the hall, as I had just walked for a minute….