Chapter 18: A vow

Larck narrowed his eyes.

He'd like to know the intention behind the young Lord's question.

Was he testing his loyalty about his Lord's identity? If he admits the Lord's death, it's as if saying the Duke before him is an imposter.

On the other hand, Rivan asked 𝘸𝘩𝘺 he died. It could mean the official cause of death. But if Larck's theory about the Lord's death being an act, was true, then the question is referring the reason for that act.

Larck had enough guessing and decided to answer plainly.

-The known cause is a lung disease that the young Lord had for a long time before it took over his frail body.

He decided to go with the logical simple answer.

Larck stopped for a bit before adding.

-That's what I heard.

After he finished speaking, silence fell on the room.

Rivan was staring at him internally.

The lawyer had a passive face but with every passing moment, he was eager to leave the study. It felt suffocating to be stuck there upon answering such a question.

Larck couldn't help but feel annoyed. The young Lord's face showed no sing of his thoughts. Be his answer the right one or not, the lawyer had no idea to know.

After a few moments, Rivan smiled gently and spoke.

-I look forward to working with you, Mr. Dorben.

Larck widened his eyes a bit in surprise before going back to his passive expression. He couldn't help but think.

'That's it...? He asks such a thing and won't tell me why...this little- Now I'm stuck with my thoughts!'

Larck wanted to sigh. But all he could do is nod and reply.

-I look forward to working with you Lord Whishipper.

The lawyer bowed respectfully then left the study.

*****

The black haired Duke smiled to himself after the lawyer left.

However, the smile disappeared as he looked down, resting his forehead on his interlocked fingers.

He was thinking deeply before suddenly asking.

-What do you think?

The only person with him in the study answered.

-He's very smart.

Elora, the blue butterfly maid, was looking at her master who was sunk in thoughts.

Suddenly, Rivan lifted his head up. His yellowish green eyes glittering brightly. The corners of his lips were rising with every word he spoke.

-I think he's an interesting person. I wonder if he'll find out on his own...about what his eyes can't reach.

Elora didn't reply. Her master seemed like he found a toy to play with, and what mattered to her is he wouldn't be in any harm from the toy.

Her deep ocean eyes were observing every detail closely.

Elora would never speak a compliment. The lawyer was indeed smart. More than that, she was surprised of how composed he was. Every word he spoke was calculated. Although his expressionless mask would break every once and then, Elora could see how experienced he was dealing with any absurd situation.

Whether it was the will or Rivan's case, he adjusted with it and thought thru.

'He could be very useful.'

Elora was thinking of the best way to protect Rivan.

That included protecting his title as the Duke. Currently, they needed someone like that lawyer. His capacities are not ignorable.

All she can trust in the lawyer is that he's a Dorben. That's enough for now.

Although those were her thoughts about Mr. Dorben, it seemed like the master saw more of him.

'Master Rivan thinks that lawyer is capable of seeing behind his reach...I wonder about that'

Elora's mind drifted to the veil that covers the world she can see, from the people who have no idea of that veil's existence, let alone that other world.

It looks like Rivan is planning to make the lawyer walk the path to uncover the veil. However, whether that lawyer could do it or not, that she can't tell.

He is smart. But needed to be asked: is he curious enough to walk that path?

Someone like Larck Dorben, who has a close observant mind, would notice the obvious abnormals around her master.

However, if he's as smart as they think, he would avoid to get too involved in that world.

Elora smiled at the irony. It looks like she'll have to pay the Dorben a close attention.

Elora ripped herself from those thoughts. She was still looking at Rivan who changed his seat to the couch.

There was one idea playing on the stage of her mind.

'At any case, I'll obey any of Rivan'e orders'

-Elora.

-Yes, Master Rivan?

Rivan was silent for few seconds before he spoke sternly.

-Don't let anyone bother me in this study for one hour.

His tone was stern confirming every word he spoke. Elora could tell it would for the best to leave the study.

She nodded and left quietly and quickly.

She would make sure no soul would disturb Rivan.

Just as he was left alone, Rivan pulled an envelop from his pocket.

He stared at the written words on the letter.

"From Rina Lether Whishipper"

In his mother's study, Rivan found three letters. The last one for him to read is from, none other, than his mother, Lady Rina.

If he has to be honest, Rivan had complicated feelings by just staring at the letter. His mother, who wrote this, was dead after all.

End of chapter 18.