Chapter 118: Ticking bomb (1/2)

[GORFARD MANSION]

”Young master, the Lord is calling for you.”

The butler of the house, standing behind the door called for the heir. From what he was hearing, it seemed like he was still going at it, with the blue wolf slave.

In the past, the young master had a vast number of slaves at his beck and call. Even though maltreating slaves was a crime, it wasn't something that seemed to stop him. After all, a crime was only one if you got caught. But, lately, it was as if he was in trance. All his attention was only focused on this one slave.

Chuckling, he adjusted, the ring on his finger. He had been doubtful at first, but as the apostle had told him, that pitiful young man was slowly becoming even more of a waste than he was initially.

'Well, the young master should be happy. He will become one of the cornerstones for the advent of the Crimson Lady.'

Hiding the deep fanatical light shining in his eyes, he bowed once the door opened, only sparing a glance at the half-naked blue wolf laying on the bed, her body stained with body fluid.

Leonard Gorfard, looking pissed off, asked, ”What does the old bastard want?”

”Young master please, pay attention to your words.”

Inwardly though, he was gloating. Leonard had always been a man who paid attention to outward appearance. Even though he was trash, he was smart trash, in the past, he would have never openly uttered such stupid words.

Leonard frowned before continuing, ”Then let me rephrase it, what does my, oh, so honored father wish?”

”His highness will soon arrive” He could see the expression Leonard crumble, but this didn't stop him. ”His lordship wishes for you to stop your...Let's say unsavory activities and prepare yourself. He also wanted me to remind you to hide your slave, lest the prince see her and find out that she is an illegal slave. After all, the prince won't be the sole noble present.”

The truth was that the master said no such thing. After all, while he did despise his son, he had enough faith in him to understand what to do on such occasions. But how could Leonard know this?

As he expected, Leonard gave a cold smile, ”I see… I understand. Tell my father that I will be on time.”

The way he emphasized on the word father told how angry he was, which couldn't make the butler happier.

'Be it father or son, they are just people filled with useless pride and an inferiority complex.'

”Then, If I may.”

Bowing once again, he turned back and left, his hand still twirling his ring. He didn't know what the apostle was plotting but it didn't matter. Even if he was caught, it would be all worth it as long as it was profitable for the Crimson Lady.

'Let the wings of freedom soar in the sky!'

Murmuring in his heart, he went to finish the preparation.

----

[HIGHLAND MANSION]

”Dear uncle, you called me?”

In an office, Ares Highland stood while looking at his uncle with curiosity and worry. He knew that his cousin had been afflicted with a seemingly incurable disease that put her in a deep sleep.

Lately, his uncle's expression was becoming more and more haggard, showing that something must have happened.

Gerald meanwhile, forced himself to smile as he indicated Ares to take a seat,

”I called you today to discuss the future of our family.”

Ares' expression became much more serious as he sat straight and waited. His uncle had always been an example for him and he respected him as much as he respected his grandfather, if not more. After all, even though his grandfather tried to hide it, he knew deep down that Athena had always been the most favorite one.

Of course, he wasn't resentful. He loved his sister and even though he was a little jealous about the attention she always seemed to obtain, he knew more than anyone else how much she worked to obtain. Still, being appreciated would make anyone happy and this was something his uncle always gave him.

”What do you mean, Uncle Gerald?”

Gerald looked at his cute little nephew. A bright and talented if somewhat rash boy. Even though he lacked raw charisma and the talent Athena had, he was still a talented kid with a bright future. What's more, he was also a lovable kid who wore his heart in the palm of his hand.

Thinking about how he was going to make such an innocent kid suffer because of him, a deep feeling of guilt gushed in his heart.

'I am sorry.'

Stelling his resolve, he let out a heavy sigh,

”As you know, the situation of the family has been declining, currently, even though we are Duke in name, our real power is one or two ranks lower.”

He was somewhat exaggerating. Their situation may be bad but, as long as he and Tyr were alive, it was impossible to fall so low.

”The last time Sol visited, you should have felt the tremor of energy. That was because my brother and Sol didn't reach a compromise. Sol confided to me and said that he might officially demote the family once he becomes King”

”What!?”