Chapter Text
Knock,
Knock,
Outside his chamber door, hesitant knocks reverberated through the quiet estate. Knock, Knock—it turned more mismatched as time progressed, a ghostly sound.
“Young master, It’s me, Reginald…”
The voice, old yet strong, was punctuated by inexplicable sadness.
“...”
“I’m entering…”
Within the chamber, the silhouette of a man was barely seen by the flickering of the lamplight—a figure lost in bitterness. Unkempt hair falling in disarray around his face, the lingering scent of tobacco hung heavy in the air.
“What is it, Reginald?” he uttered, his voice but a whisper in such a desolate night.
“Young master…” The old butler had a pained expression on his face, “The caravan of Young master Basen arrived at Rain City… Count Deruth has summoned you to retrieve your lord-father's bones and…” The butler almost cried, “To accept your oath of vassalage.”
“... Hah”
The new Baron couldn’t help but chuckle, not even a word of condolence. What arrogance.
“My lord?”
“It’s nothing. Reginald… prepare the carriages, we depart at dawn.”
“Are… are you sure, my lord?”
The butler asked, his eyes tinged with worry but seeing the Baron nod, the butler couldn’t do anything but wake up the poor coachman, and do whatever necessary for his young master’s departure. He was reluctant in his aged steps.
Alone again, the newly instated Baron grimaced.
His gait was weak as he walked to the window, a chuckle escaping his lips looking at the torn papers on the office table.
“It is the 13th day of the 5th month in the 781st year of the Felix Calendar.”
His eyes watered.
“Why don't you exist in this world, Cale, no… Kim Rok Soo?”