Chapter 15

# 15

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Thanks to the magic stone mine, the Duke of Agnes' mansion was entirely gilded.

The golden chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, adorned with the finest crystals, spread light even more beautifully.

The red carpet on the floor was woven from expensive wool.

The furniture, made of rosewood and crafted by the most fashionable guild, the delicate paintings on the ceramics, and the masterpieces created by the family's painters and sculptors were placed throughout the mansion.

Nikan Agnes, who owned a mansion that could rival the royal palace, had nothing to fear in the world.

There was no such thing as a difficult task for him. In this world, there were only things that could not be done and things that were easy.

The impossible task was becoming the emperor himself. The easy task was making the next emperor.

For the first time, he felt that everything was a mess.

Nikan looked down at his son, who was kicking the knights and cursing with his cold, green eyes.

Wood was a spitting image of Nikan's childhood.

Outstanding physique, innate magical talent, and a handsome appearance.

He was truly his son.

But the brat who was now throwing a tantrum on the floor and shouting was not the son he wished for.

"Bring me a lowborn girl! I'll kill her!"

It was unbecoming of a great noble to get so worked up over a powerless commoner girl.

The stress from yesterday's commotion had not yet subsided.

And today, again...

"Hah..."

Just as Nikan was about to sigh.

"Big brother!"

'Vivian?'

At that moment, he heard his daughter's sharp voice. Turning around, he saw Vivian with a very upset face.

Caught off guard by the unexpected situation, Nikan was momentarily stunned.

Vivian, with her lips pouting, shouted at Wood.

"Navia and Big brother played in the water together, didn't you? Why didn't you invite Vivian?"

"Miss...!"

The maids who had followed to calm Vivian down looked at Wood and Nikan with anxious expressions.

It was clear to everyone that this was not the atmosphere after a water play.

Nikan, unable to scold his young and sick daughter, gently admonished her.

"Vivian, your brother and Navia never played in the water. Please stop..."

However, Wood's reason snapped before Nikan could finish his sentence.

Wood, with his face flushed with anger, yelled.

"Do you want to die? Get out of here!"

Wood was already feeling immense shame and humiliation from today's events.

Vivian's actions were like pouring oil on the fire.

"Wood!"

Nikan quickly scolded Wood, but Vivian had already been sharply rebuked.

Vivian, startled by the sudden roar, froze.

Then she gradually began to realize what Wood had said.

What did Big brother say? Could he have just told Vivian... to die?

Vivian, who was terminally ill, was always loved and cared for by everyone in the family and protected as a precious treasure.

That warm and sweet daily life was suddenly torn apart.

Vivian's face turned pale.

"How, how could you say such a thing to Vivian...?"

Her large eyes quickly filled with tears. Vivian finally burst into loud sobs.

"Boo, hoo... Ahhhh! That's too much!"

Nikan covered his face with both hands and picked up the loudly crying Vivian.

His expression was as fierce as a demon.

"You have gone too far!"

Wood stood up to Nikan, undaunted by his father's scolding.

"She was mocking me!"

"Vivian doesn't know any better. She's only six years old!"

Wood, who was constantly being scolded by Nikan, became uncontrollably angry.

"Why do you only blame me? That lowborn tried to kill me earlier, why didn't you execute her?"

Nikan felt a dizzying rage at Wood's unreasonable words.

No matter how often people say that children are not like their parents, had he ever been this much of a headache?

He finally released a killing intent mixed with magic.

"You have brought my dignity to the lowest point today."

Wood wanted to argue but was overwhelmed by Nikan's determined aura.

"Fine. If you continue to act like this, I will cut off all your allowance."

"Father!"

"I will also cancel the hunting trip and not send you to any social parties."

Wood sensed that his father would not change his mind.

'Why am I, the heir of Agnes, suffering such humiliation?'

Wood, who had always found the world easy, was helplessly frustrated by the sudden confrontation with immense power.

But the master of this place was his father. Wood slowly lowered his eyes.

"...I'm sorry. I was wrong."

Only then did Nikan calm down. Mental fatigue washed over him.

He felt extremely down and spoke in a low, depressed voice.

"Go back to your room quietly."

Wood had to obediently follow his father's command.

Nikan looked sharply at the maids and asked.

"Where is Philippa?"

"Ah, well..."

The maids were momentarily speechless.

Philippa was probably loafing around somewhere.

Nikan clicked his tongue as if he knew and handed over the still sobbing Vivian.

"Never mind. Take Vivian away."

"...Yes, sir."

Nikan walked out of the first-floor east wing with a cold expression. Though he pretended otherwise, he could feel curious gazes brushing past him.

He clenched his fists in rising anger but managed to regain his composure.

"If anyone adds unnecessary rumors to today's children's quarrel, I will not let it go unpunished!"

As the duke emitted a menacing aura, the servants immediately knelt and bowed their heads.

"Yes, sir."

Nikan returned to his study.

He then recalled that he had stormed out without saying a word to Edward.

The butler, Linden, said.

"Lord Spencer said he would pretend not to have seen or heard anything about today's incident and has already left."

"...I see."

Nikan grunted as if he didn't want to think about it and leaned back into the sofa.

Just as the heavy silence filled the study, making it hard to breathe, there was a knock.

Knock knock.

Someone knocked on the study door.

"Sir, Miss Navia has sent a snack."

Nikan furrowed his brow slightly.

Linden, who was standing by, clicked his tongue inwardly.

'What kind of snack is the master, who is not a child, supposed to have?'

"Tell her to go away. The master needs to rest."

At that moment, Nikan waved his hand.

"Let her in."

Linden quickly bowed and followed Nikan's command. As the door opened, Charlotte entered with a tray, looking cautious.

"From Miss Navia?"

"Yes, sir."

Nikan still looked puzzled as he continued.

"Bring it in."

Charlotte placed the tray on the table with great politeness. Linden, who had approached, checked the tray.

The snack was nothing special. It was a cold herbal tea and a thin porridge made from boiled pumpkin.

Linden inwardly snorted at the contents.

What kind of commoner food was this, not even a high-end dessert made by the renowned kitchen staff?

Worried that the already upset master might get angry, Linden hurriedly spoke.

"Miss Navia is still young and lacks experience. I will quickly bring something else..."

"No."

Nikan lifted a spoon and tasted the pumpkin porridge in the small bowl. The soft texture melted in his mouth.

Nikan, who had never tasted such simple yellow porridge before, tilted his head in confusion but continued to eat.

Strangely, it suited his taste perfectly.

He had grown tired of the overly elaborate snacks made by the kitchen staff. He had thought all snacks were childish.

He rinsed his mouth with the cold tea after finishing the porridge.

He felt much more refreshed.

"Did Navia personally instruct you to prepare this?"

Charlotte neatly folded her hands and bowed her head in response.

"Yes, sir. She said you might be hungry and asked me to prepare a simple snack."

Linden's expression turned uncomfortable.

Due to the chaos caused by Wood being trapped in a water column, the time to bring a simple snack before the main meal had long passed.

"Haha..."

Nikan put down his teacup and let out a shallow laugh.

It was absurd that Navia, who was not his biological child, was acting like the ideal child.

"Navia is quite mature for her age."

Despite her superior bloodline, Navia seemed more affectionate than his own children, who only caused him trouble.

Every parent hopes their child will be smart and excellent.

Moreover, every parent wishes their child will be lovable.

Nikan felt more at ease, confirming that his decision to choose Navia was not wrong.

"Come to think of it, Navia will need new winter clothes and accessories."

Linden, noticing that Nikan's mood had improved, quickly answered with a smile.

"Yes, sir. It's quite embarrassing for me to have no role to play when you take such good care of the household."

"Haha, your words are as smooth as ever."

Nikan seemed to be lost in thought for a moment before speaking.

"Send some suitable items for Navia to Anthea Boutique."

Both Linden and Charlotte were surprised by this.

It was an incredibly expensive, premium boutique that only served the greatest nobles.

Originally, the items Navia used came from a regular clothing store that couldn't even put up a boutique sign.

Linden expressed his concern at this rather bold request.

"Sir, but that place is..."

"Are you trying to make me change my decision now?"

"...No, sir. I will handle it as you said."

Charlotte bowed respectfully.

"Miss will be very pleased."