Chapter 14. The Return Of Useless Prince
In the cathedral of the Caulem Dukedom manor, Leonhardt Caulem's funeral was underway. His casket, surrounded by flowers, rested at the center. A large portrait stood nearby, a reminder of the young noble's life.
Nobles dressed in black filled the hall, seated quietly as the priest prayed and spoke about Leonhardt. In the front row, Duke Alric Caulem sat, his face unreadable. Beside him was his second son, Lucian Caulem, returned from academy for funeral.
On another bench sat Vivien, the Duke's six-year-old daughter, and Duchess Maria, Leonhardt's stepmother, struggling to hold back tears.
From the back, murmurs broke the silence. "She's such a kind stepmother," someone whispered. "She's grieving for him as if he were her own."
The priest's prayers continued until the cathedral doors burst open. A manor worker stumbled in, panting heavily. Heads turned, irritation clear on many faces.
"What is the meaning of this? You're disturbing the funeral!"
One guard grabbed the worker's arm, intending to pull him away, but the man raised his voice, desperation pushing his words out in a rush. "My lord! My lord duke! We've received a message from Ironholt's guild—they say they saw Young Master Leonhardt alive yesterday!"
Gasps rippled through the hall, disbelief freezing everyone in place.
"Alive? What is this nonsense?" someone muttered, while others turned to each other, their faces pale with shock.
The guards tightened their grip on the worker, clearly agitated. "Watch your tongue!" one snapped. "What nonsense are you spouting during a funeral?"
"Enough," Duke Alric's calm but commanding voice cut through the commotion. He rose from his seat, his sharp eyes focused on the trembling worker. The guards released him instantly as the Duke approached. "Speak clearly. What did you say?"