Chapter 85. Duke
The heavy double doors of the Caulem manor groaned open as Leo stepped inside, his boots echoing on the gleaming marble floor. Towering portraits of past Dukes placed along the hallway. Leonhardt’s childhood memories flickered in Reo’s mind—how he’d scurried past these paintings, feeling tiny and judged. Now, they were just old paint, meaningless to him.
Servants lined the entry hall, bowing low, some lingering longer than needed, their eyes averted. "Welcome home, Young Master Leonhardt," they murmured in unison.
His eyes swept over them, recognizing the faces—the same ones who’d whispered behind Leonhardt’s back, shunned him, made him an outcast in his own home. He gave a curt nod, brushing past without a word.
A flash of movement caught his eye—a little auburn-haired girl, Vivien, darting up the grand staircase, her small figure vanishing around the corner. A faint smile tugged at Leo’s lips, amused by her skittish retreat.
"Vivien’s still scared of you, elder brother," a cheerful voice called.
Leo looked down to see Lucian, seated in a wheelchair, his face glowing with genuine happiness. Bandages wrapped his leg, where he got injury after the fight with Valtharion. His eyes widened slightly.
Lucian waved off the concern, his attendant pushing the wheelchair. "Don’t worry brother, it’s not bad. Just a broken leg—should heal in a few days." With effort, he stood, wobbling, and threw his arms around Reo in a tight hug.
Reo froze, caught off guard. The servants gasped softly, their eyes wide—Lucian, the favored second son, embracing the disgraced heir? Even Liana, standing beamed with quiet joy.
Lucian pulled back, his voice soft but earnest. "Thank you, brother. You didn’t just save me—you saved everyone. I heard you got worst injuries than me, but... thank God you made it."