Chapter 140. Speech
Thalia smiled sharply and knowingly as she leaned back. "Now, Adrian, do you understand why I said nothing?"
Adrian nodded, understanding as he kept his eyes on Leo and Alric. "I understand. The Duke had the option to name the heir discreetly, but he decided on this particular time."
Erin’s voice was sure and low, and she had a cunning smile. "Exactly. During the banquet, he used the opportunity to reveal to everyone Leonhardt’s true self—no lies, no uncertainties, just the facts."
Leo stood there with his shoulders pressed down by the weight of his new title, a chain he had never desired. The Dragger vanished into his item space.
The Dukedom didn’t really appeal to him. Finding Chloe and creating a safe haven where they could flee the violence were his only goals.
However, he required a title, a means of obtaining the authority, assets, and clout to dismantle the cult. He would then leave everything behind and give it to Lucian, the legitimate Caulem heir. Because he wasn’t Leonhardt Caulem. He was Reo Carter, a stranger who was inhabiting a different person’s body."
He raised his glass, the amber liquor glowing like liquid fire, and faced the crowd.
"I’m Leonhardt Caulem, son of Duke Alric Caulem and the late Duchess Seraphina Caulem."
Bold and unflinching, he looked around the hall, meeting the eyes of the nobles, some curious, some doubtful.
"I am aware of your remarks regarding me. feeble. Coward. Sadist. Crybaby." His lips formed a tiny, derisive smile.
"However, I stand here now, years before I take that seat of Duke, I swear: I will show that my father made the right decision."