Chapter 40: Ax and Lullaby
"You do have your father's potential; how intriguing." Ael took a few steps toward Astara. "You killed my grandson, right?"
Daylan was overwhelmed by everything happening. The last thing he wanted to discuss right now was Slater's death. All that mattered to him was what Ael knew about his father. If his father was somehow still alive—and with his mother—it would shatter his entire world.
"Daylan killing your son is still an allegation, mister." Astara's words cut through Daylan's daze.
Ael smirked. "Do I have your permission to spar with your comrade, Lady Astara?"
"Huh?" Daylan wore a confused expression.
A maid suddenly hurried in and handed Astara a cup of coffee. She accepted it with grace and took a slow sip. "Yes, do with him as you please," she said calmly. "But our request afterward must not be denied."
"You have my word, Lady Astara."
"Wait... Do I have no say?" He let out a sigh.
Well, if a duel could secure his sister's place among the Bastians, then it wasn't an offer he could afford to pass up—even if he knew he had no chance of winning against Ael.
Even so, a few things unsettled him. If Ael knew about his father, did that mean he knew about his mother too? The Bastians wouldn't dare touch Zira—but if they were connected to her, was the Bastian estate really a safe place for her? If that was the case, then he was willing to let the chips fall where they may.
Without a moment's hesitation, Ael calmly materialized a glowing patriot from thin air. It perched on his hand, its head twitching as it scanned its surroundings. "This is Ax, my Worth Artifact," he said with a smirk. Without another word, he turned and walked toward the door to his left.