Chapter 206: That ends now, Lester
The next morning, Casaio awoke later than usual. He sat up in bed, resting his head against the headboard as a dull ache throbbed behind his eyes.
Flashes of the previous night replayed in his mind, his drunken rambling in front of Gabriel, and a wry laugh slipped from his lips.
"I really do act like a fool at night," he muttered under his breath.
A knock sounded at the door, drawing his attention. He straightened slightly as the door opened and Lester stepped in, bowing respectfully.
"Good morning, Your Highness," Lester greeted. "Your mother has sent a special tea for you." He signaled to the servant behind him, who quietly entered and set a tray on the bedside table.
As the servant discreetly stepped out, Lester’s eyes scanned the room with his usual thoroughness. He saw only a single bottle of alcohol stood on the table near the sofa. It was a small improvement, but Lester noted it all the same.
Casaio took the cup in hand and brought it to his lips. The tea was bitter, leaving a faintly herbal aftertaste, but still tolerable.
"I didn’t drink more than a bottle last night," Casaio said casually, his eyes flickering to Lester. It was both a confession and a preemptive defense because Lester’s scrutinizing gaze was traveling all around the room. "I know Mom has put you into this work. But you don’t need to report her everything."
"Your Highness, keeping an eye on your well-being is a part of my duty," Lester affirmed.
"Your Highness, keeping an eye on your well-being is part of my duty," Lester said calmly.
"No, it’s not," Casaio countered, rising from the bed. He finished the rest of the tea and placed the cup back on the tray. "You’ve been reporting to my mother and making her worry even more. I hope that ends now, Lester."