THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

Captain Kaelen's voice, a cold steel blade, sliced through the tense air. "Is that so?" he interjected, his gaze a venomous dart aimed at David. "Young master, I must warn you, even bearing the Earl's name, accusing the Noble Elder is a perilous path. Disinheritance is a mere stone's throw away."

His words were a gauntlet, a declaration of war. Elder Maison, the king on this chessboard, watched with a mask of indifference, while Captain Kaelen, his loyal knight, had made his move. But David was no pawn.

His eyes, twin icebergs, met Kaelen's with a chilling intensity. "I merely asked a question, Captain," he replied, his voice as smooth as velvet. "A query I believe deserves an answer, if the Elder Noble permits." The words were a counterattack, subtle yet deadly. He was no longer a pawn, but a queen with the most power and freedom on the board, already laying out his trap.

Kaelen's lips curled into a sneer. "By the Queen's Law, your status grants you no right to question the Elder Noble of the main branch," he retorted, his voice dripping with contempt.

A slow, predatory smile crept across David's face. He ran a hand through his hair, a casual gesture that belied the storm brewing within. "Ah, Captain, you make a valid point," he drawled. A beat of silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken threats. Then, with a flourish, he continued, "In that case…"

David rose, his figure stretching towards the morning light. "I shall address this matter directly with the Earl," he declared, his voice carrying a quiet authority. The words hung in the air, a challenge thrown down.

Captain Kaelen, his face a mask of contempt, found his voice. "And what makes you think the Earl would question his own brother? You, a disgrace to the family, daring to question the Elder Noble?" His voice was a whip, sharp and cutting.

David met his gaze, his expression unchanged. "Perhaps, Captain," he replied, his tone laced with indifference. "But harbouring criminals within your borders seems a far graver offence against the Earl's honour."

Before Kaelen could respond, a hearty laugh erupted from Elder Maison. It was a sound like thunder, cutting through the tension. "Enough, nephew," he chuckled, his hand raised in a calming gesture. "Sit, please."

"Maid," Elder Maison called out, and a maid rushed into the chamber, bowing. "Some refreshments, tea perhaps," Elder Maison commanded.

As David resumed his seat, Elder Maison turned to Kaelen. "Captain," he said, his tone laced with amusement, "I believe the boy has bested you."

Kaelen's face flushed with shame. With a swift, unexpected movement, he knelt before David. "Forgive my rudeness, young master. I have overstepped my boundaries," Captain Kaelen apologized.

"No need," David regarded him with a cool indifference. "You may stand, and please refrain from these childish tests."

Kaelen rose, his face a mixture of relief and resentment.

A comfortable silence settled over the room, the weight of the revelations hanging heavy in the air. Elder Maison, his gaze fixed on David, stroked his silver beard thoughtfully. A wry smile crept across his lips. "So, nephew," he began, his voice laced with amusement, "when did you grow such a pair?"

David returned the elder's gaze with a level stare. "I have not the slightest clue what you mean, uncle," he replied, his tone casual.

Elder Maison chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "A fascinating young man you are becoming," he commented, his voice filled with genuine admiration. Then, his expression turned serious. "To answer your question," he began, his voice taking on a more authoritative tone, "we maintain a constant vigil over the town and its environs.

If your claims are accurate, it seems there are traitors in our midst." His voice hardened as he considered the implications.

"Indeed," David replied, his voice low. "And the problem runs deeper than you might think. One of the men, a guard in the Earl's estate, is also involved."

A look of shock crossed Elder Maison's face, mirroring the Captain's astonishment. "If I may ask, how did you defeat them? The fingers, Surely, you had help," Elder Maison inquired.

Captain Kaelen, his eyes narrowed in contemplation, interjected. "My lord, I believe I may have an explanation," he began, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and disbelief. "The young master... he has awakened." The words hung in the air, heavy with their implications. From their earlier confrontation, he could sense the hum of mana within David.

Elder Maison's voice was a thunderclap of disbelief. "Impossible!" he roared, his face a mask of astonishment.

Captain Kaelen, his expression steady, met the Elder's gaze. "It is the truth, my lord," he affirmed.

Elder Maison's eyes darted between the two, his mind racing. "Kaelen, I trust you," he began, his voice laced with doubt. "But David... he had no potential." His gaze settled on the young man, a mixture of curiosity and suspicion in his eyes. "May I?" he asked, his hand outstretched.

David, without hesitation, offered his hand. Elder Maison, an appointed bailiff with excellent management skills and a 4th-class mage, channelled his mana into the young man. His eyes widened in shock as a surge of power met his own. It was as if he'd stumbled upon a hidden ocean of energy. The density, the purity of it was unnatural. A cold dread crept into his heart.

Elder Maison could only think of David's father. Another monster has appeared, he thought.

He released David's hand, his mind reeling. "When… when did this happen?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

A discreet knock interrupted their intense exchange. A maid, her face a mask of serene efficiency, wheeled in a trolley laden with porcelain teacups and delicate pastries. Elder Maison, with a practised ease, masked his astonishment, his expression returning to its usual impassive demeanour. As the maid retreated, her footsteps fading into the distance, the elder turned his attention back to David.

"Never mind," Elder Maison resumed, his curiosity still piqued. Even with David's awakening, the feat of defeating the Fingers, rumoured to have a master among them, was astounding. Reflecting on how David had effortlessly subdued his own men, Elder Maison pondered what could have transformed him so drastically in such a short time.

He lifted his teacup, the porcelain cool against his fingers. Steam curled upward, carrying with it the promise of warmth and comfort. "Let us refresh ourselves," he suggested, his voice a subtle command. "There is much to discuss, and it seems we have uncovered a viper's nest within our own walls."

David, with a serene and collected expression, delicately raised the porcelain teacup to his lips, savouring the bittersweet flavour that offered a brief but necessary repose from the weightiness of their ongoing conversation.

As he took a moment to gather his thoughts, he steeled himself for the impending discussion about the intricate plans aimed at identifying and neutralizing the traitors hidden among them.

****

(The previous night, almost to sun break...)

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