Chapter 9 - Father's Disciple

Lost in introspection, I found myself questioning my worth as the conversation resumed its course.

"Swordsmanship exists to safeguard what is precious, not to engage in senseless slaughter. It appears you have forgotten this fundamental principle," my father's stern voice pierced through me like a sharpened blade, causing me to flinch involuntarily.

However, the other man remained unyielding in his stance. "I have not forgotten. I simply refuse to expose any vulnerabilities."

His words echoed in my mind, striking a chord within me. Bitterness welled up inside as I recognized my reflection in his words.

I am flawed in many ways... that is why I am deemed expendable.

For as long as I could remember, my father had kept his distance from me, much like my ex-boyfriend, Mikhail. While I didn't feel particularly upset about this, a sense of sympathy for my past self washed over me, prompting a weary sigh.

"Sometimes, one becomes strongeri to shield their weaknesses," my father's voice resonated with an air of wisdom.

I pondered over what he sought to protect. Perhaps it was his lofty status and unwavering sense of honor, or perhaps, more tenderly, his cherished subordinates. After all, he had always placed great significance on his work.

I may not know his vulnerabilities, but he possesses the means to defend himself in any situation. Unlike me...

At that moment, the young man's somber voice shattered my melancholic musings. "Master."

My eyes widened in surprise. Master? I was unaware that my father had taken on any disciples...

Curiosity compelled me to discreetly peek around the corner, seeking another glimpse of their interaction.

"I no longer wish to listen to your lectures. I shall take my leave," his tone carried an air of grim determination and indifference, surpassing even that of my father.

No need to outdo him in such matters. I observed their exchange with a furrowed brow.

"Someday, you too shall encounter someone—a cherished existence that you would go to great lengths to protect," my father's stern words were imbued with an affection I had never witnessed before.

Unconsciously, I bit my lower lip, then composed myself, resolving not to dwell on the matter any longer.

There is no need for contemplation. I have already accepted that I will not receive his affection.

A long, fulfilling life lay ahead of me, and I refused to be burdened by this any further. I shall remain resolute.

If I relinquished my pursuit of my father's affections, his words would no longer hold the power to wound me. I made a firm promise to myself to maintain my strength.

Suddenly, the cold whisper of my father's disciple jolted me out of my despondency. "Well, it seems I have stumbled upon a hidden rat."

The very mention of a rat, my deepest fear, snapped me back to reality.

What? A rat?

A shudder ran through me, causing goosebumps to rise on my skin. All traces of melancholy dissipated in an instant.

Where is this wretched creature? The thought of it lurking nearby filled me with dread.

"Shall I catch it?" The disciple's voice held a hint of salvation.

I nodded vehemently. Yes, please capture it!

To my dismay, my father dismissed my desperate pleas. "No," he stated firmly.

A sense of displeasure welled up within me. Why, Father?

As I silently contested his decision, my father's disciple spoke in a chilling manner. "Oh? Do you recognize the rat I speak of?"

"Yes."

What? I had not expected my father to admit acquaintance with a rat. However, I reminded myself that I was living within a novel and managed to regain my composure.

In fairy tales, both humans and animals can communicate... As a transcendent being, my father may possess the ability to converse with animals. If he frequently encounters this rat, he may have developed some fondness for it.

Nevertheless, an unease continued to gnaw at me. I detest rats with every fiber of my being!

In a previous life, I once encountered a rat that was as long as my entire arm. It scurried away after causing quite a commotion, but the incident left me too terrified to ever enter that warehouse again, ultimately leading to my resignation from that part-time job.

Now, faced with a similar predicament in this life, I realized that the rat had infiltrated my very own home. I no longer felt safe within these walls—the creature could have roamed through corridors, rooms, and every nook and cranny. It might have even nibbled at the food I consumed.

This is utterly terrifying! The more I dwelled on it, the more resolute I became to take action. If I ignore this issue, the infestation could multiply within my residence.

Being the only lady of the house, as my mother was no longer with us, and holding a position of high standing, albeit with limited authority, I knew that my concerns would be taken seriously if I were to request assistance in capturing the rat.

I shall inform Father.

Just as I was about to approach him with newfound determination, his chilling words pierced the air. "If you dare lay a hand on that child... even if it's you, I won't let it slide."

Never before had I heard such a chilling tone from my father. It felt like a warning directed at me. At that moment, I swiftly changed my course of action.

Perhaps it is best if I return to my room. I must continue living.

Clutching my father's pendant tightly, I quietly made my exit.

***

With the eavesdropper no longer present, a hint of relief permeated the once-tense atmosphere.

Those footsteps... How vexing. A frown marred the handsome face of the young man as if some mysterious irritation plagued his thoughts.

"Max," his master's voice called out to him, breaking the silence.

"Yes?"

"Did you address her knowing who she truly is?"

Although his master's typically monotone voice remained unchanged, a fierce gleam in his eyes betrayed the depth of his emotions. It had been a long while since this man had allowed the cracks in his stoic facade to show.

"I am unaware of her identity."

Only one person could elicit such a reaction from his master. While Max possessed knowledge of who she was, he maintained an indifferent gaze fixed upon his mentor.

It had been a decade since Max, at the tender age of twelve, began his tutelage in the art of swordsmanship under the watchful eye of Duke Floyen. He was intimately acquainted with the strictness and bluntness of his master's teachings. However, there were moments when his mentor's steely demeanor softened...

"She is my daughter."

Max recalled her name. "Jubell."

A smile smile graced his master's face. "Indeed."

Although Max had only mentioned his daughter's nickname, it was enough to soften his master's expression. The young man furrowed his brow. He remains an enigma.

When Max's mother passed away during his early years, his very existence became imperiled by adversaries lurking within his own family. In the face of dire circumstances, Duke Floyen shielded him from imminent danger and imparted the skills necessary for self-preservation.

"As your master, I shall clandestinely teach you the ways of the sword to ensure your survival."

There was a time when Max held aspirations of emulating his master, admiring him wholeheartedly. However, those aspirations had long since faded away.

He has tethered himself to someone like her.

Ice seemed to settle within the depths of the young man's crimson eyes at this realization. The corners of his tightly sealed lips curled crookedly. I shall never succumb to weakness like you.

Max was acutely aware of how his master struggled due to this vulnerability.

The tighter the leash, the weaker one becomes.

A cynical laugh escaped his lips before he reverted to his usual stoic countenance.

His master observed him and inquired, "Is there someone who often occupies your thoughts?"

Caught off guard by the unexpected question, Max shook his head, memories of an unpleasant encounter causing his brows to furrow.

"Hey, what about change?"

His master let out a weary sigh at his perplexed expression. "Return before it grows too late."

The young man cloaked himself in the hood of his cloak and fixed his sunken eyes on his mentor. "Take care of yourself."

With a cold farewell, Max leaped out of the window. His master watched him depart, well aware of the young man's skill that rendered any harm impossible.

It's worse than I feared.

Even though he had imparted to Max the importance of cherishing life, his disciple was growing increasingly detached. He would not hesitate to eliminate his enemies when necessary, employing whatever means or methods required.

A dark shadow loomed over the ethereal visage of the duke.

I was once like him.

Duke Regis Floyen had long understood that in times of war, the weak were the first to perish. He harbored no sympathy for them, instead openly displaying his contempt. However, the callous man had transformed, all because of a delicate girl who demanded cautiousness even in the mere act of touching her hand.

"Father!"

A gentle smile illuminated Regis's countenance in the darkness.

You know nothing, Max.

To Regis, his beloved daughter was the sole salvation in his otherwise mundane existence. She allowed him to exist as a human rather than succumbing to the monstrous tendencies that plagued him.

Because of that child, I can continue living without descending into madness.

She was the anchor that prevented him from losing himself entirely.

***

Upon returning to my chamber, I promptly informed the maids about the presence of a rat.

"A... a rat?"

"The butler had recently employed an exterminator, so I believed every last one of them had been eradicated."

Merilyn shook her head. "Given the size of the mansion, it is possible that a few were overlooked. Rats breed rapidly."

The mere thought of it weakened my knees in fear.

This is dreadful. Even catching a glimpse of one would be terrifying...

Noticing the worry etched upon my face, Merilyn reassured me. "Do not fret. I shall inform Madam Perez, and the issue will be resolved promptly."

A sense of relief washed over me, and I offered a grateful smile.

I am glad I did not mention this to Father.

Had I approached him at that moment, he would have dissuaded me from involving the maids in capturing the rat. However, since he remained oblivious to my eavesdropping, he would assume that I had encountered a rat elsewhere within the mansion and see no reason to object to my request for assistance.

Finally, I can find solace in knowing that the matter will be taken care of.

***

"Consequently, I have assembled the servants to address the rat infestation."

Regis sighed as he received Madam Perez's report, realizing that a grave misunderstanding had occurred.

She must have misconstrued our conversation.

Anxiety gripped him as he contemplated how to reassure his daughter.