David never spoke much with his father. I didn't either. There was no need to. If I randomly just started getting close to him, sooner or later he'd get curious, and might even get suspicious so it was better to take things slow. Slowly build trust and reliance.
Why would he call me though? I stood outside his doors, waiting for the butler to take me inside.
Oh yeah, maybe he'd caught wind of our coffee ventures. Or maybe he wanted to ask about the book deal? Or maybe he wanted to accuse me of something else….
Anyway, as the butler motioned and the door opened, I went inside. Dominic was sitting behind his desk, and the butler motioned for me to sit on the sofa. Meanwhile, Dominic finished up some paperwork.
Not a bad room. It was larger than I expected. Definitely larger than Damian's. Four shelves of books and papers, two sets of sofas, chairs, tables, organized junk…. Lots of typical stuff. There was a lot of light here though thanks to the two sets of windows; one on the east, while the other on the south.
"You wanted to see me father?" I said as Dominic stood up, came over, and sat exactly opposite of me. A tea table stood before us and soon was filled with sweets and tea. I suppose it was his morning snack time.
"Yes," he said, motioning for me to take the snacks. I took two biscuits but I didn't take any tea. He found that a tad strange so I explained- "I'm drinking less tea starting today."
"Because they don't taste good anymore?"
"Yes, but also because… Airy thinks it'll be a bad influence on my health."
Incidentally, the maid had followed me in. Dominic eyed her and she, with her head kept low, answered. "Excessive tea may coat and corrode his teeth."
"I see," Dominic said. "I was thinking maybe you just got bored…"
So, you knew… He wasn't surprised that I had Airy now who happened to be one of Damian's personal maids.
Hmm… maybe he was more up to date with whatever happened inside his house than I thought. Or maybe Damian was just a blabbermouth.
"We've found who tore the pages," he took a sip. "It was indeed the librarian."
That's strange… if the librarian was the culprit, how come we were- "How did you-"
"I would assume you were already aware of Damian's plans?"
"I know he used me as a bait but-"
"Hmm… you are mistaken. He used you as a lure but unlike typical lures, you're not sacrificial, do not mistake your worth."
"Right."
"He used you because you were without a doubt not bound by the contract. However, the lady of Flaner has a short temper and she ended up showing her true colors. I will spare you the details but we caught her and sent her back home this morning."
"But won't it cause problems? You're under a contr-"
"Let me finish." He gave me a stare and I zipped up. "The house of Flaner is currently in disarray. And I do not think they will have the necessary manpower to do anything significant. That brings us the question of what will happen to your sister," he sighed. "We will cut ties." As if he was convincing himself.
"But father…"
"It is for her own good. She will be spared of the humiliation and leave as a commoner. Once she makes it out of the Flaner household, we will use our scouts to secure her and bring her home."
"Doesn't she already have children?"
"One or two grandchildren is of no consequence," he said, and quite calmly too. "Her life matters more."
I suppose to some parents, their children mattered more than the children of their children. Still, this wasn't something a parent should have told their ten-year-old child. So, what was he up to?
"I see… I will pray her for safe return." I finished my biscuit and waited for him to say something.
"David," he said.
"Yes father?"
His brows furrowed as he was about to say something but stopped. Why was he hesitating so damn much? He even went about that roundabout explanation.
"Would you like to make a friend?"
Yeah, I could see where this was going. I had to worry about this in my last life too. Fine, fine, I'll bite. At best I was going to have to deal with some rich daughter of a merchant who had common etiquette. At worst, some spoiled brat of a noble who would eat most of my pocket money. "Yes, I am getting lonely these days by myself."
"Excellent!" He smiled. "She should be arriving next week. I hope the two of you will get along."
"She? Umm… who is she, father?"
"I'm glad you asked. You see, the house of Flaner belongs to the Barrets County… and-"
He continued talking. Something about the Count having to take matters into his own hands or some shit but I didn't really care.
The name Barrets brought back some memories. Memories I didn't want to remember.
No, they won't send over her… A Count family wouldn't bother with a viscount family; and certainly not, when it was me, the third son they were working with. Surely, they would send one of their bastard children or-
"… and her name is Niyue Vien Barrets; I hope the two of you will get along." He spoke with genuine warmth. Warmth that did not reach me.
The name reverberated over and over again until my head started hurting. Father had already turned back to his study and was talking but… but I was glad he wasn't facing me. I didn't want him to see… I didn't want him to see my gritted teeth, my shaking fist… and my glare.
Fuck that bitch!