Schemes and Scrutiny at the Duke’s Table

“Oh, I apologize.”

Despite Audrey’s obviously perfunctory demeanor, a silent understanding prevented anyone present from reprimanding her.

It seemed as though the strained relationship between Audrey and Marin was a widely acknowledged truth, and the Duke’s family had, by unspoken custom, grown accustomed to indulging Audrey.

Though Rhine’s social interactions were practically non-existent, his sharp intellect allowed him to discern the underlying nuances.

There had to be a reason he was unaware of.

“Audrey, there’s no need to make things difficult for everyone. Today is a celebration of your achievements; let’s put what just happened behind us and eat.”

Hassan, seizing the opportune moment, skillfully diffused the tension, and with the Duke’s pronouncement, the heavy atmosphere dissipated entirely.

He exchanged a glance with Marin, yet neither revealed any discernible emotion, leaving onlookers utterly unable to decipher the true nature of their communication as brothers.

Rhine, ever mindful of etiquette, prudently brought the dishes to the table, with crayfish naturally serving as the main course for the celebratory feast.

Audrey’s helpless, deadpan gaze fell upon him, but he feigned ignorance, having no intention of meeting the young lady’s eyes, and withdrew to the side once his task was complete.

He adhered to a philosophy of minimal social interaction, believing that avoiding unnecessary trouble and misunderstandings would benefit both himself and Audrey.

Just as he was about to fulfill his duties as a server and quietly depart, Hassan suddenly called out to him.

“Wait a moment, child.”

Rhine turned around with an unreadable expression, executing a perfect bow to the Duke.

“Yes, my lord.”

“Your name is Rhine, but do you possess a surname?”

“I am but an orphan, my lord, devoid of such a distinguished mark. I beg your understanding.”

Hassan nodded slightly in satisfaction; Rhine’s etiquette and reply were both impeccably proper, and his neither servile nor arrogant demeanor earned his admiration.

“Lineage is not the Cavendish family’s measure of talent, for all souls are born equal before God. We have always strictly adhered to the tenets of this sacred covenant. Do you have any desired reward? Speak freely.”

‘If I were to ask for the Babel Tower back, along with compensation for my mental distress, would you truly agree?’

Despite the indignation simmering within him, Rhine maintained a respectful demeanor outwardly.

“The Duke’s family granting me refuge is, in itself, my greatest reward.”

‘Pure flattery, of course, but buttering up a superior never goes out of style.’

“Haha, excellent, excellent. Your talent is evident to all of us present. To think you’ve become our young lady’s manservant! Audrey has always been one to dismiss as many as arrive, so the mere fact you haven’t been chased off is ample proof of your capabilities.”

Rhine, speechless, cast a glance at Audrey, who, oblivious, was being fed crayfish by Philip.

‘Hey, she really is a spoiled brat, isn’t she!’

“Lord Ferren’s judgment has always been impeccable.”

Marin, seizing the opportunity, also spoke, though his words always seemed to carry a hidden meaning.

“As it happens, I have a task I wish to entrust to you as well. My son, Daniel, requires improvement in his swordsmanship, and since you are of a similar age, I would like you to spare some time to spar with him.”

“Father…”

Daniel began to speak reluctantly, but Marin met his gaze with a slight smile, and his son immediately fell silent.

“I wonder, Rhine, would you be willing to accept?”

“Oh dear, it seems some people are so lacking in resources that they can’t even find a competent fencing instructor for themselves, and now they’re trying to poach my servant?”

Audrey, of course, held the right to speak on this matter, given that Rhine was her nominal servant.

“Then, as his elder sister, would you be willing to inconvenience yourself by training with your younger brother?”

Marin countered, and from that perspective, it was indeed reasonable for an elder sister to look after her younger brother.

Daniel could barely conceal his surprise and delight, but Audrey’s subsequent words quickly dampened his spirits.

“I am a lady; wielding a sword is hardly my occupation. Daniel’s studies are his own concern, and there’s no need to trouble my servant with them.”

‘That’s quite a statement – a young master troubling a servant…’

“Let’s not jump to conclusions. Perhaps we should first inquire about Rhine’s opinion.”

Marin gazed at Rhine with an unreadable expression.

“What do you think?”

“Don’t be so shameless! This is a blatant threat, do you think I can’t see through it?!”

“Audrey, servants have never been private property. At most, they are bound to us by a labor contract. The era of slavery ended with the founding of the Norman Empire.”

“The founding of the Norman Empire is ancient history! Aren’t you part of the ‘New Policy Faction’? To use such pompous words to oppress someone now—have you no shame…?”

They were arguing again.

Rhine finally understood: one was aggressively assertive, the other’s audacity unfathomable. Truly, they were a family, possessing such compatible personalities.

“Audrey, Audrey, calm down, calm down.”

Duchess Julia unfolded her fan, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

“And you, younger brother, what sort of decorum is it to argue with a young lady?”

Upon hearing her words, both fell silent obediently, a clear testament to the Duchess’s standing within the family.

‘Hey, if you’re going to be a peacemaker, at least try to be subtle about taking sides!’

“Nevertheless, providing young people with opportunities for growth is beneficial. Should Rhine ever pursue a career in the imperial court, his tenure with our family would undoubtedly serve as a valuable reference on his resume.”

After much back-and-forth, the point of contention once again settled upon Rhine.

“I have no objections.”

Resigned to his fate, he raised his gaze, scanning the exposed necks of everyone seated.

‘The possibility of severing everyone’s heads with spatial magic in an instant… No, forget it. The Cavendish family might possess trump cards I’m unaware of, and a Seven-Ring spell would be too great a burden on my body. Even if I succeeded, there’s still the Knight Order guarding outside; I couldn’t possibly escape unscathed.’

‘But looking at it this way, Audrey’s collarbones are quite delicate. She’s just a girl, yet she possesses a certain allure… How wonderful it would be if she were a proper lady. Why, then, does she have such a honey-sweet, cherry-like mouth?’

After the others engaged in a lively exchange of opinions, the harmonious family atmosphere once again settled over the dining table.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and crossing of forks, the forbidden fruit named “power” was silently portioned out, reflected in the tines of the dinnerware.

Only the eyes, like distant stars, revealed a hint of disdain, and the fork was set down, untouched by appetite.

As a servant, to be recognized by the entire ducal family, even without formal commendation, was an immense honor for anyone.

As an outsider, Rhine naturally found it inappropriate to linger at the Cavendish family’s private dinner. He offered a slight bow and departed, while Audrey secretly winked at him.

‘This entire family, every single one of them, is full of schemes and hidden agendas.’

He mused to himself after exiting the dining hall.

‘Bringing me into this, it seems like Marin’s doing. Does he suspect me? If he suspects me, why would he then ask me to train with his son? What kind of scheme is this?’

Stepping onto the public stage presented both advantages and disadvantages for Rhine.

The benefit was his elevated status, making his public facade less prone to suspicion and granting him greater room for maneuver. The drawback was the increased trouble and scrutiny he would face; one misstep could lead to utter defeat.

His objective had remained unchanged from the very beginning. Earthly fame and fortune, no matter how abundant, held no significance for him. Even being granted high office and titles in the most prestigious Norman Empire could not stir his long-desolate heart.

He possessed immense patience, like a wounded tiger sharpening its claws while feigning the harmlessness of a housecat. Given his current lifespan, even if the Babel Tower were torn down and rebuilt, it would be of little consequence, though it would pain him for several years.

As for identity, it could be discarded at any moment it became necessary. For a mage with “numerous dark arts,” a physical transformation was always possible, and Rhine himself was the most striking example.

“Ah, ah,” the wicked mage opened his Eye of Foresight and sneered, “Then let me seize this opportunity to witness firsthand the final act of the century-old Norman Empire.”