章 18: Shadow Forest

"Young Master, Valac Noctis, is entering."

Wow... I didn't know The Duke called the extended family too.

The dining hall buzzed with the soft murmurs of the extended Noctis family as they took in Valac's sober presence with a little shock and some with hostility.

Valac, dressed impeccably, walked in with his usual lazy gait, his lips curled in a practiced smirk. His body screamed fatigue, but he masked it well.

Looks like the charm of this thing can really be trusted.

"Young Master Valac, please take your seat," the steward announced as the Duke gave him eye signals.

Valac nodded, eyes flickering around the room.

At the head of the table sat Duke Noctis, his sharp, calculating eyes observing every movement. To his right was the Duchess, Elenora, her lips pressed into a thin line, barely hiding her distaste. Christian, her son and the Duke's pride, lounged confidently beside her, his gaze narrowing on Valac the moment he entered.

To his left, Valac's mother, Darina, a concubine of the Duke, sat quietly, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She shot her son a concerned glance, but Valac ignored it.

I better ignore her. Who knows if I show too much attention the assassins will be sent to her room next time.

Valac took his seat, his movements deliberate and slow. His body ached, the suppressed venom pulsing through his veins like a constant reminder of his frailty. But no one in the room knew that except for the smiling culprit.

To them, he was still the cursed, useless son with no mana affinity.

A joke.

"Valac," the Duke finally spoke, his deep voice cutting through the chatter. "It's good that you've joined us today. I have an important matter to discuss."

Valac raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair lazily. "What's this about, Father?" he asked, keeping his voice light, despite the growing unease settling in his stomach.

The Duke steepled his fingers, his gaze heavy. "It's time you took on some responsibilities. You've been... idle long enough. And, since you've tried to change. I decided to lend a hand."

Oohh! It wasn't Xavier who leaked the word. It was the Duke's sudden interest in me that Eleanora sent assassins last night.

Valac suppressed the urge to roll his eyes.

What help? You're obviously trying to get me killed.

The Duke continued, ignoring the subtle tension building in the room. "I've arranged for you to be betrothed. It's time you start securing your future like Christian."

Betrothed?

Valac's smirk faltered for a brief second, but he quickly recovered, giving a low chuckle. "A wife? Me? You must be joking, Father. Who would want to bethroned to me?"

Christian snorted from his seat. "A wife? For him? He can barely hold his liquor, let alone a family. There's literally new women coming in and going out his manor everyday, father."

"Christian," the Duke said sharply, silencing him. "This is not up for debate."

Valac shot a quick glance at his half-brother. Christian's jaw was clenched, his knuckles white against the table.

Oh, this is getting interesting.

"Father," Christian started again, trying to control his frustration. "You can't be serious. Valac has done nothing but waste his life. He's a drunk, a playboy, and—"

"A son of the Noctis household," the Duke interrupted coldly. "And as such, he will have the chance to prove himself. Which brings me to my next point."

Valac's eyes narrowed. Here we go again.

"I am planning to send Valac to The Shadow Forest for the subjugation mission. If he succeeds, he will have validity to be a candidate for the heir selection."

Wow! Pfft. He's getting me escorted to Moonlit Cavern. Could this day get any better?

The room fell silent. Valac could feel the eyes of the entire family on him, but he kept his expression unreadable.

"Subjugation?" Valac repeated slowly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. His heart raced with happiness.

The Shadow Forest was famous for its dangerous beasts and it's mystical condition.

Christian's laugh broke the silence, bitter and sharp. "This is madness, Father. Valac? In the mountains? He'll die within days!"

The Duke's gaze darkened. "That is enough, Christian."

Valac leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, a smug grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Aw, Christian, I didn't know you cared so much about your elder brother's wellbeing."

Christian glared at him. "You're not worthy of this family, let alone the title of heir. You're just an illegitimate son!"

Valac met his half-brother's gaze, unbothered. "And yet, here I am. Still part of this delightful little family."

Christian slammed his hand on the table, standing up abruptly. "Father, I refuse to accept this! He's nothing but a curse! The priests—"

"The priests are irrelevant," the Duke snapped, his voice carrying authority that left no room for argument. "Valac may not have mana, but that does not make him useless. He will prove himself. He is my blood. Not illegitimate. I don't wish for you to make this mistake again."

Valac's smirk widened.

Oh, this is priceless. The favourite son got scolded for the worthless one.

Christian's fists clenched, his knuckles turning white as he struggled to contain his fury. "This was a mistake," he muttered, storming out of the room without another word.

The Duke didn't even spare Christian a glance. His attention remained on Valac.

"Do you understand what's expected of you?" the Duke asked, his tone firm.

Valac's gaze hardened slightly, but he nodded. "Perfectly."

The suppressed venom pulsed again, a sharp reminder of his predicament.

Valac clenched his jaw, pushing the pain aside. He'd have to deal with that before time for suppression runs out.

Elenora, who had been silent throughout the conversation, finally spoke, her voice as cold as ice. "Are you sure this is wise, my Lord? Sending Valac into such dangerous territory? He might not make it back."

Valac met her gaze, his smile never faltering. "Oh, worried about me, Duchess? I thought you wanted me dead after last night incident."

Her lips curled into a sneer. "Hardly. I simply don't want the family name further tarnished by your failures."

Valac chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Don't worry, Elenora. I'll be sure to die gloriously if it comes to that."

Elenora's eyes flashed with disdain, but she said nothing further.

The Duke stood, signaling the end of the conversation. "The preparations will be made. You leave tomorrow. I've personally handpicked the knights that will accompany you. If you wish to hire mercenaries you may do so. Come back day after tomorrow for the ceremony in the main hall directly."

Valac rose from his chair as well, feeling the weight of the room's stares. He gave a mock bow, his smile never reaching his eyes.

"As you command... Father."