After closing the door behind me, I let out a deep breath, my shoulders sagging under the weight of the conversation I'd just endured. The air in the hallway felt cooler, a stark contrast to the stifling tension in my father's study.
Xavier, perched on my shoulder, tilted his head and grinned playfully. "You didn't even flinch while fighting off that demonic power earlier, yet here you are, looking like you just survived a battlefield after talking to your father."
I gave him a tired smile. "You wouldn't understand."
As I started walking down the corridor, Xavier fluttered his wings and hovered in front of me, his golden eyes wide with curiosity. "Then make me understand."
I paused, considering his request. Xavier's dragon form was small and deceptively cute, with round, glowing eyes that could melt even the coldest heart. But I knew better than to be swayed by his charm. "Even if I tried, you wouldn't get it," I said, shaking my head.
Xavier's wings twitched, and for a moment, it looked like he was about to flap them in frustration. But then we both froze, sensing a familiar energy approaching. The rhythmic footsteps climbing the stairs were unmistakable. In an instant, Xavier sat back on my shoulder like before.
Rudrick.
He appeared at the top of the staircase, his tall frame silhouetted against the dim light. His polished glasses glinted as he bowed his head respectfully. "My Lady," he said, his voice deep but soft, carrying an apologetic tone. "About what happened earlier, I hope you won't hold any grudge against Lady Elizabeth."
I studied him carefully. Behind his polite smile and composed demeanor, there was something unreadable—a mask he wore too well. Xavier's voice echoed in my mind, low and warning. "Be careful, Captain. He's hiding his true power. If you clash with him now, you won't survive."
I couldn't deny Xavier's assessment. The Rudrick I knew from my past life was a force of nature, a spirit contractor whose power rivaled even the strongest demons. Yet here he was, playing the role of a humble servant. Why?
"It's fine," I said, maintaining a polite tone. "If anything, I was a little rude to her earlier."
Rudrick's smile didn't waver, but his eyes flickered with something—surprise, perhaps?—before he lowered his gaze again. "You're too kind, my lady."
I tilted my head, feigning curiosity. "What brings you to my father's study?"
He held up a brown envelope. "A letter from the Marquess. He asked me to deliver it to His Grace personally."
My eyes narrowed slightly. I could guess the contents of the letter—an objection to my succession, no doubt. The Marquess had never been fond of me, and my recent actions had only fueled his displeasure.
"Seems like the Marquess isn't too happy with Nyxveil's decisions," I remarked, watching Rudrick closely.
He gave a practiced, polite reply. "I'm merely an attendant. It's not my place to speculate on the Marquess's thoughts."
I almost scoffed. Anyone else might believe his loyalty was unwavering, but I knew better. In my past life, Rudrick had eventually turned on the Marquess, seizing control of the entire marquessate in a brutal coup. His actions had been swift and merciless, leaving no room for doubt about his true nature.
But why was he enduring the Marquess's abuses now? What was he hiding?
I decided to test the waters. "I'm jealous," I said, stepping closer to him. He blinked, caught off guard by my sudden shift in tone.
"Jealous, my lady?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion.
"Yes," I said, smiling softly. "To have such a loyal subordinate—the Marquess is truly fortunate."
Rudrick lowered his head, his glasses hiding his expression. "You think too highly of me."
"Not at all," I replied, my voice dropping to a near whisper. "In fact, I don't think any amount of praise would be enough."
He stiffened, clearly uncomfortable with my proximity. "My Lady, you're... coming too close."
I ignored his unease and leaned in slightly. "Be mine."
His eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, the mask slipped. "M-My lady, what are you saying?"
Xavier's voice screeched in my ear. *"WHAT KIND OF NONSENSE IS THIS? DON'T TELL ME IT'S LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!"*
I suppressed a laugh and stepped back, feigning innocence. "Sorry, I chose my words poorly. What I meant was..." I paused, letting the tension hang in the air. "Will you work for me, Sir Rudrick?"
He stared at me, his composure cracking for the first time. "I... I am a servant of House Graham, My Lady. I cannot accept your offer."
"Why not?" I pressed, tilting my head. "I could simply write to the Marquess and request your transfer."
Rudrick's hands clenched slightly, and he muttered something under his breath—a phrase in the ancient language of spirits. Xavier translated for me: *"Humans are all the same. Always doing as they please, without regard for others."*
I frowned. There was more to his refusal than mere loyalty. Xavier added, his tone grim, *"He's afraid, Captain. Afraid of being used again."*
Used? My mind raced. The Marquess's abuses, Rudrick's hidden power, his eventual betrayal—it all pointed to something darker. Was the Marquess holding something over him? Something precious?
I decided to retreat for now. "That's unfortunate," I said, my tone softening. "But I understand. Loyalty is a rare and valuable trait."
Rudrick bowed his head again, his mask firmly back in place. "Thank you for your understanding, my lady."
As I walked away, Xavier looked behind me to steal a glance at Rudrick and grinned ear to ear, "You shook him, Captain. That's no small feat. But are you giving up recruiting him? He is a very powerful wind spirit."
"As if," I smirked, "I'm not giving up on him. I just need a better plan."