So he decided to take a gamble.
"Your grip's decent," Mikael said, his voice calm despite the growing pain in his hand. A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he locked eyes with Cadmus. "But if this is supposed to intimidate , you'll have to try harder. I've dealt with worse."
The room grew tense, and Alia's worried gaze darted between the two n. Cadmus's cold stare didn't waver, and silence hung heavy in the air. Then, after a mont, Cadmus let out a low chuckle and tightened his grip further.
"Worse, huh?" Cadmus said, his tone carrying a hint of challenge. "You think you're tough enough to handle my daughter?"
Mikael leaned in slightly, ignoring the pain as his smirk widened. His voice dropped to a calm yet defiant tone. "I don't just think it. I know it. And if you're done with this dick-asuring contest, I'd like to keep my hand intact."
The tension spiked for a heartbeat before Cadmus burst into laughter, a deep and unexpected sound that broke the oppressive atmosphere. Releasing Mikael's hand, he gave it a firm pat on the back. "Not bad," Cadmus said, his earlier coldness replaced by a sharp grin. "You've got guts. Most would've folded by now. Maybe you're not a waste of her ti after all."
Mikael flexed his hand subtly, masking the discomfort as he t Cadmus's gaze evenly. "Glad I passed your test," he replied smoothly.
Alia, who had been simring with anger throughout the exchange, finally spoke up, her tone sharp and full of disapproval. "Dad, what was that?"
Hearing the anger in her voice, Cadmus's commanding aura faltered, replaced with an appeasing tone. "Treasure, you know I had to make sure he wasn't so coward trying to trick you," he said, casting a quick glance at Mikael. "I still don't like him, but at least he's not a pushover." His voice dipped into a faintly sulking tone by the end.
Alia crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. "So your brilliant idea of a test was to see who could squeeze the hardest in a handshake? That's ridiculous!"
"Okay, okay," Cadmus relented with a sigh. "I won't do it again."
Alia snorted but decided to drop the subject, knowing it was pointless to argue further.
Cadmus cleared his throat, regaining so of his earlier commanding presence, though Mikael couldn't help but see it as a little diminished after watching him get scolded by his daughter. "Co on," Cadmus said, gesturing toward the sitting area. "Let's talk. I need to know more about the guy who's caught my daughter's attention."
The group took their seats, but Cadmus's brow twitched when Alia sat on the couch beside Mikael, leaving her father on the opposite side. Cadmus shot Mikael a hostile glare, but before it could escalate, Alia gave her father a cold look that imdiately made him back down. He didn't want to further upset his precious daughter.
Leaning back on the couch, Cadmus continued his appraisal of Mikael. "So, tell , Mikael, what's your story? How does a first-year student manage to catch Alia's attention?"
Mikael t Cadmus's gaze evenly, a small smile on his lips. "I could ask the sa about how she caught mine. But if you're asking about , I'm just soone who works hard and doesn't back down when it matters."
Cadmus chuckled, clearly entertained. "Doesn't back down, huh? I can see that. But hard work alone doesn't get you far in this world. What's your edge?"
Mikael leaned forward slightly, his tone asured and confident. "Adaptability. I've learned to make the best of any situation and never waste opportunities. It's why I'm here now and not lying face-down in one of those flower fields outside."
Cadmus smirked at the subtle jab. "Good answer. But let be clear—my daughter isn't so 'opportunity' for you to take advantage of. You hurt her, and I'll make sure it's the last mistake you ever make."
"Dad!" Alia cut in, frowning. "Mikael isn't like that."
Mikael raised a hand to stop her. "It's fine," he said calmly, turning back to Cadmus. "I get it. You're looking out for her. But let be clear too—I don't take relationships lightly. If I ever did anything to hurt Alia, I'd deserve whatever you threw my way."
Cadmus studied him for a mont, then nodded slightly. "Good. You've got guts and a decent head on your shoulders. Maybe you're worth keeping around."
The conversation eventually shifted to lighter topics, with Cadmus asking about Mikael's studies and future goals. Despite his gruff deanor, the duke's questions revealed genuine interest, and by the end, the tension had eased significantly.
Just when the atmosphere had settled, Cadmus's eyes glinted with sothing. "You've said you don't take relationships lightly and that you'll take care of my daughter, but I also hear you're quite close to Lyra Mystoria. Care to explain?"
Alia frowned slightly but quickly interjected, her voice firm. "Dad, you're misunderstanding sothing. Mikael isn't my boyfriend... at least, not yet." Her voice softened near the end, but everyone heard her.
Cadmus raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Not your boyfriend? Then why is he here?"
"Oh, I don't know," Alia replied with heavy sarcasm. "Maybe because you're so overprotective that the mont you heard I was close to a boy, you demanded to et him?"
Cadmus winced at her sharp tone and muttered, "Sorry."
Alia stood, grabbing Mikael's hand and pulling him to his feet. "I'm going to show him the manor so you can stop bombarding him with questions." Her voice was a mix of exasperation and embarrassnt.
Cadmus didn't get a chance to reply as Alia led Mikael out of the room, leaving the duke alone. He leaned back on the couch, sighing deeply. 'Ah, Mary, if only you could see her now. Alia's grown into a strong woman, even standing up to for this boy. Would you believe it?' His gaze turned lancholic as mories of the past filled his thoughts.
Mikael and Alia's footsteps echoed on the stone path as they walked away from the room.
"Sorry about my dad... You know, he doesn't an any harm. He's just..." Alia trailed off, searching for the right words.
Mikael chuckled softly, unbothered by her father's attitude, especially considering the benefit he'd gained from their eting.
[Race: Human (Dirarnia World Genius Variation)]
Tier 2
Description: The dominant race in the Dirarnia World. This race possesses strong physical and spiritual potential for a Tier 2 race. This particular version is the one with a Genius talent which allows for faster growth in the energy system of the Dirarnia World but also to be stronger with each breakthrough. The stats limits for all the 7 stats is of 2K
As a Tier 2 race, the maximum level is 100 before an upgrade to a higher-tier race is needed to continue leveling.
12 to all five physical stats and 12 to the two spiritual stats at each level.
Unlocks the Energy of Aura (Dirarnia) and Mana (Dirarnia), both of which are permanent changes.
Easier learning and how to use and control aura and mana.]
With a thought, Mikael dismissed the glowing interface before him and interrupted her. "Protective—I get it. Don't worry; I'm not taking it to heart."
Alia let out a relieved sigh, grateful that Mikael didn't seem upset. Her father's behavior had been less than ideal, and she hated the idea of lingering hostility between them.
At that mont, Alia realized she was still holding Mikael's hand. Instinctively, she started to let go but stopped herself, her cheeks tinting a faint red as she continued to hold on.
Mikael didn't comnt, allowing his hand to remain in hers as they began their tour of the manor. Servants occasionally glanced their way, their gazes drawn to the sight of their young lady walking so "intimately" with a man, but neither Alia nor Mikael paid them any mind.
Having already explored the flower fields, Alia guided Mikael through the manor's elegant interior. She showed him the ballroom, the expansive library, the state-of-the-art kitchen, the grand hall, and countless other luxurious rooms.
The tour lasted for quite so ti, but Mikael didn't find it dull. As they explored, their conversation flowed naturally, ranging from casual topics to more thoughtful exchanges. The architecture itself, with its tiless elegance, kept the tour engaging as well.
As their visit neared its end, they passed a large portrait hanging on the wall. It imdiately caught Mikael's attention. The painting depicted a family of three standing before a familiar flower field.
The man had sharp features and a commanding presence, easily recognizable as a younger Cadmus. Beside him stood a woman with long black hair, striking green eyes, and a motherly smile. Between them was a little girl with black hair and green eyes, her composed expression making her look adorably serious for her young age. The portrait radiated warmth, capturing the happiness of a family in their pri.
Alia noticed his gaze lingering on the portrait and spoke softly. "Ah, this photo..." Her voice held a lancholic undertone. "The little girl is , as you probably guessed. And beside are my parents—Cadmus Mournsky, though younger and less grumpy, I'll admit." She let out a small chuckle, though it was tinged with sadness.
Mikael remained silent, sensing that she wanted to continue.
"And the woman is my mother, Mary Mournsky. She passed away when I was very young. I don't rember her well, but I know her death broke my father. It's why he's so protective of now." Her voice grew quieter, her gaze fixed on the portrait as her thoughts drifted.
Mikael reached out and placed a comforting hand on her back, his touch warm and steady. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said gently.
Alia blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "Sorry for bringing this up. You're our guest, and my dad and I have been terrible hosts, haven't we?" She attempted a lighthearted tone, but her sadness lingered.
"Not at all," Mikael said, his voice reassuring. "If this weighs on you, I'm happy to listen. Do you want to talk about it?"
She straightened up, shaking her head slightly. "Don't worry about . It doesn't weigh on the way you might think. It happened when I was so young that I barely rember, but even if the pain isn't mine, I've seen what it did to my father." Her voice grew firr as she continued. "I can't let what they did go unanswered. One day, I'll make them pay for the suffering they caused my family and ensure they face retribution for my mother's death."
Her green eyes shone with fierce determination, and Mikael nodded, understanding the depth of her resolve.
Realizing she'd shared so much of her story, Alia hesitated, a touch of embarrassnt creeping into her expression. She was about to apologize again when Mikael spoke. "Them?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Alia paused, understanding his confusion. He wasn't from a noble house and wouldn't know who "they" referred to. She glanced around, noticing a few servants nearby.
"This..." she began before stopping herself. Deciding they needed privacy, she took his hand and led him into a nearby private room. They each took a seat, and Alia's expression grew more serious.
Author Note:
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