The morning sun shone over the Armstrong estate, but instead of the usual peaceful start to the day, the entire castle was buzzing with rumors.
Servants whispered among themselves, and even knights and soldiers murmured quietly as they passed each other in the hallways.
The topic? Kyle Armstrong.
The once 'useless' third son of the Duke had allegedly taken down an entire underworld group and slain a Frozen Armoured Bear—a feat even seasoned knights struggled with.
But despite the widespread gossip, few actually believed it.
"Nonsense! That useless man couldn't possibly do sothing like that. He must've hired soone."
A knight scoffed, adjusting his armor.
"Exactly! A noble brat like him probably paid rcenaries to do the job and took the credit for himself."
Another knight nodded.
"And that underworld group? If they really got wiped out, maybe he blackmailed them or used underhanded ans"
One of the younger soldiers asked.
The group of knights and soldiers laughed among themselves, shaking their heads in amusent.
But their laughter ca to an abrupt halt when Bruce, Kyle's trusted subordinate, stord into the training ground.
"What the hell are you all babbling about?"
Bruce's voice was sharp with anger, his eyes burning with fury.
One of the older knights chuckled.
"Relax, Bruce. We're just talking about your 'great and mighty' young master."
"Yeah! Co on, tell us the truth. There's no way Young Master Kyle did all that himself, right?"
Another knight smirked.
The more Bruce heard these people talk, the more he felt his temper flare.
'These ignorant fools! They really have no idea what they are talking about! How dare they spread such rumors about Young Master Kyle?'
Bruce's face darkened, and without warning, he grabbed the nearest knight by the collar, pulling him close.
"You ignorant fools. You don't know a damn thing about Young Master Kyle!"
The knights and soldiers stared at Bruce in shock.
They had always assud Bruce, like most of Kyle's servants, was just following orders because he had no other choice.
After all, he had been a promising future knight who was forced to serve the young master because the young master wanted to harass him.
But the raw anger in his voice told a different story.
"Let go, Bruce! You'll snap his wrist if you hold that tightly. You cannot damage a knight's wrist like this."
The knight growled, trying to pry himself free.
Bruce shoved him back roughly and pointed a finger at the group.
"You all think you're strong? That you're better than him just because of his condition? You're all pathetic!"
The knights exchanged glances, so looking uncomfortable while others looked annoyed.
One of them finally spoke.
"Bruce, calm down—"
"Shut up! I don't care what you all think, but one day, when Young Master Kyle stands above you all, don't co crawling back saying you knew all along."
Bruce barked.
With that, Bruce turned on his heel and stord off, leaving behind a stunned and silent training ground.
"…What the hell just happened?"
A soldier whispered.
Another soldier scratched his head.
"Did Bruce lose his damn mind?"
"Tsk! Money must have gotten to him or sothing. Or maybe he's possessed as well. You know, there is that rumor about Young master Kyle…about him being possessed…"
But despite their doubts, the conversation had changed.
They could mock Kyle all they wanted—but Bruce's unwavering belief in him planted a small seed of doubt in their minds.
______
anwhile, Kyle stood near his window, fastening the last button of his coat as he prepared for his journey.
His sharp gaze caught sight of a lone knight riding toward the castle gates.
The Grand Duchess's Head Knight.
Kyle narrowed his eyes, assessing the knight's movents.
His posture was firm, every step calculated. This was no ordinary knight. Curious, Kyle reached out with his mana, trying to get a feel for the knight's energy.
The mont his mana touched the knight's aura, Kyle felt a wave of pressure pushing back against him. His eyes widened slightly.
'Strong.'
Just as he was about to pull back, the knight suddenly lifted his head, locking eyes with Kyle through the window.
Kyle's expression remained neutral, but inwardly, he clicked his tongue. 'Tch. He noticed.'
Without reacting further, Kyle casually stepped away from the window, acting as if nothing had happened. He had already seen enough.
This knight was no pushover.
With a deep breath, Kyle turned toward his door, ready to head downstairs and et his guest.
But the mont he opened his door, a familiar face stood waiting for him.
His older sister, Elia Armstrong.
Her arms were crossed, and she wore an amused smirk on her lips.
"My dear little brother. Where are you off to in such a hurry?"
She said, tilting her head.
Kyle ignored her and stepped past her.
Annoyed by the lack of response, Elia reached out to grab his arm, intending to remind him of his place.
But the mont her fingers brushed against his sleeve, Kyle turned his head slightly and gave her a single, piercing look.
A look so cold, so suffocating, that she felt her entire body freeze in place.
Her knees gave out, and before she could process what was happening, she found herself kneeling on the floor, gasping for breath.
Kyle gazed down at her, his voice calm.
"Don't try anything funny if you can't handle it."
Elia gritted her teeth, fury and humiliation burning in her chest.
She had always seen Kyle as the weakling of the family, soone she could mock and intimidate as she pleased.
But this—this was sothing else entirely.
She clenched her fists, trying to force herself up, but her body refused to move. It was as if an invisible weight was pressing down on her.
'What… what the hell is this pressure?'
Kyle gave her one last glance before walking away, leaving her on her knees.
Elia clenched her fists even tighter, her nails digging into her palms.
'Damn it…'
She had lost this round. But she swore to herself—it wouldn't happen again.
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