"What are you asking about?"
Henry asked, genuinely confused. Even with the memories he'd inherited, he didn't understand what the mean guy wanted.
"That day at the banquet! I saw you sneaking into their room. You must have heard everything, right? It must have been important! That's why they tried to kill you!"
His father's laugh was low and unsettling, the kind that made Henry feel like he could be swallowed whole.
"I'm going out, sir."
Arthur, who had been lingering in the shadows, finally left, leaving Henry alone with the duke.
"You knew they would kill me, yet you didn't stop it. And now that I've recovered, you come questioning me. Am I right?"
Henry's voice was sharp, icy, now filled with courage after having a hold of things happening around him.
"No, it was just my guess," the duke said smoothly, his confidence almost infuriating. Yet Henry couldn't shake the feeling that this father had allowed the kidnapping to happen. And, curiosity had clearly driven him back as he wanted to know what Henry had overheard.
What a selfish man...
Henry tried recalling the banquet so he could find out what this guy was so desperate to know.
It had been for Duke Colontria's daughter's birthday. Nobles from all over were invited.
That day, Henry had noticed the duke of Siloksan City. Siloksan bore a centuries-long grudge against Bryxton, the city Henry's father ruled. Overhearing their conversation wasn't just interesting, it was vital.
Henry had sneaked into the hall and listened. Every word mattered. When he becomes the next duke, this information would be invaluable. And, he did get very worthy information too. But, he didn't get to be happy for long.
Afterwards, he hadn't expected a band of thieves to ambush him. His father suspected Siloksan's involvement, which explained his intense attention afterward.
"They didn't talk about anything important. They just said Duke Colontria's daughter is very pretty, and it was nice to see someone like her," Henry said bluntly.
'Why should I tell the truth when you don't even care about me?'
The duke didn't look convinced, narrowing his eyes as if Henry were lying.
"Really? Don't lie. Tell me everything."
Annoyed, Henry fabricated a story. Eventually, the duke seemed satisfied, or at least stopped pressing and left.
"Huh. So, it's that easy to get rid of him? He really only came here just to know that. What a father," Henry muttered under his breath, sinking into the vast bed as he planned his next move.
Minutes passed, and then he heard the soft click of the door opening, again.
'Ugh, for god's sake!'
Henry tensed. The thought of seeing the mean guy's face again made his hands clench.
But...
"Henry? Are you awake? I'm coming in!"
It wasn't the duke.
It was a girl.
The girl...
She moved with effortless grace, a luxurious gown flowing around her. Her hair shone like liquid gold, perfectly styled, and impossible to ignore. At first, he thought it was blonde, but the brilliance was different...pure, almost blinding gold.
She stepped closer, exuding elegance and warmth. When her gaze met Henry's, he froze.
'Her eyes...'
Blue, bright as the evening sky, sharp yet soft, almost hypnotic. Henry couldn't look away. They were like diamonds, cold and sharp yet dazzling.
She was breathtaking, a rare, natural beauty.
But none of that mattered.
Wouldn't have mattered to the original young master.
Because this was her.
Ricarda, the illegitimate child he had tried to kill.
'I've never seen anyone this stunning, not even in my timeline. Natural beauty hits differently…'
Ricarda approached, placing a bouquet of tulips on the table. Henry didn't like flowers, and neither had the original Henry. Surely, Ricarda knew that, right?
'Is she trying to provoke me?'
Henry stayed silent, watching.
"It's good to see you're still alive," she said, oddly in such a warm voice.
She seemed almost happy.
But she wasn't.
She felt off...
'They are all upset I didn't die...'
Henry said nothing. He couldn't bother. After all, he still had to get use to these people before starting acting like the real one.
"Then I'll be going."
She turned, preparing to leave. He ignored her, letting his silence speak for him.
Ricarda glanced back one last time, and for a brief moment, Henry thought he saw her frown.
Maybe he was mistaken.
He knew she was sweet, always smiling no matter what.
Well, she could not be for Henry though.
That's totally fair.
'My head hurts again. Will I get inturrupted again?'
Henry decided to take a break.
Clear his head a little and prepare.
For this new life.