The tall windows of the Armstrong estate bathed the office in warm afternoon light, but the air was stiff with unease.
Butler Garth stood before Duke Armstrong with a rigid back and a voice that dripped with polished concern.
"My Lord. I hesitate to speak ill of your son, but I believe young master Kyle is pushing young master Nigel far too hard. This morning alone, Nigel could barely lift a fork at breakfast. By evening, he could not even walk to his own quarters unaided. This is not training—it borders on cruelty."
He said.
The duke said nothing, merely flipping through the documents on his desk.
Bernard, the older and more loyal butler, stepped forward with a troubled expression.
"My Lord, if I may… Young master Kyle only wishes to strengthen the young heir. It's true the training is intense, but I have seen the look in young master Nigel's eyes. He is proud to be trusted, even if his body cannot yet keep up."
Garth clicked his tongue.
