Once Adonis was inside his room, he immediately gulped down the Ether Cores.
The taste was a little nasty, but they served their purpose.
[ Status ]
[ Name: Adonis Kingsbane ]
[ Constitution: Chaotic Harem Body (Taboo) ]
[ Level: 3 | Exp: 375/500 ]
[ Health: 79 ]
[ Strength: 28 ]
[ Agility: 28 ]
[ Intelligence: 30 ]
[ Defense: 24 ]
[ Charm: 30 ]
[ Luck: 38 ]
[ Ether: 151 (↑50) ]
[ Special Traits: Universal Language, Boundless Stamina, Touch of Lust, Valkyrion ]
[ Sword Soul: Chaotic Harem Sword (Taboo) ]
[ Sword Arts: Relentless Thrust, Backdoor Severance Style ]
While watching his status screen, Adonis fell flat onto his bed.
"Hm… just 850 more to go," he muttered. "Then I can finally activate the stigmata of Valkyrion and summon Valentina."
As he thought this, a warm smile appeared on his face.
But there was also a trace of doubt.
Since Valentina was created from his own thoughts and imagination, could it be that he was infatuated with himself?
He quickly shook his head.
"No. She has her own independent will and life. She is not a puppet of imagination. I should stop thinking of this as a game," he thought firmly.
---
The next day, the atmosphere within the Duke's castle was noticeably different.
From early morning onward, maidservants moved back and forth in an unusual frenzy. They scrubbed marble floors until they reflected light like still water, the banners bearing the Kingsbane crest were rehung with meticulous care, and fresh flowers were arranged along the corridors.
In the kitchens, chefs worked without rest. They prepared exotic cuisines one after another. Their aromas mixed with the rich scent of expensive wines being uncorked and aerated.
Everything spoke of a grand occasion.
By evening, the grand ceremonial hall was filled.
The 7 concubines stood proudly in their finest dresses, silk and jewels shimmering beneath the chandelier light. Their children remained close by, dressed in tailored attire, faces glowing with confidence and anticipation.
The hall was echoing with laughter and cheers.
"So talented, to be accepted so early."
"Our Logan will surely shine at the Royal Academy."
"Lexi has always been gifted. This is only natural."
Praise flowed freely, each word carefully aimed to elevate one child while subtly overshadowing the others.
Logan stood tall near the center, arms crossed, enjoying the attention. Lexi remained beside him, chin raised slightly, her smile sharp with pride.
Lucia stood a little apart. Her expression was calm and composed as she observed the scene through her glasses.
More importantly, she was looking at a certain someone.
Maids, stewards, and butlers were also ordered to attend, standing in orderly lines along the walls. Even those who usually remained unseen were made part of the spectacle.
Adelaide and Adonis arrived together shortly after.
Adonis had little interest in attending such a gathering. His thoughts were already focused on Ether Cores, dungeon routes, and future plans. This celebration felt like an unnecessary interruption.
But for Adelaide's sake, he endured it.
He knew too well that refusing the summons could easily be twisted into another offense, no matter how unreasonable it would be.
The Duke's court was not a place where fairness mattered.
Apparently, this night marked the farewell party for Logan, Lexi, and Lucia.
They would soon depart for the Royal Academy.
As the music swelled and glasses were raised, Adonis stood quietly beside his mother.
His naughty little eyes were looking at Millia in her maid uniform. She had been sneaking glances at him, but upon noticing his stares, she looked away as if caught stealing.
Her young heart fluttered wildly after remembering the past night's event. They kissed so wildly that she had to secretly clean the bedsheet later on.
As usual, the master of the house, Duke Leonel Kingbane, and the Duchess Clementine entered the hall dramatically.
Duke Kingsbane wore a regal crimson robe, while Clementine wore a finely tailored golden gown that matched with her blonde hair.
Their noble presence instantly shut the hall into silence.
Logan and Lexi, the twins, were Duchess Clementine's offspring, so naturally her happiness couldn't be contained.
Letting go of the Duke's arm, Duchess Clementine stepped forward and cleared her throat lightly.
"Proud members of the Kingbane family. Thank you all for gathering here tonight to share in our family's joy."
She changed her gaze to Logan and Lexi.
"Today marks a proud milestone for House Kingsbane. My children, Logan and Lexi, have been granted the honor of departing for the Royal Academy. It is a path reserved only for the talented, the disciplined, and the worthy."
Clap. Clap. Clap.
"As their mother, I cannot help but feel both pride and sorrow. Pride, because they have proven themselves exceptional. Sorrow, because a parent's heart is never fully at ease when her children step into the wider world."
Logan smiled at her praise. Lexi lifted her chin slightly, enjoying the approving gazes around her.
Clementine's eyes then shifted, briefly acknowledging Lucia.
"And of course, Concubine Mariana's eldest, Lucia Kingsbane, whose diligence and intellect have also earned her a place alongside them. May the three of you support one another and bring further glory to our duchy."
Lucia bowed politely, keeping a humble facade.
"We will do my best, Your Grace."
Duke Leonel Kingsbane stepped forward next.
He said,
"My children, the Royal Academy is not merely a place of learning. It is a crucible. Those who survive it with honor will shape the future of this kingdom. Like your elder siblings, I wish you three a grand success."
His gaze swept across the hall before settling briefly on his departing children.
"Do not disgrace the Kingsbane name. That is all."
Short. Direct. Absolutely.
"Clap, clap, clap." Another round of applause filled the hall, louder this time.
As servants moved forward with wine and music resumed, Adelaide lowered her gaze slightly, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her dress.
Adonis stood beside her, silent as ever.
He watched Logan accept congratulations, watched Lexi laugh lightly with the nobles, and watched Clementine smile like a victorious queen.
No one even came forward to talk to him and his mother.
The mother-son duo stood alone, as if they were aliens in this house.
Not the nobles. Not the concubines. Not the maids and servants. Not even the Duke himself bothered to give them recognition.
Adonis' hand clenched behind his back. Anger was boiling inside.
He didn't care much about reputation or recognition, but his mother, Adelaide, felt isolated and miserable.
He felt bad for her. But he could do nothing at the moment.
In this state, it was better to cool down.
So he headed to the terrace to get some fresh air.