Chapter 2 – A Quiet Awakening
Morning light slipped gently into the room.
It was a luxurious bedroom, decorated in a refined western noble style. Soft curtains framed tall windows, and delicate patterns were carved into the furniture. Everything was neat, elegant… and silent.
On the large bed lay a boy.
He looked no older than fourteen.
White hair rested softly against the pillow, and his closed eyes were framed by long lashes. Even in sleep, his presence felt calm—unnaturally calm.
A maid stood nearby.
She moved quietly as she cleaned the room, careful not to make noise. After finishing most of her work, she walked toward the window.
With a soft motion, she pulled the curtains aside.
Golden sunlight poured into the room.
It fell gently across the boy's face.
The maid glanced at him for a moment… then continued her work.
Time passed.
The room remained peaceful.
She approached the bedside table, dusting it carefully.
Then—
A faint movement.
The boy's fingers twitched.
His eyes slowly opened, revealing deep red pupils that seemed far too quiet for someone who had just awakened.
The maid froze.
For a second, she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
Then her eyes widened with joy.
"My lord…?"
Ignes did not fully move. His gaze drifted slightly, unfocused, as if he were only half awake.
But he was awake.
The maid's expression brightened immediately.
Without wasting a moment, she hurried to the door and opened it.
"Mei!" she called out, her voice filled with excitement. "Go and inform His Grace—the young lord has awakened!"
The maid named Mei stopped in the hallway.
Her face first showed shock—
Then happiness.
"Really?!"
Without waiting another second, she lifted her skirt slightly and rushed down the corridor.
Inside the room, the first maid—Lily—returned quickly to Ignes's side.
She stood near the bed, her expression gentle but slightly worried.
"Lord Ignes… you're awake," she said softly. "Do you need anything? Are you feeling unwell?"
Ignes slowly turned his head.
His red eyes rested on Lily for a brief moment.
Then—
He looked away.
Back to the ceiling.
Silence filled the room.
Lily hesitated, watching him carefully. There was something strange about his gaze… something distant.
As if he were not truly there.
Seconds passed.
Then more.
Ignes continued staring upward, unmoving.
Lily's hands tightened slightly as worry crept into her expression.
Then—
The door opened.
A heavy, commanding presence entered the room.
The Duke.
He wore dark, finely tailored noble attire. Every detail of his clothing spoke of authority and power. His aura was cold, sharp—like a blade hidden beneath calm control.
The atmosphere of the room shifted the moment he stepped in.
Lily immediately lowered her head.
"Your Grace."
The Duke said nothing at first.
He walked straight toward the bed.
Standing beside it, he looked down at the boy.
For a brief moment, something flickered in his otherwise cold eyes.
Then he raised his hand and placed it gently on Ignes's head.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
His voice was calm, but firm.
Ignes turned his gaze from the ceiling.
Slowly—
He looked at the man before him.
His father.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Ignes gave a small nod.
Just a slight movement.
But it was enough.
The Duke's hand remained on his head for a second longer.
The room was quiet again.
But this time—
The silence felt heavier.