CHAPTER 65: FATHER

"Fhaaa..." Smoke curled from his lips as the blond man stood near the campfire, its glow flickering against the trees. He was grilling what would have been food for the wild beasts.

The forest was quiet but tense; the scent of cooked meat had already drawn unseen eyes. Feral breaths lingered beyond the thicket, but none dared to approach.

Someone else did.

"My Lord—blegh!" The short man stumbled back, nearly gagging as the sight before him struck like a blow.

Over the flames, it wasn’t venison or boar sizzling—it was human flesh. Seven of them, their charred bodies blackened and cracked, the stench so thick it could curdle blood.

The man’s face drained of color. "W-What sin warranted such punishment, my Lord?"

Delimore Carter exhaled another puff of smoke and replied calmly, "Luther... those were criminals. They’d been kidnapping young girls and trading them across the border."

Luther’s eyes widened. "Are they... members of the Black Cobra organization?"

The Count didn’t answer.

Luther swallowed hard, dread crawling up his spine. "My Lord, I had informed the governor to keep a close watch on this matter—"

Carter gestured lazily toward one of the bodies, his expression unchanging. "That’s your governor over there."

Luther froze. Even with the face burned beyond recognition, if his Lord said so, there was no doubting it. His throat went dry.

"Haah... my Lord," he muttered, exhaling shakily, "you should consider the fact that I have a family too. At least warn me when you decide to remove a governing figure."

Delimore Carter chuckled—deep, low, and heavy. The sound rolled through the forest like a growl. "Luther," he said, his tone turning sharp as iron, "when I receive a report once, I do what a Count must. The second time I receive it..."

He flicked the cigarette into the fire.

"Be prepared for anything."

The short man bowed deeply. "Please proceed back to the carriage, my Lord. The sky is turning dark."

Carter gave a low hum and turned, the glow of the dying fire reflecting faintly in his golden hair. The forest air still reeked of burnt flesh as he walked away, Luther following at a careful distance.

Once they were far enough from the site, the minister cleared his throat. "We received an apology from Baron Ranthox."

Carter’s brow arched slightly, a questioning hum escaping him.

Luther continued, "Apparently, the young Lord visited the Barony today. His classmate’s mother’s grave is situated there. And when they went to pay respects... a situation arose."

Carter stopped mid-step. "Is he safe? My son?" he asked sharply, the cigar falling from his hand and landing in the dirt.

Luther couldn’t help but smile faintly. To see such concern in the same man who had just burned seven men alive without flinching—it was almost humanizing. "Yes, he’s safe, my Lord," he assured. "In fact... he removed the entire grave from the Barony and relocated it elsewhere."

For the first time that evening, Carter grinned. "Since when did he become so kind?"

Luther chuckled lightly. "I mean... isn’t it good that he’s making friends?"

Carter let out a short laugh. "Friends? I can barely imagine him having any."

Luther cast a sideways glance at him. "There is a girl quite close to the young Lord, though."

That caught Carter’s attention. His golden eyes flicked toward Luther. "Hmm? Who is it?"

"Her name is Emma. From what I gathered, the Young Master arrived at the graveyard just when a soldier was about to attack the girl."

A small, amused smirk appeared on Carter’s lips. "He moved on, huh? Good for him."

But after a pause, his voice lowered, losing its humor. "Investigate the girl."

Luther blinked, caught off guard. "Is that truly necessary, my Lord? It’s not unusual for the young to have... casual relationships."

Carter shook his head slowly, eyes narrowing with quiet certainty. "You don’t understand. I know my son better than anyone. If he’s chosen someone..."

He looked ahead, his tone deepening to a quiet command.

"...it isn’t a passing interest. That girl must be investigated."

Naturally, Luther didn’t argue further, "I understand, my Lord. I will check her background and report to you by tomorrow."

Carter nodded. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he said, "It has been a while since I saw my son. Should I pay him a visit?"

.....

[Next day]

Nervousness.

William was feeling nervous.

The very first thing he did that morning was open his journal—the one where he had carefully written down every little thing he would do today.

First, he would take her to the nearby town. They’d stroll through the streets together, stop by the shops, maybe try a few things from the vendors. After that, they’d find something to eat, perhaps share a few laughs over street food. And when night fell, under the glow of the fireworks, he would finally ask her out—properly, this time.

He’d gone on dates with Lizel before, yes. But as he told Emma yesterday, this one felt... different.

He didn’t even fully understand why, only that he wanted it to be something she would never forget. Something that felt like *them*.

That’s why he’d already checked the eatery’s availability, made the reservation, and even arranged with a man to have the fireworks ready.

Every path they’d walk, every stop they’d take—he had it all written down, planned to the very last detail.

He has prepared himself some clothes too which he would be wearing today. Nothing fancy but yes, a little better than what he wears normally.

’It’s strange though...’ Until a few weeks ago, William has always believed that Emma and Kevin had something going given how much the guy always kept chasing her.

But then, on a fateful night, a silver cat followed him and since then, things changed.

His life changed for good.

Emma liberated him from the biggest burden and possibly saved his life.

She didn’t have anything to gain from him and even forgave him when he stabbed her.

She never stopped approaching him, completely ignoring what he once was.

In the past, he had cursed her too, said awful things and after the curse removal, he tried to push her away, even though he was no longer forced to.

Yet...she reached out to him. She never stopped.

William smiled, leaning against the tree as he looked at the blue sky.

’I just really wish that today’s date ends with a successful confession.’

However, little did he know what kind of prank the God was about to play.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. Please add a review if you have been enjoying the story so far.