CHAPTER 46: DUKE KELDEN

After finishing lunch, Alice’s originally brisk motions at clearing the table suddenly slowed. Julian, helping to wash the dishes nearby, noticed Alice’s unusual behavior and glanced at her suspiciously.

Alice set aside her work and walked to the sitting room by the window.

She Alice set aside her work and walked toward the sitting room, her steps measured and deliberate. The room was bathed in soft daylight streaming through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floor. She stopped before the largest window, its panes slightly ajar, and pushed it open fully.

And then a gray-white furry animal perched on her arms.

The animal resembled an old falcon in shape, though its feathers had an unusual, almost silvery sheen. It perched close to Alice but maintained a cautious distance, its sharp eyes scanning the room before locking onto Julian.

With a swift motion, the creature extended its talons and dropped a small, tightly wrapped package into Alice’s waiting palm. She stroked its head affectionately, her fingers tracing the soft down between its wings, then reached into her pocket and produced a sliver of dried meat. The bird accepted the offering with a pleased chirp, rubbing its beak against her sleeve in a gesture of gratitude before spreading its wings and vanishing into the sky.

"What is this?" Julian walked over and asked.

"This is the Duke’s falcon, especially trained by the family falconer. It normally carries poetry and messages passed down through the generations," Alice explained, slowly unwrapping the package.

The small item appeared. Lady Catherine then entered the room. Seeing Julian, she looked at him with mild suspicion but gently said, "This is our family crest—the crossed swords over a shield."

"It was personally sent by the Duke," Alice added.

Julian suddenly realized: Duke Kelden of the Roland Empire was actually Losiya’s biological mother.

"Lady Catherine," Alice offered, passing the crest to her.

Catherine nodded and gripped the medal firmly. At the same time, the holy Mark within Julian stirred. He clearly felt powerful magical energy quietly emanating from Catherine’s hand.

Her softly curled black hair drifted as she focused on the crest. The dark iron emblem seemed to glow faintly from within.

"What does it mean?" Julian asked Alice.

Standing close together, they whispered.

"It’s a family communication device. You must pour magical energy into it, and the recipient receives the message."

Like a magical telephone?

Julian asked, "Why not just prepare directly? Why send it instead?"

Alice opened her mouth, hesitant to speak.

"Well... the young lady did carry the crest before. But on the day she was knocked down, she accidentally discarded it," Alice said cautiously.

Julian realized the implication: Losiya fears someone? His curiosity surged.

"Good." The crest was placed on the table. Losiya gathered near them. Julian sensed a subtle nervousness on her face.

Alice stood quietly behind Losiya. Her composed expression returned.

Only Lady Catherine remained calm, watching Catherine hold the glowing crest.

Suddenly, the light expanded, forming a standing silhouette in front of everyone.

Within the beam, a figure slowly appeared.

She was tall, slender, and graceful, with long hair tied in a high bun, wearing a formal gown. Her face was timelessly beautiful, regal in manner.

She glanced around, before finally settling the eyes on Losiya. Losiya stiffened like a frightened kitten, placing a hand over her chest respectfully.

"Mother," she said, her voice carefully measured, "long time no see." A pause, just brief enough to be polite. Then, with a dip of her chin that bordered on reverence: "I am delighted to see your spirit growing stronger."

"Your manners suit you. If only your tasks matched them," the woman calmly replied.

Losiya bowed her head awkwardly, silent.

Alice, meanwhile, bowed deeply and greeted, "Greetings, Duke."

The woman barely acknowledged her, giving a slight nod.

She then looked toward Catherine. Their eyes met. Julian sensed Catherine’s usually gentle demeanor shift to cold detachment.

"Catherine... are you still angry with me?" The woman sighed.

Catherine frowned lightly, answering, "The children are here. Why bring this up now?"

Duke Kelden said little else, turning her gaze to Julian. Her cold stare became full of authority and overwhelming aura.

"Who are you?" she asked icily.

Julian, Losiya, and Alice all frowned in concern.

Alice hesitated to speak—just a low servant, after all. Losiya felt the same tension: she’d already incurred the Duke’s displeasure because of Julian; now if she spoke out, it might only worsen things.

Finally, Julian calmly replied, "I am Julian."

"Julian? Who are your parents? What is your name?" Duke Kelden asked evenly, her cold eyes fixed on him.

Truly mature beyond Losiya. With her long black hair, delicate features, and tall frame, she and Catherine looked like sisters. But while Catherine exuded gentleness, Duke Kelden carried a fierce majesty.

Under such harsh questioning, Julian furrowed his brow, his eyes flickering. He had no answers prepared.

At that moment, Catherine grew restless, stepping forward and addressing Julian angrily: "Getting more foolish by the day? You dared to mock Emperor before—but now you dare only torment a housemaid’s son?"

Facing Catherine’s direct confrontation, Duke Kelden’s oppressive aura faded slightly—but she did not relent, continuing: "What? Do you really think helping Losiya is nonsense? Do you really understand your daughter? Do you know what’s best for her?"

"I only know that this boy is a liability—and his background cannot match you."

"A liability? You impose malice on someone else’s innocence. Who decides what matches what? Only Losiya defines that—your chosen talents are simply not worthy of her."

"Hmph. No need tussle with me over righteousness. Tomorrow I will come myself to Losiya’s domain—just to see the Holy City Festival."

With that, Duke Kelden’s projection vanished.

Her words left a heavy pressure behind, but Catherine only responded with a slight smile—yielding, as things would go easier tomorrow.

Turning away, she noticed Julian standing silently. Feeling pained, she gently reached to touch his head. She opened her mouth to comfort him—but stopped, afraid her words might worsen things.