DIVINE BANE-Chapter 62: i had a fieance

A grand office stretched wide, draped in a deep red and jet-black motif. Velvet curtains spilled over tall arched windows, diffusing the late evening sun into a soft, crimson glow. Ornate black bookshelves lined the walls, each filled with tomes bound in leather and gold trim. The air carried a faint scent of aged parchment and sandalwood.

In the center of the room stood a massive ebony desk, its surface polished to a mirror-like sheen. Resting upon it were scattered scrolls, ink pots, and a single candle casting flickers of light onto the figure seated behind it.

The man's face remained hidden in shadow, veiled by the low-hanging hood of a regal cloak. His fingers moved with practiced grace, guiding a silver-feathered quill across parchment in smooth, flowing script.

Without pausing his writing, he spoke, his voice deep and composed.

" Evelyne, the time has come for you to leave for Castle Grave."

A soft rustle of fabric followed. Standing before the desk was a girl no older than seventeen, elegant and poised. Her hair, a soft shade of baby purple, cascaded down in gentle waves, the ends tucked into a ribbon of midnight silk. Her eyes, dark as obsidian were calm, unreadable. She wore an intricately tailored outfit of noble fashion: long sleeves embroidered with silver vines, a corseted waist, and heels that clicked quietly against the marbled floor.

"Yes, Father," she replied, her voice smooth as still water.

The man continued writing, his tone even but commanding.

"Your brother insists on accompanying you. Let him. But remember ,this engagement must be ended with humility. Make it clear we can no longer entertain this union, but do so with tact."

Evelyne gave the slightest nod.

"Yes, Father."

The scratching of the quill slowed.

"You may leave."

Evelyne bowed with grace, then turned on her heel. Her departure was as silent as snowfall, her long cloak trailing behind her like ink in water.

And behind her, the man wrote on silent, methodical, ever unreadable.

***

Morning at the Ravenhart Estate.

Sunlight filtered through the tall glass windows, bathing the dining hall in a soft golden hue. The clink of silverware and the gentle rustle of napkins were the only sounds accompanying the calm start of the day.

Zed sat at the long, polished dining table, quietly eating his breakfast. Beside him, Aurora maintained her usual composed elegance, her posture perfect even as she delicately sliced into a soft pastry.

Behind them, Zander stood dressed in a crisp black butler uniform, his white gloves pristine. With a practiced hand, he served fresh juice into Zed's glass, always a step ahead.

Just then, Aurora spoke casually, as if mentioning the weather.

"Zed, your fiancée is coming to meet you tomorrow."

Zed choked.

The piece of toast in his mouth caught in his throat as he widened his eyes, immediately thumping his chest.

"Wha—cough! What!?"Zander quickly handed him a glass of water, calm as ever.

"Here, young master."

Zed grabbed it and gulped it down like his life depended on it.Finally, the food went down, and he let out a deep breath.

"Haa... I didn't even know I had a fiancée! I mean—seriously—I'm ten!"

Aurora gently placed her fork down, the sound faint but sharp enough to capture his attention. Her gaze remained calm, but there was a faint sigh behind her words.

"It was for political purposes. And now... she's coming to end it."

Zed blinked."Wait—she's coming here just to end our engagement?"

"Yes," Aurora replied.

"And to deliver compensation for breaking the contract. Though... it's hardly enough. The shame it will bring to our family is far greater."

Her voice dipped slightly toward sadness, the burden of her responsibilities visible for just a moment.

Sensing this, Zander stepped forward, straightening his posture as he looked at her with respectful determination.

"My lady, don't worry," he said.

"Our young master is far too good for her anyway. In the future, they'll definitely regret this choice."

Aurora blinked, then softly chuckled. The tension broke.

A smile returned to her lips, warm and fond.

Zed, meanwhile, slumped in his chair, still trying to process the news.

"Man... what kind of life am I even living?"

Meanwhile...

The clang of swords echoed across the training grounds. Guards moved in sharp formations, sparring under the watchful eyes of instructors. Among them, Alex trained with ease, his masked form cutting through the air with practiced precision.

But what caught his attention wasn't the drills it was a new trainee. A younger boy, focused and relentless, moving with the quiet intensity of someone who had something to prove.

Rick.

Lana's younger brother.

He was clearly still green, but his resolve was unmistakable. Every movement was tight with purpose, every breath drawn like it was fueling a promise.

When the break was called and the others drifted off to rest, Rick hesitated. His eyes followed Alex for a moment then he made a decision.

He approached.

"Sir Alex," Rick said, his voice steady, though there was a slight tremble beneath the formality. As Alex turned toward him, Rick stood straight and gave a respectful bow.

Alex, surprised. "You don't have to bow," he said with a soft, almost awkward smile. "It's just Alex when we're out here."

Rick nodded, eyes flickering to the ground, then back up. "Would you mind if we talked privately for a moment?"

Alex's brow rose slightly but he nodded. "Sure."

They stepped away from the others, moving toward a quieter corner of the field where the hum of the wind replaced the clang of steel.

Alex leaned casually against a fence post, waiting.

Rick took a breath, gathering his thoughts. "How have you been, sir?"

Alex tilted his head. "I've been okay. Tired, but... managing. And you?"

Rick nodded. "I'm fine. Better now, I think. Training helps."

A pause settled between them. Then Rick spoke again, quieter this time.

"Sir Alex... I need to ask you for a favor."

Alex stood a little straighter, sensing the shift in tone.

"Go on."

Rick swallowed. "It's about Lord Zed."

Alex's expression remained calm, but attentive.

"Back when my sister... when Lana died, I wasn't thinking straight. I said things to him some harsh things. I blamed him. Deep down, I knew it wasn't his fault, but I just—" He looked down, ashamed. "I wanted him to get hurt the way I did and I hated myself for it afterward."

Alex let him speak, not interrupting.

"I haven't had the courage to face him since," Rick admitted. "But I need him to know... I'm sorry. And I'm grateful. For everything. For taking me in. For letting me train. Please... could you tell him for me?"

Alex's gaze softened. "I'll tell him."

Rick exhaled, like a weight had slipped off his shoulders. "Thank you. I swear I'll earn the place he gave me. One day, I'll return as a knight like Sir Jaeger. I'll be strong enough to protect him. To be his bodyguard."

Then he paused, catching himself. "Not that I'm trying to take your job, sir."

Alex chuckled, genuinely amused. "If you ever get strong enough to take my place, Rick... I'll hand it over with a smile."

Rick looked up at him, surprised at the kindness in his words.

They stood there for a while longer, talking quietly two protectors at different points in their journey, sharing a moment of understanding under the fading light.

***

later that day we see all three in the domain

The space was dim but comfortable, the circular table at its center glowing faintly with runes. The atmosphere, however, was unusually heavy.

Zed sat leaning on the table, fingers tapping nervously as his mind wandered back to the morning.

Alex, noticing his jittery behavior, tilted his head and looked toward Zander.

"Yo, what's up with him? He's been acting like someone stole his candy."

Zander gave a sigh.

"That thing during breakfast..."

zander explained what happed during the breakfast

Alex blinked, then burst out laughing."Pffft—wait, wait. So you found out you had a fiancée... and before you could even enjoy the fantasy, BAM, she's coming to dump you? Haaa, tragic!"

Zed groaned and buried his face in his arms.

"Yeah, yeah. Laugh all you want. I don't care anymore..."

Zander, clearing his throat, waved off the joke.

"Alright, can we get down to business now?"

The tone shifted. Everyone sat up straighter.

"Currently, all our loans have been cleared. Tax revenue is flowing in properly again. We've got a lot of money now, it's time to put it to good use," Zander began.

Zed perked up. "Nice. Well then, leave all that to Aurora."

"No," Zander replied flatly.

"...Why?"

Zander folded his arms. "She's fifteen, Zed. You really want a fifteen-year-old girl running four entire states and managing this estate? No way. I've already drawn up a plan."

He turned to Alex. "Alex, you'll head to Welford City and join a guild."

"Got it," Alex replied with a nod, surprisingly obedient for once.

Zander continued. "Zed, you'll handle the political and economic matters for the four states."

Zed immediately slumped like a child told to clean his room."Ughhhhhh..."

Zander smirked. "Don't worry, I'll help you with everything."

Zed's eyes lit up.

So you mean I can just dump all the work on you?

He chuckled to himself, clearly liking the idea way too much.

"Aurora," Zander continued, "will manage the estate affairs, which she already does quite well."

He went on for a while, breaking down their responsibilities, logistics, security improvements, and financial planning in excruciating detail.

About halfway through the speech, Alex's head drooped and soft snoring escaped his lips.

Zed, barely holding on, was already dozing off with his head bobbing like a balloon on a string.

Zander finally closed his notes with satisfaction.

"With this plan in motion, we'll become the number one house in just one year!"

He turned triumphantly only to see Alex fully asleep, mouth open, drool dripping. Zed, too, was seconds away from dreamland.

Zander's eye twitched.

"...Enough."

He raised his hand and snapped his fingers.

From the darkness, Vasuki slithered in first as a slender serpent coiling gently around Zed's neck, then leaping onto Alex's shoulders and tightening like a boa.

Still asleep, Alex mumbled dreamily, "Haaah... yeah, give me more... is that all you got, lady~?"

Zander raised an eyebrow. Zed blinked, now wide awake and watching like it was prime-time entertainment.

Suddenly Alex's eyes snapped open as Vasuki squeezed tighter.

"ACK! WAIT—WAIT—ZANDER, I'M AWAKE! I SWEAR I'M AWAKE—UNCLE—UNCLEEEE!"

Zander sipped an imaginary cup of tea, not even blinking. "You sleep during my strategy meeting again, and I'll let her bite next time."

Alex, now pale and drenched in sweat, gasped for air as Vasuki slithered off, her expression blank as always.

Zed snorted, clearly trying not to laugh.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.