Chapter 255 - 253: Constance

Chapter 255: Chapter 253: Constance

The faint sound of footsteps drew near, and a woman slowly walked into the dining room.

She wore a long, white linen robe. Regardless of its quality, it was clear it had been washed many times over.

Furthermore, she wore a large hood. With her head bowed, her features were almost completely obscured.

Duane’s brow furrowed. He had no idea what Viscount Raul was playing at.

"And this is...?"

Raul sighed and said in a heavy voice, "Take off your hood. There are no strangers here."

The woman removed her hood and slowly raised her head, revealing a pale face.

Duane’s pupils contracted slightly. Though the woman was terribly gaunt, he could still see traces of her former beauty.

What’s more, she bore a slight resemblance to Vera.

Duane asked in disbelief, "This is... Lady Constance?"

Raul nodded slowly. "Yes, Duane. This is the daughter I’ve kept locked away in my castle for years, forbidden to leave!"

Constance curtsied to Duane. "Greetings, Baron!"

When she looked up again, tears were welling in her eyes. Her voice choked with emotion. "My father showed me your painting. Is... is the girl in it Vera?"

Duane hadn’t expected Viscount Raul to bring his daughter out at all, let alone to the Royal Capital.

’What is he trying to do?’

He suppressed his doubts and gave Constance a definitive answer.

"Yes. Vera is living very well on Black Forest Island."

He added, a hint of apology in his tone, "It’s a shame I didn’t have Simone accompany me to the Royal Capital this time. Otherwise, you could have seen him as well."

Constance sobbed softly. "Just seeing what my daughter looks like and knowing they’re both alive and well... I’m already so happy and content!"

"That’s enough. You may leave."

Viscount Raul said gravely, "Baron Duane and I can discuss the rest."

"Yes, Father."

Constance wiped away her tears, gave Duane another curtsy, and then slowly withdrew from the room.

Duane watched her leave before turning a questioning gaze to Raul, hoping the Viscount would offer an explanation.

"This is the second matter I wished to discuss."

Viscount Raul said with a resigned air, "To be honest, when I first learned my daughter had eloped with Simone and given birth to a child, I wished them dead. But after keeping her locked away for all these years, my hatred has long since faded."

He paused, then said, "No matter what, she is still my daughter!"

Duane was stunned. He couldn’t believe such words were coming from the man who had imprisoned his own daughter for years.

Besides, the Nobility, especially Clan Leaders, valued power and profit above all else; family affection rarely entered the equation.

"To most of the Nobility, daughters are political bargaining chips, tools for securing benefits for the clan," Duane remarked.

This wasn’t his own prejudice against women; it was simply how most of this world’s Nobility operated.

Of course, some treasured their daughters, even defying societal norms for their sake, but they were the minority.

"Indeed. Some fathers crown their daughters with gold, while others chain them in shackles!"

Viscount Raul poured and drank another glass of wine. He looked at Duane, his gaze sincere.

"But when any father gazes into his newborn daughter’s eyes, he sees the very same stars."

"That love is always there. It’s just that in the face of power struggles and the need to advance the clan, it must be hidden away."

Duane was moved.

The Viscount’s words were profound, completely altering Duane’s perception of him.

Duane couldn’t help but fill his own glass and raise it in a solemn toast.

"So, you’ve rediscovered your paternal love, decided to end her confinement, and now you want me to take her back to Black Forest Island to live with Simone and Vera?"

Raul drained his glass. "Yes and no."

He said, "Though I imprisoned my daughter, she possesses an incredible talent for Magic. Not long ago, she advanced to the rank of Level 5 Mage."

Duane recalled that Constance and Simone were the same age, which would make them twenty-four this year.

To have reached Level 5 at such a young age meant Constance’s talent was truly remarkable. Her future accomplishments were bound to be significant.

"To pass the time, she mastered the crafting of Level 1 to Level 3 Spell Scrolls."

He looked at Duane. "A person like that becoming one of your subjects would surely bring immense benefits to Black Forest Island."

Duane understood.

’So he’s talked a big circle, only to land back on profit.’

"As Simone’s lord, I naturally hope their family can be reunited."

Duane said, "I don’t deny Lady Constance’s talent and abilities. As long as your conditions aren’t too demanding, I am willing to help reunite their family."

As he spoke, he wondered what the Viscount saw in him.

’Black Forest Island doesn’t seem to have anything special at the moment. As for the Time Closet, it’s not mine alone; surely he isn’t going to ask for a stake in it.’

"I have only one condition!"

Viscount Raul leaned forward, planting his hands on the table. He said earnestly, "You will grant Simone the status of a Knight, and he will be among the first you officially ennoble. Even if he falls in battle, Constance and Vera will still inherit his rights!"

Duane was taken aback.

He had expected the Viscount to propose a partnership, or ask for money or some other benefit. He never imagined it would be this.

’He couldn’t help but laugh at himself. He had underestimated the man after all.’

Viscount Raul was indeed pursuing a benefit, but not for himself—it was for his daughter. He wanted Constance’s family to have a respectable life.

"Simone is the second-strongest warrior under my command. I am well aware of his loyalty and strength. When the time is right, I will make him one of my Knights!"

Duane added, "Besides, he already has his own land on Black Forest Island. He is not living in poverty."

Viscount Raul nodded slightly, but then said, "That is what he has earned. Duane, I hope we can draw up a written agreement."

He explained, "I know this impinges upon your authority. In exchange, I am willing to speak on your behalf before His Majesty to smooth over your relations with Count Kudro. I will also gift you a Star Velvet Mammoth!"

Duane was deeply moved.

’A Mammoth costs three thousand Gold Coins. It’s incredibly expensive!’

’Likewise, having a Viscount publicly support him was a massive boon.’

’And yet, the Viscount’s demand was something Duane already intended to do in the future. It would cost him nothing.’

"Constance has a good father!"

Duane smiled and added his praise, "And Vera has a good grandfather!"

"So, you agree?"

Duane answered without a moment’s hesitation. "Of course!"

Hearing this, Viscount Raul seemed to find a measure of solace.

This was his way of making amends. He couldn’t bear to see his daughter waste away any longer.

Of course, if Duane were to rise in power, Simone’s future as his Knight would be much brighter.

If that came to pass, it would also be a very good thing for the Stewart Clan—at least, far better than keeping Constance imprisoned forever.

He clapped his hands. A butler entered, holding two documents. Clearly, he had prepared the papers in advance.

Duane read the document carefully. Finding no issues, he signed his name.

Viscount Raul looked at the agreement in his hand, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

"With this, I can let Constance go live on Black Forest Island with peace of mind!"

Duane put the document away and smiled. "Black Forest Island isn’t as dangerous as the rumors say. Anyone who comes can live a stable and secure life."

Though Viscount Raul was acting for his daughter’s benefit, Duane was by no means at a disadvantage in this transaction.

A Level 5 Mage and a Star Velvet Mammoth were both significant assets for his Territory’s development.

Furthermore, in addition to Count Kais and Baron Uriel, he now had another Viscount in his corner.

That was just as important.