The Duke's Passion

"So, you're saying you hitched with us because Rufus broke the carriage for you?" Klaus inquired at Fabian for clarity. The latter, who sat across from him and beside Claude, nodded. 

Klaus scratched his temple with his index finger as he felt his head throb. "You realized I had been avoiding you and Rufus on purpose, right?"

"Yes, but I don't avoid you," Fabian replied in a knowing tone, turning his head to Claude. "His Lordship is alright with it, so it doesn't really matter what you say."

"You can always tag along, Mister Fabian." Claude smiled politely. "Besides, this brings us to old times back in the west garden. Uncle Klaus should be more open about his embarrassing past."

"Embarrassing past? Hah! My liege, even if Fabian and I spar today, I don't mind. If only Lilou didn't put her heart and soul in this banquet, I don't mind pushing this man to his own grave tonight," Klaus scorned as he glowered at Claude and Fabian. These two despicable people...

"Lilou always says it's because I raised you that you turn out like this. When, in fact, it's because you idolized this demon and he had influenced you long before I did!" 

"Your Highness, don't make it sound like it is a bad thing." Fabian sighed, disheartened at these 'unjust' accusations. 

"It's a bad thing!" Klaus exclaimed as he panted, almost rendered speechless at Fabian's shamelessness. "I'm already scared what Law will become once he grows older!"

"Uncle, you think too much about my cousin's future. You only need to be afraid if you touch his bottom lines like His and Her Majesty." Claude chuckled calmly, shaking his head as everyone seemed to worry about Law growing up. Although this was their first time meeting Law, they already sized him up. 

"For a child, my cousin is already dangerous, but..." he paused and gazed at Fabian solemnly. "... Law is also in danger, Fabian."

Fabian pressed his lips together and gazed down. There wasn't much any change in his expression, but the air inside the carriage thickened. 

"Five years ago, Her Majesty's existence threatened people and what she can do. Especially with His Majesty's support," he said, not denying Claude's remarks. 

"But now, those two had a son. So, of course, not just his blood, but Law's mere existence was a threat to those in the mainland." Claude's eyes remained at Fabian as he added, "You and Charlotte visited the mainland, didn't you? I am not surprised that you two came back alive, but I'm certain you know a thing or two of their opinions about Law."

Fabian kept quiet as he set his eyes on the window. "Their opinions... doesn't matter. Unless they touch my young master, then we will have a problem."

"Damn, Fabian... you're fucking scary, man." Klaus awed and clapped, sensing the murderous intent leaking from Fabian's body. 

"Sadly, my cousin sees you are a pushover and Rufus bullies you because of it." Claude shrugged as he leaned back comfortably. "What a sad life, Mister Fabian."

"Life had always been sad, but I am not as sad as him." Fabian averted his eyes from the window to the carriage floor. There, a barely conscious and bleeding man was lying on the floor between them. He wasn't tied because there was no need to; his limbs were severely cut open. 

Fabian stepped on the man's head, inciting a grunt from him. "No wonder you kept insisting on using your own carriage. You were torturing a man to kill time."

"Don't make it sound like we're lunatics like you." Klaus clicked his tongue as he kicked the man on the floor lightly. "This pathetic fool attempted to assassinate the Earl on our way here. His companions were already dancing in hell, but we're keeping him alive to get information."

"If you're wondering how come we can't retrieve his memories through his blood, apparently, there were no memories," Claude explained even before Fabian could ask. "We already informed His Majesty about this, and he simply told us he'll have a friendly chat with him once he's not busy anymore."

"He doesn't have a memory? Or it's his ability to lock away crucial information?" Fabian mumbled while rubbing his chin. 

"It can also be a third party's ability," Klaus added with a shrug. "Who knows? But I am certain these people are a pain in the neck. They managed to force me to draw my sword."

"That is embarrassing, your highness."

"Come on, Fabian. I am a knight and drawing my sword is not something to be ashamed of!" Klaus ground his teeth as Fabian's gaze felt more demeaning than his words. 

"Either way, that only means it is only a matter of time before a large-scale war will break out." Claude's voice was low and solemn, staring at the person on the floor with narrowed eyes. "The Spade is already on the move and, according to His Majesty, Auntie Lilove was certain Stefan was there that night five years ago. We already consider the small possibility that Quentin and Stefan joined hands, but if they really made an alliance, then..."

Claude trailed off as he raised his gaze up at the two. "They will kill Law for sure. The last thing we all want is those two getting the support from the mainland."

"A battalion that consists of turned vampires, undead, and purebloods, huh?" Fabian muttered as he leaned back, considering the worst enemies of the empire. 

There was a long, suffocating silence after Fabian's remarks as their mood turned dark. Unlike how Lilou perceived their peaceful life, behind the scenes were the complete opposite. While she busied herself in this banquet, she had no idea that the people around her had to take lives for the bigger problem that was brewing. 

"He can't have a peaceful life just yet." Klaus broke the silence while staring into the man he was stepping on. "Hell is a good liar, but he can't hide this from Lilou or from Law forever. If he put down his guard even just for a second, he'll lose his wife and son.. I'll kill him if that happens."