Knock-knock.
The dull sound of knocking echoed through the quiet room.
— My Lord, a letter has arrived from Duke Deira, — a muffled female voice came from behind the door.
Reinhard exhaled slowly, shifting his gaze to the massive door. His mind was still lost in thought after training, and his muscles ached from exertion. Glancing at his hands, covered in fresh cuts and calloused marks, he smirked involuntarily. It was nothing—his body was growing stronger with each passing day.
— Bring it in, — he said calmly, stepping toward the door.
It creaked open, and a maid slipped inside—a young woman with neatly tied dark hair. In her hands, she held a thick envelope, sealed with a red wax insignia—the symbol of his father's authority.
The maid quickly lowered her gaze, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. She had likely taken notice of his half-bare body, glistening with a thin sheen of sweat from training. But she swiftly suppressed any emotions, steadying her breath before handing over the letter.
— May I take my leave, my Lord? — Her voice remained even, yet a flicker of unease danced in her eyes.
Reinhard gave a silent nod, and she hastily left the room, closing the door behind her with careful precision.
He examined the letter at a leisurely pace. The deep red wax seal bore the crest of House Deira—majestic yet heavy with the burden his lineage carried.
— Hmph… No doubt an invitation to a family dinner, — he muttered, running his fingers along the edge of the envelope.
In the past, he would have ignored such a summons. He had never cared for these traditions, nor for his father, nor for his politics. But now, the situation was different. He had learned from his past life—this time, he needed influence… for example, the position of the Head of House Deira.
Tearing open the seal, he unfolded the letter and scanned the contents.
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From: Demian von Deira (Head of House Deira)
To: Reinhard von Deira (Heir to House Deira)
Dear Reinhard,
In accordance with the tradition of our family, I invite you to the annual family dinner, which will be held tomorrow at the main estate of the Deira family.
The presence of all direct heirs and family members is mandatory. As the future leader of our house, you are expected to attend and demonstrate your worth to the family.
On this evening, we will discuss the affairs of the house, its current standing, and the plans for the near future. Be prepared to meet with all members of the family.
I expect your arrival.
With respect,
Demian von Deira
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Reinhard let out a crooked smirk.
— "Future leader of the house," is that so? — he scoffed.
His father, Demian Deira, had never been known for exceptional intelligence or strategic thinking. Yes, he was a formidable warrior—a knight of the fifth rank—but his limits had long been reached. His abilities in governance were lacking as well, and because of that, House Deira was steadily declining.
— Well, now I have a reason to visit the main estate, — he murmured, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
His entire family would be there—his father, his younger brothers, his sister, even the one they all called "the disgrace of the house"—his older brother. That meant it would be the perfect opportunity to assess all his future "opponents."
"Wait for me, Family," he thought with a smirk.
— Soon, I'll turn everything upside down…