The massive doors swung open, and Reinhard stepped in confidently, his gaze sweeping over those present, lingering on each of them.
— Well, here I am, "Family," — he said in a calm yet cold voice.
In response—dead silence. No one dared to speak first. Even Liam, who usually threw insults, sat with clenched teeth, while Elivan merely shivered and lowered his head even further, as if trying to become invisible.
The silence was broken by their father, Duke Demian Deira. He rose unhurriedly and, with a grand gesture of his hand, pointed to the chair to his right.
— Come, sit, my son.
Reinhard inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment.
— Thank you, Father.
With a steady pace, he walked toward the table and took his seat.
At that moment, he allowed himself to take in the room.
The spacious hall, built of dark stone, was illuminated only by candlelight, casting wavering shadows along the walls, as if the very air was thick with tension. The long dining table, where his family was seated, was laden with exquisite dishes—roast meats, aromatic stews, fresh fruits, crisp bread, and fine wines.
At the center sat the head of the family, Demian Deira. His steel-gray eyes hovered above his wine glass, observing everyone present. Reinhard took his seat to the right—the place of the heir, while to the left, his half-sister Eileen sat with an icy expression.
Further down, to Reinhard's right, sat his mother—Maria Deira, who, as always, seemed indifferent to everything around her. Next to her were his younger brothers—the lively Rennie and the quiet Lenny. They were complete opposites: Rennie, his eyes burning with excitement, tore into his meat with sharp, almost predatory movements, while Lenny calmly sipped his tea, occasionally casting admiring glances at Reinhard.
On the opposite side of the table, across from him, sat his father's second wife—Milla. Beside her, Liam, who seemed to be seething with anger, yet dared not speak a word. And, at the very end of the table, as if forgotten by all, Elivan—his eldest brother.
Reinhard cast him a brief glance. Even now, he was trembling, his shoulders slumped, and his eyes, dark-ringed with exhaustion, were filled with fear. He didn't even lift his head.
— Pathetic… — the thought flickered through Reinhard's mind, though he showed no sign of it.
Everyone ate in silence.
At last, their father set down his knife and looked thoughtfully at his eldest son.
— Elivan, how are your studies at the Academy?
The young man flinched, nearly dropping his fork. He struggled to swallow his food and, without raising his eyes, muttered quietly:
— E-everything is fine, Father…
His voice trembled. Reinhard didn't even bother to hide his mocking glance.
Their father nodded thoughtfully, paying little attention to Elivan's response, and instead turned his gaze to Reinhard.
— You and Eileen will also leave for the Academy in six months.
Reinhard calmly picked up his glass and took a slow sip of wine.
— Yes, Father.
He didn't even look up, didn't pause his meal, as if this information held no significance for him.
Eileen, without saying a word, merely nodded in acknowledgment.
And once again—silence.
It continued for more than half an hour. The entire conversation at the table consisted of only occasional questions and brief responses. Liam made several attempts to provoke Reinhard, throwing out sarcastic remarks, but Reinhard didn't even spare him a glance, which only infuriated his younger brother further.
At last, their father placed his glass down on the table, drawing the attention of everyone present.
— That concludes dinner.
One by one, the family members began rising, each leaving the hall in turn.
But just as Reinhard was about to leave, his father's voice stopped him:
— Reinhard, come to my study. I have something important to tell you.
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Family Tree:First Wife (Maria)
Reinhard (17 years old)
Rennie (11 years old, Lenny's twin)
Lenny (11 years old, Rennie's twin)
Second Wife (Milla)
Eileen (17 years old, a month younger than Reinhard)
Liam (16 years old)
Unknown Woman (???)
Elivan (19 years old)
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