The quiet yet firm voice of the head of the family echoed through the hall like a roll of thunder, suppressing all other sounds.
— Reinhard, come to my office.
Reinhard nodded, slowly rose from the table, and headed for the exit. But just as he took a step, he suddenly felt a small whirlwind of energy crash into him. Soft arms wrapped around his waist, and a high, excited voice rang through the room:
— Big brother!
Lenny, his younger brother, beamed up at him, pressing his face against him like a kitten finding a warm place to rest. He was practically glowing with joy, his dark hair slightly ruffled, and his blue eyes shining with excitement.
— Let's play! — he suggested enthusiastically, rubbing against his brother as if he were his favorite toy.
But in the next moment, an annoyed, irritated voice interrupted:
— Get off him...
Rennie, his other younger brother, stepped forward and yanked Lenny away roughly. Lenny immediately started squirming, trying to break free from his grip. Unlike the gentle and playful Lenny, Rennie had a strong, assertive personality. His eyes were filled with determination, and his movements carried a sense of confidence.
— Let's go watch the knights' training instead, — he suggested, crossing his arms over his chest.
Lenny, unwilling to back down, immediately argued:
— No, let's go to the city! Brother, you must be tired from your long trip, and you haven't been to the city in ages!
Reinhard watched as they bickered, each trying to convince him to go with them. Not too long ago, he would have refused without hesitation, considering it a waste of time. But now, things were different. These two could be useful in the future. Both possessed A-rank talent, making them some of the most promising individuals in the family. They could become powerful allies... or tools to be used.
[System Notification]
[New Quest: Gain the Trust of Rennie and Lenny]
[Description: Even you—the Great Villain—need allies. Don't let these young prodigies slip away!]
[Progress: Lenny's Trust → 57/70, Rennie's Trust → 23/70]
[Reward: 1 AP. Lenny and Rennie's trust cannot drop below 60]
[Accept Quest – Yes / No?]
Reinhard smirked. "How convenient... I was planning to do this anyway." Without hesitation, he selected "Yes."
— Alright, — he said calmly, raising his hand, making both of them fall silent. — Tomorrow morning, we'll watch the knights' training, and then we'll walk around the city.
Lenny clapped his hands excitedly.
— And we'll visit the magic tower too?
Reinhard glanced at him and gave a slight nod.
— Yes, we will. So be ready. Now, I have to go.
Lenny was about to rush in for another hug, but Rennie grabbed him by the collar just in time and pulled him back.
Reinhard turned and made his way out, once again passing through the long palace corridors. Portraits of ancestors, massive columns, windows overlooking the moonlit garden... The grand architecture was steeped in history.
And finally, he stood before a massive dark oak door.
Knock. Knock.
— May I enter, Father?
— Yes, come in.
Reinhard pushed the heavy door open and stepped inside.
A large, spacious room, furnished with dark oak furniture. Tall bookshelves filled with books and documents created an air of seriousness. In the center of the room, behind a massive desk, sat Duke Demian Deira.
He was writing something on parchment, but upon noticing his son, he set the pen aside and gave him a sharp, assessing look.
Without a word, he picked up a document from the desk and handed it to Reinhard.
— Take this and read it.