Secret chapter: In the Silverbane's mansion

   The Silverbane family mansion loomed in the dim evening light, its grand silhouette casting long shadows over the manicured gardens. Inside, however, the elegance of its walls did little to soften the tension gripping one particular room.

   In Liam’s quarters, the young heir knelt on the polished wooden floor, head slightly bowed. The room was silent except for the faint ticking of an ornate clock on the wall. Standing before him, Nikke—the family’s ever-composed and watchful butler—regarded him with sharp, measured eyes.

   “You idiot,” Nikke said at last. His voice was calm, but there was an edge of frustration beneath the surface, like steel sheathed in velvet.

   “I’m sorry, I got carried away by emotions...”

   Nikke’s sighed quietly, his sharpness softening into resignation. 

   “Nevermind that now. What’s done is done.”

   Liam shifted uncomfortably. “What do… ‘those people’ say?”

   At that, the butler’s expression grew colder, the temperature in the room seeming to dip. 

   “Mr. Magnus and Mrs. Freya weren’t happy about this. But somehow, I managed to calm them down.”

   While speaking, Nikke subtly hid his right hand behind his back. Liam’s eyes caught the movement, and a shadow passed over his expression—he knew well enough what it meant. They must have vented their rage on him, punishing him for Liam’s misstep.

   “I’m sorry…” Liam said, his voice quieter now. “Are you okay?”

   “Everything is fine,” Nikke replied smoothly, almost dismissively. “Healing magic is my specialty, after all.”

   “But even so—!”

   “It’s fine,” Nikke interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Each of us has our role to play. We just need to keep up our acts for a little longer.”

   "I know." Liam straightened slightly, his jaw tightening in resolve. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure everything goes as planned.”

   Nikke’s eyes softened, and a rare, almost paternal smile touched his lips. 

   “I know you will.” He moved to sit on the edge of the large, ornate bed and gestured for Liam to come closer. “Now, come here.”

   Liam crawled over, resting his head on Nikke’s lap. The butler’s fingers threaded gently through the boy’s hair, each slow stroke carrying both comfort and quiet authority.

   “…Feels nice,” Liam murmured, his voice already tinged with drowsiness.

   Nikke chuckled softly. “Tell me, Liam—what do you want to do after everything is over?”

   Liam thought for a moment, eyes half-closed. “…Go to the beach.”

   “The beach, hm?” Nikke’s lips curved faintly. “I look forward to it.”

   “Me too…” Liam’s voice trailed off as his eyelids grew heavier. Within moments, exhaustion claimed him, and his breathing settled into the slow rhythm of sleep.

   For a while, Nikke simply gazed down at the boy’s peaceful face. Then, his expression shifted, the warmth in his features giving way to a sharp, calculating gleam in his golden eyes.

   Everything was proceeding according to plan, even though I didn't expect the Naberius clan to get involved so quickly. Especially that first son who had recently “returned from the grave.” When I have seen him at the gallery, I couldn't read him at all. His actions were unpredictable, reckless… dangerous for us. If left unchecked, that person could easily interfere with our plans.

   For our plan to succeed, Liam has to win the duel and make the engagement official. 

   I don’t know what he’s planning, but if he gets in our way, I’ll do everything to stop him.

   He looked down once more at the sleeping boy, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead.

   Everything for our future.