Late at night, after Duke finished handling his affairs, he came to the study door and knocked softly.
"Come in."
Duke pushed open the door and entered. Looking at his father's back, he lowered his head slightly and said respectfully, "Father, it's been taken care of."
The middle-aged man set down the book in his hand, turned to look at his second son, fell silent for a moment, then said, "You did well during this monster attack from the wilderness."
"Father, it was my duty." Duke accepted his father's praise with a calm expression.
Looking at his second son, who lacked talent yet worked diligently, the middle-aged man wore a complicated expression.
Their family was merely a minor baronial house. After paying taxes to the kingdom and tribute to their superior nobles, their remaining resources were extremely limited. Training an heir was already difficult enough. As for the other family members, they could only select the best to cultivate. There was nothing he could do.
"Your talent is ordinary, but I have seen your efforts over the years." After a long while, the middle-aged man spoke again. "There is no future for you in the family. I want to hear your choice."
Duke lowered his head without speaking.
Under the evening breeze, the candlelight flickered. The shifting light and shadows added a quiet atmosphere to the surroundings.
"Father, I will follow your arrangements."
After thinking for a long time, Duke decided to obey his father's arrangements.
"Tomorrow, I will introduce you to that Pioneer from the Ex Family. Whether you succeed or not will depend on you."
"Yes, Father."
Duke bowed, then left the room.
As he walked through the dim corridor, Duke looked troubled.
He had also learned much from the wilderness monster attack more than a month ago.