Father and Son

After watching Selina leave, Renard lazily collapsed back onto the bed, enjoying the decadent life of a medieval nobleman.

Because he had integrated the memories of the original body's owner, he didn't feel much unfamiliarity with this world. He rolled over, opened the interface in his mind, and prepared to gain a deeper understanding of this so-called System.

However, before his consciousness could fully immerse itself, he was startled awake by a muffled, heavy voice: "You're awake?"

Hearing the voice, Renard immediately shivered. An icy chill rapidly spread from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. He scrambled out of bed with lightning speed, his smile replaced entirely by fear.

In Saint Brieuc Fortress, who else could scare him like this besides his father, Baron Hamilton?

As expected, the Baron was standing at the doorway, his gaze fixed on him like a hawk, his expression as grim as if water could drip from it.

Baron Hamilton began practicing martial arts at eight, became a knight's squire and traveled the world at fourteen, joined the army at twenty, and reluctantly retired from service to inherit his title and territory when his father passed away at thirty-six.

His sixteen years in the military had left indelible marks on his body and soul. Even at fifty-six, he still exuded a formidable aura.

His discipline towards Scum Renard couldn't be described as harsh, but beatings and scolding were unavoidable, which was why Scum Renard feared him greatly.

And Renard, the gamer, understood from the integrated memories that the relationship between father and son was not harmonious. Thus, upon seeing his father's displeased expression, he instinctively assumed he was in trouble and immediately hid in the corner.

Baron Hamilton let out an almost imperceptible sigh, his eyes filled with deep disappointment. He didn't rush to reprimand his disappointing son but walked to the bed and asked from above, "Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"

Stared at by his father, Renard's spine felt cold sweat. After hesitating for a long time, he respectfully replied, "I feel fine now, Father. You needn't worry."

Baron Hamilton nodded calmly upon hearing this. "Good. That's good."

After a moment of silence, he spoke again. "Regarding the matter of you being struck by lightning, while I don't believe it was divine punishment, you should refrain from harming others. After all, you are the future master of Saint Brieuc Fortress."

Renard nodded in agreement. The Baron before him had an imposing presence; how could he dare to disobey?

Besides, he was no longer the insidious second-generation scion he used to be. He definitely needed to change. If he attributed this change to reverence for the divine, he could smoothly deceive everyone.

Seeing his quick agreement, the Baron couldn't bring himself to be happy. He knew his son's character all too well. If he hadn't been his only son, he would have truly wanted to draw his sword and kill him.

"Rest well, and don't always think about running outside." Perhaps being taciturn was a common ailment among the powerful. Baron Hamilton dropped these two sentences and turned to leave the room.

Selina stood at the doorway to see him off before daring to enter with the meal tray. Her voice was as melodious as a lark's song. "Young Master, it's time to eat."

Hearing the sweet voice, Baron Hamilton, who had just reached the turn of the stairs, suddenly stopped. A hint of helplessness flashed across his face.

He was a man of military background, decisive in his actions. When facing enemies several times his number on the battlefield, he could remain calm and composed. However, when it came to matters of his heir, he was always hesitant.

Thinking of the sorrowful Miss Florence and the clever, adorable illegitimate son Gilbert, he became extremely conflicted.

Power struggles often stirred up bloody storms, something Baron Hamilton did not wish to see. However, if he were to hand over the territory to Renard, he was afraid the young man would ruin the foundation he had painstakingly built.

He lowered his head in silent contemplation, unaware of a figure suddenly emerging from the shadows at the end of the corridor.

It was an old man with graying temples, thin in build, his back slightly hunched due to age. He had a hooked nose, sunken cheeks, and eyes that formed an inverted triangle. His exposed hands were as withered as dried chicken claws.

If Renard saw this person, the first thought that would likely cross his mind would be to flee, as the old man's appearance was too much like the villains in novels.

The old man quietly approached Baron Hamilton, gazing at his back, and asked, "Master Hamilton, what are you standing here for?"

The hoarse voice startled Baron Hamilton from his thoughts. He was a high-level Battle Qi warrior, yet he hadn't sensed anyone behind him, which spoke volumes about the visitor's strength.

He spun around abruptly. Upon seeing the other person's appearance, he immediately relaxed, a wry smile appearing on his face. "Lord Bennett, weren't you going to the City of Abundance? When did you return?"

Bennett was clearly the hooked-nosed old man's name. He bowed respectfully and replied, "Just now."

Baron Hamilton nodded, then anxiously pressed, "How is Teacher Steven's health?"

Bennett seemed talkative, but when the topic turned to Steven, he couldn't help but show hesitation. After a long pause, he sighed, "The situation is not good. He might not make it to next spring."

At this point, his expression was filled with regret.

"Won't make it to next spring?" Baron Hamilton silently repeated the words, his expression extremely complex. "He was a very competent teacher, and also a respected elder. I never imagined he would leave this world in such a way..."

Baron Hamilton spoke in a gentle tone, recounting his master-student relationship with Steven.

Bennett was a qualified listener. He didn't interrupt but listened quietly, his expression exceptionally serious.

After a long while, Baron Hamilton snapped back from his pleasant memories and gave another wry smile. "I'm sorry, Mr. Bennett, I..."

Bennett didn't give him a chance to apologize, waving his hand to interrupt. "There's nothing to be sorry about. When I heard the news, I wasn't doing any better than you."

Hamilton sighed softly, looking out the window at the distant fields, and asked meaningfully, "Has Teacher Steven confirmed his heir?"

As he asked this question, the muscles in his cheeks tensed, clearly indicating his inner turmoil was not as calm as his outward appearance suggested.

"This..." Bennett paused for a moment, then answered truthfully, "Count Steven considered changing his heir, but in the end, he chose to resolve the matter according to noble law."

As he spoke, Bennett's gaze shifted towards Renard's room. A sinister smile slowly spread across his face. "Count Steven's choice was entirely within expectations."

He looked back at Baron Hamilton and said meaningfully, "Just as your father chose you, instead of the more outstanding Young Master Liander."

Baron Hamilton's expression was one of shock, and then he listlessly lowered his head.