"Ah...no. I wouldn't be participating in the celebration!"
"Well, that's new. Why wouldn't you want to participate?"
Though the duke was surprised at the sudden statement, he decided to hear him out. After all, Damien never missed an opportunity to court a lady, and the celebration would gather many noble ladies across the kingdom. It was rumored that even the Spring King and Queen would also be visiting there.
"As you know, father, I'm sickly, and it has hindered me useless when it comes to battles. I'm sure you've brought every healer across the four kingdoms to heal me, but they were all to no avail." He solemnly looked at his father with teary eyes and the true demeanor of a sickly boy.
"You know what that means, father? It means I'll be dead before anyone can predict!"
"Damien! I've told you several times not to harbor those feelings. As I said, I'll bring more healers to this estate, even if it is a demon, to cure you. So stop spouting nonsense and enjoy your life to your full." Duke Zadkiel crossed his arms and looked straight at his son.
The duke was not old, even though he was in his forties; he looked way younger than that. His white hair was neatly combed. His red eyes, which in his 5 children, only Damien inherited. The others inherited their mother's purple eyes. Duke Zadkiel held every child of his, regardless of their character and power, close to his heart.
"I know, father. I know. But I've already danced. I've already flirted. I've done what every noble son has done. There is no etiquette that I don't know, and there are no hidden meanings I can't decipher. I've done all that, and I'm sick of it. Cough~ I need a break, father. A much-needed one." He looked at his father straight into his eyes.
"...What are you suggesting?" Seeing his sickly appearance, the duke fell flat. After all, which dad wants to watch his son dying because of some illness.
"You know about the temple at the 'Merry Mountains,' right? That temple holds a yearly ceremony worshipping their god. Though I'm not a god person, I've heard things. I think that place can give me some semblance, some peace of mind." He shrugged. "I just really want to visit that place, father."
The duke had a thoughtful look on his face. Just like his son, he was also not a god person, but he did donate and do some charity work since this temple was on the exact border of all the duchies in the Spring Kingdom. After all, he couldn't just fall behind the other duchies due to some coins.
"The Merrywood is a long way from home. The mountains are really hard to climb with your body. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes, father! Very much!"
"I see. But you won't be going alone. I'll have your companions ready."
"Very well. As you wish, father! If there is nothing else, then I'll be taking my leave." He bowed to his father and left the room.
No Lily was to be found. Though he was a bit disappointed, he decided to hold off his desire until he was cured. That is if he could hold it together. He decided to take the long-due shower.
Creak!~
His room opened as he twisted the key. It was, fortunately, not a mess. The room was large and decorated moderately. Not too much nor too less. He liked it.
He doesn't like rooms that are too decorated.
There was a king-size bed in the center of the room, adorned with curtains and a canopy.
It was big enough to accommodate four or five people at the same time.
He~ He~ He~
He flashed a perverse smile when he thought about the future dances he was going to do on this bed when all of his family was away.
Other than the bed, the room contained a table and chair with pens and other necessary items, a dark wardrobe with a large mirror, and a large bookshelf brimming with books.
·ƈθm Old Damien did read books when he had time off from all the whoring and petty things he was doing around.
He locked his door and stripped off his clothes before entering the bathroom.
It was also very large compared to the normal or even luxury bathrooms he saw on TV.
He took his sweet time in the bathtub, donned a bathrobe, and exited the bathroom.
He took a good look at his own reflection in the mirror.
20 years. That seemed like the age of the guy reflected in the mirror.
His face was long, with a chiseled jaw. His cheeks were a little hollow. His once-vibrant red eyes now looked dull and lifeless, like dead and rotting meat.
He had dark circles under his eyes due to lack of sleep.
He was very tall and slender.
He had a perfect set of teeth that gleamed like crystals in the moonlight.
His shoulder-length white hair was smooth and silky, something the illness hasn't devoured.
Overall, the guy looked very handsome, despite his ill health and deathly pale complexion, which gave him an almost ghostly appearance.
If he were to cure the illness, then he was sure he could freely court any girl he wanted, shag them, and go out to buy milk.
Growl~~
His empty stomach signaled him again.
He decided to call for the meal. He opened the door to call a maid or butler and surprisingly found Lily in front with a cart of food
"I-I thought you'd be hungry, young master," she shyly said. Her cheeks had a tinge of rose in them.
'Holy mother of snuggling God!'
"Of course, you know me, Lily. I really am very hungry!