THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

"[Sacred Essence Cultivation is being used on target]," the system prompt appeared before David's eyes, followed by another message that made his heart skip a beat. "[Hidden trait unlocked]." His eyes widened in surprise as he read the new notification.

Katrina, exhausted and clinging to him with the last of her strength, rested her head on his shoulder. Her arms were wrapped around his neck, and her legs were still locked tightly around his waist. The bond between them felt deeper, more intense, as the system offered him a new choice. "[Use Harem Bond on the target?]" the window prompted.

David hesitated, not wanting to rush into a decision without fully understanding the implications. He wasn't about to subject Katrina to a skill he hadn't yet explored, especially not while she was so vulnerable in his arms. Deciding to leave the trait's description for later, David made a mental note to investigate it thoroughly. If it turned out to have beneficial perks, it would be a bonus for his lovers.

With gentle care, David carried Katrina to the kitchen and softly placed her onto a chair. He crouched down beside her, his voice tender as he asked, "Are you okay?"

Katrina, despite her weariness, managed a playful chuckle. "I would be if you didn't act like such a brute and treated me a bit more gently."

David couldn't help but return her smile, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I'll remember that," he teased. "But you're the one who's too lustful to think straight. Still, I'll keep that in mind."

Leaning in, he kissed her softly, his lips lingering as if trying to convey his unspoken affection. Katrina sighed, a mix of satisfaction and exhaustion in her breath. "I need to take a bath," she said, her tone shifting to something more practical. "I'd invite you to join me, but with everything coming up, I'm a bit pressed for time."

David nodded in understanding. "I get it. I've got some things to handle as well," he replied, standing up and straightening his clothes. "But I'll see you later, and we can pick up right where we left off," he promised, brushing his fingers gently under her chin, causing her heart to flutter.

Katrina nodded, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush. "Hmm," she murmured, her voice a shy whisper that only made David admire her more.

He kissed her on the cheek, lingering for just a moment before pulling away and heading towards the Earl's office. There was much to do, and although he would have loved to stay and make that sandwich, time was ticking. Vivian was waiting, and he was eager to see her.

****

David's steps echoed through the grand corridors of the estate as he made his way toward the Earl's office, his thoughts lingering on his recent encounter with Katrina. The earlier exchange still hummed in his mind, but he knew he had to shift his focus. There were more pressing matters to attend to, and the Earl was not a man to negotiate while his thoughts were elsewhere.

The large oak doors of the Earl's office loomed before him, imposing and richly adorned with intricate carvings that told tales of the De Gor family's long history. David took a deep breath and knocked. A moment later, the deep voice of the Earl granted him entry.

As David stepped inside, the room's atmosphere hit him—a mix of power, authority, and the faint scent of aged parchment. The Earl, a man of imposing stature with sharp features and eyes that seemed to pierce through the soul, looked up from a stack of documents on his heavy wooden desk. His expression was one of mild surprise, though he quickly masked it with his usual stern demeanour.

"David," the Earl greeted, his tone laced with curiosity. "This is unexpected. You rarely seek an audience with me. What brings you here?"

David, maintaining his calm facade, approached the desk and offered a respectful bow. "Good morning, My Lord. I have a request, one that requires some Terran gold."

The Earl raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his plush chair as he studied David. The young man's behaviour had been different lately, more focused, more determined—a far cry from the reckless youth who used to frequent the town's tavern, drinking himself into oblivion and leaving the tab for the main house to cover. The Earl had received those bills through David's attendants many times, each one a testament to his son's previous disregard for responsibility.

"And what might this request entail?" the Earl inquired, his voice carefully measured. He was intrigued by this new side of David, though he remained cautious.

David met his gaze with unwavering confidence. "I need to cover some expenses for my endeavours in Eldoria, specifically for a trip outside the estate. I'm exploring opportunities that require a more discreet approach."

The Earl's interest was piqued. "Opportunities, you say? Your behaviour has been…different lately, David. In a good way, I might add. You've accomplished more in the past few days than I thought possible. Perhaps it's time I humoured you."

With that, the Earl reached into a drawer and pulled out a small, weathered pouch. He tossed it to David, who caught it effortlessly. The weight of the pouch was surprising—heavier than he had expected. But David hid his astonishment, offering the Earl a grateful nod instead.

"Thank you, my Lord," David said, his voice steady.

The Earl waved a hand dismissively. "Think nothing of it. But tell me, how do you plan to deal with the spies within the castle? Their presence has become increasingly troublesome, and it won't be long before their actions threaten our family."

David's expression darkened slightly as he considered the question. "I'm waiting for my companion," he replied. "The key to rooting out spies is patience. If we move too quickly, we'll miss some of them, and they'll burrow deeper into the shadows where they'll be even harder to find. It's crucial that we corner every last one before making our move."

The Earl regarded David with a mixture of surprise and admiration. The young man before him was far more cunning than he had ever given him credit for. "Your strategy is sound," the Earl admitted.

"Very well. I'll leave the matter in your hands for now. But be careful, David. These spies are not to be underestimated."

1

David offered a respectful bow. "I understand, my Lord. Thank you for trusting me with this."

With that, the Earl dismissed him, a subtle nod signalling the end of their conversation. As David turned to leave, his mind was already racing with plans and contingencies. He needed to find Vivian, and quickly. There was much to do, and the clock was ticking.

As he stepped out of the office and into the corridor, David activated his skill, [Wolf's Grace]. His movements became fluid, almost ghostly, as he disappeared into the shadows. The world around him seemed to slow down, the noise of the bustling estate fading into the background as he honed in on his next target—Vivian.

****

"Vivian, are you done dusting those antiques?" a maid asked, her voice tinged with impatience.

"Stop bothering me, Meissy, and do your own work," Vivian snapped back, irritation flaring in her tone as she continued her task.

Meissy, ever the drama queen, clutched her head in exaggerated despair. "I can't believe you! If it weren't for me, who knows what Gareth and his goons could have done to you!" she declared, her voice so theatrical it could have earned her applause on an opera stage.

Vivian rolled her eyes, barely masking her annoyance. "And I've thanked you a million times," she retorted, not bothering to hide her exasperation.

After Luna had returned her to the castle, Katrina had found her in David's chambers and escorted her back to the maid's quarters, where they'd run into Meissy. Despite the initial relief of being back among familiar faces, Vivian shuddered to think of what could have happened if Meissy hadn't informed David. But before she could voice her thoughts, the shadows in the room seemed to ripple, and David suddenly materialized out of thin air.

Both Vivian and Meissy gasped, their eyes wide with surprise as David's presence filled the room. Without a word, he strode over to Vivian, scooping her up in a princess carry as if she weighed nothing at all.

"Found you," David said with a playful smile, his voice warm and teasing as he glanced down at her. Before either of them could fully process what was happening, he vanished again, leaving Meissy standing there, mouth agape in disbelief.

It took a moment for Meissy to snap out of her stupor. When she did, she couldn't help but pout as she recalled the way David had gently cradled Vivian in his arms. "Couldn't he have carried me like that?" she muttered, a hint of envy creeping into her voice as she resumed her chores, her thoughts lingering on the scene that had just unfolded.

since they infiltrated the De Gor house unnoticed.