Chapter 57: Delegating the role!
In a massive dining space sat six figures while elegantly slicing and dining without a speck of word traveling in between.
There were several maidservants standing nearby to assist and change the servings if gestured.
The head seat was occupied by the lady of the house with a contented smile she sliced her steak and ate in pure bliss. As a mother and the head of her family, there could be nothing more delightful to see each family member gathered in the same place.
The left seat was occupied by her husband, Christopher followed by his three children. Seeing his wife smiling so brightly, Christopher felt already full but sensing the atmosphere among his three children, his expression remained stoic.
The second son of the house—Keith Albeck—inherited blond hair from her mother and had red ruby eyes just like his father. Apart from his talent in spear, Keith is a phenomenal herbologist as well if taking his age into consideration. Due to the injury he faced, he would start his academic life at the age of sixteen, a year later than the norm.
Next to his brother sat the first daughter of Christopher and Valarie—Eleanor Albeck—who has inherited features just like her mother but her eyes are on a bigger scale, giving her an innocent touch. She is five years younger than Seth and has proficiency in the healing aspect.
The last remaining was the youngest in the family—Liliana Albeck—who has inherited her father's albino traits, leaving her frail and sensitive to harsh sunlight. Since she is just nine years old, there was time for her awakening ceremony but considering her health, Valarie might let her core bloom naturally rather than depending on the Church.
And on the other side of the table sat only a single boy in his late teens as he tried to focus on his meal rather than the eyes from all around.
Seth could sense his mother's satisfied gaze and the varying glances of his sibling. The only one who let Seth enjoy his food was his stepfather.
Seth had contemplated what he had to discuss but as the end of the dinner arrived, he felt slightly tensed.
'Well, screw it...'
As the meal finally came to an end after the three proper courses, Seth raised the first word.
"Mother."
"Yes, baby?"
Every gaze was now fixated on Seth as the man in question wiped his lips with a dry napkin before he looked back at his mother with a severe expression.
"I want to vouch for Keith's name as the next head of Albeck Duchy."
Grave silence spread across the hall as Valarie's previous smile broke upon hearing Seth's words.
The person for whom Seth spoke had his eyes wide open like he heard a ghost's whisper. Entirely flabbergasted.
It took more than ten seconds for Valarie to comprehend whether she heard it right before she raised her brows and asked in a slightly heavier tone.
"Can you repeat what you said, love?"
Seth was nervous indeed because the person in front holds the capability to obliterate him from existence with a flick of her wrist. But he knew this mother of his would not hurt him whatever he did or said.
Collecting himself he looked solely into her mother's eyes without any intention of wavering, as he clarified his previous spoken words.
"Since I find my brother Keith more responsible and up for the job, I am replacing my name as the next-"
"So you are doubting your mother's opinion on whom she finds worthy or not?"
Cutting Seth's word abruptly, Valarie spoke in the same tone of which every outsider was aware. The chillness in her tone sent a shiver down the spine of the other three children but Seth remained calm as ever.
He has faced these kinds of situations in his previous life where he had to speak daringly to those who are superior to him. And with the stroke of lady luck, he always walked out alive.
"I could never doubt the eyes of Your grace Duchess Valarie but it's me who is at fault for not telling you my future plans. "
Seth extended his hand and held the clenched fist of her mother which calmed her nerves to some extent and so did his words. But Valarie was far from convinced why Seth was proposing such an idea.
Softening his voice Seth continued.
"After graduation, I am intending to become an explorer and see the world mother. If I get delegated with the responsibility I would no longer be able to fulfill my dream."
Seth meant what he said.
To be able to face the upcoming catastrophe he has to grow strong and for that, he couldn't bear to become a duke and get burdened with work and papers all his life.
It might sound shameless that he was pushing his duties to his brother and wanting to enjoy his life in his own way. But unlike Seth, Keith's greed power, and fame as from what Seth has read and could observe from his hatred toward him.
"You can see the world while being the head of this family as well."
Hearing the slightly weaker tone Seth knew he was succeeding in pursuing his mother.
"We both know that's not possible, mother."
Seth's firm tone and the determination in his words made it certain how serious he was about this decision. And Valarie is by no means ready for such drastic change.
"Honey, we should see things from Seth's perspective as well."
Christopher's soft tone rang in her ear and she knew what he uttered was true. But apart from not seeing Seth on her throne what made Valarie even more troubled was the dream he was aspiring to pursue.
One way or another he would be distancing himself from his family. From her.
But she knew taking violent action would result in no good.
Collecting herself she thought about it for a full long minute under the hopeful gaze of her son before she asked in a solemn tone.
"How many years do you require to fulfill this dream of yours?"
"Mother..."
"Tell me, Seth."
Hearing her saying his name, Seth knew there was no dodging this. Sighing he responded after a brief pause.
"Probably ten years."
He wasn't sure how much time it would take him to retrieve every artifact and explore the hidden temples so he just gave a round-off of what time he required.
"Okay then after ten years of your graduation, I will hold another inspection and trial between you and Keith. I will provide him with everything he requires to become a brilliant aristocrat and ruler but if in the inspection he still fades compared to you, I won't let you run away any longer."
Seth wanted to interject but Valarie turned her head and looked at her second son. Keith got alarmed as he corrected his posture and collected his expression.
"Anything you want to say?"
"None, mother."
Keith with a sincere expression declined without waiting for an ounce of hesitation since this was nothing short of once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"Okay then."
Without looking back at Seth, Valarie snatched her hand away and got up from her seat before walking away from the dining hall.
Christopher glanced at Seth with concern before he followed his wife with hurried steps.
Remained were the only four and the maids who still were not daring to move after they sensed the atmosphere of the table.
Seth was about to get up from his seat when he heard his brother's scornful tone.
"Why di-"
"Oh shut up brat...."
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A/N:- Drop a comment if you liked the chapter.