Chapter 67…
Dante’s influence spread through the household at an uncontrollable speed.
In truth, aside from crushing Silver Obscura, Dante hadn’t done much.
He simply continued his usual routine—training alone three times a day, and otherwise living leisurely.
The only change was that every afternoon, he began instructing Acrassion at the training grounds.
A tiny knight order, only twelve members strong.
That was about the same size as the royal guard detachments tasked with protecting royals and nobles up close.
It was too small to even be considered a real combat organization.
And yet—
Dante and Acrassion’s prestige grew larger and larger.
There was only one reason.
They were overwhelming.
Kuuuuuuuuuuung—!
The ground shook with a single stomp.
Kwa-gwagwagwagwagwagwag—!
The air itself split apart with a single slash.
A power far beyond comparison to the likes of Silver Obscura.
Even though it was merely training, their might was so intense it left the onlookers breathless.
“Let’s end here for today.”
After swinging his sword for three straight hours without a single pause, Dante straightened his back and spoke.
“Huff—!”
Acrassion too straightened, gasping for breath.
Sweat dripped from his skin, hitting the floor with soft splatters.
“Thank you for your guidance!”
“Thank you for your guidance!”
All eleven knights bowed together, offering Dante the knight’s salute.
“Loosen up on your own, then dismiss.”
Sheathing Arpeon, Dante turned toward the exit of the training ground.
“You’ve worked hard.”
Eina approached as if waiting, offering him a towel.
“Thanks.”
He accepted it and wiped his face casually.
Unlike Acrassion, who was drenched and exhausted, Dante had only a few drops of sweat clinging to him.
He didn’t look tired at all.
“Um… Young master.”
“Hm?”
Uncharacteristically hesitant, Eina glanced at Dante nervously.
“What is it?”
When he asked, she sighed softly.
“The Marchioness is looking for you.”
“My mother?”
“Yes.”
Eina could sense the ominous atmosphere between Dante and Lucia.
She didn’t know the details, but she could tell for certain they were hostile to one another.
That was why she was uneasy.
Afraid something might happen to Dante.
Reading her thoughts, Dante smirked and handed the towel back.
Unlike in his past life, when he knew nothing—this time he knew exactly what Lucia was plotting.
He now had the strength he hadn’t possessed back then, and people to support him as well.
“Don’t worry.”
Lucia didn’t know him, but he knew her.
It meant he already held the higher ground before the fight even began.
“So it’s fine. I won’t lose.”
Dante strode forward, posture unwavering.
“I-I’ll attend you!”
Eina, dazed for a moment, hurriedly ran to catch up.
He could feel eyes on him.
Most were gazes of admiration.
The rightful heir of House Aquites.
Commander of the mighty knight order Acrassion.
And a beautiful face still carrying traces of boyhood.
Of course he would draw attention.
But not all gazes were friendly.
‘The Vice-Regent, the Treasurer, the Bureau Director.’
They were all Lucia’s people.
Dante captured each of their faces with his eyes.
‘Her faction is growing quickly.’
Not long ago, those three had behaved toward Dante like loyal dogs.
But in just a matter of days…
Whether because their hearts changed, or because they’d been compromised—
The atmosphere had shifted.
Lucia was drawing officials into her camp one by one.
And now, their numbers could no longer be ignored.
While Father was away, she had filled most of the household’s leadership with her own people.
Through persuasion or coercion, they had become hers.
Dante had ordered Patrick to record all their identities.
Thankfully, Patrick was carrying out that task faithfully.
“This way, young master.”
Lost in thought, Dante kept walking straight, so Eina corrected his direction.
“Hm?”
“It’s teatime now. The Marchioness is probably enjoying her tea.”
“Then let’s head there.”
After a short walk, they reached a garden blooming with brilliant flowers.
Flowers in the middle of winter.
‘Magic?’
Dante narrowed his eyes.
When Father was present, such extravagance never existed.
No—he wouldn’t have allowed it.
He despised pointless indulgence.
No matter how much power Lucia had, she couldn’t have used magic just to decorate a garden.
At least, not until now.
“The flowers are quite beautiful, Mother.”
As Dante announced his presence, Lucia turned her head, holding her teacup with elegant poise.
“Oh my, you’ve come. I was waiting for you.”
A radiant smile.
So flawless, it showed not a trace of pretense.
Whether she truly didn’t catch his sarcasm—or was only pretending not to—it was surely the latter.
She was far too clever.
Dante bowed.
“I heard you were looking for me.”
“It is rather urgent. But first, won’t you sit and share a cup of tea with your mother?”
Lucia gestured toward the chair opposite her.
Expression steady, Dante approached the tea table.
“You resemble your father more and more. It pleases me to see.”
As he sat, Lucia spoke.
At first it sounded like a compliment. But it was not.
She was alluding to Silver Obscura—her knight order—being crushed without mercy.
Comparing him to his father, who had never shown an ounce of compassion to enemies.
“Thank you.”
Though he understood perfectly, Dante still expressed gratitude.
Lucia’s face stiffened briefly before softening again.
“I heard what happened the other day. Some friction between the newly recruited knights and the ones you brought, yes?”
“It was a trivial scuffle. Nothing for you to concern yourself with, Mother.”
“……Was it now?”
It had been nothing less than the utter defeat of her knight order.
And yet he dismissed it as trivial.
‘Her pride must be in tatters.’
Dante smiled faintly, satisfied.
“If you say so, then so it is.”
Lifting the teapot, Lucia poured into his cup.
“This is a tea I’ve taken a liking to lately.”
Clear, fragrant liquid filled Dante’s cup, carrying a subtle floral scent.
It seemed truly precious.
“Try it. You’ll surely enjoy it.”
Her subtle coaxing.
But—
“No, thank you.”
Dante declined politely.
He had already suffered once.
He’d writhed for decades in despair and frustration because of her schemes.
Those memories were still vivid. He would not repeat that mistake.
He would never put into his mouth anything she offered.
He would not even let it touch his fingertips.
Perhaps she hadn’t expected him to refuse so openly.
Lucia’s hand froze briefly.
“It was quite hard to procure this tea…”
A sorrowful expression.
To anyone else, it would’ve been convincing enough to make them accept the tea in guilt.
“How disappointing.”
Her acting was truly masterful.
“The hardships of war seem to have changed your temperament. Perhaps I should regret ever sending you that day.”
Indeed, she did regret it.
For if her plan had gone as intended, she would have slowly broken him while keeping him close at hand.
How she must have ground her teeth now, seeing her stepson grown beyond her reach.
“It was Father’s and my decision.”
Dante drew a firm line.
As if to say there was nothing she could do in this household.
Lucia’s eyes curved in a smile.
“You’re right. If the two pillars of the house decided, this mother has no place to object.”
Taking a sip of her tea, she continued.
“Since the Marquis is away on campaign, you are the only pillar until he returns. And since we cannot know when he will be back, it is up to you to lead the house well until then.”
Clink.
Setting down her cup, Lucia fixed her gaze squarely on Dante.
“If you need help, tell me anytime. I will always be behind you.”
Her voice was the picture of motherly love. Dante nodded.
“Thank you. Your words alone are reassuring, Mother.”
But he had not the slightest intention of accepting her offer.
“There’s no need to worry too much. I’ve been informed Father will return soon.”
A crack seemed to appear on her face.
“…What do you mean? I’ve heard no such thing.”
“I received word from Sir Patrick. At most, within two weeks, Father will return.”
It wasn’t a lie or a bluff.
Patrick had received a letter directly from his father stating as much.
“That is wonderful. At last, the family can gather together again.”
Her face showed delight—yet Dante sensed urgency and killing intent beneath it.
“In fact, I was thinking of preparing a welcome celebration for Father. Would that be all right?”
“Of course.”
After a quick calculation, Lucia nodded.
Dante then rose from his seat.
“Time is short, so I’ll excuse myself to make preparations.”
“Don’t forget—you may come to me anytime for help.”
“If I need to, I shall.”
He bowed politely, then turned and left.
From a distance, Eina rushed up.
“Are you all right?”
She had seen the look on Dante’s face and grew worried.
“Eina.”
“Yes, sir?”
Dante spoke quietly.
“Gather Acrassion in my chambers. Every last one.”
“All of them?”
Her eyes widened.
What on earth had been said to make him give such a heavy order?
Dante looked at her and said:
“A battle will break out soon.”
