"It seems you've grown more… unexpectedly than I could have imagined," the Duke murmured under his breath, his crimson eyes watching the distant figure of Riley as he exited the castle grounds.
The winter wind brushed against the windowpanes, but the Duke didn't move from his spot.
His arms folded behind him, posture straight, yet there was a thoughtful curve to his brows.
He had always known Riley would grow strong someday.
The boy had a sharp gaze, a deep reservoir of potential that simply needed the right pressure to evolve.
Still, to hear him speak such bold words—to nonchalantly mention the possibility of killing the head of the Gyeoul clan—was not something the Duke had ever anticipated.
A low chuckle escaped his throat, amused and bewildered at once.
"I might kill the clan head, huh…" he echoed to himself with a smirk. "I guess he really does see you as someone he can defeat fairy easily."
