Never Die Villain

Valentin remained silent for a long moment.

"...."

His eyes remained fixed on Ilya, yet they never truly saw him. For just an instant, another face overlapped with his, and the years he had spent forcing those memories into the depths of his heart seemed to dissolve.

Diane Laurence Messerschmidt.

The woman who had once made him believe there was more to life than House Belozersky. The woman who had laughed so freely in a household that had long forgotten how to smile, and the woman who had ultimately left behind nothing but a lonely grave and a son who came to resemble her more with each passing year.

Valentin finally looked away.

"You’ve certainly learned how to speak."

"...Yes."

"And now you’re standing there like a docile cat again."

"I’ve said everything that needed to be said..."

"And yet your legs are still shaking."

"...."

Valentin let out a breath before leaning back against his chair.

"Do whatever you want, boy."

"...."

"If this path ends in failure as well, then it will simply be another disappointment among many. You are free to bear the consequences of your own decisions."

"...Yes."

"That said, if that decision ever brings disgrace upon the Belozersky name... do not expect me to shield you from its consequences."

Ilya lowered his head. He had never expected anything in the first place.

"I understand."

"If you understand, then leave."

"...Yes, Father."

Ilya offered a respectful bow before turning toward the door. As he reached for the handle, he paused.

"...And, Father."

"...."

"My name is Ilya."

"...."

"I wish you a pleasant evening."

Without waiting for a reply, Ilya opened the door and stepped out of the study, leaving it no different from when he had entered. Behind him, Valentin never once called his name.

Only after returning to his room did the tension finally leave his body. The moment the door closed behind him, he let out a long breath he had not even realized he had been holding, before slowly sliding down against the door until he was seated on the floor.

Even with the conversation over, his hands refused to stop shaking, prompting him to curl them into fists.

"I wasn’t the one who killed her..."

His nails dug into his skin.

"You were the one who drove her to her death... Valentin..."

* * *

The following morning, it was time for the Northern faction to depart. The servants had already gathered before the estate gates, standing in orderly rows to bid farewell to the Grand Duke before his return to the North.

Among them were Ilya and Anastasiya, both waiting with their heads lowered.

Just as Valentin was about to board the carriage, his eyes fell upon Ilya.

"Come here."

"Yes, Father."

Believing herself to be the one being called, Anastasiya stepped forward first.

Before she could take another step, however, Valentin spoke again without so much as glancing in her direction.

"Not you."

"...Pardon?"

"I have business with your brother."

"...."

Anastasiya found herself at a complete loss for words. She looked at Valentin, then at Ilya, before looking back at Valentin once more, as if waiting for someone to explain what she had just heard.

Yet neither of them did, and all she could do was watch in disbelief as Ilya climbed into the carriage before Valentin followed after him.

"...."

"...."

Ilya sat opposite Valentin inside the carriage. Outside, the voices of the servants bidding farewell to the Northern faction could still be heard through the closed doors, but neither man paid any attention to it.

"What is it, Father?"

Valentin remained seated with his hands on the head of his cane.

"You understand the situation surrounding the Imperial Family."

"...The succession?"

"The Crown Prince is dead. As things stand, every great house in the Empire has begun looking toward the remaining members of the Imperial Family. House Belozersky is no exception."

Ilya said nothing, waiting for him to continue.

"The Imperial Family has approached the North once again. They seek our continued support, and in return, they have extended an opportunity to us."

"...?"

"I allowed you to walk the path you chose."

"...."

"You wished to become a wizard, and I did not stop you. Do not mistake that for approval. I simply chose not to stand in your way, and now I expect something in return."

"...Yes."

"You will meet Princess Liselotte."

"...You mean the youngest princess?"

Valentin nodded.

"It is neither a betrothal nor an engagement. Consider it nothing more than an introduction. Whether the matter goes any further will depend upon the two of you, but you will meet her."

"...."

"You may be my bastard, but you remain a Belozersky. Whether the rest of the family acknowledges it or not is irrelevant to the Imperial Family. They are not seeking an heir to House Belozersky. They are seeking a connection to the North."

"...."

"The Imperial Family understands our position better than most. They know I have no intention of involving House Belozersky in the struggle over the succession, and they know equally well that the North has no interest in competing with the other great houses for influence within the Imperial Court. That is why this proposal was made."

Ilya gave a slow nod, processing the words before finally speaking.

"So... I only have to meet her?"

"That is the Emperor’s proposal," Valentin replied. "As for me, I expect considerably more than that."

"...."

"I am ordering you to make something of this opportunity. Whether that means earning her trust, her respect, or something beyond that is for you to decide, but I will not have you squander what others would consider a privilege."

"I understand."

"You will never inherit House Belozersky. That position has never belonged to you, nor will it ever. Anastasiya is my successor, and nothing you accomplish will alter that."

His eyes met Ilya’s once more.

"But if your future becomes tied to Princess Liselotte, then your place within this family will no longer be defined solely by your illegitimacy."

"...."

"If you insist on walking a path different from the one I prepared for you, then prove that it is worth the cost. I have no interest in hearing promises. Show me results."

"Yes, Father."

Outside, the servants could still be heard beyond the carriage as they waited for the Grand Duke’s departure.

"You may leave."