LUCIA

Chapter 18 The Ducal Couple

For generations, Philip had been the Taran Family's doctor but he was absent from Roam since Hugo had left the estate for a long time. Nobody knew exactly where he went.

He left after saying he would be travelling around for a bit but there had been no news of him for years. Philip didn't have any friends or family so his absence didn't have much of an effect and no one was really curious about it.

The Duke was very healthy and had never been sick before. For the sake of formalities, a noble would not receive regular checkups from any doctor. Therefore, since Hugo became the Duke, the doctor had not had anything to do.

Jerome had never had much of a conversation with Philip apart from greeting him a few times. He had heard that Philip was also the doctor of the late Duke but even so, doctor... he was definitely a doctor, but he was a bit unique in a way as he was also a Baron.

Jerome believed that the man had a lot of guts because he had served dukes for generations but apart from that, he didn't feel the need to care about the doctor's matters.

However, the moment Philip's name left his mouth, his master's somewhat relaxed expression froze. Seeing a spark in his master's eyes, Jerome felt suspicious. Wasn't Philip just a family doctor?

Instantly, he dug through his memories but there were no clues regarding his master's and Philip's relationship. He then came to the realization that his master and Philip had actually treated each other like air and that this would be the first time Philip had personally come to meet the Duke.

On paper, Philip was the primary doctor but with the duke being the duke, he had never needed any treatment.

"Let him in. Do not let anyone onto the second floor until I say so."

His voice was cold and a murderous intent lingered in the air. Feeling his master's anger, Jerome nervously followed the Duke's orders without question.

"Yes, Your Grace."

Jerome left and after a while, an old man with half-whitish grey hair stepped in. The man quietly walked to the front of Hugo's desk, bent his waist and gave a polite bow.

For a moment, Hugo didn't say anything and just gave the old man a piercing glare. Then he opened his mouth and spoke in an even and unfeeling tone.

"It's been a while, old man."

Philip didn't take offence to the disrespectful title and just gave a faint smile.

"Indeed, it has been a long time. After all this while, you have become a grown man."

Despite being just a doctor, the man was confident and showed no servility to the noble personage in front of him. Philip's voice was calm but on the inside, deep emotions surged as he faced Hugo. His gaze was like that of a grandfather watching his grandchild all grown up.

However, Hugo's gaze remained frozen.

"I heard you traveled." (Hugo)

"I have returned."

"That's too bad. It would have been better if you kept wandering. Since you have said your greetings, get lost. In the future, don't do such things like greeting me. What I mean is, do not show your face in front of me again."

As though he was reading off a book, Hugo's voice was monotone but the contents were harsh. Philip's expression remained unchanged in the face of Hugo's spitefulness. Rather, he seemed a little relieved.

"You are still the same." (Philip)

"My nature doesn't change."

"Young master's nature is outstanding. You didn't reap this old servant's life after all."