Duke of the North Refuses the Villain Route

Chapter 6-New Purpose?

The following day, the guests finally started leaving one by one. Roran hosted one final breakfast for them, before thanking them once more for coming. He did his best to be polite and well-mannered, following the etiquette that was ingrained in his body by the mysterious entity. Leaving a good impression on these people would help spread the news about the new Grand Duke Valtoria.

Earlier that morning, most of the guests had already left. Two requested to stay longer.

The vassals who had harmed Aleron.

Roran took a deep breath, eyes growing colder as he headed back inside. He knew that these two families were going to insist on staying longer to "assist" him in the transitions of his duties. But he would not let them.

He had planned to leave them alone until he finished succeeding the title. But they were just so eager to put their heads inside the dragon's mouth. Today, they would learn not to mess with the Valtoria Family.

The two cores of fire mana in his chest blazed, sending impressions of excitement toward him. He patted his chest. Soon. Just wait.

"Summon the Veleta and Ryzam Families to my office," he told Herard. "Prepare tea. Only for me."

The old steward looked confused but turned to give the orders to the butler and head maid.

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Silence filled his freshly cleaned office, as he drank his tea. Standing before his office table were the noble couples of the Veleta County and Ryzam Viscounty. Three of them looked to be in their 30s, while Count Veleta was around his 50s. At first, the four looked absolutely delighted at being summoned to his office.

However, when the maid came with only refreshments for Roran, their faces started to change.

He said nothing for the next few minutes, silently enjoying his tea and gazing at the large old painting hanging on the left wall of his office. A big majestic dragon resembling the statue in the castle lobby stood over one of the mountains of Heaven Mountain Range. Behind its form stood a silhouette of a woman and two children. All of them were bathed in the light of the rising sun. On the plaque at the bottom was the name of the painting.

For my home. For my family.

From the knowledge in his head, it was a painting done by their dragon ancestor, Valtarion. Using his magic, Valtarion had cast a preservation spell on it. If it was lost or stolen, it would magically return to its place in the office of the Grand Duke. It was one of the most famous magic items, which was believed to hold magical secrets.

But Roran knew that without the magic, it was just a regular painting. It was Valtarion's painting of his love for his family and home. It was placed there to remind every Valtoria what mattered most.

He let the silence stretch for a minute more. Roran enjoyed the sight of their unease at his continued disregard. Since when did he enjoin tormenting people like this?

A memory of his teacher appeared in his head. "You're not called the Demon King just because of Hellfire, you bastard."

Opting to ignore it, he ended the four's silent treatment. "Do you know that painting? What does it say?" He gestured at Valtarion's painting.

They all looked at each other, eyes shaking from nervous. It was Count Veleta who came forward and answered. "It's your great ancestor's painting of his family, Your Grace. It tells his descendants to value their home and family."

Roran nodded, eyes still on the painting. "Correct," he said. "I admire my ancestor so much, that I strongly agree with his values. I want to destroy anyone who dares to threaten the safety and well-being of my home and family."