The Vaillness' Faithful Dog II vadtd x M.y/n II

(12) The Eckharts.

"Besides, I recognize your face, Your Grace. You were practically a resident  here back in the day – the young Duke of House Cha, am I right?"

My eyes narrowed, gauging the truth in his words.

'Back in the day, huh?'

Memories, hazy yet familiar, surfaced – shared laughter with Derrick and Reynold, the ever-present figure of Lord Eckhart.

It was a life from before the mask.

The mask that now covered my face.

'How convenient that these memories come from dreams,'

I mused.

'Almost, as if they were mine to begin with.'

But there was one dream in particular.

It featured this very butler, his voice dripping with disdain.

"A commoner playing with the Young Masters? How quaint. But don't worry, your luck will run out soon enough. Then we'll see how long these friendships last."

Despite the sting of the memory, I wouldn't let it cloud my present purpose.

"Pennel, wasn't that your name?"

The memory flickered – Pennel, the butler, dismissing me as a commoner.

Yet, I was the heir to House Cha at the time.

Did that mean – That I was adopted, just like Pene-

"-is what you said it was, but why isn't she waking...!"

Suddenly, a shout shattered the silence.

"-at least do that much! It's all your fault, you and that insane prince!"

The outburst sent a jolt through me.

I focused on the source of the commotion, my curiosity piqued.

"Excuse me,"

I addressed the butler, who nodded curtly.

Following the sound, I arrived at a doorway, the source of the shouting.

Before I could knock, the door flew open, revealing a flustered Reynold.

"Ah, Your Grace?"

He stammered, his voice laced with suprise.

"Forgive the commotion. That stupid bit*h – I mean, Penelope, hasn't woken up yet."

His face was pale, etched with worry.

"Is it serious?"

I inquired, stepping past him into the room.

Reynold's reply was a whisper.

"Not really. But, still, she didn't even budge."

Penelope lay motionless on the bed, her breathing shallow.

The room crackled with tension, a stark contrast to the calmness of her sleeping form.

"She's been like this since returning from the Second Prince's birthday celebration,"

Reynold explained, his hands clenched into fists.

"The Crown Prince – never mind."

He didn't know I knew.

I, after all, had witnessed it all firsthand.

Reynold shook his head, a resigned sigh escaping his lips.

"I'll inform Father of your arrival."

As he and the doctors left, I began to pace around.

This wasn't in the game, was it?