CHAPTER 4
The next morning, Taehyung was stirred awake by a soft knock at his door.
Strange… he thought, sitting up slowly. The maids usually barge in without hesitation.
His voice held calm authority, yet his hand instinctively rested against the wall, a subtle reminder that this Taehyung was no longer the same as before.
The door opened quietly, and a young maid stepped inside, her head bowed respectfully as she carried a bowl of water for his morning wash.
Miya
Good morning, Third Master Kim. The hour draws near for breakfast. May I assist you in preparing for the day?
Taehyung’s eyes narrowed slightly. Suspicion flickered within him—kindness was not a luxury often afforded to him in this house. Her presence was unfamiliar, and no one had ever offered such courtesy without reason.
Kim Taehyung
Where is the maid usually assigned to me?
The girl paused, lowering her gaze.
Miya
By order of Duchess Kim, I am to attend to you from this day forward, Master. I do not know the fate of the previous servant.
Taehyung’s expression remained unreadable as he rose from the bed. A simple nod was all he gave in acknowledgment, his thoughts lingering on the sudden change.
The maid moved with practiced grace, carefully preparing water and cloth to wash him. Taehyung allowed the silence to settle between them as she worked.
Kim Taehyung
Dress me simply. A white shirt and plain trousers will do.
She followed his instruction without question, draping him in light, unadorned fabrics. As she tied the final fastening, Taehyung stepped away from the mirror, fully prepared to return to his usual seat by the window for breakfast.
But before he could, the maid spoke again.
Miya
Master, the Duchess has instructed that you join the family for breakfast in the dining hall this morning.
Taehyung halted mid-step, his hand lingering on the back of his chair.
Kim Taehyung
(Dine… with them?)
His gaze lowered briefly, but no hint of emotion betrayed his face. The notion felt foreign—never once had he been invited to share a meal at the same table.
Yet, as if unaffected, he nodded once more.
Kim Taehyung
Very well. Lead the way.
Without waiting for her response, Taehyung strode ahead, his footsteps soft against the polished floor. The maid followed silently behind him, the faint hum of morning echoing through the long halls as they made their way toward the breakfast chamber.
Taehyung entered the dining hall, his steps slow as he felt the weight of the Kim family’s gaze upon him.
The air was thick with unspoken tension, and as his eyes moved across the table, each face seemed to study him with an intensity he had long since grown accustomed to.
Kim Seokjin
You finally arrived.
Jin’s voice, as ever, was composed, but there was a sharpness in his eyes as they swept over Taehyung—up and down, as though measuring him.
Taehyung, unbothered by the scrutiny, lowered his head in a polite bow.
Kim Taehyung
Good morning, Duchess Kim. I apologize for my tardiness.
Jin gave a curt nod, gesturing for Taehyung to take his seat beside him. With little hesitation, Taehyung complied, settling into the chair next to Jin, though the weight of the family’s gaze still lingered on him, heavy and unyielding.
He straightened himself and greeted the others, his voice steady but his heart racing beneath the calm exterior.
Kim Taehyung
Good morning, Father Duke, First Brother, and Second Brother.
Each of them nodded in turn, their expressions unreadable. Taehyung’s greeting was met with silence, but that was not unusual.
The air in the room remained taut as the maids quietly moved about, bringing forth the dishes, their soft clatter the only sound breaking the tension.
Jin made a subtle gesture, and the maids began to serve the food, the delicate porcelain plates set before each family member.
The meal began in earnest, the quiet clinking of silverware filling the air as the conversation shifted seamlessly to business.
The family spoke of matters—of investments, land, and the dealings of the house—without so much as sparing a glance for Taehyung. He ate quietly, his eyes downcast, blending into the background like the shadow he had been cast as.
...
Mingyu, Taehyung, in three years, you both will attend the academy to further your studies.
Namjoon their father voice was firm yet tinged with a sense of expectation, as he carefully dabbed his lips with a napkin to remove the sauce.
Kim Namjoon
I trust that you both will excel as your eldest brother has done before you.
Mingyu’s eyes brightened at the mention of the academy, though he couldn’t hide the hint of curiosity in his tone as he spoke.
Kim Migyu
Will we be in the same class, Father ?
Jin glanced at him, her expression calm but thoughtful.
Kim Seokjin
That depends on the courses you choose, my dear.
Kim Seokjin
Though I do expect you to pursue the knight’s course, am I right?
Mingyu puffed out his cheeks, clearly a bit reluctant.
Jin’s gaze shifted to Taehyung, whose silence was more noticeable now. She regarded him with quiet interest before asking the question that seemed to linger in the air.
Kim Seokjin
And you, Taehyung? What course do you plan to take?
Taehyung paused, looking up from his plate briefly before meeting Jin’s eyes. He answered in a calm, measured tone, though there was an uncertainty in his voice.
Kim Taehyung
I’m considering Mystic Diplomacy and Mystical Law…
Kim Taehyung
Though I haven’t fully decided yet.
Jin nodded, her lips curling slightly into an approving smile, though it was subtle.
Kim Seokjin
Take your time with the decision, as you still have years before you enter the academy.
Taehyung offered a small nod in return, though there was something unreadable in his expression.
The rest of the family exchanged glances, their surprise evident, but they quickly returned to their meals, the conversation naturally moving on.
Kim Seokjin
Mingyu, take the same care with your decision. You’re not bound to a single path.
Mingyu gave a small nod, his attention back on his plate, clearly eager to finish his meal.
And so, the rest of the meal passed quietly. The family returned to their own matters, each lost in their thoughts as the delicate clinking of silverware and the soft hum of the room filled the space between them.
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