THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

"[Character Profile: Skroll De Gor]"

The system\'s meticulous description revealed Skroll\'s roots, a story as unexpected as it was impressive. Despite coming from a humble baron family, Skroll\'s tactical brilliance had carved a path for him into the noble De Gor House.

His ascent was marked by strategic victories and a mind sharpened in the crucible of warfare. Marrying into the De Gor family was only the beginning; his talents and fierce loyalty propelled him to the head of the Knurl family and, eventually, earned him the Earl\'s trust. Now, as an Elder Noble, Skroll\'s leadership and strategic foresight made him a formidable pillar of the kingdom\'s strength.

David took a slow, steady breath, trying to process this wealth of insight.

How in the world am I able to see this? Enjoy exclusive chapters from mvl

His mind whirled with questions.

What kind of cheat ability is this?

He could see the layers behind each individual, the secrets they guarded so carefully. It was a strange, almost intoxicating power, and the magnitude of it made him feel both exhilarated and uneasy.

Out of curiosity, he turned his gaze to the Earl, his \'Father\' and the man who wielded an authority that felt as ancient as it was absolute. But just as he tried to access the Earl\'s profile, the system flashed an abrupt message before him:

"[Insufficient Level]"

A sigh of frustration escaped him.

Of course,

he thought wryly. This wasn\'t the first time the system had restricted him due to his lower Level, locking him out from insights or skills that lay tantalizingly beyond his reach.

This feature seemed to operate on a strict hierarchy, and it made sense; a power like this had to come with limits. Only those deemed worthy by the system, those of high enough level, could peer into the hearts and minds of beings of the Earl\'s calibre.

Undeterred, David then shifted his focus to Elder La Muerte, curiosity burning in his gaze. But again, the system barred his way.

"[Insufficient Level]"

So, she\'s another one,

he mused, feeling a ripple of intrigue. The fact that the Earl and La Muerte were inaccessible suggested they existed in a league of their own. There was a hidden power within them that was above even high-ranked warriors—a power beyond his current understanding.

David remembered snippets of conversation he\'d overheard, mentions of ranks beyond what he\'d known.

Monarch rank,

he recalled, feeling the weight of the title. Just how powerful were these figures? What kind of strength did they hold, and how many hidden layers were yet to be unveiled?

As these thoughts cascaded through his mind, he felt a presence shift beside him. Lord Hilton, observing his young son\'s silence, cleared his throat, a subtle signal that broke David from his reverie. With a start, David tore his gaze from the system windows, grounding himself once more in the council chamber. He forced a calm expression, trying to mask the lingering awe that simmered beneath his composed exterior.

The council members sat in silence, their eyes on him, each figure like a looming shadow with its own veiled story and unseen depths. David felt a newfound respect for the power they wielded, a silent promise to himself that he would one day reach their level, perhaps even surpass it. For now, though, he\'d play the part of the unassuming young noble son.

The system\'s voice echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the knowledge he now held but couldn\'t yet fully wield. One day, when he reached a higher rank, he would unlock those forbidden profiles, tear down the barriers between him and the secrets these formidable figures held. Until then, he would wait, biding his time and strengthening his resolve.

"Welcome, David, to your first meeting as

Spross des Banners,

" the Earl greeted, his voice filled with gravity and pride.

"Thank you, my Lord," David replied, meeting Lord Hilton\'s steady gaze with a respectful nod.

The Earl wasted no time, his expression shifting to one of serious intent. "You have been invited," he stated, his words echoing in the chamber. David\'s brow lifted slightly, intrigued by the Earl\'s formal tone.

"Invited, my Lord?" David inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Lord Hilton nodded, and Elder Luviania leaned forward to explain, his voice calm yet commanding. "Word has reached the Lady of Lysora County of your recent accomplishments, David—the exploits of the famed

Spross des Banners.

It seems you\'ve garnered her attention, and she has formally requested your presence at Lysora\'s annual ceremony."

Elder La Muerte joined the conversation, her voice carrying a quiet intensity. "As a representative of this house, your attendance is not only expected but required. It\'s a rare honor, but also a responsibility. Your presence will uphold our name."

Attending a ceremony in Lysora wasn\'t merely a social visit; it was an opportunity, an avenue to connect with powerful individuals within the Lady\'s circle.

The Earl\'s keen eyes didn\'t miss David\'s contemplation. "Will you be able to handle such a task, David?" he asked, his voice carrying both challenge and concern. "Politics is a ruthless game, and the Archon of Warfare, in particular, is a master at it. Even an innocent ceremony could easily be twisted to her advantage," he added taking David by surprise. Was this an accidental coincidence, or had he already begun walking the path to confront the Archon of Warfare?

David felt a surge of confidence, a clarity taking hold within him. "Yes, my Lord. I am confident I will handle the matter smoothly," he replied, a calm certainty underpinning his words.

Each elder around him shared approving glances. His response had struck the right note, and the flicker of pride was visible even on Elder La Muerte\'s face. The Earl gave a satisfied nod, signaling his approval. "Very well," he said, leaning back, his gaze thoughtful. "Shall we proceed with other matters?"

"Certainly, my Lord," Elder Luviania agreed, shifting the conversation as the council delved into other pressing issues. They discussed everything from regional security to trade routes, every topic bearing the weight of strategy and foresight required of those in their position. Hours slipped by as the council weighed each decision, considering its implications for the kingdom and its people.

Finally, the council meeting drew to a close. David rose from his seat, bowing deeply to the elders. As he left the room, he caught a few whispered conversations among the council members, their tone lighter, allowing themselves a brief respite now that the formalities had ended.

As David exited the chamber, his mind still buzzing with thoughts of Lysora\'s upcoming ceremony, he was greeted by Draven waiting by the corridor. Yet, David quickly noticed Seraphina\'s absence.

"Draven, where is Seraphina?" David inquired, his voice laced with a hint of concern.

Draven inclined his head respectfully, choosing his words carefully. "Master, Lady Seraphina departed from the castle early this morning. She insisted on going alone and requested that no one accompany her."

David\'s brow furrowed. The notion of Seraphina leaving on her own was unexpected, especially given her usual resolve to remain by his side in any endeavor. He let out a controlled breath, pushing aside the ripple of worry stirring within him.

"Very well," he replied, his tone measured. "Return to your quarters, Draven, and remain prepared for my call."

Draven bowed, his obedience unwavering, before retreating down the hallway, leaving David alone once more. A myriad of thoughts began to surface, but David knew he had to maintain his focus. Whatever Seraphina\'s reasons, he would trust in her abilities—and his own readiness for the path ahead.

As David strode down the quiet hallway, shadows dancing along the stone walls, he noticed a familiar figure waiting just outside his chamber. Shay stood by the door, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw him approach. Without hesitation, she rushed forward, her footsteps soft yet swift, and wrapped her arms around him in a warm, earnest embrace.

"David," she murmured, her voice filled with both relief and excitement, her hold tightening as though afraid he might vanish if she let go.

David returned the embrace, a faint smile tugging at his lips, grateful for her presence amidst the storm of responsibilities swirling around him.

****

A/N: Special thanks to Castle Gate for defending my honour lol.