Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke

Chapter 44 44: A Shift in Power and Unforeseen Ties

"As expected of my son! Well done!"

His booming praise sent a shockwave through the crowd.

Even the most skeptical among them couldn't deny it now.

The Third Young Master—the so-called Deer Prince—wasn't a failure after all.

No greater proof was needed.

Sigmund placed a heavy hand on William's shoulder and clapped him twice, speaking just loud enough for him to hear.

"Satisfied now?"

William met his father's gaze and smirked.

"Very."

The Grand Duke shifted his gaze from William to Philip.

Under the weight of that cold stare, Philip visibly trembled.

"Y-Your Highness, please, listen to me. This is all a misunderstanding—"

"There's no need for excuses. Shut your mouth," the Grand Duke cut him off without hesitation. "No matter what you say, there will be no respect left for you."

"It's a mistake! Won't you even hear my explanation?! Are you truly planning to turn the Logran Marquisate into your enemy?!"

"An enemy?"

The Grand Duke scoffed, as if Philip's words were utterly ridiculous.

"You still don't understand the situation. I severed ties with Bernhardt a long time ago. All that was left was securing a reason to strike. And now, you've so kindly provided me with the justification. All that remains is driving him into a corner."

Philip paled, his mouth opening and closing without sound.

"Pray that Bernhardt doesn't cast you aside," the Grand Duke continued, his tone indifferent. "If he does, you'll have far more to worry about than your standing in his household—you'll have to worry about keeping your head."

"Your Highness! Your Highness...!"

At a mere nod from the Grand Duke, the knights behind him stepped forward, seizing Philip by both shoulders.

"No! Wait! Let me go—!"

Philip thrashed and shouted, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. The knights dragged him away without a shred of hesitation.

One by one, the other captured nobles were pulled along in the same direction. Unlike before, they didn't resist. After all, they had already been thoroughly humiliated—there was no fight left in them.

The Grand Duke turned back to William, giving his shoulder a light pat.

"Well done. Let's head back."

William exhaled softly and nodded.

At least he had tried.

"You're right, Father. I overstepped."

"Good. Then ask for something else. And this time, make sure it's reasonable."

William didn't hesitate.

"The maid I captured—I want her to receive training from Swordmaster Aizen."

The Grand Duke blinked, clearly taken aback.

"...What?"

His expression was utterly dumbfounded.

As soon as he left his father's study, William made his way to Felicia.

For now, she was being held in the underground prison. Initially, she had been kept in Hugo's establishment, but after Philip's faction was taken into custody, she had been moved here.

Despite being a prison, it wasn't the kind meant for common criminals—it was a noble's holding cell, well-furnished and maintained.

Even so, the moment William stepped inside, Felicia pressed a sharp piece of metal to her throat.

"Take one step closer, and I'll end my life right here."

William frowned.

He turned to Hans, the knight standing beside him, who had been overseeing her confinement.

"What is she talking about?"

Hans gave a helpless shrug.

"She's convinced that you mean to... violate her, my lord."

William's brow twitched.

"What?"

"She won't believe otherwise. She said she'll never let it happen, no matter what."

"That's ridiculous. Who told her that?"

"Nobody. That's just what she assumes."

William sighed and looked back at Felicia.

"I don't know what delusion you're under, but I have no intention of laying a finger on you."

Felicia remained frozen, the metal still pressed to her throat.