Chapter 48: Our duty.
(A/N Big thanks to everyone for the Power stones and Golden tickets, they mean a lot. As usual, please don’t hesitate to comment or drop a review. ENJOY)
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In a dimly lit room, a middle-aged man sat behind his desk, a brown wooden contraption that looked equal parts ancient and regal, documents arranged neatly and stacked in a not-so-subtle pattern.
The room was surrounded by shelves filled completely with an array of colourful books, reminiscent of a proper library. In the centre were three couches surrounding a smaller table, its colour and structure like that of mahogany.
Sunlight filtered in through windows partially covered by well-decorated curtains, illuminating the man’s face. He had short silver hair that ended in a taper fade, beards trailing down from the side of his face, and a small moustache to complete his unique look.
His hands moved in a proper sequence, carrying a document, scanning it, then signing it where and when required. He looked so engrossed and satisfied with his work.
Knock..knock.
"Come in," He said without looking up, as though aware of the identity of the presence behind the door.
The door opened slowly without making a creak, a young maid walked in, red hair framing her face and a small eyeglass on her nose, her maid dress swaying with every step.
"My apologies for the disturbance, master Dorian, but the twins are ready." She said, her voice steady.
"Hmm, and their mother?" He said, his head still hunched over his work and hands still signing.
"She is on her way there as we speak," She replied, adjusting her glasses.
"Very well, I’ll be there in five minutes. I’m almost finished up." He said, subtly increasing his pace.
"I’ll inform them," She said with a small bow before stepping out and closing the door behind her.
A few minutes soon passed before Dorian stood up, his height towering in the room. He placed his pen down and adjusted his seat back to its proper place before walking out of the room.
Dorian’s steps echoed in the hallway as he walked towards a different wing of his mansion. He soon got in front of a plain-looking door, opening it and walking in.
It was a plain-looking parlour, windows on either side unblinded, brightening the room. Two couches sat opposite each other with a small table in between.
On one couch, his wife, Gael, sat, hair tied in a bun, a plain blue gown on her body, and a steady smile on her face and opposite her were his children, a boy and a girl, Caelum and Selene.
He couldn’t have wished for a more proper family.
The twins were fraternal, subtly identical but not overly so, just enough to tell they were related. The girl had her hair tied in a similar bun as her mother, while the boy left his hair short, not as short as his father’s, but enough to be at ear length.
They sat with a prim and proper posture, as should be; he’d trained them like that after all.
They both stood up, making a small bow.
"Welcome, father," They said in unison.
"Hmm", He said simply before taking a seat beside his wife opposite them.
"Welcome, husband. How was your work?" She asked with a smile.
"Unchanged," he said with a smile before giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Unchanged can mean many things, husband," She said smiling at his gesture.
"Unchanged as in the Chronos continues to thrive,, He replied.
"Very well, that is good." She said.
"Alright, we are here for a different reason." He said, turning to his children.
"It is almost time," he said, his voice deep but even. "Your preparation for the Academy has reached its final stages. From this point forward, every step you take reflects not only upon yourselves but upon the Chronos family at large."
The twins nodded in unison.
Gael smiled faintly, though her voice carried a firmness beneath the warmth.
"You have been instructed well, your conduct, your studies, your discipline. At the Academy, you will find many others who believe themselves talented, who will compete, and who will seek to draw attention. But remember, children... our role is not merely to shine. It is to serve."
Selene tilted her head ever so slightly, her silver eyes steady. "To serve Young Master Orion?"
"Correct," Gael replied, pleased with the quick answer. "He is the heir, the one who carries the weight of this generation’s legacy. Your place, as his kin and as children of our branch, is to uphold him. Respect him, assist him, and ensure that none can tarnish his name. That is where your honour lies."
Caelum’s eyes narrowed.
"I understand, we’ve been over this before, but Father always says the unworthy aren’t meant to wield responsibilities. You make his responsibilities sound immense. What happens in the scenario he is unworthy?" Caelum asked, his voice tinged with confusion.
Gael turned to Dorian.
"I know my words, son, but it isn’t our place to judge who is worthy or not, simply to serve; if he is unworthy, he won’t last. But I will quote this, directly from the patriarch’s mouth {My son is and will be the greatest the Chronos have ever birthed}. I have served the past and current patriarch for many years, and I can tell you their line has never failed the Chronos. I sincerely and willfully believe it will not start from Orion," He said, his voice unwavering.
"I understand, father", Caelum said, his voice mirroring his father’s.
"The wealth and stability of the Chronos family depend on balance. Each branch has its role. Ours is stewardship, precision, and loyalty. As head of the financial department, I oversee the flow of resources that keep this house strong. That is my service to the Patriarch and to Orion, who will inherit that mantle one day. You, my children, must mirror that spirit in your own way. Not with ledgers and gold, but with conduct and loyalty." Dorian finished.
The twins rose, their voices, calm and synchronised, answered together:
"We understand, Father. We will not fail in our duty."