By the time Elias stepped into the Duke's study, the man was already standing by the window, back turned, sunlight sharpening the silver in his dark hair.

"Elias," the Duke said, voice steady, neither warm nor cold. Simply a statement of presence. as he turned toward him 

"Sit."

Elias obeyed without hesitation, posture straight, hands folded neatly in his lap.

The Duke studied him in silence for a moment before speaking again. "It seems so much time has passed since you entered my manor last spring. And now the Academy is upon us I know you will not dissapoint the Arlowe name."

There was no mistaking the weight in his tone     not only an expectation, but a warning. A reminder that Elias's every step forward was not his own but the house's.

"I won't," Elias answered voice steady. He believed it. More than that     he intended it.

"Perfect," the Duke said, as if it were simply fact. Then, almost idly, as though it were an afterthought: "Please take care of Seraphine, as she will attend with you."

Elias faltered. Only slightly, but enough. "...Lady Seraphine?"

The Duke's eyes sharpened. "Are you questioning my authority, son?"

The word hit like a blow. Not affectionate     never affectionate     but binding, and iron collar he could not slip. Elias lowered his gaze. "...No, my lord. I'll see to it."

The Duke gave a single nod, already dismissing him with a wave of his hand. Elias rose, but before he could leave, the Duke's voice cut across the room once more.

"Ready her for her debut into school life. She hasn't attened before, and she has ended the last few tutors  I sent." A pause, dry and sharp as parchment. "But worry not. She seems to have grown... a little."

Elias inclined his head, hiding the frown tugging at the edge of his composure. Seraphine at the Academy? Chaos barely restrained beneath silk ribbons. Still, he bowed as dutiful as ever.

"Yes, Father."

                                                                                            

The Duke's dismissal lingered in the air, and Elias bowed once more before stepping into the hall. His stride was even, controlled      the weight of expectation balanced with practiced calm.

The butler was already waiting, discreet and patient as ever. Elias approached him.

"Have Lady Seraphine brought to the guest receiving room," Elias said, his tone steady and precise, " Arrange for tea, and something light to eat, Ensure it is presented well."

"Very good, my Lord," the butler replied, inclining his head. "Would you like a knight present in the room?"

Elias shook his head. "No. That would only agitate her. One may remain just outside the door     I cannot be too careless."

The butler's expression remained unchanged, but a subtle flicker of approval flashed through his eyes. "As you command."

With that, Elias headed to his room to prepare. It was a trial     to see if the future Duke could manage a simple girl, if one dared call a psycho "simple."

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