The concept of family time felt strange when I knew I was no longer the same person they'd raised.
"Father," I began carefully, "I need to discuss something important with you. It concerns my engagement to Seraphina Rosewood."
Duke Marcus immediately set down his papers, giving me his full attention. My mother's teacup paused halfway to her lips, her expression changing to one of curiosity.
"She requested that the engagement be dissolved. And I agreed to her request. I believe that we should both go our separate ways."
I took a breath, trying to keep my voice steady as I continued. "While I understand and respect the decision you made with your best friend long ago, I don't think I'm compatible with Seraphina. We have different personalities, different ways of thinking, and we just don't fit together. I'm sorry, Father. I really tried, but it's impossible. I hope you could understand my wishes."
My voice quivered slightly as I spoke, and I could tell that my father had mistaken that tremor for emotional stress when in reality it was fear of rejection.
Whilst Seraphina was a cute and everything, I really had no emotional attachment for her. Besides, I really didn't like her character much in the novel. She always focused on her strength, she was the typical 'career over family' girl and I despised that.
Besides, I truly believe that I can bag someone much prettier and more powerful than her. The fact that she was Kyle's pokemon girl was enough to make me discard her from my mind, there was plenty of fish in the sea, there is no need to pick one from Kyle's pond.
My father's expression remained unreadable as he processed my words, while my mother looked between us with growing concern. My father's response would determine whether I would trust him with having my back or not.
If he was to force me into staying in the engagement, then I would without a doubt gather enough power before leaving the whole kingdom. I wasn't going to accept a forced arranged marriage.
Duke Marcus finally leaned back in his chair, his steel-grey eyes studying me with intensity.
"Tell me, Adrian," he said slowly, "is this truly what you want? Or are you simply running from the responsibility because it's become difficult because of her legendary bloodline? Do you think you are not worthy enough? My son?"
He continued, his tone becoming more serious. "Adrian, you understand that Seraphina possesses a legendary bloodline connected to the ancient warrior Valkyrie, don't you? Her awakening will make her one of the most formidable close-range combatants of your generation."
My father wasn't wrong, in fact I knew exactly what he was referring to. In the novel, Seraphina would awaken a powerful offensive talent that transformed her into a devastating warrior, capable of manifesting spectral weapons and enhancing her physical power to shocking levels. She would become one of Kyle's most valuable allies in the later arcs.
I paused and looked at him, then shook my head firmly. "No, Father, this is not about avoiding responsibility or worthiness. It's just a matter of preference. Neither of us want each other. She had also told me that she doesn't want me."
My father's eyes narrowed slightly. "But you wanted this engagement before. You always wanted to consummate it and get married, but we held it off because of your age. You constantly complained about the delay. What changed?"
Damn that original Adrian. What a complete simp. Even before he was properly introduced in the novel, he was acting like a desperate fool.
"I… I grew up, Father," I said, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice.
"But that was just a few days ago," he replied skeptically.
"…"
How could I explain such a drastic personality change in such a short time?
"I-I was blinded," I stammered. "I woke up to reality, and I realized that I should focus on myself and preparation for the academy."
My father leaned forward, clearly thinking I was lying or trying to manipulate the situation. With a smile on his face he said. "Really? Then let's set up daily training sessions. I will train with you every day until the academy starts, from now on. I'm delighted that my son has finally woken up, and wants to train."
I paused, weighing my options. Although it would be grueling work, I wasn't going to complain. Learning from a powerful warrior like my father would help boost my combat experience significantly. The only issue was my newfound vampire powers - I'd have to find a way to hide or explain them and that depended on my research.
"Yes, Father. I would happy to train with you,"
Seeing my apparent resolve, my father sighed and leaned back. "Very well. I will speak to Duke Rosewood tomorrow. If you're both saying you don't want this engagement, then we cannot force it upon you."
He fixed me with a stern look. "Also, tomorrow morning is your first lesson. Prepare yourself. I won't go easy on you just because you're my son."
My mother, who had been quietly observing our exchange, finally spoke up. "Marcus, perhaps we should—"
"The decision is made, Elena," my father said gently but firmly. "If Adrian is serious about focusing on his growth, then he'll prove it through his actions."
I felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. I'd successfully avoided the engagement, and earned myself a free training session with one of the strongest fighters in the kingdom…my father.