The Duke's Passion



865 Should we spar?

[FLASHBACK]

An intense spar between Samael, Ramin, and Charlotte was happening in the backyard of the Grimsbanne Mansion, Lilou, together with Law, Sunny, and Tilly, were sitting on a quilt from a distance. They were having a picnic a regular family bonding they would do.

"I'm almost at a point where I couldn't help but consider Ramin and Charlotte dumb," Law grumbled upon biting on the cookie his mother baked for them. Ilis eyes never left his father and how he battled against Ramin and Charlotte. "The results are always the same. They don't learn their lessons."

"Mama, big brother is saying bad words!" Sunny turned to her mother while pointing a finger at her big brother. "He called Mister Ramin and Miss Charlie dumb!"

Lilou was sitting beside Sunny. She patted her daughter's head before casting Law a look.

"Law, be mindful of your words." She sighed. "Be a good example for your sister."

Law looked back at the two, frowning when his eyes landed on Sunny. "Mother, you know Sunny is just looking for an excuse to put me in trouble."

"Slander - Mama! Big brother is glaring at me?" Sunny's eyes twinkled with a layer of tears. sporting a puppy face to get Lilou on her side.

"Sunny..." Lilou sighed once again, ruffling her daughter's short hair. She knew Sunny was exaggerating; Sunny was playful too playful and often teased her brother.

"Young Master, even if what you said about those two is true, there were better terms to express your thoughts." This time, Fabian chimed in. He had just seeped the tea on the side, serving the family so they could enjoy their picnic with case.

"After all, it wouldn't be good for the young miss to be exposed to violence and vulgarity. Not that I am saying you are." He maintained the smile that reached his eyes. "However, we have to maintain her innocence."

Law's face twitched. "I can't believe there was a time I was convinced your words were believable."

Law shook his head, in disbelief at Fabian's remarks. In the past, Law believed his father, and this butler were cowards. After all, Fabian and Samael used to let everything slide. But now, Law was perfectly aware they were far more than what they portrayed themselves. Fabian, especially.

"Anyway!" Law peeled his eyes from the smiling Fabian to the battlefield. "Was there a time Father lost in a battle?"

"Against the Madam, I guess?" Fabian was quick to answer, casting Lilou a look.

Lilou was tending to Sunny, wiping the little girl's face as she responded, "I don't remember having a duel with my husband. But to be truthful, even if Sam and I were enemies, I don't think I would defeat him in a fair duel.

"Is Papa that strong?" Sunny's eyes twinkled with awe, making Lilou smile warmly.

"Not to brag, but your papa is amazing!" Lilou cupped Sunny's face with both her hands. "Though

he sometimes terrifies me"

"Why?" Sunny blinked innocently.

"Because he's strong. So many people want to take him down," Law answered for Lilou. "Moreover, there were instances he would berserk and randomly attack anyone in sight" "Law, that's not what I meant," said Lilou. "But more or less, that's also a factor.

CLANG!

The conversation between the family got interrupted by the sound of metals clashing. They all instinctively gaze into the backyard, only to see a flying bow sink into the ground.

Thud!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Landing along with the sword, arrow, and bow were Ramin and Charlotte. They landed on the ground so hard it reached the ears of their audiences in the distance.

"See?" Law let out a shallow breath. "That's what I'm saying. They don't learn their lesson." Law took a deliberate pause, narrowing his eyes as he observed Charlotte and Ramin. Both of them were grunting and crawling on the ground, pushing themselves up with great difficulty. Meanwhile, Samael was laughing at his nth victory against the two.

"Mister Fabian, did my father ever get defeated by someone?" asked Law, turning his head in Fabian's direction.

Fabian had been Samael's henchman centuries before Lilou met Samael. Therefore, if there was someone who could answer that would be Fabian or Rufus.

"Not in my memory." Fabian's squinting eyes slowly cracked open, revealing his naturally sharp cycs. "I lost count of how many times I dueled with the Master, but even though I lost count, one thing was clear. I never won against him. Not even once.

"I don't know if that is a good thing," murmured Law. "Because if he hadn't lost one battle, that only means the enemy he would have in the future was even more powerful individuals.' "Young Master, you seemed quite concerned about the future," Fabian chuckled. "But that is correct."

"Law, your father is a changed man. Ile wouldn't look for trouble for nothing" Lilou chimed in with a gentle voice, offering her son a warm smile. "Do not worry. Even if someone provoked him, he has us. Sam will protect his family with his life, but so will we."

"That is correct." Fabian nodded. "Not to mention, his regular sparring with those two and with me is a great exercise to enhance our skills."

"So, you need not fret." Lilou's smile grew wider, casting Sunny a reassuring smile before setting her attention back to her son. 'Do not worry about the future that much. We live in the present and if something happens in the future, we'll figure it out together"

Her eyes softened, recalling all the obstacles they had gone through before attaining the peace they have now. "For sure. We will figure things out just like what we had always done!"

"Mama, you should spar with Papa more often!" Sunny suggested energetically. "I want to see Mama and Papa fight!"

"Oh, no, my princess!" Suddenly, Samael's voice caressed their ears. When Sunny turned her head. Samael was advancing in their direction. "The only fight I am willing to fight against your mother is who loves more in this marriage. Otherwise, I will raise a white flag"

Sunny frowned while Lilou chuckled. But just as Samael reached their vantage point, the quiet Tilly, whose presence was almost nonexistent, broke her silence.

"Should we spar?" Deep lines appeared on everyone's forehead, shifting their gaze to the source

of the voice.

Tilly.

!