This wasn't my moment.
Not yet.
But you know what?
Fuck that moment.
I don't even know if it will ever come if I did nothing... so why bother waiting? I will create that moment myself.
My lips were already curled into a perfect gri, just convincing enough to pass as confidence and for the first time since I awakened, I felt thankful for my damn flaw because it least it hid the fear.
I looked at Duke Astravore.
Fucking bastard.
I wanted to scream that but I wasn't about to lose my cool in front of him.
"Duke Astravore, I would like to negotiate my death with you."
As soon as I said those words, silence fell over the room and then the pressure vanished completely.
My father turned towards me, confusion etched across his face but I didn't look at him.
Astravore looked at me and for the first time as I saw a hint of amusement in his crimson eyes.
I had piqued his interest and along with that step one of my plans was complete and now it was time for the step two and that was to get my father out of the room because he would never let was I was planning to happen.
I took a deep breath and then I turned toward him. "Dad… I need to speak with the Duke alone."
His expression didn't change at first but I saw the hesitation in his eyes along with shock and suspicion.
"Rael—"
"Please." I cut in before he could say more. "Just five minutes. That's all I'm asking."
My voice was steady, completely opposite to how I felt inside. The Duke wasn't like those investors I used to negotiate with in my previous life, someone I could charm with numbers or logic, he was someone who could erase every trace of me with a single snap.
But fuck, I had to do it for my survival and future strength and besides… if he did try something, at least I would die like a man and not hiding behind someone else's shadow.
My father still didn't look convinced.
Just read the room, Dad.
Before he could deny me, I added. "Dad, you know the Duke isn't one of those unsightly cowards who'd attack a weakling behind closed doors. So you can rest assured."
Perfect.
That line bound them both. If he still refused, it would be like calling the Duke Astravore a coward and if the Duke did try anything… Well, then he would be admitting the label fit.
A neat little trap, gift-wrapped in fake respect and the best part was that they both understood exactly what I meant.
My father looked at me… then at the Duke. He didn't say anything for a moment and then he shook his head, his hands clenched.
But he knew the Duke wouldn't attack me, especially after what I said. I mean, Duke Astravore was famous for one thing, caring too damn much about prestige.
As he passed by me, he didn't go without leaving a note. "I will be just outside if you need me."
I didn't reply as Dad left the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click.
Duke Astravore looked at me but he didn't speak.
"Can you please cover the room in a mana dome?" I spoke as I walked toward the couch across from Duke Astravore, my grin still in place.
He didn't question it as his mana spread out, forming a dome around us and sealing the space.
Perfect. Now nobody would be able to hear what I say.
"So, what is it you want to negotiate?" The Duke said, his voice low and cold and that's when I felt the pressure again.
I felt like kneeling to beg for forgiveness before a supreme being. Still, my face stayed calm, probably because of my skill [Poker Face] was helping with that and a man's gotta do what he's gotta do, right?
I had one goal and that was to remove this death flag completely.
"I will go to Noxvalen Academy in place of your son."
For a moment, the Duke froze, his amusement deepened behind those crimson eyes and then, he let out a chuckle.
"Ha… ha… ha."
But the laugh was anything but warm.
"What are you planning Ashborn?" His voice was even colder.
"I just want to repent for my mistake." I said. "And maybe even have a chance to survive."
The sentence had one truth and one lie because I knew exactly what was coming in next.
Astravore's eyes glowed in blue colour as a star mark appeared within.
I recognized it instantly.
[Eyes of Starbearer]
This skill wasn't explained much in the novel because he was just a side character but I knew from this world's memories, what it did. It let Astravore see into the heart of the person before him.
In toddler terms, it was a lie detector. He wanted to know if what I said was true or false but theproblem was that I didn't know how his skill would react to both.
A truth wrapped in a lie.
But I will find out soon, won't I?
Duke Astravore didn't say anything for a moment as if contemplating my offer.
Let's give him a little nudge.
"Duke, you know, killing a weakling like me won't do you any favors. If anything, it would just make you look petty."
I leaned forward slightly, my grin still in place.
"But if you accept my offer… and send me to the Academy instead of your son, where death is just one of many possibilities, people will call you merciful. A man of honor. You would be seen not as the wronged but the wise and it will also save one of your heirs."
There was a reason the Duke hadn't dismissed me yet because Noxvalen Academy wasn't some playground where you could grow peacefully.
No.
It was a slaughterhouse dressed like a school, a place where death was just another class and just like that, I had sold my soul by walking into hell but at least I would be familiar with this hell.