Beyond the Eternity

Family inheritance?

The moment those words were spoken, everything clicked into place.

The reason these people had gathered in the house was to discuss the inheritance. If that was the case, It could only mean one thing. The Family Head's time was running out. But to discuss the inheritance while he was still alive...

How bold of them.

Julian Valemont and his wife, Victoria Valemont, exchanged glances of discomfort, as though the mere mention of the topic was taboo. It was something they had likely been trying to avoid

Julian rubbed his temple, as if a headache was about to form. He spoke with slight disappointment.

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"So, it's come to this? Fighting over the inheritance while the Family Head still breathes?"

Elena Valemont smiled faintly, though the gesture never reached her eyes.

"Dear brother, Father will die one day. We can't ignore this matter forever."

Julian's tone hardened as he shot back.

"Isn't that rich, dear sister? It almost sounds like you want Father to meet his end."

Fufufu~ How could you say something so dangerous?" Elena's voice dripped with mockery. "Who here would ever wish for dear Father's demise?"

Her gaze shifted to Dr. Riccardo Falcone, the family physician. He seemed preoccupied, his attention fixed on something outside the window.

The view was nothing but an expanse of pitch-black darkness now, but in that memory, there had likely been the vibrant blue of the skies—or perhaps the roses from the family's illustrious garden.

Elena's voice cut through the heavy silence.

"Doctor, what is father's current condition?"

Dr. Riccardo heard her sweet voice, but it brought him no joy.

He sighed deeply.

The Doctor explained the Family Head's condition with practiced expertise and professionalism.

"Given his current condition, hospitalization would have been ideal. However, the Family Head made it clear he has no intention of complying. In fact, he refuses to leave his study. While there are no visible issues for now, it wouldn't be surprising if he were to suddenly collapse."

"How long does he have left?"

Riccardo hesitated for a moment before responding.

"Approximately six months, provided he continues taking his medication. However, he stopped doing so some time ago."

"So, you're saying he has less than six months to live, is that correct? No, let me phase that better. What are his chances of seeing next year?"

"How absurd! Isn't that a rude question to Family Head?!"

Wearing an astonished question, Victoria didn't hesitate to verbally jump on Elena. However, Elena did not back down, glaring right back.

Sensing the brewing tension, Simon intervened with a strained smile, attempting to diffuse the situation.

"Now, now, I believe there's been a misunderstanding... Please, forgive her, Victoria. I'm sure Elena didn't mean it that way. Right, Elena?"

Elena smile never faltered as she turned her gaze to Simon.

"Of course."

She replied sweetly, but there was unmistakable mock sincerity.

"I merely meant to clarify the situation. After all, we wouldn't want any misunderstandings, would we, dear Victoria?"

Victoria's face flushed a deep red as if embarrassed.

"You always have a way of twisting words, Elena. How dare you speak so callously about the Family Head when he's still alive and well?"

Elena tilted her head.

"Don't you think you're overexaggerating? I'm just speaking the truth. Father's health is declining, and we all know it. What's the point of pretending otherwise?"

"You..."

Victoria was about to retort, but Julian raised his hand and shot down her attempt in an instant.

"Enough! Both of you. Can't you see fighting won't change the situation at hand?"

"I'm... I'm sorry."

"Hmph."

Victoria apologized and lowered her head slightly, while Elena simply shrugged.

He stared at both of them before letting out a sigh and spoke once more.

"It seems everyone is preoccupied with Father's declining health, and given his recent odd behavior, it's understandable. However, aren't you all perhaps misunderstanding the situation? Just because it's been predicted that Father might die in a few months, doesn't necessarily mean he's going to die. Isn't that right, Doctor?"

"Hmm...."

Julian turned to Dr. Riccardo, who was still gazing out the window, his hand thoughtfully stroking his beard.

Noticing his silence, Isabella, the youngest among the crimson siblings, asked with a worried expression.

"Doctor, is it certain that Father will die?"

"… It's difficult to say. While I understand the ongoing concerns about Lord Reginald's condition, I cannot say with certainty that he will die. The human body is far more intricate than that. Humans are sustained not just by their bodies, but also by their minds. If the body weakens, things can become perilous, even fatal. However, if the mind remains strong enough to support the body, it's possible for one to persist in a subdued state."

"So, you're saying for the Lord to survive in his current condition?"

Luna asked calmly. In response, the Doctor nodded.

"That's correct. It is certainly possible for the Lord to survive. Predictions and estimates are unreliable when it comes to determining the span of a person's life. Perhaps a miracle will occur, and the Lord may live to see another year. No one can say for certain. After all, even physicians are powerless in the face of probability."

"However, It doesn't change the fact that Father's health is deteriorating rapidly. In the end, it's a fifty-fifty chance that he would either survive or die."

At Dante's unexpectedly serious words, the Doctor's expression immediately grew somber.

"That is indeed true. The harsh reality is that the Lord's body is afflicted with a terminal illness, and that truth will persist as long as he continues to indulge in alcohol."

"Hahaha. So, his health is deteriorating because of his drinking, or has he managed to survive this long precisely because of it? Well, that's father for you!"

Dante laughed carelessly, as if it was a good joke. It was an odd reaction to what was undoubtedly a serious conversation about someone's life. Perhaps it spoke volumes about his personality.

His wife, Luna, shot him a sharp look.

"Dante...."

"Ah, yes, my apologies," he said, clearing his throat and adjusting his tone and expression to something somewhat serious. "Got a bit carried away there. Anyway, Doctor, as Elena so pointedly asked, what are Father's actual chances of making it to next year? You never answered."

The Doctor coughed and continued speaking.

"... Well, as for my lady's earlier question about whether the Lord will live to see next year, it's hard to say. If he were to suddenly have a fit, it would be nearly impossible to call for an ambulance. After all, the Valemont estate is situated far from the mainland, and with the house perched atop the mountain, reaching it in time would be exceedingly difficult."

Simon asked.

"Have you tried talking to him about a physical examination?"

"I've brought it up countless times before, but each time I do, he throws a tantrum about being perfectly fine and screams about completely his research. Sigh..."

The Doctor let out a resigned sigh.

From what I'm hearing, it sounds like the Lord was quite a mysterious fellow.

Why refuse to go to the hospital when it's clear he's gravely ill? Why shut himself away in his study?

The actions of an old man approaching death were difficult to understand. Perhaps this was a case of someone who no longer wished to be saved.

Could it be that he wanted to die?

If so, his past behavior suddenly made sense. A man intent on dying wouldn't seek treatment or care. He wouldn't cling to life. But if that were truly the case, why hadn't he ended it himself?

Surely, if he'd given up on life, he would have chosen the easier path to oblivion.

My calculated train of thought was abruptly interrupted as I focused on the fragmented memory.

"Sigh... I can't understand why you all are talking the inheritance when the Lord still lives."

"My, my, dear Victoria, don't you grasp the gravity of this situation? Father has shown no interest in addressing the inheritance, leaving us to settle it among ourselves. The Valemont family fortune is incomparably vast. Father's personal assets alone are worth over 20 billion pounds. Surely, you must understand that this isn't a matter we can simply wait out until Father passes. Such a sum far exceeds anything your family could dream of, wouldn't you agree? That's why we must take the time to discuss it thoroughly now. Don't you think so?"

"How rude...! Leave my birth family out of this!"

"Oops. Have I said something very inappropriate? I was merely making a harmless observation."

Elena gave mock apology, but the tone of her voice betrayed her delight in striking a nerve.

Perhaps her words struck true, for Victoria's face flushed an even deeper shade, her hands trembling with barely restrained fury. However, despite the obvious jab to her pride, she held her tongue.

Even so, It was clear the atmosphere was becoming more hostile.

"... Ah... Is it time already? It seems the Lord's check-up is due. If you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave now."

Dr. Riccardo glanced at his stopwatch in surprise, muttered something under his breath, bowed and then calmly exited the room.

Perhaps he had noticed the escalating tension in the room and seized the opportunity to excuse himself.

Didn't he say the Lord refused checkups? No matter how you looked at it, it was painfully obvious he had concocted an excuse to avoid getting caught up in the drama.

Despite that, no one made any effort to stop him. After all, he was just an outsider, not part of their internal affairs.

Perhaps they envied his ability to leave so effortlessly, their eyes lingering on his retreating figure for a moment longer.

Watching the Doctor's retreating back, Julian Valoment laughed and spoke with confidence as if he had considered the situation.

"I see. So you're all on the same page, yes? Father's time is running short, and you're eager to begin discussing the inheritance. I understand your reasoning, but I don't see Father as a frail, dying old man with only a few months to live. If he can still shout in anger and curse with such vigor, doesn't that suggest he still has vitality? In that case, rushing to divide the inheritance while he's still full of life seems rather hasty, don't you think? Even if he has shown no interest in discussing the inheritance or the Valemont family's legacy, ultimately, it is Father who has the final say, no matter how many times we debate it. So doesn't that make this entire discussion pointless?"

There was a slight silence among the gathered family members, with Julian's sweeping his gaze over them. Elena's lips curled into a knowing smile.

"Is that so, dear brother? You seem confident in father's vitality, but is that the true meaning behind your words? It almost seems as if you're trying to avoid the topic above the inheritance?"

"..... What do you mean, dear sister?"

"If I remember correctly, you're an real estate agent managing the family's investments, correct?" Elena continued with amusement. "You know how valuable the Valemont's assets are. Perhaps you're more interested in preserving those assets for yourself, rather than discussing the inheritance. After all, if Father dies and the inheritance is contested, it could cause significant instability. And you wouldn't want that to affect your business ventures, now would you, Julian?"

Julian's eyes narrowed, but his calm demeanor didn't waver. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

He spoke with an humourless smile.

"You're implying that I'm trying to secure my own interests? How insulting. I've always prioritized the well-being of the family above all else."

"Is that so? But I've been hearing some nasty rumours that are rather difficult to ignore though."

"Rumours?" He scowled. "I wasn't aware our esteemed family meetings had devolved into idle gossip."

"Idle gossip? Oh, no, not at all. You see, whispers have a way of reaching even the most inconspicuous ears. Rumors about certain... questionable dealings tied to properties under your management.

Elena's lips curled into a sly smile as she continued.

".... Especially nasty rumours about certain properties and assets that, coincidentally, are connected to offshore accounts."