The Duke's Passion

Chapter 783  You never changed

For Klaus, the problems they must face and they had to win once again weren't painful. They were bothersome with full of uncertainty, but he — they had grown stronger, wiser, and more mature before the regression. He was certain they could do it; just like all the other hurdles, they would overcome this.

But what was painful to him was to watch Claude in this cold palace again. It wasn't like Klaus had forgotten how this young boy lived within these walls. Around this time, Claude was still full of hopes, eyes full of optimism, and still has this child-like personality. Klaus didn't want to watch how those things would slowly disappear — get taken from Claude before meeting Lilou. Although the young and adult Claude now lived in the same timeline, both were his nephew. And thus, having to experience those again, ripped through Klaus's soul like no other. Claude had been through a lot — all of them had  — but Klaus had always wished to end this cycle. The La Crox's already suffered from the man who should've protected them. They all loathed their father for what he had done to them and his cruel way of raising his children, and yet, they were doing the exact same thing to Claude. They might not hurt Claude physically, but emotionally, the child was beaten black and blue. The reason Klaus was even fiercer to fix this problem they had. He had already confirmed Silvia, and he was aware Cassara was no good. Even if Cassara remembered everything, Klaus didn't raise his hope that that woman would help even just a bit. For as long as Cassara didn't intentionally sabotage them, Klaus didn't care about her. Now… he had to confirm whether or not Yulis remembered.

"Yulis," Klaus called when he saw Yulis in the open hallway connecting the inner palace to Yulis's dwelling. Yulis was talking to the knights, who would escort him to his inspection as they would depart tomorrow.

When Yulis looked in Klaus's direction, he waved a hand dismissively. The knights bowed and, without a word, left while Klaus stopped at Yulis's arms-length. "Brother," called Yulis, holding his hand behind him. "I thought this important matter you want to talk to me about isn't as important as you said, since it took you some time."

A deep exhale slipped past Klaus's nostril. "Yulis, would you like to spar with me?"

"Spar with you?" Yulis cocked his head to the side with genuine wonder in his eyes. "I am departing in a few hours, Klaus."

"I know."

"I cannot spar with you."

"Why?"

Yulis laughed dryly. "Because I will be departing for an inspection. Klaus. Therefore, sparring with you isn't ideal. I do not want to present myself beaten black and blue."

Yulis lifted his chin when the sound of metal pierced his ear and a blade was instantly pointed at his throat. He raised both his hands to the side, keeping his composed surface in check. "You cannot wield your sword in here, Klaus," said Yulis calmly. "Had your patience been tested lately that you deeply wanted to vent, even if you used force to make the other party agree?"

"Yulis, do me a favor, will you?" Klaus grinned devilishly. Doing this wouldn't raise suspicion. After all, although Klaus was a doting uncle to Claude and an obedient soldier to Stefan, he was just plain garbage to others.

Who liked Klaus? No one. The reason? This. His attitude to others was plain trash. He was a jerk too, so Cassara wasn't surprised as well when he nearly lost it after today's events.

"Klaus." Yulis let out a deep exhale. "I can't."

"And why is that?" Klaus cocked his head to the side, blinking almost innocently. "I just told you the reason. Twice," Yulis repeated and grunted when Klaus just kept on blinking at him. "Is Dom not around? Or Hanzel? Hanzel is a better opponent than I am. You two will surely have a fun time together."

"Ugh." Klaus scrunched his face in disgust at the thought of Hanzel. If there was one person Klaus's mind didn't change about was Hanzel. That guy was just ten times worse than Klaus and Fabian. Yulis let out a chuckle. "Are there no other people you can spar with?"

"Come on, Yulis. Are you dense? Would I ask you if there's someone else I can spar with without desiring to tear their mouths open and rip their tongues out?"

"I think those sentiments will come from your opponents, Klaus."

"One more fucking nonsense and this sword will go through your neck."

"Calm down." Yulis chuckled. "You never changed."

Klaus arched his brow delicately. "Why would I change?"

"Because… why not?" Yulis carefully clipped his fingers on the blade and took a step back. "You've been through a lot. Until now, you grieved for Lucia's death and now, you have to watch over her son. You also have to listen to the orders of the man who was the same person who ordered Lucia's death, live with Hanzel — the person who executed the order voluntarily, and grit your teeth each time you cross paths with them."

Yulis smiled warmly, watching the slight surprise plastered on Klaus's face. It wasn't like what Yulis said was a top secret; everyone knew about this. But what surprised Klaus was that… Yulis dared speak these words aloud. "Even when all that happened… you still hadn't changed, Klaus. And I'm glad for that," Yulis added solemnly. "Once I return, I will spar with you." n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"Oy —"

"Don't tell Silvia, Klaus." Yulis kept his meek countenance. "Don't tell her about anything, and just say you didn't find out. Or… if you can, just tell her I don't remember a single thing, Klaus. It'll be easier that way, easier not just for her… but for me as well."

Klaus's breath hitched, taken aback at how Yulis casually revealed everything without directly telling him. He came to uncover the truth, but here was the truth, right in front of him, and yet he couldn't speak a word.