A Game Of Chess With A Vampire
Chapter 316: That Is Cheating!

Chapter 316: That Is Cheating!

Lumian continued, "You are smart, Val, and we know it." He extended his hand, caressing Valentine’s hair. "Father knows it, and he wouldn’t blink an eye to get rid of you."

Valentine slapped his hand off. "Why didn’t you save Draven back then if you were such a good person? Why didn’t you stand with him? He’d never done anything wrong to any of you. Why did you hurt him along with others?"

Lumian went silent. He gazed at him for a few long moments before taking a deep breath. "I would have been killed if I hadn’t. Our father doesn’t trust me, so I have to do it. Don’t blame me."

"It was for your sake too!"

"What?" Valentine looked at him. "My sake? What the hell are you—"

"Never mind that." Lumian interrupted him.

"Although I am aware you will never forgive me, I would like to apologize for hurting you then. I may not speak to you, but that is because I am weary of our father and not because I do not wish to. I care for you just as much as you believe Draven does, so keep that in mind. I am also sorry for not helping you when you needed it the most. I couldn’t do anything. Our father would have—"

"Don’t apologize to me." Valentine frowned at him. "It doesn’t suit you at all. You are ruining the awful image I have of you."

Lumian flickered his eyes. "Awful image? I am not trying to make you think of me as a good person. I just want to say sorry with this chance and perhaps make you understand."

Valentine looked him dead in the eyes and averted his gaze. "Why did you come here? What do you want?"

"Ah yes..." Lumian nodded his head, recalling his true purpose for coming. He shifted closer, so his mouth nearing Valentine’s ears, and he whispered, "The walls have ears, so I must be careful. They have drawn up a plan to kill your beloved big brother."

Valentine’s eyes widened instantly. "What?" His voice was laced with skepticism.

"Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not here because I want to save or protect Draven. I just do not want him to die," Lumian said. "He is the only one that can protect you in this madhouse. Tis my reason for being here."

"How do they intend to do that?" Valentine slowly turned his head to look at Lumian.

But Lumian gripped his neck, forcing him to look forward. "I am not exactly sure, but according to what Ryan told me, it will be during the duel, which is an hour from now. Unlike what a duel will be, Father will have a dozen of his most skilled men fight alongside Ryan. One of these men will be Aldéric, father’s butler, and I am sure you are aware of how strong that man is. We do not match him in strength."

"W-why? It’s a duel. That is cheating," Valentine stuttered in complete disbelief.

Lumian shook his head at him.

"It is not actually cheating. The royal law book states that father can add to the duel if he feels that the oppressed individual is weaker than his or her opponent. That is if he pleases. And since he is doing this, it means that he is aware that Ryan is not Draven’s match."

"I know that Draven is strong, but with a dozen skilled men, including that monster Aldéric, his death is guaranteed. He will never win, that I know very well."

He continued, "If Draven dies through this well-thought-out plan, the public will not question father, nor will our relatives do. It is a fair game after all."

Valentine’s shoulders rose and fell in heavy breathing, quietly listening to all this and completely at a loss for words.

"Listen, Val..." Lumian paused for a second, drawing a deep breath. "The best you can do is to tell your beloved brother in time before the duel begins. Make him say no to the duel. After all, a duel cannot commence if the opponent doesn’t accept the challenge."

"Do you understand?" He pulled back to look at Valentine’s discolored face. "I’m sure you would want to kill yourself if Draven died. Alas, you are too attached to him."

He stood up to his feet, and without saying another word, he turned around and left the room, his face masked with pretentious anger. He knew he was being watched, so coming out of Valentine’s quarter with a face filled with fury would at least fool them into thinking he’d fought with Valentine—he hoped.

Valentine, who was still seated on the floor, stared blankly into the empty space. The sound of Aldéric having to be among the fighters had left him completely helpless. This man was someone whom his father acknowledged. Someone who, despite being a common vampire, had a strength far greater than that of royal blood. Past half of their father’s strength. How can Draven fight such a man while fighting Ryan and ten others?

His hands quivered as he broke out in a cold sweat. He forced himself off the floor and quickly hurried out of his room. He left his quarter and began to scurry towards Draven’s quarter.

He arrived there, only to be met by Santino, who stood guard as usual.

"Young master." Santino bowed to him, his hand placed on his chest. "May I ask what brings you here?"

"My brother...I need to speak to my brother," Valentine answered, pained.

Santino blinked, wondering what the issue could possibly be. He replied politely, "My apologies, but my young master is currently not available. He is not within this mansion."

"What?!" Valentine’s eyes dilated. He was now even more worried.

He asked, "What about my sister-in-law? Can I please speak to her? It is important, please."

Santino was reluctant, but from Valentine’s behavior, he could tell that something was wrong, so he knocked on the door. "My lady, someone would like to see you."