Gon's Harem System
Chapter 88: Running into lord thane

Chapter 88: Running into lord thane

But now? Watching Gon struggle, watching him collapse in exhaustion, Thane couldn’t help but wonder if he had been mistaken. Perhaps he had given the boy too much credit.

Perhaps Gon was nothing more than an inexperienced child stumbling his way through something far beyond his grasp.

The thought was both amusing and mildly irritating.

He had wasted valuable time worrying about someone who might not have been worth the concern.

However, it seemed that wasn’t the case at all. Gon wasn’t some prodigious mage with untapped, bottomless power.

If anything, he appeared weaker than most mages.

After all, which other mage collapsed after a brief fight?

Lord Thane could think of none.

Even young, inexperienced spellcasters could endure more than that.

Mana was a powerful force, yes, but those who wielded it properly did not crumble under their own power so easily.

The boy’s performance had been almost pitiful.

Thane leaned back, exhaling slowly.

Had he truly let himself believe this child was a threat?

That he, of all people, should be concerned about an heir who could barely remain standing after using mana?

The thought was laughable.

Thane had then begun to relax, the tightness in his chest loosening with quiet relief.

He hadn’t even realized how much tension he had been holding until now.

For days, he had been wary, running endless calculations in his mind, adjusting his plans to account for the so-called rising threat of the young heir.

He had overestimated the extent to which the boy could delay his plans.

In his caution, he had assumed the worst, that Gon’s discovery of mana would be an immediate and dangerous obstacle.

And because of that assumption, he had begun to act with unnecessary panic, adjusting his strategies, second-guessing his every move, as if the boy were some looming force ready to upend everything.

Thane exhaled, allowing the last remnants of worry to fade.

He had wasted enough time fretting over a threat that did not yet exist.

He shook his head, silently admonishing himself. How foolish. How unlike him.

"It’s so unlike you, to act in fear," he muttered under his breath, almost disgusted by the thought. He was not a man who panicked.

He was not someone who allowed uncertainties to shake his resolve.

And yet, for the past few days, he had done exactly that,letting doubt creep in, letting a mere boy rattle him.

"You’re losing your edge."

The words tasted bitter.

He had built his reputation on control, on foresight, on never letting emotions cloud his judgment.

And yet here he was, catching himself in a moment of weakness.

The thought angered Thane.

It wasn’t just a fleeting irritation, it was a deep, simmering frustration that coiled tightly in his chest.

How could he have allowed himself to slip like this? To let fear cloud his judgment, even for a moment?

To beat the Duke, he had to be at his best. Every decision had to be precise, every move calculated.

His edge had to be sharper than a newly forged blade, honed to perfection with no room for doubt or hesitation.

He clenched his jaw, his fingers curling into fists.

There was no excuse for this lapse. He had spent years preparing, planning, refining every detail to ensure his victory.

The Duke was not an opponent who would fall to a man who second-guessed himself.

How could he ever hope to replace such a powerful man if he himself was not as sharp as he ought to be?

If he allowed fear to cloud his mind, if he let mere uncertainties shake him, then he was no better than those who had already failed before the Duke.

That thought burned. He could not afford to be weak. Not now. Not ever.

Still, despite his frustration, there was some relief in knowing that his plans weren’t in any real jeopardy, at least, not yet.

There was no true threat, and for now, things remained under his control.

The panic that had gripped him was unnecessary, a mistake he would not repeat.

Exhaling slowly, Thane let his shoulders ease.

He turned his gaze to the young heir, still sprawled unconscious on the ground. Guards and servants rushed to his aid, their voices urgent as they lifted his limp form.

Thane watched the scene unfold with a slow, measured breath.

Just moments ago, this boy had been the source of his frustration, the crack in his carefully laid plans. But now? Now, he could only smile.

His hatred for the boy had vanished. There was no need for it anymore.

With quiet amusement, he stood up abruptly, his movements swift and commanding.

Across the arena, the Duchess had already risen, her expression tight with concern.

Mirroring her urgency, Thane raised his voice, his tone sharp and authoritative.

"Act fast! Don’t let the heir’s life be on your hands!"

The words sent a ripple of tension through the gathered crowd.

The guards moved with renewed urgency, lifting Gon with greater care, while the servants scrambled to assist.

The weight of Thane’s command made it clear, failure was not an option.

He watched as his words took effect, sending a fresh wave of urgency through the crowd.

The guards moved faster, their grips firmer yet gentler as they hoisted Gon up with newfound care.

The servants scrambled, their hushed whispers replaced with hurried efficiency.

Even those who had been mere spectators moments ago now stood tense, as if his command alone had jolted them into action.

Thane allowed himself a slow, measured breath. Yes... he thought to himself. I still have my influence.

His voice still carried weight. His presence still commanded attention. Even in the Duke’s domain, his words could stir movement.

And that was all he needed to know.

****

Gon hurried down the corridor, his mind occupied with thoughts of the Duke and whatever awaited him behind that heavy office door.

He barely registered his own footsteps echoing against the polished stone floors, his focus narrowing as he neared his destination.

Then, just as he reached for the handle, he nearly collided with someone stepping out.

Gon stopped abruptly, his breath hitching as he looked up, straight into the sharp, calculating eyes of Lord Thane.