'There was no substantial gain.'
In truth, expressing gratitude to a servant—or rewarding one for saving his daughter—could have been handled through the head steward. A brief acknowledgment, a sealed letter, perhaps a raise in rank or coin. That was how Duke Draken typically operated.
But the sole reason he came here himself…
…was curiosity.
He hadn't expected loyalty from a servant. Especially not one of such humble background.
Even among those handpicked to serve House Draken, Julies Evans had been unremarkable. Polite. Competent. Quiet. A shadow, useful but forgettable.
Until now.
To sacrifice a return stone—and choose death for the sake of someone else's survival, even a noble's… that wasn't typical behavior. Not even among knights.
Certainly not from servants.
So Duke Draken had come to see him with his own eyes.
And now that he had…
'Interesting.'
The boy's eyes hadn't wavered, not even under pressure.
