"When Blood Watches Blood"
(POV: Uncles & Cousins of Kel von Rosenfeld)
Lord Ceril von Rosenfeld (1st Uncle) — The Silent Planner
Ceril, the duke's younger brother, sat near the corner of the VIP balcony, a glass of obsidian wine swirling slowly in his hand.
He watched the duel unfold with an expression utterly unreadable.
Not surprise.
Not admiration.
Just… stillness.
If the cursed child dies quietly, Leonis ascends. If Leonis fails, then my son will claim the title.
As Kel executed the final strike, Ceril's eyes narrowed.
The wooden sword fell. Dorian knelt.
…He recovered.
He took a slow sip.
And without looking away from Kel, adjusted the cuff of his sleeve.
Plans must be rewritten.
Lord Garian von Rosenfeld (2nd Uncle) — The Impatient One
Garian clicked his tongue quietly as Kel left the arena. His jaw clenched.
"This boy…" he muttered under his breath.
His wife gently placed a hand on his arm. He didn't acknowledge her.
I waited years for that curse to win. Now he shows talent? At this age?
His son, Lucier, stood beside him, trying not to show concern.
Kel had just disrupted carefully silent expectations.
Garian's inner thoughts spat silently:
"If the curse doesn't kill you… perhaps someone else will have to."
Lord Valen von Rosenfeld (3rd Uncle) — The Observer
Valen, least involved in open politics but most knowledgeable, watched with the stillness of an old viper.
He didn't blink once in the duel.
He didn't applaud.
He didn't speak.
Only after Kel disappeared back inside did he whisper to himself—
"…So, the eldest has finally begun to rise."
His fingers traced the head of his cane.
Not fear.
Not jealousy.
Something far more dangerous:
Curiosity.
Lord Heras von Rosenfeld (4th Uncle) — The One Who Hides Murder in Politeness
Heras smiled lightly throughout the duel.
Not warmly—
With polite contempt.
He whispered to the noble beside him:
"Quite impressive for someone who shouldn't be able to hold a sword, wouldn't you say?"
"A miracle, Lord Heras?"
"No," Heras replied gently.
"A problem that refuses to die."
His smile didn't reach his eyes.
If he walks too far… someone must ensure he walks no further.
Lucier (18, heir of Uncle Garian)
The most ambitious of the cousins.
So the dying one is now the spectacle? Hah… interesting.
He grinned slightly.
If he becomes a threat… we'll simply break him quietly.
Vern (17, skilled swordsman)
He crossed his arms, expression unreadable.
If Kel can fight like this without training publicly… what will happen if he starts?
His fist tightened.
I won't let him surpass me.
Silvara (16, politically sharp)
A calculating noblewoman.
"…He's moving with strategy," she whispered.
"To defeat with grace is more terrifying than to dominate with strength."
She looked at Kel and made a mental note.
Never engage directly. If needed, destroy through social collapse.
Cale (15, emotionally volatile)
Teeth gritted.
All my life I prepared to replace him when he died.
Now… now he refuses to die?
He punched the rail softly.
How am I supposed to justify my existence now?
Francis (15, scholar-type)
"His breathing pattern changed," he muttered.
"He matched Dorian's sword rhythm."
He shivered.
"…That wasn't chance."
Meryl (14, manipulative)
She looked down and smiled elegantly.
"Seems the weak are no longer weak," she whispered.
"Which means… they must be isolated quickly."
She turned to her mother.
Suggest messaging certain nobles after tonight. Trap him in future marriage proposals.
Eva (13, silent)
She said nothing.
Only watched Kel walk back into the hall.
Her emotion was unreadable.
But inside, she thought:
You move like a ghost clinging to life, cousin.
Do you know… ghosts scare the living more than monsters?
Final Curtain — Their Shared Thought
Across the balcony, among uncles and cousins, a single realization quietly took root:
"The cursed heir is no longer dying quietly."
"He is rising slowly."
"And those who waited for his fall… must now prepare to push harder."
And far below them,
Kel raised his glass with immaculate calm.
I see your reactions.
I feel your intentions.
His eyes lowered as if whispering to no one…
"If you wish to rise by my fall…
you should pray I don't rise faster than you expect."