Chapter 6: Uncle and nephew

In this life, Raoul crawled at six months, and he said his 1st word at 8 months old. His 1st word was "Mama". Then it was followed by "Aunt" and "Uncle".

When he saw their face filled with happiness as a result of those simple words. He decided that he could fully accept and love them as his new family.

For the next few days, he started saying a bunch of words. One by one. Just simple different words that weren't difficult to speak in French and make sure that he could fully imitate the utterance of those words completely. Raoul just wanted to see them smile more and be happy.

As a result of that, he just thought of it as an illusion but his Uncle has probably the one who has revealed the brightest smile directed at him.

" My dear little nephew... "

That time, he was just feeling happy at the endearment. It was the 1st time that his uncle called him like that. Usually, it was Raoul or nephew. The new endearment was new but it was welcome. With that endearment, he felt closer to his Uncle. He accepted it. At that time, he just also ignored his uncle's proclamation.

" You have a bright future ahead of you. With certainty, you would grow to become one fine and extraordinary man. "

Raoul never realize that it was the start of the secretive grooming of his uncle. In his uncle's eyes, he saw Raoul as a genius. Duke Dreux-Soubize developed a plan that would shape and affect his nephew's life.

Every day after that, the servants have become more careful of their caring towards Raoul. He was loved by his mother. Spoiled by his aunt with gifts. And taught by his uncle.

Raoul probably live a life that was better than the child of the high-ranking nobles at that time. It was like that he was living the life of a prince.

Occasionally, his uncle would gift him with toys. It was nothing like the soft, fluffy, and harmless kind of toys that was from his aunt. The one from his uncle consists of toys of the useful and challenging type. Raoul played with those toys easily. And with boredom, since it was too easy. He was also not an infant or child, so he would never find fun in solving those puzzles or using those challenging toys.

He should probably realize that he has stepped into another landmine.

Raoul always pushes the towards his uncle after they finish playing. His uncle would always wear a very bright smile on his face. He would see his hand tremble and Raoul would feel secretly worried if his uncle has an illness. He never realize that towards people that were looking at the distance, his uncle would look like a very creepy man.

" Thank you, my dear nephew. You have fixed the toy today faster than the last time. "

At 9 months old, Raoul started walking. His Aunt and Mother decided to take a picture of him to commemorate his every special moment. His uncle agreed gleefully while wiping the happy tears from his eyes when Raoul started walking towards him.

That time, Raoul thought that it was too much of a reaction for his uncle to cry just because he started walking.

" I'm proud of you little nephew. You have done well. "

After that, the servants become more careful with handling him. There were also more gifts from his Aunt. And his uncle didn't waste his time on gifting his storybooks and telling him stories by reading those said stories. Past 1 year and a month, he can already read French. At age 2, he can already write. A few months after that his uncle started teaching him lessons about painting.

At age 3, his uncle said that it would be good for him to learn how to play violin and piano.

" Your mother Henriette knows how to play violin and piano. She would be happy if you surprised her by playing a composition. Do you want to give it a try? "

" It would be hard for me to play piano and violin uncle. Look, I'm just too little and small. "

His uncle only smiled at his words.

" Then, we would make one that would be suitable for you. "

At his mother's birthday, he played Chopin's Winter Wind. It was a surprise for his mother's birthday. Raoul thought that his mother would be happy. He never expected his mother to cry and slap his uncle on his face.

" My son isn't yours to mold as you please and to be like a perfect idea of yours! "

Raoul realize what was happening after his mother said those words. It was also the 1st time that he saw his mother get angry at his uncle. Regarding his aunt, she could only serve as a mediator between the two. But if she would ask her opinion on the fight, she would lean on her mother's side.

Eventually, his uncle and mother reconciled after a week of that events after he promised to don't put pressure on Raoul and tone down his subtle manipulations and grooming.

His mother knows that she wouldn't be able to stop her cousin from influencing and interfering with the life of her son the moment she stepped and barged on her cousin's life.

Raoul felt cheated when he learned of his uncle's intentions. He was frustrated but he never truly felt grown to hate his uncle. He just dislikes his methods and manipulations. Raoul has also realized what kind of messed-up man is the Duke of Dreux-Soubize. He should just tell him his intentions directly and honestly. It wasn't like he didn't enjoy learning new and old things.

At age 4, his uncle asked if he wanted to play chess with him. It was also the day that his uncle finally decided to clarify some things with him.

" I am certain that you know how to play chess. If you refuse to play chess with me, I wouldn't interfere with how you live your life again. You could do what you wanted with your life. Freely and carefree like my Beloved Clarisse. "

His uncle's eye's turned melancholic.

" I don't know what she was thinking to remain faithful and devoted to me. I am an incapable man. Who just can't grant my dearest wife's wish. "

The Dreux-Soubize paused for a moment while wiping the tears on his eyes.

" After all those years, she hasn't left me for another man. I am a lucky husband to have her. In this country, the aristocracy was a thing of the past. Just like the others, I am just a mere figurehead without my wealth, looks, and wits. The Bourgeois in this country is rising. The idea of people and capitalism was dominant. There are Bourgeois that was richer and good looking than me. They were also capable unlike me. Yet, my wife stayed by my side faithfully every day. "

The Duke Dreux-Soubize stared at his wedding ring and caress it gently while he continued narrating his story.

" And one day, it was like that the destiny has decided to turn the wheel the moment when your mother and you arrived at our doors. The manor becomes more lively because of you two. I was grateful for your presence. Clarisse smiled more often because of you. She wanted to indulge you. And I just wanted to prepare you for the future. It was presumptuous of me to subtly mold and teach you of my ways. You have a bright future, I don't want it to be buried and forgotten. In this materialistic world, you would shine the brightest. "

A sincere smile was etched on the Duke's face.

" So, please... If you agree, I would guide you and teach you everything that I know. .. My son. "

Raoul look at the Duke with a complicated expression on his face at that time. Eventually, the Duke look at him with a heartbroken look when he said those words.

" I can't and would never be your son. "

The Duke curled his hand in a fist. It was shaking slightly.

" But, I would continue to be your little nephew's uncle. "

Raoul smiled slightly.

" Education and guidance are important. Free knowledge and education are the best. But your guidance and teachings aren't. It was an equivalent exchange. You teach me and you would reap the rewards in the future. Your emotions are genuine right now. But it was still so manipulative of you, Uncle. "

He took a deep breath before he continued.

" Since it was like that, I would agree if you agree to my condition. "

" What is it? "

" I would give you a name of people. You would just need to find them and gather some information. When Uncle said that he was just a figurehead, you are lying. The Other Nobles, the church, or even the Bourgeois- none of them would casually offend you. I didn't hear any bad rumors, talk, or news about my uncle. You are also frequently invited by the 2nd emperor on important occasions. "

The mask that his uncle wore broke for a moment. A wide smile was revealed. And golden eyes that were staring at its prey with unbridled hunger and thirst. Before it disappeared completely.

" My dear nephew. This country has slowly left its faith. That must be why God has decided to grant it a Mephistopheles, isn't it? "

His uncle's golden eyes were staring at him intensely. Raoul then replied to his uncle with a cheeky expression on his face.

" No, you're wrong. I am just a Faust and this country has already it's the devil isn't it? "

It makes him look like a pure and innocent child. His uncle chuckled for a moment before saying.

" Indeed. You are certainly a Faust. There is an impossible ambition within you. I wouldn't question what is those things regarding the names. I know that you are special. Yet, you are just one of the many special people in the world and history. But with my teachings, you would shine the brightest. I promise, that there is a bright future ahead of you. "

That day, an exchange was made. Raoul didn't reply to the false Mephistopheles that the near future wasn't looking so bright and dazzling. Knowing the future, he can already smell the stench of blood, smoke, fire, and gunpowders. He can already hear the cry, anger, resentment of the people.

With that thought, would his knowledge be still of some use considered that this one is a parallel world?