The Life of Aurelius Valemont: The Heir (Part 5)
Aurelius: Age 11
Philip and I have been friends ever since that day. I started teaching him the things I learned through years of self-study here in the Valemont library. In return, he taught me how to hack. Honestly, he was surprised I almost beat him at one of the test runs—it lit a competitive fire in him. Since then, he's been studying even harder, diving deeper into codes, systems, and everything tech-related.
He said I'm scary good. I just smirked.
Speaking of Laurel, she's already eight months pregnant. And guess what? Father brought in another woman—his fourth wife. Her name is Theresa.
Leonard is now one year and four months old. Beatrice is raising him like a reflection of herself. She's trying to mold him into Father's heir, forcing him to act and speak like someone older. It's pathetic, really.
As for Father... he told me something that made my stomach twist:
> "Once you become exactly like me, you'll inherit half of my authority."
In other words—he wants me to be a monster.
His replica.
His legacy.
But I am not him.
And I never will be.
And then, one afternoon, Philip gave me something I never expected.
At first glance, it looked like an ordinary strawberry. Realistic. Glossy. But the moment he sliced it in half, I saw it—inside was a tiny USB drive, perfectly embedded.
"This," he said, sliding it over to me, "contains data and intel. Everything your father's been handling behind closed doors."
Yumi arrived just in time, balancing a tray of cookies and chocolate milk—my guilty pleasure, not that I'd admit it. She sat beside us like always, her presence comforting. Meanwhile, Peter was across the room, sorting through the library's archives.
I looked at the USB, then at Philip. "Where did you even get this?"
He just smirked, smug as ever. Right. Former hacker of the Valemont estate. Sometimes I forget just how skilled he is.
"Okay, fine," I muttered, pocketing the strawberry-USB. "Whatever."
But inside... I knew this could change everything.
As I bit into the cookie and sipped my chocolate milk, a thought popped into my head.
"Hey, Yumi… why do you act weird around Matthew?"
Philip immediately choked on his drink. He knew exactly who Matthew was.
Yumi froze, stunned. Peter paused mid-shelving and turned to look at me.
Matthew—the ever-stoic personal bodyguard and butler of my father. Always calm, loyal, professional. But now that I think about it… he's weird around Yumi too. The way he glances at her when he thinks no one's watching.
Yumi's face turned red. Like, burning red. She looked like she was about to pass out with a fever or something. And what's worse—she started stuttering. Yumi never stutters. Never.
"What are you even talking about, young master? I—I mean, there's nothing going on!" she said, clearly lying.
I raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh."
Come to think of it, Yumi's never married. She's 34, and… okay, fine—I just noticed it now, but she's actually pretty. Kind eyes. Always gentle. Kind of motherly.
And Matthew? That guy's got a fan club. Even the maids and my father's wives' personal attendants are always whispering about him.
…Weird.
Philip burst into laughter, but before he could say anything, Yumi quickly slapped a hand over his mouth.
I tilted my head, confused. Even Peter chuckled softly from behind the shelves.
"What is wrong with all of you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Yumi, what's up with you and Matthew?"
Her face turned a deeper shade of red, practically glowing now. She opened her mouth, but no coherent words came out. Just flustered stammering.
Then I noticed something on the floor. A handkerchief. I bent down and picked it up, frowning as I turned it over in my hand.
This pattern…
"Isn't this Matthew's?" I asked, holding it up.
Yumi panicked and snatched it from my hand, stuffing it into her pocket like I just found a state secret.
"What are you hiding?" I narrowed my eyes.
Philip was cackling now, barely able to breathe.
"You're so oblivious," he wheezed, wiping tears from his eyes.
"What do you mean?" I asked, genuinely confused.
Peter just shook his head, clearly entertained. Yumi looked like she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.
Then, like a miracle, Matthew suddenly appeared in the library. The moment he stepped in, Yumi almost fainted right on the spot. I raised an eyebrow at her, but she didn't notice—her face was still bright red.
I turned to Matthew. "What do you want?"
Philip was still snickering in the background, obviously entertained by something I wasn't clued into.
"Allow me to guess," I said, crossing my arms. "Father summoned me, right?"
Matthew, as always, was silent, but he gave a subtle nod, confirming my guess. I stood up and waved goodbye to Yumi, Philip, and Peter. Yumi's face was practically glowing, but she didn't say anything—she was too flustered.
I glanced up at Matthew. He didn't look at me, but his eyes were locked on Yumi. It was a strange, almost possessive stare.
He was tall—at least six feet, maybe more. I walked over to him and tugged at his sleeve. When he looked down at me, I couldn't help but ask, "Why is Yumi acting so weird around you?"
Matthew's fingers twitched, and I narrowed my eyes. "And why are you acting weird around Yumi too? You never care about anyone, except Father... but with Yumi?"
I tilted my head slightly, watching his ears turn a faint shade of red.
He may not talk much, but I could see the tension in his posture—something was off. He was nervous. Very nervous.
I remembered reading something in one of the books and novels I'd gone through, and only one thing came to mind. I turned to Matthew, my curiosity getting the best of me.
"Matthew, do you love Yumi?"
Yumi froze, her eyes wide, and then—she literally fainted. Peter rushed to her side, fanning her frantically, while Philip caught her in his arms. Matthew, who had been so composed until then, looked at Yumi with a mix of concern and guilt, but instead of rushing to her like I expected, he turned to face me.
His gaze softened, but it was fleeting. Then he gave me a nod.
What kind of nod was that? A nod signaling that we should leave now? Or was it an answer to my question? Was it both?
I couldn't tell, but I was certain he wasn't one to openly express his feelings.
We left the library in silence, the weight of the unspoken words lingering in the air. Father must have been waiting for me.
As we arrived at Father's office, I settled into my usual spot on the sofa. He watched me with that unreadable expression of his, though there was something else—pride, maybe? It was hard to tell.
"Aurelius, there's something I should tell you," he began, his tone serious yet tinged with a hint of something... unsettling. That prideful look remained, but it was hard to decipher.
"What?" I asked, my voice steady despite the unease creeping in.
He smiled—a rare, strange smile that didn't sit well on his face. It was a smile I had never seen directed at anyone before. "You're becoming like me. A replica of mine."
The words hit me like a slap in the face. His pride, his words—they infuriated me. But I had to hold it in. I couldn't afford to lose control—not with Philip, Yumi, and Peter depending on me.
"I know," I replied, my voice cold as I shut my eyes for a moment, trying to suppress the anger bubbling inside me. When I opened them again, I focused on maintaining composure, fighting back the instinct to glare at him.
I didn't want to show any weakness.
"Why did you summon me?" I asked again, keeping my tone neutral.
He handed me a file—thick with papers. I could already guess what it was. Profiles, no doubt. The profiles of everyone I had interacted with recently.
"These are the profiles you are getting along with, especially that boy," he said, his voice slipping into something darker. "The one I fired. Philip Langford."
I clenched my jaw at the mention of Philip's name. I hated the control he seemed to have over every aspect of my life, especially when it came to people I cared about.
"Why are you showing me this? What's your intention?" I asked, my voice low, but steady.
Father smirked—a cruel, knowing smirk that made my skin crawl. "If you don't do well, or if you disobey my command, you'll know what will happen to them."
My throat tightened as I swallowed hard. He was threatening them again—using them as leverage. It was always the same with him.
I leaned back into the sofa, trying to appear nonchalant, even though every muscle in my body was tensed with frustration. "Fine. What is it this time?"
He didn't respond immediately. Instead, he turned his gaze to the file, his eyes scanning the contents as if savoring the moment. "This time, you will be tested. You will prove your loyalty. Or everything you've worked for will come crashing down."
I wanted to lash out, but I held back, knowing full well that doing so would only make things worse. There was always a price to pay when it came to Father.
Then he leaned back in his chair, folding his hands beneath his chin as if the conversation was nothing more than a routine exchange of business. "Once you prove your loyalty," he said, his voice calm but laced with command, "I want you to work with me. Directly."
He closed his eyes briefly, pinching the bridge of his nose like he was weary—though I knew better. It was an act. "There are problems I need you to fix yourself when the time comes. Don't disappoint me... or these people in the files—" He paused, and when he continued, his voice dropped an octave, cold and sharp enough to slice through bone. "You know what will happen to them... Aurelius."
Hearing my name from his mouth like that—so hollow, so devoid of warmth—sent a chill down my spine.
I swallowed hard.
This man was the same monster who abused Mama. Who silenced her. Who killed her.
The same monster he now expected me to become.
But I couldn't break now. Not in front of him.
I inhaled slowly and leaned back against the sofa, masking my hatred behind a carefully composed expression. "Alright," I said with a slight bow of my head. "May I take my leave now?"
He gave a dismissive wave, eyes already moving past me. "Go."
I rose to my feet, my fists clenched tightly at my sides. Matthew stood by the door in silence, like a statue carved in discipline. At Father's gesture, he stepped forward, opening the door for me.
Without another word, I walked out. But my heart was burning.
The clock was ticking. And I knew—one day, it would be him and me. And when that time came...
I wouldn't hesitate.
Matthew guided me back to the library, our footsteps echoing in the long, quiet hallway. Neither of us spoke. The silence felt heavy, but I didn't mind it. I was used to silence.
Still, something itched at the back of my mind.
As we walked, I looked up at him—he really was tall—and tugged at his sleeve again.
"Hey," I said plainly. "You haven't answered my question yet."
He glanced down at me, a slight raise of his eyebrow that clearly said, 'What question?'
I rolled my eyes. "Do you love Yumi?"
His steps faltered just a bit. I saw it. But I wasn't done.
"Do you like her?" I asked again, watching him closely.
Then, one more time—soft, but pointed. "Do you care about her?"
That last question hit.
Matthew flinched.
Oh. He reacted.
For someone as stone-faced and unreadable as him, even a twitch like that was a shout.
I smirked slightly, walking a little ahead now. "You do, don't you?"
Still, he said nothing—but his silence was loud.
He cared. Maybe more than even he realized.
And for some reason, I didn't hate it.
We were almost at the library when I added casually, "Don't worry, even though Yumi's like a mother to me, you can always take her, marry her, have kids, y'know? Then Philip and I would be cousins or uncles or something. Peter would be a grandfather."
I smirked up at him just in time to see him stumble slightly. He almost lost his balance.
"Woah, be careful there, Matthew," I said, chuckling. "You're too huge for me to catch. You're twice my size."
I tilted my head, watching him. Something was definitely off.
His ears were red—no, really red—and… wait. "Are you bleeding?" I pointed. "You've got a nosebleed."
Matthew didn't say a word. He just kept walking like nothing happened. Like a soldier ignoring a bullet graze. Typical.
When we finally stepped into the library, Yumi was already awake, sitting up with a dazed expression while Peter continued fanning her gently. Philip stood nearby, holding a cold compress, looking mildly amused.
But the moment Yumi's eyes locked with Matthew's, the entire room shifted.
Her eyes widened.
And then silence.
They just stared at each other.
I crossed my arms. "Okay, can someone just confess already?"
Suddenly, without warning, Philip took a deep breath and yelled at the top of his lungs,
"MATTHEW!! YUMI LOVES YOU!! NO—SHE'S OBSESSED WITH YOU!!!"
A moment of stunned silence.
Note: Please observe silence in the library, okay?
Yumi let out a high-pitched squeak and instantly lunged at Philip, slapping a hand over his mouth. "Philip!!" she hissed, her face turning a deeper shade of crimson. Philip was laughing uncontrollably behind her hand, his muffled giggles echoing softly.
I turned to Matthew.
He was red.
No—not just red. Scarlet.
For someone usually so composed, quiet, and expressionless, the truth couldn't be more obvious. His face betrayed him entirely. His knees were literally shaking, trembling like he was about to pass out or melt into the marble floor.
Yumi, still flustered, stuttered, "N-n-n-no! He's kidding! Matthew, I would never… never ever do that to... to the Master's personal bodyguard!"
Peter, watching all of this unfold, sighed deeply and muttered to himself, "Ah… young love these days... must've been good to be a youngster." He shook his head, the corner of his lips twitching.
I grinned, sitting back on the couch and savoring the chaos. "Man… I love this drama."
Then, out of nowhere, Matthew's knees buckled. He dropped straight to the floor—kneeling like a knight struck by divine revelation.
The expression on his face was priceless: pure disbelief, like, "I must be dreaming right now, right?"
Yumi squealed and rushed to him. She knelt down too, cupping his cheeks—whether by instinct or sheer panic, I couldn't tell. It looked natural though, the way her thumbs gently rubbed the side of his jaw. Her voice trembled with worry.
"Are you okay, sir?"
Philip was dying of laughter behind them, wheezing, slapping his knee like this was the greatest comedy show of his life.
Meanwhile, Peter sighed for the thousandth time and muttered, "Must be really nice to be young... I miss my late wife already…"
Matthew stared up at Yumi, his face burningred. He looked dazed, bewitched even.
Then reality slammed back.
Yumi realized what she was doing and slapped him right across the cheek.
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean—!" she stammered in horror, hands flying to her mouth.
Matthew sat there, still red, still stunned, as they both turned their heads away in opposite directions like awkward teenagers.
Peter sighed again, louder this time, rubbing his temples.
"It really must be nice to be back as a youngster…"
That was my cue.
I leapt right between the two of them, arms wide like a dramatic priest.
"Yumi, Matthew…" I said solemnly.
Then I took a step back, raised an imaginary Bible, and grinned devilishly.
"By the power vested in me, you may now kiss the bride."
Yumi gasped and turned ten shades redder.
I smirked, absolutely enjoying myself.
Philip, never missing a beat, threw imaginary flower petals into the air and shouted,
"Mazel tov!"
The chaos was beautiful.
End of chapter 45.
CHARACTER PROFILE:
Name: Matthew Larkspur
Age: 35
Occupation:
Personal Bodyguard and Butler to the Chairman (Aurelius's father)
Former Elite Recon Specialist (Military Background)
Rolein Story:
Secondary Male Lead (possibly)
Love interest of Yumi
Silent Guardian figure for young Aurelius
Appearance
Height: 6'5" (190 cm)
Build: Lean and muscular; trained physique
HairColor: Ash brown, short and neatly trimmed
EyeColor: Dark forest green
DistinctFeatures:
Small scar on his left eyebrow (never explains it)
Always seen in pristine, tailored uniforms
Wears black leather gloves (even indoors)
Personality
MBTI: ISTJ – The Logistician
Loyal, dutiful, and highly disciplined
Quietly observant and dependable
Rarely expresses emotions but deeply feels them
Has a strong personal code of honor
Likes:
Yumi (though he denies it for years)
Reading espionage or tactical novels
Black coffee
Order, silence, and clean environments
Training routines (early morning runs, combat drills)
Dislikes:
Loud, chaotic environments
Dishonesty and manipulation
Disobedience and insubordination
Being emotionally vulnerable (especially around Yumi)
Anyone threatening Aurelius or Yumi
Dream:
To one day leave the life of servitude and violence, settle down quietly…
Possibly with Yumi… if he ever finds the courage.
SignatureQuote:
> "I don't need many words to protect what matters."
SpecialNotes:
Deeply loyal to Aurelius despite working under Victor (the father)
Secretly investigates Victor's dark dealings
Has a hidden file on every staff member… especially Yumi
Once saved young Aurelius's life during an assassination attempt
Struggles between loyalty to orders and his moral compass
Rarely speaks, but when he does, people listen
Once passed out after Yumi kissed him, just a peck while she's drunk—he claims it was from dehydration