Before Derek arrived, the room's atmosphere was tense and solemn.

Now, the air had lightened up.

Derek and Duke Wudewen were seated. Delicate crystal glasses sat on the rosewood desk. Wine as crimson as blood swirled in the cups, and a smile spread across the duke's face. He looked at Derek with rare warmth. Duke Wudewen seldom shared his prized wine—this showed his mood.

"Derek, you truly are Wudewen's son. Excellent, excellent!" Raising his glass, the duke praised lavishly.

Derek raised his glass in response. "It's nothing. I couldn't let Father down." The crystal glasses clinked softly. Derek smiled slightly, still composed.

But inside...

He was extremely nervous!

Especially when Duke Wudewen gazed at him with deep affection, wearing that look of mutual understanding, Derek felt chills down his spine. He downed a gulp of wine, hoping to calm his nerves.

"As for that little maid, do as you wish," Duke Wudewen said with a smile.

*You know the Teresia matter is settled—why not let me leave?!* Derek complained inwardly. Outwardly, he remained the dutiful son. "I will handle everything excellently to satisfy you, Father!"

"Good. I won't dwell on that. How is your meditation?"

"I've followed your instructions daily, Father. I've mastered the basics of magic theory."

"Excellent. You've accumulated considerable power. Let's test it." The duke opened his palm. The ring on his finger glowed faintly—a spatial storage item. A crystal-clear magic orb appeared in his hand.

"This orb tests elemental affinity. Place your hand on it. It manifests visions to show your suited magic. Like this..."

As he spoke, the orb lit up. A bright flame burned inside—magical and vivid. Everyone knew Duke Wudewen excelled in fire magic. He had his ace—dark magic—but wouldn't show Derek yet.

"Now, Derek, your turn."

Derek took the orb and channeled his magic. Instantly, lightning flashed—brighter than the duke's flame! But it wasn't over. In a blink, deep darkness formed, swallowing everything like mist. Silent. Mysterious.

Watching the pitch-black orb, Duke Wudewen smiled happily, a hint of fanaticism in his eyes.

"Father, what is this?!" Derek feigned surprise—he knew his affinity well but had to play along.

"Derek, you have high affinity for lightning and dark elements. Learning them will be twice as effective. Publicly, only claim lightning magic. Keep dark magic hidden as your ace." The duke took the orb. It vanished, replaced by two books. "These contain basic lightning and dark magic. Study them. Practice. Ask me if confused. Advanced books? I'll prepare them later."

"Yes, Father." Derek accepted the books respectfully. *Finally, a reward—worth all that acting.*

"That's all. You may leave."

These words felt oddly warm to Derek. He hadn't felt this in so long. Like... like... *Wow, school's out!* He suppressed the urge to dance and slowly left the room.

After the door closed, Duke Wudewen raised his glass and walked to the window. Servants bustled in the courtyard—including little maid Teresia. Her figure had filled out since arriving; her milk-white skin glowed brighter. Before, he'd have been furious. Now, seeing her ignorant look, he felt pleased. He sipped his wine. *No need to intervene—Derek will handle her.*

"And... my initial feeling was right!" he muttered. "Derek has exceptional talent for dark magic. Train him. Recruit him into the Witch Cult. Then... then... hahahaha! The Night of Wudewen will shroud the entire Doranbar Kingdom!" He proclaimed this evilly amidst maniacal laughter.

...

Lost in thought, Wudewen drank alone, ecstatic.

Outside the chamber, Derek was also in high spirits. He'd been worried before the meeting. But now—he'd overcome it and scored two magic books. Awesome!

"Young Master Derek..."

Xinzel had been waiting outside. Though silent, Derek knew his worry.

"Xinzel, I've said it—no need to worry." Derek's expression was indifferent, but his tone confident. *Gotta keep up the act! Even if I didn't want to, the witch's curse would force it. I'm not some kept boy relying on women. Better to act myself—self-reliance brings prosperity!*

Xinzel relaxed and sincerely praised, "No wonder you're Young Master Derek..."

"If nothing else, I'll take my leave."

"Go ahead."

Derek watched him leave. The corridor was empty again.

*What now? Celebrate! The birth of an Oscar-winning actor! I, Derek—the cunning, intelligent villain who deceives everyone—nailed it!* He was ecstatic too.

...

On the mansion's first floor, Teresia arrived after leaving the courtyard. She looked at Xinzel puzzled. "Uncle Xinzel, why did you call me?"

"Teresia, today you were saved by Young Master Derek again..." Xinzel sighed deeply, his tone earnest.