Reincarnated as the Baron's son: My Infinite Card Upgrade System-Chapter 93: Lady Meren.

Alaric sat upright on the bed, Auzure resting her back on him while eating the bread she had just picked up from the side of the table.

"Come in," he announced.

Creek!

The door opened, and Hina walked in, carrying a tray with a cup of tea and cake arranged on it.

Alaric was dumbfounded. "Hina?" he called out.

Hina smiled. "Lord Alaric, it’s good to see you again," she uttered.

"I can’t even tell how long it has been since you came to the barony. The work at the county seems to have been too much. Maybe I should send someone to assist you there too," Alaric thought out loud.

Though he could volunteer his sister to do that, these days she had been busy taking care of the affairs happening within the barony.

Considering how huge the barony had gotten already, Alaric wasn’t surprised that even his own sister rarely showed her face anymore.

"There’s no need for that. I can handle it just fine. As your secretary, it’s my duty, after all," Hina gave him a thumbs-up.

"Is that something you picked up in the county?" Alaric asked with an unimpressed look.

"Was it that bad?"

"Nah, it’s better than when Ava tried to do a breakdance."

Alaric stood up and moved toward the table. "So? Do you have any updates? I want to believe you didn’t just come here to see my handsome face."

"I do have some updates," Hina said and then suddenly paused. She took a second to look around the room, where Alaric’s summons were present and watching.

"Is it fine if we speak about it later? It’s quite important," she finished.

Alaric didn’t really care much. Knowing Hina, she wouldn’t suggest anything unless it was for the best.

"Alright then. Sure, no problem," Alaric replied while working on a project on the table before him.

"Alright. I’ll get going now, I need to—"

Bam!

The door suddenly opened, smacking against her face and pressing her against the wall.

"Alaric!!!"

Rashin stormed into the room, his face etched with rage and frustration.

Ava was right behind him, and from how she was panicking, it was clear she had been trying to stop him from entering.

"Father?" Alaric’s initial surprise vanished as he pointed. "Where do you get off barging into my room like that?! What if I was doing the business, you damn pervert?!"

"Don’t use that tone with me, boy! Why the hell are you not at the royal capital after I specifically told you the Duchess Meren awaits your presence?"

Alaric chuckled with his hand behind his head.

"What are you smiling about?!" Rashin yelled.

"Wow, Dad, you might actually burst a vein if you keep this up."

"I knew it! You’re turning into a brat! This is all because of your mother."

"Hehhhhh? Such a bold man to mention Mom like that. I wonder what she’ll think of you if she overheard that!"

Rashin paused, walked outside, looked both ways to check if anyone was there, and then came back into the room.

"I blame your mother for your damn attitude!"

"Sheesh!" Alaric sighed.

The others watched from the side. To them, it was nothing more than free entertainment.

"I don’t understand why you want me to meet her so badly. It’s not like I know anything about the politics going on in this kingdom," said Alaric, his fingers sliding against the edge of the table.

"You don’t, son. But if you don’t do this, the lives of everyone in this barony could be at stake. Please, son, I’m begging you," Rashin leaned forward, his every word coated with sincerity.

Staring at him, Alaric couldn’t help but wonder what could be making his father so desperate.

For one thing, if all the Duchess wanted was to talk to him because of his accomplishments, that would mean she wanted Alaric to work for her one way or another.

Something Alaric would 100% not agree to.

Still, it didn’t warrant the desperation his father was displaying.

Which could only mean one thing...

Alaric sighed. "Alright, fine. I’ll leave for the capital soon."

A smile appeared on Rashin’s face. "Amazing! I’ll get the ride ready. You should go dress up."

"Wait! Like right now?!"

Rashin was gone before Alaric’s question even left his mouth.

’That old man...’

Suddenly, Hina stood up from the ground, her hand covering her bruised nose.

"You’re heading to the capital?" she questioned.

"Yeah, apparently, the Duchess wants to meet me," Alaric sighed. "I can already tell it’s going to be one thing after another."

"Don’t worry too much about it. I’ll help you pack."

That was Ava, an excited smile on her face as she walked deeper into the room.

Alaric could only watch—it’s not like he could stop her from helping him pack.

Hina was quiet, lost in deep thought.

Without uttering a word, she walked out of the room, biting her lower lip.

...

(Main Capital)

The carriage stopped in front of the mansion. In front of it stood royal guards, each one dressed in a flashy red uniform.

Alaric stepped out of the carriage, Ava following right behind him as his bodyguard.

"Welcome to the Meren Household!"

The women lined up in front of the entrance uttered in unison, their heads bowed.

Alaric never expected to receive any special treatment, considering he was only a Baron and nothing more.

’I can see she went all out.’

Alaric shrugged it off and entered the mansion.

He then made his way to the throne room, where he stood before the throne, where Meren herself was seated.

Flanking both sides were her bodyguards. One was buff, and the other was slim yet menacing.

"Oh? You finally decided to answer my calls, now did you, Alaric Montclair?" Meren uttered, carrying the same calm look she always had.

’She’s supposed to be the same age as my mom? She looks to be my age,’ Alaric thought before replying, "Sorry, your lordship. I had a very dangerous sickness I had to take care of."