Vol. 14 Ch. 6: Necessary Scars

About a year after Isaac came to the Clockford ducal estate, a boy began visiting the manor. His name was Elliott Howard. He was the eldest son of Count Darsvie and the same age as Felix—six years old.

Duke Clockford had probably brought Elliott around in hopes of making him Felix's friend and using him as an entry point into high society.

Felix was attached to Isaac, but he had no other friends. Isaac secretly hoped this would be a good opportunity for Felix to make one.

However, Elliott was a thoroughly obnoxious little brat. At first, he treated Felix politely, but with each visit, his attitude grew more and more overbearing.

It was obvious that Elliott looked down on Felix for being poor at both his studies and athletics. Yet in front of adults, he acted charming and behaved as though he and Felix were close.

That day, while practicing horseback riding with Felix, Elliott mocked him for being unable to ride on his own and needing Isaac to support him.

"You still can't ride by yourself, Your Highness?"

"Uhhh..."

Barely managing to sit on the horse with Isaac supporting him from behind, Felix could offer no rebuttal and trembled helplessly.

Horses were surprisingly tall once you were sitting on them. Felix must have been terrified that he would be thrown off at any moment...