After some raucous laughter from the father-son duo that made me momentarily regret my decision to reveal my hand. I composed myself, afterall, a noble should have more constitution than to fall victim to wounded pride. So I licked my wounds and held my chin up.
"Ahem," Clearing my throat to stop their incessant laughter, "I've heard that in her battle hardened life she declared that she would only marry someone who could best her in battle."
At that notion they laughed even harder. Their faces turned a bright red as they were exerting all their breath solely to laugh at my failure in the making.
So seeing as their laughter wouldn't cease for a bit, I then composed myself further.
Finally after some long minutes of horrible chortling and abrupt bouts of snickering, I continued.
"As you can see, I am not physically capable of taking her down; but, I will make use of something other than brawn."
"Something else?"
"Yes, I will use my brains."
Rather than amused, Mr. Beteim looked genuinely intrigued.The idea was not something he had in mind when he heard battle.
He rubbed his prickly chin in thought, before he gave me a thumbs up.
"Although it's been a few years since I've last seen her, she must still be gorgeous. I'm rooting for you, young master."
Mr. Berteim gave me his complete approval.
Although Berteim was still lost in thought, or rather his lack of thought.
But Mr. Berteim then chimed in to understand the reason why I'd want to get the attention of Duchess Yillieus specifically. Closeness to the D'arby estate, yes, but there was something more to it.
Quickly understanding Mr. Berteim's confusion I, however, made no concession to reveal that part, yet. All in due time; besides, that is a part I have yet to flesh out. Therefore, prematurely explaining my thought process would leave gaps in logic.
But the overall gist that he needs to understand, as well as Berteim, is that in order to bring the head butler Derren to justice I need someone with more authority than my father.
Also, I made it clear to Berteim that my goal above all else is to make a name for myself.
Just like acting out got the attention of others, so too will publicly asking for a Duchess' hand in marriage.
Then instead of living within the shadows of my family I can prove myself as more.
I can't stop.
And I can't go back.