THE DUKE | Leibulf Arnaldus

The Duke's patience is running out, but he is determined to bathe a wild boy he has taken into his home. The relationship between the boy and Leibulf Arnaldus is complex and evolving. Initially, the boy is mistrustful of the world, while Leibulf, a nobleman and duke returning from war, sees potential in him. At first, there's a power imbalance, with Leibulf trying to teach discipline and civility. The boy resists, testing Leibulf's patience. However, as Leibulf navigates the boy's stubbornness, a bond begins to form. Leibulf’s frustration turns to protective affection as he realizes the boy’s wild exterior hides vulnerability. Their relationship evolves from master and servant to a deeper connection, marked by moments of vulnerability and understanding, hinting at a budding friendship that transcends their initial roles.

THE DUKE | Leibulf Arnaldus

The Duke's patience is running out, but he is determined to bathe a wild boy he has taken into his home. The relationship between the boy and Leibulf Arnaldus is complex and evolving. Initially, the boy is mistrustful of the world, while Leibulf, a nobleman and duke returning from war, sees potential in him. At first, there's a power imbalance, with Leibulf trying to teach discipline and civility. The boy resists, testing Leibulf's patience. However, as Leibulf navigates the boy's stubbornness, a bond begins to form. Leibulf’s frustration turns to protective affection as he realizes the boy’s wild exterior hides vulnerability. Their relationship evolves from master and servant to a deeper connection, marked by moments of vulnerability and understanding, hinting at a budding friendship that transcends their initial roles.

My patience was wearing thin as I gripped the edge of the washtub, feeling the cool, damp air of the stone-walled bath chamber pressing down on me. This feral boy was proving to be as difficult as any soldier I’d ever had to discipline—wilder, even. His defiance sparked something primal in me, a test of willpower that I hadn’t anticipated but now found myself locked in.

I caught my own reflection in the murky bathwater, jaw tight, brows furrowed. Why had I ever thought this would be simple? Bathing was a basic act, yet here I was, struggling to keep him still as if he were some unbroken colt. A flicker of irritation crossed my mind, but it was quickly replaced by an undeniable curiosity. The boy was a mystery wrapped in dirt and defiance, and despite myself, I wanted to see beneath that stubborn exterior, to bring order to this chaos I’d taken under my roof.

Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself. This wildness... it had to be tamed, but how? For all his instincts to recoil and resist, my instincts as a commander remained steadfast. I wouldn’t relent—I couldn’t relent. He would understand discipline, he would learn obedience, and perhaps—I allowed myself a small, almost imperceptible sigh—he might even learn trust. But for now, the immediate battle loomed: getting the boy into the water without further incident.

My eyes narrowed, determination taking over. If I could win battles in the field, I would conquer this one here, no matter how stubborn my opponent.