Chapter 102.2

Claude gazed sternly at Carso, his hand extended toward Owen, who presented him with the thick papers. It was the account book that Kanilia had painstakingly corrected the night before, and Carsos face drained of color as he realized there was an error.

Claude gazed sternly at Carso, his hand extended toward Owen, who presented him with the thick papers. It was the account book that Canillia had painstakingly corrected the night before, and Carsos face drained of color as he realized there was an error.

You seem fl.u.s.tered, so lets not dwell on it. Learn from your mistakes and pa.s.s the exam this time. As a steward, bring your A game. I cant trust the graduation report that Southern Academy handed me, Claude spoke with an air of authority.

Carsos face contorted with a bluish hue, and he stammered, Your Highness, please believe me! It was just a formula error. I was a little confused.

You cannot afford to make mistakes when dealing with taxes. Claude retorted.

Carso tried to defend himself but Claude silenced him with a finger to his lips.

Lower your voice. You know the implications of waking the Grand d.u.c.h.ess.

Carso glanced furtively towards the bedroom and muttered, I promise it wont happen again. You know how grueling the Del Casa exams are. The test is right around the corner, and this is an unreasonable demand.

Is it impossible? Are you sure you dont have a solution? Claude inquired, leaning back and interlacing his fingers.

Carso furrowed his brows and flipped through the papers, examining each red number in an attempt to spot the mistake. However, to his surprise, the formula and the results were perfect.

Who are you? Carso blurted out.

Claude stood up, walked to the window, and opened it, taking in the view of Del Casa below. The grand duchy was undergoing immense change and would soon be completely transformed.

Carsos eyes widened in disbelief as he asked, Is the solution within the grand dukes family?

Claudes expression was inscrutable, and he remained silent. The wind blew in through the window, carrying with it a sense of uncertainty and the promise of upheaval.

Claude yearned to create his own Del Casa, one that surpa.s.sed the legacy of his father. And he knew that Canillia was the key to bringing about the transformation he desired. She was not just a loyal ally, but a mother, father, spouse, and friend all rolled into one. He trusted her implicitly and admired her unwavering conviction in her own principles.

Carso, Claude called out to his trusted steward.

Yes, my lord?

You know the responsibilities that come with being the chief steward, dont you?

Of course, my lord.

Good. Because when I leave this castle, you will have to take charge. So, make sure youre ready.

Who am I catching up to, my lord? I was the head of the Southern Academy, Carso asked, perplexed.

Claude and Owen exchanged amused glances, and then burst out laughing. Carso looked bewildered, unable to comprehend the source of their merriment.

Never mind that, Carso, Claude said, his tone now gentle. I trust you to handle this task with excellence. Both you and Owen are indispensable to me.

Carso was taken aback by the unexpected praise, and he bowed his head in grat.i.tude. Owen, too, was moved by the warmth in Claudes words, which reminded him of his former lord, Duke Maximillian.

As Claude stood by the window, gazing out at the landscape, Owen felt a sense of comfort wash over him. He knew that the future of Del Casa was in good hands with his lord, who embodied the best of his fathers legacy.

It is an honor, Your Highness the Grand Duke, Owen said, relieved that he served a lord who was worthy of his loyalty.

*****

The carriage came to a halt in front of the imposing townhouse of the Marquis of Vale, after what felt like an eternity. Kieran stepped out of the carriage unaccompanied, his eyes fixated on the unyieldingly shut door. With most of the household gone to Cosoar, only a few individuals were left. One of them was Betty, a woman in a maids uniform, who scurried towards the heavy iron door and opened it with urgency.

Betty had been in charge of all the household duties ever since she arrived in the capital, shortly after the Marquis awarded her a pension. She remained composed upon seeing Kieran, whom she hadnt seen in a long time, even though her fingertips trembled and her face was worn from hard work.

How is my mother, Betty? Kieran asked.

The crisis has pa.s.sed, but please dont provoke the madam, Betty replied calmly, though the fatigue in her voice was palpable.

Shes cruel. Shes only hurting herself, Kieran said, pulling his hat down and gazing up at the ma.s.sive townhouse.

He had hesitated for a long time after receiving a letter claiming that his mother had inflicted harm on herself. Kieran had suspected that it might be false, but he could not turn a blind eye to his mothers claims that her life was in danger. Moved by his plea, the emperor granted his permission to visit the marchioness.

With determination, Kieran strode into the house. Everything was clean, but the atmosphere felt lifeless, as if the house were a dead s.p.a.ce. He sought out Betty for guidance.

Where is my mother? Kieran asked.

She is in her bedroom; she just coughed, so please go upstairs, Betty replied impa.s.sively.

Betty, Kieran called out as he turned to exit the room. She stopped, but didnt turn around.

Dont you want to see Lia? he asked.

I dont think thats relevant at the moment, Betty replied, clutching her ap.r.o.n tightly.

Lia knows what you did, Kieran said, his voice tinged with accusation.

Instead of answering, Betty lowered her head and turned away, a terrible weariness emanating from her back.

Kieran ascended the stairs cautiously. Upon pus.h.i.+ng open the half-closed bedroom door, he found Anastasia, his mother, sitting motionless. She turned her head as he entered the room.

Self-harm I heard you did that, Kieran said, his fists clenched.

Anastasia looked up at her son in disbelief, rising from her seat and kneeling on the floor. Startled, Kieran took a step back. Crystal tears trickled down the sunken eyes of the marchioness, her wrist tightly bandaged. Anastasia crawled towards Kieran, imploring him between sobs.

I I was mistaken, Kieran. Please dont forsake Vale.

Get up, Kieran commanded.

Kieran, I beg you Cant you find mercy in your heart for this poor mother?

Although tears streamed down her face, Anastasias attempts to suppress her sobs were a testament to her n.o.ble upbringing.

Kieran c.o.c.ked his head, unable to avoid noticing the carpet soaked with Anastasias tears. His gaze then drifted up to the intricately adorned ceiling.

What my mother did those were heinous acts. She tried to kill people, including an innocent child. Yet, someone else bore the punishment for her sin. Tell me, how will you ever make amends for all of that?You seem fl.u.s.tered, so lets not dwell on it. Learn from your mistake and pa.s.s the exam this time. As a steward, bring your A game. I cant trust the graduation report that Southern Academy handed me, Claude spoke with an air of authority.

Carsos face contorted with a bluish hue, and he stammered, Your Highness, please believe me! It was just a formula error. I was a little confused.

You cannot afford to make mistakes when dealing with taxes. Its the fruit of Young Ji-mins labor and toil. Did you try to eat it raw? Claude retorted.

I ate it raw! Carsos voice raised a notch, and Claude silenced him with a finger to his lips.

Lower your voice. You know the implications of waking the Grand d.u.c.h.ess.

Carso glanced furtively towards the bedroom and muttered, I promise it wont happen again. You know how grueling the del Casa exams are. The test is right around the corner, and this is an unreasonable demand.

Is it impossible? Are you sure you dont have a solution? Claude inquired, leaning back and interlacing his fingers.

Carso furrowed his brows and flipped through the papers, examining each red number in an attempt to spot the mistake. However, to his surprise, the formula and the results were perfect.

Who are you? Did you fertilize it overnight? Or not? Carso blurted out.

Claude stood up, walked to the window, and opened it, taking in the view of Del Casa below. The grand duchy was undergoing immense change and would soon be completely transformed.

Carsos eyes widened in disbelief as he asked, Is the solution within the grand dukes family?

Claudes expression was inscrutable, and he remained silent. The wind blew in through the window, carrying with it a sense of uncertainty and the promise of upheaval.

Claude yearned to create his own Del Casa, one that surpa.s.sed the legacy of his father. And he knew that Kanilia was the key to bringing about the transformation he desired. She was not just a loyal ally, but a mother, father, spouse, and friend all rolled into one. He trusted her implicitly and admired her unwavering conviction in her own principles.

Carso, Claude called out to his trusted steward.

Yes, my lord?

You know the responsibilities that come with being the chief steward, dont you?

Of course, my lord.

Good. Because when I leave this castle, you will have to take charge. So, make sure youre ready.

Who am I catching up to, my lord? I was the head of the Southern Academy, Carso asked, perplexed.

Claude and Owen exchanged amused glances, and then burst out laughing. Carso looked bewildered, unable to comprehend the source of their merriment.

Never mind that, Carso, Claude said, his tone now gentle. I trust you to handle this task with excellence. Both you and Owen are indispensable to me.

Carso was taken aback by the unexpected praise, and he bowed his head in grat.i.tude. Owen, too, was moved by the warmth in Claudes words, which reminded him of his former lord, Duke Maximilian.

As Claude stood by the window, gazing out at the landscape, Owen felt a sense of comfort wash over him. He knew that the future of Del Casa was in good hands with his lord, who embodied the best of his fathers legacy.

It is an honor, Your Highness the Grand Duke, Owen said, relieved that he served a lord who was worthy of his loyalty.

*****

The carriage came to a halt in front of the imposing townhouse of the Marquis of Bale, after what felt like an eternity. Kieran stepped out of the carriage unaccompanied, his eyes fixated on the unyieldingly shut door. With most of the household gone to Kosoar, only a few individuals were left. One of them was Betty, a woman in a maids uniform, who scurried towards the heavy iron door and opened it with urgency.

Betty had been in charge of all the household duties ever since she arrived in the capital, shortly after the Marquis awarded her a pension. She remained composed upon seeing Kieran, whom she hadnt seen in a long time, even though her fingertips trembled and her face was worn from hard work.

How is my mother, Betty? Kieran asked.

The crisis has pa.s.sed, but please dont provoke the madam, Betty replied calmly, though the fatigue in her voice was palpable.

Shes cruel. Shes only hurting herself, Kieran said, pulling his hat down and gazing up at the ma.s.sive townhouse.

He had hesitated for a long time after receiving a letter claiming that his mother had inflicted harm on herself. Kieran had suspected that it might be false, but he could not turn a blind eye to his mothers claims that her life was in danger. Moved by his plea, the Emperor granted his permission to visit the Marquis.

With determination, Kieran strode into the house. Everything was clean, but the atmosphere felt lifeless, as if the house were a dead s.p.a.ce. He sought out Betty for guidance.

Where is my mother? Kieran asked.

She is in her bedroom; she just coughed, so please go upstairs, Betty replied impa.s.sively.

Betty, Kieran called out as he turned to exit the room.

She stopped, but didnt turn around.

Dont you want to see Leah? he asked.

I dont think thats relevant at the moment, Betty replied, clutching her ap.r.o.n tightly.

Leah knows what you did, Kieran said, his voice tinged with accusation.

Instead of answering, Betty lowered her head and turned away, a terrible weariness emanating from her back.

Kieran ascended the stairs cautiously. Upon pus.h.i.+ng open the half-closed bedroom door, he found Anastasia, his mother, sitting motionless. She turned her head as he entered the room.

Self-harm I heard you did that, Kieran said, his fists clenched.

Anastasia looked up at her son in disbelief, rising from her seat and kneeling on the floor. Startled, Kieran took a step back.

Crystal tears trickled down the sunken eyes of the Marquiss mistress, her wrist tightly bandaged. Anastasia crawled towards Kieran, imploring him between sobs.

I I was mistaken, Kieran. Please dont forsake Vale.

Get up, Kieran commanded.

Kieran, I beg you Cant you find mercy in your heart for this poor mother?

Although tears streamed down her face, Anastasias attempts to suppress her sobs were a testament to her n.o.ble upbringing.

Kieran c.o.c.ked his head, unable to avoid noticing the carpet soaked with Anastasias tears. His gaze then drifted up to the intricately adorned ceiling.

What my mother did those were heinous acts. She tried to kill people, including an innocent child. Yet, someone else bore the punishment for her sin. Tell me, how will you ever make amends for all of that?