My eyes wondered through the hall. The large wood table seemed to stretch up to the person sitting on my opposite side. She was as elegant as ever, but her face wore a false expression just like a mask that perfectly suited her.

Since it was night, the firelight illuminated the hall in red and orange tones as the servants stopped to bring any kind of food, leaving the table full.

"Brother?"

I got back from my own mind and looked at her smile. I knew where this was going.

"You didn't tell me why you wanted to sell the house in Amista"

"I need the money for somethings"

"Somethings? Like what?"

"..For a new project"

"Project?"

"Yes. I plan on making the inventions of our father work"

By the time I ended my phrase, she already making muffled laughs. I stopped and stared at her, but she did not stop. It was her way to ridicule me in front of her servants. I acted as if it never happened until she stopped to speak.

"Father tried that several times during his life. What makes you think you can do it now?"

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

It was my time to smile. I took a letter from inside my suit that I had written for this occasion and handed it to the maid closest to me. She quickly gave it to my sister as I started to speak.

"The Bank and the East Isles Company already accepted my proposal"

I rejoiced when I saw her disbelief and watched as she oppened the envelop and started to read.

"What is this?"

"I am also inviting you to be a part of the investment"

"This is impossible!"

"Imposible? I don't think so"

"I can't belive it. I am going to send a letter to the bank right now"

She watched me intensely as I smiled once again.

"I don't think that's going  be needed"

"And why is that?"

"There is going to be a meeting in the house in Amista"

She looked at me again. She was trying to find a hint that it was not true, a flaw in my expression, but it was my turn to talk.

"Since Bertrand is not here, I will borrow one of your maids"

"For what exactly"

I looked at the same maid that I had given the letter to and gestured for her to come closer.

"Please send two letters. One for the EIC and another for the bank. Ask them for a confirmation of their participation in the meeting in Amista"

 She looked at my sister and received a nod. My sister did not believe me yet.

"I still don't believe you, brother. But.. If they are indeed going, I will participate"

There was nothing else to speak of. I silently ate the food that was on the table. There were no vegetables, but there was abundance when it came to fruits and meat. I did not stay to talk. Instead, I got out the moment I finished, but I did not forget to bow in respect.

I couldn't help to feel happy. Everything was going as planned and hopefully Bertrand would arrive bringing good news.

The greatest and richest are the easiest to fool.