CHAPTER 3: IT’S THE TURNING POINT OF MY LIFE…

The angry shout that echoed in the meeting room caused the people in the room to drop their judgment towards Duke Winfield as the respective, warm, fatherly, noble figure. His handsome, clean-shaved face now looked at both Count Marion and me with death in his eyes. I believe he will just have outbursts and destroy his charisma.

"Why in the hell can I be in debt from my twelve years of sacrifice?" he growled while gritting his teeth. Both of his hands are clenched in to prevent further commotion.

I decided to stand up and took the paper and explained, "In the contract, article 7," I pointed to the section, "...it says you will not be warned if you damage the name of the Albright family or Solunoct Duchy both among commoners and nobles, because that would be accumulated when the contract was done!"

“...why…” murmured Duke Winfield.

Now I understand why he was not being warned, grandfather was afraid that if he warned him, he would try to find a loophole in the agreement; that's why he decided to not warn him and include it in the agreement.

Well, I found this information when I was a little daydreaming about Winfield's character, I remember that in Rufus's route, he said that his father was a respectable figure who could only read and write when he married his mother, He told the story of how his mother managed to save his father from the clutches of a crazy woman and her obsessive son who was none other than my mother and me. This is a gamble actually, and honestly, I don't know whether the story in the game is really what I experienced or not in the past, and I'm trying it now. The agreement was signed by the bastard when he was 20 years old, Meanwhile, according to Rufus, his father could read at the age of 22, now he was 32. So in the span of a decade, he didn't suspect the contents of the contract? Or my grandfather who locked it tightly until god sent it to me? Or maybe this bastard was dumb enough not to look at the contract? But something strange, how could he become noble if he couldn't write and read? Or maybe there's something else that I didn't know?

“AUSTERUCH!" Oliver's hands moved swiftly to cover my ears but I could still hear Duke Winfield's scream. I looked at the back of the contract paper which contained the nominal amount of losses my family had experienced. It was one of the words meaning cursing someone.

Unfortunately, according to the terms of the contract, Duke Winfield was ordered to compensate for losses such as the costs of keeping the mouth shut in a brothel during his first night with my mother, the crazy party he had in the hotel, the extravagant and lavishly life for him and his friends, the cost of theft and lying using Albright’s and Solunoct’’s name, the costs of compensation with the noble family whose child he dated, make pregnant and then got abandoned, compensation costs for any commoner women 'who bear his child', long list bills he made up and charged using both family and duchy’s name, taking treasury money by force to support his new family, carelessly use of finances to support his failing business and friends, and deductions for not behaving like a father. But that's not all. Grandfather knew about where the money he stole from the treasury was used to fund the crown prince's faction, money laundering to support his mistress business like it was he earned it, financing a rebellion in a neighboring duchy in opposition to the crown prince's faction, and even buying weapons to send to neighboring countries in conflict. How did I know that? It will be revealed in the future as the evidence that was forced on me and that stupid son, Rufus will tell me in prison and say it was everything that his father needed to do in order to stay in power and act as a noble who was supposed to protect the empire.

By the way, according to the report for every violation made by Duke Winfield. That bastard was charged with almost 170 thousand gold coins and will be charged immediately as the contract ends prematurely plus an additional 5 thousand gold coins for the total remaining time that has not been fulfilled. In total 175 thousand gold coins.

Since I gave him 172 thousand gold coins, it seems he didn’t get any pennies from me, instead, he was indebted back to me with 3 thousand gold coins, but I believe he will not back down and let his precious gold coins be taken from him.

The look on his face was still disbelief, distorted, and unhappy. For a moment he was happy because he had just become the richest person in the history of the empire, then in less than an hour, all of the money he received as compensation for living in hell was taken back from him. I don't know if he still has debt or not, but looking at his disbelieving face, I suggest he still has debt. Well, who knows how much was 175 thousand gold coins in 1861 right?

"Are you going to demand compensation right now, young master Noah ?" asked Count Marion with a smirk and smugness on his young face. It seems he loved to see the fall of the arrogant noble, especially their heated argument just a few hours ago.

Before I could answer, Duke Winfield in a low, angry tone said, "You, you damn son of that crazy damn woman, you must have planned all this, right? You framed me to get back the compensation I should have received, my noble compensation, right? You want to make me like a cold 'father' who wants to control his son's wealth for his new family, right? You admit it!"

Not getting an answer from me who just stared at him silently, he turned to Count Marion and said in a tone that was no less low and forceful, "…you see Count Marion, here I am the victim, he has the crazy blood of his mother who is chasing me and won't let me live happily and peacefully with my beloved family. Oh…" suddenly he stopped.

The corner of his lips formed a disdainful smile then Duke Winfield said in an unhappy tone and looked clearly being shown at both of us. “Oh…I see, it seems you are also involved in this matter, right, Count Marion?” Count Marion's face hardened as he wanted to refute but he was cut by Duke Winfield's words as he crossed his arms over his chest and snickered, "...as I expected, you never liked me who has pure royal blood, you don't accept that I deserve compensation for the sacred thing I did for this crazy child in front of me, right?” he tilted his head towards me, “...if so, then I will not agree to the outcome of this meeting, didn't the decree say that both parties must agree to the mutually agreed upon the thing, and if there is disagreement then it will be canceled and he..." Duke Winfield pointed at me, "...he has to face his big estranged family, right?" he showed a slight smirk.

Count Marion felt cornered for a moment, he didn't expect Duke Winfield to be able to turn the situation around which had become very unfavorable, especially for me who wanted to get out of the useless meeting that had been dragged on. But something unexpected happened.

He pointed at Count Marion with his finger, "...you may also be bewitched by that woman, you must want to force me to stay with him and want to separate me from my beloved family..."

Immediately, both me and Count Marion could only shocked to hear his words, then Count Marion who saw the loophole in this situation said first, “Watch your word, Duke Winfield, you can’t just say any baseless accusations without proof!” warned Count Marion feels irritated with the drama.

I just stared with a normal gaze but my mind felt irritated and didn't believe what he had just said. I? Want to force him to live with me? Seriously, after what you did to me in the past, do you think I would still want you in my house? Just looking at your face makes me feel like vomiting and stabbing that smug, arrogant, and selfish face by myself. I might be crazy if he thinks I want him at my house, instead, I already hope this day comes, the day when I kicked this bastard and his damn leech family out of my house.

Seems both Count Marion and I ignored him, he just let out his anger while ruffling his neatly styled hair, it was really different when he was in the game.

I looked at Count Marion and then shook my head, and then I said in a casual tone after clearing my throat, "Ekhem, your grace, you can pay half first right now if you want, but, I will collect the rest in three years, how's about that, duke?" I should not let my anger consume me.

I could see his eyes looked like he wanted to skin me right now, I was confused about whether my opponent was stupid, smart, or pretending to be stupid, then he smiled a little, I guess having at least 88 thousand gold coins still making him the richest person in the empire. But we will see in the future, how he managed to survive with 88 thousand gold coins.

"No,” declared Duke Winfield without hesitation, “...I will not negotiate anything that refers to the compensation that I should have received from the start, it is all the responsibility of that old fart who forced me to marry your crazy mother! I will never pay anything that you put forward on that piece of paper that I am now sure you have tricked and falsified."

“And how you believe that this letter was fake?” asked Count Marion.

“Hah…of course it was fake, I didn't even remember to sign it, it must be fake, that letter was fake, and never truly existed, it was just a game played by both of you to frame me as the bad person here!” said Duke Winfield with scoffed.

It seemed like this meeting had turned into a heated and sour situation again, I spoke again, "Alright, if Your Grace doesn't want to pay, that's fine with me, but of course, Your Grace knows what will happen if the violation of the First Contractual Agreement Letter is not resolved immediately, it can have bad consequences, right? Because I'm sure Count Marion will..."

"Huh, do you think I don't know? I am a noble with the title of duke, of course, I know what will happen if the outdated First Contractual Agreement Letter is not resolved because I doubt the authenticity of the letter, so I filed a motion to Count Marion to prove to me that the letter is genuine." He said in a very obvious arrogant tone.

Oliver, who had been holding back his emotions, finally spoke up, "Pardoned me, for the intrusions, but I swear that I was present on that day, on the date stated in the letter, I can still remember clearly, you came together with Duke Albright earlier, then there was Marquess Harrison, the three of you discussed the agreement on the letter of agreement and you, honestly, you had just come back from a party with Earl McMuirtaigh's family, in a fairly drunk condition, I also remember the pungent aroma from your mouth after drinking Robso of Arlecinz, a rose wine made by the Baron Robsonov family plantations in the Arlecinz Mountains in the Imperial Province of Nortavaleri. Is that not enough to convince and refresh your memory of the day you received a purple pen using Marquess Harrison's left hand and signed your part with a little joke and hiccup?"

Duke Winfield looked surprised by what Oliver had just said, honestly I was also surprised to hear that he still remembered that day. I turned to look at Oliver who looked determined with his words.

Duke Winfield looks like he lost his words, then Oliver continues, “I’m ready to swear in the name of St. Hurios that, your grace, Duke Bailey de Winfield was in the office on May 15th, 1861, 8:32 PM, and signed the letter at 10:17 PM.”

Stuttering, Duke Winfield tried to deny what Oliver said, his facial expression trying to show anger but instead he looked like a confused person, “St…still…I will not accept that I need to pay the reparations that were burdened to me, I will never accept that I was being accused of something that I didn't do, I…I…”

“That’s enough, your grace,” stopped me.

All eyes now moved towards me, as my directions moved to Count Marion, "Can we postpone the discussion on the compensation money that Duke Winfield has to pay?"

Count Marion seemed to want to reject my idea, it was evident from his expression but he chose to answer in a flat tone, "Looking at how the time passed by, and how these accusations also will not just be ended in one day, yes, young master, it was fortunately in the Code of Law that regulates the First Contractual Agreement Letter says it can be postponed for a maximum of three years if both sides are not agreed on how to settled on their agreements. If three years are passed and without being resolved, the department, thanks to the law, has the authority to arrest both of you and bring you to the capital where the emperor will lead the trial to settle the problem until it is settled!”

“Huh, I believe the emperor will show its wise judgment, as I also believe that the letter was in fact fake!”

“Will you accept the letter if I erased the retribution you should have paid? I asked while taking a sip of my drink.

“Of course, my dear son,” he seems mocked me, “...besides it was something that should be done, It is also a child's duty to defend and help their parents when in need, rather than following a cunning figure like him," with a smirk, I can’t believe he still thought that I was forced him to stay with me, which not even in hell I will do. I wanted to say a loud that he wasn’t my father, but who knows what would happen if he used those remarks as a weapon to me, I decided to keep my mouth shut.

"Alright, that’s enough, now, is there anything else that your side wants to add, Duke Winfield?" Count Marion asked looking at him, wanting to punch his face.

"I don't think there's anything to discuss in this trashy unworthy meeting!" Duke Winfield said arrogantly.

Count Marion could only roll his eyes in annoyance, then turned his head towards me, "As for you, young duke?"

With a smile, I said cheerfully, "I believe there's nothing more too as for now I'm quite satisfied with the results! As for the letter, I believe it should be held on different occasions,"

Count Marion then said, “Very well, since both parties are satisfied with the decision, thus the fifth verdict will be put on pause for both sides to decide the matter separately and now, both of you need to sign and stamp the verdicts so it can be ratified by Imperial Court by as late as the beginning of spring since this critical time where the duchess passed away after new years, and the emperor still thought to called all dukes in the empire to discuss the verdict. By now, you can hope by spring, you will have received all the letters of recognition from the dukes and emperor, as for now the meeting regarding the succession of House of Albright and Duchy of Solunoct is over!" Count Marion closed the session by clapping his hands which produced a large and resounding sound. Neither are clapping the decision since the tensions still can be felt in the air of the room.

“May the gods bless you, young duke, and the territory ruled by the little fellow!” taunted Duke Winfield as he stood up and prepared to leave the room.

I just smiled and then said, "May the gods also bless your life, Duke Winfield, I hope you can become a noble who is truly noble and I hope you don't waste the money for anything useful!" He looked at me angrily and with a sour face, he went out to catch up with his family, by opened the door loudly.

“Are you alright, young master?” asked Oliver worriedly.

I nodded my head, “Yeah, I am alright, ah Count Marion,”

Count Marion who tried to collect the files and ordered the arrest of Marlissa and Arline to be brought to the capital for further investigations, I walked over to him and offered for him and the officers from the empire for a little feast in the dining room as they need to return as early as morning, of course with some crying and yelling from Cecile in the hallway as the background sound. The cries and yelling voices are loud enough that all activities after I gather all imperial officers at the dining room are stopped.

I stood up from my position and walked towards the door and opened it just in time, as the Winfield family passed and looked at me with upset, anger, and disgust on their face, which I had already gotten used to.

Before I asked any questions, the voice of Cecile once again echoed, "NO...I WANT MY BEDROOM NOW..." screamed her as she was hugged tightly by the mistress who was having trouble trying to calm her down, I think I should call her duchess, but it for later, for now, I will call her mistress. When Cecile's face met mine, she seemed to hate me to her bone without having to say it, it was visible on the face of a girl her age, with puffy eyes, runny nose, red cheeks, pouting lips, a hoarse voice from screaming, her sobs were enough to calm me down for a moment because now, I don't have to submit to every unreasonable order from the little devil girl who will torture me endlessly.

I turned to his older brother who just looked at me with a look of hatred for making his younger sibling cry, he looked like he wanted to punch me if it weren't for Duke Winfield's hand on his shoulder, his face also showed no signs of friendliness but deep hatred, their eyes looked at me like I was the wrong side and they’re the b…right side. After what happened, even in my past life, they still think I owe them an apology? Huh, even in the name of St. Hurios alone I will never do that.

You can imagine an eight-year-old girl having a tantrum like a four-year-old in someone else's home, how embarrassed are you? But, seeing them still look at me like I owe them an apology makes me want to roast them but I need to keep my image as a peaceful person, and not a revenge seeker. "Why are you in such a hurry, Duke Winfield? I just prepared the feast, would you mind joining?" asked me with a friendly tone typical of children and a friendly smile.

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Duke Winfield replied in an unhappy tone, "Why would my beloved 'complete' family and I take part in a banquet held by a madman like your mother? Ah.. you must want to tarnish my family’s name right? So you can be brought it up to that cunning man sitting at that table,” he pointed at Count Marion who looked angry at Duke Winfield for the insults, “...despite it was such a great opportunity for you to try to poison us, by your so-called little feast, but we’re smart enough not to let you do that, and so, please,” he looked at me with hardened face as he bowed his body to me, I don't know what tricks he played at this time, “...at least, you will let us go home 'complete' and ‘peaceful’, we won't be 'disturbing' you again, young master, I hope you won't chase or threaten my family either."

‘What words full of craps you said, your grace’ grumble me inwardly.

After saying that piece of a useless sentence, which I would never be doing the opposite he said, I could only smile and say, “We know who actually chased whom, right, your grace, Duke Winfield?” then I bowed my head, put my right palm to the left side of the chest then continue, “But as you said, I will have no obligation anymore to restrained you and ‘your complete family’ anymore in ‘this house’, so, please, ‘leave’ just like you always wanted to be, may in the name of St. Hurios accompany you and your family to your ‘home’ safely without missing ‘a hair’,”

Without any words and just scoffed at Duke Winfield, they walked out of the residence and headed for their horse-drawn carriage, still accompanied by Cecile's wailing cries wanting to get to her beautiful room, “Mother…kicked…that impudent child…he stole the house from US…” at the end, she screams loud enough that her parents ignored her entered the carriage.

Rufus on the other hand, held his hand with that bastard as he looked to the manor and saw me still staring at them and bowed a little to add more confusion for the little heir of Winfield. As their carriage leaves the manor with Cecile's tantrum also disappearing, I believe they will directly go to the nearest noble store as they are blinded by the money, maybe they decide to have some fun with it.

Oliver walked closer to me who was still looking at them and said, "Milord, the preparations are ready!" I looked at the man who already served three generations of my family, now waiting for me with a smile on his face. In return, I smiled back, "Thank you, Oliver," I immediately walked in and started sitting in the chair that had been prepared and started the feast. On the left side, there’s Count Marion alongside the delegations from the empire that come with him.

"Everyone,” I raised again, “...thank you for attending this simple feast, You have worked with full dedication, and boundless totality, and have upheld the imperial norms and manners that have endured for almost two millennia. May the Holy God and St. Hurios guide us to the right path, in accordance with the Holy Book of Great Enlightenment and Purity, I hope you can enjoy the feast I provided tonight,"

The event took place with great etiquette and a little stiffness because for the first time in history, a small child knew and used the imperial decree and they did not find the mastermind who made him use the decree. Even though I'm often asked why I use the decree, I answer the same thing, "...you've seen it, haven't you? How could I be in control if you all guarded the manor like a guard guarding the Tradoriff Castle?"

Slowly they seemed to start approaching and chatting with me casually, we started discussing many things, like what is the best of the Duchy of Solunoct and how they wanted to visit the beaches and nature that seemed fantastical, while I asked them about the situation in the capital. I also received various assessments from them when they took a brief tour of the duchy, starting from that they had to take a detour because some of the bridges looked fragile or unsafe, and it seemed that the condition of the duchy was a little poorly maintained and managed in various fields.

The feast finally ended just before 9 p.m. as my time to sleep also came close.

"Sigh, today was quite tiring," I muttered while resting my body on the couch, I just finished taking a shower and now I'm wearing my own pajamas. Still fresh in my mind how surprised Oliver was when I decided to take my bath alone.

Just as I thought that I would take a rest in my bedroom and think about my next steps, suddenly there was a knock on the door.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK…

"Pardon for my intrusion, milord!" Oliver started to call milord since he believed that I already become the family head of the Albright.

As soon as I let them in, he was followed by Count Marion. While both of them greeted me, my mind was swirling around thinking about what are they doing here? Is there something that they are curious about there’s a possibility between the letter and me? Did that bastard old fart do something that makes Count Marion see me tonight but that thought I immediately dismissed, there's no way it can be done within a few hours, they should've been in some store and spent the fortune.

Calm down, Noah, you just need to be calm and make a pitiful face. As we sat down on the chair, only Count Marion sat as Oliver brought us the tea.

"Is there anything I can help you with, Count?” I asked in a calm tone.

Count Marion keeps staring at me. His sharp eyes seemed to want to see whether I was carrying out a tactic about playing dumb or I was really stupid and being controlled or today's event was just a pure coincidence.

"Young master,” finally Count Marion spoke, but he kept his serious face, “...regarding today's incident, was this something you planned from the start?" he asked in a serious tone, his eyes scanning every part of my face and body.

As for me? I, who was enjoying the taste of tea that was perfect for my childish taste buds, just smiled when I heard Count Marion's question, "If you say it's a plan,” I put the teacup back on the table, “...of course, it's not, because, how could I who just 12 years old, who never received a proper education like other nobles could come up with a plan as complicated as this, it's just pure coincidence!"

Count Marion also drank some of the tea, and his face showed doubt but he maintained his composure, "If this is purely a coincidence, why don't you hand over the letters you showed earlier? Previously, if you showed them then you wouldn't have to see the unnecessary things…"

I take back the cup on the table and then drink the tea before handed to Oliver to refill the tea, "That's what I want," without realizing I immediately interrupted Count Marion's words which left him stunned.

In a slightly sad and teary voice, I said, "...I'm sorry for interrupting your words, count, but yes, that's what I want, I want to test whether they sincerely love me or they are just after my family's wealth, which they quickly pointed out!" I'm almost about to cry.

"And for that, you hide the letter?" asked Count Marion seriously, he handed the teacup to Oliver to be refilled.

I nodded my head, "Yes, that's the reason, even after I tried to ask him to join in the feast, unfortunately, it seemed, he was too focused on the money and didn't even think about me anymore since he already received the money," I gave the empty sad look to Count Marion.

Count Marion looked uncomfortable hearing my words which started to sound like sobs, now he seems to believe what I said, "My lord, I didn't mean to..."

I smiled weakly, then in a sob and sad tone, "As you can see by yourself, they don't fully love, cherish, or care for me, they are only after my mother's inheritance, to be honest at first I just wanted to test them, but they quickly show their true selves," I purposely made it even sadder, "...I also didn't expect that the figure I thought was my real father, turned out to be just a man my mother liked because he was similar to my real father, which made her fall in love with him madly and blindly, she also oblivious with his actions."

I sighed, "At first I didn't want to admit the contents of the letter, maybe you noticed my silence two days before, right?" Count Marion seemed startled by my words as he didn't believe that I knew, he was secretly monitoring my movement, "...for two days I tried to read the letter, again and again, to make sure is there any mistake in the letter, but now I completely trust the contents of the letter, I believe you also shocked with it, so, that’s why II will try as best as I can to manage this territory, I am an Albright after all!"

Count Marion looked at me as if with a probing gaze, and then he continued drinking, after putting the cup back on the table and letting the room in silence for a moment, he said, "Actually, I was also surprised to see the contents of the letter, I also didn’t want to believe it but imagine you being confined for a week in your bedroom and you can make that letter; if you don't hand over the letter then you could lose your entire family wealth to an arrogant, ignorant, ruthless, lack sense of humanity and hungry for influence family,"

I guess Count Marion really hated or even despised Winfield to the core.

"I know, it's just pure coincidence, isn't it? To see a person who was supposed to be my father in reality was an unknown person," murmured me.

Seeing the atmosphere quite tense, Count Marion decided to change the topic and began to talk about the current Winfield family condition and the situation in the Imperial Court.

As for now, the Winfield family is at the peak of its glory, has the second largest territory, a strong economy, and a position that is highly regarded by nobles. But even so, under Duke Bailey de Winfield, as the current head of the Winfield family, there should be his wife, Duchess Imelda de Winfield, who has direct blood from the Winfield descendants. It could be said that his prestige began to decline, not among the nobility and imperial politics, but in the eyes of the public. They were known to show favoritism towards people outside the duchy, to protect their businesses within the duchy, and to maintain their dominance in the empire's economy.

"They also tend to start implementing social classes openly, for example, the alms party which used to be held every change of season as it was already a tradition for dukes, is now starting to change under Duke Bailey's leadership to be held once a year in spring only with highly publicized to the noble. Duke Bailey is also trying to change his duchy's regulations secretly to take his sides more, can I dare to say more lucrative to his wealth; in his efforts to maximize profits through Winfield Company and his own private company which I doubt really operated, also his increase taxes on society to fill his private gold bin. Thanks to his excessive actions, now he has been the subject of investigations by the Imperial Court special committee on charges of excessive taxation, dirty money, fraudulent business, and more,”

He took a breath to explain it more, “...this information was revealed by officers from the Imperial Comptroller Office after receiving an anonymous letter about a new tax called the Workforce Travel Tax, which is where those who have abilities in various fields if they want to leave the duchy, are required to not work for three months and pay 10% tax on their last six months' total salary. This matter became a heated debate among the dukes at the last meeting, but as you know, Duke Bailey was a staunched supporter of the imperial faction, which the emperor and factions, supported him and decided to ignore the motion made by the office," explained Count Marion.

I also can’t believe, Workforce Travel Tax? What kind of joke is that? They didn’t want to lose their talents but they didn’t want to increase their salary. What a madman of capitalism he was.

“To make it worse,” said Count Marion looked quite angry, which I wonder why.

“...since he was favored by the emperor, and he was befriended with the imperial factions, they have what they called ‘security cooperation’ in which anyone who leaves the Winshire Duchy (Winfield’s family rule territory) need a special card issued by them, especially if it was a workforce with multiple talents that they had census previously can’t show their special card, they will be escorted back and need to work with only half salary for three months and need to paid 15% of tax as part of punishment. Adding fuel to the fire, starting from the Special District of Lockwin, Duchy of Impera in the north, Imperial Province of Pinemont, Duchy of Forte-Osz, and Duchy of Dimeview, all who have shared borders with Winshire are closed tightly secure their border to make sure that Winshire’s ‘workforce’ will not try to flee the duchy, of course, you know what that means right?”

“...Yes, I believe I can see the picture and how dire the situation was; and I can assure you, count, that there’s nothing you need to be worried about as I awa…”

“And that’s what made me worried!” said Count Marion fast, leaving me and Oliver stunned.

Count Marion looked at me seriously then exhaled some breath, “To get the verdict through to the imperial court, the decreed needs a decision that requires the agreement of both parties and of course the mediator," he looked at me with a probing gaze, "...but I feel that it will be a little difficult for me to agree with the decision; although I am also happy that Duke Bailey cannot take over either Albright or Solunoct from their rightful heirs,"

He looked around and saw Oliver who seemed to want to protest, I also turned and saw Oliver's hand tightly gripping the ceramic teapot he was holding on the trolley, "...therefore, I will give you a final test as a guarantee that you are indeed worthy of leading this territory or at least you know something about between your territory and empire, if not for the situation where Duke Bailey is pressing and I am sure he will provoke you by saying that you are not capable of leading the territory; while you, you still have not answered the question I gave you other than using the letter you gave as a substitute for your answer,"

I honestly was a bit anxious and worried about what questions would be asked of me.

"As you said before, it is impossible for a 12-year-old child to make a letter like that, moreover the First Contractual Agreement Letter, and to add another piece of evidence is that you have not received formal education like a noble or heir like other nobles, is that right?"

Damn, that was a trick question...

Oliver wanted to help but was immediately cut off by Count Marion, "Stop, Mr. Oliver, this is a question that the young master must answer in order to claim his title, you certainly know that right? That Duke Bailey will not remain silent and will definitely fight the verdict and I need stronger evidence besides the letter!"

I looked at Count Marion who was still looking at me with a serious look, "Th..that, it's true, I have never received formal education from a tutor, but I have gained some basic knowledge from my mother and..."

"About what?" Count Marion asked.

"About the factions in the Imperial Court perhaps?" I answered a little nervously.

"Try explaining! Fail or wrong answers can make me change the verdicts," Count Marion replied, he put his hand on his chin while waiting for me to answer.

I sighed and then explained what I knew, hopefully, what I said now was true, “Very well, currently, despite its small size, the Imperial Court, the only main crucial yet critical organ that can decide all matters they deem important for the existence of the empire; they have enough authority that can even overrule the emperor’s order if it was necessary. For now, there are three separate factions in the court,”

Count Marion nodded his head seeming my answer was correct, so I continued, “...the first one is the aristocratic faction which sometimes disagrees with the emperor and sometimes supports but their main objection is that the second or third prince is more capable or supposed to be the crown prince; they did not agree with the emperor who crowned Prince Louis as Crown Prince at the same age as me.”

“Who led them?” asked Count Marion.

“I believe it was Duke Klarik of Imperial Province of Mineralta,”

“Good, please continue…”

“...then there was the imperial faction that was led by the emperor himself and some nobles to support the crown prince to sit on the throne, despite that the emperor led the factions, it was Duke Bailey de Winfield who moved the factions by also helped the emperor to influence other dukes in the neutral faction to support the emperor. Then, the last one is the neutral faction sometimes referred to as the noble faction was led by Duke Hillingham and my grandfather, this factions sometimes act as the buffer zone between two factions, and depending on the situation and things being discussed they can be easily persuaded,”

“Is that all?” asked Count Marion.

“No, there are two people, the first one is the Archon Henry Izoridu Lockridge, who leads the Imperial Council of State, and then there’s Archpriest Aethelio, the leader of Temple of St. Hurios. Both of them declared themselves neutral but despite that, both of them are emperor’s supporters, both of them try to form their own factions despite being powerless.” Count Marion nodded his head again.

Each faction always turned their eyes towards the neutral faction since the power of both imperial and aristocratic factions was in a tie and the death of my grandfather and then mother caused quite an uproar in the imperial court since if I handed over the territory to that person, it would shake the balance of the court.

Many nobles even inside the emperor's led faction (crown prince) especially the great nobles felt threatened by the Winfield family's influence, as they now were in the top choice to become protectors of the Albright family heir.

“Well, I quite amused with your answer, young master!” he took a sip of the tea again and looked at the clock that showed 10 p.m.

“Your answer, is deep but not the deepest and there’s one thing you’re wrong about it!” said Count Marion as he got up.

I tilted my head and wondered what Count Marion meant.

“But I believe, it’s time for you to rest for a moment, since I didn’t want the young master who just faced a turning point of his life to have a heart attack at a young age and can’t sleep soundly, then please excuse me!”

After saying that, Count Marion bowed his head to me before leaving the room with Oliver who also bowed his head to accompany Count Marion to his room leaving me alone in the bedroom thinking which answered did I do wrong to answer and how it would change the verdicts?

Not long after that, Oliver knocked on the door and opened it, as he entered he saw me already in the bed and just at the moment to fallen asleep, “Pardon for my intrusion, milord!”

“Is there anything wrong Oliver?” asked me while try to get up.

“No, my lord, I just want to express my and all servants' deepest gratitude for your actions that become the turning point of your life, young master!” explained Oliver.

“I know, I know that I shouldn't trust people so easily, even my own family, thank you for your service and loyalty, Oliver, also sent my message to them about how grateful I am that they never took any side with WInfield,”

“No need to thank me, young master, I am just grateful and sure, I will spread your words to other servants, just like what the bird really doing its duty, without fail!”

“Bird?” murmured me.

“Nothing my lord, now, please excuse me and have a good sleep, good night milord!” said Oliver as he rushed to leave the room and closed the door slowly, again leaving me wondering, is everything alright for the future that I create? But since my body feels tired I need to sleep, so I rest my body on the bed and try to have a night of sleep.

With the help from the moon shining, my eyes keep looking at the ceiling as my mind keeps wandering thinking about how exciting today is and also the possibilities that will happen in the future. I can’t sleep even though the clocks show 11 p.m. and almost midnight, the quiet night and the sounds of tinnitus and nightlife can be heard. My body felt tired and ache but my heart was beating quite fast and I could feel the adrenaline from the rapid blood circulation in my body from head to toe. I felt like screaming in excitement for my success but it was night, it was not good to scream.

Somehow, my body trembled slightly with joy because I had managed to save myself from being evicted and abandoned, my grip on the blanket tightened as I could feel my heartbeat increase, but also with curiosity about what that bastard Winfield would do to me. The corners of my lips lifted into a grin, for some reason this shaking feeling made me feel happy and fluttering.

"How intrigued..." while I was thinking about possible routes that would occur in the future especially what Count Marion would say to me, I remembered that game. I remembered that there’s something in the game, a phenomenon called an easter egg game.

Inside every game, there are easter eggs in it. Usually, easter eggs contain something that is a little beyond reason or something that makes a skill or device have unlimited power or is just for fun by the developer or creator. This game is also the same when they managed to defeat one of the bosses on the route and I happened to be the boss, the developer crazily put an easter egg under the bed where I was sleeping at the moment. Right now, I was thinking about whether I should take it right now or tomorrow.

Take it or later?

Take it or later?

God, why it's confusing?

The sound of crickets accompanies the silent night, it's already late night and I tried to sleep but I couldn't. I have to sleep, come on I can't use candles at this time of night! Although I am scared of the dark.

In my dream I remember the egg was right under my bed and I want to take it, I still remember when I defeated the boss who was myself, and the story was made up, well, if you become the heroine on the route where I was the final boss, the male lead was a suppressed count's heir with the same age as her and me, as they met in school and grew closer, he received the news that I led the territory harshly and forced his father to leave from being chased. They decided to team up with the help of the heroine from the skills she has and the heir of the count, they toppled me and killed me after the final battle in the main room. After you defeat me, you will be given permission only once to raid my mansion, to take over whatever you want as long as your bags or storage are empty, and accidentally, when I go to my bedroom, under it there's a shining thing when I take it…

I came out of bed, it was already dawn and the sun started to rise, after could only sleep for three hours before the tingling sensations kept getting bigger, and by 3 a.m.. I decided to get up and take a look under my bed, now in my hand, there was a blue sapphire egg the size of a normal chicken egg.

'When the heroine was examining the egg, suddenly, the count's heir came while barging through the door which surprised her and made her drop the egg, as a result, the egg was broken and shattered in the messy unkempt bedroom. Suddenly, from the broken egg, smoke came out which enveloped her body, by that, she received all she lacked for.”

That was what the game said, it wasn't a skill or magic but rather a golden duck egg, basically the egg was like opening all exclusive conversation options without top-up gems. I stared at the egg and smirked at this blue sapphire egg shape, I was curious about what would happen if it fell to the real person in this world.

Should I destroy it now or not? I'm curious about what happens if I destroy this egg now. Will I gain special skills? or maybe wealth? Magic?

While thinking, I concluded and decided to make this egg my trump card for the future, just in case something bad happened.

"Alright, let's save it!" I walked to one corner of the room, where I still remember the small safe prepared by my grandfather, located under a tile between the bookcase and the window, I opened it and took a small candle holder, I cleaned the place a little, then put the egg on top, put it in the safe then I closed it tightly. In the game, this was not mentioned or even made, so this is a secret place to hide something valuable.

After securing the important items from the game, I have to find another thing that can greatly help me in this situation, which is,

My family's hidden treasure!

But before that, I need to settle down with Count Marion.

And to make matter worse, I was wondered, did this world is a game world or the original world that I lived in the past?

To be continued...