Chapter 9: What in the world…

“I want you to rescind your decision to become a duke!" said Count Coisenmo without showing any hesitation as he spoke blatantly.

His words still lingered in the air as time and sound in the dining room seemed to stop. What Count Coisenmo just said was spinning around in my head as I was still shocked by what he said.

Of all the possibilities that I thought of and the possibilities that would happen, why did this most unlikely choice happen? Even though I had thought that he would be angry or try to provoke me which would end in him doing something that would benefit me.

But....

Why did this happen?

Is this a self-fulfilling prophecy?

I could feel my heartbeat beating fast, my breath felt like it stopped, I looked at Count Coisenmo who looked seriously at me. I was sure, my facial camouflage would be found out. I try to look like a scared 12-year-old.

"Do you see, Helena?" Count Coisenmo chuckled while pointing his hand towards Countess Coisenmo who was also silent and shocked as much as I was.

Ignoring Countess Coisenmo's shocked silence, Count Coisenmo continued his words while looking at me with a hateful sneer that was visible in his eyes covered by a stern expression, "He is not just an innocent 12-year-old child, he is 'something', and it is true what Archbishop Ulrich said; that my beloved nephew," in a tone that was made sad, "...he was controlled by evil thoughts and because of the lack of guidance from his parents made him move blindly in leading a duchy that played a role in the formation of the empire,"

The corner of Count Coisenmo's lips began to rise to form a grin, "... and I believe, that it is true, my nephew is not yet worthy and fit to lead a territory let alone a duchy. There is no time in the history of mankind when a 12-year-old child can make their own decisions in managing their own territory this badly!"

Count Coisenmo once again criticized how bad my performance and policies were, starting from the tax policy which he thought was too optimistic and ambiguous, "How can a duchy survive with just a land tax for a year and then a hospitality tax? What a joke you know!"

Then Count Coisenmo again criticized my policy of repairing all the bridges and roads which he thought was a waste of budget, "You should prioritize the main route where it will bring goodness to yourself, don't you know that I had to argue with Baron Moreno to hold back the indiscriminate road repairs? Just so you know Noah, we nobles are taught to save..."

Savings for the people but wasteful for your arrogant luxurious lifestyle.

"... by improving only one main road, then we can supervise trade activities better. We don't need to spread security forces to all the ins and outs of the region if they only have one type of entry and exit, don't you think?" he said with a smirk.

What an old-fashioned idea you guys have.

As time passed by, Count Coisenmo continued to let out all of his emotions, especially about the council of elders which ended in him being ostracized by fellow counts for being too annoying, "You are so arrogant, conceited, and overconfident that you forget that I am your uncle, I was there when your mother is sick, I was there to guide her, but why you so selfish and kicked you own uncle?" he said in a high tone.

For several minutes he still vented his 'disappointment' over the treatment I gave him. Countess Coisenmo tried to calm her husband but it was futile. Instead, he continued to brag about how bad my policies were.

"... I am more experienced than you, nephew; I am better than you; you should have listened and thought about what my uncle suggested instead of ostracizing your uncle and making it seem like your uncle behaved as badly as your father..." when he was about to say something again, Oliver suddenly interrupted, it seemed he couldn't take it anymore.

"I beg your pardon, Count Coisenmo, but it seems that it is enough for you to vent your disappointment on the young master, he is still young and only a..."

“You shut up!” demanded Count Coisenmo as his finger pointed at Oliver.

“Dear, I think you have enough, please calm yourself down, there’s no way, my nephew is…” asked Countess Coisenmo as her grip on Count Coisenmo’s suit tightened to try to remind her husband.

"He’s a devil, for god sake, have both of you realized that he was not Noah, he was something, something evil,” his finger pointed at me.

“Count Coisenmo, I believe that’s enough, you can’t just make random accusations especially to your nephew by doing witchcraft without evidence and…” said Oliver trying to defend me.

"Then explain this!" Count Coisenmo lifted a brown leather suitcase. He didn't show everything and only took out a book.

From the writing, I already knew what book it was.

With Alden Ragiboth's writing in black on the cover acting as the title.

It was a book that I wrote about all forms of food sources that can be eaten, cultivated, and become a substitute for wheat as the main source of food. All of them come from the forest.

"Explain, why is this disgusting book on the market. And why do commoners speak so highly about it? I'm sure you are the creator of this book, right?" accused Count Coisenmo in a sharp tone.

I was still silent.

"Answer me, Noah!” yelled Count Coisenmo while banging the table which everyone in the room startled with it.

I could feel my blood run cold and my face went pale as he looked at me with wide, bewildered eyes. I try to speak, "B-but, Uncle… I… I don’t understand. I found that book with some others in the library, and it seemed interesting. It… it only talks about plants, right? Is that bad?”

I decided to give a nervous glance at Oliver, as if trying to seek reassurance, then continued, hesitantly, "I just thought it would be… useful to know about other foods. I remember people saying there was a bad harvest last year, and the price was quite high, so… I thought… maybe this could help as I try to help ease the price of wheat."

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

I decided to pause and lowered my voice as if I were fearful of having made a mistake. "Is it wrong to learn about things that might help us? I didn’t mean to do anything… unnatural."

Trying to appear even more uncertain, I added, “I…I didn't know that it was forbidden, I thought since the forest has an abundance of resources, I could help my people and make things turn better…”

As I finished, I still maintained my posture with my head looking down, biting my lip nervously, and clasping my hands together. I tried to make a gesture that appeared to be one of submission, but also to my hope that I looked like a harmless young boy who didn’t quite understand the impact of his curiosity. I gave a small, remorseful nod, as if ready to accept whatever his uncle suggested, while I kept the true origin of the book ambiguous.

“Huh, you such of sonobi, there’s no need to act innocent, Noah!” Count Coisenmo taunted as he put both his hands on his hips.

"I don't believe your nonsense at all, Noah, you must have known and planned this, right?" he added, still mocking me.

There was still silence between us for a few moments. Countess Coisenmo tried to mediate us again, this time with a careful tone, "Noah, my dear, is it true what your uncle said? That you practice witchcraft?" Her friendly tone sounded like it was drifting, but I who heard it felt disgusted. I glanced at her and the disgust grew stronger seeing her fake face covered by thick make-up showing a friendly, caring, and worried expression so that people would not think that she was responsible for the deaths of three women who became mentally disturbed due to her poisonous gossip.

Because we were separated by a table that was quite far away and my hand was on the edge of the table, she couldn't reach her hand towards me.

I shook my head, "Of course not auntie," I said with a little sob, "...how could that be?

Count Coisenmo taunted as he put both his hands on his hips.

"I don't believe your nonsense at all, Noah, you must have known and planned this, right?" he added, still mocking me.

There was still silence between us for a few moments. Countess Coisenmo tried to mediate us again, this time with a careful tone, "Noah, my dear, is it true what your uncle said? That you practice witchcraft?" Her friendly tone sounded like it was drifting, but I who heard it felt disgusted. I glanced at her and the disgust grew stronger seeing her fake face covered by thick make-up showing a friendly, caring, and worried expression so that people would not think that she was responsible for the deaths of three women who became mentally disturbed due to her poisonous gossip.

Because we were separated by a table that was quite far away and my hand was on the edge of the table, she couldn't reach her hand towards me.

I shook my head, "Of course not auntie," I said with a little sob, "...how could auntie think that I was practicing witchcraft..." My tears started to come out and my sobs turned into small cries.

Oliver immediately knelt and tried to calm me down, at the same time, Countess Coisenmo immediately stood up and tried to walk towards me.

However, when she wanted to walk towards me, she was immediately blocked by her husband, "What do you want? Do you want to spoil your devil nephew with your hugs and affection?" asked Count Coisenmo coldly.

"What do you mean? I just want to entertain my nephew! Is that wrong?" said Countess Coisenmo not wanting to be blamed.

"Yes, it is wrong because you are eaten by the words of this little devil!" Count Coisenmo pointed at me.

Maybe this is the time, "I... I... I don't understand... why..." I said with a trembling tone while wiping my wet eyes.

"Wh...why...why do you think I'm a devil? Is it wrong for me to allow the book?" with a trembling tone and shoulders I tried to express my emotions to convince them.

For the first time since I returned to this world, I decided to cry like a 12-year-old child, "...why uncle...I just wanted to help my people, I just try…to…help...uncle..." my cries started to get louder. I immediately lowered my head and covered it with my hands.

When Oliver tried to stroke my shoulder which was shaking from his touch, “Ever since…I became the duke…I always received reports of hunger in ‘my’... territory… I just wanted to help them!” I said that with my head down.

Hearing my sobbing Countess Coisenmo immediately got angry at her husband, "Do you see what you did? You made my niece cry," I couldn't see what they were talking about, but it was clear that they were starting to fight.

“But, you know what Archbishop Ulrich said about the forest…” Count Coisenmo seems to try to justify just to meet Countess Coisenmo, angry even more, “Oh…now the great Count of Aynev, Titus Coisenmo was on the right path? Since when have you become a devout member of that rustic temple?”

“You…” Count Coisenmo tries to argue.

“What?” Countess Coisenmo’s eyes glared at her husband who tried to maintain his domination.

As for me, there was a reason why I immediately covered my head, for some reason there was a feeling of wanting to laugh seeing and hearing all this. This ticklish feeling along with crying, was really very funny and hurtful.

Hearing the increasingly heated argument, Oliver finally decided to take control of the situation.

"I beg your pardon, Count Coisenmo and Countess Coisenmo," he said in a friendly tone, "...but it seems that you two have gone too far; if I may, I beg you both to leave this residence!"

"Who do you think you are, huh?" Count Coisenmo said with a challenging glare at Oliver.

"That's right, who do you think you are, huh? You are just a servant, you have no right to interfere in the affairs of a noble family!" Countess Coisenmo hissed with displeasure.

I immediately raised my head, "He is Oliver, the personal servant of Duke Albright, the sole ruler of the Duchy of Solunoct!" I said in a firm tone. I didn't care about my appearance after crying, because I immediately stood up.

"Noah..." Countess Coisenmo was stunned, she covered her mouth with her hand. Count Coisenmo was also quite surprised.

"If uncle and auntie are enough to judge my policies, I ask uncle and auntie to get out of my residence immediately!" I said in a sharp tone.

"Noah... honey... don't be like this, your uncle and auntie are just having a small fight about your uncle being too strict with you; as for 'him'" Countess Coisenmo pointed at Oliver who only flinched slightly, "...he was trying to manipulate you dearly, there’s no such thing that we try to harm or manipulate you dear!”

“Enough aunt, now if there’s nothing to be discussed, may I leave first, aunt?” asked myself still trying to maintain my composure.

Count Coisenmo who looked like he wanted to speak was immediately cut off by his wife, "Okay if that's what you want dear, but first forgive your uncle and auntie, for grilling you without knowing the truth!"

I nodded my head, "Yes auntie, forgive Noah too who looked weak in front of auntie!"

"Oh dear don't be so sad," Countess Coisenmo pushed her husband a little to make way for her, she briefly gave a cynical look towards Oliver who chose to walk backward and let me be hugged by Countess Coisenmo, "...you have to look strong, a duke shouldn't shed tears easily; for auntie, you are already strong because auntie is sure, you will be like your mother," she said to give me support.

I returned Countess Coisenmo's hug, sobbing but not pressing my face against her clothes so that it might leave a mark on her expensive clothes.

"Ah... yes, actually auntie wanted to give you this," she immediately stood up.

As he walked, the two exchanged fierce glances, Count Coisenmo shaking his head, while Countess Coisenmo chose to push her husband and take the suitcase he was carrying.

Opening the suitcase, he took out a letter, Count Coisenmo said in a stern tone, "You made a mistake!"

“Let me go!" shouted Countess Coisenmo.

“The only mistake I made was being weak in front of you!" hissed Countess Coisenmo, "...how long must I submit to you, just because I am a wife!"

“"You..." growled Count Coisenmo but this was ignored by Countess Coisenmo who walked towards me with a friendly smile, as if she didn't care that previously she had a serene expression on her face.

“Noah…” called Countess Coisenmo as she approached me.

"Did you know? What is this?" she showed me an envelope with a wide smile like a caring aunt to her nephew.

I shook my head.

Countess Coisenmo chuckled, "Darling, this is your summons by the emperor to determine your confirmation as a duke," she seemed to pause for a moment as if she was having a hard time admitting it, "...although you have indirectly become a duke through the trial with Count Marion," she seemed to be trying to remind me of that bad time, "...and the events afterward, but auntie hopes you don't have too high expectations; because it could be..."

With a slight smile that looked friendly, "...it could be that the emperor makes a different decision considering your age, dear," she stroked my head, "...of course you can have high dreams but don't be too high, dear, because it would be very pitiful and sad for you if you cry in the imperial hall later if your dreams don't come true!" she said.

"How...did auntie..." I looked at her in curiosity as I intentionally avoided her remark. While quietly I was in horror due to the weight of the letter I carried with the black color of the letter and the two eagle heads. I already knew that it was a letter from the emperor. I bet there’s no way this stupid couple and that bastard Winfield dared to make a false letter.

Looking at me; who was shocked and confused. Countess Coisenmo patted my head again and with a facade warmly smiled, she said, "Of course, I could do it, my dear nephew. As a noble, I could do anything as long as I have an upper relationship with a great noble, and you, in the past indeed you're part of a great noble. But for now, you are just a fallen noble, I hope you can return the family name to that place again!" with a smug face as she gave me the letter.

Then she added, “Sweety, I’m very sorry for the truth about this letter,” she pointed her finger to the letter, “...came out from this meeting, your uncle just upset you because you ignored him and it wasn’t good dear, a good duke always listens to its heart, not the subordinates!” she looked lowly at Oliver.

“Thank you, aunt,” I looked at Count Coisenmo and hugged her. I need to keep her mouth shut. I should not let her take another opportunity to turn the table. As for Oliver, somehow he decided to watch from the sides like trying to found his ground.

"You don't have to be like that, Auntie," I said in a weak tone, "Oliver is the only one I can trust, Auntie!"

Countess Coisenmo looked displeased with my defense, but she kept her smile on, “Well, indeed, it’s true, but you can ask your uncle or aunt to accompany you?”

I shook my head, “I know auntie, but,” I lowered my head and grip on the letter, “...despite I can contact you and ask that; I know, I shouldn’t do that since uncle was a busy respected noble, right? He had a territory that needed to be taken care of?”

I could see the slightly annoyed look on their face, but Countess Coisenmo still tried to keep smiling.

To Be Continued…