She look further back in the book, however the information was scarce.
The Tacedonian War, the war led by Empress Leandra Barnard for the purpose of dominating the land of Tacedon and ridding herself of the last of the former Emperor's descendants. Battle that lasted four years and that took the life of the first King Harrison Ogilve.
'Was this a matriarchal Empire?'
After a bit of research, she realized that no, it wasn't.
On the brightest day the sun of the Empire is born, on the 7th day of the first month of the harvest by the blessing of heaven and earth the first crown prince is born, Michael Lucien Barnard, only begotten descendant of the royal blood of the Bernandino Empire, long life to his Highness. Year 746.
Her Majesty had not contracted another marriage, and the little prince was called heir from the moment he was born. As much as you may search, the story was incomplete. There was no more information about the Royal family.
She was still immersed in her reading when she heard the sound of the front door opening. It was a small house, where sounds like that were not lost in the vastness.
Carefully she slipped between the docile folds of the sheets to the floor, sneaking through the half-open door and peering over the railing of the stairs. There he saw his father in front of a tall and strong man, who did not reveal his face. His very presence flooded her heart with terror, filling her head with ideas that were then paralyzed by her next act.
A bag, a bag was given to his father, no words were spoken, and a gloomy atmosphere covered them. Immediately the mysterious subject left, and when the beautiful red-haired man looked around with a willingness to return to the common room, he noticed the tiny figure that harbored terror on the stairs.
For a moment surprise showed on his face, but he quickly composed his expression. Smiling gently at his daughter.
"Theresse, come here." His voice sounded slow and deep, like a lullaby that Theresse couldn't resist. Hesitating down some steps, until she is taken in the arms of her father. Warm, comforting.
'Such a charming man can't be bad right?'
She didn't want to admit that her father was in a shady business. Yes, he was a Baron who had survived dishonor, exile and poverty with his wife and daughter, she knew it was difficult, but he was a good man! Her dad was the cleanest wheat of all!
Inadvertently the resolution glistened in her eyes, earning his father's hand a pat on the head.
—Come with me, dad will teach you a secret— the look in his eyes showed all the love and adoration he had for his little girl, who was now looking at him curiously.
—Shecret?
—Um, but Theresse shouldn't tell anyone. Tell me, can you keep the secret?
—Yes! Theresse is the best at keeping shecrets— The childishness and emotion in her voice amused the Baron.
Soon, they reached the room and there, behind the frame of their great-great-grandfather there was ...
'Button? I thought it would be a safe or a secret compartment '
And right after pressing the button, one of the books on the nearby shelf opened.
Of all the books that were placed vertically, this one and a few more were on their sides.
And inside the pages had been cut, creating a small compartment, which hid ...
Ink.
'So much mystery for an ink stone, I really understand this guy less and less'
However, wasn't that ink a bit strange? The stone was rougher than that normally used for writing and its liquid darker than pitch. Out of curiosity he touched a little of it, it was definitely much heavier and harder than ink.
Most surprising was its drying ability. Barely thirty seconds had passed, when the hard, shiny powder left her fingers like smooth rocks. It wasn't difficult to remove either, she had to take one end and gently pull it out to get rid of it.
'Wonderful' she thought.
She could already see Robert's ideas.
One by one, the silver coins came out of the bag, for a total of 10, it would seem little, but the truth was at least 10 times the salary her father could earn in a year.
100 copper coins are equal to 1 silver coin.
100 silver coins are equal to 1 gold coin.
He would have to work like a donkey for over a hundred years to get that much money!
—Look, it's easy, you just paint the coin and that's it, like this— and the shiny silver coin soon became a round black stone. Without further ado, he tossed the coin into a decorative display case, made of beautiful smooth round stones in black and white.
'Wait, it means ...'
Those were all silver coins?!
No matter how I looked at it, the amount was too exorbitant.
'What shady business did Dad get into?'
Although she understood the basics of the monetary system, she couldn't say she was an expert. She just knew that with that amount she could stop worrying about bread and eggs for a long time. However, she had to start thinking about other things besides that suspicious subject who visited them so late at night and his also suspicious bag of money. Her father's bad salary, the house in a mess, the warehouse full, and the silver coins. Nothing made sense, or at least, not right now. Maybe Iris, her mother didn't even know about that money, if she had to keep it a secret ...
"Interesting! I'd keep an eye on Robert these days, not because I wanted to see her face, no ..."
Well maybe there is a bit of truth in that, but it is not the important thing.
***
Being an infant was better than she remembered, long naps and hot food. She didn't have to worry about working, studying, or taking care of someone else, she lived the dream.
She had been keeping an eye on the redhead for the past few weeks. Time passed fast and he did not find that hooded man again. However, one night someone knocked on the door ...
The clear sound of the loud pounding invaded every corner of the house, Theresse, who was always awake, came out of her room to see who was causing such a scandal so late at night. For a moment, she imagine it could be the guy she was expecting. However, judging by his loud call, it couldn't be him. This time her mother was also present and dressed in clothes a little more refined than usual, witnessing the commotion that was about to be armed at the door.
Wrapping up in a shawl and covering herself up, Iris opened the small window on one side of the door. Instantly a sigh came from between her lips, while her face lost its beauty at the displeasure that painted it. Doubtingly still, she took the cold knob, her hairs standing on end. And finally taking all her courage she opened the door
The tiny figure lying hidden behind the stairs knew something was wrong, despite her mother's always composed expression, she could see it, the little hint of displeasure in her eyes. From her place, she can see the figure of a pretentius man, who greets.
—The sun of the Empire be with you, Lady Asford.— It is a pleasure to be received by you - he bowed and asked for your hand as one who greets.
—Please call me Baroness Halligan, Lord Sirius,— without an iota of kindness she replied curtly, refusing to extend her hand.
The tall, slim man left a sour sensation in his mouth just looking at him. His vicious eyes watched every corner of the house like an appraiser and his greedy smile made clear part of his horrible character, that he did not even bother to hide behind a mask.
Without asking permission, I pass by tapping the opponent's shoulder, without signs of regret. Vacuuming her gaze as far as her eyes could reach, Theresse hid herself, feeling that even behind the table he could see her, as if he possessed x-ray vision.
—Does Baron Hult have any business with my husband?— Her mother like an ice queen looked at the uninvited guest, not hiding the displeasure on her face.
And for an instant, the alerts in Theresse's head exploded. The look that man gave Iris, he knew that look very well.
—As always, it is a privilege to see you, madam. This time I have no business to attend to with Robert. I came especially tonight to see her— his steps went directly to the woman, who even with an austere face remained immovable.
—Try to avoid pointing out your lack of manners by breaking into another Baron's residence like this without waiting for the head of the family, yet you still utter selfish thoughts with that dirty mouth of yours. If you have no business here, I will ask you to leave right now— without hesitation, she confidently pronounce each of your words.
"Wow! Well done you, show him who's boss!" Theresse lifted a thumb from her spot.
Things seemed to be going well, when:
—A woman should not have such a sharp tongue, Lady Asford. Even less when her husband is absent— He leaned over her, when she abruptly pulled away.
—What nonsense are you muttering?!
An ugly presentiment invaded the women present ...