A few days later, the servants had prepared for their masters trip. Vincent had been busy with the things he needed to prepare for the academy while Neirin had been buried with the documents she needed to finished before going to the capital.
Just the night before their trip, Neirin who was inside the duke's office stumbled upon few documents that has been in the draw of the duke for so long. This draw was on the lower right side of the desk. It has been locked before. And no matter how many times she looked for keys there was none. So, she asked the servants to break the lock.
They were hesitant before since it was the former duke's belonging. It was a good thing that Neirin was able to convince them telling them that this was something she needed to know in order to lead the Halstead duchy in more stable way.
She needed more and more information now that she was going to experience a high battle in the high society. Neirin had thoughts that maybe the contents of this locked drawer were information or even some sort of secret. Hence, she was determined to work overtime once again in order to read the papers.
After the servants finished their works, Neirin dismissed them all. She was left all alone inside the duke's office. Without wanting any delay, Neirin crouched down, folding her dress comfortably in order to see the clear contents of the papers inside the drawer.
Her brows frowned slightly as she saw different papers stacked together like it was just tossed there without any care. Some of the papers were creased and some of the ink were already smudge making some of its contents unreadable.
Neirin stared at the papers for a little while.
This was clearly not how the duke handles papers or matters with relevance or importance. Was her thoughts right? Neirin asked as she contemplated on this matters a little bit. Still, she wanted to know the contents.
Curious as she was, her hands found it's way to the paper careful not to ruined it.
It had the smell of wet wood and a mask scent of vanilla. Neirin carefully picked up the papers hoping that she won't tear them apart for they all looked so old and worn out. She laid the papers on the floor with hopes that these papers that were wet can be dry quickly from the warm temperature coming form the fire place.
Neirin carefully used her fingers peeling them apart from one another. As she finished, she counted the paper that was all laid in front of her. It have a total of five papers. Some of the papers do not have some writings written on it but the first three have. Neirin crawled in order to see it clearly. She bend her head as her eyes slowly moved. She begun reading the writings on the paper.
Cordellia Grey
Declan Smith
Easton Isegard
'They are names' Neirin can't help but thought. Her curiosity grew even more. Her eyes then inched down reading the contents written after their names.
'Debts owned needed to be paid in an unforeseen future. Magic and artifacts even relics needed to be paid with the same equal value. A life should be sacrifice. It's getting dangerous. However, it won't be long until I die. These debts won't be paid.'
What? Neirin couldn't help but utter in her mind. She frowned and even thought of grabbing the papers in order to see the writings more clearly. Thankfully she remembered that the papers were a little fragile and she needed to dry them off first before she can grab them.
However, Neirin obviously glared at the papers one by one as though they were criminals who had committed a crime.
'The duke have debts?' Neirin uttered in disbelief.
The whole Halstead duchy was rich enough to buy anything a person could even name of. Neirin knew that for she saw the ledger confirming the amounts of money entering and leaving the duchy and already converse with the accountant working inside this mansion.
Furthermore, There had been no theft within the past few years and there wasn't even any circumstances that led into anything that could rob the duke with such wealth.
The duke had maintained business fair and square leaving Neirin with no debts to worry. He had confirmed this before but now, these papers appeared like they were meant to be seen after the duke had passed away.
Confused as she was, Neirin then saw the dates on the top right of the papers.
Year 1336.
These papers were here for the past 20 years already. If the duke has a debt then, why didn't he just pay it? Neirin thought such obvious answer.
Why did he put it in such drawers letting the papers to rot? Did the duke really just left it like this? Was this something about money or even-- No!
Neirin immediately paused her thoughts and looked at this matter in a different way. She stared and read the contents over and over again.
'Debts owned needed to be paid in an unforeseen future. Magic and artifacts even relics needed to be paid with the same equal value. A life should be sacrifice. It's getting dangerous. However, it won't be long until I die. These debts won't be paid.
She should not be thinking about money! Neirin should considered the words and sentences written on the papers. It said that a life is needed. There was the word sacrifice written on it. Even the duke had written that it was something dangerous.
This was something a money could not settle.
Neirin's confused looked turned serious as she can feel something brewing around these letters. She felt as though another burden was appearing in front of her without any warnings at all!
Three names.
She wasn't sure who they were but these people were involve with the duke 20 years ago. If she could just ask them what debts the duke was talking about then it would be great but, the time difference was great enough. Looking for them without any clue will be hard.
Neirin heaved her breath feeling as though she was about to have a headache. She then stood up almost losing her balance. Good thing that she was near the desk of the duke and it help her regain her balance.
She stared at the papers once more.
"Well it's a good thing that I will be going to the capital to visit the courts. Sooner or later they will need a new mission," Neirin uttered bending down to put the papers back in the drawers again. However before she put it there, made sure that the papers would not be damaged and the ink would still be readable once she focus on this matters after her trip to the capital.
From the looks of it, there will be a secret she needed to unravel in order for her to ensure the bright future of Vincent.
--
When the morning arrived, Neirin and Vincent who was already ready for their trip just finished their breakfast. They only ate a light breakfast such as bread and some ham for they do not want to get sick once they cross the gates.
Earlier, after Vincent greeted Neirin in her room, she considered telling the matters she discovered to Vincent. However, after few considerations, Neirin thought that it would be best for her to deal this matter silently and more secretly.
Vincent will be attending the academy in few days. He doesn't need any worries given by his dead father. That was also the reason why she was here. She was adopted in order to protect Vincent.
"Is there something you are worrying, sister?" Vincent caught her attention once again just as they were walking to their carriage.
Neirin gave a smile or assurance and shook her head. "Nothing," she lied effortlessly. "I was just thinking of matters that I will need to deal with once I arrive there. I just hope that the emperor would not give me troublesome matters."
Vincent's eyes traveled on the carriage and the busy servants that were going in and out of the mansion in order to make sure that there will be no belongings left behind.
"If there's anything I could help please do not hesitate to tell me sister. Also, please send your letters to me informing me how you will be faring there."
Neirin chuckled brushing off the worried tone of her brother. "No need to fret. I assure you that I will be fine."
Vincent stared at her before he breaking the silence. "I will trust you with your words."
"Of course, Vincent."
Without anymore words, Vincent and Neirin climbed up on their carriage. After making sure that everything was well and there won't be problems Neirin bade her goodbyes to the servants leaving a few commands they needed to follow.
--