The capital of capitals, Devonshire. This was a capital located in the middle of the empire and were known for homes of the riches people in the whole continent.
Nobles, business men and those people who were rich enough lived here as though they were flaunting their wealth with their luxurious mansions and even the high class servants, carriage, and knights they have. It wasn't just that. There had been a tacit agreement that every month of the year, there will be parties held in order for them to flaunt their money and to establish power over the high society.
Everything in this capital can be bought by money except for those people who were sitting in the throne. Well not in public. As long as a right amount of price was offered, they can even buy a life or in rare cases, create miracles.
Just as what Neirin expected, as her carriage rolled through the paved path of the capital, she found countless of people dressed in the latest fashion trends wearing silk laces glove, who were strolling on the streets with their parasols.
Some even have knights escorting them and others were displaying their carriage with their family crest and embedded with gems stones like diamonds, sapphires, and ruby. Compared to her carriage that only had the crest of the duke of Halstead, it looked a bit modest compared to those around them.
Neirin even thought that maybe she was forgetting some kind of festival for people to gathered around like this despite of the cold winter season.
The moment Neirin arrived at the capital through the gates located in the middle of the plaza, she had already attracted different kinds of attention. Still, she wanted to remain invisible until it was time for her to appear.
She knew she will be subjected to different contempt, rumors, and gazes but she was ready for that. She was ready to face anything. What she needed to establish was the impact of her presence. Her presence in a party banquet meant everything as her standing as a temporary duchess of the Halstead.
If she appeared strong without any weakness she will be respected. However, if she appeared as a weak woman just like how her past life was, she will be forever condemned. Furthermore, her fame would soon affect Vincent in the academy. She needed to do this right. This was the deciding factor of the high society. Gracefulness, elegance, money, and title.
As the wheels of her carriage rolled down the paved path of the capital, devonshire, she noticed few gazes landing on her carriage passing through the glass windows and meeting through her eyes. She immediately withdraw back her gaze and moved the curtains in order for people not to she who was inside.
Neirin heaved her breath and leaned on the carriage seat. She closed her eyes. She inwardly prayed that they soon would arrived at the Halstead mansion in the capital. Just by arriving, she can feel the pressure already. Would she be able to do it?
No! She needed to do it!
After a long while, she was finally back here again in this capital. She often stay here managing the estate for she doesn't want to return to the barren land of the north but now, she wanted to return and take care of everything she had left. Especially with the three names and debts she had discovered one night before their departure.
Another, she knew to herself that her arrival with the duke's carriage would soon stir around the high people in the court of miracles. It would only take time for them to visit her. However, she should visit them first.
Just as Neirin was lost in her thoughts, the carriage entered a luxurious looking mansion with a beautiful flower, tress, and bushes, growing on its garden despite the cold harsh winter. This mansion was painted in blue and white like an icy castle placed in the middle of the capital. It was meant to standout without any efforts.
The knights who were guarding the gates have their eyes balled out in disbelief to see the duke's carriage. It wasn't a surprise that they were all caught off guard.The lady had not sent any letter informing her return to the capital. Hence, the knights immediately moved in order to give way to the duchess.
Even the servants inside the mansion moved to their respective places in order to greet their new mistress. Aside from their responsibilities and duty, they were also curious. They glanced at one another with different thoughts they have in their mind.
They were curious. Who were the new daughter of the duke and who were the person they will be serving from now on? Is she strict? Or a little laid back? Does she and the the young lord have harmonious relationship? If they don't who should they follow? These questions continuously popped out in their minds.
Just as the carriage stopped in front of the luxurious mansion, Aren, the knight who was in charge of protecting Neirin and he who also accompanied Neirin to the capital, jumped down to his horse and opened the carriage with the lady's permission.
With her permission, the carriage door was opened. All the servants moved and gave their greetings.
"We greet the noble duchess of the Halstead family."
Neirin smiled seeing how they all looked too stiff but they were also polite. She climbed down with the help of Aren. "Thank you," she expressed her gratitude to her knight.
"This is only expected, my lady. We are your servants."
"How humble," she uttered before turning to the servants. "You may rise your gaze. I am Neirin Circe Halstead and I will be the reining duchess until my brother comes of age. Who is the head butler and the head maid of the mansion?" She later then asked.
Two person step forward from the crown. Neirin's gaze landed on them. The first one she noticed was the butler who was wearing a gold rimmed glasses and a formal uniform meant for him. He had gray side burns but despite of his hair, he looked rather young.
The other one was a head maid. She was dressed in a black and white formal uniform of the maids. Her hair was tied in a formal bun but she had a calm and friendly atmosphere around. She had a gentle smile and an adorable smile.
"You are?" Neirin asked.
"I am Robert Allison, your Grace. I am the head butler of the Snow Mansion, your grace."
"I am Alice Walls, your Grace. I am the head maid of this mansion."
They both greeted Neirin with equal respect. From the looks of it, they do not want to commit any mistakes. Neirin smiled at them. She was satisfied with their politeness.
"I would like a through report on everything in this mansion and every money that comes in and out. Moreover, I would like you also to send some servants to ask for a dress as I will be visiting the emperor's palace tomorrow."
As soon as they heard the last sentence of the duchess, all of the servants who heard it had the same conclusions in their mind. The duchess was qualified enough to be called by the emperor. She was qualified enough to replace the duke and his dirty job.
"Yes your grace," All of them answered. She gave a satisfied nod gesturing the two head servants.
"Please lead the way to my room."
--
Hilstone Salon, a bar made for the nobles to gather, rumors started to circulate like a wild fire meant to burn those who touches it. Their words only have one topic and that is the Halstead family. Specifically, who was was the reining duke now?
"Have you heard the news?" One noble lady said. Her fan was covering her mouth as she talked. Her eyes often gaze side by side afraid that she might be heard.
"About?" the gentleman by her side asked as he down a brand of alcohol famous for its taste. It burned the throat of the gentleman but he did not care as he down three more glass.
"The carriage of the Halstead that rolled down in the capital this afternoon."
The gentleman paused. His eyes went to his partner. Even his friends and the other ladies on their table shifted their gaze on the woman. "Perhaps it's the young Master?" He added.
The noble lady shook her head. She looked like she was even more eager. "No, perhaps it's the adopted daughter!"
"That's right," another noble lady but in. "It has been said that the young master did not inherit the title but a woman! The duke's daughter from another woman!"
"The duke had an affair!?"
"Oh gods!"
"How blasphemous!" All of the woman gasped. They started fanning themselves aggressively even though it was winter and the wind was cold.
"She's a bastard! This is against etiquette! How could the duke leave a will like that? Oh I can only imagine the hate and bitterness the young master must have felt! He must be so livid right now!"
The women drew their own conclusions while the gentlemen only shut their mouths. Their conversation continued as each topic was getting fiercer and fierce without even noticing that there was a tall figure beside them hearing their conversation.