Back before, Vincent did not believe anything that his new sister was telling him. He wasn't the type of person to openly trust someone especially, if that person can rob him off everything he had.
Still, Vincent knew to himself that in terms of situation like this, it would be best to be open for possibilities. If his father was indeed dying and he was worried about him being young to take over the duke's position, then, everything will change.
Not only his situation, but perhaps his feelings as well.
This afternoon when the dark clouds with snow have cleared the skies and the sun was proudly hanging over the blue horizon, for some odd reason, Vincent's heart that was anxious settled down as he poured the hot tea on his mouth down to his throat.
It has been a few days now, before calming down like this, Vincent did not have any proper sleep at all. Even though he was tired from all of his travels, his mind was refusing to sleep for he felt restless. He wanted answers and the only person who can give it to him now was his new sister.
Sister? It was such an odd term to use with and his lips weren't used to it.
But for some reason, it was easy calling Neirin a sister than the future duchess herself. She was only here for only a few days but she was already getting used to the mansion and the servants. Vincent noticed how she blended well with the etiquette like she had previously lived in this place before.
Vincent knew that she was nothing but a commoner who was in slums before but she was smart. Neirin's action were full of grace and elegance. If people who do not know her background were to meet her, they would assume that she had been groomed for the title of the duchess alone.
Taking a sip of the tea gradually warming Vincent's chest, no matter who they were, Vincent will always get what he wants, even the title of the duke himself. Everything, just like how his mother had assured him every time, everything in the Halstead mansion and territory, even the people were all his.
--
Their conversation started. Vincent and Neirin having a casual tea at the balcony while the sun was out and the wind was cold looked like a picture painted in a canvas. Several servants from below had seen them talk like they were siblings.
Sooner or later, a new rumor will circulate
But the Halstead siblings do not care about any rumors.
--
"Court of Miracles?" Vincent asked. It intrigued his interest for as a noble son and a heir like him, he had never heard of such term before.
His sister lovingly smiled at him. Vincent's nonchalant expression remained as he was trying hard to listen. However, he noticed that the sun seemed to be brighter in the north right now.
His purple eyes moved tiredly observing his surrounding while his older sister talked. Neirin seemed to blend well in the environment of the north. With the frozen twigs and cold snow around, her eyes shined brightly as it glimmered through the rays of sunlight like they were a ball of crystal full of sunshine.
It somehow annoyed him even more. Heaving his breath, Vincent swallowed before putting some cake in his mouth. The sweetness spreading inside his mouth did not help. He suddenly wanted water but there were no servants around.
Neirin continued while sipping the tea and stuffing her face with the cake. She looked so happy having tea right now. Even in her previous life, it was rare for Vincent and her to have a casual tea like this. Her heart swoon thinking that she might be getting closer to him inch by inch despite of her failed attempt before.
"It's an organization where higher nobility used criminals in their disposition." What an odd way of calling a criminal organization. Vincent slowly stroke the mouth of the tea cup. Despite of his thoughts, Vincent continued to listen for this information was all new to him. He had never thought that his father had been doing this for a long time.
Neirin leaned crossing her legs over while using her right hand supporting her chin on the table. "The court of miracles is the place where your father rule over. It has an organize system that Duke Halstead often check. Moreover, It has 6 guilds that are in charge of any things or matters involve in the underworld as the proper term used. They're mostly in charge of setting rules for the criminals. Furthermore, the Duke has a connection with the emperor regrading this place"
Vincent tilted his head slightly to the left. He had never meet the emperor before. "The emperor?"
"Yes," Neirin sister smiled pushing a plate of dessert to Vincent. She wanted him to eat more. Vincent stared at her oddly, but she continue what she was saying.
"The duke help him ascend through the throne using the power he has. It was quite ironic to think that a criminal organization would put the emperor to where he is now."
Vincent fell silent for a second. His mind was thinking. Neirin on the other hand was observing him and his reaction. For a young man who was barely an adult, Neirin wanted to become his guardian and guide him to this path slowly. But, she knew also to herself that Vincent was a stubborn one. He had his ways and principles. She should know how to respect that.
Standing up, she went inside the room and headed to the drawers. Vincent followed Neirin with his gaze without asking anything. After a while, Neirin came back handing him some documents in a black folder.
Vincent looked at her. His eyes were full of questions. Neirin smiled. "I know you probably won't believe me that's why I'll give you this."
"A black folder?" Vincent asked. She chuckled.
"It contains information I complied through the years. That folder contains my very information. Who am I and my life before." Neirin went back to her chair. She continued talking.
"I met Duke Halstead six months ago and meet the people who were important to the court of miracles. He introduced me one by one to the people who will be crucial and have the power to influence you."
Vincent did not say any words, but he watched her. His cold gaze landed on her blue warm eyes. In contrast to him, she was all smiles and sunshine.
"I know you are wary of me as I will temporary inherit your title but I meant no harm and wanted to support you the best that I can. I know it would be weird for a stranger to say this but, I really wanted to become your sister with a little hope in me that I can protect you in this path."
As Neirin finished her words, Vincent put down the black folder without opening it. Silence lingered in between them. The sky was now painted in the beautiful pastel colors of orange, red, and yellow as it was slowly setting hiding itself on the mountains.
"You really are weird," Vincent said with his low voice. He tapped the table with a small mocking smile. His gaze was clearly showing that he did not trust any bit of what Neirin had said. "You wanted to become my sister? We just met. It's suspicious."
Neirin wasn't the type to give up quickly. Her smile grew wider. In the back of her mind, she was looking forward to a future were they can really become a family. "I would do my best for you to accept me."
"Why are you naïve like this?" He asked. Vincent doesn't know whether to be amused or annoyed with her attitude. " Then sister, would you even survive if I plan and plot to kill you?"
Neirin chuckled feeling a familiar emotions crawling to her. She heard these words of him before back in her first life. Vincent Stared at him oddly. She tilted her head a little, there wasn't any hint of fear in her eyes. It would like he she was even looking forward to it.
"Then, little brother, I would be looking forward to it."
Just as those words, came out of her mouth, a heavy silence lingered between them. One was threating and the other was just accepting his words and treating his provocation as though he was a child. He did not like it at all.
In the end, Vincent stood up grabbing the black folder.
"I'll be going now, sister," He said. "It was a delicious tea."
Neirin gently nodded. She did not stand nor escort Vincent outside. Instead, she said, "You can accompany me anytime, Vincent. I would always welcome you."
Vincent did not reply after that and continued his way out of Neirin's door. As the door clicked, Neirin leaned on the chair looking up the vast sky having the color of pastel explode through the layers of clouds.
A small smile touched her lips.
--