In the temple where the rays of light from the sun created an illumination seeping through the windows. The lights reflect through the altar created an atmosphere as though one can feel like everything seemed to be frozen in time.
Neirin who was dressed in an all black clothes and a black veil over her head stood solemnly to respect the dead. Her eyes were puffy from crying however, her dignified and respected appearance did not change at all. It was the same for Vincent who stood there like as a noble himself. His figure reflected the duke's authority. His power and elegance.
Anyone who can see them will feel the pressure and dominance they portray as a they were the Halsteads. The one whose authority was only a little bit lower the the imperial family.
According to the empire's tradition, once a Noble died, they needed to be blessed by the temple in order for their souls to reach the after life safety. Following that tradition, the duke who was laid in a black and gold coffin was placed in the middle of the altar as the high priest asked for the blessings of gods to purify his body and soul from all evilness.
The funeral was extravagantly prepared. Bells were ringing and the doves were released through the air to signify the freedom of a soul from their earthly body.
Neirin had done this for her respect to the duke. She had also sent letters to the people whom the duke was acquainted too especially the emperor himself. Although his majesty wasn't able to attend the funeral, he had given a large amount of gifts and a letter of condolence.
Furthermore, Neirin received an important letter that was specifically addressed to her.
In the pew, the Vassals and servants from the mansion were present and there were also some nobles who was close to the duke. They wore black clothes as a respect and to convey their intention of condolence to the family of the deceased.
Prayers rang through the whole temple and the music from the orchestra was soon heard. The last event had started and that is to offer mourning flowers to the duke himself. Vincent moved offering his hand to escort his sister, Neirin. With a gentle smile she took his hand and they walked to the coffin where the duke was. Everyone who was present looked at them. Their hands were holding a white rose.
As they arrived in the altar where the duke's coffin was placed, Neirin, with her heavy feelings, looked at the duke.
He was smiling. His last moments according to him wasn't bad as he though he felt like he was blessed by the gods. He was smiling so happily as he said that. Neirin told him not to joke about things like that but he was serious.
In his last days, Vincent stayed by his side even though they were not talking too much. However, Vincent's presence changed everything in that very moment.
Putting down the flowers on his coffin, Neirin took a peak of Vincent's expression. Although she expected it, indeed, his purple eyes were cold and distant. "Vincent," She whispered as they head back towards their seats.
"Yes sister?" he answered without looking at her.
"It's okay to cry," She told him.
He gave a small nod gently escorting her to her seat and taking his arms back. "I understand sister. But I am too tired to even cry." He said. Neirin's heart ached once again.
For the whole mass until the duke was buried, Neirin and Vincent stayed silent. Soon after the funeral, the will he had left will be opened.
--
There was a room in the Halstead Mansion. Inside that room, there were only table and chairs without any decoration nor furniture around. Unlike all other rooms in the Halstead mansion that were extravagant, this room was kept in modesty according to the Halstead traditions.
It was the representation of one's mourning and new beginning.
It was said to be that in that room can only be opened once the head of the family died and the will he had prepared was needed to be open.
In the room, there were Ten chairs for the Vassals of the duchy and there were two other chairs prepared for the upcoming head of the house and for the other relatives.
As every Vassal took their respective places, Neirin went inside with Vincent as her escort. As they walked, She can already feel the gazes of the Vassal for she had arrived in this mansion one month ago and most of them do not know who she were. Furthermore, they all had seen Vincent who was the duke's son to be respectful towards her. All of them were wary of her intention.
It was understandable.
She won't find any fault at those gazes but one thing she doesn't like at all was the hostile gaze of Baron Perez. This fat man with rescinding hair line was continuously giving her glares and often times he scoffed.
She chuckled inwardly. She had given him a letter of warning and she wasn't even joking of what she will be doing once he did not follow her orders. In this time, it was almost close to impossible seeing a woman lead a duchy alone. However, even though she expected their opposition, she won't let anything slide at all.
She handled them all before, and she was willing to go through this again for the sake of her little brother, Vincent.
As Neirin took her seat. She heard the gasped of the vassal. She chuckled. Their surprise reaction was predictable. Neirin experienced it all before. In this room, there was one chair where only a person who will inherit the duchy was allowed to sit. Right now, Neirin was sitting here with her calm expression as if she knew everything. It was even odd for the vassal for Vincent did not object instead, he was calm.
"How-" someone of the vassal wanted to oppose but the lawyer of the family had already entered the room with the duke's will in his hand.
A heavy silence covered the whole room. Vincent did not utter any words as though he accepted everything that was going to happen.
The lawyer stood in front looking and observing before taking out a letter with the duke's seal on it.
"As everyone is now present, I will read the final will and testament of Duke Sebastian Halstead."
The lawyer said with firmness. Everyone held their breaths anticipating what will happen. Vincent glanced at Neirin. There were no emotions in her eyes. It was his first time seeing it. It was rather odd for him to see it since she always gave him her smiles.
It was also his first time realizing that she can be a person who wield authority despite of her background.
She was terrifying, Vincent thought.
"If you are reading this letter, it seemed like I have already passed away. Fret not of your loneliness as I am happy to see my wife in the afterlife. First, I would like to say my words of regret and to ask for forgiveness to my son, Vincent Raphael Halstead for leaving you early and for my harsh decisions that lead to our torn relationship. Although it may sound as an excuse, I only wanted to secure your bright future.
As for my Vassals, if you are all present today, I would like to say that I am thankful and hope for your continuous support to whoever will succeed me. This is my decision for the future of the duchy. I have planned this thoroughly after receiving the news of the doctor that I only have few years to live.
Finally to my successor, Neirn Circe Halstead, my daughter"
The moment every vassal had heard this, their eyes shifted to Neirin who was seated to the chair of the successor. She did not smile instead she gave an authoritative gaze making everyone present to shut their mouth as the lawyer continue.
"She is my daughter whom I love. She had gone missing before and I did my best to find her and she's here now. I have reconciled to her after so many years of looking for her. As Vincent was still underage and had not been introduce to society yet, for all the remaining three years before he can debut, I give Neirin, my daughter, all the rights to become the duchess of the Halstead duchy.
However, the moment Vincent had become 20 years old, this right shall be evoke and Vincent will become the duke himself.
I will not be hearing any form of disapproval as this had been granted favor by the royal emperor himself. All of the properties, the mansion, money, land, servants, knights, and the Vassal will be under my daughter for three years. She had the right to decide what needed to do and she will represent the duchy. Any disrespect towards her will also be a disrespect towards me and can be punishable by death.
This is my last authority that I will be using. Furthermore, she will be responsible for anything that happens to the duchy and her duty to be loyal to the royal family.
I know it sounded to harsh for my only little girl, but I know you can do this well. I have put my trust in to you and for your care towards your brother, Vincent.
That is all.
May you all be blessed by the gods and the emperor of this empire. May your days be filled with happiness.
- Sebastian Halstead
--
As the lawyer had finished reading the will of the duke, eyes of everyone present in the room went to Neirin. She give them a small smile changing her expression.
"Is there anyone who wanted to challenge the authority the duke given me?" she asked. Her eyes specifically landed on three nobles.
They were Marquis Vonstein, Count Brown, and Marquis Johnson. Back in the past they had expressed their opposition and did everything in their hands and power to pull her down. They even intoxicated Vincent to commit rebellion however, he had honor his father's wishes and everything they planned left out of the drain.
In the back of her mind, she was thinking if they were the ones who had caused her to die in her first line.
"As you know, I have inherited the duchy now and my brother fully support this decision. I won't be hearing any opposition from you however, I can entertain you if you want." Neirin spoke with authority. It was not her first time to use her power as the duchess of the Halstead duchy. Furthermore, she was experienced with deal conflicts.
All the Vassal glanced at each other. They seemed to have fall under a tacit approval. Even though they do not accept such will, they do not have the power in the first place since the duke had put his authority and even involved the emperor on his decision. They can only think other ways to pull her down. With their heavy gazes and confusion they stood up and faced the chair where the Neirin was seated.
They all said in union as they bowed, "We greet the new head of the family. May the flames of the crown fall favor upon you."
Neirin smiled sweetly. "May you all overcome."