Neirin was surprised to hear such provocation but she doesn't mind at all. She was a thief before, she wasn't ashamed of that fact. It was a living she had chosen, stealing in order to get by but now, she had a better role. After the death of the former duke, she had already devoted her life into protecting Vincent.
She gave a gentle smile without any hostility. It seemed that no matter what Vincent do, her affectionate gaze will always pointed at Vincent.
Vincent blinked tearing his gaze away. It made Vincent a little bit uncomfortable seeing how she was acting so nonchalant about it.
"Yes I was. Have you finally opened the folder I gave you?"
"Yes," Vincent answered turning his gaze to looked at the figure in front of him. He was still bowing.
"Do you have any thoughts?" Neirin asked curiously. Eyes lingering a little bit longer before shifting her gaze. "You can rise now." The hooded figure followed Neirin's command.
"Just trivial thoughts that weren't worth paying attention." Vincent gave a subtle smile. "It must have been hard for you."
Neirin smiled as her eyes mysteriously flickered with the light coming from the chandelier. Vincent flinched. It seemed like he can't keep his eyes of his sister. He was fascinated at the same time curious.
His gaze lingered a bit more. He felt as though she was giving a meaning to her next words.
"Miracles do exist, Vincent." Vincent did not expect such reply.
His smile turned into a scoff. From the looks of it, he was mocking the thought of how his sister had conclude such things. He just lost his father after his mother. If gods do really exist, then, Vincent can only think that they were cruel and don't associate themselves with humans like them, nothing more.
"I never thought you are religious sister."
"Think whatever you may," She turned and head towards the door. "I'll be leaving you both alone for now. Talk as you may see fitting. Dylan," Neirin stopped her footsteps just as she was able to grab the door knob. Her sharp gaze landed on the hooded figure. Neirin looked like she was giving a warning.
"Yes, duchess?" Dylan, who was the hooded figure bowed even more.
"Keep in mind that your master is Vincent now."
"Yes, Duchess."
With one last nod, Neirin left the room leaving only Vincent and the hooded man named Dylan.
--
"So your name is Dylan?" Vincent asked. His eyes lingered a bit to Dylan studying his figure before He turned and walked towards his seat. The tea and refreshments was forgotten a while ago was cold now.
Vincent sat leisurely crossing his right leg over the other. He wanted to ask for another batch of tea to the servants but matters he will discuss with Dylan now will remain confidential.
Just as he was thinking that, Dylan obediently followed and answered. "Yes, my Lord. I am the leader of the court of Crows under the jurisdiction of the court of miracles."
Vincent clasped his hands and rested it on his thighs. He heard the term court of Miracles before however, he still doesn't know how big the organization was. As he was considering his questions, he lifted his chin. Tired purples eyes scrutinized the figure in front of him. It was then he only realized that he had not seen the face of the man he was talking to.
"First, why not take off your cloak as I can see you clearly. My sister said that you would be working for me."
In one swift of a movement, Dylan lifted his hands and removed his cloak. A man with blue eyes and dark skin appeared in front of Vincent. His gaze was sharp and domineering however, he was acting so respectful towards Vincent. His figure left an impression on Vincent that this man was really fitting to become the head of certain guilds.
"You have met my father and sister?"
Dylan nodded. "Yes, young Lord."
"When?" He asked tilting his head a little bit. He was a bit curious to when and how all of these matters had started.
"Few months before, my Lord. The former duke, Duke Sebastian, had introduce the duchess to me with the intention of letting me know who will be my master now. However, the lady had told me that the court of crows won't be in the care of the head of the Halstead duchy instead, you will be our master and Lord."
As Vincent heard that, he was silent again. His sister's calm and gentle face resurfaced in his mind and he did not like it. As he was kept inside the four walls of the academy, a large scale of plans was set into motion and he only received the news after his father forced him to come home and now.
Clenching his jaw, Vincent really hated being kept in the dark but at the same time he also understood the way his father's thoughts worked. In the end, he was somewhat gaining an understanding that his father really treasured him.
"What are you best at?" he asked one more time.
"Killing, young Lord. We kill people for a certain specific prize. However, we had been loyal to the Halstead duchy."
Vincent stayed silent for a while.
He was really left in the dark as only now that his father died that he was learning and seeing things like this. He did not believe in such organization before when Neirin had told him about it but now, with such proof, he can only considered how powerless he had become and had no choice but to follow his sister until he inherit the position of the duke.
Vincent unclasped his fingers as he started to tap the table. The sound echoed inside the room creating a tense atmosphere. Dylan waited for Vincent's next words.
The latter however, he started to think and weigh all of his current actions and where he was in the position of the family. He had been given the promise of transferring the duke's title once he had come of age. All he could do now was grow in power and strength while following the path of Neirin.
As time passed and the more he got exposed to the internal affairs of the duchy the more he realized how he really need a guardian- a protector.
That's right. The best course of action right now was to act obedient little brother. After exchanging few words to Neirin, Vincent somewhat felt that she won't be harming him in any ways.
"I do not have a job for you now, however, I require an oath of loyalty coming from the head of the courts himself. Would that be plausible?"
Dylan did not need any more words. He knelt in front of Vincent and placed his right hand was on his chest. Vincent's gaze followed and now he was looking down at him. The whole atmosphere between them turned serious. Vincent waited for his next words.
"My lord, you do not need to ask. As a servant it's my job to follow the master's orders without any questions." without waiting for anymore words, Dylan proceed giving his vows to his new master.
"I, Dylan, Solemnly swear that the whole courts of crows will only follow the Young master, Vincent Raphael Halstead's words. His authority will be higher than the current duke of the Halstead duchy and will forever be our master as long as we live. Our Loyalty lies only on the rightful heir of the Duchy, Vincent Halstead."
Hearing such words, Vincent's face formed a smile. "I like that."
--
"Vincent, it's me. Can I come in?"
"Yes sister." After the oath of Dylan, Vincent had already dismissed him and told him that he will be summoning him in the future. Dylan who was prepared had given Vincent a pendant had been coated with magic. It had strange symbols and a red gem inside. Dylan had told him that there were only two of such pendant in the world and Dylan possessed the other one.
If Vincent had urgent matters needed for Dylan to taken care off, Vincent would be able to contact him with the pendant.
Just as Neirin entered the room, her eyes looked for Dylan's figure. Seeing that there was only Vincent inside the room, she asked, "He already left?"
Vincent nodded and rang the bell for the servants to come in. "Yes, Sister." He turned and looked at the butler who just came inside. "Reheat the tea."
"How is he?" Neirin added again walking to the duke's table. The butler on the other hand bowed and followed Vincent's orders.
"He seemed loyal. I am looking forward to his worth in the future." Vincent considered his words. Calm gaze landed on Neirin who was smiling while looking over the missives on the table.
"I'm glad you like him." She said without looking up. Vincent turned and looked outside the window. Just as he was getting immersed by the view, Neirin grabbed his attention again.
"I told you to delay your return to the academy right?"
"Yes."
"Then would you like to help your sister with some works?"
"Pray do tell, Sister."
Neirin raised a letter for Vincent to see.
"You see I just received a letter from a vassal. He seemed to be very against of me becoming the duchess. If his arrogance knows no bound, it would be dangerous to the duchy. I would like my little brother to talk to him."
Hearing the word talk, Vincent already understood that such talk would not be simple. He stared at her for a while. He chuckled. "If that's what my sister wants, as a good brother, I have to oblige."
Neirin smiled sweetly. "I know I can trust this to you."