In the duke's office, where the crackling of the fire was the only sound being heard, Neirin stared at the letter she was holding. She was staring at this letter for a while now, contemplating whether she should read it or throw it in the fireplace.
She received this letter while she was going through some documents while managing the estate of the duchy of Halstead. The letter was written on high-quality piece of paper with different flower designs. Neirin can also smell a faint perfume sprayed on the letter.
As she rubbed her fingers through the paper, she couldn't help but notice feeling the soft and thin texture. Neirin pursed her lips and rolled her eyes. She really can't believe what she was seeing right now. She found it too absurd!
'Is this a letter for the emperor's lover?' Neirin couldn't help but ask. She frowned at the thought, and it made her shiver for some reason.
In the past, she knew how formal the letters from the palace were. Neirin had received such letters before. However, this was only the first time she had seen such letter with decorations and even perfume sprayed on it.
Leaning back, Neirin's gaze landed on the ceiling. Her eyes glared at the beautiful paintings and decorations on it as she rummaged through her brain and her past memories that could be helpful for her. Neirin pursed her lips again. She suddenly have a bitter feeling.
Has she ever received this kind of letter before? No matter how she thought about it, she never received one.
Was the future changing? She thought for a possible answer.
Curious as she was, she sat straight and opened the letter with a knife that was inside the drawer of the desk she was using. Right on the heels of that, she unfolded the paper and read the contents written on the inside.
Neirin's eyes moved through the contents of the letter. A few minutes later, she pursed her lips again as she couldn't help but heave her breath. She raised her hands and massaged her temples. She sure was going to have a headache.
'Why is everything so fast right now?'
Neirin can't help but think. She remembered her previous life where she had received countless letters from the emperor issuing her to have a private meeting with him. Neirin had declined everything related to the imperial family in the past. She was afraid that she would be looked down upon and mocked by the nobles.
She was scared of the high society before, but now, all she could think was that another headache was coming. She doesn't know why the emperor called her, but it sure will be troublesome.
Although she had the choice to reject it once again, she was thinking of Vincent's future this time. If she established an excellent relationship with the imperial family, then Vincent's future would be bright. She should establish his standing among the nobles so that he won't be mocked and looked down upon in the future. Furthermore, the more connection he has, the more powerful he'll get.
Neirin subconsciously tapped the table with her index finger as she went over her thoughts while weighing her decisions.
'Damn the royals, I should really use them this time,' Neirin thought.
In the end, she grabbed a piece of high-quality paper. She dipped her quill and began writing her response before asking the butler to send it back to the palace in the capital. The butler nodded as he left silently without any word.
Neirin shifted her gaze and stared at the windows seeing the snow falling down. In her mind, she thought of the events that might happen in the future. She tried to weigh her thoughts once again.
Although she was selfish back then and only thought of herself, She was protecting herself. Information was an important asset to her back in those days. Hence, Neirin knew some important events that might happen.
However, she doesn't want to change anything in the future. She sounded selfish right now. However, that was her own thought. A path where she knew everything. A future she knew. This was her handicap. This was something she could use in order to make everything favorable to them, the Halsteads.
--
As evening arrived, Neirin, who was about to go to the dining hall and have dinner, was called over by a servant. The servant informed her that the young master was finally home after his outing outside the mansion.
A delighted smile formed on Neirin's face. She looked like a child excited about her present. Without any words, Neirin turned her direction to where the grand room was. The servants quietly followed their mistress while holding a shawl. The weather had been harshly cold these past few days, and the duchess often forgot that she was sensitive to the cold.
Neirin went down the stairs passing a few floors and rooms. The servants did not forget to greet her, and she only gave them a smile or a nod. The servants did not mind at all for she looked very much excited.
Just as Neirin reached the mansion's first floor, she noticed how busy the servants were. Her eyes followed where they were going, and she smiled even more.
"Vincent!" She uttered, forgetting all the etiquette she was taught and walked a little faster towards her adopted brother. He was just getting out the of the carriage while the servants assisted him with his things.
Hearing her voice, Vincent lifted his gaze. He gave a subtle smile when he saw Neirin walking toward him with a smile plastered on her face. As Neirin walked closer, her eyes traveled to Vincent's figure, especially on his clothes. As she got closer and closer, she noticed that there was a dark red smudged on his sleeves.
Her eyebrows rose as she smiled. Neirin's mind was fast to conclude what had happened.
"Should I guess that you have done a pretty good job?" Neirin jest. Vincent lowly chuckled.
"I am not sure, sister, but they looked terrified after I left the place." Vincent gave a subtle confirmation. Neirin was delighted.
"That's a piece of good news for me. They won't be barking for a while. Have you eaten? I was about to have dinner."
Vincent shook his head, removing his coat and black gloves. He gave it to his valet. He then offered his hand to assist and escort Neirin. Neirin accepted it happily. Both of them walked together as they entered the mansion.
"Not yet, sister."
"Would you like to eat with me?" Neirin asked. Her eyes observed what would be Vincent's reaction. "I also have matters to inform you."
Vincent gave a nod. With a smile, Neirin turned to the servants who were following them. "Have another plate prepared."
"As the lady wishes."
--
Neirin and Vincent were seated across from each other in the dining hall. They were the only ones inside the room as Neirin requested the servants to leave earlier in order to have a bit sense of privacy.
"I have received an important letter coming from the emperor." Neirin began their conversation as she carefully cut the meat on her plate. Hearing the news, Vincent paused. His questioning gaze was then directed to Neirin.
"A letter?" He asked. He wanted to know more about the contents. Neirin nodded, and she put a piece of meat inside her mouth. She can feel the pressure of Vincent's gaze wanting to ask more.
"Yes."
Vincent stared for a while before looking down to cut his food. "Would sister tell me about the contents of the letter?"
"There wasn't much into it, but he gave a command for me to visit him in the capital."
"Have you accepted it?"
"Yes," Neirin answered with all honesty. Neirin then asked, "When will you leave for the academy?"
Vincent paused. He tilted his head a little bit to the left as though he was thinking. "Perhaps a week after, Sister."
"That's great then," Neirin answered in a cheerful tone. If she wasn't holding a fork and a knife, then she would have clapped like a toddler. "We can go and leave at the same time. When we reached the capital then we can part ways."
"I thought of that too." Vincent grabbed his drink. He glanced at Neirin. "Does sister have any idea why the emperor asked you to come?"
"I have a few," Neirin said in a whisper. "The former duke had a great relationship with the imperial family. He worked with them. Perhaps the emperor is also thinking that I should start doing the job the late duke had left. Still, I knew better than being their dog. At the same time, I also felt the need to visit the capital sooner or later."
"Why is it so?" Vincent asked curiously.
"I know that it would be a bit troublesome being involved with the royal family, but as a temporary duchess, I need to strengthen your power as a duke in the future. Furthermore, I would also need to visit an important business that your father had entrusted me."
"And that is?"
Neirin revealed a mysterious smile as she answered. "The court of miracles."