The headquarters of the Court of Miracles was the whole capital of Devonshire. Some people who had been inside this tell the statement that it was a capital under a capital. However, in contrast, this was not a capital but instead, a place for ten person to stay with those people who had passed their test.
Just like how discrete the entrance was, only few people knew about this place and how to get inside. Even the emperor whom the previous duke had swore allegiance to remained unaware where really the head quarters of the court of miracles.
In the capital, there were specific entrances that only the nine head guilds and Neirin knew. They then passed information to other person if they see that that person was deemed to know.
the whole headquarters of the court of miracles have different rooms. Each room have different ways to be opened and just like how complicated the door in the entrance were, it was even more complicated on the rooms where only she, the headmaster was allowed in to.
Neirin knew that she cannot conceal her identity to the nine guild heads for they were shrewd. Moreover they had already known her the moment she entered the capital through the gates and probably hear the gossip through the nobles inside the Hilstone salon.
If they wanted to intimidate her, they would need something even more bigger.
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Neirin was confident walking with her cane passing through hallways, stairs and even rooms. The whole headquarters of the court of miracles were quiet that even the sound of Neirin's shoes was heard echoing through the walls.
Some of the nine guild heads were a little surprise that the duchess had already knew about the information of the room and stars and where was its location. Although some of them thought that they could lead the duchess, she was already moving like she was already inside this place and knew every rooms inside without even asking questions.
Perhaps the duke had already told her but then, the way she take the lead despite not having any direction told them that she was more than a person who came from slums and a thief. Even though they were wearing a hood, it seemed as they already knew what each expression
All of then grew wary putting all their guards up. No one can blame them. They were people who had crawled into to where they are right now because they trusted their instinct and had a the courage to do the impossible even risking their lives.
The nine guild heads remained silent following Neirin and after a while they reached a black double doors with gold stars design on it. Neirin used her key putting it on the key hole before twisting it with the door knob.
In their eyes, a room with a wide table and ten chairs were placed in the middle. Their surroundings instantly brightened by the lamps on the walls. A fire started to flicker on them created a dim and heavy atmosphere.
At the same time, the ceiling soon lit up. A light crawled like magic carefully tracking the map of the entire continent and putting marks on the four existing kingdoms and the empire.
The room of stars were a designated place for the nine guild heads and the headmaster to discuss and have meetings. Although the previous duke had given them the right to decide matters on their own, there were few important matters that would need the opinion of all of them.
Hence, the room of stars were created. It was a meeting room where no one can lie and even their intentions were displayed though a magical glass orb that had been put in front of their seats just on their tables.
The color usually changes based on the emotions of the person who possessed it. The duke of Halstead despised betrayal and lies. Hence he had asked someone to create. Although there were questions about who had made such masterpiece, the duke had shut his mouth about this information.
There were many lights flickering inside this room, hence, it was called the room of stars. But in contrary to its name, this room had been a witness to all the hideous things that the court of miracles had done in this empire and in this continent.
The duke wasn't a kind man. He was also not a hero. Moreover, he like the sight of blood and even everything foul this world has to offer.
He was a person who often pulls the trigger and strings behind every scene he fancy and he took no pity to any man. He had greed and desires in his heart. The duke was proud of that.
He was the villain in all stories that came to exist.
He did not regret living that way. But what he regretted was, his dark history passing over his son. That was why he had asked Neirin for her to protect him until he was capable enough. She knew where she was standing. She was a tool and she was willing to become a tool for a family that saved her countless of times.
Just as they entered, Neirin went a head and sat on the center, where the seat of honor of honor was located. Soon enough, following her lead, the nine guild heads went to their respective places. As soon as their butt touches the chair, their magical orbs that were placed in front of them flickered with the color of gray with the color of blue.
Neirin who had seen it chucked. Her gaze landed on them. They all were looking at the orb. A smiled formed her lips. She knew very well what the color meant.
Wariness, Anxiousness and doubts.
"Indeed you are very wary of me," she said trying to lighten up the mood. No one answered her. She did not fret and raised her right hand as though she knew what she needed to do and the rules she needed to keep.
"Off your hoods. All of you," she command. The nine guild heads followed her command without any questions. Their faces came to view. All of them looked familiar to her. Of course, she knew them from her previous life.
After her previous life she never thought of seeing them. These people were the ones who fought for the right of Vincent when she was making sure to exploit everything he had back before. These were the people who remain loyal to Vincent.
However, they won't be able to remain loyal to her. She knew that. This time, she won't be asking for their loyalty but for their efforts.
She was just a substitute.
Neirin doesn't care.
After she finished this, she can finally opened the chapter of her life that was long closed.
"I'm Neirin Circe Halstead, the adopted daughter of Duke Sebastian Halstead and I will be leading you for the next three years before my brother, Vincent Raphael Halstead come of age. If you have personal questions for me and if you think of me as unworthy to lead you all, you may speak now."
Neirin said in a cold and expressionless face. The welcoming atmosphere that they once felt soon changed. Neirin was fast enough to grabbed the ropes and hold onto it tightly. This way, even if they're wild dogs, they won't just bite their owners without any specific reasons to.
Silence soon followed as the nine guild heads looked at each other, contemplating.
Seconds and minutes passed. Neirin waited a little while longer and just as she expected someone among the nine raised her hand.
Neirin stared at her. She was a lady who has a red hair and glimmering blue eyes and freckles under her eyes. However, what stands the most was the scar on her left lips. From Neirin's point of view, it looked like it was a scar from a knife or a dagger.
All the eyes were on her.
"Yes, my lady?" Neirin gestured for her to stand up. "Is there any questions you wanted to ask?"
Silence enveloped the place. Time ticked.
"Your grace," she said in a calm, polite, and respectful manner. Neirin raised her right brow a little bit satisfied that she was respectful.
"Go on," Neirin urged her.
"How did you meet the duke? We all know that he did not have any child before the young lord Vincent, how were you able to attain this position?"
Neirin tilted her head a little bit not expecting the question. Still, she answered the question not taking any offense of it.
"Father found me in slums looking for a substitute that will be a tool for him and his family. He made a deal with me. I wanted wealth, protection, and assurance. He needed a shield for Vincent," Neirin answered frankly. "Of course you all know that." She said quite confident. She stared at them. "There is nothing you all do not know right?"
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