Everyone eyed the papers in front of them, starting to read and curious about what it might be.
The room fell silent as everyone focused on the carefully constructed documents detailing everything, including and not excluding all the affairs of the Mabuz territory.
The sleepless nights and hunger-filled days finally pay off as the faces show different emotions on the information in front of them.
I just wait as they digest how someone who is just 12 years old could manage to do all this without much help and shows results not even compatible with adults and well-experienced nobles.
Calculated and thorough, each page detailed the state of the duchy under my management, financial records, trade agreements and even strategic military placement.
I had left nothing to speculate.
Marquis Cabot's expression twisted into rage as he flipped through the pages, hoping to find any errors or problems. Something missing or a miss calculation there.
'You all will find nothing wrong because I have been someone who had reports for most of my life. I am an expert.' I laugh to myself, making sure no one notices me.
Arlo Cobat's expression got worse as his earlier arrogance dimmed, though he was too proud to concede defeat so easily.
Duke Cavad was the first one to speak, as he moved forward and placed the papers down. "Interesting. These numbers show remarkable stability despite the absence of Duke Mabuz. One would assume the duchy had suffered, yet..." he trailed off as admiration settled in his voice and tongue.
Countess Blackwood was next as she tapped a finger against the paper, a smirk spreading her lip. "Not just stability, but also improvement. Investments in infrastructure, strengthened trade relations with neighboring territories... I can't believe I was involved with your plans without me even knowing."
"You are a busy man." She finished.
A man, not a boy or young Duke. A man.
I tilted my head as I met her gaze, "I was not about to let my people suffer."
I saw a few of the nobles exchange glances and whisprings, probably about their next moves with me.
But still, not all were convinced.
Marquis Hale, whose expression is always locked away, finally spoke. "Even with these figures, rulership is not simply about numbers. Leadership requires more than paperwork."
"Of course. That is why I came prepared." I turned to him and met his gaze with no hesitation.
At my signal, the doors to the grand hall opened, and in walked several individuals—officials, merchants, and military leaders, all of whom had worked closely with me in managing the duchy. Each one carried testimonials and reports that further solidified my claim.
The murmurs grew louder.
Baron Lorne, who had remained quiet until now, finally sat up, his gaze flickering with something akin to amusement. "I see. You've been building your case long before stepping into this hall."
"A good leader anticipates opposition." I say casually as a barely there smile forms on my lips.
Count Rowan, who had been checking out the situation, watched with keen eyes. I could feel him tuning towards me by each passing second.
And his help would be great when it was needed.
But he will not intervene, allowing me to negotiate this battle on my own.
And I knew why.
This was my test.
But of course, desperate to regain his footing, Marquise Cobat scoffed and spoke, "You expect us to believe that a child, raised by a Duke who was always absent, can manage all of this alone?"
My eyes twitched, but before I could counter, Countess Funar, a forever friend of my father, spoke on my behalf. "You mistake him for someone ordinary, Marquise."
Cobat's expression darkened. "I will not be silenced by baseless Bravado."
I took a step forward as my voice carried my intention throughout the hall. "Then let me make it clear. I am not asking for your approval. I am simply showing you the reality of the situation."
"It's been almost two weeks since my father passed away, and more than two years since he left the territory to me. So you better take that into account." I finish as my face turns dangerously calm, my gaze dark as I stare into his soul.
'I can kill him but that will definitely not work in my favor in this situation.'
The air in the room shifted. The power dynamics had changed.
Now the ball was in my court.
And I have already won.
'Dragon aura...'
No one can stand in my way, not when I have all this power in my arsenal.
Duke Cavad leaned back in the chair, his unreadable expression hiding the fear. "And what do you propose next, Young Duke?"
"Simple. If anyone still doubts my ability to lead, then I challenge them to present a better candidate." I say point blank.
Silence.
No one spoke. Because there was no one.
Count Rowan's lips curled slightly as approval linger in his gaze. He finally rose from his seat. "It seems the matter is settled."
Marquise Cabot gritted his teeth but said nothing as he defeated, slumped into his chair.
I had won.
But the feeling of victory was bittersweet as I turned to the king.
The king was sitting on a higher platform than the rest as he took one last look at the audience and then collected the papers and placed them on the side.
He exhaled deeply and stood up. His regal presence silences the already quiet murmurs. "Then it is decided," he announced with a stern voice as it fell on the hall like a final verdict. "Kaan Mabuz, you will take on the full title and responsibility of Duke Mabuz. This council will recognize your authority and your claim shall not be disputed."
The weight of his words settled over the room. Some nobles appeared resigned, while others barely concealed their discontent. But none spoke against the king's decree.
"This audience is dismissed." He added as he took one last glance of me and walked out the room.
Chairs scraped against the polished floor as the gathering dismissed. Even the people I brought in exited the hall. Murmurs and quiet glances floated into the room as I stood in the middle and closed my eyes.
The feeling of victory and acceptance carved themselves in me.
I sigh and a sad smile lifts on my lips.
Count Rowan approached me briefly as the hall emptied, his tone unreadable. "Impressive." He says and leaves me after petting my shoulders.
Only when the doors shut behind the last person out did I allow myself to relax with a heavy exhale.
'Its over.'
'Time to go home.'
I nod to myself and walk out the door on my way to my home.