Uncle Michael's intentions became evident from the moment he walked through the doors of our mansion. He couldn't allow the noble daughter of Duke Aureliu to wander through the capital without a guard. I hoped the other nobles were taking notice. Only a mere maid accompanied me, but this played to my advantage.
In my past life, Crown Prince Gavriel stumbled upon a rare treasure while wandering through the slums. If my memory served me correctly, this discovery was slated to occur two years from now. But I couldn't allow that to happen. I intended to find him first and ensure he served under me.
I needed someone I could trust inside the mansion. I was sure Elizabeth was already gaining the loyalty of the maids by now, but that was okay. I wouldn't lose this time. Just as she had monitored my every move, I'd ensure she breathed only when I commanded it. But first, I needed to find him.
I purchased a basket of bread from one of the vendors and headed to the slums. What I was doing was risky but worth it. The sword of justice, Kane. Everyone knew this name, the fae sword master who pledged allegiance to Gavriel after being saved from death in the slums. One of the noblest knights in Aetheria, only rivaled by Duke Killian Darkthorn, who also served the Crown Prince. Quite selfish, I must say.
No wonder Gavriel ended up becoming the emperor. He was by no means weak, and he surrounded himself with the strongest men possible. He already had Killian, so I was taking Kane. He'll help Helly and me stand on the same level as Killian and Gavriel.
It took about an hour and a half to find what I was looking for, and I eventually did. Bright red hair covered his purplish eyes, his size similar to mine even though he was older, and calloused hands from having to work to buy even the smallest bit of food.
He looked horrible, but I'll make sure he shapes up and becomes my sword.
I found myself in front of him, pushing the basket of bread into his arms. He gave me a strange look as if he was trying to understand what was going on.
"Go on," I said, smiling at him. "You should eat this; you must be hungry."
The strange look didn't disappear, but he took out the bread and started eating.
"Life must be hard out here," I said, observing his reaction.
"It is," he answered, sadness marring his face.
"Do you live alone out here, or do you have parents?" I knew his parents had abandoned him, but I couldn't just say that.
"I live with my friends," he said, looking at the remaining bread. "I should probably leave some for them."
"How old are they?" I said, continuing our conversation.
"Eve is the same age as me, and Heather is two years older."
"How old are you?" thirteen, I already knew this, but whatever.
"I'm thirteen," he answered, staring straight ahead.
"Tell you what. I could offer you a deal that can change your entire life," I said unblinkingly, looking at him. "Are you willing to take it?"
"What?... A deal," he looked up at me, hope etched itself in his gaze.
"I'm willing to send you to the royal academy and pay for your tuition and accommodation, given that you'll study swordsmanship and will serve under me after your graduation," I said, glancing at him. "You should be loyal to me and me only, and to sweeten the pot, I'll take in your friends as my maids, how does that sound?"
"Too good to be true," he answered, causing me to chuckle.
"Well, I give you my word," I assured him. "Serve under me, and I'll make sure you live the rest of your life comfortably." I was willing to do anything to get him on my side. I needed Kane.
I went home with Kane, Heather, and Evelyn in tow that day, I had enough money to sponsor Kane and the other two would be my eyes and ears in the mansion as well as leverage against Kane.
I wouldn't say things were starting to shape up but this was a start.