The rest of the journey towards the Vanehiem Duchy was rather uneventful.
At the breakneck speed we were traveling, there were only two stops in between and we were expected to arrive at our territory by the morning of the third day.
That morning, unlike all the other days when I wore the whole armor sans the headgear, my attire my special. Funnily, I never even knew my armor came with a helmet till the servant arranged it with the rest of the armor at night but apparently, commanders rarely wore them in the Empire. I suspect it has something to do with some stupid male bravado like 'Look I'm so powerful so handsome, I don't need protection from snipers in the bushes.'
But Lucien—I mean, I am powerful…. And handsome.
Anyway, the point is, on the last day on the road the servant carefully cleaned and shelved away armor to bring me another outfit.
It was an all-black silk shirt, fitted straight trousers to be worn underneath a neat embossed vest, and a dark red tie caveat. On top of that, there was an incredibly expensive blazer jacket that had ornate cufflinks made of platinum, pale gold epaulets that had chords of similar make linked to the embroidered high collar.
Just when I thought the outfit was done, I was presented with accessories like cufflinks and a double chain brooch, all beautifully carved with the Nightshade crest in platinum and embedded with blood-red rubies.
By the time I wore my shoes and styled my hair, I felt like half of my life had been drained out of me. But all of that hassle was worth it when I stood in front of the mirror.
I must say, Lucien is lethally handsome.
My broad shoulders and narrow waist in this nobleman attire, coupled with my current face were billboard-worthy.
Damn, if I looked half as good as this back in my world, I could have made a killing selling my face alone.
( ◡‿◡ *)
I sighed in regret before heading out.
The good news was that Ragnar was not so resistant to being my horse anymore after that bandit attack. Now he even takes my suggestions but I guess I will have to fully master my horseback riding skills to truly get him onboard.
That being said, it was a very subtle feeling to know that the only person who figured out my current predicament was a horse.
A surly one at that.
Well, beggars cannot be choosers so the status quo is still maintained.
Soon the army was prepared and we were racing past the thickening vegetation that appeared as we moved closer to the Imperial borders. Thankfully, even the infantry in armies of this world seem to ride a horse, maybe not as adept as the ones ridden by the knights of the cavalry, but still fast horses.
If that part of the game was factually right, I would have been in dire conditions.
I don't know about Lucien, but I am a very delicate lady who needs a proper bathroom.
The Empire's borders were magically distinct.
You could almost feel the shift in the air, a vague feeling that a line of control had been crossed. I didn't believe that they could be detection magic as that would be expensive but more like a marker and a warning to behave.
From that point on, it was the Vanehiem Duchy.
Despite the special outfit for today, I was still a little apprehensive about returning to Lucien's home ground. Meeting people who interacted with him every day.
I was especially concerned about Lucien's butler who was foreshadowed as the strongest fighter in Lucien's arsenal. Forum threads boasted that he was modeled after that one demon butler from a Japanese anime but this one was an elf. This would spell an absolute disaster if Ragnar decides to snitch on me as he is the only one other than me in the entire Duchy who can speak to monsters.
My only saving grace was that I had read Lucien's character sheet and more or less knew everything Lucien knew and didn't know.
If I can keep Lucien's cool, calm and suave personality, then things should be relatively fine.
It's not like I had never put on an act before. I wasn't always the Empress, the school thug, and the "boss" of several boys twice my size. I had faked my bravado since elementary school and before I knew it, I wasn't faking my confidence. I had become a confident young lady.
Confident enough to face my sexuality and my shortcomings.
So that was the last thing that worried me.
The problem was, this butler of Lucien was there in the Nightshade household even before Lucien was born. He knew who Lucien was better than Lucien himself. So it would be nonsensical that such a personality wouldn't notice something amiss.
But this whole transmigration business was so out of the realm, he wouldn't believe it even if I told him.
And if he does believe me, I can only imagine the gruesome method he might employ to exterminate the soul possessing the body of his master… which is unfortunately me.
(╥﹏╥)
My inner turmoil didn't reflect on my emotionless face as I rode closer and closer to the towering city walls of Vanehiem.
I slowly rode Ragnar to a stop in front of the large fortification. I could hear the army behind me also arranging themselves against the grating sounds of the portcullis being lifted. Silhouettes of men atop warhorses were appearing from behind the opened entrance.
I clenched Ragnar's reigns tighter.
There were a dozen or so men, all wearing ceremonial grabs not so different from the ones I wore but simpler. The man leading them was wearing maroon formals, his hair curly brown and his stature large.
He was easily the largest man I had come across, even with my current 6'4 height.
I eyeballed him to be around 6'8 feet.
As he came closer to me, I noticed a large scar that cut across his brow bone and immediately realized who he was.
He was Rusald Brock, the head of the Knights Order of House Nightshade.
One of Lucien's OP underlings.
It was him together with magic-man and elf butler who made the trifecta of defeating all of Lucien's challengers before they reached him.
I remember that if magic man's deadliness was in sneak attacks and elf butler in his range-less attack, his was his impenetrable defense. His main weapon was a larger-than-him shield that can root him to a place and never move even if you empty out all your pay-to-win cheats.
While I was musing about the PvP stories I had read about, the man himself performed a knight salute under my scrutinizing eyes.
"Welcome back, My Lord." He spoke with a baso profundo.
I nodded and turned to the vassals behind me, stumped at how to disperse an army. But Woodsworth came to my timely rescue with a bow.
"This vassal shall lead the imperial soldiers to Petllion on your command, Your Grace."
Phew, thank you Woodsworth, I will never forget your help!
I turned to the other three who were also bowing, internally wondering why they were bowing.
"We shall take our leave as well, Your Grace."
I nodded towards them as well before turning to Rusald. My action seemed to cue him into letting out an earth-shaking bellow that rattled my teeth.
"KNIGHTS OF HOUSE NIGHTSHADE! FOLLOW YOUR LORD!"
"""YES SIR!"""
Around 20,000 of the men that separated from the main force, were neatly assembled under Rusald. My eyes were blinded at the knowledge that I was the lord of these many men, and perhaps more within the city walls. I resisted the urge to gulp.
Once the four vassals separated, we moved to the other side of the walls and into the sectioned-off streets.
Drums shook the ground and cheers from the commoners rose in enthusiasm. Many threw flowers and petals over the shoulders of the knights in my direction. Chants of 'long live the lord' and hymns of thanks to the Goddess Etune and Atneas rang in a disjointed symphony.
Suddenly, the reality of being transmigrated hit me.
Lin Xueyin was probably lying dead in the other world.
And I am Lucien Nightshade, the Archduke of Vanehiem and the Patriarch of House Nightshade.
Normally, I would have wanted to go somewhere quieter to process all my emotions but I was strangely comfortable atop a trotting Ragnar overlooking the excited crowd pensively.
I have truly become Lucien.
I chewed on that fact till the crowd fell behind the knight's line of control and a large mansion appeared in my line of sight.
Estate Argenlon Blanche.
Calling it a mansion would be like calling a bus a bicycle.
The ten men tall iron-wrought gate opened to the large, well-maintained Ducal estate. The fountains were as large as a small lake, water falling from awe-inspiring sculptures of nature and art. The grassy courtyard seemed to stretch into the horizon along the walls, trimmed hedges and trees lining the walkways.
But what blew my mind was the mansion—no, the palace itself.
It was at least five floors, each of the floors standing at the height of a normal two-story building in my world. Rows upon rows of windows and balconies that it was impossible to count. The east and west wings protruded out from the central portion of the mansion. There were three other adjacent buildings semi-attached to the main building.
It had medieval European architecture, it looked more like how I imagined the Palace of Versailles to look in real life.
The baroque embellishments on the building were simple yet elegant.
I had to work really hard to not let my jaws drop like a total country bumpkin.
While I was admiring my new home, the knights in our entourage were whittling down to just five including Rusald by the time we reached the entryway.
This time, I was welcomed by a squadron of maids, manservants, and butlers.
The butler outfit made all the alarm bells go off in my head, especially when there were multiple.
Goddammit, what is this MCQ-type problem?!
Unsurprisingly, I knew no one. And before I could even scrutinize anyone, the gathered crowd bowed 90 degrees. I had to heave a sigh internally before dismounting Ragnar.
Two manservants immediately led Ragnar away to God knows where. Frankly, I had no time to care because I was busy looking out for the last sidekick.
"Rise."
At my word, everyone stood up in sync spooking me a little.
"Welcome home, Your Grace." Came a soft voice.
The anticipated man himself climbed down the short stairs and executed the most perfect gentleman's bow before me. He wore a traditional butler's outfit, his stature slender and poised. He wore his blond hair till his waist which was tied back in a simple ponytail, his gloved hand against his chest, and his face that of an inconspicuous handsomeness.
But what was conspicuous was his excessively pointed ear that stood out jarringly amongst the humans.
"Thank you, Fabian." I replied in a monotone.
This was Fabian, a wood elf from the Western Yelen forests whose lineage has been diligently serving under the Nightshade Lords for centuries. Elves were the most elusive of all races and refused to leave the comfort of Yelen forestry so it was quite rare to see one in human Kingdoms. He looked like a 30-year-old but in actuality was almost close to 70 years in age, due to elves increased lifespan.
This elf was the strongest man in the whole of Empire after Lucien, at a staggering level 94. He has his species' affinity to druidism and spirit magic, in addition to a deadly combination of dagger arts exclusive to his tribe—sword dance. He can, in theory, neglect the enemy's distance because he can melee and throw his knives at a range all with extreme precision to the best DPS among WOV NPCs.
This man looked mediocre but was the most frightening entity.
"Shall I order for afternoon tea to be prepared after Your Grace has freshened up?"
"No need."
"As you wish."
I turned to Rusald who was standing there as silent as a mountain.
"Bring me all the details I have missed to my office by tomorrow morning." I gave my command.
In other words, please go away now.
ﾍ(･_|
"As you command, Your Grace." He bowed and led his men away.
I didn't wait to relax and I strode towards the entrance without any care. Fabian fluidly shadowed me, putting me at slight unease. The mansion was grander inside than outside, everything ornamented in a muted platinum and quiet luxury. The servants all move away from my sight, their backs bowed as I pass by them.
As someone from the 21st century, I was having a tough time dealing with it at least on the inside.
But my face was still as stoic as when I arrived.
I noticed Fabian leading me up to a grand doorway on the first floor, with what looked like an elegant waiting room installed. I deduced that it must be the Nightshade lord's study.
Although I didn't want to do any work as soon as I was done from a five-hour horse riding session and a long expedition to boot, I also understood that being a lord of a fief—a Duchy, no less—was going to be a hardworking business.
So I took the initiative to ask, "How is the state of affairs within the Estate?"
"Everything is as you left them, You Grace. Other than a few newly hired help, of course."
Fabian didn't pause as he replied while he opened the door in a stylish flourish.
I walked into the beautifully furnished office, pausing a moment to take in the dark wood and leather décor. The chandelier in the room, powered by magic sealing crystals shone like LED lights, and the massive floor-to-ceiling cabinets filled with books were a few of the things that caught my eye right away.
Contentiously, I walked up to the large wooden desk easily thrice my size and sat on the wide-backed chair. It was meticulously arranged—books, documents and other papers carefully marked, pens and other stationery kept upright in an otherworldly device, paperweights, stamps and other trinkets I couldn't identify.
It all looked clean and professional and for a moment I didn't want to touch anything fearing that I ruin it.
But I quickly pulled myself together and pulled an ordered pile of files towards me.
"And anything new in the Duchy?"
Fabian's answer wasn't quick or easy this time. I plucked a pen out of its magical holder and turned to him.
"The Ascart House had requested to meet Your Grace regarding the development investments discussed prior. Reports from the shadow guards and Odium Syndicate have also arrived."
Σ(O_O)
Did… Did he just say… Odium Syndicate…?
Why would they send me, Lucien, a report— !!!
One couldn't tell from my outwards contemplative and otherwise unbothered face but on the inside, a nuclear bomb just set off at Fabian's words. It was a tight slap in the face for me, who thought I could I cruise along just fine since I have information on Lucien Nightshades entire existence from the gaming forum.
And I have every right to feel like the rug underneath my feet was violently yanked off.
This was a new information on Lucien that forums never discussed, or maybe, never discovered. After all, Lucien was a boss purposely kept untouched for the World Wars event. There were still undiscovered elements to his existence.
Yet this was totally out of the realm of my possibilities.
To say that the criminals of Odium Syndicate were one of the most evil organizations in the Empire would be an underestimation. They were the mastermind behind all the mafias of this part of the Continent, running the underbelly of several Kingdoms and Empires in a tight fist.
In short, almost nothing illegal happens without their brand on it and no outlaws nor police would dare challenge their might.
And Fabian just addressed that vicious organization in the same sentence as shadow guards, who were Lucien's personal army.
In other words, I am also the secret mob boss of millions of criminals now.
Lucien, stop living up to your name as the toughest final boss of the game!
QAQ
"Is that so." I hummed nonchalantly.
"Additionally, the Crown Prince had received your gift yesterday." Fabian smiled serenely. "I am sure we can soon expect an Imperial convoy to express His Highness' thanks to Your Grace."
I perfunctorily nodded to what he said as I was still recovering from the mental blow I just received.
"Prepare accordingly."
"Of course, Your Grace." Fabian bowed obediently.
I didn't open the bunch of files as I suddenly felt exhausted. I wanted a proper shower before I could even deal with this pile of mess.
I tapped the hard cover twice.
"Send this to my bedroom later. I will retire now." I stood up.
Fabian did not protest but cooperated in my escape from reality. Soon he was leading me up the grand staircase and towards the direction of bedroom, I assumed. When the large double door made of dark wood appeared, I was relieved. He smoothly opened the doors.
He is such a capable butler. QAQ
My steps quickened to enter the bedroom and escape Fabian's piercing eyes but I wasn't fast enough.
"Is something bothering you, Your Grace?"
I stilled, my hand still holding the doorknob, halfway shutting the door. I forced myself to connect my eyes with that of Fabian's green irises.
They were limpid and calm.
"What makes you think so?" I asked confidently.
"This servant has no right to peer into Master's thoughts but is merely concerned." He placed a hand over his heart and bowed, lowering his eyes. "But forgive my imprudence in wanting to offer my humble services to ease whatever bothers Your Grace."
I narrowed my eyes.
Good thing I prepared my excuse beforehand because I was sure this hawk would smoke me out the moment I met him!
It was an excuse that was linked to an issue that Lucien was going to face very soon. It wasn't foolproof but it should work well enough considering that its information about the future. Honestly, I wasn't planning on using it unless Fabian was suspicious of me later on but now it looked like he was suspicious the moment he saw me.
Ahhh, scary!
I paused a moment for dramatics, my gloved hand tapping the knob twice.
"Fabian."
"Yes, Your Grace."
"It will be best to enter the inner holdings and retrieve what my father has left for me." I said slowly, my voice low with gravity.
"Your Grace!"
Fabian's head snapped up, his mask of pleasant smile broken into shock. It did bring me a sense of satisfaction to see this perfect butler crack a bit.
"I believe I will be doing so sometime next week." I continued.
"Your Grace… Are you sure?"
"Are you doubting what I can infer for myself?"
"No, never, Your Grace." He collected himself in record time and the perfect butler was back. "I will make the necessary arrangements by the earliest tomorrow."
I nodded in satisfaction.
"Shall I bring in the maids to draw you a bath?"
Right! I don't know how the magic devices here works!
"Go ahead."
"Thank you, Your Grace."
I then entered Lucien's luxurious bedroom for the first time.