I frowned at the mention of the problem and asked Rune to explain. He told me about the problem that had arrived at our doorstep and I felt a headache coming.
"Are they still here?" I asked and he nodded.
I got down from the bed and Rune followed me.
"Wait, you're not going to see them now."
"Yes."
I grabbed a shawl from the hanger and Rune came with me, the maids outside gasped when they saw me walking around but I ignored them as I walked up to the waiting room.
I could hear the angry voices behind the door if this were to happen in my past life then I would have kicked the doors open but for now, I was in the body of a ten-year-old aristocrat I had to use a different approach.
I knocked on the door making the voices halt for a moment and the guards opened the door, before they could say anything I walked in followed by Rune.
"Reina?" Duke gasped as he saw me and I saw two strangers inside, one sitting on the couch opposite the Duke and the other standing at the back.
I curtsied, "Welcome to the Aurelius residence. I'm Reina Aurelius. I just came to know that we had guests that's why I rushed out to greet you."
One of the strangers was wearing a suit looking like an aristocrat while the other was a knight.
"It seems like the frail Young Lady of Aurelius Duchy has some manners." The aristocrat spoke with arrogance dripping from his voice.
"Apologies but I don't think I know the gentleman," I spoke keeping my back straight and my voice cold.
"I'm Count David Fergusson, I'm an attorney by profession." He introduced himself and I walked over to stand beside the Duke.
"Reina, you still haven't recovered. You must return now that you have greeted the guests." The Duke said and then turned to Rune.
"Rune, take Reina."
Rune looked at me instead and I touched the Duke's arm.
"I would like to stay here and assist you, Father," I said.
"I'll stay as well," Rune added making the Duke look at both of us.
I sat down beside the Duke while Rune stood near the arm of the sofa close to me.
"I'm sorry, Count Fergusson, but can we continue our talk later?" The Duke said.
"Why? Your children are quite mature and interested in your business so, it will be a waste to keep them from this."
The tone that the Count used made a vein pop in my head.
"But still-"
"You should have thought of that before, Duke."
"Count Fergusson," I spoke up feeling the icy cold aura surround me.
"Yes?"
"May I please know the reason why you are talking with my father, the Duke in that condescending tone?" I asked and the Count chuckled.
"I didn't mean to sound so harsh, Young Miss. But your father owes us a debt."
"A debt you say?" I spoke and leaned back, "Does that allow a Count to talk down to the Duke who is far above you in social status?"
His expression soured in an instant.
"You-"
"Speaking of the debt then all of the money will be paid to you within a week with interest." I announced making everyone look at me with wide eyes.
"What?"
"Reina!" I held the Duke's hand to keep him from jumping up.
"Are you sure?"
"You can take my word on it." I confirmed and the Count smirked.
"And if you can't?"
"Then I'll be responsible for the consequences."
"Reina, what are you saying? Count, please don't pay any heed to this." The Duke exploded.
"I'll take the responsibility as well." Rune added.
"Rune!"
"All right, then. I shall take the word of the Young Master and the Young Miss of the Aurelius." Count announced, "My knight and Duke yourself are the witnesses so, I'll put my trust in you."
The Count left and Duke Aurelius looked at me and Rune with his eyebrows furrowed and face tight with anger.
"Why did you two come here?" He demanded.
"Reina, what was that you just said and who told you to make such a deal with that man? Do you even know what kind of person he is? And where will you bring the money to pay him? Do you even know the amount?"
The Duke started chiding us non-stop and I sighed.
"Father, please hear us out first." Rune spoke up.
"And what is it? Do you even know what you did?"
"I know." I answered making him look at me.
"You may have kept your problems a secret from us but we're not so unfilial to leave you when you are having a tough time." I said making the Duke frown.
"What do you..."
"Please trust us for once and accept our help." I said and he stared at me for a moment before he sighed and sat down on his knee before us.
"I... didn't tell you two about it because I didn't want you two to worry about this. You are not supposed to suffer because of my shortcomings." His anger was replaced by sadness and I sighed.
"How could you think that if you are suffering the brunt of it won't affect us?" I asked.
"She's right, Father. We are your children, you do so much for us so, it's only our duty to do everything we can to help you when you are suffering." Rune added.
The Duke looked at both of us before he reached out and wrapped his arms around both of us.
He was the stark opposite of the man who I had as my father in my past life, and maybe it was because his affections and his feelings were lying so transparently in front of me that I felt guilty for taking the place of his real daughter and also disliking him while thinking of my past life father.
"So, what are you two going to do?" He asked after he gathered himself and Rune looked at me making a small smirk tug at my lips.
"Let's go for a short trip, Father."