During the two weeks that Cassandra was in the palace, diligently focusing on her lessons and refining her skills as a young princess, Baxter had taken it upon himself to personally investigate the household of Baron Marsden. Recognizing the importance of understanding the dynamics within the Baron's family, he made the journey to the Montcroix territory where the household resided, determined to uncover the truth behind their troubled reputation.
Upon arriving, Baxtor found himself in a small town that left much to be desired. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and the information gathered by his contacts suggested that this area was infamous for its rampant gang activity and lawlessness. It was a far cry from the noble life that Cassandra was accustomed to, and Baxtor knew that the Baron's household was not merely embroiled in scandal; it was a microcosm of decay within the aristocracy.
The Baron himself was notorious for his severe gambling problem, which had contributed to their fall from grace as nobles. However, Baxtor quickly learned that the Baron was not the only source of their family's troubles. The Baroness, equally complicit, squandered what little money they had on extravagant jewelry and opulent clothing, living far beyond their means. This reckless spending only exacerbated their financial woes.
As for the eldest son, his behavior was even more alarming. He was consumed by an insatiable desire for women and alcohol, often using his family's dwindling resources to indulge in his vices. But his actions went beyond mere indulgence; he had a troubling penchant for violence, frequently assaulting women who caught his eye. Due to his noble status, he would often evade the consequences of his misdeeds by bribing those who sought justice. This web of corruption and moral decay within the Marsden household painted a grim picture.
The only person in the family who seemed to be untouched by the chaos surrounding them was their youngest child, their daughter, whom Cassandra was after with great determination.
In a dimly lit bar, Baxtor sat nursing a drink, his gaze fixated on a short and diminutive girl who appeared to be around seventeen years old. She had pale, delicate skin that seemed to glow under the flickering lights. A particularly striking feature was a large cut that marred her forehead, a testament to the struggles she faced in her young life. Her hair, a curly cascade of orange, tied up in a haphazard bun, stray curls framed her face, giving her an almost ethereal quality. Her tired little dark green eyes, adorned with a pair of thick eyebrows, told a story of resilience and weariness far beyond her years.
This girl was none other than 'the' Harlan, the very individual whom his master had been desperately searching for. Baxtor found it hard to believe that this seemingly fragile girl would evolve into a significant player in the future. Yet, as he observed her more closely, he began to see the depth of her character. She was not only responsible for the bookkeeping of the bar but also diligently managed her family's finances, a task that was no easy feat. Despite her efforts, the relentless cycle of overspending by her family continued to drive them deeper into debt.
Still, she demonstrated an uncanny ability to keep them afloat, ensuring there was always enough food on the table, even if it meant sacrificing her own needs.
But it wasn't just her remarkable ability with money that caught Baxtor's eye; it was also her extraordinary talent for dealing with people. He had been observing her in the pub for an entire week, and he noticed that whenever a fight broke out among the customers, she had a unique way of diffusing the situation. Without ever having to physically intervene, she managed to calm the agitated patrons, merely using her words. It was almost as if she had a special gift—an innate understanding of human emotions and the ability to communicate effectively. Time and again, she would engage the rowdy customers in conversation, and they would back down, often apologizing and offering to pay for the damage they caused.
Baxtor realised that Estella was not only skilled in managing finances but also possessed an uncanny knack for conflict resolution, and he couldn't help but admire her despite her young age. He knew exactly why Cassandra was interested due to her dreams . He could see that if her family were not a burden to her, she could reach her full potential and achieve so much more in life.
As the day drew to a close, she left the pub after it had officially closed for the night. Estella began her solitary walk down the dimly lit alleyway, heading in the direction of her family home. However, her journey was abruptly interrupted when a shadow emerged from behind her.
"Hello, Estella Marsden." The suddenness of Baxtor's voice sent a chill down her spine, and she froze in place.
"W-Who are you?" she stammered, her instincts kicking in. It was only natural for her to be on high alert, especially since her family owed a significant amount of money to numerous unsavory characters. "If you're after money, I still have two weeks to pay..."
"I'm not here for money." He said, raising his hand to signal that he meant no harm. "I've come to offer you a deal."
"A deal?" The moment Estella heard that word, her curiosity piqued, but she remained even more guarded. "What kind of deal?"
"One that would free you from this life and give you all the freedom you wish. Imagine a life unburdened by debt—a chance to create your own destiny, away from the shadow of your family's financial troubles. A life where you can pursue what truly makes you happy, without fear or limitations." Baxtor's words hung in the air, enticing and mysterious, as he waited for her response. Estella felt a mix of apprehension and intrigue, her heart racing at the prospect of what he was suggesting.
"And what do you want?"