Victor was beginning to look haggard for a nearly 18-year-old boy. His eyes were beginning to look soulless. In the almost 10 months he had been in the world of Syronnea he had never experienced the death of a trusted comrade as important as Sergeant Junot.
Although he was struggling mentally, it did not prevent him from completing his work as Duke of Luxenberg. All he could do was get through each day and await the arrival of his Grandfather.
As Victor braked for lunch, a servant approached him in the dining room saying that Duke Cassell had arrived. Being led by the Servant, Victor arrived at the meeting room where his grandfather met him with a faint smile.
"My dear grandson, I am so sorry for your loss. I did not have the opportunity to meet the sergeant but from what I have heard, he seemed like a loyal and honourable friend." Said Lucious, trying to comfort his grandson.
"Thank you for your kind words grandfather, however, due to the urgency of our business requires us to skip the small talk. Duke Cruyff shall die by my blade. I shall have war," Victor replied boldly.
Duke Cassell was surprised by Victor's words. He had an inkling that Duke Cruyff would be the urgent topic they discuss, but to brazenly state that as soon as he arrived made the elderly Duke pause for a moment. Thinking for a second the Duke replied to Victor.
"I understand that you are mad, and so am I, however, it was you who convinced me not to go to war. I wish to return the favour. You are a new Duke, you should be focusing on building your territory up rather than looking to go to war."
Victor did not change his serious expression and began to speak, "I appreciate the thought the grandfather but I shall conquer that pig bastard's territory and execute him myself." Getting annoyed at his grandson's stubbornness the Duke took a breath and began to counsel Victor.
"Trust me when I say this Victor. Harold Cruyff's time will come. I will set aside my feelings for him as well and not go to war. Grow stronger, develop and expand your military. Then go to war. I will support you when you are truly ready, but for now, I urge patience."
Victor did not want to admit but his grandfather was right. Although he was confident he could conquer the Cruyff Dukedom, it would be a pyrrhic victory. If he were to conquer and rule two territories, Victor needed the majority of the military to ensure stability. Defeated by his grandfather's wisdom Victor could only nod and concede.
With their main discussion completed, Duke Cassell asked Victor an interesting favour, "There was something I was meaning to ask you, Victor. Now that you have your father's title I'd like to send Veronica back to you. You live in this palace alone. Your only relatives in the region are in a dungeon. Veronica came to us to escape the misery of this place but now she can finally return without worry. I ask that you please take care of her and that you both care for each other."
Victor's expression lightened a bit. To think his sister would return to this place filled with tormented and sad memories. Sadly, his grandfather's words were true. He lived alone, with no family close by to support or care for him. With a warm smile, Victor swore to Duke Cassell that he would happily accept his sister back home if she was willing to return.
Although he didn't admit it, his grandfather's visit helped restore Victor to his usual self. His wisdom and calming presence were able to disperse all the anger and sadness within him. The visit from his grandfather lasted 3 days where they discussed types of roles and responsibilities as Dukes and what type of ruler Victor wanted to be.
After his grandfather left Hannover Victor began to prepare for his sister's arrival. He had almost a month to turn the palace into a place that wasn't dull or lacking. With some spare budget that he had stored away for a rainy day, he spent on new luxurious purple rugs and curtains to replace the old and faded red.
Victor then used whatever he had left over to redecorate the gardens in the palace compound since half the flowers had died. After that, he began to look for artisans who could deal with the small cracks in the concrete and chipped wood around the palace.
Finally, after all the hard work, the palace looked brand new, although devoid of decoration. It was done just in time as a day after its completion Veronica arrived at Victor's palace in Hannover.
Greeted by her brother and 200 of his summoned soldiers, Veronica stepped out of the carriage in a casual blue dress shirt and skirt with suspenders. Victor, who stood at the doorway of the palace greeted her with a welcoming smile with the soldiers bowed slightly.
"Welcome home my dearest sister," Victor said containing his joy. His sister was quite important to him and ever since she left for Leblanc a few years ago he always thought of her.
"Thank you, Duke Luxenberg," Veronica mocked playfully while performing an elegant curtsy. Both giggling, they hugged and began to catch up. It had been over half a year since they saw each other last and there was so much that had happened.
While exploring the newly touched-up palace Victor began to introduce important officials and members of his household to the new right-hand figure of the territory. Seeing how well and elegantly she interacted with his subordinates made Victor appreciate having her home even more.
While walking through the garden Victor turned to her and said, "I am so happy to have you home sister. With you by my side, we can take the territory to new heights. I'd like for you to help me if you weren't opposed to the idea."
Touched by such an offer Veronica easily agreed. Together they would begin to work towards seeing the rise of their territory.