Chapter Three
_ Ties
* * *
When Baron Stanley departed, she looked at her brother, who redirected his focus to her...
"What do you think of the matter, aside from the Baron?!"
"Sister, you have already made your decision and carried it out. What is there for me to say now?!"
"I still want to know my brother's point of view, to tell you mine. Furthermore, Martin is not someone who will agree easily; she is his only sister whom he treasures deeply, and he is a good person. His presence as a subordinate and also as my brother's in-law is a good thing that will strengthen my brother's position. Also, from an emotional standpoint, I would be happy with Eldora Stanley...."
"..."
She smiled brightly:
"But my brother, what matters to me first and last is your heart. I do not want us to create another Lorraine Bryant."
Louis was moved and looked at his sister with a smile, saying in a sad tone:
"I do not want to resemble Father—the cruelty and the greed..."
Elite went and sat near her brother, patted his shoulder, and said in a friendly and affectionate manner:
"What if I secure a meeting for you with Miss Stanley? If you feel a connection with her, we proceed with the marriage. If not... I will not force you."
Louis looked at Elite, took her hands, and smiled:
"Very well, sister."
"And besides, brother, you are better than everyone; you are kind, affectionate, and a little stubborn."
Elite laughed as she described her brother, and Louis's smile widened:
"It is good for siblings to be together.."
"Elaza will be jealous of me because my brother is with me."
She laughed cheerfully, and he said, remembering:
"Ah, Ella sent a gift for Ian, and I handed it to Mrs. Rose upon my arrival. She told me she wishes to get in touch with you as well."
"I'm excited to see the gift! Ella has wonderful taste in baby gifts."
"She is a mother of two; it's not surprising."
"Well, perhaps we shall meet soon... haha."
Elite and her brother were talking playfully, as if they had been this way for a long time..
Elite looked at her brother with a smile and felt at ease:
'Perhaps this life will be different. I have my siblings and my child; it will be a happy world. I must make my choices wisely...'
After the cheerful conversation and gentle laughter, Louis spoke:
"I must leave now, I have much work to do, but I will come back soon. I haven't seen Ian today, so expect my arrival at any time."
Elite bid her brother a happy farewell at the palace gate, then returned inside..
Louis took the carriage heading toward the residence of Earl Bryant.
* * *
When I left my sister, I headed directly to the carriage my father had taken. I looked at the driver, who was silent without a sound...
Everyone had witnessed my father being kicked out of the palace. I boarded the carriage and gave the order to move to the Bryant estate...
The distance from the residence of Duke Altan to the Count's estate was half an hour by carriage...
It was enough time for reflection: Elite's change, the father's fall, my ascent as the head of the family, and Elite helping me every step of the way...
How did my sister know the father's secrets?! Even the deeds the father was planning to carry out, she knew about. How did the news reach her?!
What I know now is that she is terrifyingly harsh toward her enemies, and safely affectionate toward those she loves, especially her child. I don't understand how her outlook on him changed after his birth, but what I know is that she might stain her hands with blood for his sake...
It seems I didn't know my little sister; in the past, she was the child who cried bitterly at my mother's death, clinging to a shabby, unstable cotton doll my mother had made...
She has become a mother who will bring you down with force simply because you might be a danger to her child...
For the first time, I felt a desire for our fragile ties to become stronger. When my mother died, Elaza shut herself away and her health deteriorated. I entered the academy and used study as an excuse not to even go home during breaks. However, when I returned, I found that my eldest sister had married the young Marquis Jeremy Alexia—it was a natural marriage, the age gap between them only three years, which was good—and the reason was that my mother had arranged the marriage before her death. But my youngest sister, who had just turned fifteen, had become the fiancée of Duke Altan, who was more than twenty years older than her. More than that, she was to marry him soon. I argued with my father to the point that I thought of smuggling my sister away, but my father locked me in the country house until the marriage was completed...
My heart was torn. I tried to visit her several times, but the father had already warned the Duke about me, and after that, I was barred from visiting her. I think she didn't even know about this...
I thought our relationship would never be repaired, for my sister was surely resentful toward me. When the Duke died, I couldn't attend the funeral; I didn't have the courage to face her, but I was following her news. All the news was of her cruelty toward herself and her cursing of the unborn child. She hated the child so much that speculation suggested she would throw him to the maid as soon as he was born—she wouldn't give him a name, she wouldn't look at him...
But when I went to her after she gave birth, she was very different. A mother embracing her child with love and affection. It was something precious. What changed?! I didn't care...
At first, I thought it was a game, that my eyes were creating an illusion, but news began to reach me about a mother who would not leave her child's side, as if she feared his disappearance...
I helped my younger sister. First, I monitored my father secretly and dug into his background activities through information guilds. Although I knew some of it, the guild she pointed to was stronger and I had never heard of it. But I performed my mission to the fullest, then I went to the residence of Marquis Alexia, met Elaza, and asked her to sign her approval for Louis Bryant as the head of the family...
Under Imperial law, if all legal heirs who have the right to inherit the title renounce it in favor of one of them and depose the current title holder, the title is withdrawn directly to the person concerned... As they were both legal heirs, mere signing and pledging to me made me the actual Count, and she was planning to bring my father down anyway...
Seeing her at the last meeting, she was different—a look I had never seen in my life. A strong woman who will not break and will protect what she has. She resembled my mother's eyes when we were being harmed by my father. I realized that I had the full desire to help her, even at my own expense..
And I was convinced to marry Miss Stanley because my sister found it useful...
The funny thing is that she still cares for my heart, but I felt that my heart was lighter since my sister indicated she cared for me and was not resentful toward me...
The carriage finally reached the Bryant estate, and when I stepped down, all the servants were waiting to greet the master of the house. I think they thought it was my father, but when I stepped down from the carriage, the servants' faces were calm..
'Have they been informed?!'
"Good evening, Lord Count. The letter from the Altan Dukedom has been delivered, and we have begun preparations, sir."
The head butler, whom I had known since childhood, stepped forward with respect. I swallowed my surprise, regained my composure, and spoke with confidence and calm:
'First impressions are important.'
"Very well. For now, redirect all letters to my former office."
"...?"
"Because I want to re-change all the furniture in the office and the main rooms. I may change not only the furniture but also the paint and wallpaper. I want the estate to look different... or rather, return it to what it was..."
"Do you mean as it was during the life of Count Hugo Rowan Bryant?!"
The head butler looked with a stunned expression. He was a servant who had worked in the estate for over forty years and refused to retire; he knew my grandfather and my mother when she was young...
I smiled cheerfully: "Yes, as it was..."
"..."
"Begin the work. We shall start a new era."
The servants looked at me with complex gazes: some were very happy, some confused, some amazed, and perhaps some resentful...
Elite had told me: 'You must fire those who are filthily loyal to your father..'
I entered the estate, specifically my private office.
An old painting of Count Bryant, his daughter, and his wife. It was a painting my mother cherished, and when my father removed it, she was very sad, but she was somewhat weak...
It wasn't just that—a golden lily, specifically a hair ornament my mother was thinking of gifting to Elaza at her wedding; it was the size of a fist...
And there was a silver necklace with a rich red ruby gem; she wanted to present it to Elite...
My mother felt her end approaching. I didn't tell my father about the gifts but hid them completely and took them with me when I went to study. I haven't been able to deliver them until this moment. My mother cherished us all, as she had chosen all our gifts before her death..
["You are the brother who will protect his sisters, correct..."]
[ "My mother used to say that a son should be the strength for his family. But you know, my mother wasn't sad when she gave birth to me and she didn't say 'I wish you were a son.' She loved me very much and cherished me, but she told me she wished for a son to protect me because I am very gentle..." ]
[ "I don't know if I am very gentle, but I am sure of one thing: I am happy that I gave birth to two beautiful daughters and a strong son to protect his sisters. Therefore, I will entrust the task to you." ]
I held the gifts, sat on the nearest chair, and embraced them...
"Mother, I am truly sorry, I couldn't protect them... but now perhaps I will make amends. Will you forgive me?"
I felt tears warming my cheeks, but I was somewhat relieved...
This time, I intended to protect my sisters, be with them, and restore our torn ties...
* * *
When Louis left, I returned to my room and found Ian sleeping. My baby is very considerate and doesn't like to tire his mother. And before I reached the chair...
"Waaaaaa...."
I burst out laughing; it seemed he liked teasing me. I went to my baby's bed, and he fell silent as soon as I picked him up...
"Ian, my little one, are you hungry, Mama? Or are you annoyed by something?"
And it seemed my second guess was correct..
I took the new clothes and the appropriate baby tools, carried him to my bed, removed his clothes, and began changing him.
"It seems my little one has gotten dirty... what a naughty baby, haha."
I was playing with him and enjoying the sound of his laughter when he was bare. I wiped his body with a wet towel and dressed him quickly because autumn was approaching. He was laughing beautifully...
Tiishk!!!
I turned toward the door; it was Rose... no one is allowed to enter my room when I am out of it except Rose..
"My Lady is here?! Pardon me, I stepped away for a bit and returned... but did you change the young master?"
"It's no matter. Is there a problem with what I did?"
Did I make a mistake in changing him? Usually, I help Rose change Ian and I followed exactly what she does... why is she upset?
"No, no Your Grace, but changing a baby's clothes is something noble ladies usually hate... I mean.."
Ha, I understand now. I laughed cheerfully and then looked at Rose:
"It's fine. My child is relaxed when he changes his clothes, so I am a bit selfish; I want to monopolize my baby's happiest moments."
There was a calm smile on her face resembling a mother's smile.
'It's not strange; Rose has a daughter around my age, so she has been kind to me since I entered the palace.'
I heard Rose's affectionate voice as she stepped forward to carry the dirty clothes and said:
"My Lady seems mature now."
I laughed happily along with the sound of my baby's laughter, feeling his support for her:
"It seems Ian agrees with Rose.... Ummm, Rose, why don't you take over the position of Nanny, and I will give the position of Head Maid to someone else to lighten your workload."
"..."
Rose's mouth opened wide in shock. I know why she was so amazed...
The Duke's Nanny was a high-ranking position; she is the one who takes care of the important matters for the future head of the family, and she has the highest authority after the head of the house. Therefore, people who are trustworthy and from prestigious noble families are usually chosen. Rose is Baroness Sophia—the family is noble by name because they don't even own an estate except for the Sophia country house on the outskirts of the Altan domain. What made Rose reach her current position as the head servant in the Dukedom was her hard work over twenty years. She had lived through the two previous Dukes and even Leonard's first wife, Mariana de Altan, who died from the Duke's psychological and physical abuse—the Duke's biggest justification being that she didn't bear a child. She died ten years ago...
She takes care of me like a mother, and in my previous life, she took care of Ian as much as possible, but she was in her busiest state. She didn't find much time for Ian, but she was very affectionate...
Perhaps she played a role in why Ian didn't hate me...
I smiled with warmth and affection at Rose:
"Rose, you deserve this position, and if there is someone I would be most confident leaving Ian with, it would be you, Baroness Rose Sophia.."
This was a real declaration; no one could ignore it...
I smiled playfully, carried Ian, approached Rose, and said formally:
"Mrs. Rose, begin your mission..."
"..."
"Today I have much to do. I will leave Ian in your care."
I handed Ian to her and directed my words to Ian:
"Ian, my little one, today your nanny will take care of you. Mama is very busy today—I'm thinking of marrying off your foolish uncle, and there are some insects in the palace that must be disposed of, and Mama must get ready."
Ian laughed; my baby is smart.
"..."
I looked at the silent Rose then said:
"Mrs. Rose, is such language okay for the baby?"
Tears were streaming from her eyes. I was truly surprised and almost took Ian back, but she held him to her chest gently and said:
"My Lady, I am happy. I don't know, do I deserve this position?"
I felt relieved then said to tease her a little:
"If it's an exhausting position, it's fine; I will look for someone else, though I don't know if I'll find a suitable person.."
"No, my lady, I am happy to be given this position. Giving me the task of caring for the young master, whom you treasure so much, makes me feel that my lady trusts me... and I hope I do not disappoint you."
I spoke with a friendly smile:
"Certainly you will not disappoint me, because I do not give anyone a second chance.."
Rose flinched; it seems she understood my words, which is a good thing...
"Currently I have much work, but tomorrow, before officially giving you the position, I will send you on a very important mission... you will perform it, understood?"
Rose nodded in agreement. Then I kissed Ian, who was laughing and murmuring in a cute way. After giving my child his fill of kisses and cuddles, I withdrew with difficulty...
* * *
The moon rose in the heart of the sky, and the clear sky sparkled with stars..
It was a clear and beautiful day. They were sitting at the tea table in silence. The blonde beauty was looking at her brother with sparkling emerald green eyes...
Nearly two hours had passed since they sat down, but he hadn't opened his mouth to say a single word. The girl took a deep breath and before she opened her lips:
Tick tick tick!
The servant knocked on the open balcony door and bowed:
"Mr. Stanley, a letter has arrived for you from the Dukedom."
Eldora looked at the servant, then at her brother, and said:
"Weren't you at the Dukedom today?! So why did she send you a letter now?!"
Martin sighed, took the letter, and ordered the servant to leave...
Eldora looked at her brother, who opened the letter with anticipation. Martin began reading the letter calmly...
[ Dear Baron Martin Stanley...
I am Duchess Elite de Altan. I am submitting a request for courtship for Miss Eldora Stanley to marry my older brother, Count Louis Bryant...
And I hope you accept the marriage proposal submitted by the Bryant family, with the blessing of the Altan Dukedom...
And I hope you consider our offer, and I would wish to meet the young lady soon.
And you may continue your work for the Dukedom normally, whether you refuse the offer, accept it, or are still considering it.
Duchess Altan ]
And there was an invitation for tea in Eldora Stanley's name with the letter. Martin looked at his sister then sighed; he couldn't hide the matter from her...
"Dora! "
"..."
Eldora looked at her brother obediently and with a gentle face. Martin swallowed his scattered thoughts then spoke:
"What I am holding now is a marriage proposal for Count Bryant, submitted by the Duchess."
Eldora looked at her brother in shock:
'That's why my brother is upset. Does the Duchess want to marry me to her father... what is this madness?'
Eldora smiled gently at her brother and asked inquiringly:
"Does the Duchess want to marry her father to me?! Is that why you are upset?"
Martin scoffed because what he saw today, no one would expect, and he didn't want to tell his sister yet. But he summarized the matter and told her what she needed to know:
"Not her father, but the young Count Louis Bryant, her older brother."
"When did he become the Count?! "
"Today."
The matter was shocking even to his sister because rumors had strictly denied that the previous Count would step down easily and that Louis Bryant would become a priest.
"Wasn't it rumored that the young Count Louis Bryant would become a priest?"
"It is a rumor anyway, and he was handed the responsibility today. The Duchess wants power to settle in her brother's hands without problems, so she proposed the marriage."
Eldora listened to her brother then spoke with a smile:
"And what is my brother's opinion?!"
"In truth, if we look at the reputation of the young Count, I cannot say much. He is a skilled swordsman, even said to be qualified to become a Paladin leader if he wished. Regarding morals, I don't know much about him... he used to manage the treasury of the Count's estate when he was rarely in Altan, and he is a person who travels constantly... and he has not been involved in any scandal, though that doesn't necessarily mean he is an angel just because of that."
Eldora laughed and said:
"Hasn't my brother also not been involved in any scandal to this moment? Perhaps he is not bad... Besides, if the letter is coming from the Dukedom, isn't it proof that the Duchess will bless this marriage? It's a big deal for my brother; perhaps through the Duchess, your noble rank could be raised."
"Dora!"
"..."
He spoke impatiently:
"What matters to your brother is you, not the Barony."
Eldora smiled at her brother with love then said:
"Perhaps the marriage might not be bad, brother."
"What?!"
Eldora laughed at her upset brother and said:
"Let me think about it..."
Martin handed the letter and the invitation to his sister and said:
"Read it."
Eldora read the letter and opened the invitation, then looked at her brother and said:
"The Duchess invites me to have tea with her on Sunday."
"It is on my day off."
"Perhaps she wants us to talk without my brother's influence."
Martin chuckled and said:
"Will you go?!"
"Certainly. Ummm, Sunday... today is Wednesday. I must prepare; it is a meeting with the Duchess."
"Very well."
Martin knew his sister's desire, but he didn't want to discourage her. He didn't want to influence his sister's personality and self-confidence, so he accepted the matter...
...... To be continued ........