Chapter Seven
_ A Formidable Force
"Ela, I missed you, sister"
_ And I as well
I lifted Ian slightly so Elaza could see him, and with a trembling voice and a smile, I said:
"Ian, this is your eldest aunt, Elaza. Sister, this is my child, Ian..."
Elaza smiled as if she were addressing my child:
_ Nice to meet you, little Ian.
I could see the tears in my sister's eyes; I felt the sadness that had loomed over us. I have decided to create a bright future for my child and my precious people..
"Sister, did the news reach you?! Louis is getting married soon"
Elaza laughed merrily and said:
_ The matter reached me two days ago. It seems responsibility has made my brother act with sense.
"Hahaha..."
I laughed at her words, then my sister's tone changed to a kind of seriousness:
_ Sister, why did you choose Baron Stanley's family specifically?!
"Is Elaza complaining about the modesty of the rank, or is it something else?! "
_ Our brother became a Count only recently; his position must be strengthened. If he had married into a more powerful family...
"I understand my sister's concerns.."
_ ...
"The Stanley Barony is not very powerful, but it is a loyal vassal to Altan. And I, the Duchess of Altan, will be the supporting force for my brother. The Duchy of Altan and the Alexia Marquissate... are they not two powerful families linked to the Count of Bryant?! "
_ ...??
"Soon the Bryant estate will be strong again. I am thinking of making my brother a representative for Altan, at least until Ian grows up a bit"
My sister laughed with a bright face and said:
_ I must not underestimate my little sister's mind. And there is another question that puzzles me, Elite.
"..."
_ Is there a reason for choosing the girl herself?!
I smiled playfully, my eyes gleaming with cunning:
"Someone who suits Louis; is that a convincing answer?!"
Ela laughed with happiness and mirth:
_ When will the engagement ceremony be?! I want to come to the East soon... then I will introduce you to my children, Lorena and Daniel... I wish to come soon..
There was intense excitement in her voice; my sister's smile was contagious, making me smile with comfort, then I spoke:
"When the response arrives, I will inform you"
_ I want a quick ceremony so I have a strong excuse to come and escape from work...
I felt a strong urge to laugh; my sister sounds like a student looking for an excuse to skip school.
"Alright... "
* * *
"It is beautiful..."
I ran my finger over the massive painting hanging on the wall of the palace entrance, featuring a beautiful woman with platinum blonde hair and sea-blue eyes, beside a handsome man with black hair and amber-red eyes. The lovely five-year-old girl was a beautiful blend of the man and woman; platinum blonde hair and amber-red eyes, smiling happily in her parents' arms. That painting had been stored for over twenty years in the palace warehouse...
"The Bryant lineage has changed, but the family symbol has reached my generation. Therefore, as a Bryant, I will preserve this family and protect it as my mother did, and my grandfather before her. So, I will walk the right path..."
It was evening and I had finished almost most of my work, but I wanted to finish faster to take over my father's previous work to lighten my sister's burden. So, I decided to go to the office and work again. I descended the stairs separating the first and second floors, heading to the office after it had been renovated. When I stepped onto the first floor, the head butler rushed to me quickly:
"Lord Count! You have an urgent letter from the Altan Duchy..."
"Elite?!... What happened?! "
The servant gave me the letter and bowed. I opened the letter quickly:
[ Brother, the Baron's response to the marriage proposal has reached me now. In truth, I did not want to open it until you came.... Your sister, Elite ]
My mood calmed a bit when the situation wasn't dangerous, but I felt a little nervous...
"Leander! Prepare my horse; I will move to the Altan Duchy now"
And indeed, only minutes passed until my horse was ready in front of the palace. I mounted the horse and moved toward the Duchy...
* * *
She was walking back and forth in her room carrying her gentle child, who was enjoying being held by his mother. Elite looked into her child's dazzling amber eyes and kissed him gently on his forehead:
"Do you know, my little one! Your mother is nervous and excited... Aunt Aldora is a good person, and your uncle is a good person too. I want everyone to live happily... no sadness, no parting. To live with love and to always smile"
She smiled warmly at her child, who looked at her as if he understood what she was saying. She held him closer, smelled his scent, and kissed him more...
Ian's existence for Elite was her comfort, and she would do anything for him. Family atmosphere and love were the first step.
Knock knock knock !!
"Enter"
The small blonde maid entered and bowed quietly:
"My Lady! Count Bryant has arrived and is waiting for you in the drawing room"
I smiled gently, looked at my child, and said:
"I will come down immediately. Tell the kitchen staff to prepare dinner; I will eat it with my brother... Ah, and on the way, call Madam Rose.."
She didn't need to finish her words because Rose entered from behind the maid with a playful smile:
"Did my Lady call me?!"
Elite laughed:
"You are just in time. Prepare Ian for sleep"
The maid bowed and left, and Rose stepped forward and took Ian. She looked at Elite and said with gentle mirth:
"My Lady! You look excited"
Elite laughed and said with a sigh:
"Excited and nervous... "
Rose patted Ian's back gently and said in a kind, happy voice:
"I feel good news arriving. Joy will decorate everyone's hearts soon"
Elite felt the sincerity of Rose's warm words and hugged Rose happily:
"Rosie! I hope so... I'll go. Take care of Ian"
Elite moved out of the room with graceful and quick movements, making Rose smile kindly:
"It seems the Lady is starting to return to her age"
She looked at the child who was laughing with a sweet sound:
"It seems the young Duke agrees with me..."
* * *
Louis was sitting in his chair quietly, feeling his heart beating violently. He was nervous and at the same time felt some excitement:
'Will I be rejected?! I hope that doesn't happen. Elite thinks this marriage is beneficial, but if Miss Stanley did not like me, then surely the matter is up to her. Then, what does she think of me?! .... And why do I care?! I never looked at anyone's opinion of me and never cared, why now?! ...'
Click !!
Fortunately for him, the sound of the door opening cut off his annoying thoughts. He looked at the figure who entered; it was Elite with a noble face, exuding elegance and sophistication in her simple grey dress...
Louis stood up, and in an informal manner, Elite spoke:
"Hello brother, how are you?"
"I am well, my little sister"
She sat in front of her brother and quietly, in a steady voice:
"My letter reached you, and surely you are waiting for the response like me"
"..."
"The response reached me about an hour ago, and I did not want to know it before you"
"..."
In a warm and gentle voice, Elite handed over a golden envelope decorated in a shape resembling a wreath of yellow daisies, which was the symbol of the Stanley family:
"Life is your life, and this is your future. I am nothing but a mediator between you and your destiny. Therefore, you are the one who must open the letter"
Louis, who was listening to her quietly and patiently, smiled and said as he held the envelope:
"Elie! I feel like the younger brother sometimes because of your responsible actions"
"..Haha .."
Elite laughed softly at his words and looked at her brother warmly:
"My little sister! Whatever happens, I will be your support just as you have become my strength.. I will fulfill my duties as an older brother"
Elite smiled with a warm feeling and nodded her head. Louis opened the response and was surprised by only one and a half lines, written in a manner far from formal etiquette. Louis raised an eyebrow and passed the letter to his sister:
[ The Stanley Barony gladly agrees to the marriage proposal, and we will wait for the appropriate time to discuss the details ..... Baron Martin Stanley ]
Elite laughed and said:
"That is the Baron; it is not strange of him"
She looked at her brother with a smile and said:
"What do you think of your wife's family?! Isn't it interesting?! "
Louis felt a bit embarrassed but agreed with his sister's words...
Elite stood up with a sense of lightness and said with a playful smile:
"Let's have dinner and talk about the important details now and see what we shall do..."
Louis stood up as well, extended his hand to his sister in a noble manner, and said in a gentle tone:
"With pleasure, my Lady"
The siblings laughed and moved to the dining room...
* * *
The tavern was crowded with customers, and the topics, as usual, were the obsession with the Duchess:
"The Duchess has, as usual, submitted a request to search for painters to paint her child"
"Didn't they have an excellent painter?! Why is she looking for one?! "
"I heard the painter retired due to his advanced age, and also the Duchess is crazy. Usually, noble families paint one portrait of the child every year, but this Duchess paints a portrait or two of her child every season.."
That young man of weak build and medium height, wearing a tattered cloak, stood up and approached them. He had heard their entire conversation, so he stepped forward and said in a slightly hesitant voice:
"Has the Duchess found a painter?"
"She hasn't liked anyone yet"
"The Duchess has certain standards for painting her child, from what I heard.."
"I heard that the painter who gains her admiration will paint the wedding portrait of the Count and Countess of Bryant"
"A powerful family becomes a powerful family"
The huge man laughed and stepped toward the medium-height young man, placing his elbow around the youth's neck in a brutish and playful manner until dark purple strands of the youth's hair appeared:
"Are you a painter?! And looking for your chance?!"
The boy hesitated a bit and tried to evade the huge man's question. Luck was on his side as a man spoke boredly:
"No chance for a poor commoner like us. The greatest painters from various classes have gone, and the Duchess rejects them. I heard her say their painting is inaccurate..."
The young man sighed and tried to slip away from the huge man, who loosened his grip due to his frustration...
The young man returned to his place, took his large and heavy bag, and headed toward his goal..
* * *
"Bad. You added some eyelashes and hairs to my child; your painting is not precise... Leave"
The man sighed, took his tools, and departed. I looked at the child sitting on the chair with gentle looks, and he extended his hand to his mother:
"Do you want Mama to carry you, my little one?"
"Mama, bored bored"
The sweet words tickled her heart, so she carried her one-year and eight-month-old child and left the drawing room...
At the door stood a huge boy with dark purple hair and eyes the color of pure honey. The boy bowed and said:
"As the Lady commanded, we have cast a spell on those who enter; they will forget the young Duke's features as soon as they leave..."
"Well done, Firmin. Any news about a new group of painters?! "
"There are still many applicants, and as the Duchess added, we allowed everyone, whether commoners or nobles, to apply.."
Elite nodded her head in understanding. She felt a small tug on her hair and looked at Ian, who seemed to be pouting...
"Fir... ummm"
She laughed at the words of her child, who does not like anyone approaching his mother, or more correctly, her being occupied with something other than him. He pouted at Firmin and stuck his tongue out at him...
"Firmin! Complete your work now. I will contact Baron Stanley to complete the wedding procedures. Less than two weeks remain for the Count's wedding, and guests have begun coming from everywhere. But more importantly, you must send a unit to secure the guests, especially the Marquis and Marchioness Alexia and their children... "
Firmin bowed, while Elite left the first floor heading to Ian's private room. He had barely been separated from his mother for two months and began sleeping in a separate room. Elite did not wish to separate her child, but she forced herself after the advice of Rose and Elaza that Ian must begin learning about privacy. Elite's answer was: "How can a child of a year and a half understand that?", but she complied in the end..
Elite placed her child on the floor of the room and sat near him, watching him as he began to occupy himself with his toys with childish enthusiasm...
"Mama, Mama... horse... Mama monkey..."
He was pointing to animal figures and reciting to her what she had taught him; the monkey, the horse, and there was the giraffe, the lion, and many others..
The child stood with difficulty and stepped to the nearby chair, pulled a thin book, and with slow and wobbly steps, he approached his mother and handed her the small book...
"Do you want me to read you a story?! "
The child moved his head enthusiastically, and Elite carried her child and sat on the usual chair and began reading him a story as usual. The child's eyelids began to grow heavy; Elite knew he was tired because of the annoying painters.
"Should I stop bothering you, my little one, because of the painters?! "
The child gave no reaction because he fell into a deep sleep. Elite kissed her child's head, carried him, and placed him on his bed..
* * *
After Ian fell asleep, I went down to the office, and as soon as I descended, Firmin appeared. You might see him at first glance and say he is a man in his twenties, but if you focus on his face, you will notice signs of immaturity and innocence in him. Firmin is still a boy of seventeen and has not yet reached the age of majority...
Only nine months have passed since his arrival at the Duchy, but he was able to establish a place for himself among the Knights of Altan. Although his mind is made of muscle and nothing else, he is very loyal in executing orders...
'My choice of Firmin was not random. Many months ago, when I went out on some important missions, I found a violent boy facing a group of mercenaries. When I approached, I recognized him immediately: Firmin Neva, the man who became my loyal dog and Ian's personal guard in my previous life. But my meeting with him was very early, as the boy, despite the bulkiness of his body, was still young and more violent than the Firmin Neva I knew...
I was wearing a black cloak covering me completely, so I approached him and the group of mercenaries and said in a calm voice:
"Why are strong men bullying this child?! "
"We are not bullying; he is a thief and stole our money"
One of the mercenaries spoke, seeming annoyed, and I noticed many traces of beating on his face. I didn't tire myself looking for the perpetrator because it was Firmin. I had heard from Firmin some of his stories in my previous life and knew that he worked in everything until he settled for four years as a mercenary, and then I found him...
"It seems he is a naughty child; is there a way to satisfy the gentlemen?!"
The mercenaries' faces relaxed; despite my garments, my aura clearly showed that I am a noble. But they did not know that I am not generous with scoundrels...
The men looked at each other and whispered, and I almost heard the kind of their whispers, but I was waiting patiently. The child spoke in a whispering voice:
"My Lady! You must flee; they are scoundrels..."
I smiled at him gently and looked at the group that had agreed on an opinion, and they said:
"He stole fifty gold pieces from us, and we want them, and of course compensation for it"
"You are liars! I only stole two gold pieces... Why do you want to involve the Lady because she is offering me kindness..."
The child's voice rose, and he spoke in a choked voice as he shouted at them, ending his sentence in a sad voice. Firmin in my previous life was loyal and pure-hearted despite the bulkiness of his body, and it seemed it was a trait that stayed with him since childhood. I smiled at the child and patted his back because he was indeed much taller than me...
The boy looked at me with complex looks, but I smiled at him and pointed my finger toward the alley. The boy did not understand, but he looked at me with loyalty. Then I stepped slightly toward the group of mercenaries and said in a cold and harsh voice:
"You beat a child and deceive a poor lady; what villains you are. You truly deserve heaven's punishment..."
They were metaphorical words for what I would do to them. I moved my bracelet that I wore for emergencies, and indeed, the magical power in the bracelet was released, so the men froze in the blink of an eye. The child looked at me with puzzled looks:
"A witch?!"
"No, I only use magical tools. We must leave; the bracelet's duration is a quarter of an hour... so come on"
The child was confused and looked at me in shock. Magical treasures were never cheap and cost a lot of wealth, but I am the Duchess of Altan after all...
I grabbed the boy's hand and we took off quickly. I did not mention to him that it erases their memories for the last several hours that passed, because it's something he won't need anyway..
Passing through the alleys, we reached the city market. The boy looked at me and said:
"Thank you to the Lady; I cannot repay your kindness..."
"Yes, you can"
"..."
He looked at me in confusion, and I answered him playfully:
"I am looking for a personal guard for my child. My child is still very young, but after several years he will need one. So, you seem suitable"
"..."
"Well! You are still young, but after training, you will become a reliable person. What do you think?!"
...... To be continued ......