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I will not betray you.
Last Updated:
2025-03-12 18:49:08
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Second chance at happiness   Kingdom of Hal
âWhy did the previous king resent the Zumerongs?â Martin asked with a puzzled expression out of the blue.âI donât resent them.â Corneliusâs face darkened as he spat out resentfully.Martin: ââ. He turned his head looking at the faces around him with his naĂŻve comical expression that had âDid I say that?â written all over.âOrseus is the current sovereign.â Thomas chuckled looking at Martinâs colorful expression. Martin smiled sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head and corrected âI meant the one before the previous king.ââNothing in particular other than greed and jealousy.â Cornelius opened his mouth uncomfortably. He sighed seeing Jack and Miraâs blank and curious gaze âTo know the reason, you have to know the history of our kingdomâs establishment.âHe started his narration looking at the eager faces around him-âWhen the kingdom of Hal was established my great ancestor, Cornelius, the righteous, was chosen as the ruler at the end of a duel with the six founding dukes, who
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Second chance at happiness   Son, how did you survive this long?
âAnd thenâŠ.â Cornelius repeated a little lost before shrinking within himself âmy sorry excuse of a father happened.âHe took a deep breath composing himself before opening his mouth to continue âThe next duel was meant to happen when I was 30 and it was meant to be with the heir of the Worthington duchy.ââMy father, was not only greedy but also stupid as a pig.â Cornelius was not at all reserved nor did he consider his station as he fumed âMisguided by the Asters, he thought that if he tripped the Zumerongs, he could rule over for another 100 years.ââHe forgot that if the duel was forfeited without the actual duel taking place, then the chance would befall the next duchy that was due in the chain.â Cornelius shook his head âThe Asters were conceited; they knew they could never win against Alex nor me as long as Alex was around, so they first tripped Alex.ââStripping him of his title so that the Zumerongs would be disheartened and give up their chance. They convinced the old man tha
Last Updated : 2025-03-14Second chance at happiness   My embroidery bought me a dukedom....
The Sorens arrived pompously by late afternoon. Not just the old duke and duchess but also the marquess and his wife along with Lord Amberton and his wife, Lady Basvec.Jackâs lips curled up subtly as he saw the line up but feigned an ignorant yet proud expression as he portrayed the picture of an arrogant lord who was stuck up with his overnight good fortune. What was curious was the appearance of eight extra guards surrounding Jack and Mira along with Lazarus.Martin followed Jack with an uncultured, greedy expression; Mira could hardly hold her laughter, she struggled to maintain a haughty expression as she walked beside Jack, holding his arm, arriving fashionably late along with Jack to welcome the unwelcome guests.âApologiesâŠâ Jack spoke lazily without a trace of sincerity as he arrived and sat down with his wife, yawning impolitely âWe were resting after our big move.ââWe still havenât even finished exploring the castle.â Mira added with an equally lazy expression.âApologiesâŠâ
Last Updated : 2025-03-15Second chance at happiness   Both me and my duchess, we are both cowards!
âI did notâŠ.â Marcus slowly opened his mouth as he finally remembered the relationship between Mira and Almera. âHow stupid? How could he forget? Why did he have to bring himself over here to be humiliated?ââOhâŠ. GoodâŠgoodâŠgood...â Duke Soren paused only for a second before he started grinning, âThis is even betterâŠ. We are family thenâŠthere is no need for formalities. HaâŠhaâŠhaâŠâJack and Miraâs lips curled up in mockery although they didnât respond verbally; the fakeness of the old dukeâs feigned happiness was not lost on anyone. However, everyone pretended not to notice.âI have heard that the businesses of this duchy have not been properly managed due to being reclaimed by the king and not being attended to closely.â Duke Soren sighed regretfully once again before cautiously asking âYou do know that this is not the kingâs original duchy but one that was reclaimed from the original ownersâŠdonât you?âBoth Mira and Jack feigned an ignorant expression as they raised a single eyebrow q
Last Updated : 2025-03-16Second chance at happiness   How come I didnât get an invitation?
âWho?â Jack and Mira asked in unison; they didnât know the duke of Northington.The faces of the father and son paled, but it was only for a second before the Duke regained his composure and shook his head regretfully âNo, we cannot count on the Duke of Worthington anymore.âJack and Mira: âHuh?âDanielle was about to correct the Duke when her brother gave her a warning glare, quieting her, resulting in her visibly shrinking back. Danielle was most scared of her devious brother; he was even more scarier than her father. No one knew what happened to their younger brother but she knew!âThe Duke of Worthington used to be our strongest ally and the best of friends.â Duke Soren started to narrate his friendship with the Duke of Worthington with overwhelming emotions; he finished his narration with a sigh âBut that is a lifetime ago, my dear friend is no more, and the current Duke and I are not that close, but we can still call on him in the hour of need.âThe only thing worth noting was a
Last Updated : 2025-03-17Second chance at happiness   How can I kitten be born in a lionâs den?
âCoughâŠcoughâŠâ Matthew could no longer hold it in; he twisted his lips awkwardly as he stepped out from his position and sat down on the couch opposite Jane with a resentfully expression.âHur âŠhurâŠ.hurâŠâ Samuel chuckled before calling out âIs you partner in crime still deluding himself of his masquerading abilities?ââSeriouslyâŠâ Jane shook her head âYou guys are too bored. Why did you even have to dress up?ââCouldnât you have taken a seat openly?â Jane wrinkled her brows âYou are family, why would anyone question your presence?âMatthew scratched the tip of his nose in embarrassment and let out a sheepish laugh before trying to cover his embarrassment by counter questioning teasingly âWhy are you here? You looked like you had a fire at the end of your tailâŠHurâŠhur..hur...ââFire at the end of my tail would have been betterâŠâ Jane muttered before turning to Jack and Mira with a serious expression âThat lot does not have a single honest bone. Donât get pulled into their scams.ââThe o
Last Updated : 2025-03-18Second chance at happiness   Why didnât you tell me earlier?
âWe had an instance where the farm we usually buy chickens from, had all died suddenly. This was just before we had a very important luncheon where we were supposed to entertain both your royal sovereign and the delegates from the northern tribe.â Samuel smoothly continued with his explanation, taking the attention away from the couple as he noticed their discomfort.âWhatâs odd about chickens dying?â Thomas knitted his brows âWhat does that have to do with the luncheon?ââBecause like I said, we bought the chicken for our needs from that farm, and we needed close to 70 for this luncheon; it couldnât be sourced at short notice.â Samuel didnât show any impatience as she explained.âYou think it was man-made?ââNot think. I am sure.â Jane responded in a firm tone; she had regained her composure.âEven if it is man-made, what is so special about it?â Harry shrugged nonchalantly âCouldnât it just be pure jealousy?ââNoâŠ.â Janeâs lips curled into a confident smirk âNot just anyone will dare
Last Updated : 2025-03-19Second chance at happiness   Haste makes waste
Jackâs lips curled up, looking at the awkward Martin âNo rush. Sit down.â He rang the bell to summon Harrison and ordered âServe some tea and nibbles.ââWhy are we âŠâ Martin grumbled as he rubbed his hands impatiently; he was a man of action, he fidgeted as he ran all that he had gathered from conversations through his mind.âI am waiting for someone.â Jack answered Martin patiently; he knew Martin best and was not offended in the least. The others didnât even take the interlude between brothers into account; they had come to understand and appreciate the bond between these cousins.Lazarus returned in the time it took them to finish tea but before he could open his mouth to report, Mira smiled âDrink some tea and eat some nibbles before anything.âLazarus looked at Jack in confusion before hurriedly downing his tea and gobbling a piece of tart. He knew by now that he wouldnât get any support from his lord to defy the ladyâs orders.âHaâŠhaâŠhaâŠâ Martin laughed happily looking at someone
Last Updated : 2025-03-20
Latest chapter
Second chance at happiness   To keep you on a leash till it is time for us to return.
Cornelius turned to Uzi and asked raising the scroll âCan I keep this?ââThat is a letter from my brother to meâŠâ Uzi snatched the scroll and kept it back in the secret compartment without giving Cornelius a chance to react. He slyly took another scroll from the secret compartment and extended it towards Cornelius âBut I have transcribed a copy for you.ââDishonest ghostâ Cornelius cursed in good humour as he took the scroll.âLord Zumerong, let us all have lunch here and disperse.â Uzi looked at Linus as he made the invitation. It was not uncommon for the two families to have impromptu gatherings followed by lunches and suppers.Baldwin pulled Elias back as Uzi tactfully steered Linus and the eldersâ attention towards the banquet hall with topics of mutual interest.âFor your eyes.â Baldwin extended the scroll towards Elias once the elders were out of ear shot. âDonât burden Uncle and Aunt with the details for now.âElias nodded as he took the scroll with knitted brows and read throug
Second chance at happiness   I will not make things difficult for you.
Uzi didnât struggle nor feign ignorance when he was questioned by Baldwin as he knew this day would come and he had Alexâs permission to disclose when they came looking for him.It was quite a sight to see the large group following Uzi, back to his residence, the curiosity on their faces couldnât be hidden. Although Uzi had only invited Cornelius and Baldwin, the others followed without giving social etiquette a second thought.Inside, Uziâs study, he walked over to a secret compartment and took out a scroll and handed it over to Baldwin feigning an unhappy expression, spouting nonsense, âI will lend you the letter my best friend wrote to me, just so that you wonât be jealous and accuse his sincerity towards you.âBaldwin pulled his lips lopsidedly and ignoring the childish banter, anxiously opened the scroll with trembling hands. Cornelius leaned over his shoulders impatiently.Inside, the scroll was an amulet with the Zumerong seal in the form of pendant. Uzi stretched his hand and p
Second chance at happiness   How can there be an accusation when there never ever a crime to be convicted?
The next morning, Cornelius and the rest were ready to leave when the Bellevue palace had another visitor, the duke of Warringal.âBrother in arms.â Cornelius greeted Uzi with their customary elbow handshake.âIt has been a lifetime.â Uzi nodded in acknowledgement.The two men looked at each other, the past and their loss reflected in the depths of their eyes. And yet, they were helpless to do anything but smile remorsefully.Uzi shook hands with Baldwin as always, but his gaze suddenly stopped at a face that seemed to have come back from the past. He rushed forward but came to an abrupt halt before Jack, frightening Mira who had involuntarily pulled Jack back a few steps with her.âThat was very impoliteâŠ. My sincere apologiesâŠâ Uzi bowed deeply towards the youngsters before straightening but he still couldn't stop staring at Jack without blinking.âThis is my husband.â Mira puffed her cheeks and even though she was trembling in fear, took a step forward to stand in front of Jack, loo
Second chance at happiness   At least let me enjoy the glory while there is no one to challenge my claim.
Baldwin knitted his brows as he too had thought of the incident, but he didnât look at Mira, instead he looked at Linus and asked somewhat awkwardly âUncle, what do you think of dreams?â He didnât have his father around anymore to ask, the only person he was close enough to ask and still breathing was Linus.âDreams???â Linus arched his eyebrows, however Elias and the rest started making a ruckus teasing him if he wanted to share the details.âOur forefathers thought of them as forewarnings passed by our ancestors from the beyond...â Linus answered seriously once the ruckus quieted down âpassed on to the purest of heartâŠ.ââDivination?â Humphreyâs son, Derek who had been a silent listener all along slowly asked hooking his eyebrows.âNot quiteâŠâ Linus shook his head âDivination is the ability to see into the future at will and it is a skill that some are born with while others can cultivate.ââDreams are different.â Linus paused before saying âWhile most of them can just be wishful thi
Second chance at happiness   We will avenge all the grievance our brother has suffered
âHymph!â Mira humped unhappily âLooks like this trip left us with more questions and no answers.ââNot entirely true.â Edith spoke in a gentle tone, an affectionate gaze stopping on Jackâs face âWe got to reunite with our Leander, and you got to know the culprits behind your grandfather and grandmotherâs accident.ââWe had guessed.â Mira pouted âYou still donât have proof for thatâŠ.it is still a guess at best.ââWould us releasing the news that all of you are returning to regain your rightful positions make them act hastily?â Jack slowly opened his mouth âWould that give them room for error and give us the opportunity that we need?ââWe cannot just release newsâŠ.â Cornelius shook his head as he narrowed his eyes âIt has to be believable to those receiving the newsâŠââHow about saying that you have reconciled your decade long differences and that they have agreed to come back since you have promised them a huge compensation for their grievance?â Mira asked smiling like a sly fox before
Second chance at happiness   Big brother never leaves room for error.
âUncle, if old Drew is still alive, where do you think he is most likely to stay?ââUncle, do you know who plotted against the grand duke and duchess?âBoth Cornelius and Baldwin asked in unison.Linus sighed, frustration and unreconciled anger evident in his every breath. He turned to Baldwin, as though to answer his question but the guilt in his heart made it impossible for him to hold gaze with the righteous indignation in the eyes of the man in front of him; he lowered his gaze as he spoke in a low voice âI donât, although I do not have evidence, I have a hunch.âHis guilt stemming from the fact that while he had given up, lost hope, it was an outsider who had never given up, never stopped looking.âWe are all ears.â This time, it wasnât Baldwin or Cornelius who spoke but rather Elias. He had been asking this same question for the last decade and yet he couldnât get a single word out of his father.âOur cousinâŠ. It is a no brainer.â Linus shrugged before he gritted his teeth âBut w
Second chance at happiness   The only variable in his plan.....
âSit down you twoâŠâ Linus sighed helplessly âNo one is going to crucify you. We just want to know what happened?ââWhy Leander never came home even though you knew we were here?â Elias added through gritted teeth although he quickly lowered his head after being glared at by his father.âIs this also part of big brotherâs plan?â Wilkin asked curiously; he was Alexâs most obedient little follower, from diapers to pants, that never changed.âPerhaps, this was the only variable in his plan that he had not anticipated.â Corenlius sighed as he sat down with a dejected expression and recounted the past, of how they finally met Jack.âHow is John and Beth?â Elias asked once everyone had digested what they just heard.âUncle and Aunt are well.â Jack responded politely; there was no fluctuation in his tone, no sign of closeness nor alienation.âI still cannot believe that John was able to hold offâŠâ Humphrey shook his head; of all the Zumerong siblings, other than Alex, he was the one who was mo
Second chance at happiness   We were meant to be the last line of defence that big brother left behind âŠ.
âThat bitch⊠I always thought that she had organized the whole event with her brother, just for the sake of making her son the rightful heir. But there was no proof.â Edith cursed at first but then her eyes became blurry âHe was the only one worthy of his ancestorâs legacy, but he withered like a pitiful bud without ever having the chance to bloom to his full potential.âAfter reminiscing, Edith raised her head curiously as she couldn't remember hearing about anyone talking about this event nor did she hear about the poor boy being avenged, âBut how come no one heard about it?ââAlexâs favourite one linerâŠâ Baldwin shrugged âAs long as justice is served who cares about the ballads?ââYou threeâŠ..â Edgar shook his head âI can never understand your madness.â Although his words seemed disapproving there was only affection in them.âMy lord, the food is ready to be served.â The butler announced, his grace directed at Linus awaiting his orders.âGoodâŠ. goodâŠ.goodâŠâ Linus repeated in quick s
Second chance at happiness   Who said he wasnât avenged?
âWe were happy to see that your bond only grew stronger with time and have always been proud that it didnât get tainted with the murk of the world around you.â Edith sighed âThis is also why we never questioned his decision when he decided not to retaliate and hold the fort together till you got back.ââDo you think your father could have sat steadily in that throne if not for Alex single-mindedly protecting him?â Linusâs eyes were sharp, there was the undeniable Zumerong arrogance, that was filled with righteousness indignation âWith just a snap of his finger, everything around you, including your father, the Asters and Basvecs would have perished without a burial ground.âCornelius had his head lowered, he knew, even from the beyond, his good brother was looking out for him and yet his foolish fatherâŠ. He couldnât think further.âAnd you didnât disappoint.â Linus smiled although his eyes misted at his loss; None of the brothers raised their heads, their eyes were filled with resentme
