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Hours earlier- The Sleghs decided to end the workday at 10 and start the feast for all workers. Office workers had a different area to farm hands and outdoor workers. The masters often mingled in both areas to improve their image among the workers. There was a reason to start the celebration early, the Sleghs were not a generous bunch. Old master’s shrewd mind was behind this. He had heard from Lotta that Jack and Mira came to the city together on Friday. He didn’t want to take a chance to create an opportunity for Jack to escape and deny his daughter her last chance. This early arrangement was on the off chance that Jack had arranged with Mira to come early. He had checked with Jack’s supervisor and was informed that Jack had only stayed for 10 or 15 minutes in the previous years. Jack packed up and went to toast his supervisor and request permission to leave. The three Slegh masters came up to the supervisor just as Jack finished toasting. “Won’t you toast a drink with us?” Cole
“I will ask you one last time, are you going to investigate what happened to my husband and restore his good name?” Mira tried to lift Jack from the ground as she stood up. “Get lost.” Old master yelled in rage. Caster was staring smitten at the beautiful lady in front. She suited his taste very much. His lips curled up as he thought of his next prey. He turned his head to nod at John and Oden who were standing stuck to the ground. John and Oden rushed to Mira side and carried Jack. “I will take two of your workers to help me carry my husband to my cart.” Mira curled her lips arrogantly “How much does the old master want to claim as compensation?” “Lady, I know you are upset.” Caster spoke with a gentle smile “But that is no reason to be rude. My workers are helping you. There is no payment for help.” “Dare to write that down and not penalize the unfortunate worker who helped later?” Mira was like a wounded tigress. Attacking anyone and everyone that came her way. She also had an
Mira sobbed as she kept whispering her fears as she kissed him for the last time as she steeled her mind; In desperation, Mira transported them into her space. She raised her head as she felt the grass. Her eyes filled with hope as she remembered the hot spring and the healers’ words…. “Warm him inside out…” She carried him with great difficulty stopping and falling all the way to the hot spring. She took the house key out of his pocket and gently immersed him in the hot spring before taking of her cloths and joining him. She hugged him tightly trying to warm him and also in an effort to keep his body up to his neck fully immersed in water with the exception of his head. Her eyes started to fill with hope as she saw his lips regaining color. She stayed with him till he regained consciousness. How long? She didn’t know. “Love?” Jack called weakly as her hot tears which never stopped kept wetting his face. “Husband….” Mira called out excitedly “Your awake.” She smiled through her tear
“Wife I am truly sorry… forgive me…. I can’t live without you…. I just wanted you to be happy. I don’t want you to suffer.” Jack hugged her tighter refusing to let go. He had wronged her…twice in one day…. “Happy?” Mira narrowed her eyes “Do you think I will be happy without you? Happy without you holding me close?” Her voice wavered. “I was wrong.” Jack stood up to kiss her tears away… he barely managed to stand firm for a second before loosing balance…Mira held on to him tightly. She kissed him and came out of space. “I will forgive you this last time.” Mira hmphed. She didn’t want to cause him more distress…. She was not really angry… she just wanted to teach him a lesson, not to have such thoughts. “I won’t dare…” Jack shook his head childishly as he hugged her refusing to let go. “Lie down now.” Mira led him to bed. She entered space from their bedroom close to their bed as she didn’t know what state Jack would be in when she had to bring him back. She took their blanket fro
Mira had lots to do. She closed the door, locked it and went to the room to check on Jack. He was truly exhausted… he was sleeping. She tucked him in with the blanket and entered space to start on his coat. She patterned the embroidery envisioning a two-piece coat set. The pattern she decided on was one that was not popular in her country. It was a picture she had seen in the house of the ambassador of far east island in her previous life. She loved the explanation the lady of the house gave her… this flower… known as cherry blossom symbolizes the everlasting friendship and love in a life that is fleeting. She tried to reconstruct the picture in her head as she started to work on the design. For the suit coat, the whole of the cloth was embroidered branches filled with cherry blossom flowers; On the left flap of the coat, slightly on the side of the chest she embroidered two love birds resting their heads together. The vest was embroidered with cherry blossom flowers connected by bran
“Come… join us for dinner although it is a humble soup today.” Mira invited with a big smile. “We just had dinner before leaving home.” Almera whispered giggling “Dowager Duchess came to visit and complain.” Mira nodded giggling. “How’s Jack?” Thomas asked as they sat down in the front room. “He’s better now.” Mira nodded. Matthew and Harry came out after they finished eating. Both their steps paused as they saw Thomas. “Baldwin?” They blurted out in stupor. “Huh?” Thomas raised his head to look at the two elders. He stood up in respect even though they were below his station as he understood them to be Mira’s parents. “That is my father.” Thomas pursed his lips “You know him?” “Of course…. Of course…” Harry laughed to hide his embarrassment while Matthew was a bit more reserved. “Otherwise, he would have had to drink the elixir of youth.” Harry chuckled before turning to Mira with raised eyebrows. “Godfather, let me introduce.” Mira smiled sweetly “This is my ….” “I know m
Next, they stopped at Aldrin’s shop. Mira needed a lot of materials. She got herself a few large rolls of silk threads of different colors, a few different shades of green, red, grey golden, silver, pink, 10 marks of yellow beads, 5 marks of two shades of orange 5 marks each of reflective metal bits that were line shaped in green, brown, red, different shades of blue, white, orange and yellow color and 10 marks of small white pearls. They were also smaller rolls of various colors. “Did we rob the treasury?” Aldrin looked in shock at the generous amount of things Mira took. Mira rolled her eyes. Almera and Thomas didn’t come, they were sitting in the carriage debating whether Almera should wear what Mira suggested. Thomas was brave to fight a losing battle… He still hung up his sword with dignity, not feeling embarrassed in the slightest at losing. “Seriously… do you know how much this is going to cost you?” Aldrin still couldn’t believe it. “Are you not going to tell me?” Mira aske
Mira didn’t know how long she slept for; the bell rang outside waking her from the peaceful sleep. She opened her eyes to stare into two pools of passion. “How are you feeling?” “Better” “Um” Mira nodded noting that he was looking much better “Sleep a little longer.” She tucked the blanket around him before leaving the room. “Who is it?” “Mira, it’s aunt and uncle.” Beth’s voice came from the outside. Mira opened the door happily “Come… come….” Beth decided to come with the boys and to leave Joan and Emma to fend for themselves. The two girls had angered her to death yesterday. The morning sunk into a flurry of activity with John milking the cow and cleaning the barn; Oden and Martin watering the land. Last week’s plan was to plant the seedlings today… but Jack was unwell. They decided to water the land so that it was well irrigated. Beth and Mira cooked breakfast. Beth made bread while Mira heated up the soup from yesterday and made some scrambled eggs. Matthew and Harry arri
The king’s men actions were swift. It took them a day to find the truth behind Jack’s drugging event and submit their report. Meanwhile, the Slegh’s gathered in the old master’s study to discuss counter measures. Old master Slegh rubbed his chest uncomfortably as he listened to his sons quibbling.“Father, the only solution is to give up on Lotta.” Cole decided to be the devil’s advocate. Cain frowned; It wasn’t that he had any love for the bastard, but his intuition told him that Lotta was just the tip of the iceberg.“What are your thoughts?” Old master Slegh looked towards Cain. Caster and Cole followed the old master’s gaze.“Somehow, I doubt that will be enough.” Cain shook his head as he slowly lifted his face “Father, do you think it’s old debts catching up with new ones?”“What old debts??” Old master Slegh furiously tapped his walking stick on the ground “Don’t speak carelessly.” His fury shut their mouths but not their doubts, which danced all over their faces in the form o
“Come... come… let’s talk inside.” Matthew invited everyone inside.“Dad…” Almera stood up in surprise as she saw the newly arrived guests “Why are you here?”“Have you finished dinner?” Aldrin asked Jack before anyone could respond.“Um” Jack chuckled although he was curious why the Dulstons were here.“It was …yumm…” Thomas rubbed his tummy with an exaggerated satisfied expression. Aldrin pursed his lips into a dissatisfied pout while everyone laughed, breaking the awkward situation.Jack invited everyone to take a seat while Mira and the ladies withdrew to the dining room. Orseus and Bernard came out and took their seats with faces full of jouissance, ready to watch the show. Almera stood at the doorway between the two rooms and repeated scrunching her face “Dad, why you here?”Cyrus sighed not knowing where to start.“It’s a long story.” Albert spoke in an unhurried tone as he couldn’t bear to see his father’s embarrassed face.“Start from the beginning.” Almera crossed her arms as
“Erm…. I have not seen them before, so I don’t know… but there was a man who was leaning back against the cart…” Ursula squinted as she tried to think back “He looked very miserable… like he was on his last leg….”“Can you try and think where he was hurt?” Orseus asked excitedly.Ursula pursed her lips downwards as she tried to think back “Not sure… but his shirt was dyed red…. The lady…. I mean Jack’s mom had a wound to the left side or may be right….” Ursula frowned “She had a wound that was oozing blood on one side… I remember because she was clutching this wound as she was urging me.”“Aunt, do you remember anything?” Jack turned towards Beth.Beth shrugged pursing her lips before whispering “It was a complete shock…. One minute we were happy and looking forward to the future… the next second everything came crumbling down.” No one thought more about Beth’s mumbling.“Ummm” Thomas hummed as he narrowed his eyes in thought “Looks like we have to unlearn everything we know and start
Thomas continued with the narration-“By the time they returned, it was 3 years later and never a word of the trouble brewing in the heart of the city. The letters your father sent kept them abreast of state and political affairs but never his personal affairs.” Thomas shook his head helplessly “They knew something wasn’t right but couldn’t do anything from where they were.”“When they got back, fate wasn’t generous. There wasn’t much time for them to even ask your father about things as trouble broke out in the southern borders and they were deployed again. Your father urged them to go and would discuss when they got back.”“He didn’t go along with them which was very unusual for him given the enormity of the trouble at the southern borders.…. He didn’t state his reasons, but father said that he thought that it must be due to trouble at home.” Thomas pursed his lips “Father said that Uncle Alex would never let them wander into death’s lap without him…. this was the first…. but who kne
Mira ignored him and continued to ask Thomas hinting at the extra guests “Should I get Harrison to entertain them while we go down?”“Big sister” Tyson called smiling sweetly shocking Almera and Thomas. When did the little devil turn sweet?“I will be bored if I sit with you all. Are there kids in my age-group so that I can play with?” Tyson blinked innocently looking at Mira with his most adorable expression. Thomas raised his eyebrows skeptically as he heard his brother’s strange request. ‘When did his brother think adult company was boring? When did he start enjoying the company of kids his age? Didn’t he think they were silly?’“Oh… how silly of me!” Mira tapped the back of her head as she pouted “There isn’t anyone your age” She twisted her lips “Jack’s cousin is much younger than you…. but she can show you her pet bunny if you like.” Mira tried to entice, thinking Tyson wouldn’t be interested.“Alright.” Tyson shrugged feigning an unwilling expression and muttered “Better than ad
“What case?” Martin turned around curiously before realizing that he was the butt of the joke and sitting back crossing his arms resentfully.“Hur…hur…hur….” Oden and Jack burst out laughing along with Mira “Puchi….”In the evening, everyone started arriving as planned. First Matthew and Harry arrived with Ursula and Agnes.“Your mothers didn’t want to stay at home on their own.” Matthew shrugged when Mira raised her eyebrows quizzically.“We came to keep Beth company.” Agnes walked forward ignoring the skeptical gazes of the boys and Mira.“Yes… yes… we came to give Beth company.” Ursula nodded with a guilty smile.“And not to spy on us.” Mira raised her eyebrows in a playfully taunting manner crossing her arms.“Would we?” Agnes blinked innocently as she whispered to Mirah “Even if your fathers have that intention, do you think we would betray our dear girl?”“Old woman, are you digging my grave?” Harry put on a pitiful expression which led to a bout of laughter.Mira quirked her eye
“I don’t think I heard anything confidential that warrants his fear.” Oden knitted his brows as he opened his mouth for the first time since he entered the room.Jack nodded to agree but Mira pursed her lips and knitted his brows.“What is it love?” Jack noted that she didn’t agree.“Maybe… maybe not…” Mira’s expression didn’t loosen as she continued “Think about it…. this is knowledge that only a few share…. Knowledge that could if used by those with malicious intent, incriminate the king of a treacherous act. One if instigated in the right amount could even start a rebellion.”“But what puzzles me is why the old master decided to take it sitting down.” Mira twirled her finger around a loose hair strand “The Haribeort’s must have had some clout to be able to write their own law of inheritance that didn’t conform to the normal laws of the land.”Mira kept twirling her hand as she spoke “He must have been betting on his grandson… something must have reassured him that there was no need
Carl took a deep breath as he regained composure “We were later told by the old master in confidence that we were not to ask any questions and that the dukedom would be annexed to the Royal estate due to lack of heir. We were strictly forbidden from contracting this version of the story.”“The current king as far as I have heard is righteous.” Jack pursed his lips skeptically “If this property was annexed unlawfully, then he would have passed it to its rightful heir and never kept it, let alone gift it to another.”“Your Grace, the inheritance rights of the Haribeort family are not widely known. Only a select few are preview to this knowledge and are not allowed to reveal it to another soul. Other than the Haribeorts, the king and the chief of chamber of inheritance rights no one has the privilege to know this.”“Usually after the new king’s coronation, there is ceremony where the chief of every governing body in the country will have a meeting with the king… something like a rite of p
“This current understanding is that Southamberston was annexed under the management of the king’s estate as our master died without an heir…. But that is not true.” Carl started at the beginning.“Is that not the case?” Mira raised her eyebrows.“Not in its entirety.” Carl shook his head. His eyes reflected a deep-seated regret.“Continue.” Jack waved his hand.“The Haribeorts who are the original owners of Southamberston do not follow the norms of inheritance. The father to son or closest male relative rule for inheritance does not exist for Haribeorts.”“Their legacy has always been father to the oldest offspring, whether it is a male or female.”“The only exception is when the heir passes the inheritance to the next in-line.” Carl continued “Let’s say, the eldest daughter who is the heir marries off to a distant land or another dukedom where managing both estates is more than she can handle; She can pass her birthright to her next sibling.”“That is such a fair system.” Mira nodded