Blood Pact: Elvesmore and the Duke

As God is my witness. The beginning of all the troubles originates from that mysterious will. Due to my greed for that huge fortune, I have stepped into a terrifying vortex from which there is no way back. I don't believe that everything is exactly as he said, that it is all because of fate. If it is really the case, then I am destined to live in misery and despair -forever. In the spring of 1873, while I was still immersed in long-term financial constraints, one afternoon filled with the pervasive fragrance of flowers brought about a turning point -the venerable Mrs. Berkin, my grandmother, finally passed away peacefully under the Lord's blessing. Perhaps it is not difficult to discern from my reaction that I did not feel much sorrow over her departure. Perhaps it was due to her harsh treatment of me, or perhaps since I moved to Belleville, I had already determined that there was no longer any affection between us. The unpleasant past is not worth dwelling on. The point is - now that she is gone, and old butler Samel, who came from Paris, hopes that I will return. The old butler was just as I remembered him, with a round lens over his left eye and a wrinkled face, just like the Shar Pei kept by the little girl next door. "Master Elvesmore..." I interrupted him, "You can still call me Al as before, Samel. Would you like some black tea?" The old butler took off his windbreaker and hat, but there was no one to take his luggage for him. I had just dismissed the servants because I really didn't have the extra money to employ them. I led the old butler to the courtyard, a place I was proud of - I had taken great care to make this place beautiful and presentable, with rose buds blooming in vibrant red. I personally brewed a pot of tea and placed a fresh rose on the tray to entertain this elderly gentleman. The old butler refrained from voicing excessive inquiries regarding my difficult situation. He merely let out a silent sigh and rummaged through his antiquated leather bag, taking out some items resembling manuscripts and a letter. He uttered in a hoarse voice, "Master Evermore, you should already know that the old mistress has passed away." He made the sign of the cross over his chest, his wrinkled hand trembling slightly. "Yes. It was on Saturday." At that time, I was pondering over my next script when that impetuous messenger barged in just like that. "I am here to explain my purpose to you..." Samel finally raised his eyes to look at me. He coughed softly, as if preparing for a long conversation. "This is an official letter from Becamore Law Firm." He handed me the white envelope and said, "You can open it and take a look right now." Following the old butler's suggestion, I tore open the seal in a relatively gentle way, spread out the letter inside, and gave it a cursory glance. After a few minutes of silence, I raised my head and looked directly at Samel and asked, "What does this mean?" This official letter from the law firm stated that I would inherit a sum of inheritance. Naturally, it was the wealth of the late Mrs. Berkin during her lifetime. The old butler replied formulaically, "This was the old mistress's intention." I chuckled and said sarcastically, "No, what I mean is - will inherit, will inherit? Meaning maybe will, maybe won't. If I remember correctly, she didn't pass on the Berkin family crest to me. Samel, she never thought I was worthy of this surname." Samel did not respond. Only when my anger had subsided a little did he utter a difficult sentence, "The old mistress has always loved you." I glared at him with knitted brows. The old butler slowly stood up. He walked towards me, bent down to me, took my hand in his two hands, kissed my ring finger, and then said tremulously, "Master Al, forgive me for not being able to serve you. Regarding this matter, please follow the instructions on the official letter. There will be no harm in doing so." I knew what he was hinting at. As the son of the Berkin family, such a life was indeed rather disgraceful. After seeing off Samel, I realized that the church's Mass time had long passed. I quickly grabbed my hat and a bouquet of fresh roses left on the table and rushed towards the only church in this small town. I hid myself like a young lad, peeking out furtively. Finally, I spotted Fiona in her down shawl. She and her maid were standing by the church flowerbed. When our eyes met, a smile spread across her rosy cheeks. I dare swear by the name of God that she is definitely the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Fiona's maid did not hinder our meeting and even kept it a secret for us all along. "Oh my goodness, Al." Fiona and I slipped into a small room at the back of the church. She took the bouquet of roses from my hand and let out a barely audible gasp of amazement. I pulled down my hat, attempting to hide that hint of shy pride. Fiona passionately kissed my face and then my lips. Our relationship was very close. I had already regarded her as my wife, and I think she must think the same way. Fiona is the daughter of Baron Parsel, a beautiful and charming girl. A year has passed since we met and fell in love, but I still haven't been able to bring the woman I love home. Baron Parsel is not satisfied with me as his son-in-law. We have met once. In his eyes, I am a poor playwright and gardener, not a nobleman with enough means to marry his daughter. To be honest, Parsel is just a nouveau riche. They have bought the title they have always dreamed of with money, attempting to make their bloodline precious in this way. And I, Evermore Berkin, a true nobleman, am unable to marry Fiona openly and justly because of poverty. After the kiss, Fiona nestled in my arms. When I was silently enjoying this precious time together, Fiona suddenly spoke in a strange tone, "Al..." I looked down at her. Her eyes were like green gems. Fiona's voice was as pleasant as the song of a warbler. I had recalled many unpleasant things in the past few days, and her words could heal all of that. However, Fiona's expression was somewhat strange. Her green eyes reflected my image, looking as if she wanted to say something but hesitated. "Darling." I gently stroked her golden hair and placed it against my lips. "What's the matter?" Fiona slowly placed her hands on her abdomen. Mist gradually gathered in her eyes, and she looked dazed. "Fiona..." I slowly sat up as well. That call was mixed with disbelief, surprise, and a hint of pitiful joy. ------ A month later, I arrived in Paris. It was a distant place. I had originally thought of going to the Berkin family's old mansion first to settle Fiona down - she is now pregnant and must be properly taken care of. However, when we arrived at that magnificent old mansion, we only learned from the old servant at the gate that this grand mansion had been auctioned off a few days ago. Thirty days ago, I rented a carriage and quietly took Fiona on a long journey to this bustling city. Originally, this journey didn't need to be so long and arduous. But Fiona's body is very delicate. She has never been on a long journey before and has never left Belleville. I took a cloak and wrapped Fiona tightly to keep her warm. Fiona's face was a little pale. She leaned in my arms, her small body trembling slightly. She murmured, "Oh God, my beloved father, forgive me." Although Baron Parsel doesn't like me, he has raised this girl for seventeen years after all and is a responsible father. During this long journey, I kept telling Fiona about Paris, the city of flowers - it can be considered my hometown, full of blooming flowers and full of charm. I told her a lot to make her feel that the future she and I will face is beautiful. Moreover, for Fiona and the child in her womb, I must visit Lawyer Becammer. Mr. Lawyer Becammer - I must state that I never knew that the Berkin family had employed such a lawyer. But since Mrs. Berkin could entrust matters after her death to him, then this lawyer must be a capable person. Since we have lost the Berkin family's old mansion where we could stay, I decided to settle Fiona in a hotel first. "Al, dear, where are you going?" Fiona sat up on the bed when she saw me putting on my shoes again. "I'm going to visit a gentleman." I gently comforted the poor girl who had no sense of security. "Fiona, lie down for a while. I'll be back soon." Fiona nodded hesitantly and lay back down. I bent down and kissed her forehead, pulled up the blanket for her, and then put on my hat. I always wear a hat when I go out. This is not out of etiquette but just a habit - I don't have the beautiful blond hair that ordinary French people have. Mrs. Berkin once pointed at the young me and said that I didn't belong to the Frankish nation. My jet-black hair and pupils were the best proof. Only later did I understand the meaning of her words. And because of this, I left Paris. Lawyer Becammer's office is located in an office at No. 17, Front Street. That place is very old. However, the one who came to greet me was a young lawyer. To be precise, a well-dressed lawyer who doesn't seem like someone who runs a struggling law firm. "Mr. Berkin, I must say that I have been waiting for your arrival." Lawyer Becammer is a handsome gentleman. His features are a bit like those of an Englishman, but he is very tall. He ushered me into his office on the second floor with a smile, asked me to sit down, and had his secretary prepare some refreshments. "I have heard about you from the lady before." Lawyer Becammer sat down at his writing desk, raised his eyebrows and said, "Mr. Berkin, you look very young and as noble as a prince." I decided that this lawyer is a humorous person who is accustomed to sweet talk, but he is not annoying. "Mr. Berkin, in fact, I am not the only one waiting for you." He opened the drawer and took out a file from it. It was still sealed. Becammer smiled in front of me and said, "Sir, perhaps you cannot know the content of the will today. I think you should understand what I mean. In addition to you, there are other heirs - they have actually all come here. Strictly speaking, if you continue to disappear. Oh, sorry, forgive me for saying this. What I mean is that you have privileges - unless you are present, this will can never be read." I responded in surprise, "Is this one of the rules? I've never heard of it." The lawyer nodded and said, "This is the special request of Mrs. Berkin - and also that of a noble gentleman." "Gentleman?" I showed a confused expression. "Excuse me, who is that...?" Becammer is really an interesting person. He put his finger on his lips, made a silencing gesture, then softened his tone and said mysteriously, "Mr. Berkin, in any case, your questions will be answered at exactly twelve o'clock noon in two days. Before that, I will notify the other heirs." He stood up and extended his hand to me. "Mr. Berkin, I hope you can arrive here on time in two days." I stood up as well and shook his hand. I said friendly, "Thank you for your hard work, lawyer." Becammer's smile is especially charming and may charm many girls. "This is my job. In any case, please let me see you off, Mr. Berkin." I returned to the hotel and spent a little money to ask the hotel clerk to bring some food and hot water. When I pushed open the door, Fiona had already woken up. She opened her eyes, turned over, and called weakly, "Al..." I walked over and helped her up. She didn't look well. "Dear, I'm back." I kissed her forehead and let her lean on my shoulder. This hotel is not very warm, and even the bed is hard. Fiona must not be able to adapt. However, before obtaining the inheritance, I definitely do not have the ability to let this poor girl live a comfortable life. "Al, I'm fine." She pretended to be okay and spoke, rubbing my face with her somewhat cold palm. When the waiter brought up the food, I supported Fiona and had some. She only drank half a bowl of thick soup. I watched over Fiona as she fell asleep and murmured to myself in the darkness. Fiona, my poor girl. Fiona is indeed sick. However, medicine is of no use. I can only take her out for a walk to make her happier. I took her to walk along the Champs-Élysées. As we walked along the avenue filled with the fragrance of flowers, I bought a rose from a little flower-selling girl and pinned it on her hair accessory. We also went to the Place de la Concorde and came to a small unknown church. The front of the church door was full of flowers, and Fiona stopped there for a while. I understand her dream - she wants to wear a white dress, hold a bouquet of roses in her hand, let me lead her into this sacred hall and receive the blessings of everyone. I want to tell her that this is not impossible to achieve. I have always believed that Mrs. Berkin has extremely huge assets and I firmly believe this without any reason. As long as we obtain that asset, even if it is only a part - perhaps one tenth, we can improve our current life and even make Baron Parsel recognize us. Ah, it can be seen from this that that sum of property is actually so important. Perhaps I really should shed tears in front of the cross and deeply be grateful to my indifferent grandmother. ------ Two days passed quickly. I arrived at Becammer's office earlier than scheduled. However, before the office door was pushed open, there were already four people waiting in the room. Lawyer Becammer stood up and showed me a smile similar to surprise. "Mr. Berkin, I'm very glad to see you here." Apparently, I was the last one again. I walked to a single sofa and sat down, restraining my gaze to make my actions seem natural. But in fact, this is not very likely - neither are the other four people. When Becammer saw that everyone was present, he was not in a hurry to announce the content of the will. Instead, he kindly introduced us to each other. The first one is Mr. William Kuwait who is sitting in the seat closest to Lawyer Becammer. He is very decently dressed and very fashionable. He is wearing a high-collared suit, white gloves, and a walking stick. He looks young and promising and doesn't seem like a person in financial distress. He is a distant nephew of Mrs. Berkin. In the middle is a lady dressed simply and looks very cultivated. She is the daughter of the Proctor family. The Proctor family is also a declining aristocrat, but previously it was also a great aristocrat on an equal footing with the Berkin family. Her name is as simple as her dress - Anne Proctor. I think she looks familiar. Maybe we had some interactions when we were young. After all, she is considered my cousin. When she looked at me, she was also full of kindness, which made me feel a little relaxed. Sitting next to me are a man and a woman, Mr. Orlick Jason and Miss Rolfe Stepera respectively. Their outfits are the most luxurious. Orlick is wearing a huge ruby ring, and Rolfe is wearing a lace-patterned long dress and a tall feather hat like a fashionable noble lady, with colorful feathers inserted messily on it. However, I know that in fact, regardless of their status and position, the reason why the five of us gather here today is to obtain that inheritance. After Becammer finished the introductions, he picked up the will from the writing desk. This time he was very solemn and serious, completely different from when I met him before. He solemnly glanced at the few of us. "Gentlemen and ladies..." This lawyer has a special voice that makes people unable to help but sit up straight. Becammer seems to always have a smile on his face, although I didn't see the slightest curve at the corner of his mouth. "Here, I am solemnly announcing the will of Mrs. Isabella Berkin to all of you. God bless her and may she sleep forever in a peaceful country." He piously recited a prayer, and then said: "Everyone, regarding Mrs. Berkin's assets, including the house on Molostein Street that was just auctioned half a month ago, as well as the securities and deposits she left behind, the total value exceeds two million francs." Two million...? I heard the gasps of everyone. Even Mr. Orlick, who was constantly shaking his leg, suddenly sat up straight and looked at each other with the rest of us. However, surprisingly, the one who couldn't hold his breath first was actually William Kuwait, who looked like a banker. He asked coldly, "So, are the five of us going to split this asset equally?" If that's the case, I won't have much objection either. Even if it's split equally, I can still get at least 400,000 francs. God, this is really a huge sum. I simply can't believe how much my biological grandmother has hidden from me. "Why split it equally?" A sharp voice rang out. Miss Rolfe Stepera responded haughtily, "I disagree. The matter that the will can never be announced until a certain heir is not present is already very puzzling..." This is really a mean woman, directly involving me. "My aunt once said that she would leave her assets to me. Everyone can testify that she loves me." Rolfe replied arrogantly and looked around at us with a haughty attitude. Before the atmosphere continued to be stalemated, Becammer immediately interrupted and said, "Everyone, please listen to me." Miss Anne, who had been silent all along, and I looked at each other. I said to the lawyer, "I'm sorry, Mr. Lawyer. Please continue." Becammer smiled approvingly at me, coughed softly and said, "Perhaps I should finish announcing the will before any of you raise any questions. In fact, no one can get this inheritance until all of you fulfill the conditions proposed by Isabella Berkin." I knew things wouldn't be so simple. I smiled a little self-deprecatingly. Becammer then continued, "As for the conditions, it is for all the heirs to visit the owner of Serablus Manor. He is currently the official guardian of these assets. This master is a noble duke who has inherited the title of a great aristocrat from the royal family. This was Mrs. Berkin's decision before she died. The conditions are not harsh. You will be invited to Serablus Manor. During this period, as long as you are recognized by this nobleman, whoever can inherit all this." After he finished this long speech, all five of us fell into a long silence. Serablus Manor? I think as long as people who are connected with the Berkin family know what kind of spooky place that is. But when did a duke live there? In this silence, Miss Anne hesitantly asked, "Excuse me... What are we going to do when we get there?" Becammer shook his head. "I'm sorry, miss. I can't answer this question for you. In fact, I don't know either. I think when you get there, you will understand." Orlick beside me let out a sneer. He touched the ruby ring on his ring finger and showed an exaggerated expression. "So, now, we must obey this strange will and play this heir game?" Becammer also smiled, but his tone was very solemn. "Mr. Orlick, this is not a game, but a decision on who is the 'true' heir of the Berkin family." When he said that "true", he turned his gaze to me. This made me feel a little unhappy, and I couldn't help blurting out and asking, "Respected Mr. Lawyer Becammer, I would like to ask about the name of this duke..." Becammer looked at me with a smile and nodded mysteriously and said, "You don't have to worry about this." "Is this also something that must be kept secret?" "Oh, it's my personal thought." He said playfully. Everyone gave a wry smile except Mr. William, the banker. He seems to be a very serious and rigid person and may be difficult to get along with. I said to Becammer, "I'm sorry, I have a request." "Please speak, my honorable Mr. Berkin." Lawyer Becammer seems to have a good impression of me, and so do I. "I want to bring one more person." I said, "That's my wife. I can't leave her here alone. She has no other relatives here except me." Becammer obviously paused for a moment, and then nodded. His tone was a bit strange as he said, "Oh, so. Perhaps it's possible... I'm surprised, sir." I nodded and smiled happily. "I'm also surprised, but God let me meet her at this time."