Temporary Crown

31 | Respect of a sibling

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Nesta’s first impression to Benjamin was different from all the servants inside this mansion. Unlike the servants who thought the lady was elegant, graceful, and knowledgeable, despite of her background, However, to Benjamin everything was different.

He was in his twenty six years of age. In those years where he lived his life to the fullest, he had already attain the life he wanted to be and many things in his grasp despite being a knight commander of the duke of Von Stein.

He was labeled as a genius and was often praises for how high he had reached.

Still, he wasn’t able to grasp the aura of a noble who had been in hell.

He was an aristocrat himself. He was the second son of a count and he met almost every aristocrat in the empire he could ever meet. Still, he can only count on his one hand how many nobles were really terrifying. No, it wasn’t because of their money, fame and even their honor. It was how their minds wonders and think.

How their minds do not fear the consequences of their actions and their only thoughts were their wants. In their minds, everything was a stage set to play. Each actor had strings attached to their limbs. The one who will control their threads was the one who had grasp everything, every knowledge in this world. Those who had no fear and those who were thirsty for more.

He had seen many aristocrat that think of people as tools and disposable items but he only encountered few who really can be a demon themselves. In this world there were people who gave mercy to those who deserve it and they also give death worse than hell to those who deserve it.

And right now, even though the lady did not act as intimidating like how nobles acted, there was a mysterious aura around her that made Benjamin conclude that she was someone whom he should not mess with.

She was the duke’s adopted daughter who had passed the qualifications of the duke set by himself.

He was quite lucky that the lady had tolerated his actions. He was lucky that the lady was merciful. Realizing his mistakes, his heart palpitate so fast he felt like he was losing his breath. He wanted to calm down. He wanted to act dignified for he had already ruined his first impression. But then, no matter what he does, everything was too late.

Just as he was thinking and trying to calm himself, Nesta stood up in her seat and prepare herself. Her dress swayed gracefully every time she moved and even the sound of her heels were mesmerizing. Benjamin can’t help but stare even more. A woman who wasn’t born a noble but acted like she should be regard as a noble herself not those immature brats of any noble family.

After meeting with the commander of the knights, she needed to meet the servants and even the vassals in this week in order to prepare her plans of wiping out all of the corruption in this mansion. She had been waiting for so long. She needed to act now in order to fulfill her promises.

“Sir Ford, I would give you a week to gather skilled knights for your mission. A group of ten would suffice and you will be their general commander as you always will. On the other hand, the vice commander will take charge of the whole knights in the mansion at the same time, there will be knights deployed to protect Lucien.”

“Is the young Lord in danger, my lady?” Benjamin asked. His thoughts were in distraught once again as he feared that something might happen to the only heir and bloodline of the duke.

Nesta fell silent at first before heaving her breath. She did not give a definite answer although she was sure to herself that Lucien would be very much in danger in the future.

“Perhaps, I am not sure myself but it would be best to be ready. The duke have many enemies. I am afraid that they will bare their fangs once the news of him being in coma leaked out. These were also the reason why I am entrusting ever important things to you. I trust you Sir Ford. I hope you don’t break my trust for you don’t want me mad, don’t you?”

Benjamin swallowed giving a nod. “Yes my lady.”

“It’s okay if you do not think of me as your master but I will trust your loyalty to my little brother. Reason as that would suffice. You can leave now.” Nesta raised her hand to dismiss him. Benjamin gave a one bow before turning to reach and walked towards the door.

However, before he could reach the door, it opened revealing the young master dressed with the same extravagance as the young lady. Benjamin tensed up once again giving a respectful greetings to the young master.

“I greet the noble young lord of the duchy. I am Benjamin Ford, my lord one of your respectful subjects.”

Lucien’s eyes landed on him acknowledging his presence. He gave a small nod. His eyes then traveled to Nesta who was on the duke’s table looking at the different documents now.

“I am quite flattered for the greetings sir Ford. Is there something urgent for you that needed to see my sister?”

Benjamin gave a nod as he glanced at the lady. “It was a matter related to the duke, young lord. Would you like me to report it to you?” He asked genuinely. If the young lord asked him to, then he would not hesitate to tell him for in the first place, he was his true master.

Lucien smiled and shook his head. “No need. I trust my sister. However, I would like you to give the same respect to my sister.”

“Yes my lord.” Benjamin said in respect.

Lucien smiled a little bit pleased with his attitude. “You may rise. You can excuse yourself now.” He then walked towards Nesta.

“You’re here sister. I was looking for you. Have you eaten yet?” He asked. Benjamin who was still inside the room was surprised once again hearing the affectionate words of the young master.

He had thought that the young master would be hostile to the lady but they were quite harmonious as though they were really siblings.

Benjamin heard the lady chuckled. “I already ate Lucien. How about you? Are you okay? Did you have a complete sleep after reading the letter? I hope you are okay. If there is anything I can help, you do not need to hesitate as I am always here for you.”

“I am okay sister. You do not need to worry.” As the two step siblings continued their conversation, Benjamin slipped through the door with the intention of not making any noise. As he got out, his expression looked too determined as though he finally have a path after being astray for so long.

He finally have another mission besides being caught up with the training of the knights.

Although he still held suspicion of the lady, he would do his best to protect this duchy and his master. He doesn’t have a choice but to follow.

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Inside the duke’s room, Lucien and Nesta were still inside. Nesta was holding a paper with different information and Lucien was able to peek through the documents. His eyes lingered there a bit more. Nesta let him read the contents of the letter with no intention of keeping any secret from him.

After reading, he asked, “Are you going to visit the servants now, sister?”

Nesta nodded. “Yes, Lucien. I have a different announcement to them furthermore, some of them dare to cheat the duke and the duchy. I will not tolerate such disgusting people in this household.”

Lucien fell silent at first as though he was thinking. Nesta was observing him.

“Can I escort Sister then?” Lucien asked. Nesta’s eyes sparkled as her cheeks stretched to form a wide smile.

“I am honored, Lucien. Of course you can escort me.”

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