1st of Ash, 124th Year of the Age of Steel, Ruxgor Estate
The birds are chirping amidst the crisp morning air. The weather had started to cool down after Searing. A perfect weather for those in the Gelerian Duchy, but for those in the Tranal Duchy, the weather had cooled down by a lot, especially comes Frost. Searing would be the warmest weather in the Tranal Duchy. The ray of sunlight that had managed to slip through the curtains, shone on his face, making it a bit unbearable for him to sleep in any longer. Yawning and groaning, Benedikt almost swallowed the hair that was covering his face. He gently blew it, before deciding to use his free hand to brush the hair from his face. He was greeted with the intricate painting adorning his ceiling. Something he had commissioned from a famous painter but in which the purpose of commissioning it was lost on him. He felt the warm air blew on his chest. Benedikt looked at the figure still sleeping, cuddled up to him. He gently stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. His left hand caressing her cheek gently. Fingers gently glided on her rosy coloured lips. Benedikt pulled her closer. His right hand caressed gently and slowly from her neck down her exposed back, before finally resting on her hips. The girl with half-open eyes, sheepishly gaze at him. A smile on her face.
“You’re up early.” She said, her voice still half-asleep.
Benedikt gave her another kiss on the forehead. “Yeah. Go back to sleep, Mia.”
Mia pouted and nodded submissively. Benedikt leaned in closer and kissed her lips, “Sleepyhead,” She didn’t reply but hugged him closer. The truth is, it wasn’t the sun that awoken him, it was something else, something foreboding.
And all a moment too soon, “Lord Benedikt” the familiar voiced called out followed by a light knocking on his door.
Benedikt laid his head back and groaned before finally answering the call, knowing full well that it would be something annoying if he was bothered this early in the day. Benedikt gently pulled his robe from underneath Mia, put it on and sat by the side of the bed. “Come in,” he groaned.
The aged butler followed by a young maid entered the room. “My Lord, the Count has summoned you.” Sebastian informed him. He knew that Benedikt disliked pleasantries and merry chit-chat unless he initiated it first.
Benedikt stood up, with only his robe hung loosely on his body, he didn’t even bother to properly robed. He caught the young maid staring at him, before she was distracted by the butler clearing his throat. The young maid blushed and quickly made her way to open the curtain. Benedikt’s eyes followed her, taking in her figures as she briskly walked to the curtain.
Sebastian looked at the all too familiar figure of the Baroness, his composure remained the same, he averted his eye for a moment, before asking Benedikt who was still observing the young maid “My Lord, will the Baroness be joining for breakfast?”
Benedikt slowly averted his gaze back to Sebastian, “Maybe not.” He cracked his neck before robing properly and made his way to the wardrobe. “Sebastian, is the summon only for me?”
“Yes, my Lord. As Lord Fabian just left for the capital this morning as well as Lady Viktoria. Lord Andreas is stayed over at the Conservatorium,” he paused knowing full well that Benedikt won’t ask about his younger sister, but Sebastian felt inclined to also inform him of her. “Lady Jacqueline is at the garden.”
Benedikt sighed, “This is going to be annoying.” Benedikt knew that if his two eldest siblings are out, he would be the next in line for various tasks from his father. Despite his reputation as a carefree troublemaker, his still a Ruxgor. Deep down Benedikt suspected that his father knew all along about his facade, hence the increasing responsibilities and tasks given to him when his two eldest siblings were not around.
Benedikt put on his shirt, but didn’t button it immediately. The same he did with his tie. The young quickly came over and helped him. Benedikt took the chance to look closer at her, a familiar scent wafted in the air as she got close to him. “You’re from Lanercost?” he asked guessing from her attitude and the familiar perfume that the town of Lanercost’s was known for.
“Y..yes my Lord.” The girl shyly replied as she swiftly and accurately buttoned his shirt.
“I’d say that I really enjoyed the few times I visited Lanecrost. Picturesque town, and hardworking residents. Their work ethic is really something very commendable.” Benedikt commented.
After finishing her task, she followed Sebastian out of the room and waited. Benedikt made his way to the side of the bed and pulled the sheet, covering the Baroness. He gave her a light peck on the forehead, before following Sebastian to the Count’s office. Sebastian dismissed the maid and accompanied Benedikt to the Count’s office. They passed the hallway overlooking the gardens. The hallway was lined with floor to roof glass windows. The ray of sunlight shining through, almost enveloping the hallway.
Benedikt’s demeanour changed from his earlier carefree and friendly attitude. “So, are they making their moves?” he asked Sebastian, his voice is cold and calculating.
Sebastian quickened his pace to match Benedikt’s “No my Lord. They’re still acting as usual. Perhaps because it is the start of the seasonal tax collection period.”
The two stopped in front of the Count’s office. Sebastian knocked an announced Benedikt’s arrival. “The tax collection period is the most awaited event of the season.” His tone half-joking half-serious. “I guess I’m the hatchet man this season.” He muttered under his breath.
Benedikt entered the room, his father the Count is sitting on his chair, in the middle of writing a letter. A stack of papers piled up on the left side of the table and two teacups on the right side of the table, one in front of his father and the other in front of an empty seat. The fireplace gave the room a pleasant atmosphere, a warm refuge from the crisp morning air.
“Viscount Benedikt, answering the Count’s summons.” Benedikt greeted his father and made his way to the other empty seat. He didn’t spoke a word and waited for the Count to finished his business. Benedikt thoughtfully looked at the other chair with the teacup before it. The teacup was already half-empty. The smell of gardenia flower lingers in the air. His eyes linger to the painting of the family that hung on the wall behind his father.
“Ah yes, Benedikt. You’re here.” Jeremy said looking up from his letter and placed the pen on the table. “Have you eaten yet?” he asked a hint of concerned could be heard.
Benedikt adjusted his sitting position, making himself more comfortable. “Not yet, but Chen said that his door’s always open for me.”
Jeremy furrowed his eyebrow, before recognition hit him. “Ah yes, Chen the Kalzaseran. It’s been a while since I visited him. When I was younger, I used to visit him for his famous bowl of noodles. Your mother still not a fan of Chen. Too many spices she said. But she still finished the bowl every time we went there.” Jeremy laughed heartily.
“Well, I guess she hate to admit that she likes it as well.” Benedikt laughed
Jeremy folded the letter and sealed it with his stamp. “I want you to deliver this to city hall. You’ll be in charge of the tax collection this season.”
“Figures,” Benedikt blurted out.
Jeremy handed the letter to Benedikt. “It’s our duty to the throne.” He reminded him in a serious tone.
“I know. It’s our responsibility to the throne and the people living within our county.” Benedikt replied
Jeremy studied his son’s face a bit longer. A sense of pride. He had his suspicion ever since Benedikt got discharge that his playboy carefree troublemaker persona was just an act. After all, Sebastian’s true master is the head of the household.
“So, I will be in charge of it alone?” Benedikt probes, deducting from the lingering smell of gardenia flower and the teacup. The only one in the household who spent the most time in the garden is Jacqueline and the gardenia flower was one of her favourites.
Jeremy leaned back and looked at the half-empty teacup, a grin formed on his face. “Make sure you don’t loose the letter.” He said, not acknowledging Benedikt’s question.
Benedikt left the room and made his way down the hallway, taking in the time to relaxed under the warmth of the sunlight. He was tempted to check the content of the letter, but decided not too, despite his reputation. Reaching the stairwell to the first floor, he was greeted by Sebastian.
“My Lord, the carriages are ready. Would you like to have breakfast first?” he asked out of formality.
Benedikt chuckled, “I’ll be having breakfast at Chen’s” he then proceeded to pat his pockets.
Sebastian took out a cigarette case and Benedikt’s signature lighter which he took from the room.
“You read my mind. Thanks Sebastian.” Benedikt said, grabbing the items.
He was greeted by the crisp morning air as he stepped out of the estate. Three carriages lined-up in front. Footman and drivers, wearing uniformed black coats with white lining. Each of them had the emblem of House Ruxgor pinned on their apparel. They are Benedikt’s personal guards which he handpicked. Most of them were soldiers who used to serve under him in the military.
“My Lord.” The woman called Rachel greeted him at the top of the steps. The two made their way down to the carriage.
“Rachel. I’m the appointed hatchet man for this season.” Benedikt said, short and straight. He didn’t want the family’s guard who were still standing nearby eavesdrop on them.
Rachel nodded knowingly. She held the door open before following Benedikt to enter the carriage. The convoy made its way out of the courtyard and into the tree-lined drive. Benedikt took out the cigarette case and offered them to Rachel. Pushing the window of the carriage open, he took a long drag then hung his hand holding the cigarette out the window. “So,” he started after he exhaled the smoke out the window.
“Yes Captain. The Belloti Syndicate just made a move on the Valenti Clan’s territory. Their backers haven’t intervened. I suspected they are still waiting to see who the hatchet man for this season would be. They also knew that it’s not in their best intention to draw attention from the OIR.”
Benedikt nodded thoughtfully. “Yes sergeant. Even the Count made sure that the seasonal collections went smoothly because he himself is wary of the OIR.”
“All of our former unit had joined the Brotherhood. Along with the Captain Jack’s former unit and 2nd Lieutenant Klaus’s former squad. The network’s established, and the bankers are ready. Several fights broke out with the Valenti clan. No casualties on our side, minor casualties on theirs.” Rachel reported the recent incidents that happened. Benedikt had decided partook in the war of inheritance with his other siblings, but instead of fighting head on and gaining influence with the merchant groups or the aristocrat groups he chose to gain influence in the underworld scene. He knew that he couldn’t compete with his eldest brother charm and connections or his eldest sister’s ruthlessness and financial prowess. Benedikt also had to be careful not to drag the third son to the inheritance war. Andreas despite being labelled as a bookworm and scholar still held significant influence amongst the scholars and mages.
Benedikt tapped the ash from his cigarette. “If I’m not wrong the Belloti Syndicate’s territory is closed by the Conservatorium, right? It’d much more complicated if Andreas caught wind of their infighting.”
Rachel adjusted her glasses and flipped through the papers, “Maybe that’s the reason they decided to strike first, hoping to take the turf war as far away from the Conservatorium. It’s seared in everyone’s memories what Andreas did to the Belloti Syndicate’s predecessor.”
“Even the Count had to step in, least Andreas blew the whole county off the map.” Benedikt shuddered, recounting the memory of that turf war. “At least this season’s hatchet men would be an interesting duo.”
Rachel lifted her eyebrow, “Duo?”
Benedikt leaned out the carriage window, took a long drag and exhaling the smoke slowly. “Yes, her entrance into society.”
The birds are chirping amidst the crisp morning air. The weather had started to cool down after Searing. A perfect weather for those in the Gelerian Duchy, but for those in the Tranal Duchy, the weather had cooled down by a lot, especially comes Frost. Searing would be the warmest weather in the Tranal Duchy. The ray of sunlight that had managed to slip through the curtains, shone on his face, making it a bit unbearable for him to sleep in any longer. Yawning and groaning, Benedikt almost swallowed the hair that was covering his face. He gently blew it, before deciding to use his free hand to brush the hair from his face. He was greeted with the intricate painting adorning his ceiling. Something he had commissioned from a famous painter but in which the purpose of commissioning it was lost on him. He felt the warm air blew on his chest. Benedikt looked at the figure still sleeping, cuddled up to him. He gently stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. His left hand caressing her cheek gently. Fingers gently glided on her rosy coloured lips. Benedikt pulled her closer. His right hand caressed gently and slowly from her neck down her exposed back, before finally resting on her hips. The girl with half-open eyes, sheepishly gaze at him. A smile on her face.
“You’re up early.” She said, her voice still half-asleep.
Benedikt gave her another kiss on the forehead. “Yeah. Go back to sleep, Mia.”
Mia pouted and nodded submissively. Benedikt leaned in closer and kissed her lips, “Sleepyhead,” She didn’t reply but hugged him closer. The truth is, it wasn’t the sun that awoken him, it was something else, something foreboding.
And all a moment too soon, “Lord Benedikt” the familiar voiced called out followed by a light knocking on his door.
Benedikt laid his head back and groaned before finally answering the call, knowing full well that it would be something annoying if he was bothered this early in the day. Benedikt gently pulled his robe from underneath Mia, put it on and sat by the side of the bed. “Come in,” he groaned.
The aged butler followed by a young maid entered the room. “My Lord, the Count has summoned you.” Sebastian informed him. He knew that Benedikt disliked pleasantries and merry chit-chat unless he initiated it first.
Benedikt stood up, with only his robe hung loosely on his body, he didn’t even bother to properly robed. He caught the young maid staring at him, before she was distracted by the butler clearing his throat. The young maid blushed and quickly made her way to open the curtain. Benedikt’s eyes followed her, taking in her figures as she briskly walked to the curtain.
Sebastian looked at the all too familiar figure of the Baroness, his composure remained the same, he averted his eye for a moment, before asking Benedikt who was still observing the young maid “My Lord, will the Baroness be joining for breakfast?”
Benedikt slowly averted his gaze back to Sebastian, “Maybe not.” He cracked his neck before robing properly and made his way to the wardrobe. “Sebastian, is the summon only for me?”
“Yes, my Lord. As Lord Fabian just left for the capital this morning as well as Lady Viktoria. Lord Andreas is stayed over at the Conservatorium,” he paused knowing full well that Benedikt won’t ask about his younger sister, but Sebastian felt inclined to also inform him of her. “Lady Jacqueline is at the garden.”
Benedikt sighed, “This is going to be annoying.” Benedikt knew that if his two eldest siblings are out, he would be the next in line for various tasks from his father. Despite his reputation as a carefree troublemaker, his still a Ruxgor. Deep down Benedikt suspected that his father knew all along about his facade, hence the increasing responsibilities and tasks given to him when his two eldest siblings were not around.
Benedikt put on his shirt, but didn’t button it immediately. The same he did with his tie. The young quickly came over and helped him. Benedikt took the chance to look closer at her, a familiar scent wafted in the air as she got close to him. “You’re from Lanercost?” he asked guessing from her attitude and the familiar perfume that the town of Lanercost’s was known for.
“Y..yes my Lord.” The girl shyly replied as she swiftly and accurately buttoned his shirt.
“I’d say that I really enjoyed the few times I visited Lanecrost. Picturesque town, and hardworking residents. Their work ethic is really something very commendable.” Benedikt commented.
After finishing her task, she followed Sebastian out of the room and waited. Benedikt made his way to the side of the bed and pulled the sheet, covering the Baroness. He gave her a light peck on the forehead, before following Sebastian to the Count’s office. Sebastian dismissed the maid and accompanied Benedikt to the Count’s office. They passed the hallway overlooking the gardens. The hallway was lined with floor to roof glass windows. The ray of sunlight shining through, almost enveloping the hallway.
Benedikt’s demeanour changed from his earlier carefree and friendly attitude. “So, are they making their moves?” he asked Sebastian, his voice is cold and calculating.
Sebastian quickened his pace to match Benedikt’s “No my Lord. They’re still acting as usual. Perhaps because it is the start of the seasonal tax collection period.”
The two stopped in front of the Count’s office. Sebastian knocked an announced Benedikt’s arrival. “The tax collection period is the most awaited event of the season.” His tone half-joking half-serious. “I guess I’m the hatchet man this season.” He muttered under his breath.
Benedikt entered the room, his father the Count is sitting on his chair, in the middle of writing a letter. A stack of papers piled up on the left side of the table and two teacups on the right side of the table, one in front of his father and the other in front of an empty seat. The fireplace gave the room a pleasant atmosphere, a warm refuge from the crisp morning air.
“Viscount Benedikt, answering the Count’s summons.” Benedikt greeted his father and made his way to the other empty seat. He didn’t spoke a word and waited for the Count to finished his business. Benedikt thoughtfully looked at the other chair with the teacup before it. The teacup was already half-empty. The smell of gardenia flower lingers in the air. His eyes linger to the painting of the family that hung on the wall behind his father.
“Ah yes, Benedikt. You’re here.” Jeremy said looking up from his letter and placed the pen on the table. “Have you eaten yet?” he asked a hint of concerned could be heard.
Benedikt adjusted his sitting position, making himself more comfortable. “Not yet, but Chen said that his door’s always open for me.”
Jeremy furrowed his eyebrow, before recognition hit him. “Ah yes, Chen the Kalzaseran. It’s been a while since I visited him. When I was younger, I used to visit him for his famous bowl of noodles. Your mother still not a fan of Chen. Too many spices she said. But she still finished the bowl every time we went there.” Jeremy laughed heartily.
“Well, I guess she hate to admit that she likes it as well.” Benedikt laughed
Jeremy folded the letter and sealed it with his stamp. “I want you to deliver this to city hall. You’ll be in charge of the tax collection this season.”
“Figures,” Benedikt blurted out.
Jeremy handed the letter to Benedikt. “It’s our duty to the throne.” He reminded him in a serious tone.
“I know. It’s our responsibility to the throne and the people living within our county.” Benedikt replied
Jeremy studied his son’s face a bit longer. A sense of pride. He had his suspicion ever since Benedikt got discharge that his playboy carefree troublemaker persona was just an act. After all, Sebastian’s true master is the head of the household.
“So, I will be in charge of it alone?” Benedikt probes, deducting from the lingering smell of gardenia flower and the teacup. The only one in the household who spent the most time in the garden is Jacqueline and the gardenia flower was one of her favourites.
Jeremy leaned back and looked at the half-empty teacup, a grin formed on his face. “Make sure you don’t loose the letter.” He said, not acknowledging Benedikt’s question.
Benedikt left the room and made his way down the hallway, taking in the time to relaxed under the warmth of the sunlight. He was tempted to check the content of the letter, but decided not too, despite his reputation. Reaching the stairwell to the first floor, he was greeted by Sebastian.
“My Lord, the carriages are ready. Would you like to have breakfast first?” he asked out of formality.
Benedikt chuckled, “I’ll be having breakfast at Chen’s” he then proceeded to pat his pockets.
Sebastian took out a cigarette case and Benedikt’s signature lighter which he took from the room.
“You read my mind. Thanks Sebastian.” Benedikt said, grabbing the items.
He was greeted by the crisp morning air as he stepped out of the estate. Three carriages lined-up in front. Footman and drivers, wearing uniformed black coats with white lining. Each of them had the emblem of House Ruxgor pinned on their apparel. They are Benedikt’s personal guards which he handpicked. Most of them were soldiers who used to serve under him in the military.
“My Lord.” The woman called Rachel greeted him at the top of the steps. The two made their way down to the carriage.
“Rachel. I’m the appointed hatchet man for this season.” Benedikt said, short and straight. He didn’t want the family’s guard who were still standing nearby eavesdrop on them.
Rachel nodded knowingly. She held the door open before following Benedikt to enter the carriage. The convoy made its way out of the courtyard and into the tree-lined drive. Benedikt took out the cigarette case and offered them to Rachel. Pushing the window of the carriage open, he took a long drag then hung his hand holding the cigarette out the window. “So,” he started after he exhaled the smoke out the window.
“Yes Captain. The Belloti Syndicate just made a move on the Valenti Clan’s territory. Their backers haven’t intervened. I suspected they are still waiting to see who the hatchet man for this season would be. They also knew that it’s not in their best intention to draw attention from the OIR.”
Benedikt nodded thoughtfully. “Yes sergeant. Even the Count made sure that the seasonal collections went smoothly because he himself is wary of the OIR.”
“All of our former unit had joined the Brotherhood. Along with the Captain Jack’s former unit and 2nd Lieutenant Klaus’s former squad. The network’s established, and the bankers are ready. Several fights broke out with the Valenti clan. No casualties on our side, minor casualties on theirs.” Rachel reported the recent incidents that happened. Benedikt had decided partook in the war of inheritance with his other siblings, but instead of fighting head on and gaining influence with the merchant groups or the aristocrat groups he chose to gain influence in the underworld scene. He knew that he couldn’t compete with his eldest brother charm and connections or his eldest sister’s ruthlessness and financial prowess. Benedikt also had to be careful not to drag the third son to the inheritance war. Andreas despite being labelled as a bookworm and scholar still held significant influence amongst the scholars and mages.
Benedikt tapped the ash from his cigarette. “If I’m not wrong the Belloti Syndicate’s territory is closed by the Conservatorium, right? It’d much more complicated if Andreas caught wind of their infighting.”
Rachel adjusted her glasses and flipped through the papers, “Maybe that’s the reason they decided to strike first, hoping to take the turf war as far away from the Conservatorium. It’s seared in everyone’s memories what Andreas did to the Belloti Syndicate’s predecessor.”
“Even the Count had to step in, least Andreas blew the whole county off the map.” Benedikt shuddered, recounting the memory of that turf war. “At least this season’s hatchet men would be an interesting duo.”
Rachel lifted her eyebrow, “Duo?”
Benedikt leaned out the carriage window, took a long drag and exhaling the smoke slowly. “Yes, her entrance into society.”
