Chapter 7 Title: The Passing Train
“What should we decorate the halls with?” Mikaela examined the wreaths of gold in front of him and held it up. “This?”
“It seems kind of flashy,” remarked Lucas. “Imagine walking through a hallway adorned with gold. Wouldn’t that seem as if we’re trying to boast about our wealth? That would be a terrible first impression, and especially because we’re put in charge of decorations. People might think that we’re greedy and consumed ourselves with wealth, and that we’re arrogant–don’t forget about the fact that we used to be commoners a few weeks ago.”
“But we’re part of the Winurasten family now, they shouldn’t care about that–and besides, if it's too plain they’ll still gossip.” Mikaela said, dropping the wreath. The servants surrounding him immediately rushed to pick up the ornament before it’s damaged. Some of them were on the verge of shedding tears, gnawing on small embroidered handkerchiefs as they watched the ornament fall slowly.
“Hey! Be more careful with that!” Lucas scolded, moving the other precious jewels away from his partner. “These cost a lot, okay?!”
The servants beamed appreciatively, touched at their new young master who was thoughtful and considerate about the many artifacts, unlike Mikaela and the Duke who would throw away a goblet of pure gold without a glance.
“I wanna take a nap~” Mikaela grumbled, fidgeting with a string of rubies. Before he could toss that aside, Lucas quickly snatched it from his hands like a cat guarding its children. Mikaela collapsed into a nearby chair with a groan.
“And I thought that you were the smart one. If I had known that you’d act like this, then I wouldn’t have ever thought about handing you a portion of the Dukedom.” Lucas huffed, placing the string down carefully as if it's a national treasure.
“I’m good at paperwork,” Mikaela replied. “I’m no good at this decoration stuff. It’s too boring.”
“Marilyn, can you call the head butler here?” Lucas asked a young maid who nodded and complied with his request. “We’ll just ask the head butler for some advice then.”
“Sounds good,” Mikaela said, pouring himself some honey tea and adding sugar cubes.
“Eating too much sugar is not good, you know?” Lucas chided, exasperatedly. “Just how many times have I told you now?”
“About a million times,” Mikaela said airily, adding another sugar cube into his cup and stirred it quickly. When the cup was near his lips, Lucas took it from his hands. “You want it? If you wanted it, you could’ve just told me to make you one too, you know?”
“I’m preventing you from consuming anymore sugar,” Lucas took a sip and spat it out. “Blegh! That’s nasty! My throat feels like it's burning! It’s so sweet! How can you drink this?”
Mikaela laughed. “Only I can drink that. You reacted the same way as the Duke.”
“Ugh!” Lucas shuddered, and one of the maids quickly took the cup away but was stopped.
“Give it,” Mikaela ordered coldly. The maid had no choice but to hand over the cup, frightened and confused.
“The head butler has arrived, young master.” The maid announced and the door opened behind her.
“I greet the two young wolves of the North.” A tidy wizened man bowed his head, and greeted them. “What is it that you require? I shall do my best to support you with all my knowledge.”
Lucas nodded with thanks while Mikaela continued to sip his tea with flowers blooming behind him, humming.
“I need your advice on decorating.”
“I see,” nodded the butler with understanding. “This castle was built 200 years ago, with a long history. Even a little sample of it is worth 2,000 gold coins. It’s made out of clear white marble, along with small portions of gold–which makes it shine faintly. If embellished lavishly, it won’t match the simple, and yet, intricate design of the castle. The estate has long been the most famous piece of architecture ever created. The emperor personally bestowed the title “the Silver Wolf’s Den” which is a huge honor. I would admonish you to not go overboard.”
“Butler,” Mikaela set down his cup, and raised his voice. “Lucas asked you for advice, not for a whole history lesson about the estate. Be more specific. Don’t dawdle behind.”
Everyone else felt a cold wind from Mikaela besides Lucas who was focused on the butler’s words.
“...I understand, young master.” The butler swallowed.
“Good,” Mikaela smiled with thin lips. “Continue.”
“So, for the halls, do you think some yellow and white would look good?” Lucas inquired, holding up some amber stones and little pieces of gold.
“That would complement the simple colors of the interior.” The butler nodded. “Some diamonds would also suffice–this banquet is a very important ceremony, so nothing should go awry.”
After exchanging a few more words, the servants were dismissed, leaving Lucas and Mikaela alone.
“He’s a rat, that one is.” Mikaela spat out, stirring his tea. “He only got his position because he was rescued by the previous Grand Duke.”
“I can sense that, but I also don’t think it's like that.” Lucas said. “It seemed as if he was trying to boast his knowledge, but in an indirect way.”
“Next time, let me deal with him,” Mikaela offered.
***
“The spies have been cleared out,” the tall man said, his long ponytail swinging behind him. His eyes were multicolored: his left was a sky blue color that twinkled underneath the sunlight, and his right, brown and warm.
“Good job,” the other man said. His brow furrowed at the sight of the expectant grin on the other man’s face. “What now, Sirius?”
He averted his eyes. “Nothing~”
“Spit it out,” the Duke demanded. Sirius squirmed around with anticipation.
“When are you going to let me see the new young masters?” He whined.
“Not until you behave yourself, leader of the wolves.” The Duke snorted with sarcasm. “I can’t believe that you’re going to be the new king of the pack. You’re so useless. Who would’ve thought that the wolf tribe would decline this far?”
“Hey! I’m doing my best, you know?” Sirius grumbled. “Father has been acting cold recently, and you–well, you’re always cold to me. This young one is doing his best, you know? And my master is so cruel to this poor one. I feel so sad….”
“Shut it,” a pen was flung toward him and buried itself into the wall. “Once you can fix that lopsided mind of yours, maybe I’ll consider it.”
“Geez...how meannnn….” Sirius pouted, and slumped onto the couch. “Please? Please? I wanna see them!”
“I said to shut it, didn’t I?” The Duke growled. “First it's that bastard Baron, and now it's you. Why can’t you all just shut up? And I’ve got a hearing to attend next.”
“Who’s more like a wolf now?” Sirius crossed his arms, sitting upside down on the couch with his feet dangling above him. “’Bet father would’ve liked a son like you. Cold, cruel, calm, and consistently hard-working. You’ve got all of the 4 C’s.”
The Duke let out an irritated sigh. “Get out.”
“Okay!” Sirius said happily.
“And don’t you dare approach the children!” The Duke shouted before the door slammed shut behind Sirius.
“Once a dog is off its leash, it's free to go wherever it please.” Sirius said poetically. “Bye~!”
***
“Baron Bubullaiver,” the loud authoritative voice rang. “What is it that you’re pleading for?”
“I’m innocent, your honor! I am innocent!” The desperate man cried. His haughty attitude long faded, and he looked like a drunkard on the verge of poverty. “T-the children are sneaky! Th-they framed me! I have no consciousness of a secret lab! I wouldn’t dare to dream of going against the empire!”
“Silence.” the Baron’s voice fell and his face broke into horror. “What is it that you’re claiming, Baron? Oh wait, you’re no longer holding the Baron title now, aren’t you?”
Snickers passed through the crowd.
“Grand Duke!” He growled with resentment. “You! It’s all because of you my precious home is now in shambles!”
He spat near the Duke’s foot and the crowd gasped at his savageness.
“I can comprehend your feelings, Bubullavier,” the Duke said slowly, and slowly rummaged through his buckled coat. “But I’m afraid that it’s quite unfortunate that I have proof your claim is false.” He pulled out documents of lab blueprints and many tests related to the lab onto the witness box. The Judge waved for an officer to fetch the papers from the Duke so that he can examine it personally.
After a few moments of silence, the Judge cleared his throat. “This evidence shall be passed to the audiences of the Jury to be further discussed.”
The Juries rose from their seats, and left the courtroom for further discussion.
“Grand Duke of Winurasten,” the Judge addressed.
“Yes, your honor?”
“I would appreciate it if your dramatic intrusion wouldn’t ever reoccur if you are to be put into court again in the future. Next time, you won’t be embraced as easily–you will be apprehended for perturbing ”
“Yes, your honor.” the Duke said.
After a while the juries re-entered the room and proceeded to their seats while the Head Jury remained standing.
“Head Jury, what is the final verdict that you have come to an agreement on?” The Judge bellowed, exerting pressure amongst the room. His full authority was expressed through his powerful voice, silencing everyone in the room and directing attention to the Head Jury.
He cleared his throat before announcing his final decision, “We have declared that former Baron Bubullavier is to be indicted of plotting treason against the empire, and charged with child abuse, and the illegal act of maintaining chimera labs. He will be executed at the guillotine by a man of your choice, Grand Duke, since this accident has influenced the Northern Duchy greatly–we shall leave the choice up to you. The date will be soon released. The Baron of Inaiodine shall be no more.”
“Wha?” The Baron squeaked. His face fell into depravity and he whimpered, his mouth opening and closing with no words. “I-I...your honor! I’m being wrongly accused! Please! I’m begging you for another trial that’ll prove my innocence for sure!”
“Guards, restrain him, and cuff his hands so that no more injustice will ever occur ever again.” The Judge ordered. “Take him to the rat infested dungeon and let him rot away until the day of his beheading. No food rations shall be handed besides sewage water and some dry rye bread.”
“You can’t do this to me!” He protested. “You can’t!”
A knight attempted to cuff his hands but was knocked to the ground by his fury.
“Your honor!” He cried. “You can’t do this to me! I have served this country for many years faithfully! You can’t just throw away my loyalty like that! T-the king! Ask for the emperor to come! He’ll prove that I’m not guilty!”
“Silence! Drag him away.”
After a few more punches thrown, and a brawl, the Baron was straddled to his chair and carried off to the dungeon, wailing.
“You may all be dismissed.” With a sweep of his hands, the gavel was pounded and everyone rose. “May the Grand Duke of the North be blessed with luck and fortune for as long as he is…alive.”
“My sincerest gratitude, your honor.” The Duke nodded and left the room with many eyes staring at his back.
***
“What is your impression of the new young masters?” Sebastian asked.
“I think they a’ight.” The head maid nodded, immersed in her paperwork. “The blonde un’ is smart while the un’ that resembles the master is brigh’. That un’ is.”
“I think that they’ll both be a good influence to the Duke.” Sebastian smiled brightly. “I do like the perceptive one though. I think he’s planning on dealing with me soon enough.”
The head maid laughed. “Oh you and yer little joke’! I can’ believe you gonna do them like tha’!”
“Well, I’m curious to see how far they’ll go.” The Butler said, amused. “It’s their first trial as the new young masters. If they don’t qualify here, they won’t ever be good enough in high society. Believe me when I say this–for this statement is very true–high society is all about judgment. If you let your head bow too low, you’ll be perceived as weak and there’s always going to be wicked villains lurking around waiting for an opening. Helping them develop a keen perception is part of my duty.”
“Heh,” the Head maid chuckled. “It’s been a while since the Duchy got some young un’s. Can’t wait to see how they do.”
“Oh! My break is up!” Sebastian said, checking his pocket watch. “I shall take my leave now. Have a good day Head maid.”
“Same ta’ you, good sir.”
“Butler,”
The voice sent chills down Sebastian’s spine when he was about to make a turn down the hall.
“...I greet the young wolf of the North.”
“Head butler, or better yet, Klaus de Alphonse Riamond.” Mikaela said.
“That is correct, young master.”
“...That’s false information, isn’t it?” He threw documents filled with details of the butler’s history to the floor. “Your real name is Sebastian Hugo tia Delor; son of a merchant, and was abducted years ago until the former Grand Duke of Winurasten found you and rescued you from the slave trade. Ever since then, you’ve been a faithful servant to the Northern Duchy, and organized the estate’s affairs as well as the Northern border. You were also once a trained soldier, as well as a spy so you’re highly intelligent, and have a stalwart build despite your feeble look.
“Oh! And not to forget, you’re in charge of eliminating any obstacles in the Duke’s way, are you not?”
“...how do you know all that information?”
“I picked it up from the information guild that the Duke runs.” Mikaela shrugged. “Since I was adopted by the Duke, they tossed everything that I needed to my feet after I...did some persuading.”
“...as you have stated, I can confirm that all that you said is true.”
“Hah!” Mikaela scoffed. “Were you trying to undermine Lucas during that time then?”
“...I apologize if my words came off standoffish and boastful,” he lowered his head. “There is no falseness in your words, however, although I am quite talented, I have never wished for any harm towards you, and young master Lucas as well. “
“Alright...it better not be like that, butler.” Mikaela glared threateningly. Perhaps it was because Lucas was involved in this matter that Mikaela became impatient. “If it is, you’ll have to face the consequences.”