Chapter 2

Opening my eyes, I stared at the ceiling. Just relaxing in this...crib?

Startled I tried to sit myself up, and after a little bit of struggle I looked around, taking in my surroundings. A very well decorated room met my eyes. The room was made of stone. A door was at the left corner of the room. I was in the right corner, with a bed on left. The bed was small, and definitely not made with the greatest skill or materials, so it definitely was not my parents room. Instead this was probably a nanny's room. It made sense when you think about how busy my father is as a Viscount. As for my mom, she too was not without her own share of daily work. She manages the house, and not only that but also manages Viscount's finances, relationships with other nobles, and business opportunity requests that the Viscount doesn't have the time to look into.

For all of those reasons and more, even with their affection towards me, they placed me in a nanny's room. As I sat there in the crib I thought of all the things that would have happened in the future. I died once but now... I am alive again, and all the foolish things I did no longer exist. People don't remember, no they don't even know of me now. This was a chance. A second chance, to do things differently. To remedy the wounds I created, and bore. To create new, better, relationships. To advantage of better, more strategic opportunities. To grow stronger far more quickly than before.

I was lazy, I was foolish, I was arrogant, wait--no, I am lazy, I am foolish, And I most certainly am arrogant. But this time, I will work harder, harder than ever before. I know a lot about the future, and I have experienced the effects of foolishness and arrogance. I won't be led astray by them again. As for Yanvier...ha, if he really is Yanvier. I will not be suppressed by you again!

Setting aside the thoughts he consciously realized was inner monologue, Decron started to plan out what he would do once he gained the ability to speak and walk comfortably. He wasn't foolish enough to try anything now as a literal baby. He knew he was incapable of doing anything as of now, so this was a time of relaxation for him before he began his tireless journey to get stronger.

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Viscount's Pov

"Viscount Durtch, please forgive me for my rudeness, but with all do respect we can not proceed with the current plan." One of the thirteen council members said, making a few others nod with him.

"Why is that? Wasn't it just yesterday that you guys approved of my plan for the mines development?" The Viscount said with a frown on his face. It was obvious that the people here were getting back at him for ending the previous day's discussion early and disregarding their will to plan out the details. In his opinion they are being too hasty and greedy, it will take time to get the people needed to prepare the mine for operation. Besides, he was was the undeniable leader of this operation. As this mine is located directly on his property. He had full rights over this mine, and not even the count could pry it out of his hands.

"Sir, as per your arrangements for the mine, we think it puts too much burden on your shoulders. Why don't you lend us some of the burden, we can help hire some of the people who will work in the mines and manage it and you can just focus on getting the mine ready for operation as soon as possible. During that time we can share the cost of the equipment. We'll split the ore 85% between all 12 of us while you get a full 15%." A pleased look appeared on the faces of many of the council members. The total percentage of ore they are getting didn't seem that big, but compared to the amount of ore that was possibly in this mine, it was enough to allow an ordinary family to become a wealthy one overnight. After all this wasn't an ordinary mine as they had first supposed 2 months ago.

Back then, the Viscount had a few expert architects, and knowledgeable pedologists take in the landscape and measure it out in preparation of building the new storage house he wanted to use to store large amounts of food. While surveying the land the pedologists noticed a strange change in the soil. They informed the Viscount about it and asked for permission to dig out the area. With the agreeance of the Viscount they began their work.

At that time when the mine was found the Viscount after being approached by a few council members about his project decided to sell them a favor. By giving each of them 5% of the revenue of the ores sold and in return they would only need to collectively provide money to help get the mine started. He never knew that these old souls would be so blinded by greed that they would actually dare to overstep their boundaries over his property!

Thinking back to this point the Viscount couldn't help but sigh, he was here to sell them a favor and make them owe him one. But from the looks of it they probably haven't even realize his intentions. He was left wondering how they even got into their seats. Were they suffering mental problems from old age? Was he not a noble and they slightly more influential commoners? Where did this misplaced boldness come from? If they believed he did not dare touch them because of their influence then they were greatly mistaken. He absolutely will not allow his son to grow up and find out he was a wimp of a man in office!

"I think you all are mistaken about something"

Suddenly a strong pressure bore down on the entire room. The old council members lost their happy, and pleasant expressions. In replacement, horror appeared on their faces. This wasn't entirely because of the pressure itself, but what said pressure meant. The ability to apply a pressure on one's surroundings was a trademark application of aura specifically attached to Royal and Magic Knights. In this kingdom each Royal or Magic knight had the status of General in the royal army during times of war. This is because those who can reach that rank in the power system were extremely rare. Out of 25000 knights, only about 3 of them would actually reach the Royal/Magic knight rank.

If the Viscount in front of them was actually a Royal knight, his status would be comparable to a duke's in times of war. During war even dukes and princes would have to listen to them. Disrespecting a Royal knight was by no means a small offence. They were too rare, and it wasn't easy getting a replacement, because of this, the king placed high importance on any and all people with the potential to become Royal and Magic Knights within his kingdom, how much more the real deal?

"I gave you all a chance to collaborate with me, since you can't appreciate my kindness this collaboration will close. You all may leave your cloaks here if you will." The Viscount spoke in an authoritative tone, as a cold smile appeared on his face, it was devoid of any sort of joy a smile should have, even the malicious ones. Strands of a ethereal blue fabric-like energy flowed out his eyes in the upwards direction. Similar to how smoke rose from burning wood.

The faces of the council men scrunched up, and unwillingness appeared on their faces. Leaving your cloaks behind in the council room signified leaving the position of Town council men. You wouldn't be able to re-enter the council room without the cloak, so leaving it there meant forfeiting your position.

"I-I, p-please lord Knight Durtch, this must be a misunderstanding!!"

"Please, forgive this blind old man, Lord Knight Durtch"

Two of the twelve old men spoke asking for forgiveness, many others looked on with hope.

The Viscount observed them, and only one of them having taken off the cloak and prepare to leave through the door. It was the council member who had lead the disagreement of the plan he had brought up. With respect the Viscount watched the man unwaveringly walked over to the door. His head hung low, clearly filled with enough shame to not even ask for a chance to make things up. He opened the door, paused for a moment to look back and sneak a glance at the Viscount. He froze as he realized the Viscount was looking directly at him, with that same unfeeling, and unhappy cold smile still on his face. The former council member couldn't help but look into those glowing blue energy coated eyes. From the looks of it he couldn't move.

The smile on the Viscount's face became a bit more genuine as he spoke out to the frozen man. "Council member Deor, where are you going?"

"Lord Knight Durtch, I am no longer a council member right? I am no longer adorning the council member's cloak, I no longer have the right to stand in this room." Deor responded, firmly even though he was very clearly spooked.

"But I have called you Council Member Deor, are my words for naught? Put back on your cloak you will stay. As for the rest of you, you have 15 seconds put away the cloaks and get out, if you are still here after that time, do not blame me for being merciless." A cold look graced the Viscount's face as he looked at the begging old men with a merciless look in his eyes.

"Pl-Please, Sir-"

"ENOUGH"

With that the men with the agility speed and skill of practiced warriors in their prime nimbly shed the cloaks off their bodies skillfully scrambled out of the door with their tails between their legs shouting:

"Master, please have mercy on us old blind men for not recognizing your gra-"

*SLAM*

Almost as if he teleported the Viscount appeared before the door and respectfully slammed it...

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This chapter was a bit long...

Tell me if the longer chapters are more up your alley, I can't promise that I can make all of em this long. But if you do like it I'll make an effort to make at least 1 or 2 chapters near 1700 words.