5 The Adoption

Titles are often passed to their spouse or eldest surviving child upon death of the titleholder. Distant relations such as uncle or aunt have been deemed ineligible to inheritance. Such rulings were made to avoid any potential nepoticide between uncle/aunt against their nephew/niece once an official heir have been named, avoiding titles to fall into lesser noblemen. The intention was to strengthen incumbent governing body as with downfall of more noble houses, their power increases in accordance.

" Viola... " the countess read from her name tag.

" A pretty name. You will be my daughter from today onwards. Come now girl. "

Countess Veronica stood up and held out her hand towards the young girl with similar colored hair as hers. Viola timidly looked towards Anna.

" Go on, Viola... "

Viola slowly walked towards the Countess and grasped her wrinkly hands. A smile blossomed on Veronica's face, giving off an aura of maturity and inner beauty. Finally she has her very own daughter to inherit their house's name.

Michael started walking towards Duke Rafael and gave him a polite bow befitting of a noble. The corners of Duke Rafael's mouth rose up slightly into a smirk. He was very pleased with this handsome young man.

" I'll be in your care, Duke Rafael. "

" Call me father from now on. "

" Fa...Father... I'll be in your care father... "

His smile was even more obvious when he heard that word. 'Father' was a word he had almost lost hope hearing. It was finally today that he has a 'biological' son so to speak, using those word which sounded like music to his ears.

" That's my boy! "

Duchess Danielle stood up and slowly walked towards Doris. She stared into her green eyes before pulling the girl into her embrace. Tears started trickling down her cheeks. Doris was overwhelmed by a complicated set of emotions from her sudden movement and just decided to allow the duchess to continuing hugging her.

" My baby girl... Doris. I'll love you so very dearly... " she said while still tearing and hugging her precious child.

Earl Bryan was staring intensely at Peter, causing the adorable blue-eyed young boy to flinched.

" Peter... I don't really like that name. "

" Feel free to change your son's name, Earl Bryan. " Sigmund quickly responded

" Hmmm... From today onwards you will be called Benson! "

" Excellent choice, Milord... "

" Ben...Benson ? " the blond haired boy stuttering with his words.

" Yes... Benson. Welcome to the family... "

The young boy was quickly carried away by the joyful Earl Bryan.

One by one each of the children departed with their new family with the exception of two. Rachael and Vaughn were the only two left. Anna proceeded to take black haired Rachael with her while Sigmund adopted grey-haired Vaughn as his own.

Everyone left for different destinations and returned to their own castles. It was time to lay low for a while before meeting up again in the future. Little did they know the many surprises which are in store for them from their decisions today in adopting these gifted children...