Chapter II - My Lord, The Lion

Vincent Leondale, The first-born Son of the powerful family of Leondale. The only Dukedom which owns the whole territory in the north. A barren cold and filled with dangerous monster with difficult terrain. Although like this, this land is bustling and filled with many people. They all both revere and fear the owner of their lands.

Ever since before the founding of the Empire, the Dukedom was already active and were too powerful to enter a hostile relationship when the Empire had just started to thrive as a mere Kingdom.

The Dukedom was still not establish at that time as they are seclusive, they only proclaimed their land as a Dukedom but no one can refute because they are far more powerful and capable to overthrew the once Kingdom.

Their military power rival that of the Imperial Army and their wealth is no laughing matter either, their wealth is a monstrous amount that is earned by their trade and connection to different merchants alike.

Their lands are also blessed with precious gems and ores that made them a gem in the eyes of different people. This only made their value even higher than the Empires treasury.

But even though it is called a Dukedom, The Duchess holds the complete power of the family for generations. Since the first Emperor sat on his throne and met the Head of the Dukedom, the Duchess is always the one in control which led to several misunderstandings for both the Noble's and Commoner's alike.

It was said that Women are the one governing the land because they were the ones who gives life, one who nourishes children while other people reacted that the male sides of the family are actually cursed and that they die before they marry and give a legitimate heir to the Duchy. Those were the rumors circulating the ever so mysterious Dukedom in the Empire.

"I see that you still like to read Vincent." Noah said as he looked at the maid behind him, his brow rose to see a shivering woman gripping her skirt tightly that made her palms white.

He looked confused as he looked at Vincent and the Maid back and forth before letting out a breath of sigh and ordered the maid to leave, "Please excuse us, you can leave now." He said as the maid bowed and hurriedly walked away and made no eye contact to either of them.

"Why did the maid shiver like that? Did I do something wrong?" Noah asked out loud to Vincent.

"You did nothing wrong Iris, she was probably afraid of me." Vincent said as he scoffs and began to read the book he had bought.

Noah looked confused again, 'Afraid? Why would they be afraid of their Master?'

Noah brushed of the question and begin to unpack his luggage as Vincent made himself comfortable at the window sofa and continued to read the book he had in his hand ever since Noah saw him.

"Vince? Is there something important that I was called here by the Duchess?" Noah asked as he finished unpacking and began to pick which book he would like to read.

Unknown to him is that when he mentioned the Duchess, Vincent's face darkened as if he was mad. But it soon returned to his normal expression when Noah began to walked towards him.

"My Twin siblings are going to début in a month and the Duchess suddenly sent you an invitation without notice, I too was surprised to know that you're coming today. Kevin had only informed me a minute before your arrival." Vincent said as he looked at Noah as listened to his explanation.

'He called his mother The Duchess, instead of Mother. He must have done it 13 years ago.' Noah nodded as an answer.

"It seems that I came to early, Mother was insisting on me arriving a month earlier back at the Capital. It resulted in me cancelling the next 2 months of my schedule, but the most important ones are needed to be handled by me immediately. So, I do hope that you would allow me to receive work." Noah said as he continued to organize his luggage before pulling the rope beside him, this rope is connected to the kitchen and it will notify the chef based on which room they are allowed to serve.

"Twins, it seems like they will be written in the marriageable list of the Noble's back in the Empire." Noah said as he listened to the sounds of footsteps outside the door before pausing to enter.

The maid took a second before opening the door and bowing as a respect. She set down the tea set with a tray of assorted sandwiches in small square basket and a round basket full of fruits and sweets, she again bowed down as she quietly left the room without turning her back at the two masters as it was considered rude to turn you back to those higher than your rank.

"Didn't you also got added to that said list 2 months ago Iris?" Vincent said as he watched Noah prepare the tea that has just been brought.

"Yes, I was. Yet unexpectedly, no marriage proposal has been sent to our house even after 2 months. I thought it was strange, yet my family paid no mind to it. Which eventually made me forgot all about it." He said and after finishing, popped a chocolate in his mouth.

"You already entered the list a year ago. Why haven't you married yet?" Noah asked and poured the tea on two tea cups decorated in blue flowers lined with gold. Vincent showed an uninterested face but returned when Noah handed him his share of tea.

"I have no interest in marriage. They can't force me to marry someone." Vincent said in a matter-of-fact tone.

Noah laughed at his tone and sipped his tea.

"Well, if it's Vince. It's almost impossible to force you." Noah said as he placed his cup down as well as the book he was reading before.

"What do you mean impossible? You can answer and understand me better than the others." Vincent said as he also placed his stuff down the table.

"Your pretty easy to understand Vince. All of your thoughts are written in your face." Noah said as he went out the door, Vincent following closely behind him.

After walking in silence for 30 minutes, they both encountered the Family Butler of the Leondale Castle, Kevin Hart who is in his mid-40 but resembles a man who is in his early 20's. He smiled at them both of and bowed.

"Dinner is about to be ready. Please proceed to the Dining Hall Master Vincent and Master Noah." He said as he waited for the both out them to pass him before following behind them.

Kevin already knows Noah ever since he was sent here and knows that Noah already memorized the parts of the castle like the back of his palm and that they won't need a guide to lead them.

After a short walk, the large doors leading to the Dining Hall began to get closer.

Kevin then began to walked ahead of us to go to his position besides the two guards guarding the doors. The guards bowed before opening the dark oak doors and they enter, as the door was so large it can fit up to 3 people if you prefer through. Noah and Vincent both stopped as they both looked at the head of the table.

An Elegant woman with deep black hair and shinning violet eyes, dressed in long sleeved A-line gown in a shade of black and purple and diamond crusted with gold embroidery greeted them both.

"Welcome back, Noah." She said as she smiled.