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 my left. The bed was small, and definitely not made with the greatest skills 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 the Viscount's finances, relationships with other nobles, and business 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 suffered, and bore. To create new, better, relationships. To take advantage of better, and more strategic opportunities. To grow stronger far more quickly than before.

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 being blindsided. I won't be led astray by her again. As for Yanvier...ha, if he really is Yanvier. I will not be lose to you again! You may be an elf, gifted with everything a man might want but your personality, but I have the future, and oh boy; you might not be in it...

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, a common trait of people in their positions he noticed. 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. As he would quite literally need to remove him from his house to get it.

"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 65% between all 12 of us while you get a full 35%." A pleased look appeared on the faces of many of the council members. The total percentage of ore they are getting individually 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 3% 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 some allies. 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 elite aurna Knights. In this kingdom each elite aurna 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 are extremely rare. Out of 9500 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 would have to listen to them. Disrespecting a elite aurna 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 elite aurna Knights within his kingdom, how much more the real deal?

"I gave you all a chance to collaborate with me, but 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 cloak 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, seeing 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 plan against him. With appreciation the Viscount watched the man unwaveringly walk 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. He was petrified!

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?"

"L-lord Knight Durtch, I am no longer a council member. I am not adorning the council member's cloak, So I have lost the right to stand in this room." Deor responded, somewhat 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 leave. 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 ninjas 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...

"Damn bastards have not even an ounce of shame" the Viscount said gritting his teeth irritation.

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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.