AN: I am so sorry for the latest late updates! I had to rewrite the entirety of Chapter 22-25 since I lost my files (stupid old me forgot to save). And so here you are!

How are you guys?!

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TWENTY-SECOND CHAPTER
"You will marry my daughter!"

23 Novie, 391 of the New Era
14th Entry

He brought another one here today as well. I am not sure what he's going to do with those poor children, but I can hear crying. I head sobbing every time. Their voices haunt me and they cry for help. I couldn't speak—No…I was too scared to call for them. The only way I can look out from this cramped room is when my maid comes down to give me food. I took a peek in there earlier today and the smell of fresh blood greeted my nose.

I am not sure whether those children died here because of starvation or because they were beaten to death by that man. There was one who I locked eyes with, he pleaded for help—he was injured. I am not sure if that person is still alive or if he was killed because of that bastard.

I have to find a way out.

The place was warm and familiar, and yet, for some reason, his nerves wont let him calm down. As a long time vassal of this great duchy, he should be quite accustomed to the place; after all, he was always in and out of the mansion like his father once was. But the Duke's parlor, where he was led to wait, felt stuffy to him. Large windows and bright lights surrounded him. All of the furniture was expensive and it loomed over him as if reminding him about his place as a vassal.

He anxiously waited for the Duke to arrive. He was asked to wait for quite a bit, but an hour has passed and the Duke was nowhere to be seen. If he wasn't someone of lower status, he would've gave the Duke an earful. But he wasn't in a position to say that, now was he?

Even though that bastard child is the one he's facing.

The huge gold embellished doors swung open and a man strode into the room with his head held high. Lord Fischer stood up and hung his head low, a formal greeting for nobles. The Duke walked towards the chesterfield and sat down. He didn't even acknowledge this old man and rudely sat in front of him.

"Speak." He said with a firm tone. Clearly he didn't want any of the Fischers in his home.

Lord Fischer raised his head and cautiously sat down. "I have come here to talk about your conduct these past few months," he started.

The Duke looked at him indifferently, nothing more. "I do not think you are in a position to talk about my conduct, Lord Fischer."

He held his anger deep inside. Oh how he wished to snap this bastard's neck and watch him die. But if he were to do that, the emperor will execute his entire family. Just you wait, Jackson Overland. Just you wait. When you marry my daughter and she bears your offspring, I will take you down and place my grandson on your seat.

"On the contrary, your grace. I believe I am in the position to talk about it. You are my daughter's fiancé and my soon-to-be son-in-law. I have more than enough right to speak about your rendezvous in the Bjorgman Marquisate."

The Duke clicked his tongue and crossed his legs. "I am merely visiting a good friend. Are you afraid that I might annul the engagement with your precious daughter?"

"That is exactly why! And not only that, your reputation as the Duke of the Empire will be stained! Such a man like you who has a fiancé visiting the home of an unmarried lady—"

"So, what is it exactly you wanted to say?" Jackson asked, clearly he was fed up with all the stalling. He didn't like people who stalled.

"You will marry my daughter."

"I know."

"So I beg you to please stop going over the Bjorgman's Mansion. You have work to do as a Duke, do you not?"

Jack stopped. "Do I visit everyday?"

"Pardon…"

"Do I visit everyday?"

"No, but—"

"Then I don't see what the problem is."

"She's an unmarried lady! You could've been seduced!"

"Lord Fischer," Jackson paused. "I respect your grandfather since he was the person who was with me while growing up. But that doesn't mean the respect he earned from me will immediately follow you, his son." He blinked. "I warn you, do not cross the line."

"You are the one crossing the line here, your grace! You are engaged to my daughter!"

Jackson nodded his head. "We are merely engaged," he said, acknowledging his point. "For political purposes only," he continued. "There is no love between us. It wouldn't be a lie to say that your family name is engaged to my family name." He shrugged.

Lord Fischer flinched.

"If you do not want me to nullify the engagement between me and your daughter, I advise you to stop speaking ill of my friend."

"But—"

"Lord Fischer," Jackson stood up and glared at the man. "My patience is short."

The old man cursed the Duke in his brain. He disliked the Duke so much; he disliked the boy for being a half blood. He despised him and he always wanted to see him die. If only he could kill this man right here and then. It would thoroughly satisfy the ugly desire hidden within his heart. But alas, it wasn't the time.

"See yourself out."

Just you wait, Jackson Overland. Just you wait.

It was another day in the Bjorgman mansion. Elsa was having her daily routine. Her maids surround her with warm smiles and faces of fondness as they watch the lady flip through the book she was reading with a soft smile pasted on her lips. Another maid came by from the kitchen to pour her some newly brewed tea. Elsa thanked the maid for her service with a little nod.

She wasn't the same as before, a little lady who cowered at the sight of people. Although it was a slow recovery process, she was now able to smile and talk to the maids freely. But she can only say yes or no. Of course, that didn't stop her. She wanted to improve. Elsa picked up her teacup and smelled the tea.

The sweet aroma filled her nostrils and her mind gradually started to become calm. Was it always like this when she drank tea? Hmm. She placed the rim of the cup on her lips and took a little sip. But…

COUGH

Elsa looked down on her chest and gulped. Blood stained her dress and her mind became foggy. At this rate, she was going to faint.

"MY LADY!"