It was only after a few days of instent repairs and hard work that we were able to build the outer structure of the estate back up again.
The cleaning process and the organizing situation were handled by Millard marvelously, while me and Xane took care of the legal matters.
Supplies and workers, taxes and injured members, as well as finding out what caused the fire.
I was devastated and in a shaken mindset,completely ruined for the world. I had huge bags under my eyes.
I was forced to eat because the notion of swallowing food down brought waves of unbearable nausea.
Jasper basically had to carry me out of the office just so I would take a break and sleep.
When I saw Father's burned room, the only words out of my mouth were "Lock it."
Because, be hell with it, that part, that room, will not be built again. It will forever remain burned in the memory of his life.
A tombstone was placed in the duchy cemetery but we all know its empty inside.
No body is buried.
Nothing is left.
I was in the office as Xane explained to me for the tenth time about the claiming process. I was formalizing a plan, a plan that will bring me what I feel the most right now, Despair.
I was listening, but my main focus was more focused on the next step.
I need this, if I don't divert this energy, I have no clue what I would do.
That's why I am so calm because I am actively pushing myself to plan, to think and to prepare.
I have been behind this desk long enough to know everything about the duchy and no noble will be against me taking over so that part is easy.
Plus, I am fairly certain that King Ravial would want no one but me here, after all, who else will take care of the forest and Mabuz better than his firstborn?
No matter that, what will be difficult is to bring despair without people finding out about me. Because truth be told, I am an angel and a firm believer of hope.
But as I have heard a million times, 'Where there is hope, there is despair.' I think it's finally time to adopt that motto.
I had never thought my emotions would get the best of me, I never had to worry about the wrong judgment or decision. But this world has cost me everything.
So it's only fair that I do the same.
But I will save it, considering it's against my nature to do evil. I will do good with an evil name. The apocalypses will come and they will beg for me.
Pray to me, and I will play with them until I decide to save them.
They will have no choice other than to obey me and my command, taking my words as a decree of their lives.
Now they will not know Kaan, but they will know Milagro, the Archangel of Hope and the Supreme Commander of the Heavenly Army.
"My lord?" Xane called me, as I write things with a quill on a paper.
"Yes?" I speak in a low tone, my focus on the summit reason and advancement documents.
"It's dinner time." He informed me softly, knowing full well that I would rather finish what I am doing then have dinner. But he says nonetheless, like it would change the outcome today.
"Alright, you go ahead, I need to finish this." I say without thought, like clockwork.
I heard him sigh and move towards the door.
"Don't open it." I warned, causing him to halt. "Use the back door."
"But-" before he retaliated, I looked up and glared at him. There is no way I am eating dinner right now and I am in no mood to be picked up by Jasper either.
If he opens that door, I know I will be forced out because, for some reason, Jasper is the one person I can't win against.
I don't know what bloody rules have been set in this world but they are messing up with me.
Another sigh and he walked towards the door behind the bookshelves. He pressed a book inside and with a soft creek, the door revealed itself.
While repairing, we made sure to re-add the tunnels and make them even better.
He left without another word and I went back to finishing up the documents I will be needing tomorrow at the council meeting of inheritance.
My writing quickened and I let my mana move in the room as different books and papers flew to me. Arranging themselves and showing me what I need.
I hop into a trance and flow like no other.
Just me and my plans and work.
Before the Duke's return, I hated doing this work because doing documents was a hasslesome job for me.
But now I find solace in it.
Now I know why they love this.
Why Father loved it.
I shook my head and sighed another land paper. There are so many of them and it took Xane and me a whole day just to collect and organize them into neat piles according to the region and collections.
I also had discovered the book that had the spells used in the estate and I easily changed everything.
Now the estate and its people are untouchable.
I am untouchable.
The door slammed open without warning.
I barely had time to think and register what was happening before my chair tilted backwards and a pair of strong hands yanked me out of it.
The air whooshed out of my lungs as I found myself lifted off the ground.
'I clearly thought I added a magic seal on the door, so unless it was open from inside, no one would come in.'
My thoughts hauled when the possibility of Xane leaving the door slightly open came to my mind.
'Damn it.'
"Jasper!" I choked on the words as papers flew everywhere as my mana lost focus.
"You are done for today." Jasper said calmly, completely ignoring my protests as he carried me like I weighed nothing.
I struggled, pushing against his hold. "Put me down, damn it! I have work to—"
"No, you have dinner to eat and you're going to eat it unless you want me to personally feed you," he cut me off with an edge of finality in his tone.
My face scowled but deep down, I knew there was no winning against him. Jasper was relentless and I didn't have the energy to fight him properly. My body ached from exhaustion and the gnawing hunger I had been ignoring started to creep up on me.
I sighed in defeat, crossing my arms. "Fine. But I swear, if you make me eat something disgusting—"
Jasper chuckled, carrying me out effortlessly. "I'll make sure it's the best meal you've had in days."
I sighed again, leaning my head back. Maybe just for tonight, I would let him win.
Like every night.
I always let him win.