"My lord, here is the testament you ordered me to write." Josh entered André's office and handed him a parchment containing the Count of Blair's testament.
"Very well, you may wait while I review it." André took the parchment and began to glance over it.
** I, Augusto Rosarino de Blair, in full use of my mental faculties and of my free will, make this testament with the purpose of transmitting my rights of territory and sovereignty to André, in the terms described below:
I declare that, as legitimate Count of Blair, I possess rights and titles over the territory and the lands under my dominion, by virtue of my lineage and my position as feudal lord.
Recognizing the loyalty, abilities, and fidelity of André, as well as his worth as a vassal, I have decided to grant him total and absolute control over my territory and the sovereignty associated with it.
By virtue of this will, I cede to André Solomon Andrews all my rights, titles, possessions, and properties that I currently hold over the territory and the lands belonging to the County of Blair.
These rights include, but are not limited to, the administration of governmental affairs, the making of political decisions, the collection of tributes, legal jurisdiction, and the protection of the territory.
Furthermore, I authorize André to exercise the power and authority necessary to maintain and safeguard the interests and prosperity of the territory, as well as to represent it in any matter of national or international nature, always in my name and in that of my lineage.
By means of this testament, I revoke any previous testament or disposition that I may have made with respect to my properties and territory.
I leave record that this cession of rights and sovereignty is carried out voluntarily and without any type of coercion, fully recognizing the legal and political implications and consequences that it entails, according to the feudal laws and customs in force.
Finally, I name André as my legitimate heir and sole successor in all aspects related to the territory and the sovereignty of the County of Blair, without prejudice to other aspects of my inheritance that may be contemplated in another document or in the rights of my lineage.
In faith of which, I sign this testament in the presence of witnesses on the day of August 30 of the year 2010 of the Liberty calendar in Solara City, capital of the County of Blair.
Witness 1: Alonso Basté, viscount vassal of the Count of Blair
Witness 2: Leo Beller, viscount vassal of the Count of Blair>
"Good, very good. I have nothing to add." After reading the testament, André was delighted by Josh's administrative talent.
"It is an honor to be of use to my lord." Josh went down on one knee, bowing upon receiving André's praise.
"I am very content with the work you have carried out in this time. From now on you will be named my general spokesman; you will be the one charged with transmitting the messages I want to make known to exterior persons." André was very decisive and gave Josh an official post. According to his observation he could see the man's loyalty toward himself, so he had no burden in granting him this high-level position.
"I want you to transcribe several copies of this document and send them to all the lords of the region. Also organize the highest-quality parchment, transcribe a copy, and send it to the royal palace in Green City. With this, although we will gain the ill will of the royal palace, we will not have reprisals in a short time." Immediately André granted him a serious task to carry out.
"I swear that I will not disappoint your expectations, my lord." Josh was delighted. He had always been very intelligent, which is why he was one of the first generation to graduate from the school. He still remembered when he heard André's speech that study leads us toward a better future; it seemed that now he was seeing the fruits of his effort.
"Good. You may go carry out your task."
"With permission, my lord."
…
André headed to the basement where the Count of Blair was imprisoned. In his hand he held the parchment that Josh had handed him a moment earlier. He wanted to finish this matter as quickly as possible in order to proceed with his next plans.
"Good afternoon, Lord Count. I have good news for you: tomorrow will be your day of execution." André's tone seemed friendly, yet his words were not.
"I hope you can fulfill your word, boy." The count's voice sounded flat, almost devoid of emotions.
"You need not worry about that. Your family will be safe under my care, all with the premise that they can behave." André promised but at the same time warned the count.
"They will behave as long as you deliver to them the letter I wrote." The count spoke very certain of it.
"I hope so. Here you have the testament; you may sign it. In the morning before the execution some copies will be delivered to you so that you sign them as well. You will understand what they will be used for." While speaking, André handed the parchment to the count so that the latter would sign it.
"Hahaha, boy, I see that you are not stupid. If you did not do this, before my death I would look down on you." The count changed his face and laughed in a carefree manner in front of André.
"I see that you understand. If you had not been my enemy I am certain that we would have been very good friends." André could realize that the count was very intelligent in matters of politics.
"Hahaha, what you say may be true. Perhaps I would even have betrothed you to my granddaughter Mónica, but it is already too late for me; now there is no turning back." The count suddenly seemed very sad; perhaps it was from remembering his family in the last moments of his life.
"Very well, Lord Count Augusto de Blair. I believe this is the last time we will see each other. May you have a good journey to your next life. Goodbye." André was very decisive and had no regret in this matter.
"I wish there were a next life." The count murmured in a low voice, but it could not escape André's ears as he prepared to leave the dungeon.
"I am certain that there will be one." With these words André left the dungeon, leaving the still thoughtful count who sank into the darkness.
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