In England, heirs are indeed allowed to sell a portion of their inherited assets to pay inheritance tax. However, when many nobles face immense inheritance taxes, the large-scale sale of family property is an agonizing decision. The education these nobles receive from childhood differs profoundly from that of commoners. In aristocratic families, their children are instilled with an even greater sense of responsibility for the entire lineage.
In essence, the title and family property one receives, while belonging to them, are not entirely theirs. Both the title and the family's assets are the result of generations of accumulation. Therefore, when one accepts these things, they also accept the corresponding responsibilities. If you want to wear a crown, you must bear its weight!
This is precisely why Arthur's grandfather, when confronted with an inheritance tax as high as £7 million, only sold off a small portion of the family property—mainly farmland—to pay a fraction of the tax. He was willing to spend the next 24 years repaying the outstanding inheritance tax through daily work, ultimately preserving the family's core property as much as possible.
Growing up in such a family, the achievements of successive Dukes, those glories shining in British history, represent the immense responsibilities that the family's heirs must bear. They cannot allow the family to be disgraced, nor can they permit it to fall apart. These are beliefs etched into the very bones and blood of every family member, including Sean, the butler who has served the family for over 40 years. In his heart, he likely values the honor of the Devonshire Ducal family more than his own life.
Sean is not only the butler of the entire family, but he also took over the position from his father. His family has served the Devonshire Ducal family for three generations; they have long regarded themselves as an integral part of the lineage. This is why Butler Sean would express such concerns to Arthur at this critical juncture.
Unlike Yulia, who, as the manager of the family trust fund, has close ties to the Devonshire Ducal family, her emotional connection can never exceed that of Butler Sean. For Yulia, while she certainly hopes for the Cavendish family's revitalization, the ultimate use and direction of the family trust fund are determined by the family heir. Even if Arthur's instructions aren't to her liking, she will still follow them.
However, Arthur has been watched growing up by Butler Sean, who knows his character and abilities better than anyone. Given the critical situation the family is facing, Sean sincerely did not want most of the family's assets to end up being squandered by Arthur. Hence, after hesitating, he voiced his concerns.
"Sean, although you are a butler, in fact, I regard you as my elder. So I hope you believe me, everything I do is to preserve the family's wealth."
Arthur knew his predecessor's reputation and had anticipated the resistance he would face when taking over the family and managing its funds. He looked directly at Sean, speaking with sincere conviction: "Perhaps my previous performance has made you lack confidence, but that was because my brother would have done well in the position of heir, and I didn't need to bear too much responsibility. But now it's different. At this time, our goals are the same, so I only hope that you can give me your trust and help me get through this crisis."
To be honest, at this moment, Arthur seemed somewhat unfamiliar in Butler Sean's eyes. Even though he had watched him grow up, the temperament Arthur displayed now was entirely different from the young man who could be called a playboy or a Dandy before. This discovery surprised Butler Sean greatly and, at the same time, stirred a flicker of hope within him. Could the young man before him truly lead the Cavendish family back to glory? Logically, Sean felt this possibility was unlikely, yet often in such desperate times, people always hope for miracles.
"I will prepare a list for you, Master Arthur..." Butler Sean ultimately decided to try.
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Upon arriving at the manor, Arthur experienced for the first time the level of service enjoyed by the nobility. To be honest, he was initially a little uncomfortable, but after getting used to it, it felt undeniably good. In his previous life, he couldn't have imagined someone else helping him put on his clothes, button them up, and perfectly arrange them. But here, these tasks were handled by a personal valet. You only needed to extend your hand, and they would help you dress; stand still, and they would arrange your clothes. It was simply having everything handed to you.
Of course, unlike many popular conceptions, in orthodox noble families – those of a certain size, at least – these tasks are performed by dedicated valets. Typically, there are no personal maids serving male family members; personal maids serve female members, and personal valets serve male members. However, for a family, adding even one more servant is far more complex than just providing an extra mouth to feed. It involves salaries and corresponding benefits. Therefore, unless a family is of a certain size, dedicated full-time personal servants are often a true luxury.
"Young master, are we losing a lot of money?" After helping Arthur tidy his clothes, Ramos stood behind him and asked hesitantly.
"Did you hear someone say something?" Arthur turned back, glancing at Ramos.
"Yes, some servants are discussing it, and everyone is a little worried."
Arthur had anticipated this. Perhaps Ramos's question wasn't just what he wanted to know, but what many others hoped to confirm through him. Since the last century, servants in noble families had gained a degree of independence. It was no longer a case of belonging entirely to the family. Instead, their relationship was more one of employment. If a servant made a mistake, the most you could do was fire them, or, for more serious errors, call the police. Private punishment was simply not an option.
Although they were called servants, for them, it was just a job. Ultimately, they earned salaries to live, so "jumping ship" to a better place was common. Often in such families, there were no secrets, especially among the staff. News traveled quickly. Everyone was making a living; if their current employer was going to decline, they would naturally want to find another way out as soon as possible.
"Ramos, there are some difficulties now, but I believe we can overcome them. Nothing ever goes smoothly, does it?"