Waking up early in the morning, I called a meeting so that I can discuss about the Academy trip that will be hosted in our territory.
" The fact that the Academy chose our territory as the destination for the upcoming trip can be seen as true sign of growth " I explained ignoring the blatant side eye I was getting from albert
" Not only that, but the fact that the trip is personally funded by the estate will increase our favourability with the emperor who will see it as a gesture of goodwill towards the empire "
'Of course that is all bullshit'
At the moment I was currently speaking with the Five heads through the communication crystal, basically scamming them so that they could help with the funds and protection needed to make sure everything goes well.
" So, lord Merlin the great protector of the empire contacted you and stated that he wished to host the upcoming trip at the estate " Ferrum specified
" Yes "
" And the fact that we are funding the entire thing is not related to the matter at all " he looked at me suspicious
The Heads were currently giving each other uneasy glances and if I was in their place I would have felt the same however I had long since shed away any sense of shame so with a straight face I continued
" Are you perhaps saying that Lord Merlin, one of the most exalted figures in the empire, would stoop so low as to take a bribe "
' I mean he technically did with the paperwork, but they don't need to know that '
So, with an appalled face I stared at him dead in the eye, which seemed to work as he started to look embarrassed as he seemed to think it over
" Ah, well, I guess you are right there is no way such a thing could happen" he finally said taking back his previous suspicions
With that said the rest of the heads also seemed convinced, taking a deep breath, I decided to bring in another topic.
" Do not worry the funds and protection we provide will not come without merit, after all by the end of this trip the arcane estate will reach a new high having become known as the safest place in the empire " I added with a smile on my face
As I said this the heads all turned towards me eyes full of intrigue
" I small piece of information came my way; in the upcoming trip there will be ...."
.....
Stretching my back, I leaned back into the chair finally being able to relax
" Thankfully I was able to convince them "
" The acting at the beginning was exquisite master " Albert half complimented
However, having gotten used to it I kept my face deadpan as I avoided his gaze
" It is a fact that everything I said is technically true, and if all goes well, then we will reach an unprecedent level of fame "
I explained but all I got was Alberts same tone of voice
" Of course, it is as you say "
'Ughh
Why does it feel that the longer I spend time with albert the worse my image gets '
Holding back a sigh, I stood up from my seat and started making my way through the corridors.
" Any news about Christine? "
" Lady Christine has been awake for a while now and is currently waiting for you at the dining room for breakfast "
" Then let us make haste we can't have her wait any longer "
Entering the dining room, I found Christina sitting at the other side of the table. When she saw me, a small smile graced her lips.
" I apologize; I kept you waiting "
" Oh, no need I wanted to eat with you and, um, g..grandpa albert "
She said with a smile which while sweet needed to be put at hold at the moment
" Grandpa Albert...? "
" Ah, he told me to call him that way, is that not ok? " She replied looking slightly gloomy
This time it was my turn to side eye albert while he kept a deadpan face
' WOW, this guy really
It hasn't even been 24 hours yet here he is asking such things'
Christine had no one to call in such a friendly way which was probably why she agreed to it, she must have wanted to act out what she couldn't do back home
'Still, if she gets used to calling albert grandpa then doesn't that mean there is a chance she might call me big brother '
With that thought reaching that far I immediately smiled at her and spoke
" No Christine if you want to call him that way then do so, in fact feel free if you want to change the way you address anyone here "
" Ah, I see, thank you Sir Nicholos and you to grandpa albert " she said beaming again subtly blinding everyone there
' It doesn't make any sense how anyone could hurt her ' I thought as I blocked the light
" For now, you should focus on eating your full so that you don't get tired later on "
" Ah, yes, yes "
Listening to me she nodded her heads and started eating quickly, I wanted to stop her, but she looked like a small hamster while doing so which caused me to keep silent.
' Let her do what she wants, this week is for her after all '
In the novel as we get to know about Christine and her past, we also get to know about her wishes. It was a sort of bucket list of things she wanted to do from going to the circus to simply being told goodnight, she originally was supposed to have it all fulfilled after graduation, but she never got to in the end.
' I do not plan to have the original ending come true; however, I will not make her wait all that time for such simple wishes '
" Christine "
" Hm, yes Sir Nicholos? "
" I have already had lord merlin contact both your family and anybody else who may have been in contact, so they won't disturb you "
" E..eh "
" The truth is, for the next week or so I have decided to take a vacation, and I was hoping that you could help me in finding ways to spend it "
" You want to take a vacation with me? "
" Well sadly I have never taken a vacation before, so I thought you could help me
Do you perhaps have any ideas to what to do in our free time? "
Staring blankly for a sec Christine's eyes began to glitter as a thousand different thoughts seemed to race in her head.
" W..well I might have a few " she said twirling her hair
" Is that so, then let's go "
" Right now? "
" The carriage is ready " answered albert instead of me
Having realized that we are going right away she rushed to our side as we walked to the entrance she suddenly stopped.
" Is there anything you forgot " I asked waiting for her but all she did was stare at the ground
A few seconds past as she slowly she reached out her hand to me which I proceeded to take in mine.
" If you need anything don't be shy to ask "
With a small nod to my words, we walked out of the estate together.