《For Pride》


 Why did it had to happen?

    "Good morning dad!" Grinning cheerfully, i said to him in my normal energetic voice as I backhugged him. He was sitting on the chair. I rubbed our cheeks together.


    "God, when will you grow up?" He said as he always do. It wasn''t meant to be taken to heart and I could see his smile as well.


    "Never" I said as I let go him and jumped on my mom who was ready for it, as i wrapped her in a tight hug. "Mama! Morning"


    "Aww, Good morning son." She embraced me tighter "Never change okay?" I looked more like my mom with same black hair and brown eyes, a lighter tone of brown.


    "Hehe. I am reallllyyyy hungry" I sat down. "Are Vicky and Vicktor still sleeping?" I served myself some sandwiches from the bowl. The sandwiches were smaller in shape, one of my mom''s experiments.


    "They are still asleep-"


    Huh.


    Vicky and Vicktor, my 2 year old twin siblings.... And my parents Mr Terent and Mrs Div....


    I was now outside the home, waving at my family happily as I saw my friends on the other side of the road.


    Something''s weird.... but what is it...?The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    "Hey buddy" A friend of mine said as we high fied.


    "Yo Pal" I highfied some, shooks hand with some and side hugged them. We were happy as we walked toward our daily path. We were talking and joking, i could see that...


    Huh... see...?


    "Man i didn''t did my homework!" I whined.


    "Maybe ask Ash, she might do it for you" one of my friends said. One member of our family of 7.


    "Stop it. I won''t be using her, i know she likes me but still, i am not evil" I said with playful tone in my voice as one of the taller member ruffled my hair. We were still walking-


    Huh...?


    I entered the school with my friends.


    "Morning Jake" A guy said as we were walked inside the school.


    "Morning bro!" I replied with a grin.


    "Jakeyy, you didn''t sent me the link to that channel" A girl said whiningly.


    "Sorry sorry, I will do it todayy" I said while waving.


    "God knows how many people you know." One of my friend said.


    "Ehhh, not that many"


    "Sure" I was crushed gently between one of my friends arm-


    Huh!


    First period started.


    Wait-


    Last period ended...


    Whats happening??


    I waved a last goodbye to my friends as I was just about to get to my home by crossing the road.


    I could see my siblings playing so i waved at them happily and decided to run toward them.


    "Vicktor! Vicky! Your brother is back!"


    Don''t!


    "Big brother!" They said in union.


    I ran faster and was just at the middle of the road! I wanna hug them and kiss them!


    *Smack*


    I saw myself fly through the air before falling on the ground.


    Saw...?


    People surrounded me, mom, Vicktor and Vicky... they were crying....


    ''I am so sleepy... mom, dad, Vicky, Vicktor... I will wake up to meet you again....''


    I shot open my eyes while panting.


    Where am I....?

 Waking up again

    ''Liam Blane III Pleaf....


    I was rereading this name in my mind. Its not me...! It c- can''t be.... I want my family again...''


    The 21 year old boy was hugging his pillow, the pillow was the length of his torso. As the white surface of the pillow turned grey from tears, the young man did nothing but wept. It was night time when he woke up so there wasn''t anyone around. Not like he could see when the solid cover curtains surrounded his bed from all three sides. He could only see some part of the ceiling. But the guy wasn''t really concerned about that.


    He somehow really seemed to belief that his name was Liam and not Jake despite the fact it should''ve been the opposite.


    ''I am Jake, not Liam! Why is my mind playing tricks on me?!''


    ''I hate it, I HATE IT''


    ''I want... mom... dad...Vicky...Victor.... my friends.... no one is here. Why did it have to happen to me and not to someone who would''ve killed for this opportunity...?''


    It had definitely been more than an hour since he had been crying. Puffing his caramel eyes, his long, messy reddish brown hair covered his eyes. It reached his shoulders and had no bangs or neither it seemed like it had ever been styled.


    "M- my head...." I stuttered, it was turning black again. My eyes couldn''t keep themselves open.


    He bent forward while covering both of his eyes with his hands. He felt a lump in his throat followed by a burning sensation. He knew he was going to vomit but his body refused to collaborate to get off the bed.


    *glurg*


    The white bedsheet was now covered with his vomit which was a mixture of nothing but water. But to the guy whose eyes were closed, his recollection of vomit has always been undigested food.


    It should be disgusting. That adds to another bucketlists of concerns.


    Using his last bit of energy, he pushed his body on the other side of bed to lay down, more like fall down.


    ''I don''t deserve it. I was so happy back there.... i wanted to be a therapist... or atleast do something to help others. I wanted to make my parents proud, hang out with my friends, get a well paying job and start a family eventually... i wanted to see what Vicky and Vicktor would do....what Anna, George, Kevin John, Brian, Jack, Cady, Chris, Sarah, Emily and others become.... I was so excited about my life...''This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Tears dwelled in his eyes again, each drop filling his eyes to the brim such that his body had no choice but to relax the eyes. He could finally freely control them again.


    *tic*


    *tok*


    It was 12 o'' midnight. He finally lost consciousness and it all suddenly became blank.


    [Liam Blane III Pleaf belonged to Blane family of Pleaf house, he was the third generation.


    There were more than 50 families in Pleaf house but the Blane family was the original ones. All the families were involved in agricultural and mining businesses.


    Neel house were involved in trade and manufacturing section.


    Alame house produced knights and protectors.


    The current king belong to solar house with only one family, of the first generation tyrant. The current prince is also third generation.


    The man finally remembered his current life. He was Liam in this one. He also understood that he would never become Jake again. Because it wasn''t the only time he had been reincarnated. He definitely lived many lives even if he only remembers two of them.]


    "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?" The woman screamed on top of her lungs. She was a fat, old woman with a hoarse voice and brown wavy hair tied in a tight cloth that matched her brown dress perfectly.


    She thought he peed. Her shout caught the attention of the entire mansion but no one really dared to interfere. It was because the only boss there was Liam himself who was soo meek to be bullied by the head maid, Catherine.


    ''Could it have been gotten any worse?'' It was a new experience for Jake to but he always stood up for the victims in the past so he wasn''t a fan of bullying especially if the bully had no ground.


    "You are 21! NOT 2! Nothing but a waste of space! Not even worth your name!"


    "Can you please just be a little quieter?"


    "HUH? Do you even know what you have done?! Are you a child?!"


    "..."


    ''I remember everything now. Its indeed my life.''


    "Cat got your tongue?"


    "Be Quieter please and do your job. Remember who''s the one paying you."


    Liam stood up and shooed her as he walked toward the washroom nonchalantly. His head was too messed up to behave any kinder.


    "Wait! Come back!" As the bathroom door closed making Liam disappear, the room door opened welcoming other maids to clean the mess on the bed.


    ''Its the same manor i have been in since last 18 something years. The same dark green walls, light yellow ceilings, golden chandelier, brown furnitures that matches the aesthetic and variety of decorations. Its too boring now, too aggrevating. I hate this place. I hate some people here, some are okay, but no one i like here....''


    The bathroom was big, similarly to the room. He brushed his teeths, freshened up and took a bath, throwing his hair in a bun after the bath as two streaks fell on his sides. His face seemed feminine like this, it already was but it accentuated it. His face was pretty, so was his body, not really fit for fighting someone. He looked exactly like some of his rich friends who grew up with nothing but cushions to walk on. They were kind people but a little out of touch. Liam although liked his older face a little better, because it matched his mother''s eyes and father''s lips.


    Liam walked out finally looking put together in a dark crimson bath robe.


    "Umm you with the ponytail, please fetch me some clothes." The middle aged women was suprised that he asked for something.


    "Ah yes young lord" I chose the normal green ones that contrasted with his hair.


    "Thank you umm"


    "Agnes, lord" I have been here since years.


    "Oh yeah, Agnes Mildfer, thanks."


    I stepped into the dressing room to dress myself as the maids in my room cleaned it. It usually took 45 minutes and 5 maids each day which i considered long.


    "Uh Agnes, i think we should get back to work okay?" May said, another maid with bony face. She was always passive aggressive.


    "Isn''t the lord a bit different now?" Said the maid with curled hair wrapped in a head wrap. All the maids had head wraps even if they didn''t really wrapped their hairs properly.


    "Tress, he is literally in the dressing room. Be quiet right now." Vanya spoke in a stern voice. She was right.


    "But still..."


    "We can do this later" May replied, she was getting irritated. May really only like Nabi, the most silent one out of the bunch.


    ''Have i really changed? Probably because of those strange memories.''


    The 5''6 man looked at himself in the mirror. It was no shock he was not tall enough to be son of a prestigious member of house. But compared to peasant, he would be considered really tall.


    ''Strange...memories? No, it WAS my reality once. A reality i loved, not the one i want to escape.''

 The life continues

    Liam didn''t really had anyone to interact with except maids perhaps. He was kind to them unlike other masters so they had gotten courage and became a bunch of chatterbox. Except in front of Catherine.


    He usually spent his days reading, a new hobby he picked up. Spending his entire day in library. When he remembered his past life or got bored of reading, he did some exercise. Luckily the library had some books on it. Just a bunch of exercises and it uses. After that he started conversing with maids, butlers and servants. He suddenly had a lot of friends. The maids knew never to cross their limits. His closer acquaintances were now the maids who cleaned his room daily.


    They handled Catherine by making her feel like a boss around.


    Catherine thought they were sucking up to her by asking her to always rest in maid quarters and only occasionally come to check on work.


    "..."


    The maids were working awfully quietly today. Liam was reading a history book in his room.


    "Sias ws dumped." Tress blurted.


    "T- Tress!" Agnes stuttered as the awkward silence filled the room.


    The sound of book closing echoed. "No way, why?" A curious smiled plastered of Liam''s face. He didn''t really gossiped much back then but he found a thrill in in now.


    "I am not sure but i heard was crying about it yesterday"


    "It was because his man was cheating on him with the milkman''s daughter" May spoke up. "Nabi heard about it" This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Woah, from where?"


    ''Woah?'' They thought in unison.


    "Staying silent lets you hear a lot." Nabi spoke in her low, silent voice.


    "She knows literally everything about everyone." Vanya was standing on a stool as she cleaned the upper side of the almirah.


    "Thats sad. But you know, i heard from Heron that Sias flirted with him a lot. Is it true or ws he bullshitting?" Liam asked curiously.


    "Bullshitting. He thinks everyone likes him." Vanya said as she got off the stool and looked at Liam with a hand on her waist.


    "Spent some time with him and he will believe you like him too lord" Tress''s intrusive thoughts won again.


    "Uh Tress...!" May looked at tress then at Liam to find any sort of repulsion on his face.


    "So he is self obsessed eh? I will keep my distance. I did thought he was a tad bit weird" Liam said seriously.


    "Kids these days talk like this now." Agnes chuckled softly.


    "Miss Agnes, its not bad, we are just having fun you know." Liam chuckled. "Besides, when are you all getting free? Lets go in the garden."


    "Oh yeah! In an hour or so... and we would call everyone else too! All the staff!"


    There weren''t many servants in the manor just around 30 something. 20 maids and butlers. 5 cooks, 5 gardeners and Catherine. She did nothing. Other 20 took care of finance, cleaning, laundry and everything else. Liam had a pretty good life, do nothing as is other siblings get into business. People thought he was useless so his father isolated him by sending him to the manor that was pretty cutt off from the civilisation. Groceries came by carriage each month. He just had to live quietly.


    An hour or so later, nearly everyone except Catherine was outside in the garden, like picnic, they were talking, singing, having fun. Some were socasing their talent of music. Liam was finally having fun. It was their ritual of everyday now. Liam knew everyone by heart and they all considered him friend now.


    "Hey Sias, how are you feeling?"


    "Ehhh, why are you asking that lord?"


    Liam looked at May, Tress, Vanya and Nabi from the crowd before continuing. "Well nothing, you look down today"


    "Well, i guess it isn''t hidden... Caleb eloped with the milklady!" Her voice sounded bewildered.


    "The lady?!" There was a gasp. "Oh, thats sad!" A young servant said.


    "Ain''t that right?"


    "They deserve eachother!"


    "They won''t be happy!"


    "Doesn''t she have kids? What about her husband?"


    "Wow.... people are so sick!"


    There was now a lot of chatter.


    "..." Liam lied down on the grass and closed his eyes. It helped him feel less lonely when people chattered around him.


    "Lord if you are tired, lets go inside to rest?"


    "Its fine Agnes, I like it here" Liam kept his eyes closed as a smiled played on his lips. Soon he dozed off under the warm sun and people he cared for around.


    It had been 6 month since he remembered everything and a lot changed. He was happy....


    Catherine came running in the garden. She was huffing and puffing as her eyes screamed terror.

 The conversation

    "Y- young Lord! Your father is here to see you...!" Everyone turned silent


    "...."  Liam was asleep.


    "Lord?" Catherine came closer to the sleeping man. Now, everyone started panicking.


    "Wake him up!"


    "T- The food"


    "No way! We have to receive him!"


    Liam was sitting in front of his father, Leonard Blane II Pleaf, in the living room. Snacks and tea on the table and there were awfully lot of workers working in garden, near the window. A bunch behind the door, eavesdropping. The man in front had navy blue hair and same eyes as Liam. His brow was thick and so was his moustache. Cunningness was written on his face. Liam knew his fathr had no reason to meet him and neither his father loved him. His birth mother Jane Alire II Alame was from Alame house, Alire family, most prestigious from the house. She died in a carriage accident 3 years after the divorce. His 3 siblings are from the new wife, Dina Slake II Pleaf.


    ''Why is it so silent?'' I saw him sip his tea without looking at me.


    "Good to see you in good health father." I said swallowing the lump in my throat. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    "Hmm. You too." He replied coldly.


    "What brings you here?" I asked in a serious tone. "Its not to ask about my life, is it?"


    "No." He looked outside. "Its to finally allow you to do something for the family."


    "What" I was dumbfounded. What was this man talking about?


    "..." He looked at me sharply. "You are getting engaged"


    "Huh?" What the hell? "I....see...?" I have a lot of questions.


    "Who-"


    "The only daughter of Amethyst house" He replied, cutting me off.


    "Ah! That house was once the ruler of the maximum area but was overtaken by Solar house 2 generations ago. And now they-"


    "Manufacture poisons and drugs but aren''t accepted in Neel house and are considered to be a dying family." Take that. I have been studying a lot out of boredom!


    "Precisely." He looked at me briefly. "I am leaving, wedding''s in a week, the tailor knows your size." He stood up to leave.


    "You don''t have to leave so soon" I said politely as I stood along him.


    "Some of us are busy. Else I would have joined in for the picnic." He said with a scoff. This man.


    "Okay, stay safe" Leave and never return.


    And he left like that! This man is soo weird. He has been always like that.


    Liam walked outside the room.


    "Lord? What happened?"


    "Ah, you guys are getting a lady of the house." He said with a smile, almost forced, if it was not forced, he made it seem like it ws forced. "I am going to rest now."


    With that Liam walked upstairs and toward his room.


    Beside this marriage? Its for obvious reasons isn''t it Victor Solar III of the throne? To finally weaken Pleaf family and control it. Or why else I would be forced to marry someone who provides no power and is on lower level compared to us? Its because the crown prince wanted to hit two birds with one stone. The family in power is through tyranny and the survival of Amethyst family will keep reminding people that. But the question is how does he plan to eliminate us? I understand the reason. Pleaf family is against taking control over the northeastern island of tribes and the southwestern island of the tribes that is seperated from the mainland of Kingdom of Venus. Basically the only kingdom since the last 3 generations. Alame house has good relation with Blane family because of my mother and the fact I was born. That house lives like family. So what the main family says, goes. Therefore, 2 houses are against the prince''s dream. So perhaps demolishing my family will weaken the realation and he can start conspiracies to get what he wants. I figured it out because...


    Its what I would have done as well!

 More about

    I opened my notebook.


    Monarchy


    |


    V


    House


    ?Neel  ?Pleaf  ?Alame


    |


    V


    ?Officials  ?Self made/  ?Knights


    Richer noble


    (Rare)


    |


    V


    ?Smaller Officials


    ?Producers/Workers


    ?Doctors


    ?Educational field


    ____


    Peasants,  Amethyst house


    1. Not Hard to climb the hierchy


    2. As for example if a peasant becomes a knight, there family is shifted to becoming a member of Alame family. But they won''t really be influential.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    3. These changes were made by the Solar family


    4. Amethyst house is almost dead


    5. People working in educational field or medicinal field are the most free ones from the control of monarchy, and useful as well.


    6. Neel house trades and manufactures so are richest.


    7. Alame has all the knights so have to be pleased by the monarchy.


    8. Pleaf has most land, minerals, crops and raw products. Basically the whole kingdom is dependent. Good for me.


    9. Religion was abolished by the Monarchy so there are only cults left, illegal ones. Not uncommon for peasants to join one.


    It was all I could gather. Other than that, my notebook had everything about my past life, just in case I forget.


    The notebook had black exterior and plain, white sheet inside. It was the length that it couldn''t be easily misplaced and its thickness made me assume that it had atleast 500 pages.


    The notebook also contained name of all the srvants in the manor, important dates, their birthdays, something interesting about them. And not only them, everyone important i have ever encountered in this life.


    Other than that, I had another blue notebook containing anything important i had learned after reading that many books from library. I ws not fan of reading previously but I was just so bored that I think I studied around 100 to 200 books in six months. There were many left, almost thrice as many.


    ''I should look for books containing family history. Maybe I might get something on the daughter.''


    The library was just at the end of the corridor. I rarely went downstairs except when going in the garden.


    ''Things are getting a bit exciting yet scary.'' I stopped on the spot as I looked in the mirror in the corridor to see my reflection. I was cracking a smile but I stopped myself. ''Why am I getting weirder day by day? I have to snap out of it.''


    ''Hmm... it should be here. So i can get books about exercise, sex, history, gossip, medicines and what not but nothing about families? Don''t make me laugh.''


    Then I spotted it, ''The rich I'', ''The rich II''.... ''The rich XI'', each of them getting thicker then skinnier. I overviewed all of them. These books really had family stuff about everyone that could be considered third tier and above. Som of them fell off the hierarchy while some climbed. That explains its weird sizes.


    I picked it up at last... Amethyst family... I also should ask for the new version. The XI part is of last decade, year 340-350. We are in  year 356 right now.


    They usually have purple hair, deep purple hairs. The daughter''s appearance was not mentioned but seeing her mother and father, her hair should be either purple or orange. Her name Elizabeth III Amethyst. As the house only have one family.


    I am not thrilled to be married. I bet she isn''t either.


    Liam was getting anxiety so he started working out. He did that whenever he felt anxious, which was often. His body was not in that bad of shape now, he had stamina atleast.


    *knock*


    "Lord, the food is ready."


    "Coming!"

 Mr. Mark

    ********


    I knew father wasn''t joking about the marriage stuff but it''s now that I am taking it seriously.


    "Oh my, it sure looks good!" It was the reaction of Agnes while choosing a suit for me. She liked the black one from the picture book.


    "And black is smarter looking" Said May


    "White is traditional," Said Vanya, "And it looks pretty too"


    "No! Blue definitely!" Exclaimed Tress.


    "Green" Everyone turned silence as Nabi speak.


    "Well, green is certainly a good choice." Heron looked over my shoulder. "What do you think Lord?"


    "I don''t know, ask everyone in the manor and then count the vote." I stood up "Its so tiring!"


    "It''s your first marriage lord! Atleast try looking happy" Sias walked in with a cup of tea and handed it to me.


    "I am not going to be marrying again you know" I chuckled.


    "N- Not what I meant" She looked nervous "I mean its YOUR marriage.... god I wanted to marry him... my Caleb" she fake sobbed.


    "You deserve better" I patted her shoulders. "Like someone you might know" I then glanced at Heron who fixed his brown hairs and his posture as soon as Sias entered. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Perhaps you are right...." Sias chuckled as she got the perhaps sign.


    "Y- Yeah Sias, you deserve someone reallyyy attractive" said Heron nervously as he rubbed his neck and avoided eye contact. Cute.


    "Okay send me the results, I have prior arrangements with the wedding advisor!" I left the room after waving at them without turning to face them.


    ''So tiring''


    Stepping out was no good either, servants running here and there to clean up the area and paint over cracked surfaces. Catherine was again no where to be seen.


    I stepped toward the living room where the wedding advisor was supposedly waiting for me.


    "Mr. Mark, good to see such a prestigious person to be taking care of my wedding." I gave the old man a soft smile. He seemed like a nice person.


    "Ah! Lord Liam!" He stood up in respect.


    "Please be seated" i ringed the bell to order for a servant. "So what is it to discuss?"


    The servant walked in and I asked him to bring some tea which he did.


    "I have discussed everything to family of both bride and groom and they want you to finalise"


    "What did the bride say?"


    "She has no problems. Just she wants to meet you only during the wedding"


    "Yeah, i thought so?" That was a weird request, more than weird, it was unnecessary.


    "And no photos should be exchanged either."


    "Thats a bit of cheating, I haven''t seen her but she has probably seen me" I said with a soft chuckle so as to pass it off as a harmless comment.


    It''s true because I am from Blane family and one of the bridge between Alame and Pleaf houses, as I am my mother''s son.


    "Well no one has seen the daughter of Amethyst family, not even the prince himself"


    "Simply because she is that disinteresting?"


    "Well, i can''t comment on that." He chuckles softly.


    The rest of the meeting was pretty boring. So the conversation came in from one ear and passed through another. All I said was simple yeah, hmm, you''re right, it looks good...


    "Well then, why don''t you wait for dinner?"


    "How can I eat at Lord''s place?"


    "I insist. If you don''t eat just because I am Lord, it will force me to believe you are looking down at me" Was it a threat? No. Did it came off as one? Yeah.


    "I-  didn''t meant to offend" He rubbed his head nervously as he stood up.


    "I didn''t meant it that way either! Sorry. But please don''t leave just because of you know..." I stood up as well and showed guilt.


    "Then I shall..." He again chuckled.


    "Is there something you can''t eat?" I rang the bell again.


    "No, not really...."


    "Prepare for dinner. Mr. Mark is joining as well." I adressed the servant.


    "Do you know Lord, you are really easy to talk to. Compared to others in same position." He smiled as he followed me to the dining room.


    "Is that so? I just like treating everyone equally. That''s why some people question it when the helpers of the house eat the same thing as the residents."


    "That''s impressive.... you know I was a peasant at birth."


    "Oh, you must have worked really hard then! That''s so impressive!"


    I knew he was a peasant at birth but his skills rose him to the level of richer nobles. He has connections with a lot of people. He might be useful.

 The old me?

    [ 3 days before marriage ]


    "I told you, I want it like that, not like this."


    "But lord, your hairs look so much better longer!" Said George, brother of one of the maids Yuna. George was a praiseworthy barber. I was not supposed to get a haircut by the hand of a peasant.


    "Will you listen to me please?" I was getting irritated while also liking the banter.


    "But wh-"


    "Call Yuna!" I ordered May. The five of them were laughing at our interaction.


    "No! Not her!" He pleaded.


    "Oh Yuna!" May headed out to bring Yuna.


    "Lord, you are so evil"


    "Who was the one not listening to me, huh?


    *smack*


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Yuna Smacked George''s back. "Do as he says now!"


    "Ouch! Okay Okay!" The haircut begun.


    I chose the hairstyle that I had in my past life. My friends asked me to get it because it would suit my face and it did. My dad liked it too. He complimented me even if he wasn''t the type to.


    "I- It looks good" I swear I saw George blush.


    "W- Woah!" Yuna stuttered.


    "It''s perfect!" Tress jumped to see me from upclose.


    "It fits you."


    "Yeah, it does! I hope no one cast an evil eye"


    "Yeah"


    I looked at myself in the mirror finally. It was a left side parted layer cut, no fade, a bit longer from back, upto my neck and the layered hair covered some of my right side of forehead, giving it bang like feeling. It suited this face more. My reddish brown hair really complimented my caramel eyes and fair skin. I am..... attractive? So my hairs were butchering up my looks, and my body posture and dressing sense. Now I wore tucked in, half buttoned down white shirts, that I didn''t before.


    _______


    Agnes''s pov


    Lord has certainly changed. We all felt so. He started opening up since last six month. Before he woke up, sat in his room all day and occasionally came out. His room was always very cold and dark. But now, its always open, filled with sunlight and he started reading, exercising and having fun with us. He also started joining us for the picnic ritual. Talked to us and treated us equally, easily gave us holidays to meet our family and started standing up to Catherine! I hope we all stay happy like this forever.


    ________


    "Well, see you guys have such a handsome lord!" I turned around and grinned. I was joking around.


    "Seems like it!"


    "We have to brag about it now"


    "Yeah! To people in the village!"


    "A LOT of maids will come to work for free!"


    "Profit!"


    I love this ridiculous talk with them.


    "Now, what do we do?"


    "George, leave." Yuna took his hand and left the room with him.


    "Uh, why?" I wonder what they have planned.


    "You HAVE to be the most attractive"


    Nabi came in with the rolling serving cart with a bowl, face mask, stone roller and other things. We have invented face mask? It was a napkin like thing with structure of face that was wet with weird, sticky looking fluids. It ws kept on a plate.


    "The bowl is just mixture of honey, gram flour, turmeric, coffee powder and curd."


    "Other option is gram flour, milk, honey and turmeric"


    "And this one just has mixture of coconut oil and honey"


    "Do we really have to do all this?"


    "Just trust us Lord."


    *****

 The alter

    [A night before]


    They were not kidding. My skin is glowy and the bowl mixture really cleaned my face. Other than that, the face mask was used on me everyday and during night, I had to apply some sort of cream. It was all home remedies but really effective.


    I was ready for tomorrow. Really, I had something planned. Oh and the green suit won.


    But still, it''s pretty unbelievable. I knew I would be force to marry but I didn''t expected this soon.


    Liam couldn''t sleep so he picked up one of the magzines Tress forgot to take back.


    Flipping through the pages, something caught his eyes.


    "Are you a lady or a harlot? What is that?" This specific article had an image of a noble lady with blonde hair and a bucket hat, she had pure expressions. The other lady was the ''harlot'' with fuller body, black hair, wearing revealing black dress and having some kind of seductive expression.


    If your body is lean, you are clean! If you are under 30 with voluptuous--


    *skip*


    Why do most noble women prefer lean, thin body? To not be called harlots. The more pure they look, the more honor they bring-


    *skip*


    You still need a body men need to like however, still need some curves-


    Damn if you do, damn if you don''t huh? Who read this anymore.


    I guess if I didn''t remembered my past life, i would have believed so too.


    Liam closed the book to finally sleep.


    ***


    "Today''s the big day!" Tress said as she pulled my blanket off.


    "Today''s the big day!" Gabe, Heron and other male servants came chiming in.


    "Today''s the big day!" May opened the window to let sunlight enter.


    "Big day..." Nabi was cleaning whatever she found. It was her excited expression.


    "Today''s... the big day lord!" Agnes tried copying the youngsters around. She was like an older family member to me. It was just her vibes.


    "Come on Lord" Vanya clapped her hands. Finally something else.


    I woke up grumpy as it was 2 hours earlier than my usual timing, it was 6 IN THE MORNING.


    Can I not get married? Obviously not. I was pulled off the bed and pushed into the bathroom. Oh the horror of having to be bathed by someone else. The water had rose petals. It was relaxing..... for me.


    "Get the shampoo stupid face!"


    "Shut up dumbfuck, its next to you!"


    "Shut the fuck up in front of the Lord atleast!"


    "Woah, his hairs are soft."


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "Thanks to the oil" I calmly chimed in.


    "Yeah, I will ask for some too."


    "Woah, his face is glowing too." One of them poked my face. "Still use the facewash though"


    "Can you bunch be quite please? I know you guys have habit of waking up early but I don''t. Please make the experience worth it."


    "Guys, i think we should listen, what if he runs away from the alter."


    "And blame it on us!"


    "These three couldn''t wash his hair properly so he ran away!"


    "Treason! Kill them!"


    We all bursted out laughing.


    "Yeah, thats a good idea, I will blame it all on you. Saves me the trouble."


    ****


    I got a good massage and a relaxing bath.


    "No silly, thats not how you tie a tie!"


    "Shut up shithead"


    "Do it like this! Yeah...?"


    "Are you guys stupid or what? Its a tie, not a suicide rope." May finally entered the room like a saviour. "Gosh you idiots."


    "So he will wear green pants as well?"


    "Nooo, he will wear yellow pants." The ''no'' was stretched out and sounded sarcastic as hell.


    "Ew why?"


    "..."


    "......"


    "Kick him out of the room."


    "Kick him out of the mansion."


    "Hey, that''s rude-"


    "Okay, okay, I am almost ready." I felt like a dress up doll.


    I was wearing a white shirt that I unbuttoned a bit. A green vest over it which was darker in shade compared to the suit, the green coat with golden embroidery on the side, it was not really noticeable from far, green pants and tie which hid the fact that my buttons were unbuttoned. It looked better that way. My coat was open. Again, it looked better. I had some rings on my fingers, 4 rings, two in one, two in other, it was all gold. A golden wristwatch, a light, glden necklace that was mostly hidden. I wasn''t a fan of the necklace but it was necessary or something.


    "How do I look?"


    "Cool!"


    "Really cool"


    "To be honest, now that you are more attractive, everything looks good on you." Tress and other had entered, i didn''t noticed.


    "Yeah, the haircut did him a favor"


    "So true"


    "We are proud of ourselves."


    "You guys really treat me like a friend, don''t you?"


    "We do?"


    "Oh, didn''t noticed"


    "Well, isn''t it your fault?"


    "Just shut up, i am getting married and I am hungry"


    "We are leaving in an hour, aren''t we?"


    "Only the lord will. The carriage from main mansion will arrive."


    "So, let''s eat you all! Wait for me and the lady after I leave"


    "Yeah! New member of the house!"


    ***


    The carriage finally arrived. Obviously, there wasn''t anyone to pick me up.


    I entered the carriage to sit. The driver was a young man who wasn''t much into talking. All the servants came outside to see me off. There was a lot of chitter chatter.


    "Come back married!"


    "Sure I will!"


    The prepration to take the eldest son of Blane was adequate... it was embarrassing.


    But one had to make do.


    It was almost an hour long trip, I even drooled off.


    "Um, Lord? Wake up, we will be there in 5" his voice was raspy.


    "Thanks" I fixed myself, there wasn''t much to as i slept quite elegantly. Shocking to myself.


    "Atleast there is someone?"


    It was my half brother and sister. The oldest children of Dina Slake. My brother took after Dina, with his strawberry blonde hair and matched my caramel eyes. But his eyes seemed brightest out of us three. His name was Vince Blane III Pleaf. My sister was named Elena Blane III Pleaf, took after dad with his navy blue hair tied in a low pigtail, but pinkish eyes that matched Dina''s. They both stood with pride with Elena seeming shorter in comparison, they were atleast 5''11 and 5''8. These brats grew taller than me. How offending.


    The carriage stopped as I stepped outside, I could tell the look of shock on there faces.


    "Yeah, I snipped it off" I ran my fingers through my hair. "You two have grown taller since last time huh, took after dad rather than stepmom" I spoke with a smile as one of my hand rested on my waist.


    "We wanted to come pick you up" Vince spoke up after some seconds of silence. He had a deep voice, even his face was masculine compared to mine. I meant longer face, taller nose and sharp jawline. Unlike my oval shaped, young looking face, button nose and I had the jawline.


    "It''s fine honestly, I am just thrilled to see you two."


    "The cut looks good" Elena said with a soft smile. Her voice was deep to, for a girl. Her facial featurez was similar to Dina. Small nose, large eyes and oval face with flexible jawline.


    "Ah Thanks!" I smiled "I really expected more of hostility to be honest" shit, I made it awkward.


    They had guilty expressions. Now that I noticed, they both wore blue clothings as well. Suit without vest and a dress upto knee length.


    "We....too" they spoke softly in unison.


    "Oh my god, we have more in common than expected!"


    "Seems you are right" we had a good chuckle about it.


    "If it wasn''t for mom, you would have lived with us." Vince said as El indicated us to follow her.


    "We have to enter from backdoor" she spoke.


    "Well she probably doesn''t despise me, just wortied about the position of you two. I might not be a big fan of her but she is surely an amazing mother and a smart lady." I was bullshitting.


    "She does despise-"


    "-Stop" Vince was interrupted by Elena.


    "Yeah Vince, don''t share this much of family secrets." I joked.


    "You are really weird brother."


    "I never noticed!" So she hates me huh? "Well, why don''t you two hate me?"


    "We did, but then we grew up."


    "Oh, what about the little one? Rory Blane IV pleaf?"


    "She... well, she isn''t a fan of us either"


    "Really? How suprising. A bit bratty?


    "Yeah, one can say"


    We were in the backroom now. It was just the guests arriving right now.


    "By the way, has the bride arrived?"


    "She is in next room"


    "You two will be called, I would come to call you, till then, you can rest or look around." Vince said.


    "Sorry we have to leave" Elena said apologetically.


    "Not like you made the tradition, nothing to apologise over."


    "That''s true, but still, everything is new for you here and we are leaving you alone too..."


    "Well the marriage alter was booked, so if you two don''t come here regularly, its new for everyone! Don''t feel bad!"


    "You are really kind" she laughed as Vince had a warm smile on his face.


    I thought both must be really popular, even between the same sex.


    The conversation went well, I was scared beforehand. I might rebuild my relationships with them. Vince was 19 if I am not wrong and El was 18 then. Rory was most likely 7 or 8.


    My ''wife'' is next room. Our walls aren''t connected. The room was medium sized with two doors, a mirror, a bed and grooming stuff. I combed my hair and walked around nervously. I couldn''t see Dad, Stepmom or Rory. They must be outside, having drinks with other nobles.


    I guess I have to wait.

 Married man

    "Brother, come" Vince opened the door with a soft smile.


    "Is it time to break the vow of celibacy?" I joked.


    He chuckled, "Stop joking, nervousness is all over your face!"


    "Yeah! I am just 21"


    "Come on now."


    Oof, this is some next lever fear and adrenaline rush.


    I walked outside the room, facing all the judgemental looks. I wasn''t sure what they were talking about but it surely made me more nervous. Vince walked down the stage and now it was just me and the priest behind the podium. My hands were a bit shaky and I didn''t knew what to do with them so I just held them together in front of me. On my right side was the priest and on my left were all the people.


    From my peripheral vision, i saw dad, Dina, my grandparents from mom side. People from Alame house and Pleaf house stood with space between eachother. The Alame house was here just because of me and because my grandparents came as well.


    Grandma Yuni Alire I Alame, she was from Alape family before, Alame house, and Grandpa Perto Alire I Alame.


    My grandparents were the only child so they tookover buisnesses of both house. Power couple. Grandma had same hair colour as me and blue eyes while grandpa had hone white with brown eyes. My Uncle, the only left heir would take over everything. He was there too with his dashing blue eyes and black hair. Called Siskan Alire II Alame. He wasn''t married but had adopted kids. I haven''t met them yet.


    Wasn''t it taking too much time for her to come out? Has she ran away-


    The door in front of me opened. A woman with non see through veil covering her face completely almost fell, but the maid along her roughly grabbed her and made her walk toward me. The woman was wearing diamond white sweetheart wedding dress with frilly bottom. She definitely couldn''t see. Neither could I see her. She was clutching her bouquet as I could see her hands shaking a bit. Nothing above her neck up was visible and the veil was stuck to it place through a tiara made of same flower as her bouquet.


    Ah, I have to fix my expressions, I can''t let a smile slip.


    I covered my mouth with my hand normally as only one thing ran on my mind


    ''Harlot''


    I knew it. The real woman who was supposed to marry me had ran away. No doubt members of Amethyst family were at the very back of the room.


    Wedding started. The priest was saying something but I could only focus on the woman in front of me. She was almost as tall as me.


    I felt bad for the Amethyst family before but I had to save my family. I might try to not cause them too much trouble however.


    "Exchange rings."


    I gently put on the ring in her shaky middle finger. She did the same on my now, firm hands.


    "Do you take him as your lawfully wedded husband and promise to stick through thick and thin?"


    "I do."


    "Do you take-"


    "I do." I could tell her breath hitched because she knew what was next.


    "You may now kiss the bride."


    I leaned in closer and put my head under her veil to kiss her.


    Or so I pretended to kiss her, my first kiss has to be with someone I love. She caught on and acted along. I still couldn''t see her face completely.


    There was cheer all around as the two of us turned to face the guests. She still was wearing the veil.


    "Nice to meet you miss, oh,


    Mrs. Elizabeth." I whispered, just to tease her.


    "... you too... Mr. Liam" I could tell she could talk really loud if she wanted to.


    The two walked down the stairs but before they could walk outside,


    "Wait." The priest said. As he ordered us to come closer. We climbed back up.


    "The newly wed had to consummate in the room and provide the proof of consummation."


    "Wh-"


    "Sure!" I interrupted her as I gripped her hands gently while giving the priest a smile.


    "The rest of procedures have to be fulfilled! May all of you take a leave!" Everyone slowly got up from their seat and left, some looked at us for a long time before leaving.


    "Let me show you the room"


    We followed him as I took Liz''s hand to guide her. I didn''t wanted to see her fall. It was sad that I couldn''t converse with my grandparents. I wanted to woo them.


    "Please, be ready by morning."


    The room had double bed, a large window, cloth hangers, sofa, table with fruits and water. The sheet seemed fresh and white.


    I could see the nervousness in her body posture. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "The bouquet, give it to me." She slowly gave me that and clutched her dress.


    "Do you want-"


    "No, not at all, hell no." I said in a single breath.


    "Me neither! Oh god!" She suddenly relaxed.


    I tore the flowers and threw them on the bed.


    "First, let''s get familiar." I stood in front of her. "Can I take off your veil?"


    "Oh! Yeah..."


    I took off her tiara and the veil fell by herself. Her hair was too bulky that as soon as the support of veil was gone, it started falling so she took off all the hairpins and let it fall.


    It reached below her waist, it was all black and wavy. The deepest shade of black. So dark that it didn''t shined. Her face wad that of a commoner. Not too ugly but not too pretty by the standards. Her skin tone was a bit more on medium side. Her eyes were black. They were on the normal size range. She had button nose and plump lips.


    "Pretty.... your eyes..." her eyes shined while saying it. It was a genuine compliment.


    "Eh? They are average" I wasn''t used to compliments. Is it what people meant by ''forward people''?


    "Can I touch your hair? They are so pretty." I asked


    "Go ahead, they are not that impressive." She chuckled.


    "I beg to differ. They are soft and long. How long it took to grow them?" I slided my hands in her hair behind her ears and ran it along her waves. They tangled in my hands.


    "I don''t remember. I just never cutted them as it costed money-" She stopped on the track. "I meant I l-liked them long! Y-Yeah!"


    I continued to play with her hair.


    "Elizabeth, no the fake Elizabeth huh? I wasn''t wrong." I smiled warmly at her. It appeared like a threat to her.


    "Ah! Please! I will do anything! Spare my life!" She clasped her hands and bowed. Her voice increased some pitches.


    "Woah wait! I am not a monster! I knew since you walked in. Don''t worry."


    "Really...? Then why-"


    "Just do exactly as I say." I smiled.


    She backed away. "W-what?" She had an awkward smile plastering her face.


    "Just pretend like you are who you are supposed to be" I walked closer and tapped her shoulders. "Hey, we are getting along better than I thought!" I gave her a cheerful smile.


    "C-creepy. Do you pretend to be nice in front of others?"


    "Why would you say so?" Wow, her expressions sure are weird and unexpected. "Anyways, first tell me everything you know."


    I noticed that she seemed tired, the dress was also probably not helping.


    "Ah, I think the room might have some comfortable clothes. You can change if you want?" I looked toward the closet. It was a room meant to provide everything afterall.


    "Um, so please close your eyes."


    "Yeah! Obviously!" I waved my hands.


    I walked toward the wall and faced my back to her. I heard her rummaging through the closet and the sound of a heavy, dense cloth falling before some more rummaging. It was pretty quicker than expected.


    "Done"


    She changed into men''s t shirt and a long skirt. Her hair was now tied in a low ponytail.


    "You should braid it."


    "Really? I usually tie it in a bun and cover it with cloth." She pushed her thick hairs forward and allowed it to rest on her frontal area of the body.


    "No wonder they are so healthy." God it reached below her waist, near her knees almost. I saw it wrong before.


    "I suppose" she chuckled. "Why are you so comfortable to talk to?"


    "I don''t know, But I know we have an unfinished business."


    "Yeah..."


    We sat down on the bed. Both of us sitting cross legged, face to face with distance of a feet between us.


    "So?"


    "So... I am actually miss Elizabeth''s maid. I almost grew up with her. I started working as soon as I turned 15 to support my family. My mother''s sick, my father''s dead, I got a younger brother and sister, 15 and 13. They promised to take care of them if I sold myself."


    "Why you?"


    "Not to brag but as I was close with miss Elizabeth, I learned a lot of stuff she was taught and I was comparatively more elegant the other maids!" She said with a smug look and prideful smile.


    "..."


    "Also they weren''t really concerned about anything. They didn''t even cared to hide that I am not the miss."


    "..."


    "They think you would be too stupid to notice and that your family don''t love you."


    "I see. Well, thanks for the honesty but i didn''t liked how you said that."


    "I am sorry... please, I got three people depending on me..."


    "How old are you again?"


    "21"


    "And where did your miss ran off to?"


    "I really don''t know."


    "You aren''t loyal to the family you worked for 6 years, how would you be loyal to me?"


    "The family forced me basically to sign a death contract. If I got caught, It would have been over for me and they were to stupid to notice, over for them as well. The miss was well... I don''t know why was she liked honestly. She was a bit too hypocritical. I was never loyal to them."


    ''How about, I get her family under me? I just have to make the plan work.''


    "I see. Tell me about your miss."


    "Well... she didn''t abused us, but she was weak willed. Depending on others, like her doting father and brothers to save her. Our Mistress was dead so all the male members were overprotective of her. Also somehow many women seemed to hate her."


    "Hate her? Why?"


    "I don''t know. Over miss was really pretty, cute, well liked and had a petite body. She would have been really popular if she entered the high society."


    "If she didn''t entered, then how did women hated her?"


    "She learned with lower level noble kids. She went to school for a while too but got bullied by girls so had to come back."


    "That''s sad."


    "I liked her a lot. She was so nice. But i hated how she let those girls bully her and sometime some maids talked bad about her too...."


    "I see. So you helped her?"


    "Help her? Why? Most maids were nice. Not like they bitched about her in front of her. Beside, helping her would''ve cause me problems too." She looked away. "Beside, what did she didn''t have? And some bitching allowed the group to let out there anger and prevented them from bullying other maids."


    "Do you miss your friends?"


    "Well, I did worked there for a long time. Isn''t it natural? Beside, the family didn''t had many servants. Around 30?"


    I have more than that for myself. "What was the colour of hair again?"


    "Purple, long, shiny hair and her beautiful amber eyes. She was so beautiful! Better than any in high society!" She clasped her hands as she excitedly told me.


    "Mister... I hope you get to marry her and replace me. You would be really lucky." She said with a smirk. Was she teasing me?


    "You know, I might." I smiled "But I don''t think I will accept it."


    "Why?"


    "I think me and you, can do what we want without having to love one another. That''s what I want. I don''t think I would be able to boss around with a lady like her."


    "I see, preferences. But you might change your mind on seeing her you know."


    "Maybe. By the way call me Liam or Lord-"


    "Liam is fine."


    "Well, whats your real name?"


    "Leese Zain"


    "And?"


    "Huh?"


    "Oh wait, I forgot you are a peasant."


    "It sounded like an insult. Beside, how did you knew that I was not the real deal?"


    "I just did" I couldn''t just say it was her body shape. It embarrassed me so I looked away. "I will call you Liz then."


    "Am I that bad?" She slumbed her shoulders and threw her body back to rest on her hands, while still sitting. Her dark hair cascaded on the bed. Even the rubber couldn''t tame them.


    "We still have some business you know."


    "Liam? We aren''t doing that right" She was terrified as she straightened her back.


    I took out a small dagger from my suit.


    "Cut your palm and bloody the bed."


    "...."


    "..." I thought she got nervous so I smiled.


    "That''s NO help! Why me?"


    I leaned closer and grabbed her hands, she fisted it.


    "I don''t want to bleed." I smiled. "It will be quick and the knife''s sharp so it will only sting... at start"


    She was pulling back her hand. She was a maid so obviously she had more strength than a normal person but I had equal amout of strength if not less.


    "You would have done the same to miss as well?!" Her voice was whisper screaming while mine was calm.


    "Well with her, it wouldn''t have been needed. Isn''t she too pretty for her own good?" I smirked. I was teasing her.


    "You creep! I thought you were nice!" She kept pulling back and so did I. Her moments made it hard for me to cut.


    "Well I didn''t killed you or your family as soon as I found out, did I?" I pinned her hand on the bed and kept it there with my knee as she tried to get away.


    "Shouldn''t YOU bleed for your wife?!" She kicked me on the side of my stomach and tried to push me off. It allowed her to get away.


    "When does the husband bleed on the night of the consummation?!" I tried to straddle her but she kept attacking me. We were fighting like kids.... according to me. I was definitely like a murdered to her.


    "We could be the first!"


    "You won''t give up eh? Looks like we have to catch a small animal. To kill." I was half joking, half serious.


    "Wait! No-" she breathed deeply as we seperated. "Fine. Do it." She gripped her skirt and clenced her teeths and offered he her hand.


    I feel guilty now.


    "Hah! I feel bad now."


    "So you will-"


    "Let''s both of us do it!"


    "Huh?"


    "Make it seem like we had a crazy night" I laughed.


    "Took all virginities!" She matched my vibe? Perfect.


    Well, we lined our hands yogether and with a single slice, both of it turned red. We let the sheet soak the blood before we cleaned it with water. Liz used her gown''s cloth to bandage us.


    "Isn''t that expensive?"


    "Meh, who cares"


    "..."


    "Did you know that not bleeding doesn''t really signify that the women was a non virgin?"


    She stopped on the track before finishing bandaging herself. I took it upon myself to help her.


    "...huh?..."


    "Hymen can tear for many reasons."


    She grabbed my collor as soon as I was done. "Couldn''t have said that sooner?"


    "Because these people don''t know it."


    "..."


    "And it would have been weird to say."


    "How do YOU then-"


    "Don''t worry about it."


    "Now what?"


    "We sleep I guess."


    "You can sleep on the bed."


    "No please, how can I let a lady sleep on the couch?"


    "But I can cut the lady."


    "Let me be a gentleman."


    "Then sleep on the floor." She sighed "Can''t we just remove the bedsheet an sleep on the bed?"


    "We totally can."


    So they did. It was comfortable to sleep with the other person but they walked through it, or slept through it.


    They had a distance between them and both had their backs facing eachother.

 Love and Misery

    "Is it enough proof?" The two of us were standing in front of the priest.


    "Very well. This cloth will be placed inside the Holy place of union." A female saintess took away the cloth. Which holy place does this? Isn''t it stupid?


    "Then, we will be leaving." I walked outside toward the carriage.


    There she was, Liz. She was wearing my coat over the white shirt and dark green skirt. Her hair was in high ponytail.


    She finally noticed me. "Shall we go now?"


    "Yeah, but somewhere else."


    "Huh?"


    "Your village, where is it?"


    "Scane? Its far from here if I am not wrong? And why?"


    "Because I am telling you that." I went near the driver.


    "We are riding to Scane."


    "Huh? But why? You won''t be able to reach home in time to eat!" The introverted driver spoke up nervously.


    ''Hmm?''


    ''Hmmmm?''


    ''What''s going on with him?''


    "Defying my orders, eh?" I smiled as i stood with my hands on my waist.


    "N- no. Please ride on."


    I could see the word ''shit'' written on his face. But why?


    I stepped in and sat right next to Liz. It was because in front of me was a small window through which I could see the driver.


    "Um, why?" She questioned. Her hair was cascading down her shoulder, toward me.


    "Because I wanted to braid them. Can I?"


    "Go on? Wait. Is it your fetish or something?" She looked disgusted.


    "Eww, no." I started braiding them. "I always wanted to braid my little sister''s hair once she got a bit older"


    Vicky...


    "Of Rory." Remembering Vicky, sadness filled my eyes. I really miss them. Less than before but... I want to see them once again.


    "Oh... I used to braid my sister''s hair before. But since I left the home, my little brother has been doing it for her."


    "Really?" How sweet I suppose.


    "Yeah... you really are a good brother" She smiled softly as she looked at me.


    "Not really..."


    "Rory must love you."


    "We actually haven''t met. She is my step sister actually."


    "Oh.... "


    "I think you should know about things like this. You have to pretend anyways, and I want you to do a really good job."


    "Yeah, I will try my best to learn." She didn''t looked that determined but honestly, she don''t really care. Except for her family, nothing matters to her.


    "Let''s make this carriage ride useful!"


    "Huh? Right now?" How heartbroken her eyes seemed.


    "Yes, remember everything, I will quiz you."


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    "Wh-?"


    "Winners get a toffee and not getting exposed as a betrayer of the royal rule."


    "What the hell..." she laughed. "Bring it on then!" Now she looked determined.


    *****


    The carriage rode way faster than expected. Liz was checking out her braids. I knew I did a good job when she thanked me so happily. It seemed like her life span returned after everything I told her about the family. She told me some stuff too.


    "It''s my village" her tone was down.


    It was a slum like area. It was smelly and dirty. Alcoholics were walking in broad daylight. There were kids gambling and women just stared disdainfully. Thank god that I was wearing a cloak and she looked like she belonged there, except she seemed more hygenic.


    I followed her while the driver stopped at the outskirt of town.


    "Look down and don''t make eye contact. They are hostile, more toward men, perverted toward women."


    "I see."


    We walked for what seemed like couple of minutes. Then she walked in an area of town that seemed different than other. Except that area of the town seemed more friendly and social. It was buzzing with shops and other markets. We walked forward at the end of the markets, where houses started again. Soon we stopped in front of a house. Identical to others, it was made of red bricks and cement. The people built it themselves. The door was the only thing that looked strong. Even the roof seemed weak but workable.


    Liz or Leese knocked.


    "Lank, Lanki! Sister is here!"


    The door was opened by two beautiful childrens. They had striking green eyes and red hair. Both of them were really fair. The boy was taller and the girl had longer hair. She looked nothing like them. The kids were quite at first but as soon as we entered inside the jumped on Leese.


    "Sister! You came back soo late! Its been months!"


    Leese sat on her knees and hugged them both with bright smile.


    "Sorry, but seems like both of you were well behaving?" She ruffled their hairs.


    "Sister, who''s the guest?" The boy asked.


    "Uh-"


    I kneeled down next to her.


    "Think of me as your sister''s really close friend." I took off my headcover and smiled pleasantly.


    "Woah! So handsome. Just like Papa!" Lanki said excitedly as she left Leese and stood in front of me with her hands kept at her side.


    "Really tall too!" Lank said.


    "Thank you." I ruffled her hair softly and gave him a smile.


    "They aren''t usually like this to others. Usually they are really quiet." She spoke while standing up.


    I stood along her and followed her again. Her siblings followed us like little foxes.


    "Mama are you sleeping?"


    *cough*


    "...come..." A shrill voice of women was heard from behind the curtains around bed that formed a room.


    It was a single room with kitchen, the area where her mom hid to sleep and bed on the ground for kids. It had other essentials as well.


    She pulled away the curtain. The women was really weak, really thin. Still, her tan skin glew despite her living conditions. Her hair was brown and eyes were green. She was a beautiful lady.


    "Is he?" She looked at me and started to rise.


    "Lay back down please." I sat down on the stool Leese provided.


    "Lord... are we in trouble?" Her voice was shaky.


    "No. I just want to ask, are you being provided with money?"


    "What money? They stopped after 2 month and how could I tell her? She was already is in so much trouble."


    "What?!" Leese almost screamed.


    "No suprise."


    "T- those people" She was shaking.


    I took out a pouch from my pocket. From inside, I dropped 5 gold coins in front of her.


    "Each month, I will provide you money comparible to 5 gold coin. But be careful, honey attracts ants."


    "B-but why?"


    "I really wanted to help the family of my close friend and wife." I looked at Leese.


    She looked at me with admiration and confusion.


    "Thank you so m- much!"


    "Please care for my daughter. She really is my treasure."


    "Mama" Leese hugged her mother.


    "I will but you won''t be able to meet her often."


    "As long as she is safe and happy."


    "She will be next to me" I smiled as I couldn''t promise either.


    After an hour of spending time together, we had to leave. All three of them came to say goodbye to us.


    "Bye bye mister!" The kids screamed as their mother waved.


    "Study well! Bye! Take care!"


    "We will! Bye sister!"


    "Bye!"


    It was a sweet goodbye.


    ****


    We were now in carriage.


    "Thank You so mu-"


    "Don''t get your hopes up so high." I said seriously as I saw the expressions of the girl sitting in front of me to change from joy to confusion. "It''s your salary that I would be giving to your family. It depends on you if they get 5 gold coins or none at all."


    "I...see. Nothing is ever free in this world anyways." She looked away. "Is that also why you have been so nice to me all this time? Except during some moments." She said the last part quietly.


    "No. It''s just how I am." I grinned.


    "You are really scary sometime." She looked at me as her eyebrows furrowed upward. "What''s your plan?"


    "Nothing you have to worry about. Just be a pawn."


    "What''s my use? Am I even useful? Please tell me for my own security."


    "Let''s just say, with you being my wife, I have more say because it''s not a relationship as you may know. Number two, you are helpful to completely cut off ties with the Amethyst family. They really could have benefited with me as their


    son-in-law but alas!" I shrugged my shoulder and threw my head back, making my hair fell back too, reveling my forehead.


    "I see. The king probably want to get rid of the Amethyst family."


    I spun back at my place and looked at her a little shock. "How would a peasant like you deduce that?" I chuckled.


    "I can read, not write perfectly yet but I like to read an hour before sleeping. I deduced some stuff myself. I guess I like doing what the call ''researching''?"


    "A sharp one eh?" Is is good thing or not?


    "Well as long as you catch on quick."


    She was awfully quite and tamed.


    "What''s up? Nervous? Scared? Or Sad?"


    "All." She sighed.


    "Rest for a bit. Its still long before reaching."


    "Yeah... thanks..."


    I smiled "If you get bored, I can quiz you-"


    "NO THANKS"


    ****


    It was almost night time. There was darkness outside the window. We were almost reaching the manor. My brown oak home, decorated with flowers, surrounded by garden and trees. Not to large but large enough. Why am I missing it this much? It has just been 2 days at most.


    I will introduce Liz to my big family of servants. They would be glad to meet someone compassionate like her.


    It got me smiling, they were the one who made me willing to live again afterall.


    ....


    "What''s with the light from outside?" Liz woke up from her slumber.


    Light...?


    Liam quickly pushed the curtains aside. There it was... my precious home burning in flame.


    "Driver! Faster!"


    The carriage sped up, covering the distance in few minutes with the fast stomping of horses and there neighing.


    Liam jumped out of the carriage and ran toward. He was stopped by Liz before he ran inside.


    "Let me go!"


    Liz pushed him back on the ground.


    "It''s no use Liam! It has already been burned down!"


    Liz''s pov


    His eyed were filled with tear as his body trembled on the land. His teeth were clenching hard and he looked up to me as I have comitted a sin.


    "We have to wait."


    "What do you even MEAN?! Wait and let them die?!"


    "Look at the damage Liam. It''s probably been 3 to 4 hours since the house started burning.... if fire didn''t killed them, the suffocation did." I couldn''t see him like that. I controlled my tears as I wanted to be his support, not the other way around like always.


    His eyes lost all the light as the grim reality hit his consciousness. Tears flew down his eyes as he looked desperately at the ground while bitting his cheeks from inside. I knew this emotion very well. I knew I shouldn''t but I couldn''t stop myself from giving him the false hope.


    "Maybe they escaped? They might be around or would have taken a shelter."


    Deep inside I knew it wasn''t possible because if they did, we would have been informed hours ago.


    "R-really?" He looked up desperately "You think so?"


    I was now filled with guilt. I kneeled down and extended my arms. He leaned closer and embraced me. I hugged him back while patting his back. It was my answer. I couldn''t lie anymore but he needed faith or it seemed like he would''ve jumped in the fire as well. I also knew that when his mind was currently not working properly so he couldn''t deduce anything by himself currently, he would trust everything I say.


    "I hope they are okay" Liam bawled his eyes out. I could do nothing except comfort him silently.


    Was it the same man whom I thought was two faced? He seems really pitiful right now. He looked messed up.


    ***

 The Aftermath

    It had been an hour now. Liam and Lily were in the carriage. He looked pale and his eyes were dead.


    The rescue had arrived as the driver called for it on Lily''s instructions. Liam''s father sent men and investigators to look through the situation.


    "Liz... can you please check on the investigation?"


    Lily sighed sadly. "Yeah... please rest" he wasn''t even looking at me. I felt bad for him.


    Lily stepped outside in the darkened night that was once acting like a canvas for the burning house. The house filled with happiness was now a hollow graveyard of death. Men were removing debrises and collecting bodies. Each of them laid respectfully and covered with white cloth.


    Lily spotted the real deal, the main guy who stood out with cigarette held between his lips and a wore mysterious attire consisting of a long black coat. His crimson hair was tied in a bun and his silver eyes were showcased behind his brown glassess.


    "Ahem!" Lily walked toward him. "I would like to know anything you could have found."


    The man took out the cigarette from his mouth and eyed her up and down. It was like he could see through his disguise.


    "You are...? Lord''s maid?" Heins knew who she was.


    "His wife. We married yesterday. You are Mister...?"


    "Heins."


    "Mister Heins, so what could you find? Was it an accident or...?"


    "I thought it was at first. But looking at situation of the crime scene, it seemed like none of them tried to escape."


    "You mean they would have been unconscious?" Lily was shocked.


    "Hmm. I don''t like jumping to conclusions but it might be that."


    ''It was possibly an assassination attack. But why?''


    "They were unconscious that means..."


    "The food was spiked, yes, but the cook is dead too. We have cross checked with Lord Liam"


    "Do you have any documents on the investigation?"


    "It would be sent over to the Manor of Blane family, by tomorrow."


    "I see" his words seemed normal but the tone of his voice was insulting.


    I walked back to Liam and told him everything. He sat there with his head on his knees while grabbing his head. He had this crazy look in his eyes. It was not new to me because of where I came from. Many people who lost everything and couldn''t accept it at first, had this look on there face. From what I know, Liam is dangerous right now. I have to be careful. That''s also the reason I didn''t told him that Heins was underestimating me. It didn''t mattered to me but because of his feelings, Heins could''ve been hiding some things from me.


    "Can I be alone? Please?" He stuttered as he looked at me. His eyes, i just couldn''t get used to them being so soulless.


    I sighed before heading out. Family of dead people were gathering, identifying the bodies and the garden was like the batterfield with families crying. There were children, husbands, wives, parents, siblings, friends or just relatives of those dead bodies, howling from despair. It was so sad that I felt like I was going to vomit.


    "Where''s Lord Liam?! He knows me!" A guy screamed at Heins. "I am George! Ask him!"


    I walked closer.


    "George? The haircut guy?" I spoke softly from behind him, he turned around.


    "D- Do you know where Lord is Miss? P-Please" Tears were falling from his green eyes as his long brown hair was tied in a half up bun. His face was red from crying.


    "He is not in the right space of mind right now. Come with me" I took him to the carriage.


    "Thank you miss... I just have to tell him something."


    "Don''t go inside. Also, I am not leaving." I said as we reached there.


    George stood in front of the carriage door with a betrayed face. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Lord... why couldn''t you protect them? Why did Yuna had to die?!" He banged the carriage door.


    I knew this would happen but I took him here anyways, why? Because Liam have a duty. He might have lost his precious peoples but people like George lost their family, a source of income and their trust. Will any of them want their sons and daughters to work at the Blane house? No. Liam have to step up right now and give them hope or ignite hatred against the perpertrature instead of the family.


    The door opened. Liam looked absolutely broken and pitiful.


    "George" Liam stepped out. "Wipe your tears" He wiped his tears with his handkerchief. "It''s not me you should be mad at."


    "THEN WHO?!"


    "The king"


    "What are you-?"


    "Its so sad that for a petty revenge, he didn''t minded killing all of them. For him, you people are nothing but ants." Liam shedded few tears.


    "Please tell it to everyone that who attacked the mansion. You are my close one George, thats why I am telling it to you." Liam hugged George.


    ''What was he thinking?''


    "L-Lord!" George hugged him back. "You are the only noble who treats us as equals!"


    "Really? That''s so sad... Everyone deserves equal treatment despite of their status."


    This statement came as shock to George and it was certain.


    "I would have hated receiving such treatment. You people are so patient." Liam spoke in a sad voice.


    "Lord, I know what to do." George looked determined.


    "Just be careful... because even voicing your opinion is dangerous if its against him. So don''t do anything more right now."


    George got the hint. He thought that atleast one person was on his side and understood him. His anger for Liam vanished and was replaced by respect.


    Liam was playing a risky game. Blatantly calling the king a tyrant. George soon left.


    Liam and Liz were now alone, outside the carriage and on the side that was hidden from people.


    "What the hell was that?"


    Liam held his chin between his fingers and spoke slowly and charmingly. "That well, could be called an ignition?"


    "Are you.... a revolt? You are a noble too...! And Amethyst family! M-my miss...?" Liz held her head as she looked at Liam like she couldn''t believe him.


    "Calm down, there''s still time for that."


    "I was expecting anger against the assassinators, not the King." Liz spoke the last word in low voice.


    Liam leaned against the carriage with his arms closed in front of his chest.


    "Why do you care?" His eyes were filled with anger as he squinted them. The voice was cold yet calm, coming out as daggers.


    "What are you thinking?! What if he really did anything?!"


    Liam sighed before rolling his eyes and looking away. "He won''t. Atmost, all of his customers will know about our conversation. I can tell, he is not the man for it."


    "Why are you acting so bitter against me?" I stepped closer. Liam just clenched his jaw and kept looking away. This was not like him.


    "You are not thinking rationally! You lost a lot and I understand but can you please act normal finally?" I should shut up. I should be kinder and more understanding, I know but I was currently thinking about myself.


    "Everything about you have changed in a moment! Can you get a hold of yourself?"


    Now I was the bitter one. I was scared. It was not like Liam to be like this. The guy in front of me, was not the one who would protect me, but the one who would sacrifice me. It was an eerie feeling.


    "Don''t look away! Say something! Get back to normal!"


    He finally did, he glared at me like he wanted to kill me, it made me shut up instantly. The situation was even more scary than the idea of Liam sacrificing me for his gain.


    "Normal?" He spoke in a deep voice, almost condescending as he walked closer.


    "What is normal to you?" Liam grabbed Liz''s face as he looked dead in her eyes.


    "A guy who would protect you? Protect your future?" He smiled, it was a smile of disbelief.


    "You don''t care about this many people dying, you don''t care that I have to take some time to be normal again, do you? It scares you that I am not ''normal'' anymore?" His voice was low, as he spoke each word carefully.


    "Please... let me go." Liz spoke pleadingly. She didn''t wanted to appear weak but she was scared now.


    "Stay in your lane Leese. Your life is in my hands. One word from me and you will be killed for treason."


    "Kill me then, coward." Liz striked back.


    Liam hesitated and left her face alone.


    "You need me. You need me as a pawn. If not me, then you will have to marry Miss. I don''t know why but don''t you not want any relation with the Amethyst family?" Liz had a frown on her face as she spoke.


    "You are making it soo easy for me to hate you." It was a condescending tone.


    "Look... I am sorry, I was just being selfish. It won''t happen again." Liz looked apologetic.


    If I have to lick your feets to survive and save my family, I will do that too Liam. Act as much weird as you want. I am going to be on my own now.


    Liam was taken aback.


    "No- I am sorry too. We should be a team." She is not fooling anyone with that hesitation in her voice. As long as you listen.


    "What should I do Liam?" Liz smiled reluctantly.


    "I am going to order the men to build graveyards now." Liam sighed.


    "I shall then meet the families then."


    "Hmm. Make them believe that Liam Blane treats them as equal."


    "Get them to like you? I can do that."


    ***


    The night ended just like that, no one slept, the workers built the grave. Some bodies were burned but most died from suffocation.


    People were sitting silently in front of the graves of their young ones. These graves had stone with name of each dead person and it all happened in one night. Nearly 30 graves were made. They all had flowers and offerings. Peasant didn''t really had graves made for them because it was expensive. It created and uproar between normal people that someone of their financial situation had graves made for them, a noble respected them enough to do that.


    Liam was standing in front of all of the graves.


    "Catherine, Agnes, Tress, Yuna, Heron, Sias, May, Nabi, Vanya....." tears fell from his eyes.


    " Liam..." Liz held out a handkerchief for him. She was pulled into a hug.


    "I am s-sorry. I couldn''t do anything...." Liam stuttered as he burrowed his face in the crook of her neck.


    Liz felt shitty. She reacted differently to death of people because of her upbringing. She had lost a lot of people due to poverty so she forgot how people normally dealt with death. Liz usually moved on with life and thought of how to survive next when a close one died. It was same for her father''s death. They mourned but went to work half an hour later on the same day then they were so tired that they couldn''t mourn so they waited for holiday to cry over him.


    She thought that she should have done better job to help Liam cope.


    "Shh...its okay... you have done enough..."


    "Ahem!" The two of us seperated and looked at Heins standing there, aloof as always.


    "That was... unsightly." Liz broke the awkward silence.


    "What is it?" I spoke, getting a hold of myself.


    "The copy of report of our finding. Work will still continue." Heins held out a yellow envelope.


    "I see."


    "Shall I take my leave?" Heins said eyeing down Liz, who looked at him confused.


    It was rude of Heins to say that but I was to engrossed in the report.


    "Hmm" I opened the envelope to read the entire ten pages of observations.


    Heins bowed before leaving.


    "Let''s sit." I indicated at the unscathed furnitures that were jumbled up together by the workers who were cleaning it all overnight.


    Liz was walking in front like a guard as I kept reading the reports. She was probably worried that I might fall.


    I sat down on a chair as Liz hovered. I wanted to ask her to sit as well but I left the idea alone. Families were still visiting the graves. Right here, in front of my eyes. A lot of them were being chatty with Liz and bowed at me respectfully, for which I returned a smile. George came by as well and interrupted my reading.


    "Lord, people are liking you.... and are hating on him."


    He blabbered while i kept smiling and reacting with the same phrases, "I see", "Oh really?", "Be careful about that."


    "That''s all I had to say...." George turned around.


    "George."


    "Yes?"


    "Don''t do too much. You are good as a barber. I will take care of the rest."


    "...Yes..." he was like a sad puppy.


    I got back to the reading before looking at Liz who was now consoling some women and making the laugh.


    So....


    they were probably unconscious as they didn''t tried to escape. The drug was probably in the food. They ate because I went to Liz''s hometown, if not, we would have eaten with them.


    ...


    ...


    ''How will you eat then?''


    ****