I’m 10 years of age now, It’s been 4 years since Rose and her mother Elizabeth were brought here. Even though it's been 4 years I’ve yet to interact with Elizabeth and I prefer it that way; fewer people to watch out for and it would bother mother.

Rose has watched me over a distance and has tried a few times to get on my good side. I believe she’s trying to get on my good side so that her mother receives benefits; sorry to say but I have no standing in this house either. Her mother probably put her up to it so I hold no contempt but it's rather annoying being bothered so much.

After rejecting her a few times she stopped trying but instead started observing me from a distance in what I believe to be an attempt to gather information that could help gain my goodwill.

Well, it's easy enough to ignore once you get used to it.

**

Just like any other day I am currently in my study flipping through a book, the book was quite old as it was written in an ancient language. I never tire of the feeling of worn down parchment against my fingers as I flip through the pages, the odd feeling of pages aged over decades and centuries.

I was reading about an old technique where one sends mana out of their body to observe the surroundings. It worked similarly to how echolocation worked; you would send mana out and it would bounce off objects and return. Though it's not useful to me as more advanced techniques were created for creating complex real-time 3d maps in one's head. Though it does require a certain level of spacial awareness to be able to comprehend the map.

*Knock* *Knock* “Come in!” I commanded as the butler opened the door and entered. “Young Master, the duke requires your presence at his study!” I sighed and got up from my relaxing chair while replying “Lead the way.”

——————————————

*Knock* *Knock* “Duke, Young Master Arthur has arrived!” Said the butler in a raised voice after knocking on the door to the duke's study. “Bring him in!” Replied the duke with his deep domineering voice, “Good afternoon Duke, Alexander.” Arthur greeted the duke and his older brother Alexander with a bow as he entered. As he stepped into the study he was greeted with a stone-cold atmosphere and a murderous glare directed at him that originated from his brother's rage-filled grey eyes.

“The emperor has declared that all nobles must attend the annual hunting competition to take place in a week’s time. He has also stated that all children of nobility must attend as a way to allow for friendly competition between the next generation of noblemen.” The duke said the last part with a scowl written across his face along with an obviously irritated tone. Arthur understood why the duke was angry, which amused him; because the emperor stated ‘all’ children that meant that the duke was forced to bring along his illegitament child Rose.

Alexander didn't pick up on this fact and immediately yelled his complaint about Arthur attending. “Why does this bastard get to attend?! Father!”

*SLAM!* The duke had slammed his fist against his desk in a fit of anger towards his son's childish outburst. “It was the emperor's order! Now, If I hear one more complaint! I will put you in the dungeons for the rest of the day! ” Alexander recoiled in surprise at his father's scolding but still backed down obediently while maintaining his murderous glare at Arthur.

“Now, Arthur! If I hear of you making any trouble at all during the competition I will lock you up in the dungeons for a full month!” Arthur sighed but agreed to not make any trouble “Yes, Duke.”

The duke continued. “Another thing Arthur, make sure that child doesn't leave the family tent during the competition to prevent it from disgracing our family.”

**

“Ugh!” I flopped down onto my soft and springy bed, I bounced up and down a few times before it stabilised. This is so exhausting, and now a hunting competition? Will I have to hunt?

“Ahhhh-hhaaaaaa! I’m too tired for this. Amber!” In response to my call, my personal maid Amber entered my room. “Do you need something Young Master?”

“Inform the butler I will be skipping dinner this evening as I am under the weather.” I didn't feel hungry and wasn't in the mood to see father during dinner time.

“Right away Young Master!” Amber immediately took off towards the servants' wing. Our mansion was more of a palace, there was the central area where father resides which in itself is the size of a mansion. The central area then branches out four times, each facing a cardinal direction. I reside and have control over the south wing while my brother has the north wing as that is reserved for the heir. The west wing is the servant quarters and the east wing is currently empty.

This hunting competition is going to be annoying, my father has basically tasked me with the job of babysitting Rose and I have to make sure she doesn't leave the tent or get seen by any nobles. I don't see why father is so focused on keeping appearances, if it was me I wouldn't care.

“ARRRGGHH! SO ANNOYING!” I roll to the edge of my bed in annoyance; I lean over the edge and pull a large bottle of wine out from under my bed. “I know I shouldn't have this at such a young age, but I can't help it! They make such good wine here!”

I yank out the cork and begin chugging down the sweet crimson liquid and relished at the sweet acidic sensation as it ran down my throat.

——————————————

Elizabeth was sitting behind and drying Rose’s hair after giving her a bath in the ice-cold water they had been given by the servants. Elizabeth couldn't complain about the borderline abusive treatment as it was 100 times better than living in the slums. Her only hope was that maybe the duke would give favour to Rose one day so that at least her daughter could live comfortably.

“All done! Completely dry now my little Rose!” Elizabeth said cheerfully while embracing her daughter in a big hug. “Thanks, mom!” said Rose in a happy and cheery tone while looking up at her mother with a wide smile from one ear to the other.

The shed they lived in was moderate in size and they had to sleep on hay to keep themselves warm during the winter but Elizabeth was still thankful that her child could eat 3 full meals a day. It felt just like yesterday that Elizabeth had to give up her own food so that Rose could eat enough to survive. But now Rose had reached 7 years of age and Elizabeth couldn't be any happier to be able to watch her daughter grow up healthily. Though Elizabeth was treated poorly by the servants for bearing a bastard child it didn't matter if she could feed Rose.

*SLAM* The shed door slammed open and one of the butlers barged in and announced “Rose will be needed in the participation of the annual hunting competition hosted by the emperor! This will take place in a week’s time! Prepare her adequately so that she does not disgrace the duke!” After saying what he needed he walked out slamming the door shut on his way out.

“Am I going somewhere, Mommy?” asked Rose curiously while looking up at her mother. “Don’t worry my Rose, mother will deal with it!” Replied Elizabeth with a smile on her face trying to hide her anxiousness as sweat started to drip down her pale face.

**

It was the day before departure, Elizabeth had requested an audience with duke Alastair. “What do you want.” asked the duke whilst looking at the woman before his eyes bowing at almost a ninety-degree angle shivering in fear. “M-My daughter! P-Please buy acceptable clothes for my daughter to wear during the hunting competition!” Replied Elizabeth with a fear-stricken stuttering voice.

“Leave, I’ll make sure to have the butler arrange clothes for your daughter.” Calmly responded the duke. “T-This l-lowly subject thanks the duke!” Elizabeth then quietly does as the duke says and sneaks out of the study.

“Pathetic…” The duke mumbled as he watched her figure weasel out his door.

**

“Mommy! Am I pretty?!” Asked Rose excitedly as these were the best clothes she had ever worn! “Huhu~ yes my daughter! You are the prettiest of them all!” Elizabeth couldn't help but quietly shed a tear at how cheerful and happy Rose was.

What Rose wore were simple but high-quality horse riding garments that nobles used for anything from running, sword practice and of course horse riding. At this point, one could argue they are just exercising clothes but they were originally made with the intention of making horse riding more comfortable.

Rose wore black leather boots that had a tinge of red, white pants with no patterns to speak of and a greyish blue blouse with silver buttons that shined in the sun. She also had a pair of black leather gloves.

Today was the day of departure, and Elizabeth couldn't be more nervous; Rose on the other hand was beaming with excitement and practically jumping out of her shoes.

As the mother and daughter duo walked down the gravel path that lead to the front gate they passed the south wing. “Big brother!” shouted Rose as she spotted Arthur leaving from one of the doors. Arthur walks over without saying anything and walks in the direction of the front gate.

After it had sunk in what her daughter had just yelled she panicked “P-Please forgive my daughter, Young Master! She’s young and doesn't understand her position!” She continued to beg forgiveness but Arthur just kept walking.

“Rose! You cannot act like that towards the Young Master! Or call him big brother, it will offend him!” She berated her daughter in hopes she could prevent her daughter from accidentally angering the young master again. “But big brother is big brother?” Said the young child innocently. “Just please listen to your mother this once!” Elizabeth sighed and hoped her daughter wouldn't make this mistake again because she didn't know how the young master, a noble would react to a commoner constantly calling them big brother!

**

When Elizabeth arrived with her daughter her eyes were instantly drawn to the line of beautifully built carriages, they were fitted top to bottom with gold and marvellous patterns along with the dukes family crest adorning them.

She was snapped out of her daze by the stares of contempt and ridicule that came their way from the servants. The duke approached her and she bowed while giving her greetings. “Leave.” Ordered the duke in his deep authoritative and threatening tone. Elizabeth frozen from fear and not wanting to leave her daughter found herself unable to move, as her legs had felt like they had frozen to the bone.

“Do not make me repeat myself! Now that you have brought it you can leave!”

“O-Of course right away duke!” she stammered.

“Rose! Listen to me.” Elizabeth bent down and placed her hands on her daughter's cheeks.

“You must be on best behaviour and do everything the duke tells you to! Okay?” Pleaded Elizabeth to her daughter. “Okay!” Said her daughter cheerfully, she sighed but tried to believe in her excited and hyperactive daughter.

“She can ride in my carriage.” Elizabeth looked in the direction the voice came from, It was young master Arthur. Rose waved cheerfully at Arthur but Elizabeth felt shivers crawl down her spine as she laid eyes on the boy. She didn't get a look at his face earlier so she didn't realise then but now that she had a clear view of him she could only think ‘Those are not the eyes of a 10-year-old!’ She naturally felt he was dangerous, his eyes! Every inch of her body was telling her that he was dangerous.

Because of that her instincts were stronger than others; she knelt down and whispered to her daughter “Be careful around the young master he’s someone you need to be careful around!” She knew her daughter wouldn't understand but she was too shaken to word it in a way she could. “Goodbye, my Rose you have to go on your own now!” Elizabeth started to tear up but decided it was better to leave before she did, so she reluctantly began treading back to their shed. As she got further away she could hear her daughter shout “Bye Mommy!”

“Hic- sniff ahh!” She couldn't stop the flood gates from opening after leaving her daughter for the first time. She continued to weep and soak her sleeves in tears as she walked back to their shed.

To Be Continued.