- ; [ 047 ]

                                    

                                          
seeing the ending of who made me a princes made me so emotional because it was only then that i noticed how much athy has grown from being a baby 😕
i felt like a mother watching her grow, she'll always have my heart.
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You were thankful for your servants, who were respectful and professional with their duties. Because of their hardwork and their diligence, the manor had been compelely cleaned within no more than 2 days.
"It's beautiful here." 
Kaufman smiles, standing by your side as he admires the spacious home, a look of awe in his eyes. This was certainly a diamond in the rough.
"You'll feel lonely here, why don't you let me move in?" 
Koshar trailed beside you as well, sending you a teasing look. "A little company wouldn't hurt, right?"
It was odd.
Both these men have been sticking to you like glue these past few days, always giving each other glances before spoiling you with subtle affection like taking you out to shop and inviting you to tea time. 
What are these two up to...
You once questioned them, however all they did was smile and say that they've simply become close friends over the past few days. 
"You'd only cause more mess if you moved in, Koshar." You hum, laughing at his dejected expression. "Besides, you are a knight now. You have to live with your comrades and make your connections."
You'd love for this blonde fluff to move in with you, truly. But he's begun a new life in the Kingdom and he must nurture it as early as possible. You aren't going to make him stop until he's built a proper reputation amongst the people. If he moves away from his barracks and in with you to your manor, the other knights might begin resenting him or cause irritable drama.
"Then shall I move in with you?" Kaufman takes his turn to ask.
"If you wish." You nod, ignoring Koshar who complains about favoritism at your response.
It would be nice to have these two live with me.
Kaufman is a quiet and aloof man, but that was exactly what made him so comforting. He had this certain aura around him that made you feel so at home, like the feeling of sunbathing in the middle of a soft feild of flowers that kissed your skin. 
What would it be like to have them live with me..?
Your mind begins to wonder to places it shouldn't be.
And that included the gutter.
aaahh, if we lived together, then there would be situations where I 'accidentally' walk in on them changing or something? Gosh, the manor is just so big and confusing. that would definitely happen..
Images of the two men—who currently stood beside you—half dressed and looking at you in cute shock completely fog your mind. Kaufman almost choked on air when you think of something indecent, trying to hide the blush on his cheeks.
Wait.
Coordinating with your thoughts, you body halts from walking, making the two men stop and look at you in confusion. ( that was just Koshar, Kaufman could hear every single detail in your mind. )
I think I like these two.
You crane your neck, taking turns to look at them in the eyes.
I'll just be honest with myself and say I've liked them for a long time already. You scoff at yourself inwardly, but is it okay to like two guys at once? This is unheard of.
"( y/n )?" Koshar calls, but you're too busy with your thoughts. They're still standing there, waiting for you.
Does that mean I have to choose? I don't want to though, these two are absolute eye candy.
then..what about a harem?
Kaufman only sighs, tapping the blonde's shoulder, "She seems to have alot in mind. Let's leave her be for a while."
He doesn't think he could survive another minute seeing the images that begin to form in your mind when you think of creating a harem and recruiting both him and Koshar as your lovers.
THE POSSIBILITIES!
Stars fill your eyes, drool begins to accumulate.
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"( y/n ), I received the letter you sent. However, I do have some questions." Nian hums as she places the tea cup down.
"Feel free to ask, Duchess Nian. I will answer to the best of my ability." 
The brunette nods, "This is the first time you've shown interest in high society, I was wondering why."
You grin, "As you've heard, I am now a Duke."
She nods
"For my Duchy to function well, I need people—not necessarily to work for me, but to live with me. The dukedom given to me is completely abandoned, and I don't have enough information to understand the reasonings." 
A look of realization dawns on her features, "So you wish to hear the rumours and opinions from the High Society before conducting research among the commoners?"
"Correct!"
It was a simple plan, however it would be a long and fragile process. You'd have to be careful with your words, with your actions, with everything. It wasn't like she doubted your skills, but the western Kingdom was a completely different territory. 
"I also wish to spread rumours about my Duchy so it can gain it's popularity again."
Curiosity was a sin, and so was entertaining it.
Although the towns were completely run down and abandoned, if it gained enough attention, you could easily earn back the money it lost without having to spend from your personal savings.
"I haven't seen you working this hard since you arrested those 56 corrupt court officials a few years back." Nian comments with a chuckle, unfolding her fan and placing it down on the table.
When Navier first ascended as the Empress, there were countless bastards who took advantage of the poor and exploited as much as they could, thinking Navier was an incompetent ruler. Under her orders, you were tasked to lead an investigation team, and in the end, you had uncovered 56 men and women whose crimes varied from charging more than required, to kidnapping and enslaving people.
It was a stressful time, however it was worth it seeing them either executed, turned into peasants, or put to jail. 
"However, I wish you wouldn't be as heartless this time around."
Of course, there were circumstances where you were left with no choice but to assassinate people and fabricate multiple deaths.
You needed Nian's help back then to spread ominous rumours about ghosts or people who have gone mad so there would be no chance of hands pointing to you when these dead people were discovered.
"Of course, I've finished with spilling blood years ago."
You wished what you said was true, But the bloodlust will continue down the line of a war ridden tribe no matter how peaceful the era you are born into.
If another Rashta appeared, you're not sure you'd be able to hold back one more time.
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not proofread