[B1] Chapter 10: Trash of the Count Family
The soft caress of sheets enveloped Theo as he stirred on his bed, the sunlight came through the curtains of his room.
He blinked slowly, his thoughts muddled from sleep. There was a short moment of confusion as he remembered about collapsing near the entrance.
'How did I get here?' he pondered, propping himself up on his elbows.
As if in response to his thoughts, the door creaked open, revealing Elena.
In her hands, she held a steaming bowl, the aroma filling the room. She walked to his side, gazing at the boy with concerning eyes.
"Master," she began gently, "how are you feeling now?"
"Better," he replied with a hint of exhaustion in his voice. "But, Elena, tell me about Mira. Is she alright?"
Elena’s lips curved into a soft smile. "Yes, she's recovering quite well. Her family was happy that you provided such a precious elixir for her. The entire village is stunned."
The weight in Theo's chest eased at her words, replaced with a warm feeling of contentment.
Elena carefully handed him the bowl, the steam wafting up, tickling his nostrils. The soup looked hearty, with chunks of vegetables and fruits floating in a rich broth.
Taking a sip, warmth spread through his body, revitalizing his tired muscles. The soup seemed to do more than just satiate his hunger; it was restoring his very energy.
Feeling new energy, Theo managed to sit up, leaning against the headboard.
Elena's large eyes, brimming with admiration, met Theo's gaze. "The villager are still talking about today. You really surprised them, Master," she said softly.
A soft smile played at the corners of Theo's lips, he replied, "I think I surprised myself too."
A light giggle escaped her lips, making Theo appreciate that he was able to make her laugh.
However, the happy atmosphere, shifted when Elena asked him with some hesitancy. "Master, now that you're recovering, I thought of letting her highness know. She'd be overjoyed to hear about your wellbeing."
Halting mid-sip, Theo carefully set the bowl aside on the small table next to the bed. Pushing himself up, he glanced at her.
Taking a serious tone, he began, "Elena, it's important that my current state remains a secret for the empire. Not a word to anyone, even Princess Liliana. If my condition becomes public knowledge, it might paint a target on my back."
Theo thought, 'I seriously need to get in shape. Imagine the gossip: 'The legendary figure defeated not by a dragon, but by his own waistline!' And if I skip my exercises... will I pop like a balloon? Is the system trying to get a laugh out of this?' The ridiculousness of the thought made him laugh internally.
Yet, the humor was short-lived as a more serious matter came to his mind. ‘But jokes aside, I sense there's more to this 'mysterious bug' than meets the eye. Someone might be pulling the strings from the shadows.’
When he looked up, he was met with Elena's gentle gaze. Remembering the morning's events, he inquired, "By the way, where did that old man get off to??"
Elena's fingers carefully adjusted the bowl and utensils on the table. "You're referring to Mister Leonard, Master?" she asked, furrowing her brows.
He nodded, "Yeah. Where's he gone to?"
"He's gone to the Stronggate city to collect this month's funds from the count." She responded, lifting the tray filled with bowl and utensils.
This information puzzled Theo, he questioned, "Isn't it the norm for baronies, vis-counties, and counties to contribute to the empire? Why are we receiving funds instead?"
Elena placed the tray back on the table, as she sensed Theo wanted to have a talk about this matter. "You see, Master, this castle and its lands were once abandoned. The empire stepped in to offer aid to the villagers. With only a few guards keeping watch, places like our Ashenvale received financial assistance from the crown.
Without this support, many would die. While the princess's influence did ensure a more substantial fund for us previously, over the past year, we've received merely 10% of the intended amount."
His brows furrowed with deep concern as he began to grasp the true financial troubles plaguing the village. It was all becoming clear now, why the villagers harbored such resentment toward the former baron. Their suffering had been unjustly directed at him, and it was painfully obvious that the old Theo had lacked the capability to address the core of their problems.
Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, he mused, 'I want to solve the village's issues, but first, I have to sort out mine. The awakening stone might be the answer, though it's not cheap...' With that, he shifted his attention to Elena, her naive expression making her every bit the portrait of innocence.
"Elena, are you aware of the cost of an awakening stone in the nearby city?" He asked.
She tilted her head, pondering for a moment. "For the lower grade, It is around 50 gold. An intermediate one is about 400 gold, while the high-grade awakening stones, they can range from 1000 gold to a staggering 10,000 gold," She replied, drawing from her memories of the marketplace.
Raising an eyebrow, he questioned, "Such a big difference in price?"
Noticing his puzzlement, Elena delved deeper. "The lower grade stone, though affordable, has a significantly high failure rate during the awakening process. Those who can't spend a lot on the pricier options usually risk it with this. As for the intermediate and high-grade ones, they promise at least a 50% success rate. But even the lower grade is unaccessible for most villagers and common people."
Theo's brow furrowed further, "What if the awakening fails??"
She sighed softly, "One would experience a shock, preventing any new attempts for a month. Sometimes, the wait can extend for several months or even a year. That's the reason those who with deeper pockets prefer the higher-grade stones."
As Elena spoke, Theo's eyes were drawn to her fingers, which danced nervously on the table's edge where empty soup bowl was kept. He could tell she was growing increasingly anxious.
Brushing aside his own thoughts for a moment, he questioned, "What is our current financial standing?"
Elena's cheeks tinged a shade pinker. "Mister Leonard mentioned we've exhausted our funds. He's gone to the city to retrieve this month's fund allocation."
His brow knitted in concern. "How much do we receive as that reduced 10%?"
"About 100 gold," she murmured, her cheeks now glowing with a shade of crimson.
Theo's mind raced. 'With 100 gold, I can not afford even an intermediate stone. But Elena's words make me wonder: should I wait a year and save up for the high-grade stone instead? Or perhaps I should find ways to accumulate more money.'
As he considered his options, he noticed Elena's fidgeting intensifying, her fingers tapping a hurried tempo against the table. Observing her closely, he realized her breathing had become uneven.
Concern visible in his voice, he asked, "Elena, are you feeling alright? You seem... off."
Elena hesitated, her breathing shallow and quick. "It's... nothing, Master."
Sensing there was something she wasn't sharing, he probed gently, "What's troubling you?".
She shuffled her feet, clearly embarrassed. "I... need. I need to use the washroom." She skipped the customary 'Master' this time, showing her urgency.
The soft blush that painted her ears gave away her embarrassment. It seemed the pressing nature of her need had made her momentarily drop her formalities. Understanding her emergency, Theo tried to suppress a chuckle.
"You should have just told me," he said with an warm smile, gesturing towards the adjoining bathroom. "Feel free to use that one."
She hesitated, biting her lip as her eyes darted between him and the door. "I can't possibly use yours, Master."
Theo leaned back, an amused glint in his eye. "It's not as if I'm going to clean it. You usually do, regardless of who uses it. Besides," he continued, a touch of genuine warmth entering his voice, "You've looked after me, much like an older sister or, dare I say, a mother. It's the least I can offer in return." Memories of her care and kindness filled his thoughts, and he motioned again for her to proceed.
In front of Theo stood Elena, the same young woman who had mothered him in his most vulnerable moments. While it was true that Princess Liliana played a crucial role and had initiated this care, it was Elena who had tirelessly and selflessly carried out each act of kindness.
Theo felt a debt of gratitude for both women, perhaps even more than for his grandfather. After all, Elena and Liliana had rescued him from the brink of despair, saving him from the harsh judgments and scorn of his own known family, who viewed him as the Empire's infamous disgrace – the "trash of the count family."
As Theo's sentiments flowed within him, Elena found herself momentarily lost in his gaze. The depth of gratitude and emotion in his eyes caused her to pause, momentarily forgetting her urgency. Overwhelmed, she offered him a slight bow and a gentle smile, before making her way towards the bathroom.
Once the door closed behind her, silence settled in the room. Theo exhaled deeply, sinking back against the headboard. The memories of today and emotions from the past momentarily overwhelmed him. This whole situation was nothing short of surreal.
"How fate loves its intricate dance, as the wheel of fortune spins with unpredictable turns of destiny," he said softly, tiredness mixing with his every word. "All of this feels like a dream."
The soft click of the bathroom door, followed by a visible relieved Elena broke the room's silence. "Thank you, Master," she chirped, her voice light, almost giddy as if she'd left behind a great burden in the bathroom. It was hard not to chuckle at the sheer relief in her tone over such a mundane act.
With his eyes still shut, Theo's mind wandered to a more serious train of thought. "Do you ever regret staying here, looking after a boy that the world gave up on? Someone who had no voice, no future?"
Elena paused, caught off guard by his inquiry. Honesty was her nature, a trait that ran in the depths of her soft heart.
"In the beginning, yes," she admitted truthfully, "It was strange and, to be honest, uncomfortable. For a young maiden, taking care of a boy in such a manner, it wasn't deemed appropriate by society's standards. And, like many, I had dreams of my own. I wished to become a renowned warrior, exploring far-off lands. But life has a way of reminding you of reality. As a royal maid, those dreams seemed unreachable, especially since I didn't come from a noble background.
Yet, life took an unexpected turn when the princess saved me from the massacre in our village. We grew up side by side after that. Every time she came back from visiting you, she had this certain glow, a smile that wouldn't fade, like she was keeping the most beautiful secret hidden in her heart. And, she trusted me deeply, wanted me to care for someone she held dear."
Deep in thought, Theo tried piecing together the fragments of the past. ‘So, Liliana and I shared something special. Were we just close friends or perhaps... childhood sweethearts? The depth of our bond remains a secret.’ He mumbled to himself, thinking, 'I'm in a tale with missing pages. But isn't the mystery part of the allure?'
Pausing for a moment, he mused further, 'My memories up to age thirteen feel like a fuzzy radio station, and I can't help but wonder if there's an old love song in there somewhere.’ The true depth of their bond was still a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces
While Theo was piecing together fragments about Liliana, Elena hesitated briefly, then continued. "The princess, she worked tirelessly to shield you from the kingdom's prying eyes and even your own family. I've seen her cry right here in this room, her tears showing her silent battles.
For princess Liliana, the girl who once saved me, mistreating you would be a betrayal. And honestly, your importance to her became even clearer when the royal family decided to award you the barony only on the condition that she resumed her studies at Phoenixwing Academy. They found it beneath their dignity that their beloved daughter held ties with the... 'trash of the count family'," she recounted, momentarily tripping over her words and clasping a hand over her mouth in regret.
"Trash of the count family?" Theo repeated, a playful hint of mockery lacing his words. He couldn't help but chuckle at the twist of his fate, from Theo Lewis of Earth to this new title.
'How the mighty have fallen,' he mused, a soft smile pulling at the corner of his lips.
[B1] Chapter 10: Trash of the Count Family
The soft caress of sheets enveloped Theo as he stirred on his bed, the sunlight came through the curtains of his room.
He blinked slowly, his thoughts muddled from sleep. There was a short moment of confusion as he remembered about collapsing near the entrance.
'How did I get here?' he pondered, propping himself up on his elbows.
As if in response to his thoughts, the door creaked open, revealing Elena.
In her hands, she held a steaming bowl, the aroma filling the room. She walked to his side, gazing at the boy with concerning eyes.
"Master," she began gently, "how are you feeling now?"
"Better," he replied with a hint of exhaustion in his voice. "But, Elena, tell me about Mira. Is she alright?"
Elena’s lips curved into a soft smile. "Yes, she's recovering quite well. Her family was happy that you provided such a precious elixir for her. The entire village is stunned."
The weight in Theo's chest eased at her words, replaced with a warm feeling of contentment.
Elena carefully handed him the bowl, the steam wafting up, tickling his nostrils. The soup looked hearty, with chunks of vegetables and fruits floating in a rich broth.
Taking a sip, warmth spread through his body, revitalizing his tired muscles. The soup seemed to do more than just satiate his hunger; it was restoring his very energy.
Feeling new energy, Theo managed to sit up, leaning against the headboard.
Elena's large eyes, brimming with admiration, met Theo's gaze. "The villager are still talking about today. You really surprised them, Master," she said softly.
A soft smile played at the corners of Theo's lips, he replied, "I think I surprised myself too."
A light giggle escaped her lips, making Theo appreciate that he was able to make her laugh.
However, the happy atmosphere, shifted when Elena asked him with some hesitancy. "Master, now that you're recovering, I thought of letting her highness know. She'd be overjoyed to hear about your wellbeing."
Halting mid-sip, Theo carefully set the bowl aside on the small table next to the bed. Pushing himself up, he glanced at her.
Taking a serious tone, he began, "Elena, it's important that my current state remains a secret for the empire. Not a word to anyone, even Princess Liliana. If my condition becomes public knowledge, it might paint a target on my back."
Theo thought, 'I seriously need to get in shape. Imagine the gossip: 'The legendary figure defeated not by a dragon, but by his own waistline!' And if I skip my exercises... will I pop like a balloon? Is the system trying to get a laugh out of this?' The ridiculousness of the thought made him laugh internally.
Yet, the humor was short-lived as a more serious matter came to his mind. ‘But jokes aside, I sense there's more to this 'mysterious bug' than meets the eye. Someone might be pulling the strings from the shadows.’
When he looked up, he was met with Elena's gentle gaze. Remembering the morning's events, he inquired, "By the way, where did that old man get off to??"
Elena's fingers carefully adjusted the bowl and utensils on the table. "You're referring to Mister Leonard, Master?" she asked, furrowing her brows.
He nodded, "Yeah. Where's he gone to?"
"He's gone to the Stronggate city to collect this month's funds from the count." She responded, lifting the tray filled with bowl and utensils.
This information puzzled Theo, he questioned, "Isn't it the norm for baronies, vis-counties, and counties to contribute to the empire? Why are we receiving funds instead?"
Elena placed the tray back on the table, as she sensed Theo wanted to have a talk about this matter. "You see, Master, this castle and its lands were once abandoned. The empire stepped in to offer aid to the villagers. With only a few guards keeping watch, places like our Ashenvale received financial assistance from the crown.
Without this support, many would die. While the princess's influence did ensure a more substantial fund for us previously, over the past year, we've received merely 10% of the intended amount."
His brows furrowed with deep concern as he began to grasp the true financial troubles plaguing the village. It was all becoming clear now, why the villagers harbored such resentment toward the former baron. Their suffering had been unjustly directed at him, and it was painfully obvious that the old Theo had lacked the capability to address the core of their problems.
Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, he mused, 'I want to solve the village's issues, but first, I have to sort out mine. The awakening stone might be the answer, though it's not cheap...' With that, he shifted his attention to Elena, her naive expression making her every bit the portrait of innocence.
"Elena, are you aware of the cost of an awakening stone in the nearby city?" He asked.
She tilted her head, pondering for a moment. "For the lower grade, It is around 50 gold. An intermediate one is about 400 gold, while the high-grade awakening stones, they can range from 1000 gold to a staggering 10,000 gold," She replied, drawing from her memories of the marketplace.
Raising an eyebrow, he questioned, "Such a big difference in price?"
Noticing his puzzlement, Elena delved deeper. "The lower grade stone, though affordable, has a significantly high failure rate during the awakening process. Those who can't spend a lot on the pricier options usually risk it with this. As for the intermediate and high-grade ones, they promise at least a 50% success rate. But even the lower grade is unaccessible for most villagers and common people."
Theo's brow furrowed further, "What if the awakening fails??"
She sighed softly, "One would experience a shock, preventing any new attempts for a month. Sometimes, the wait can extend for several months or even a year. That's the reason those who with deeper pockets prefer the higher-grade stones."
As Elena spoke, Theo's eyes were drawn to her fingers, which danced nervously on the table's edge where empty soup bowl was kept. He could tell she was growing increasingly anxious.
Brushing aside his own thoughts for a moment, he questioned, "What is our current financial standing?"
Elena's cheeks tinged a shade pinker. "Mister Leonard mentioned we've exhausted our funds. He's gone to the city to retrieve this month's fund allocation."
His brow knitted in concern. "How much do we receive as that reduced 10%?"
"About 100 gold," she murmured, her cheeks now glowing with a shade of crimson.
Theo's mind raced. 'With 100 gold, I can not afford even an intermediate stone. But Elena's words make me wonder: should I wait a year and save up for the high-grade stone instead? Or perhaps I should find ways to accumulate more money.'
As he considered his options, he noticed Elena's fidgeting intensifying, her fingers tapping a hurried tempo against the table. Observing her closely, he realized her breathing had become uneven.
Concern visible in his voice, he asked, "Elena, are you feeling alright? You seem... off."
Elena hesitated, her breathing shallow and quick. "It's... nothing, Master."
Sensing there was something she wasn't sharing, he probed gently, "What's troubling you?".
She shuffled her feet, clearly embarrassed. "I... need. I need to use the washroom." She skipped the customary 'Master' this time, showing her urgency.
The soft blush that painted her ears gave away her embarrassment. It seemed the pressing nature of her need had made her momentarily drop her formalities. Understanding her emergency, Theo tried to suppress a chuckle.
"You should have just told me," he said with an warm smile, gesturing towards the adjoining bathroom. "Feel free to use that one."
She hesitated, biting her lip as her eyes darted between him and the door. "I can't possibly use yours, Master."
Theo leaned back, an amused glint in his eye. "It's not as if I'm going to clean it. You usually do, regardless of who uses it. Besides," he continued, a touch of genuine warmth entering his voice, "You've looked after me, much like an older sister or, dare I say, a mother. It's the least I can offer in return." Memories of her care and kindness filled his thoughts, and he motioned again for her to proceed.
In front of Theo stood Elena, the same young woman who had mothered him in his most vulnerable moments. While it was true that Princess Liliana played a crucial role and had initiated this care, it was Elena who had tirelessly and selflessly carried out each act of kindness.
Theo felt a debt of gratitude for both women, perhaps even more than for his grandfather. After all, Elena and Liliana had rescued him from the brink of despair, saving him from the harsh judgments and scorn of his own known family, who viewed him as the Empire's infamous disgrace – the "trash of the count family."
As Theo's sentiments flowed within him, Elena found herself momentarily lost in his gaze. The depth of gratitude and emotion in his eyes caused her to pause, momentarily forgetting her urgency. Overwhelmed, she offered him a slight bow and a gentle smile, before making her way towards the bathroom.
Once the door closed behind her, silence settled in the room. Theo exhaled deeply, sinking back against the headboard. The memories of today and emotions from the past momentarily overwhelmed him. This whole situation was nothing short of surreal.
"How fate loves its intricate dance, as the wheel of fortune spins with unpredictable turns of destiny," he said softly, tiredness mixing with his every word. "All of this feels like a dream."
The soft click of the bathroom door, followed by a visible relieved Elena broke the room's silence. "Thank you, Master," she chirped, her voice light, almost giddy as if she'd left behind a great burden in the bathroom. It was hard not to chuckle at the sheer relief in her tone over such a mundane act.
With his eyes still shut, Theo's mind wandered to a more serious train of thought. "Do you ever regret staying here, looking after a boy that the world gave up on? Someone who had no voice, no future?"
Elena paused, caught off guard by his inquiry. Honesty was her nature, a trait that ran in the depths of her soft heart.
"In the beginning, yes," she admitted truthfully, "It was strange and, to be honest, uncomfortable. For a young maiden, taking care of a boy in such a manner, it wasn't deemed appropriate by society's standards. And, like many, I had dreams of my own. I wished to become a renowned warrior, exploring far-off lands. But life has a way of reminding you of reality. As a royal maid, those dreams seemed unreachable, especially since I didn't come from a noble background.
Yet, life took an unexpected turn when the princess saved me from the massacre in our village. We grew up side by side after that. Every time she came back from visiting you, she had this certain glow, a smile that wouldn't fade, like she was keeping the most beautiful secret hidden in her heart. And, she trusted me deeply, wanted me to care for someone she held dear."
Deep in thought, Theo tried piecing together the fragments of the past. ‘So, Liliana and I shared something special. Were we just close friends or perhaps... childhood sweethearts? The depth of our bond remains a secret.’ He mumbled to himself, thinking, 'I'm in a tale with missing pages. But isn't the mystery part of the allure?'
Pausing for a moment, he mused further, 'My memories up to age thirteen feel like a fuzzy radio station, and I can't help but wonder if there's an old love song in there somewhere.’ The true depth of their bond was still a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces
While Theo was piecing together fragments about Liliana, Elena hesitated briefly, then continued. "The princess, she worked tirelessly to shield you from the kingdom's prying eyes and even your own family. I've seen her cry right here in this room, her tears showing her silent battles.
For princess Liliana, the girl who once saved me, mistreating you would be a betrayal. And honestly, your importance to her became even clearer when the royal family decided to award you the barony only on the condition that she resumed her studies at Phoenixwing Academy. They found it beneath their dignity that their beloved daughter held ties with the... 'trash of the count family'," she recounted, momentarily tripping over her words and clasping a hand over her mouth in regret.
"Trash of the count family?" Theo repeated, a playful hint of mockery lacing his words. He couldn't help but chuckle at the twist of his fate, from Theo Lewis of Earth to this new title.
'How the mighty have fallen,' he mused, a soft smile pulling at the corner of his lips.
