Chapter 3: A challenge
Benjamin explained what had happened at the manor to the Duke. Expecting anger, he was instead surprised that the Duke seemed to enjoy the boy’s reaction.
"It is unexpected," the Duke muttered while searching his desk. "I thought he’d come running to me, begging for help. I would’ve hated that." He pulled out an envelope containing the financial records and other reports of the manor. Under it lay the photo of Lady Jane holding Estefan which he subtly pushed down under many other documents.
"But to my surprise, the boy decided to act like a man." He said, opening the envelope and glancing through the papers.
"Bring the financial advisor here." He ordered the guards outside his office.
A short while later, three knocks were heard.
"May I come in, sir?" a voice called. "Enter." the Duke replied.
The man walked in. Unlike Benjamin, the financial advisor was younger and more energetic. "I see we’ve been giving the manor three hundred thousand sesra(Kingdom’s currency - Coin)" the Duke said, scanning the documents. "Let’s change that." He said.
"How would you like to change it, my lord?" the advisor asked, ready to write down the orders given by the Duke.
"Let’s reduce it to zero," the Duke answered.