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.
"I beg your pardon?" the advisor asked, blinking in disbelief. "My lord, does this mean you no longer wish to support the young master financially?"
"Yes!" the Duke replied bluntly.
Benjamin tried to intervene. "Is this a wise choice?" The old man was utterly confused. "This would practically push your son into poverty."
"Yes," the Duke said again before elaborating.
"When he demanded to stay at the manor, he was indirectly rejecting my support. If he was serious, then he should survive without me."
The Duke's eyes flicked to another line. "The rations," he noted. "It says here they were given enough food for a month."
"Yes, my lord," the advisor responded quickly. "We ensured the highest quality rice, meat, and essentials for the month."
Benjamin frowned slightly, knowing that was a lie. He was aware that the rations given could barely last a week, and they didn't even include meat. But he didn't speak up, especially when he knew who had arranged that manipulation. The Old man did not want to intervene in something which he cannot control or do something about especially when that opponent could kill him as well.
"That's enough," the Duke said coldly. "He got fattened by my generosity, and now he dares reject me?"
He put the envelope down, stood up, then paused halfway to the door. "Oh well, just give him one day's worth of rice," he added. "Nothing else. Let's see how long he lasts as it'll be a good challenge."
"My lord," Benjamin said cautiously, his head lowered. "This will kill the boy. He'll die of hunger."
"So what?" the Duke asked flatly.
Benjamin fell silent. The Duke was the boy's father, yet showed no care or affection. Why should an old servant like him care, especially when his duty was to serve under the Duke for if he were to stand against the Duke's order then he would also get punished.
Considering the Duke showed no ounce of love or care to his sons then how will a random old man who works under the Duke be spared.
The Duke sighed. "I want to kick him out of the manor, but it was gifted by my father. He's lucky to even have a home... Three useless brats," he muttered bitterly.
Meanwhile, back at the manor. Estefan stood silently inside his mother's room. He came there after getting the confirmation that his mother will be buried in the garden, he was sad to see how easily his father approved it and won't be there when the funeral ceremony happens.
He stood in the room knowing he was alone and the room was large, but he wasn't there to reminisce; he was fulfilling something she had once asked of him.
A few years earlier…
Lady Jane brushed Estefan's hair as he lay on her lap. "Estefan," she said.
"Yes, Mama?" the boy answered while his mind was deep in the lands of imagination.
"What would you do... if I suddenly died?" she asked. The boy sat up, startled. "Mama will die?" he sobbed.
"No, no I'm just asking," she said gently while comforting him to calm him down.
Estefan sniffled, rubbing his tears. "I don't know, Mama... Without you, no more cookies..." he muttered, poking his fingers together.
Lady Jane's voice became serious as she looked at him. "If I die, I want you to come to my room. Under my bed is a hidden compartment. Inside, there's something you must take. Promise me."
Estefan nodded solemnly. "Okay, Mama. I promise." He held out his pinky. They sealed the promise together.
Presently Estefan stood before the bed. He removed the bedsheet and found the hidden compartment. Inside lay a cushion, and atop it were many vials as each were filled with different colored liquids and labeled with handwritten notes.
Separately, there was a small box. He opened it to find one additional vial and a letter.
'Dear son,
By the time you open this, I will already be dead. I know this is a hard time for you, especially without me, but I want you to persevere. You must survive. This world is cruel. To help you, I've prepared these potions. First, drink the one inside this box. I call it the Potion of Acceptance. It will allow your body to safely absorb the rest. Each of the other potions will grant you strength to endure, to fight, to live. Please, Estefan. Do not trust anyone, especially your father or his family. Survive, my son. For me and have a good life.
Mama will always love you.'
Tears rolled down his cheeks, but Estefan held his composure. "I will do it, Mother," he whispered. "I will survive." He drank the Potion of Acceptance.
He held his chest, he could feel it. The liquid coursing throughout his body. It was warm, strong and made him feel something different. Something which he has never felt before.
[To be Continued]