Cry, Even Better If You Beg (Chat Story) Flawless Duke

Matthias sat in the back of the carriage, looking out of the window.

Butler Hessen

There are a few things I need to immediately report.

His butler, Hessen, briefed him about the pending problems of his family.

Butler Hessen

While you are in Arvis there are some social gatherings scheduled—

Matthias's relatives who were expected to spend the summer in Arvis paid him a visit. It was a social gathering meant to discuss insurance issues for the trade ship sailing next month.

Butler Hessen

The board of directors have brought up the trade insurance problem—

Butler Hessen

*Blah blah blah...*

He have responded to his briefings with just quick nodes or short replies.

The business was run by the directors, & although Matthias's mother & grandmother were in charge of the family affairs, it was up to the duke of Herhardt to make the final decision. He had been playing that role since he was a child of twelve.

Hessen's report had ended by the time they arrived at the Platanus road leading to the Herhardt estate.

Matthias Herhardt (18 years old)

.....

Matthias Herhardt (18 years old)

Matthias was seated with his head tilted at an angle, gazing at the familiar scenery. Both sides of the road way were lined with tall trees that were arched as if they were holding hands. The path was embroidered with an exquisite pattern designed by the shattered sunlight leaping through the fluttering leaves.

A white mansion with a blue colored rooftop revealed itself after passing through the road into the estate.

Outside the front entrance, his mother & grandmother were waiting for their family to patriarch.

"Today you must not make any mistakes, understood?"

"Do as well as you prepared."

And the servants said in chorus, "Yes!"

.....

Finally, the wagon has arrived.

The door to the wagon opened as Matthias straightened the position of his already linear tie.

Norma Catharina (Grandmother)

Welcome home, Matthias.

Norma Catharina von Herhardt, Dowager Duchess of Arvis, smiled brightly when she welcomed her grandson.

Matthias Herhardt (18 years old)

Have you been well, grandmother?

Norma Catharina (Grandmother)

Yes.

Matthias bowed his head and accepted a kiss from his grandmother.

He was approached with a much more simple attitude by Elysee von Herhardt, his mother, who stood behind them.

Matthias Herhardt (18 years old)

Mother.

Elysee von Herhardt (Mother)

You've grown taller since I last saw you.

She chuckled as she embraced him warmly. Her dark black hair gleamed in the early summer light, much like her son's.

He responded to his mother with the same smile.

His polished manner and proper courtesy towards the servants showed that he was the perfect owner of this family—He was Duke Herhardt.

Norma Catharina (Grandmother)

A meal has been prepared.

Norma Catharina (Grandmother)

Let us go in.

They crossed the lobby area.

He was standing between his two beloved women. He suddenly raised his head and stared up at the huge chandelier that was lit up in the middle of the day before climbing the stairs.

Then followed the Herhardt family's crest that was imprinted on the ceiling just below the chandelier.

Herhardt, a euphemism for intellect, grace, and unflappable character. He had never had any complaints or concerns regarding his own life. He was well aware of the kind of life he would have to live and accepted it. Handling his own life was as easy as breathing for him.

When he ascended the stairwell with long strides with his eyes fixed on the ground, and the servants were finally able to breathe properly after the owner of the household entered the mansion safely.

The residents of Arvis had been preparing for days to meet the Duke Herhardt in person.

On his arrival, everything and everyone, including the people who lived in his estate, had to be flawless.

The servants needed to present themselves in the best light possible.

Layla Lewelline, the Arvis's uninvited guest, wasn't any different.