Chapter 8

The day of the meeting had arrived. I paced back and forth within my office, taking deep breaths, trying to force myself into the right mindset. This would be a delicate balance of a meeting. If it didn't go the way I planned… it could be disastrous to everyone.

It had to go according to plan.

"Hallers," I called out, waiting for the butler to arrive before asking my nervous question. "Where is Jim? I thought he agreed to come?"

Hallers was frowning. "He did, Miss. He was never one to be tardy, despite his unprofessional attitude in many other areas. He should be here very shortly."

"I can't be here alone. I need them to take me seriously, and for that I need scary looking support!" I resumed pacing. "The meeting is scheduled to start in a few minutes, we may have to delay it."

He watched me walked back and forth for few moments before nodding. "I'll do my best, Miss."

"No need to delay, I'm here." Led in by one of the servants, a tall, intimidating gentleman, just what I had been waiting for, walked into the room.

… There was just one problem:

It wasn't the one I was expecting.

"You're not Jim!" I blurted out, glaring at Nathanial who spread his hands helplessly.

"I know I'm not."

"Why isn't Jim here?" I paused in my pacing, feeling slightly panicked.

Seeming to sense my mood, Nate held his hands out speaking slowly and calmly, as if speaking to a nervous horse. I would have found it insulting if I hadn't been too busy going over my plan in my head, trying to make revisions.

"Jim was called away on unexpected business, and he sends his apologies."

"He will be sorry." I muttered, but Nate continued on as if he hadn't heard.

"He knew you needed someone tall and scary looking, and I was the first person he could find to replace him."

I looked him up and down. He wasn't quite as muscular or intimidating looking as Jim was… but as long as he kept his mouth shut…

"This might work." I nodded. "Fine. I'll use you."

"Good." He smiled. "What do I do?"

I grabbed his arm, steering him towards the back wall with a gentle push. "Stand behind me and glare."

"That's it?"

"That's ALL. Do NOTHING else. Just stand, glare, and look like you're ready to destroy anyone who glances at me the wrong way."

Nate seemed surprised for a few moments, but then laughed. "Sure, I can do that."

"Okay." I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and sat down at the desk. "Hallers, you may bring in the first group."

"Yes, Miss." With a disapproving glance in Nate's direction, he left.

"Your butler doesn't like me?"

I grinned. "Hallers has good taste."

"Ouch."

Hearing approaching footsteps, I quickly shushed him. "Remember, not a word."

I arranged my features into a calm, pleasant expression. Everything was falling into place.

My first step towards truly changing my fate. It had to work. I couldn't fail.

It was time to save my home.

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"Gentleman." I gave the smallest smile in greeting when the officials walked in. Six men, all larger than me, older than me, and more experienced. They clearly were insulted by being called in by a young girl, and didn't bother to hide it on their faces.

Throughout my greeting I remained calm and still, not getting up from my chair.

It was a carefully calculated gesture.

Not standing to shake their hands could be considered an insult, but standing indicated a more subordinate relationship. Fifteen-year-old me from my previous life would have jumped up to greet them in an instant., afraid to offend anyone. But I held my position, despite their increasingly disgruntled expressions. I had to establish who I was right from the start. I was in charge.

They just didn't realize it yet.

"Miss Lenora." Gerrin, one of the older officials, spoke first, shooting me a condescending smile as he stepped over my right to start the meeting. "As much as we appreciate a chance to see such a pretty little girl like you… we're very busy men. Any business that needs to be discussed we can always take up with your father at a later date."

His tone grew more insolent as he continued to speak, he posture as he sat down in one of the chairs provided slouched and relaxed. He had stomped all over every single respectful gesture expected of him, even the bare minimum he owed me as the daughter of the Duke. He was being deliberately pompous and rude, showing that he could overstep his bounds, expecting I would be too timid to correct him.

I could hear Nate shuffling uncomfortably behind me, likely wishing to intervene, but fortunately staying quiet as instructed. Hallers of course, was silent. But his entire being radiated a disapproval towards those men with such fervor that the two closest to the butler scooted their chairs a short distance away, feeling uncomfortable.

I however, kept my expression locked down tight, allowing only a small, pleasant smile to show. I neither acknowledged his rudeness, or backed down from my own stance as the superior of the meeting.

"My father has declared me in charge of all financial matters in the Duchy." I answered quietly. "So you will need to discuss all such business with me in the future instead."

"Impossible!" Braler, one of the youngest, shot to his feet. "Our lord would NEVER do such an irresponsible and foolish thing!"

My smile widened. "And yet I have it here, written in his own hand." I held up the paper in question. "Are you saying that my father, the Duke of Armeny, is irresponsible and foolish?"

"…" An awkward silence fell over the group as they realized the implications of his words. Braler paled.

"O-of course not…"

"SIT. DOWN." Gerrin hissed, pulling him down into his chair. He then turned to me with a slightly more polite smile.

"Young miss."

I interrupted. "Lady Lenora."

His expression grew forced. "Lady Lenora, I don't know what rumors you might have heard… but I can assure you that we four are some of the most honest and trustworthy of your father's officials. Anything you might have heard to the contrary are simply lies, trying to discredit us."

The other three nodded along, becoming more and more confident the longer he spoke. "Those people will try to make you look foolish and rash, pushing you into some ill-advised disciplinary action. " He chuckled, the sound somehow ominous in the otherwise quiet room. "They are taking advantage of your youth and inexperience."

"Yes, he's quite right!" One spoke up.

"They know that women can be so easily confused." Braler spoke again, only to be shushed by Gerrin once more.

"So you see, I don't really think there is anything for us to discuss. After all, we've done nothing wrong."

He leaned back in his chair with a triumphant grin, waiting for me to respond. It was clear he felt he had me backed into a corner, that I would cave under the pressure of their confidence. It was true that they had doctored all their paperwork, it would be difficult to prove their wrongdoing if I were to try to prosecute them. Especially with me being a young girl with little experience, any attempt at legal retribution would likely end up making me a laughingstock.

Which is why that wasn't my plan.

My smile widened, and all the officials looked just a little less confident.

"My dear sirs, you seem to be under some sort of grave misunderstanding. I'm so terribly sorry!" I gave a girlish higher pitched laugh. "I can't imagine WHAT would give you the idea that you four are in some sort of trouble!"

The men relaxed in their chairs, but if anything looked confused. "But why…?" Gerrin started to speak up again, only to be interrupted by me.

"After all, you four are my father's most trusted advisors. You've help run this Duchy for years, working yourself to the bone!" I shook my head, feigning a sad expression. "I can't imagine all the sacrifices you've had to make for the good of the people."

"We've made many sacrifices," Braler grinned, "But we were happy to do it, for the good of the people, young miss."

"Lady Lenora." Gerrin corrected him, now with a cheerful smile. The atmosphere in the room was calm now, and the men looked slightly excited at what else I might have to say.

"I brought you four here to commend you for your years of service." I waved a hand, and Hallers stepped forward, giving each of them a packet of papers. "And in honor of your exemplary work and in recognition of the many sacrifices you've had to make, I am bestowing upon each of you… an early retirement."

"…" The room fell into deathly silence.

"My Lady." Gerrin's words were forced through gritted teeth. "You are dismissing us?"

I laughed again. "Oh no, not at all. 'dismiss' has such a negative connotation, some suggestion of wrongdoing." I gestured around. "Like you all said, you have committed no wrongs, instead have worked hard and made many sacrifices. This is a REWARD, gentleman."

Braler's face was growing red as the meaning of my words slowly dawned on him. "You can't…"

I held up my hand, cutting him off, still smiling gently. "You should really look through your retirement paperwork before commenting further, sir." Pointing at the papers in question, I continued. "You will find my offer most generous."

Now looking uncertain, each of them read through the papers they had been handed.

"…" The room had been silent before, now even breathing was hard to hear. The color drained out of each man's face, until they looked near death.

"This…" Gerrin whispered, shocked. "How…?"

My smile slowly faded. "I run this Duchy, men. Nothing escapes my notice. Nothing."

The silence continued. "The amount each of you will be given in more than fair, and can be found on the last page you were handed."

I had thought they couldn't look worse…. Turns out I was wrong.

I watched with fascination as Braler's face turned almost purple, his eyes bulging with equal parts anger and fear. Holding back the desire to laugh, I get myself sitting quietly in place, waiting for the reaction I knew would come.

The younger man jumped to his feet, practically spitting with rage. "You can't do this to me!"

I stayed in my seat, watching him calmly. "I can. And I have.

"I – I'll…" His fist clenched, his jaw tightened, he could hardly speak through his anger.

He just needed one more push.

"Is something the matter?" I kept my gaze locked with his own. "Something wrong with your paperwork, perhaps. Is there anything I left out?"

"You're a witch!" Braler pointed a shaking finger towards me, his voice a panicked shout. "That's the only way… how else could you know…?" He trailed off, glaring at me.

"Braler!" Gerrin tried once last time to get him under control, but it was too late.

"I'm not a witch, Mr. Braler." I smiled. "Just an intelligent woman. I don't expect you to understand the difference."

With a cry of rage, Braler finally broke. He leapt towards me, fist clenched, swinging it towards my face.

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"Please spare a coin?" I held up a bowl, not having to try to look miserable or hungry.

An older man walked by, shooting me a disgusted glance.

"FILTHY RAT!"

His fist connected with my cheek, knocking me to the ground. I saw stars for a few moments, my vision fading to black in and out.

Slowly, painfully, i sat back up, rubbing my face.

"Watch out for that one." The woman sitting next to me sighed. "At least he didn't kick you. Can crack a rib that way."

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Brauer's fist moved quickly towards my face.

And through it all I sat there, watching, waiting….

But the blow never landed. A hand gripped Braler's arm tightly, stopping his fist the tiniest distance before my face. Nate, his face set in a grim determined expression, squeezed down on the man's arm. I could hear the bones creaking under his large hand.

I gently touched Nate's arm with a smile. "That's enough."

With a quiet grunt, Nate let him go, resuming his post at the back wall. Braler scrambled backwards, more scared than hurt, cradling his arm with an injured expression.

"Your man assaulted me…"

"You tried to strike the daughter of a Duke." I interrupted him, my voice very quiet. But with those few words the room became quieter than a grave.

"…"

There was no color left in Braler's face. "I- I didn't mean…"

"I can't think there is any doubt as to what you meant to do." I looked around. "And as his companions, you would share the responsibility… and his punishment."

"…" All four men stared at me, terrified.

"My retirement offer stands as written." My smile had an edge, they shuddered at the sight. "I suggest you take it quietly and go."

Gerrin stood, giving me an elegant bow. "Milady." His arrogant demeanor had completely disappeared. In its place was a grudging respect, and what seemed to be no small amount of regret. "You offer is more than generous and we appreciate this reward for our services." He paused. "I only wish I had been given the chance to work well under such a competent leader."

"Of course." My tone gave no indication that I believed him.

"Then with your leave…" The men bowed as I waved them off, and quietly left the room.

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"…" There was only a few moments of precious silence.

"ARE YOU INSANE?!!" Nate shouted, stepping over to lean against my desk. "You were playing with fire, Lenora! What would you have done if I hadn't gotten there in time? You could have seriously been hurt."

I sighed. "You were supposed to just stand there and not move. "

"And let him strike you? Not likely." He shook his head, sitting into one of the recently vacated chairs with a groan. "What was in those papers, anyways?"

I briefly considered lying, and then disregarded the notion. "Every single dirty secret they've ever held in their lives. Written down in a list."

He was shocked. "Blackmail?"

"Yes."

He leaned forward with a groan, holding his head in his hands. "I -I assisted you in blackmailing four men?"

"You assisted me in removing four corrupt men from power so they could stop abusing the people of this duchy." I corrected.

"And the last page? How much did you give them for their 'retirement'?"

I smiled at that question. "On the last page from written the exact amount each of them has embezzled from my family."

"So… they get nothing."

"They get to keep the money they stole." My voice was flat. "That's more than generous. I don't owe them anything more than that."

Nate looked at me, obviously conflicted. "But… it's wrong! Isn't there a better way? A more legal way?"

I leaned forward, smiling coldly. "Of course! I could have spent years gathering evidence, trying to prove their corruption. I could have taken my time, as they continued to steal more and more money from the people, bleeding them dry and destroying us all."

"But…"

"And then, when yet another family is cast out into the street because they couldn't pay, and these men instead took their houses, I can continue to carefully observe and gather evidence, doing this the right way."

"Lenora…"

"And yes, more men, women and children will die." I lost my calm, raising my voice as I stood up. "Starving to death on the streets because they couldn't afford to eat, and the duchy was too depleted of funds to help them. But at least I could look into the eyes of their lifeless corpses and know that my hands are clean! That I did this the RIGHT WAY."

"…" Nate was silent, shocked at my anger. I took a moment, closing my eyes briefly, trying to calm myself.

But it was difficult.

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I was starving. Everything hurt.

I curled up in a ball, hopelessness overwhelming me.

Tired of staring up at the night sky, i rolled to my side.

Only to meet the now glassy eyes of the woman who had been begging at my side earlier that day.

She was dead.

I was alone again.

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"Thank you, for your help." I tried to shake off the terrible memories that hung around me, speaking up with a sigh. "Although I do wish you hadn't stopped that blow. Especially after all the trouble I went through of goading that fool into it."

"WHAT?" Both Nate and Haller spoke out at that. Hallers quickly collected himself, looking embarrassed at the breach of etiquette, but Nate pursued it further. "What do you mean? You wanted him to hit you?"

I shrugged. "Of course. Striking the daughter of a Lord? You can easily be executed for that. The stuff I have on them is embarrassing, sure, but if he had hit me?" I leaned back. "I would have had their lives in my hands. Nothing would be left to chance."

"And if he used a knife instead of his fists?" At first, looking at Nate's red face and shaking hands, I thought he was angry. But as i studied him closer I realized that he had tears standing unshed in his eyes. Why did this matter so much to him?

Either way, I refused to back down. "Then I would have died. But it was worth the risk."

"What a STUPID thing to risk your life over!" He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and stood up, shaking. "I have to go."

He turned towards the door, hesitating, and then walked back, putting a paper on my desk. "Here. I sent a message to Katherine, the head weaver that I mentioned. She is willing to do business with you. Here is her contact information."

I took the paper, feeling slightly conflicted. "Thank you…"

"If you want to thank me… just… please value your own safety more in the future." he bowed politely, his face unreadable, before turning and leaving the room.

I looked to Hallers, who stood silently off to the side. "You understand, don't you?"

The butler hesitated. "I'm afraid I have to agree with young man, as distasteful as that is." His tone became pleading. "Don't put yourself in danger, Miss…. Please, it isn't worth it."

"…fine." I rubbed my temples. "I will give more consideration to my safety in the future."

Hallers smiled. "That's all I ask, Miss."

"Should I apologize to Nate?"

"I wouldn't go that far…" He made a face, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright then, send in the second group."

Hallers paused. "Will we be alright without… security?"

"We'll be fine." I grinned. "This will be a much more pleasant meeting."

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Hallers brought in two older gentlemen, who entered quietly, respectfully waiting for me to permit them to sit. I sat forward, looking at them happily.

"Thank you."

The older of the two, Terrence, seemed confused. "What are we being thanked for?"

"You two are the only officials in the duchy of Armeny who have not actively stolen from the people, or engaged in any corruption within the government."

At my statement neither man looked very surprised. The younger, Nile, spoke up. "That's not something to thank us for, Milady, that's just doing your job."

I laughed at that. "That may be true, but when everyone around you is engaging in corruption, it can be very difficult not to join in."

"Are you seeking evidence against them? Terrence asked.

"No. I have spoken with the four of them, and all four have agreed to retire early, without taking any pay."

THAT shocked them. "That… must have taken quite a bit of convincing on your part." Terrence finally commented.

"It was nothing. I was just 'doing my job' as you well put it." I sighed, leaning back in my chair. "But even as I got rid of one problem, we are left with an equally difficult one."

"…" They looked at each other, confused.

"I assume the two of you cannot mange the entire duchy?"

The two men shook their head vehemently.

"Then here is what I propose: Find me four honest men."

"Milady?"

"Trained or no. They just need to be intelligent enough to do the job well, and honest enough to carry it out fairly. Family, friends, neighbors I don't care where you find them. Pick someone that you would trust to manage your own money. Because they will be managing our people's."

"But… if they aren't trained…" Nile was obviously worried.

"I'll give you whatever resources you need to train them. We'll pay them more than fairly, and treat them well. All I ask is that they do their best for this duchy… for all of us." I smiled. "I'll also be doubling both of your salaries."

They both straightened up in their chairs. "You don't have to…"

I waved a hand, dismissing their concern. "No. You'll be doing your work AND helping to train others. With the amount of embezzlement I've just put a stop to, I've stopped the hemorrhage, but our duchy is still in danger. If we don't get things turned around within the next three years it will collapse from within."

Again they didn't look shocked.

"We'll all be working very hard over the next few years. I'm simply paying you with that consideration in mind." I stood up, holding out a hand to shake. "Do we have a deal?"

Nile jumped to his feet, excited. Terrence stood more slowly, his face cautiously optimistic. "Yes, Milady. I believe we do."

I shook their hands. "Well then, gentlemen. Let's save our Duchy."