New Resolve (1)

Of course, that was a task much easier said than done.

I needed to come up with a solid plan for leaving the house, while also retaining the benefits of my golden spoon.

As I looked for a solution to my problem, I began spending most of my time in the library, sifting through books on all kinds of topics. More history, some economical, and many regarding law.

What I found most interesting however, were the books containing information on magic.

I never would have guessed upon falling into this world, that it would be so archaic and fantasy-like at the same time! I really had hit the jackpot!

The only annoyance I experienced in these peaceful, library filled days, was the weekly dinners I was required to attend. Every time I showed up there, I left with nothing but a headache and severe indigestion.

It had been around a month since I'd transmigrated into this new body, and I was attending my fourth dinner with my so called family, when it was brought to my attention that I was just about out of time.

"Your steward has informed me you haven't attended your sword practice lessons in over a month, Isani."

I nearly dropped my fork upon hearing those words uttered from my father's mouth. Sword practice? That was the first time I was hearing of such a thing!

But then again, it did make sense. I hadn't thought about it much before, but this body was unusually fit! The previous owner had likely gone through rigorous training to get it to such a state. I almost felt bad for neglecting it's upkeep.

Before I had the chance to respond, my older brother with the blond hair, Wyatt, jumped in.

"I have heard such reports as well father. And I've also been made aware our dear Isani has been spending most of his time in the library, instead of on the practice field."

I heard Garret snort, and Gillian was grinning ear to ear in smug satisfaction. What was with them?

"The library?" My father repeated. I couldn't quite place my finger on it, but somehow this new piece of information seemed to make the man even angrier than he had been before.

I was beginning to feel I had made a mistake. I understood they didn't want me to have the rights to succession, and the idea of me advancing myself through reading probably didn't sit right with them, but as a noble, wasn't at least this much acceptable? Surely, even if I never became lord of the house, I would be expected to carry out some duty in service of the family. That was the solution I was searching so desperately for in the library. I had to find a job that required the least amount of work possible from me, so I could continue on as a Hessian with loads of money! Eventually, I was sure, I wouldn't even need to work at all, and I could just throw the work at loyal retainers while I relaxed!

Soon, I understood the nature of their disapproval.

"You useless thing!" My father shouted from across the table.

And then I realized just how dire my situation was.

"I told you from the beginning, you are nothing but an eyesore to this family, and the least you could do to advance our name was become a master swordsman! And yet you neglect even this?! From the day you were born, you have never been intelligent, so I thought I could at least make you a knight and save the Hessian name from your disgrace! You will be punished severely for this oversight!"

I had been wrong. It was more than just a simple distaste. My family truly, and deeply, hated me. I hadn't been merely a pushover; I had been the object of their selfish distain. A target for all their pent up rage. Because I never stood up for myself, they allowed me to become their punching bag, and have since used me as a way to vent their frustrations.

I was their scapegoat for all things evil.

For a moment, I was tempted to give up. Tell them I relinquished all rights to the Hessian name, and that I would find somewhere far away to live quietly, out of sight.

But my resolve was not so easily swayed.

I would not give up on my golden spoon! Not in this life!

For too long, I had suffered at the hands of poverty. Now that I knew what luxury tasted like, I was determined to never let it go.

Before, I was looking for a solution that would not greatly disrupt the balance of this world. After all, I did not want to get involved in anything that would end up being more trouble than it was worth. But if this is what it had come to, I wasn't at all afraid to tear apart the very fabric of this empire's government. Since it had come to this, I was prepared to claw my way to the top.

I smirked and turned to my father, "Actually, I've decided to fight for the tile of Duke."

There was a collective gasp from everyone at the table. Even little Mary seemed shocked.

My father let our an almost amused laugh, "And what makes you think I would allow that?"

"Allow it? Father, are you suggesting your word is higher than imperial law?" I asked, almost sarcastically.

"What nonsense are you spouting now?"

"You know it as well as I do father. Imperial law clearly states; every son born to one of the great families, has the right to fight for succession in their respective households. Even you, the Great Duke of Hessian, cannot deter me."

My father glowered at me, "Is that supposed to be a threat Isani?"

"Of course not father, I was merely letting you know. I will become the next Duke of Hessian, and nobody in this house has the power to stop me."

I could feel the ice of my words pierce through tense air. My gaze was sharp and cold, and my demeanor unflinching. I was not the Isani these people once knew. He was long dead, and I would make them realize that soon enough.

"Well then," I said while standing up, "I will be taking my leave. Oh, and I've decided I'll no longer be attending these foolish dinners. Such a ridiculous tradition will be the first thing I eliminate upon my ascension to Duke."

I smiled at their unbelieving faces and walked out the door without a single glance back.