The New Landlord

The carriage carrying Duke Malcom, Lord Melvin and Lady Melissa arrived in the capital where many shops could be seen operating, and the city was bustling with people going about their businesses. The last time Melissa was here, she had gone straight to Dream Arts and had left hurriedly due to the Duke's presence. Now, standing here and finally had a chance to look around, she was totally amazed.

The surrounding was filled with various designs of horse-drawn carriages, their wheels clattering on cobblestone. Buildings of various heights line the streets, their facades a mix of brick, stone, and occasionally timber framing, adorned with intricate ironwork balconies and large bay windows.

People from different social classes move about the busy streets. Wealthy gentlemen in top hats and long coats strolled purposefully, their canes tapping on the ground; fashionable ladies in bustled dresses and wide-brimmed hats window-shopped, escorted by servants carrying umbrellas or parcels; street vendors called out their wares, from hot roasted chestnuts to newspapers and flowers. The aroma of freshly baked bread mixed with the smoke from chimneys and the occasional whiff of horse manure.

The noise was a symphony of voices with vendors hawking their goods, the clip-clop of horses' hooves, the rattle of carriages, and the chatter of passersby discussing the latest news or gossip. 

Throughout it all, the Victorian era's strict social hierarchy was palpable; the divide between rich and poor was stark, evident in the quality of clothing, the demeanor of individuals, and the types of businesses lining the streets—luxury boutiques next to modest shops and pubs.

Melissa would never imagine that one day, she would be able to stand in one of those streets which could only be seen in television dramas. It's so surreal.

"Melissa, this is the building that I want you to see. Let's go." Duke Malcom said, breaking Melissa's thoughts.

Melissa followed her father and saw a two storey building standing independently at end of the street. It looked so majestic and Melissa instantly fell in love with it. The building was surrounded by a high fence, and there was a beautiful looking gate at the entrance to the building's courtyard. What attracted Melissa was the design on the metal gate. It was a rose.

A polite-looking gentleman could be seen standing in front of the gate, waiting for them. When they approached, the man immediately bowed slightly and greeted them, "Good afternoon, Your Grace, My Lord, My Lady. My name is Walters and I am the estate manager for this building."

"Good day Walters. Shall we go in?" Duke Malcom said.

Walters brought them inside and showed the Knights around the whole building. On the first floor, there was a huge open space in the middle, with 2 adequate size rooms on each side of the building. On the second floor, similar to the first floor, there was also an open space, but there were more rooms available. Melissa immediately had an idea on what to do with the rooms. The place was simply perfect. Melissa could already imagine how the building would look like once she had done renovating it.

She turned excitedly to Duke Malcom and whispered, "I love this place, Father."

Her expression didn't go unnoticed by the seasoned estate manager. Having managed countless buildings for his Master, he had encountered many clients and therefore, he knew when one was genuinely interested or just a looker. This noble lady was definitely in the first category.

He immediately came forward and said, "Your Grace, My Lady, may I know if this place is to your liking?"

Lord Melvin was unusually silent ever since they stepped foot inside the building. He had an uneasy feeling but couldn't quite pinpoint what was it.

"Is this the place?" A voice could be heard from the main entrance. Standing there looking as majestic as the building itself was Duke Kensington. He looked at the place and had a grim expression on his face. No one knew the reason of his unfriendly gaze towards the innocent building.

"Zachary, you're here. Come and have a look." Duke Malcom gestured to Duke Kensington.

When Duke Kensington approached them, Lord Melvin immediately pulled him to the side and whispered, "Did you see the rose emblem on the gate? Do you think…" Lord Melvin didn't finish his sentence. Apparently there's no need to. Duke Kensington's face already told him the answer he needed to know.

"Melissa, let's go and have a look at another place." Lord Melvin immediately turned and suggested to his sister. Walters politely stood to the side to give space for the family to discuss.

"But Brother, I really like this place. Do I still have to look around? It'll be a waste of time." Melissa said, trying to convince her brother.

"But…" Lord Melvin continued before his father interjected.

"Melvin, Melissa clearly like it here. What's wrong with this place, Son?" Duke Malcom asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Zachary, you tell them." Lord Melvin cleverly pushed the explaining to Duke Kensington.

Melissa and Duke Malcom both stared at Duke Kensington, waiting for him to say something. He appeared to be deep in thought before he said,

"Do you really like it?" He asked Melissa.

"Yes, I do." Melissa said while looking at him.

Duke Kensington turned to Walters and asked, "Is this building for sale?"

"No, Your Grace. My Master loves this place so it is only up for lease. If My Lady likes it, we can renegotiate the price. I'm sure we can find a middle ground." Walters said apologetically.

"Alright, you can deal with me directly about the lease." Duke Kensington finally made up his mind.

"Apologies Your Grace, but may I know who will be conducting business here?" Walters asked.

"That will be me. I want to open an art gallery." Melissa quickly replied.

"Then my apologies again Your Grace. The agreement must be discussed and signed between the actual business owner and the landlord. It's part of our company's policy to safeguard the interest of the owner." Walters explained.

"It's fine, you can speak with me directly about it." Melissa said to Walters, while glancing at Duke Kensington. 'Seriously, did he think I'm incapable to deal with this minor thing? Even my father didn't say anything.'

"Mel…can you reconsider another place?" Lord Melvin interrupted, once again trying to convince his sister to look for another place.

"Brother, give me one good reason why I shouldn't pick this place." Melissa was growing impatient with this brother of hers. 'What the hell is wrong with him?'

"Maybe it's haunted?" Lord Melvin said softly.

"Oh my God! Ok, that's enough, Melvin. Walters, when can my daughter sign the agreement?" Duke Malcom glared angrily at his son before turning to look at Walters.

"Your Grace, I will prepare the agreement today. My Lady can come over tomorrow to sign the agreement at the estate office. Is that alright with My Lady?" Walters said while looking at both Duke Malcom and Melissa.

"Yes, that will be good." Melissa said cheerfully.

"I'll go with you tomorrow, Melissa." Duke Kensington said resolutely.

"No, it's okay, I can go on my own." Melissa didn't want this man to be around. He's so bossy, he might screw things up for her. She really wanted this place!

"Zachary, let Melissa handle it on her own. She's more capable than you think." Duke Malcom sensed his daughter's reluctance and stepped in to support her. If it's the old Melissa, Duke Malcom himself would not agree but he knew his daughter has changed and is now capable of taking care of herself.

Since Duke Malcom had voiced out, Duke Kensington could only sigh, feeling an inexplicable anxiety in his heart.

Meanwhile, Lord Melvin's face had turned slightly pale. 'Maybe they did see a ghost!' Melissa said inwardly, annoyed at both the Duke's and her brother's reaction.