A DESTINY THAT HAS BEEN PULLED

Still in the hidden warehouse filled with smuggled goods. The financial report was in his hands after Emilio had handed it over for further scrutiny. Josep's mind wandered further through the numbers written there. 

Not far from the room, there was the sound of heavy footsteps. Ledger approached with steps full of confidence in himself. His well-built body and charismatic posture could not mask the tension on his handsome face. Ledger was certainly different from Josep who could never mask the burning turmoil within him.

"I see the opium business in the harbour is growing. We can take more from the Southern route," said Ledger in a firm tone while pointing at the map spread out on the table.

It was obvious that his voice was full of unbridled ambition. 

Josep remained silent and let Ledger hang in the air. He knew that his brother was all about fast growth, despite the risks involved. Josep's calmness in dealing with Ledger's emotional situation was to keep the conversation balanced in order to prevent the family from the brink of collapse.

"We've already put a lot of resources there," he said quietly so that Ledger could understand the deepest meaning of his words.

"Too much will increase the risk of attracting unwanted attention. It's not about how fast we make a profit. It's about how long we can survive like this."

The tension between them is often palpable. Ledger always saw the world as a land to be conquered with all the risks that could be taken. While Josep, although no less ambitious, the young man's game was much more strategic and cautious. 

Despite frequent clashes, they still operate on the same principles: secrecy and recklessness.

Ledger's piercing gaze seemed to light up, "We won't last long if we're afraid to take big steps. Other players have already started moving around us and we...should make sure they know who owns this market."

Josep who heard that could only stare calmly, although the glint in his eyes never died out either. 

"You know, the risks we take are not just about the market. We have to remember that one wrong move can ruin everything. Not just the business, they'll all know who's behind this. The family's reputation could be ruined beyond repair!" 

"It's enough that Mum and Dad have to bear it." Josep's sneer continued, "It's also enough that I've never felt that love."

Beyond the outside of the room, Isabel let out a long sigh. Although it sounded faint, the argument always left a gap in the next day. So Isabel walked in. And as expected, the tense atmosphere crept across the walls. Josep and Ledger's gazes which were still clashing made Isabel want to slap both brothers with a stack of documents that she placed roughly on the table. 

"Ledger," said Isabel 

"Your proposal could indeed make a lot of profit, but the financial risks and some things that could unmask us are much greater. I've seen these numbers, we can still play with names and still make a profit."

Ledger heard Isabel's narrative and could only sigh loudly. His slightly red face was a sign that the emotion had only partially flared up. He knew that Isabel was usually right on the numbers, but the prestige of losing was not something he wanted to lose.

"All right," finally, 

"But we still need big steps. Many other players are already making moves."

Josep smiled a little, quite happy to see the tension ease. 

"I agree," Josep replied. "But we have to be careful."

Seeing that the atmosphere had calmed down considerably, Isabel actually felt nervous to convey something that she was keeping secret behind her eyes. She tried to take a deep breath and leaned back in the chair, looking at them more seriously. 

"Last night, I just got back from Eldbourne Castle," Isabel's words naturally drew Josep and Ledger to look at each other before finally looking back at Isabel. It was as if they knew Isabel would snatch them up at any moment. 

"Uncle is in a bad condition, the doctors also said he won't last long." 

Ledger snorted, though there was interest in his eyes. "That one Duke, I think he'll last forever with an ego that big."

Isabel ignored that comment and continued, "Last night's meeting, apparently he was talking about it," she paused for a moment, looking towards Josep with a gaze that was no less touching. The staring Ledger understood instantly. It was time. 

"His title will be vacant soon and he wants us to be prepared." 

Ledger could not help but feel satisfied. He had been waiting for this day to come for a long time. His gaze, which was originally looking at Isabel, now looked at Josep. 

"Us? It should be him," said Ledger. 

Josep, who had been calm, now began to waver slightly with a raised eyebrow, as if he now realised where this conversation was going. 

"Me? Are you serious, Ledger?" Asked Josep in a low voice, almost sounding like a challenge.

"You're the one who always wants to be on top. Why suddenly throw this madness at me?"

Ledger walked over, his face tense but, his voice much more restrained than before. 

"Because I don't need that. The title of Duke will only bind me with formalities and responsibilities. Besides, I'm Sainz's main heir here, my duties as a Duke will hamper our business." then his hand rested firmly on Josep's shoulder as if he was entrusting all this to his youngest brother. 

"But you, brother. You're calm and calculating. You can navigate their fake world a lot better than I can. You know how to play under the radar." Ledger continued.

Of course, he wanted his brother to take over the world of nobles to submit to their next plan. But, Josep didn't want to be the scapegoat of all this. 

Josep immediately threw the Ledger's hand away, glaring at his brother with a flash of anger. Even Isabel could feel that. However, Ledger would always be Ledger. Someone who never wanted to lose if the plan was already in place. 

Ledger almost laughs at the current tension that is different from the usual. 

"You know, when Uncle decided to send you to the noble academy up to college, we already knew about that foul trick," Ledger said. The young man looked more and more like he was adding oil to an already fire. 

Isabel, who sees the tension mounting, decides to speak up again before Ledger provides the spark that will set them all on fire. 

"We all know that it's not about who deserves or wants to be Duke. It's about balance. Uncle has no family other than us. Once he's gone, this position will soon be vacant. If we don't take over, another family will surely take advantage of it." Isabel's words immediately became a shadow in Josep's head. 

"I honestly don't care, but this is our chance to be able to keep our own families intact."

Josep was silent, the young man contemplating in hushed silence. Of course, he knew very well that this responsibility was not something that could be ignored. If he refused, what Isabel had said - another family would take over the title of Duke and that would normally destroy the balance of power they had maintained all these years. On the other hand, if he accepted that, it would certainly change his entire life. 

On that afternoon, Josep did not answer the rather important conversation in the warehouse. His steps moved to go out, followed by Emilio who was still loyal to him. Josep was quite grateful to have Emilio who never opened his mouth about such important family matters. 

"Don't forget, get ready for dinner with Uncle," Isabel said before Josep came out. 

And that day, when it was late enough to say evening and the sky began to darken. The moonlight showed the courage to alone adorn the beautiful night. Silence fell over them as they stepped out of the main door of the Sainz residence.

The dress Isabel wore seemed to match her two sisters, the maroon colour they always wore as a symbol of Sainz's power. However, Isabel didn't understand the red colour that was always worn at social events.

However, a gallop of horses and the sound of carriage wheels could be heard approaching. Josep could not deny what he was seeing at the moment, a magnificent horse-drawn carriage, adorned with Eldbourne's crest had stopped in front of their gate. 

Three soldiers began to get off the chariot, complete with armour and swords at their waists. Until one of them approached and said something firm but honourable, "The Duke Eldbourne sent us to fetch you."

Ledger frowned, as he made a sarcastic comment, "What an intention, huh? Sending this old train to pick us up." Before Isabel could glance at Ledger, Josep had already opened his mouth. 

"At least he still has some etiquette, Ledger. Not everyone can be satisfied through your modern sentiments." Josep said in a cold tone.

It sounded like there was a hint of bitterness in his voice, fortunately, tonight that control was still in his control. Ledger looked at his sister with a dismissive look,

"Oh, so you're now a fan of old-fashioned horse-drawn carriages too? It suits you perfectly. You must feel like true royalty."

Of course, to face Ledger, Josep had to remove all his doubts. To which Josep replied, "None of this has anything to do with nobility. It's all about respecting formality, something you seem to have forgotten." 

Although it sounded flat, Josep's words provoked an expression of dislike from Ledger. Isabel, who felt that this conversation had no weight at all, finally shut down the conversation before it turned into a much more serious argument.

"Never mind," Isabel said in an even tone, "We don't have time for this, get in."

Without continuing the conversation, the three of them began to enter the carriage.

The ancient-looking and majestic interior was adorned with fine wood carvings and dark green velvet cloth. Even the feel of aristocracy was very strong with many Eldbourne emblems engraved in every corner. 

The carriage began to move, accompanied by the hoofbeats of the horses that accompanied the carriage's journey to the castle. Throughout the journey, Ledger couldn't stop ranting. It was as if he was venting his frustration at all the things he wanted to talk about. 

"This horse-drawn carriage is ancient. I didn't expect it to be this old. It's lucky we only have horses and cars." he said, as he browsed the various ornaments on the side of his chair. 

"But this all suits you very well, Josep. You must be enjoying this trip." Ledger continued.

Without looking up from the scene outside, Josep replied calmly, "At least this train isn't full of empty ideas and frivolous ambitions. Perhaps you need to learn a little about simplicity."

Ledger smiled slightly, looking at his brother sarcastically. For a long time, Ledger's boredom was only filled with annoying his younger brother without boredom. As if the hobby would become a habit of its own.

"Ah, so you're a moral teacher now too?" Ledger's sarcasm made Isabel uneasy and could only stare at the two with boredom. Ledger's behaviour was never far from being annoying.

"Simple is for those who cannot afford it. We are Sainz. We have and will have whatever we want. You forget that too often." Ledger continued.

Josep turned his gaze to look at Ledger who was sitting beside him.

"I don't forget, I just don't need to remember it all the time. Not like you." 

Josep's answer certainly drew Ledger's reaction to counter it, but Isabel who sat opposite them let out a long sigh before slamming her fan between their seats.

Ledger and Josep's shock at what their sister had done made them tongue-tied, so they were unconsciously silent.

"Stop it. We have more important things to think about than complaining about this train." Isabel said.

The atmosphere inside the carriage became silent after that, the sound of the wheels spinning on the cobbled streets accompanying the silence. The three of them fell silent, each of them seemingly lost in their thoughts about the upcoming meeting with their uncle.

Even the journey to Eldbourne Castle feels like travelling back in time. The road gradually changes from a bustling city to a stretch of land filled with old trees. 

The light of torches lining the castle walls illuminates the wide entrance road as if the dramatic impression of power has never been lost on this imposing castle.

The train stops right in front of the magnificent castle. The stairs that were high enough to reach it looked so charming. The soldiers immediately opened the carriage door for them.

Ledger, who exited first, looked impatient and still harboured feelings of resentment. Josep remained calm, following for the exit. Meanwhile, Isabel came out last with a look of caution.

"All right," Ledger said in a mocking tone. "Let's see how far the plan goes this time."

The effect of so many thoughts made Josep act a little different tonight. Josep, who usually didn't bother with Ledger's mutterings, looked at his brother this time.

Maybe you could learn to listen instead of just talking," Josep said, the young man letting out a little sigh that sounded quite tired. "Just for tonight."

Ledger twisted his body as he returned the stare no less sharply. But, this time there were no words that Ledger could let out. Isabel saw that feeling relieved that the conversation this time was at least over.

Isabel stepped out first, leading the way to the castle that loomed before them. 

An old man with a neat appearance was looking at them expressionlessly. The man, whom they recognised as the butler, stopped them in their tracks before greeting them in a manly manner.

"Welcome to the Eldbourne Castle, His Royal Highness the Duke of Eldbourne is waiting." the butler said and managed to get an answer from Isabel, "Thank you, Mr. Andy."

As their steps slowly climbed the stairs, the atmosphere changed quite drastically. Along the grand marble corridor, rows of servants stood neatly on either side. Greeting them with respect.

While the huge lanterns hanging from the skylight of the rooftop, show a soft light whose radiance illuminates every corner of the glittering castle.

"I wish, Josep," Ledger could not contain his words. As he glanced at his brother, Ledger began to continue the conversation.

"You've already started memorising the names of these servants. After all this is over, they'll be the closest people to you. And well...we all know how important it is to keep them...happy, don't we?"

Josep turned his head, his flat gaze could not help but stare at Ledger. Knowing that the next sentence would be sharper to pierce his ears.

"But, of course," Ledger continued with a faint grin, "You don't want to playback from your wife when you get married. I never taught you that sort of thing." His smile widened as if content to tease Josep who he felt was getting increasingly annoyed. Although there was a shadow of sadness in her eyes that began to appear faintly.

Isabel who heard the insinuation could only roll her eyes and walk a little faster. Reluctant to get caught up in the venomous conversation between her two siblings. She knew very well that Ledger would never get tired of provoking time-wasting reactions. Although Isabel could not deny that there was something different in the air between them.

Meanwhile, Andy, the butler, was silent. It was obvious that he was used to hearing the frequent disputes between the two brothers. Josep paused for a moment, letting out his breath before replying calmly,

"Ledger, I think you can stop giving that nonsense you call advice on something that you quite clearly don't adhere to."

Slowly, Ledger's smile faded. He raised his eyebrows and stared far ahead. It was as if someone's shadow had passed between them.

"Don't worry, brother," he said in a low, almost sombre tone. "I know more than you think about marriage."

For the first time in the conversation between them, there was a strange silence. Isabel who heard it involuntarily stopped. Although Ledger often teased them with emotionally arousing nonsense, it was rare to show signs of weakness like this. Isabel soon realised where Ledger's thoughts were going.

The conversation that was stopped abruptly seemed to be lost in the night breeze. Although the night air couldn't deny something awkward between them. It also reached Andy.

Andy could not deny Ledger's feelings of grief that are felt until now.

"Come in, sir, miss." Andy's words interrupted the flow of their egos and they broke apart to stare at Andy who was standing in a large doorway.

They didn't even realise they had reached the room at the end of a long hallway in the castle. Josep wondered if this could be the meeting room. The place where their uncle was waiting.

However, before they arrived at the room in question, Ledger couldn't help himself from uttering a sentence that seemed to be just to amuse himself. In a loud voice and not caring who was listening, he said,

"So, we'll get to the point, right? Or is this just an invitation to a family dinner too fancy to announce the new Duke-to-be?"

Ledger glanced back at Josep with a sarcastic look, hoping to provoke a reaction from his brother who was in no mood to reply.

"You must be looking forward to being honoured. Sitting at a table with him while discussing the title that binds you so tightly."

For the time being, Josep chose to contain his rising anger. His jaw seemed to harden, but Josep kept his demeanour, choosing not to reply to the sentence directly.

When the door to the meeting room opened, Duke Eldbourne stood in the centre of the room. His body, which looked shakier than the last time they saw him, seemed sincere in welcoming his three nephews. Signalling an attempt to show strength amidst his weakness. He raised his hand slowly.

"Welcome," said Duke Eldbourne in a low voice but, the authority never left him.

This time, Ledger showed a bit of courtesy, as if it was time to get serious and there was no time to play. He walked over and half-jokingly said,

"Uncle, it might be better to sit down. It won't be good if the Grim Reaper finds out you've gone too far."

Duke Eldbourne chuckled. The beaming look on his face could not be removed. He always enjoyed Ledger's jokes, even though most would find his nephew inappropriate.

"Ah, Ledger, your mouth never changes. But, perhaps that is what makes our encounters always interesting," replied Duke Eldbourne as he returned to his seat with the help of the butler.

After the atmosphere had thawed a little, Duke Eldbourne began his story. Taking them all on a journey through the history of the Eldbourne family. A large painting adorning the wall of the meeting room became the main talking point of the evening.

"Look at them," said Duke Eldbourne with a hand pointing at some of the paintings.

"They are our ancestors, the ones who built and maintained the name of Eldbourne. The Sainz family may be great at business, but to be a Duke, you must be more than a businessman. You must lead the land, manage the people, and maintain the balance of power."

He paused for a moment, staring at a painting depicting a noblewoman who looked so elegant in a patterned dress. The wise impression of her gaze made an impression on Isabel's eyes who followed her uncle's gaze.

"Mum..." Isabel whispered, unconsciously drawing the attention of her two brothers.

"Your mum has always been my role model, a sister who always loved her family. She gave me the meaning of love by accepting the proposal of the late Mr Sainz-your father who was at that time pioneering the family business until it became as big as it is today." said Duke Eldbourne, his gaze turning towards Ledger who was still glued to the painting.

"Perhaps the Sainz family is good at business," said Duke Eldbourne, his gaze shifting towards Ledger who was still glued in front of the painting of his mother before moving to look at Josep who was also still shackled enjoying the touch of the painting.

"But it cannot be denied if Eldbourne's blood still flows to him into you. It is far more important to become a Duke." Duke Eldbourne's continuation at that moment suddenly made Josep turn his gaze towards his uncle.

As if nothing had happened, the butler standing beside the Duke also helped explain some paintings with more details about the previous Dukes. 

As the night wore on, the conversations between them became more intense and deeper. The family dinners that were usually filled with entertaining conversations were now intense and profound. Duke Eldbourne, with a keen eye, started talking about the essence of leadership.

"Leadership," Duke Elbourne said as he gently placed the fork on the plate. 

"It's not just about power. It's about responsibility. The land, the people, they all need someone who can give direction, someone who doesn't just think about personal gain."

Josep began to understand behind her silence, he stared at his plate for a moment before answering, "Then, what about this kind of age. Many nobles also started businesses, of course maintaining a balance between power and business is not easy. The world is constantly changing and sometimes..." unconsciously, the young man stared at the bias of the air.

"There are stakes to be taken." The Duke smiled at the depth of Josep's thinking.

"That is true, but a Duke must also be able to see beyond the short-term stakes. This land has survived for centuries not because of rash decisions, but because of a long-term vision. I am sure you have learnt this before." said Duke Eldbourne.

From the beginning, the plan to transfer the throne to Josep had been well thought out. Seeing his nephew now was more critical than ever. 

Ledger, meanwhile, seemed increasingly bored with the long conversation from beside Josep. Occasionally he slips a piece of food into his mouth reluctantly. Although, several times he seemed interested in Josep, who seemed to be listening intently.

However, Isabel, sitting across from her siblings, sensed that this night was filled with hidden messages from their uncle. From Duke Eldbourne's attention on Josep to everything else, Isabel knew that there was a big decision in the works. Whether her younger brother was ready or not. All Isabel knew was that Josep had stepped into a room full of deceit.

"You may still have doubts, but you are never alone." Duke Eldbourne said that softly as if to answer Josep's doubts about tonight's conversation.

"I believe you can be a just Duke like our ancestors. And most importantly, you must still listen to your conscience." the continuation of the conversation drew Josep's attention to look at his uncle. The uncertainty painted on his face drew out a conversation that Josep became increasingly aware of.

"Uncle, this is a big responsibility. I'm not sure if I'm ready to sacrifice everything. Including myself."

"Being an Eldbourne doesn't mean you have to abandon who you are. You can bring the wisdom you have learnt from your many experiences into this role. You will find that balance, I have never been more confident in my decisions." Duke Eldbourne said that with an understanding smile.

However, the conversation attracted Ledger who seemed to pause for a moment, before finally looking at Josep with a sardonic smile. However, there was no sign of any resistance. It was as if he was just pointing out that all of this was as he expected and decided not to interfere with the decision.

"Yes, my little brother," she said in a low voice yet, full of sarcasm, "you are the chosen one. Enjoy the old throne."

Josep tried to regulate his breathing and endeavoured to remain silent, even though his head was filled with various conversations. He looked back at Duke Eldbourne respectfully. However, all that came out of his mouth was,

"I can only wish uncle a long life...we don't need to rush into this."The Duke chuckled, hearing that answer. Although he knew that Josep was not fully ready to accept the new destiny he had written down. "Prayers are always appreciated. But, time moves on."