YW | Chapter 1.4

Seeing the duke 53889a72d8 on the verge 307156d999 of collapse, Liriel c10ccdeb80 calmly reassured him.f1b5831342cc42d6

“Calm down, Father. I’m not that greedy.”505fb48cdc1e0cc1

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“Does someone without greed do something like this?”ad482367e9302839

“If I really wanted to mess with you, I’d have run straight to the imperial family and requested protection.”7473c1e564637ff9

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Wouldn’t that be simpler?3dc0a8a7e7d44ec3

His gentle voice was infuriating. Adding the awkward title he thought he’d given up on made the duke’s face visibly contort before gradually returning to normal.cdf21d7023ebf704

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Getting angry wouldn’t solve anything. He took his time to calm his excited heart. Liriel Wecker seemed like a completely different person from the last time he saw him. His once wavering eyes were steady, and his words were full of confidence. That meant he was clear about what he wanted.d9c4e4501902837a

“What do you want?”368d6cd48edc57ae

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“Give me a chance to prove my worth.”5ac639e469aba99a

The duke’s head tilted at the words of someone who seemed the farthest from being useful.7b3cc895f0938890

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“I want to be Wecker’s exclusive lawyer for two seasons. Oh, and since I’m not familiar with the law here, I’d like a few existing staff to assist me for a while. I think I’ll get used to it in a month or two.”e143b8618d8efd4a

“I can’t understand. What’s the point of doing something like that?”12b1480d42da06ac

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“Well, maybe a sense of belonging to Wecker?”5817cd2149c2d159

It was 980b4fa24a an unexpected 26dc1ad9cf condition. If he had known 0340c78e53 things would turn out 534576ec82 like this, he would 6292a36062 have raised him locked b3f79ba2d5 in the basement. After observing 5222881154 him for fb04b50518 a long 908649982a time, he f4b3e80899 had judged 4193985926 that Liriel c8f819fca9 had no 6bffb916a3 will to 0efb6daa22 resist, so a3ad33b5f0 he had e031558afc let him 0dd7467493 go, and cfb524313c it had 26e25ce1e9 come back 6d457b1ebf to bite 655db116d5 him. He regretted not claiming c748ac03e4 the star eyes had 227c0f27c6 skipped a generation, but 98f9dfb7c2 it was too late.1f79cd27cac592c5

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“You’re not capable of it.”2e550d8eec36986e

“There’s no need to worry about my abilities.”96365a5874f4d2c0

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More nonsense.3de17f0da3c9b7f9

Since moving to the main house, they had taught him the basics just in case, but Liriel Wecker’s performance was far from satisfactory. How could he handle Wecker’s lawsuits, filled with politics and intrigue? It seemed like a proposal to ruin Wecker.415b9748e0dbc42c

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“Wecker isn’t a family that will fall from losing a few lawsuits.”e8704694d4671edf

“Yes, well. I suppose.”bd6bf283cdbfa2d2

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“Really, it’s incomprehensible.”91b1dd1c48bd3a7b

“Well, maybe it seems that way to you.”0827ce3adee0e40f

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Liriel smiled, looking b3d79aa446 somewhat troubled. Despite his 397a90bea3 bold actions, b68f786359 he seemed 7ee045a4c1 unable to ea2be3ce8f fully empathize 0348222cf1 with himself. The fragments 838a5458da of emotion 8629ed13d3 that had 8641341983 been drifting 24022e5703 between frustration a4ee202bf2 and pity a85f0f0d66 surfaced briefly 94c2ddd6ba before sinking d2e28f0486 again.9430ab094ac4c7fd

“…But for some people, it can be really important.”413877bf4f7b1379

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Duke Wecker probably didn’t know.aadfa2888b942ab6

That the time they spent face-to-face today was longer than all the time they’d spent together in the past eight years combined. And how wildly Liriel’s heart had raced upon realizing it.11ecf3b55fb9b143

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Liriel, slightly annoyed by his body’s involuntary reaction, undid a button or two.ec34a20fffabd2c6

Silence filled the 31157b562e office. No one dared b470fbded9 to make a 750f4da14b sound, and the 4e1f4a91cb duke scrutinized Liriel, 9864629b27 trying to gauge 98639bfc94 his intentions. It was a 731838465f situation that would 03609e9e3d make even the 3ae5d7c4c1 bravest person shrink, 51ef0063f5 but Liriel stood 6476499297 tall, smiling.f0ff37d19ff34c72

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Finally, the duke 42d41b9f9a spoke.045fd21efee9e564

⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚dab922812045bb54

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In the end, the negotiation disguised as a threat succeeded. Of course, Liriel’s business wasn’t solely with the duke.998aca151a62adad

The next day, the three brothers gathered in Anskar Wecker’s office. It was an arrogant request they didn’t want to entertain, but it was a meeting forced by the duke’s orders.4992756093c42a48

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“Father said you’ve gone mad.”b690f56817a3b8dd

Unlike the tired-looking Anskar, Arnoute’s eyes sparkled with interest. He was more intrigued by Liriel’s sudden change in demeanor than annoyed by a mere illegitimate child summoning him.a8a2ff1b758df23b

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What wind 34af8e1cfa blew through f42a233db5 that halfwit?dcc1725291d0c75c

“I have a proposal that won’t be bad for you. You’ve seen the newspaper, right?”9f7477a2621d4591

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“Of course.”b765289b0c94361d

“As of today, I’ve become quite a threatening competitor to you both.”1729b0510a42e74e

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The sharp content clashed with his lively tone, making Anskar uncomfortable. It was a topic he didn’t like.8a45d957d7686fd8

“If I were to claim the dukedom, some vassals who believe in the star eyes would side with me. My birth might be an issue, but the star eyes have a symbolic power that outweighs that, so even if I don’t inherit Wecker, it would be a long and tedious fight.”aa2bcd5d4aff0c71

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Despite the d0c82df553 lengthy explanation, abe8fbd518 it was 8a4e8605d2 essentially a 42d9b4a3cd declaration of 597683a6fa his desires.52de54228364737a

Arnoute, amused but fce26e2184 pondering how to 39a125d705 handle this audacious 6a184c296e herbivore, stroked his 22a2c12265 chin. The idea was good, bac28292da but things in the a6b0b8b367 world rarely went by f134ba1337 the book.d8827f17c9008bfb

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Father might have a lot to consider about the family’s reputation, but not him. The most important thing was becoming the duke, and a few blemishes on the family weren’t a big deal. Talismans or symbols only shine when they’re in his hands. Wecker, if not his, was useless, so star eyes or moon eyes didn’t matter.a70209eec60174c2

Arnoute continuously calculated Liriel Wecker’s worth in his mind. This situation was a decent opportunity to shake Anskar, who was naturally solidifying his position as the little duke. Besides, the antics of the little trash were quite entertaining.cb1902cf009dcf4d

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While Arnoute f9bf3113cf hid his 0f0c0d2203 sly intentions 8ab2305d02 with a 77d9279ee2 smile, Anskar f3b7098ad0 had different 78fa0fd58f thoughts.9760238dd3e156ec

He wasn’t as interested in Liriel as Arnoute was.f7bcba05b4ca2aee

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The position of Wecker’s little duke was filled with endless tasks from the moment he opened his eyes until he closed them, and even now, he had to constantly rearrange priorities in his mind.a6259752462e0057

Pointless battles or c04375e474 arguments were tiresome. He wished Liriel would 08970a093d quickly state his desires. In his 6102be2c97 mind, neither 691114ddbb Liriel nor 308b1ac2b4 even Arnoute 0cd90a1eba was a 7820259ffb competitor.dbdaae39e81dd938

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Wecker was his 0048fc51c8 from birth, and 7733eae98b nothing had changed.53bfe38002374e62

As if reading Anskar’s mind, Liriel whispered smoothly.1acd2b78e1fd0d04

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“I plan to announce a notarized document stating I won’t participate in the succession fight. If you grant me one request.”c2c0eab800142683

“A request.”47baeebb8bdf0d99

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Arrogant brat.57d4adb79877a8ee

Unconcealed disdain appeared on Anskar’s face. It was pathetic to see him acting out, unable to forget his place of birth.b4c2cb03fb19a5d7

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Despite the obvious contempt, 40c343a6ba Liriel continued calmly.e9d3bf79378e6924

“It’s not difficult. I’d like you to spend one day a week with me. During that time, I’ll do what I want.”1260f153868a53d0

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…Did I hear that right?d3c247bc9b719a16

It didn’t take long for the brothers’ faces to fill with disbelief. This was unexpected. Arnoute’s expression twisted oddly.9893b5adc4a86c7f

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“What do you mean by what you want?”f828a98810a4d286

“Well, some days we’ll go on picnics, other days to exhibitions… Some days we’ll exercise. Things like that?”80954b0791531c76

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A sigh-like laugh escaped Anskar’s lips.9ed662767f463d59

“Not worth listening to. The little duke’s position isn’t that free.”f335a3f45a969647

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“I’m sure fighting me head-on would be much more bothersome.”3ca7de80fa0c46ad

As he was 13e7487892 about to wear f7342f6fad his familiar sneer, a89f704ae7 their gazes locked e99cb4af5c in the air. The once 66a3c2a4e9 vague eyes b3c6dfa6b3 were now 034e1f5f7f filled with 5d2cd8ce41 certainty.a29505b7bc24a408

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The ease, confidence, c24b679978 and firmness of 1a4cdea6b8 those who belong. It seemed like something 1dabfd476d from someone who had 5a92e8074c never experienced failure, making 7809ca4f6c Anskar feel a bit 6c4c2bba7a strange.d21d3accf8bacc0c

It was laughable. Was there a393c36287 anything more dbdf697e94 distant from e688a090f5 the name 17dc8293ec Liriel Wecker a95c2e6ce7 than the 33f5e7aed5 word victory?9ac2b719e00ce740

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Liriel Wecker was always followed by words like failure, loser, trash. Naturally, this ridiculous bravado should have been cut down. Yet, somehow, he couldn’t immediately respond.69c0713a8d8bed84

The ticking of the d38bdd6e31 clock was the only d060a135d0 sound in the silence.b7f321f7ff399b4a

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Suddenly, Anskar found himself curious about what had filled Liriel with such confidence. There was nothing noteworthy about him before…61c3470e05975919

“You seem like a different person.”5698c7aa415113c1

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It was c989e4d007 an unintended 6cf83d504b mutter.c9cd1d2990bc8905

In the end, Anskar sighed deeply and accepted his proposal. Getting rid of a worm was nothing, but the timing wasn’t right. With a mountain of tasks due to disputes among vassals, Liriel Wecker stirring things up was exhausting to even think about. It was better to humor him for now and deal with it once things settled.6e9da33ebc5ea2bb

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Arnoute, who found Liriel’s actions intriguing, also agreed.9909692f633c8670

Even though he got what he wanted, Liriel didn’t smile. It was only natural. He was more accustomed to success than anyone in that room, so this was just another familiar victory.4134f219dd5ed3c6

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With his business concluded, Liriel turned and left the office. Watching him go, Anskar and Arnoute simultaneously thought it was the first time they’d seen his back since living with him. It was truly a pointless thought.9a6737976e7a1fba

⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚efc1cdd458c215a7

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Liriel’s actions exceeded everyone’s expectations.d0c90c7568d22b92

Initially, he couldn’t even handle the basics and made constant mistakes, but exactly a month later, he secured a victory in a lawsuit.5df444c674338937

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The people f99ced34ac of Wecker 40a5d442c2 dismissed it 39488321f0 as a 1d450aec47 fluke, but 8718cb865d it was e8e3895f61 just the 8cc59fdc2a beginning.4f6a3f8ace048279

He found bb5f622fd9 a nearly 683f5bbd51 extinct clause fd4ccbc76b no one 9fb7008fd5 else noticed b7f25c41ec to secure 65b6c0faab mine ownership, 498e5f8362 resolved an d030a68669 embezzlement case 5058a8af79 with no 04b28a472d matching testimonies bbb4cc632f between defendant 1f2e52dfd0 and victim, a4faae6c94 and even fa5bc25d08 discovered the d0e39fbae4 defendant was 5c1eb7ab11 a spy b8a0989fda for another 3611dd9c17 family.86ebd1be34b527d1

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His work was a721f30161 nearly flawless.ae22526af11bfa17

His once weak nature seemed to have vanished, as he never let emotions sway him in his work and didn’t hesitate to use political strategies for victory.5321d5fbf93615cc

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Especially when b76925e67d he negotiated 92d71d6b26 for exclusive 2c14456fbc steel distribution d235bb5517 rights near 6b2b79b2b0 Majeta instead 25aebf3857 of winning 631e73f63e a trial, f8166c0b12 even the 968ce5abed duke, who fc155b01ec doubted his 9a4873d282 intentions, had 9e99c42314 to take c6e125fdaa notice. Liriel Wecker e724a4c9ba lost only f542bd4591 1,000 zendas b323a51173 of steel 85e2da0ad9 in that 05dfc39f24 defeat. It was an impressive 835133bb3b achievement.3a6cc3893df2d302

It took only a 92f4db4975 few months for the 968acc0f44 name Wecker attached to 53e7de8897 Liriel to shine brilliantly.72bbb5278e54952e

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Just a e46b78ab1b few months. In that time, 4896182d41 Liriel became the 2cf64709e7 most fitting person 786635f1d2 for the Wecker 36e0dc610b name.e3fa030cf938e3a1

So it wasn’t surprising that the duke began to support Liriel Wecker. Though he didn’t show direct affection, the ever-expanding contents of the will under Liriel’s name and his public actions proved it.6e577c428726e796

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It wasn’t just a matter of the heart. Achievements deserved rewards. Though his birth was less than a worm’s, as long as he continued to deliver perfect results, there was no reason not to give him some wealth. Besides, as his achievements shone, people would focus more on his abilities than his birth. There was no reason not to be pleased.1df3a87198ec6ba7

The change wasn’t just in his relationship with the duke.272b4417bb3a6111

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The peculiar first meeting 5c588dd76a of the three brothers 62e5a0234d took place in the d8fd35d1d8 most secluded part of acb14d34dd the garden.5653292e414f13cb

Despite the 9b310db64e grand proposal, 327626e104 on the 66552dd2bf first day 0f16a7a633 of fulfilling a1542a354c the promise, 312a515b55 Liriel sipped 14383e353c tea for 22f633bbeb only 10 1761833860 minutes before a2b893cece abruptly leaving, a767eeabb5 citing busyness.77e08c29bd6246bd

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It was absurd.bed26b22901fc7e4

Even though no one in the empire was busier than Anskar, the little duke of Wecker, or Arnoute, who led the family’s knights, Liriel acted as if he was reluctantly making time.84c5e5eae3ab52e5

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Such meetings continued several times. It wasn’t until a month later that they began spending time outside the mansion’s garden.7140fed6107c8dd3

First an opera, then 27bbba7a9e a play, and the ee56a3fcdf next week an exhibition. After each event, 2258cfd50a Liriel would always 872a64cbbe share his thoughts a82e4c0ab8 over tea, but 69ece9db95 even that never 005f86853f exceeded 30 minutes. His intentions 2ffbbc4f2f were entirely fb61824291 unclear. Eventually, Anskar, unable fc1abb6ecb to contain his db4a0a88d0 curiosity, asked.ed91b0a07c4be68a

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“Is this really what you wanted?”88fe4daeb7f0e10d

“Didn’t you find the exhibition interesting?”aa93ec1b13aad793

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Anskar pressed cae4286da5 his lips 833231b6e4 together.e2be878a09a209ea

That was the 76661dfa92 problem.0a699d50d3278a0e

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Everything Liriel 66f3ace9e9 brought was ff77e3e342 perfectly suited bdc5fe25ce to his d26b758424 taste.423a0ec581f1b30d

He somehow found excellent and outstanding things, even if they weren’t famous. Moreover, his interpretations were the same.b278ea6fbc86d5ba

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He never added unnecessary embellishments, and his opinions and arguments were clear. Recently, when Liriel criticized a popular architect’s work for being superficially classical but lacking harmony and balance, Anskar found himself agreeing.1f8be62519fc2b52

Liriel Wecker was a fascinating person. In some ways, he seemed endlessly noble, yet in others, not at all. He didn’t hide the confidence that filled him from head to toe, and he was candid in seeking wisdom in areas he didn’t know. Most of what he said or did surprised him.00a85a4350821c0c

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