Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

Ethan fidgeted in his seat when he saw a bunch of papers on his desk. If he had known that the man wanted to talk about business, he would have declined for the private meeting.

He was still learning how to read and write and though his teacher told him that he was doing an excellent job, he was only able to read and write basic sentences for now.

But these are business papers. How could he understand them? He pulled the collars of his shirt to get rid of the suffocating feeling as his mind started to race to find a perfect excuse that could hide his flaw.

"Well, mr.. I apologize but I forgot your name."

"Marwyne. Baron Marwyne, my lord. I know that I am troubling you with business in our first meeting. But there is a reason that i approached you instead of anyone else in the family." he looked hesitated as he stole a glance from Ethan and looked around that confused Ethan.

"Well, I understand that you need help. But I am still new to the family and I do not know how they do business. I mean about their work ethics and procedure they follow for investing.

So, I apologize but I have to ask my father about it. If you want my help, then how about you leave the papers here and I would discuss them with my father and would send you a reply then.`` He was sure that the baron would not be able to pressurize him since he knew that Ethan had not joined the business yet.

That way he could hide the fact that he had no idea how the business works.

"My lord. This is the exact reason why I came to you instead of anyone else." huh? The brows of Edward furrowed as he did not understand how this could be the reason for approaching him instead.

"I knew that you were a kind man from the moment I saw you, my lord. But you should be a bit sharp while dealing with hawks.

If you continued to be humble, you would never be given your rights. It has already been a week since you have been brought here. Yet no one included you in business or other important matters of the house.

Do you know why?" he paused to create curiosity in Ethan but he was only looking troubled.

His face was telling that he wanted to get rid of the baron as soon as possible, which flared the baron further. But he could only bear it.

He had been insulted publicly by Eli. if he would go back to her, her arrogance would only increase and he would be mocked by other vassals again.

But Ethan had not been insulted yet. In fact, he was too kind and polite, complete opposite to the other family members who had that aloof look on their faces all the time.

"Lady Elizabeth, it is already proven that she is not the daughter of the duke yet she is handling all the investment money that end up at millions of gold coins.

While lord Leonardo, who was also proven as not the son of the duke, is handling all the duties of the duke with his title.

They both are too sly to keep you away from work so that you will not be able to learn. Because if you learn well, you will be able to challenge their authority.

Lady Evangeline had grown up in a humble environment too and is head over heels to duke Leonardo, so she would never challenge his work.

While Lady Evalyn is a free spirited woman while she would be married soon to another noble, she would not be able to look after work.

Then they both would oppress you. If you will not do anything, you will only be taken as a fool in front of the duke who will never offer you any responsibility.

My lord, I didn't mean to sow discord, I am just worried about you. Lady Elizabeth is showing their power by granting investment money. When I asked about you, she felt insulted and refused to invest in my business.

It was clearly a threat. Many vassals relented and accepted her unjust behavior but i felt bad for you that was why i have come here.

But if you think that you still did not give me a chance, then I could only blame my bad luck." Ethan felt troubled when he saw the worrisome look on the face of the man who took an audible sigh when he picked up the papers.

He was in this predicament because of him. He knew that was going to happen. Hannah had already warned him, that was the reason he had asked for the position of duke in the first place.

But his father did not think that he was worthy enough. If he was not well educated and well mannered then it was not his mistake but his family's who never cared about him.

But then, if he did not know a thing about his project, how could he grant him investment.

Even if he would do so, was he authorized enough? Wouldn't he be making a joke of himself if he would grant him enough money only to be rejected by Eli and Leo later.

That way, they would come to know that he was treated badly in the family. But wait! That was what Hannah had asked him to do.

If he would show the vassal families and the world that he was not treated well, then he would be able to embarrass both of them publicly and then the duke would have no choice but to support him too.

With that thought, he picked up the papers before the baron could take them, surprising him in the process.

"I understand your worries. Leave the papers. I will study them tonight and offer you a reasonable sum tomorrow."