9 Judgement Day (1/2)

”Father, I'm here.”

Chalice informed her father as she went inside his study dragging along her knight Levi and Lucy with her. She found her father, his back facing them looking outside the window. This was new. Alaric is almost always buried in mountains of papers everytime she visits him.

”The three of you should sit. It's good that you took Levi with you Chalice. I also wanted to talk to him afterwards.”

Chalice nodded at this and waited for her father to talk. She was pretty sure he called her here because he had already come to a decision. She looked expectantly at her father who was gaze was grave.

”Chalice.. what, in your belief, is a Fief Lord?”

Alaric stunned her with this question. Chalice's expression turned heavy. He was testing her. Chalice could somehow see where her father was coming from. She was used to being unconcerned. The sudden turn in her attitude seemed to good to be true. And it was only right that her father is doubtful of her commitment and even her abilities. She paused for a long while, her head down.

”One who has conquered himself is worthy of leadership, Papa. A fief lord is someone who is capable of admitting his faults and aware of his strengths. He is someone who knows that the mistakes he would make is bound to make his people suffer. That his every action would dictate their life and death. And though he knows that there is no definitive way for him to ensure his people's well-being, he does what he can for them to retain their smiles. That is what I believe a fief lord is.”

Chalice responded and looked straight into her father's eyes. Determination evident in her clear, emerald eyes. Alaric stared back at her. He then nodded, after a few minutes.

”Remember what you have answered me today, my daughter. I'm allowing you to handle the matters of the fief in my stead. You will be the proxy Fief Lord. You are on your own, however. I hope you understand the gravity of your responsibility. I am giving you only this one chance.”

Alaric then stood up and turned his back on them.

”You can go now. Take Lucy with you. Levi, you stay. I would like to have a word.”

Chalice understood that her father wanted to be left alone. She complied and proceeded to the door with Lucy.

”Thank you, Papa.” She said briefly, before going out.

Lucy held her hand as they walked away from her father's door. Chalice looked at her and smiled widely.

”Come and help me prepare for the journey.”

She said to Lucy, to which the latter nodded.

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