Two polite knocks were heard on the door, before a young maid with a nervous expression gently opened the door. She curtsied low and said, "Young master, the Marquess wishes to see you in his study."
The new Arthur took a moment to compose himself.
'This would most likely be because he wanted to see my progress. Then I will show me how much I have grown.'
"Let's go then, shall we?" Arthur said as he swiftly turned and left through the double doors as the maid moved aside.
In the main study-room of the castle, filled with books and papers of significance, the marquess Royce Ravenna sat behind his large desk. He looked up from his papers with cold eyes, his face was like stone as he watched Arthur enter. He gestured to the chair in front of him, and his voice was stern, "Sit down. We have to discuss your political marriage."
Arthur slowly pulled the chair out and sat down with a straight back confidently. The Marquess's cold eyes didn't faze him because he had seen far colder stares from others that were filled with killing intent. He was no longer a child to be intimidated and bullied.
"Are you able to read and write? This is crucial to fool the Terians. I had given you 3 months in total, though that time period hasn't come a end. Only 1 more month remains until you will be sent there."
"Of course I can, Father," Arthur replied calmly in a elegant manner, meeting the Marquess's cold glare. "That extra time is much appreciated but I am ready." The Marquess's face betrayed a flicker of surprise as he took in his son's sudden confidence.
"That is not what your tutor tells me. You would dare lie to me?" Royce said with a raised and authoritative voice now.
"You may test me right here. If I pass, you must get rid of the tutor and during the remaining time left I may do as I please." Arthur said while gazing back with calmness in his demeanour. The Marquess looked shocked at the audacity.
Royce's face that was comparable to a stone because of his authority and coldness, cracked his eyes narrowing as he stared back at the boy he thought he knew as a weak kid with commoner blood. He placed his hands on a letter that was on his desk and moved it to Arthur. He pointed a finger at the official looking letter.
"Very well, boy, let's see you read this." Royce said with a calmer voice.
The letter was directly sent by the diplomatic board of foreign affairs and contained rich words that could make novice scholars stumble. Such letters were deeply worded and contained many meanings and orders, some had to be deciphered to understand their true intentions. There was no way such a letter could be read by a boy who claims to be literate after 2 months.
Arthur took the letter and unrolled it with steady hands. His scarred face showing no emotion as he was confident in his ability to read such letters, afterall he was very well versed in this. Royce watched closely at Arthur's face, expecting to see confusion but instead saw Arthur's eyes swiftly scan the complex document. A moment later, Arthur set down the letter and looked up at his father.
"The letter is a decree from the foreign affairs board. It contains highlights on the census held, terms of the marriage, it's necessity with explanations, benefits the house of Ravenna would receive and finally the official decree. This marriage is to diplomatically make relations with Terian Island, ensure a open route to import of Ouberry and set a heir of Terian that is aligned with the empire." Arthur said, his voice was now full of the authority he had as a prince.
Royce's thoughts were of pure disbelief. He had always believed his son to be a simpleton, a weak boy, not this confident scholar who could dismantle a diplomatic decree. Royce took a deep breath, trying to compose himself.
"Very well, you may do as you wish." Royce said, waving his hands in a gesture meant to dismiss.
"I would like to ask a question, father." Arthur said without moving, staying rooted to the seat in front of Royce.
Arthur continued, "First, I want to know why you decided to make me, a illegitimate son, marry instead of my younger brother." Royce was so surprised by the direct, authoritative question that he was taken aback. Now interested in this new development in Arthur's character he decided to entertain him.
"Your younger brother is already betrothed to Loria Rayhan of the Rayhan county. We have successfully hidden the fact that you are a illegitimate son from the board, so now we can have both lands under the Ravenna name in the future."
Arthur nodded slowly as he thought of his position. He now understood his role and the game being played. The thought of being a pawn no longer infuriated him because he would turn the tables. He could use this situation to his advantage. Arthur knew this family had no loyalty to him, then why should he? He was abandoned by his father. Him and his mother continued to live as poor commoners while they were enjoying nobility, Royce had thrown away the woman after forcing himself upon her, using her, then denying everything. One thing Arthur knew for a fact was that after he claimed Terian, the Ravenna would replace him with his younger brother.
"Thank for your time. I will take my leave." Arthur said as he curtsied a bow and left.