Chapter 22: Start of the Academy (1)

After the entrance test was done, Klaus returned to Emsier Estate in the capital along with his father. This is where his father stayed when they visit the capital. Similar to the family's home in Ibben, there are servants who took care of the estate.

Though it is called an estate, the size is smaller compared to their other estates back home. Even the servants that usually maintain the estate are lesser in number. In addition to servants, there are few guards present when none of the family is present to protect the estate from thieves.

Even with the capital guard present, the rich and nobles would normally have their own guards. The main problem in a big city is thieves. They cause quite a lot of problems for them, especially for nobles.

It is one thing that a rich merchant lost wealth to thieves but for nobles, it is a minus in their social circle in addition to losing valuables. So in order to not let that happen, every noble house in the capital would have guards present. This is more to deter thieves from doing something stupid on their lands.

The students of the academy would have their own dorms in the academy, so that is where Klaus would stay until his graduation.

"Klaus, there are a few days before the academy starts for the new blood. I can't stay here until then, just don't cause any trouble in the academy or in the capital", Elloden said to Klaus.

Klaus gasped and started his acting, "Father, when have I caused you trouble? I'm shocked that you don't have any trust in your son. Mother would certainly never say such a thing", he spoke while faking sadness and tears.

Elloden touched his forehead shaking his head, clearly not amused by looking at the theatrics.

"Klaus, that is not what I meant and you know that. You remember the fight that would happen with the third prince, right? It is already a headache, I don't want more to add".

Klaus stopped his theatrics. He knew what his father meant by not causing trouble.

"I remember Father, but you should remember that the prince was the one who caused it, not me. In fact, you and Duke Vitren are the ones to blame for the trouble if any".

Elloden wanted to refute but he couldn't. The marriage contract was made to secure the borders of the Archduchy, and it was needed. No one could have predicted that a variable like the prince would appear and cause trouble.

Klaus never bothered anyone on purpose. The time he spent away from home, he spent most of it in the development of his business. He didn't encroach on other businesses nor had tried any immoral ways to pull others down.

The trouble was caused by some envious rotten prince who thinks that world should spin around him.

"You were right Klaus but try to steer away from troubles as much as possible. Even if I am an Archduke, our family's presence in the capital is low. It is one of the reasons why the royal family didn't cause any troubles for us all these years".

"Now with your business booming, many eyes were turned towards you. For now, they still see you as a genius merchant and not as a threat. There are few who would see you with envy and greed. Don't attract much attention towards you. There is already the tournament that is going to happen in a year".

"Until then, try to find a peaceful solution that won't attract attention, if you are in trouble. One more thing, if the opposite party crosses a line, do whatever you want to. Our family would have your back. even though I don't want to stir, if others see it as weakness, more troubles would come".

Klaus sighed hearing those words. He already encountered the protagonist. This year is going to be most turbulent if the light novels are to be believed. There is no way to stay out of the shite storm that is brewing. The only safety is by being strong.

'I need to be powerful as soon as possible. If not, I would lose the new family I obtained. I don't think I would be granted another chance at life if I lose.'

'The protagonist would be a problem. His existence would cover everyone around him in a shit load of problems and deaths. Even without him, there would be problems if I wanted to live a carefree life. Only the strong have options. The weak can only dream.'

Klaus nodded at his father, "Don't worry father, I try my best to steer away from troubles".

He decided to keep his distance between himself and Theon unless circumstances force him to do otherwise.