CHAPTER 15: FATHER AND SON MEETING.

Back inside the guest room, Dorian had settled down on one of the chairs present in the room, his father right in the opposite one.

The tense tension that had settled down between them was not something that could be easily overlooked.

Especially considering this was the first time in months they were sharing the same room, not to speak of initiating a conversation.

Sip~

Dorian moved the cup of tea to his mouth and took a sip.

Before lowering the cup, he stylishly scanned his father’s face, who had his eyes buried into a sheet of paper.

’If I am being honest, he looks nothing like I remember. Just how long did we go without seeing each other?’ Dorian thought to himself.

Even now, he could feel the shame and guilt crawling up his body the longer he stared at his father. After all, he is the reason for his father’s debt to the viscount.

In what seemed like forever, James finally put the paper down and turned his gaze to his son.

"Dorian," he called.

"Yes, Father."

"I heard from your mother that you intend to start a business to help the family pay the debt we owe. Is that correct?"

They had just started talking, and Dorian could already tell it was leading to an interrogation.

Depending on how straightforward and bold his response is here, he might be able to turn things to his favor without so much as a fight.

"Yes, that would be correct," he responded, "And if you’re wondering why I never told you about it. Well, I am sure you know why; we are not exactly on good terms."

"Is that so?" James leaned forward. "And this business—she also told me it involved mining of dragon iron ores; is that true as well?"

"Yes, it is."

When James heard the response, his eyes widened in surprise.

"Impossible," he blurted right after. "To find dragon iron ore in such a place. How is that even—"

He halted. "How did you find such a rare and valuable item?"

’Well, I can understand why he is this surprised. The workers had the same reaction as well. From what I know, dragon iron ore was born from mana steaming from the scales or corpse of a dragon. Most were found in ancient towns where dragons once lived, and some are produced manually with dragons.

But finding one here is not something anyone would expect. I guess it’s pure luck that I thought of finding iron ore first.’

After completing his thoughts, Dorian gave his father a response to his curious question.

"I refuse to tell you how I did. But this is not because I don’t trust you, but because I want to avoid whatever may come from the higher lord wanting to claim our resources in the future."

"You’ve thought that far ahead?"

"Yes, I have, including how to increase our economy with not just dragon iron ore."

With every response Dorian gave his father, James was left in absolute awe, unable to say anything other than to just listen.

He calmed his mind as Dorian explained how he intended to sell off the goods and then not only use the money to pay the debt but also increase infrastructure in the barony as well.

The information got to be so much that James had to rest his head for a beat, a nervous chuckle leaving his mouth with every second that passed.

"My son... thought of all of these..." he whispered, eyes bulging in shock.

’Was I able to convince him to let me handle this?’ Dorian thought to himself, clearly still having doubts.

Initially, he had thought that if his father found out about the mine, he would, out of desperation to pay his debt, sell it off to the viscount.

But if Dorian were somehow able to convince his father, there would be so much gain in letting it thrive rather than just paying debt; then he could fully work on the project with ease.

Still, that was no guarantee his father would accept either way. There was no proof, nor was there any guarantee that Dorian’s plan would even work.

’What is it going to be, old man? I am not giving up this project.’

Suddenly, James cast his gaze at Dorian.

"Are you aware that, since the mine is unregistered under this barony, other nobles can claim it whenever they want? Or did you not think of that?"

"Eh? Of course I did; I had it all sorted out," replied Dorian.

The shock on his father’s face was priceless, worth drawing and hanging on a wall for all to see.

"What?" James slammed his hand on the table, his mouth wide open. "What do you mean you had it all sorted out? We have no workers under us anymore, other than Sebastian and the two maids loyal to your mother. How could you possibly have—"

He choked on his words after seeing the devious smile on his son’s face.

"What did you do?"

Dorian settled for nothing less than a dramatic response.

With all five of his fingers touching one another, he replied in a deep voice.

"It’s simple, really. I sneaked into your office, used your official stamp to make some contracts, and hired some workers to work on the mining ground under our family name. That makes them legal workers with proof to back it up as well."

"Y...you...stole my stamp?"

"I know you’re going to get all emotional, but I’ll have you know it was for the betterment of our land. Sheesh," Dorian leaned fully against the couch. "A thank you would be nice; it’s not like I stole money or anything."

James sighed, his fist clenched in defeat.

"No, you’re right, son. I am afraid for the first time I have to agree with you, even though your methods are not exactly befitting."

Dorian now had his eyes on his father, waiting to hear the words that could come out next, as they would decide if their entire discussion bore any fruit.

"See, Viscount Embre had threatened to take your sister and our mansion when next he comes, and with a court mandate as well. If we fight, we would be fighting the kingdom." James gritted his teeth. "I am all out of options; all I can do now is beg and believe that you will be the one to save us."

"Well, damn, took you long enough."

Dorian rose from the couch, one hand on his waist.

"Basically, you’re crying, ’Dorian, please save me.’" He grinned. "My answer to that is gladly. Just sit back and watch, old man."