Two massive double doors with the insignia of House Voss carved at their centre swung open into a large audience hall, revealing the interior. Wein emerged as noble as the new lord he was.
He had chosen a different attire, more dignified than his pyjamas. A pair of pants and a thin polo-neck shirt that covered his neck fully. Behind he was followed by Eric and Belson who were in similar formal suits.
Inside the room stood the Circle, an elite group that was loyal to House Voss and were one of Neilson's most trusted. Including Eric and Belson there were eight members, they all stood upright in two parallel lines, awaiting the new lord.
Wein stepped forward passing between them, allowing them to get a clear view of their new lord. He had his arms crossed behind his back as he walked forward, his head held high.
He could feel their thoroughly gazes and the tension of their assessment. After all, they had followed Neilson out of loyalty and because he was true noble through and through, but what of Wein?
Eric broke the silence.
"Presenting the new lord of the Voss Barony."
The men and women in unison all bowed their heads, none dared to look up for the moment, Wein was their lord.
…
The room was large, with the group gathered at the centre, there was a full empty space surrounding them enough to fit hundreds of people. At the front, a small throne like seat was position in the middle of the room laid, behind were banners displaying the insignia of House Voss.
There wasn't anything noteworthy about the room other than how spacious it was. When Wein reached his seat, he stopped and faced the group.
"You may rise," he spoke. His voice was steady, though he could feel his heart racing, yet strangely it did not speed up. He studied their faces, familiar and unknown.
Eric and Belson aligned with the others facing each other. Belson stood next to Kyra and opposite her next to Eric was Alexandria.
To Alexandria's side was a projection of the blurry, see-through figure belonging to Sir Oll'k who was still on guard in Alven. His figure would flicker as it came from an un-identifiable source. He like most the people in the room were in formal attire.
Across from him was Vern the ever formal, from the look on his face one could tell that he dreading the work coming for him, with there being a new lord.
This made six, the other two like Sir Oll'k could not be physically present so they were projected.
One was an elderly woman in a stylish dress, defying her age and the other was a black-haired young man, clearly in a fighter's shape. He appeared closer in age to Wein, dressed in a high-ranking military uniform.
They group stood in silence, awaiting their new lord's words.
Wein took a deep breath, he knew these people were not just servants but powerful figures, who each held immense power and influence in the territory. Their loyalty was to the previous lord not him and with him being a commoner, he was unsure if he could trust them.
He studied the faces that were looking at him, waiting for him to speak first.
"You were all integral in my predecessor's rule," he began, his voice was even though he could feel his heart wanting to race, strangely it never began. "As I have inherited the title, you will be integral to mine."
Wein did not know what to say, all of this had happened too quickly, but he had to say something.
"My predecessor made many plans regarding me, some of which I do not know, but you do. He named me his successor and entrusted onto me a mission, to avenge the honour of House Voss and to reclaim its past glory."
His words echoed through the vast hall.
"I do not expect blind obedience from you, nor do I demand submission. I only demand loyalty to me and to House Voss. I am Wein al Voss the lord of House Voss and warden of the Salven system!"
His voice rang loud through the air.
"A millennium, long live House Voss!!" they all replied in unison.
After that they each knelt in front of him and swore allegiance to him as they had done to Neilson.
During that entire process Wein learnt more about the new faces. Sir Oll'k was a knight, a being of higher tier than a 5-star Shock Trooper and was regarded as an equal to superhumans. He was in charge of securing the sacred world of New Alven and spent most of his time and his men's guarding it.
The other two people, Wein learnt that they were Vanessa Carlise a wealthy merchant who had significant wealth and power through the galaxy, she had connections with many influential people in the Empire and across the galaxy.
The younger looking man was Sir John Evan and like Sir Oll'k, he was a knight. He was however the knights commander of the knight's order under House Voss.
These eight men and women made up the Circle, the most powerful group within the territory of the Voss Barony.
….
"As for my first order, continue as you have been until further notice. Limit knowledge about my existence as much as possible."
"As you will, my lord"
After that abrupt meeting, the Circle disbanded, those who projected in left and the others made way to leave for their other duties. The atmosphere in the hall shifted from what it had been just moments ago. Wein had gained a sense of what House Voss truly was, of cause there was more to learn but for now, he was done.
He turned his attention to Kyra, the High Inquisitor as she was also leaving.
"Kyra, follow me."
She gave a slight bow and remained.
Wein began walking to the other side of the room, Eric who also had stayed gave him a concerned look but remained silent. He knew the discussion was private and as a loyal retainer he knew his place, he caught up with the others.
Wein and Kyra were walking through one of the halls of the mansion when Wein started speaking.
"Astra tells me that you were the most devoted and fanatic retainer of my predecessor."
Kyra was not caught off guard and as if wearing it as a badge of honour accepted the assessment.
"I revered his lordship and would do anything he commanded."
Her tone was an indication of her afflictions.
Wein who was walking ahead of her stopped and faced her. She was still covered under her hood, but her aura spoke of obsession and dangerous loyalty. It was both crazy and dangerous, Wein knew he could trust that.
"Astra ensure no one can hear me."
"As you command my lord. This conversation is now completely isolated from external monitoring."
Wein exhaled, turning his gaze towards Kyra. She stood motionless, her hands on the sides and it being impossible to read her expression.
"Seeing as I was a commoner and have inherited this title" he began, stepping closer. "I cannot trust anyone in the Circle, but I will trust you."
Kyra remained neutral and silent only listening.
"I am aware of how fanatically loyal you were to the previous lord" he continued. "You will follow his last orders faithfully and serve me as the new lord fully with unquestionable loyalty no matter what."
For a brief moment, there was only silence between them. Then without hesitation, Kyra placed her right fist over her chest and bowed her head slightly, a gesture similar to the one they had done prior as proof of servitude.
"That is true, my lord" she said her voice calm and certain, "I will serve you and House Voss the best I can."
Wein held her gaze. That was the answer he needed to hear the most, Kyra was a fanatic and known for her severe loyalty to Nielson. If she could be loyal to Wein as the Grand Inquisitor that would make his rule easier.
"I have a year before my identity is exposed to the galaxy, before that I need to secure my standing. I need to be sure I can trust my own people. Do you understand?"
Kyra nodded, she knew what Wein was getting at.
The Inquisitors of House Voss had always operated in the shadows, acting as hidden weapons that cut away any disloyalty or internal threats that could fester before they harmed the noble family.
Throughout the years they would guard the security and authority of House Voss and mostly did so in less than humane ways. They did not tolerate disloyalty and were one of the main hinderances for disloyalty growing in the ranks of House Voss while Neilson mourned.
"I want you to clean your house first," Wein ordered, his voice colder. "Be sure so that it is spotless. After, survey everyone with the utmost secrecy be it allies or enemies and find our weaknesses".
Kyra remained neutral, then underneath her cover she smirked slightly.
"I will do as commanded," she said. Her smirk grew more menacing as if she was thirsty for blood.
Wein's eyes narrowed, he knew something might go wrong, so he had to clarify.
"Remember, clean your house first, the rest learn and identify and wait for further orders. Do it right, there is no room for mistakes?"
She gave a nod before turning and walking away. Wein let out a slow breath as the doors slid shut behind her.
The foundation of his rule was being laid in silence, beneath the surface where no one could see. Wein knew he had to be certain about 'his' people before he entered the galactic political world.
When the galaxy was introduced to him, they would meet a beast, for now he had to prepare.
"Astra, take me to my chambers please."