Chapter 4: The Worthless House
Morning light spilled across the Imperial Palace, turning white stone and gold-trimmed towers bright beneath the rising sun. Servants hurried through polished corridors carrying documents, food trays, sealed letters, and fresh uniforms while Imperial Knights changed shifts at the inner gates. Ministers prepared for another day of meetings, petitions, military reports, and arguments over taxation, trade, territory, and succession.
Yet almost none of those subjects mattered as much as the rumor still moving through Aurelia.
The Tenth Prince had returned.
By sunrise, Kael’s name had reached nearly every district of the Imperial Capital. Merchants were discussing him over morning deliveries, soldiers traded stories about what had supposedly happened at the eastern gate, and noble families were already sending servants to gather information about where the missing prince had been for ten years. Some reports claimed Kael had returned with an army hidden outside the city. Others insisted he had crossed half the continent alone. One particularly creative rumor claimed he had spent a decade imprisoned by an ancient dragon.
Kael knew nothing about any of those stories.
He was still inside the Imperial Archive.
The old succession book rested open on the table before him, though he had stopped reading several minutes earlier. His attention remained fixed on what the laws actually meant.
Imperial heirs were not simply handed power because they possessed Asterion blood.
Birth gave them opportunity.
Nothing more.
A prince or princess who intended to compete seriously for the throne needed to establish a functioning House and prove that House could survive. Territory had to be governed. Soldiers had to be trained and supplied. Revenue had to be generated. Followers needed reasons to remain loyal. Alliances had to be earned, and public reputation mattered almost as much as battlefield victories.
Kael leaned back slightly.
So this is what the Empire expects from us
Augustus stood near one of the archive shelves, returning the succession volume’s companion records to their proper place.
It expects results
Kael looked toward him.
No one inherits anything automatically
Not anything worth having
Augustus slid the final volume into its place and turned.
You are seventeen. By Imperial law, you have reached the age at which a recognized heir may formally establish a household under his own name
Kael smiled faintly.
Convenient. I was planning to do exactly that
I assumed as much
Augustus walked toward the nearest window. Aurelia stretched beneath the palace in white stone, gold, smoke, moving carriages, distant banners, and tightly packed districts that disappeared toward the outer walls.
For several moments, neither spoke.
Then Augustus decided to destroy whatever confidence a more delicate young noble might have possessed.
You have nothing
Kael laughed.
That’s a strong opening
No soldiers. No land under your administration. No treasury. No established noble supporters, merchants, scholars, officers, or political influence. Your siblings began preparing for independent House authority years ago, and several were already building networks before you were old enough to understand what succession meant
Kael folded his arms.
You’re making me sound impressive
Augustus glanced toward him.
How?
I returned yesterday and somehow managed to own less than everyone expected
The Emperor’s expression remained flat, but Kael had already begun learning that silence did not always mean his father was unamused.
Augustus continued.
By your age, some of your siblings already had experienced retainers and access to thousands of soldiers through regional appointments. Cassian had instructors competing for the privilege of training him. Adrian had military officers tracking his development. Elena had already begun learning diplomacy from senior envoys. Others had noble Houses approaching them before they had even formally established their own households
Kael looked down at his clothes.
And I have one cloak, a sword, a staff, and whatever coins survived the road
Approximately
Kael smiled.
I’ve had less
That answer made Augustus study him again.
Most young nobles raised inside these walls would consider your position humiliating
Most young nobles raised inside these walls haven’t slept in a ruined watchtower during winter because the alternative was sleeping in the rain
Augustus’s eyes narrowed slightly.
You’ve done that?
More than once
Who taught you to survive outside the Empire?
The question carried more weight than Kael expected.
His answer came slowly.
A lot of people. Some good. Some terrible. Mostly the world itself
He looked toward the distant mountains barely visible beyond Aurelia’s walls.
The world teaches quickly when failing means you don’t eat
Augustus remained silent for a moment.
Then perhaps your education was more expensive than your siblings’
Kael looked back at him.
That almost sounded like praise
Do not become accustomed to it
Too late
The corner of Augustus’s mouth shifted.
Only slightly.
Elsewhere in the palace, Kael’s position was being discussed with considerably less patience.
A broad chamber used by members of the Imperial family for military planning contained one of the most detailed maps of the Empire in Aurelia. Rivers were marked in blue enamel, mountain ranges raised from the table in miniature, and dozens of banners showed which regions, estates, military installations, and political blocs were connected to individual Imperial heirs.
Cassian’s influence occupied several important locations.
Adrian’s military presence was represented along active frontier routes and regions tied to the Third Legion.
Other heirs held different forms of power through provincial appointments, noble supporters, economic interests, administrative projects, military households, and estates.
One portion of the map remained almost entirely empty.
Kael’s.
Roland Asterion stood near that section with one hand resting against the edge of the table.
It’s almost unfair
Victor glanced toward him.
You’re feeling sympathy now?
Not sympathy. Curiosity. What exactly is Father supposed to give him? Half the useful estates are already attached to someone else’s administration
Leon studied the map quietly.
There are Crown lands
There are bad Crown lands, Roland corrected. Most of the good ones have governors who won’t be displaced simply because Kael came home
Lucien Asterion stood farther down the table, saying nothing.
He had said very little since Kael’s return.
That silence bothered Roland more than an argument would have.
A younger heir leaned forward.
Father could give him one of the abandoned estates near the western roads
Roland smiled.
Blackwood?
Several people laughed.
Even Marcus looked mildly amused.
Blackwood Manor had acquired a reputation across the Imperial family long before Kael returned. The estate was old, expensive to maintain, and distant enough from the center of court that previous heirs offered temporary use of it had found excuses to reject the opportunity.
Roland shook his head.
The roof probably belongs to the birds by now
Part of it does, Leon said.
You’ve been there?
Once. Years ago
And?
Leon looked back at the map.
The land is better than the manor
Marcus raised an eyebrow.
That’s not difficult
Another short burst of laughter moved around the table.
Lucien finally spoke.
You’re all assuming Father would choose an estate as an insult
Roland turned.
Blackwood practically is an insult
Then why has the Crown refused to sell it?
That ended the laughter.
Marcus looked toward Lucien.
What do you mean?
Several merchants tried to purchase the surrounding land over the years, Lucien said. Two noble Houses petitioned for agricultural rights there. Both were refused
Roland’s expression changed.
You knew that?
I read
That’s irritating
Lucien ignored him and returned his attention to the empty portion of the map.
The real question isn’t whether Kael receives something worthless. It’s whether he understands the value of something everyone else has already dismissed
Marcus looked at the small marker representing Blackwood.
You think Father might actually give it to him
Lucien did not answer.
He simply kept staring at the map.
Back inside the Imperial Archive, Augustus reached beneath the folds of his outer coat and placed something onto the wooden table.
The sound was small.
Metal against wood.
Kael looked down.
An old bronze key rested between them.
The Imperial Dragon had been engraved into its circular head, though years of wear had softened parts of the design.
Kael picked it up.
What’s this?
Your first opportunity
I thought you said I had nothing
You do
Kael stared at him.
You enjoy doing that
Doing what?
Giving an answer that sounds useful until I think about it for another second
Augustus remained completely serious.
Then think faster
Kael laughed despite himself.
He turned the key between his fingers.
What does it open?
An estate west of Aurelia. Legally it remains Crown property, but I am transferring its administration to House Kael upon your formal registration
Kael’s expression became more focused.
My first territory?
Your first responsibility. Do not confuse the two
There was enough emphasis in the correction that Kael stopped joking.
Augustus continued.
You will have authority to restore the manor, develop the surrounding land, attract residents, conduct lawful commerce, recruit household retainers, and build an authorized military force under Imperial law. If you fail, the Crown takes it back
Kael closed his hand around the key.
And if I succeed?
Then it will become yours in more than name
That was enough.
When do I leave?
Augustus looked toward the archive doors.
Your carriage is already being prepared
Kael narrowed his eyes.
You knew I would accept
I knew you would either accept or disappoint me quickly
That’s comforting
It wasn’t intended to be
Less than an hour later, a royal carriage passed through Aurelia’s western districts.
Kael sat beside the Grand Chamberlain while the capital moved around them. At first, the roads remained crowded with expensive carriages, military riders, servants carrying sealed documents, and noble households beginning their morning business. People recognized the Imperial carriage even if they could not see who sat inside it, and more than once Kael noticed citizens trying to follow.
The farther west they traveled, the quieter Aurelia became.
Large noble residences gave way to older administrative buildings, then smaller homes and warehouses near the edge of the capital. Eventually, the city’s polished roads became rougher, and grass appeared between stones that had not been repaired recently.
Kael looked through the window.
We’re leaving Aurelia
Just beyond the western boundary, the Chamberlain replied. Blackwood sits outside the main capital district, though the estate remains connected to several western roads
How far?
Not far enough to be isolated. Far enough that most courtiers consider it inconvenient
Kael smiled.
That sounds promising
The Chamberlain gave him a doubtful look.
Your Highness, before we arrive, I should probably warn you that Blackwood has a reputation
I’ve noticed everyone becomes nervous before explaining this place
The old man adjusted his robes.
The estate has been neglected for years. Parts of the manor require complete reconstruction, the outer structures are worse, and the previous maintenance budget was eventually reduced because no one lived there permanently except the remaining caretakers
How many caretakers?
The Chamberlain hesitated.
Three
Kael looked at him.
Three people maintain an entire estate?
They maintain what they can
That answer told Kael enough.
The carriage continued along an aging stone road bordered by old trees. The city gradually disappeared behind them, replaced by rolling grassland, patches of forest, neglected fencing, and stretches of uncultivated soil.
Eventually, the carriage slowed.
Kael leaned toward the window.
Massive iron gates stood ahead.
Rust covered much of the metalwork, though the remains of an Imperial Dragon design could still be seen beneath climbing vines. Stone walls extended away from the gates in both directions, several sections cracked or partially collapsed.
Beyond them stood Blackwood Manor.
Kael stepped from the carriage.
The Chamberlain followed more slowly.
Wind moved through tall grass that had overtaken what must once have been a carefully maintained approach road. Trees had grown into sections of the old gardens, birds nested in damaged towers, and one of the distant stone fountains had split down the center. Part of the manor’s eastern roof showed obvious weather damage, while several windows had been boarded from within.
It looked exhausted.
Forgotten.
Alive.
Kael smiled.
It’s beautiful
The Chamberlain stared at him.
Your Highness
Kael looked over.
Beautiful?
Yes
The old man followed his gaze toward a collapsed garden wall.
You and I may define that word differently
You’re looking at what broke
Kael stepped forward.
I’m looking at what survived
That answer silenced him.
Kael walked toward the rusted gates, studying the land as he moved. The walls needed work. The road needed rebuilding. The gardens were nearly gone, but the soil around them looked dark and rich. He could hear running water somewhere farther downhill, possibly a stream or damaged irrigation channel.
There was space.
A great deal of it.
Enough for workshops.
Homes.
Storage.
Training grounds.
Fields.
Maybe much more.
A blue light appeared within his vision.
[IMPERIAL SYSTEM]
[Territory Scan Initiated]
Kael slowed.
The System continued.
[Territory Identified: Blackwood Manor]
[Administrative Status: Transferred to House Kael]
[Current Permanent Population: 3]
[Standing Military Force: 0]
[Established Revenue: 0]
[Infrastructure Integrity: 2%]
[Defensive Readiness: Critical]
[Public Loyalty: Insufficient Data]
Then another line appeared.
[Development Potential: ★★★★★]
Kael stopped.
Five stars?
The Chamberlain looked toward him.
Your Highness?
Kael ignored him for a moment.
System. Explain
[High development potential detected]
[Current condition does not reflect long-term territorial value]
[Water access: favorable]
[Agricultural recovery potential: high]
[Trade-route access: underdeveloped]
[Expansion capacity: exceptional]
Kael’s smile slowly returned.
So everyone saw a ruined manor
[Correction]
[Most observers evaluated present condition]
Kael looked across the neglected estate.
And you’re evaluating what it could become
[Correct]
I like you more when you’re useful
[The System is always useful]
There it was.
Kael shook his head.
The front gates resisted at first, groaning loudly as the Chamberlain and one of the carriage guards helped force them open. Kael walked through first.
The approach to the manor had once been impressive. Broken statues lined the path, many missing arms, faces, or entire upper bodies. Weed-covered stone bordered the old road while the remains of decorative trees had grown wild enough to block portions of the garden.
When Kael reached the manor entrance, the doors opened before he touched them.
An elderly man stepped outside.
His silver hair reached close to his shoulders, carefully combed despite the worn condition of his formal clothing. His posture remained remarkably straight for his age, though a scar crossed one side of his face and disappeared beneath an old eye covering.
Behind him stood a young woman in a simple maid’s uniform. She looked around sixteen or seventeen and was trying very hard not to stare at Kael openly.
The third person was an older man with broad shoulders, weathered hands, and a wooden-handled shovel resting against one side of his body. Dirt covered his boots and lower trousers, making it immediately obvious which of Blackwood’s remaining responsibilities belonged to him.
All three bowed.
The elderly butler spoke first.
Your Highness, welcome to Blackwood Manor. I am Edwin Ashcombe. This is Lily, and the man beside her is Bram. We have done what we could to preserve the estate
Kael’s attention moved from one to the next.
Edwin.
Lily.
Bram.
Three people.
That was the beginning of House Kael.
Edwin lowered his eyes.
I am afraid this is all that remains
Kael looked past him into the manor.
Dust covered parts of the entrance hall.
A chandelier hung slightly crooked.
The floor needed repair.
Several pieces of furniture had been covered with cloth to protect them from years of neglect.
Then Kael looked back outside.
At the overgrown gardens.
The broken walls.
The empty land.
The road leading back toward Aurelia.
No treasury.
No army.
No workers.
No merchants.
No scholars.
No population beyond three stubborn people who had apparently refused to abandon the place completely.
Most princes might have seen humiliation.
Kael saw room.
He looked back at Edwin.
No. This isn’t all that remains
The three caretakers raised their heads.
Kael stepped aside so they could see the estate behind him.
This is what we have to work with
Lily looked toward Bram.
Bram looked toward Edwin.
Edwin remained professional, though the expression in his remaining eye suggested he had already begun wondering whether the returned prince was optimistic or insane.
Kael continued.
I’m not going to pretend this will be easy. The manor is damaged, the grounds have been neglected, and I apparently have enough citizens to lose an election to a dining table. But this place has land, water, roads that can be repaired, and enough space to build something new
Lily blinked.
Your Highness, respectfully, there are only three of us
Kael smiled.
Then finding the fourth person shouldn’t be too difficult
Bram released something suspiciously close to a laugh.
Edwin looked toward him.
Bram coughed and straightened.
Apologies, my lord
Kael didn’t seem offended.
Good. At least somebody here still remembers how
Edwin’s eyebrow moved.
How to what, Your Highness?
Laugh
For the first time, the atmosphere around the manor became slightly less solemn.
The System chimed.
[MAIN OBJECTIVE UPDATED: ESTABLISH HOUSE KAEL]
[Return to the Empire — Complete]
[Gain Imperial Recognition — Complete]
[Acquire Administrative Territory — Complete]
[Recruit First Knight — Incomplete]
[Recruit First Mage — Incomplete]
[Recruit First Merchant — Incomplete]
[Recruit First Engineer — Incomplete]
[Reach 100 Permanent Citizens — 3/100]
[Completion Reward: House Management Interface]
Kael read the requirements twice.
Then another notification appeared.
Different from the first.
[Hidden Quest Discovered]
[THE FORGOTTEN MANOR]
Objective: Restore Blackwood Manor and uncover the value hidden beneath decades of neglect
Difficulty: SSS
Failure Condition: None
Reward: Unknown
Hint: Not everything abandoned is worthless
Kael stared at the message.
SSS?
That was concerning.
The System rarely used dramatic classifications without a reason.
Yet as Kael looked over the ruined estate again, concern gave way to curiosity.
Something about Blackwood mattered.
He simply didn’t know what yet.
Kael closed the System window and faced Edwin, Lily, and Bram.
We’ll start by seeing exactly what still works. Water, storage, roofs, food, tools, roads, nearby settlements, everything. After that, we decide what gets repaired first
Edwin studied him more carefully.
You intend to begin immediately?
Why wouldn’t I?
Most nobles would spend several days demanding new furniture
Kael looked toward the crooked chandelier.
We can worry about furniture after the roof stops trying to become the floor
Bram laughed openly this time.
Even Lily smiled.
Edwin’s expression softened by the smallest amount.
Very well, Your Highness. I will prepare every surviving estate record
Kael nodded.
Good. Then let’s find out what Father actually gave me
Far away, at the highest levels of the Imperial Palace, Augustus stood on a balcony overlooking the western horizon.
Blackwood could not be clearly seen from this distance. The estate lay beyond Aurelia’s outer districts and rolling hills, but Augustus knew exactly where it was.
A senior general stood several steps behind him.
Your Majesty, may I ask something?
You already have
The general hesitated.
Augustus waited.
Why Blackwood?
The Emperor’s gaze remained fixed westward.
You think it worthless
I think it has been abandoned for years. The repair costs alone could consume more coin than the Tenth Prince possesses. If your intention was to give him a foundation, there were easier estates available
Easier
Augustus finally turned.
Yes, Your Majesty
That is exactly why I did not choose them
The general frowned.
Augustus looked back toward the horizon.
Blackwood has water, fertile soil, old trade access, room to expand, and enough neglected infrastructure to teach him the difference between owning land and governing it
The general considered that.
Even so, Your Majesty, do you truly believe Prince Kael can compete with heirs who have spent years building their Houses?
Augustus remained quiet long enough that the general began to regret asking.
Then the Emperor answered.
I did not give Kael Blackwood because I believe it is worthless
The general’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Then why that estate specifically?
Augustus’s expression changed.
Not much.
Just enough to suggest the answer belonged to a part of his life the court rarely discussed.
Because Blackwood was once mine
The general stared at him.
Your Majesty?
Fifty years ago, before this palace called me Emperor, before the armies obeyed my name, before half the nobles who praise me today believed I would ever inherit anything important, I began there
The general looked west again as if distance alone might somehow reveal the ruined manor.
Blackwood Manor?
Augustus nodded.
The estate other heirs dismissed.
The land merchants tried to purchase.
The old House everyone now calls worthless.
His crimson eyes remained fixed on the horizon.
It was where I learned how little a title matters when there is no food in storage, no coin in the treasury, and no one willing to follow you simply because of your blood
The general said nothing.
Augustus turned away from the balcony.
If Kael wishes to change the Empire, Blackwood will give him his first opportunity to prove he can change something smaller
The general bowed.
And if he fails?
Augustus continued toward the palace doors.
Then he was never ready for anything larger
The balcony fell silent after he left.
Far to the west, unaware of the conversation taking place in Aurelia, Kael stood before a ruined manor with three residents, no soldiers, no treasury, and more problems than he could count.
For everyone else, Blackwood was the worthless House.
For Augustus, it had once been the beginning.
Now it belonged to his son.