Brooks Estate

That night, Jewels stayed in Raiden's quarters while Uncle Jude and Pop pop were given rooms in the next courtyard over. Thomas and Zeze where already sent to the other courtyard to prepare the rooms for their master. After getting ready for bed, both Raiden and Jewels went to bed and fell asleep, tired from the leisured journey and the long celebration that they attended. Raiden fell asleep with Jewels front lays half on top of him, with his arms wrapped around her waist, while Jewels's arm clings to his shoulders.

Jewels woke up to Raiden's kisses and the morning sun was beginning to rise.

"I'm a total idiot." Raiden told her. "But my mother reminded me yesterday and I just remembered about it right now. If you get pregnant before the three years, we would have to get married to make the birth of the child legitimate."

"Don't worry so much about that, there's a potion that I can drink to help us not conceive a child. I have been taking the remedy since the first night you and I first had sex." Jewels told in a matter of fact way. When she saw his conflicting feelings reflect in his eyes, she knew he was upset, but tried to be understanding. "Right now, I cannot afford to have a child. I have too many things I still need to do before we get married. Until then, I will drink the remedy and if between now and when we get married. If we get pregnant, than we get pregnant and we can deal with the situation when the time comes. Don't be mad, okay?"

Raiden gives into her and sighs heavily before giving her the five star kiss, even though they didn't really have an argument.

"What are your plans today?" Raiden asked her.

"I'm going to buy me a house!" Jewels said excitedly. For the first time in her life, she would have a home to call her own. Raiden chuckles at her and gets up from the bed to have his attendants help him get ready for the day. Jewels got up and watched his attendants get him ready when she saw three maids that still stood to the side with their heads bowed. Raiden saw Jewels looking at the maids and finally told her that they now belonged to Jewels.

"These three maids are now yours." Raiden told her. "They are the best at what they do. They will be loyal towards me and now they will be loyal towards you. Ask of them what you will and it should be accomplished."

"Do I need to have some kind of medallion or something to enter and exit the palace?" Jewels asked him as they finished dressing him. Seeing him in his courtly garb made him look more handsome. She walks up to him and kisses him lightly.

"What was that for?" Raiden asked as Jewels pulls back.

"Hmm, just because." Jewels said as she smiled.

Raiden was presented a box where a ring laid on a silk cushion. Raiden takes Jewels's hand and slips the ring on to her ring finger on her left hand.

"This will let you come in and out of the palace without getting stopped or questioned. It is an Osamu signet ring that everyone recognizes. Should anyone stop you or questions you, you have the authority to discipline them accordingly."

"And what if I want their heads?" Jewels asked him half jokingly. The servants in the room stilled, listening to their conversation. At the banquet, her manners and demeanor were impeccable so they believed her to be a delicate flower. When she was able to make their Master smile and laugh, they knew their Master was in love and believed she was a good match for him. When they heard that she was able to find a 1000 year old ginseng in Sky Ship and bring a stalk to give to the Kingdom of Redbane, everyone felt she would be good luck to the future of Redbane and its people, but when she talked about killing those who might of slight her, they became scared of her because they do not know her yet and any mistake they might make could cost them their heads.

"Then their heads shall fall." Raiden told her seriously.

"Can I take it myself or does someone do it for me?" Jewels pushed the joke further not knowing that Raiden was totally serious.

"Doesn't matter if its you who does it or if you ask Roku to do it. Your words are law because of the ring on your hand."

Jewels finally realized that he was completely serious that the teasingly smile on her face stilled. Jewels nods her head once and Raiden lets her go from his embrace.

"Send word to me if your purchase of a home is a success. I shall be busy the whole day with court and will not have time to see you."

"Okay," Jewels said as she watches him move towards the door. She watched his back as the doors opens and before he could pass through the door, Jewels shouts. "Send word if you want to look at my pretty face."

Raiden steps falters for a second and everyone could hear him laugh as he walks out of his home. The moment he walks out to the courtyard, his demeanor changes into the cold Prince Raiden that they all know. Jewels watches him until he leaves the courtyard, once his figure is gone, Jewels asks the maids to draw a bath for her before she gets ready and meets her family.

When she finished getting ready, she was escorted by the three maids and Roku to the next courtyard where Uncle Jude and Pop pop where in the middle of eating breakfast. The moment she sits down, a plate was placed in front of her and as she began eating she introduced her new maids to her new family.

"Everyone these maids were given to me by Raiden. This is Chieko, Gina and Leiko. Girls this is my Uncle Jude and my grandfather Pop pop. Over there is our butler Thomas and our headmaid Zeze. What Zeze asks of you, you shall obey without question. She has been with us my whole life and treat her words like they are mine."

The three of them curtsied and stepped to the side. Chieko has dark brown chestnut hair that matched her brown eyes. Her oval face held delicate eyebrows, nose and mouth, making her look helpless. But behind her eyes, were intelligent, watchful eyes that memorized her surroundings and conversations. Gina, stood out the most, with her silvery hair and cold demeanor. Her face was in a constant frown and her silver eyes were cold and brooding. Leiko was the most pretty out of the three and she knew it. She held her head high and her chest out as if she was a preening colorful bird. Her appearance was impeccable, her big eyes, straight nose and pink kissable lips caught the attention of everyone who looked at her. But in her eyes there was slyness that Jewel had to remind Zeze and Thomas to keep an eye on. She did not trust any of them. Chieko and Gina were high level 8 cultivators while Leiko was a high level 9 cultivator. Zeze and Thomas, wore a hidden talisman on them, making others think they are only mid level 7 cultivators when truthfully, the both of them were high level 9 cultivatior with Thomas being a little bit stronger than Zeze.

If any of them fell out of line, Zeze would be able to handle herself and punish them accordingly. Although Zeze looked and acted innocently, she was just as ruthless as her Master's and Mistress. Thomas on one hand looked refined, stern and stubborn, but with his soldier background, serving under Uncle Jude when Uncle Jude still held his position as General of Special Operations, Thomas still holds several cards up his sleeve to take care of any problems.

After breakfast, the three of them, along with Roku, Chieko and Leiko went to look at the first property that Master Roku recommended. It was closest to the palace, however the home was small and to add any additions to the home, would make the courtyard smaller and she needed room for her guards to be trained and housed. The second home did not fair any better as the first home for it had a similar problem. Jewels noticed that although the homes closest to the palace were a hot commodity, they were small properties that did not interest her. It wasn't until the fifth house that they looked at that finally satisfied Jewels. It was a large and beautiful home, which looked like it was newly built with paint that looked a couple of years old. It had a large open courtyard that surrounded the house with a garden and a large man made koi pond and a small waterfall. The koi pond was large enough to have a bridge that connected to a gazebo. It was perfect in Jewels's eyes. The side courtyard would be large enough for Jewels to build a home for the guards to stay in and it was big enough for them to train right outside their house.

Deciding that this was the house for her, after her tour of outside of the manor, she asked the maid who was giving the tour if the Master of the house was in. The maid said yes and led them into the sitting room. When the Master of the house came out, he had them wait for ten minutes before he showed himself. The Master of the house was a merchant who made his fortune through hard work. He married into nobility, however with all the work he had to do, he neglected his family and lost his wife and family's affections. He bought up four properties near the palace and built the home, in hopes of winning his family back, however it was too late, his wife filed for a divorce with him and took the children back to her family's home that was a couple of houses away from the home he built. With an empty home and a huge property, he wanted to sell it, however with its location and considering how large its property is, no one in Aka could afford to buy the home from him. Since then he has partially lived in the home for the past three years in vain and was ready to torch it, when he received a message that someone from Madewell Kingdom was interested purchasing his home. He mostly lived in the heart of the city, where his business is located and comes to the manor on the weekend to spend time with his children. Although their mother refuses to let the children go over to the manor, he was forced to spend time with them in her ancestral home and stayed in the manor for easier travel time.

The Merchant had ash blonde hair and had a shrewd look about him. With his hawk like eyes and bushy eyebrows, he looked very cunning. He had a sharp nose and thin tight lips that looked like he could tighten it even more when he was displeased. Jewels and everyone else stood up as the Merchant introduced himself.

"Hello, good morning, my name is Daiki Sato of Sato Trades. Sorry for the wait, I was with my children and it took a while for me to receive you, I must apologize for the wait."

"Oh your maid provided great service while we waited." Uncle Jude said. "My name is Jude Brooks and this is my father Jordan Brooks and my Niece Jewels Brooks of Madewell."

"Very pleased to meet you. I am told that you want to purchase my property?" Daiki said getting straight to the point as he studied his guests that sat in front of him. His eyes stopped at the young lady in front of him. Her black hair contrasted with her milky smooth skin. Her youthful and innocent appearance drew him into her as her blue violet eyes hypnotized him further. He has never seen such blue violet eyes before. He has heard about the Rowen's Clan having them, but he had never seen the enchanting nature of it before until this moment. Her presence demanded respect and her graceful moments made him rudely stare at her. He was entranced by her and he couldn't find a way out.

Uncle Jude cleared his throat for the fifth time before he realized what happened. Determined not to look at Jewels for the rest of the conversation, he turns his body away from her and looked straight at the man in charged.

"Are you okay?" Jude asked him.

"Sorry, of course I'm okay." Daiki said as he flushed red in embarrassment. "As you were saying."

"I said, we are interested in purchasing your property today."

"Not many people are able to purchase this manor, for I have put in my love and labor to make this manor a home. I brought four properties and built this manor from the bottom up. The design of the garden to the koi pond to the gazebo, everything was made with care. You say you're form Madewell, but have not told me what you do that you are able to afford such a grand home."

"I am General Jude Brooks, my Father is the great Professor Jordan Brooks, I'm sure you heard of us, if not me, then at least my Father."

Daiki, swallowed his saliva with a big gulp. He has heard of the great General Jude Brooks of Madewell as well as the great Professor Jordan Brooks. They are legends that carries their names all through out the 4 Kingdoms.

"Oh, well it's finally nice to put a name to your faces. Had I known that I will be receiving such great guests I would have provided more to receive you."

"You don't need to do anything, but to sell us your property." Jude said. "I am but a retired General and my father is still a great Professor, but he is getting older in the years and it is my hope to provided for him a new scenery to live out the rest of his days in peace. We settled on Redbane for it prosperity and weather."

"Yes, well, its due to the reign of the King and the Crown Prince that we are blessed with our current prosperity. The weather here in Redbane is nether too cold or too hot. We have perfect weather year round."

"So I've been told." Jude said. "So about the sale of your manor?"

"Ah, yes, of course," Daiki said bringing the agenda back on the table. "One small property is on the market for 5,000 gold coins, just for the property and its location, with four properties it will come up to be 20,000 gold coins. With the newly built house, garden, pond and gazebo, the estimation of the value is 35,000 gold coins, with a total of 55,000 gold coins."

Yesterday, while Jewels accompanied Raiden to the celebration, Uncle Jude and Pop pop went to the Redbane bank and opened an account with them. In the account, Uncle Jude deposited 500,000 gold coins and received a book of blank notes. The blank notes were used like a check book in modern times. It had the Brooks emblem of two swords crossing against each other and an arrow at the bottom of the swords with the word Fortitudo, meaning strength. The blank note also had the banks emblem telling them where they can go to receive the gold coins.

When Daiki saw Jude reach for his blank note, Daiki was happy to finally sell his property and wash his hands of the constant reminder of his failed marriage. With the beautiful and young Miss Jewels living here, maybe he could convince Jude to letting him court his niece.

Jude wrote the exact amount of 55,000 gold coins and signed his name and placed his personal stamp of a shield with wings and a banner with the word Fortitudo written in the banner. He wrote the blank note to Daiki Sato of Sato Trades and as he handed the blank note to Daiki, Daiki had his servant bring the property papers and and his receipt book along with the keys to the manor and the gate.

Once their transaction was complete and they shook hands, Daiki did not have a lot of belongs to take with him so he was able to get everything packed within an hour. In that hour, Jewels sent Leiko back to the palace to give word to Zeze and Thomas to make their way to the new manor. As well as send her to Prince Raiden to let him know that the purchase of the home was a success. She then sent Chieko into town to hire a locksmith so he can change the locks the very same day, Uncle Jude, Pop pop and Jewels toured the inside of the manor and Daiki was correct that he put a lot of love and care into building the home. There three floors total, the first floor held the sitting room, the dining room, the kitchen, a guest bathroom and the servants quarters. The sitting room and the dining room took up most of the space and connected to each other in an open concept. Large glass windows from the ceiling to the floor let in a lot of natural sunlight. Two huge glass door were installed so that they could walk down to a huge porch and make their way into the garden, koi pond and to the gazebo. The scenery was breathtaking. When you walk up the grand staircase, it would lead you to a large library that took up most of the floor plan. Its walls were made of glass so everyone could see into the library. The library had a drak brown mahogany desk and two comfortable chairs in front of the desk. To the side there was a large couch and two chaise on each end of the couch with a table in front of them. The library also had huge windows that let the light shine through and if you looked out from the window, you could see the beautiful back garden and koi pond. Two bedrooms were also built on the second floor, one on each side of the library, on opposite sides of each other. The two rooms were larger that Jewels could ever imagine with a large closet, vanity, a table with chairs and a huge bed that could fit six people. The bathrooms connected to each room was elaborately built with luxury with a see through shower stall and a huge bathtub that could seat four grown humans. To get to the last floor, the stairs were hidden through a secret panel that would lead upstairs to the master quarters where it took up the whole floor plan. The master's quarters had their own study room and sitting room. The large bedroom was style the same way as the other bedrooms with an even larger closet and bathroom.

When Daiki finished packing he thanked Jude once again and shook his hand. Daiki mustered his courage and asked Jude about Jewels.

"I hope I'm not being too forward, but seeing that you are Miss Brooks's guardian, I was wondering if I could be permitted to court her?" Daiki asked as he flushed red.

Uncle Jude looked at Jewels with a raised eyebrow wondering what to say to let him down gently when Jewels stepped forward to answer for him.

"Sir Sato, thank you for selling your home to us and thank you for your consideration to court me, however I am engaged." Jewels said as she raised her left hand showing the royal Osamu insignia on it. "You see, Crown Prince Raiden Osamu is my fiancee."

Daiki's color on his face drained to grey as Roku steps out of the shadows to let Daiki see him. Daiki's knees buckles from underneath him and he kneels in front of her, his arms lays in a triangle on the ground as his forehead lay parallel to the floor. Once he kneels, he bows to Jewels, Daiki's servants also kneel and bowed to her.

"Princess Consort, forgive this citizen for not recognizing you and for even thinking that this citizen can even court you. The difference in our station in life is like heaven and earth. The earth can never reach the heavens. Please forgive this citizen of my wrongdoing." Daiki shouted.

"Stand up," Jewels said as she was tired of the scene in front of her. "It was Princess Consort that did not announce Princess Consort's identity. You have not offended this Princess Consort at all and have treated this Princess Consort's family well in the short time we were here. Do not think so much about your mistake, this Princess Consort shall forgive you this time for the misunderstanding."

Daiki got up and bowed several times before quickly making his exit, never showing his back to her. When he finally left, Uncle Jude, Pop pop and Jewels were finally able to talk.

"Uncle Jude should take the Master bedroom," Jewels told them when they sat in the sitting room with the windows opened, letting the breeze flow through the house as they drink the tea the Chieko made.

"Are you sure?" Uncle Jude asked.

"Quite sure. I will be out of this house in three years, so me taking the Master bedroom does not make any sense, besides, you are the Master of the household not me." Jewels said. "We also need to build an addition to the manor. What if we have guests that visit, where are we going to house them? "

"I agree, building a wing to the manor would be nice. The design would have to be similar to the main house to make it look cohesive."

"Guardhouse." Pop pop said.

"Yes, a guardhouse would also need to be built. How many bedroom do you think we need?" Jewels asked.

"No bedrooms, just dining room, kitchen, bathroom and big room with beds." Pop pop said.

"But they won't have any privacy. How about ten rooms shared by four people? Then that way it won't be so much as a military camp but the guards are able to have some privacy and keep some personal items with them."

"Good, granddaughter is smart." Pop pop told her.

"And the guards?" Jewels asked Uncle Jude.

"They will be here by the end of the month, so the guardhouse would need to be built by then."

"I also need a training room and a healers room where I can practice my craft and work. So I was also thinking of building a building next to the guardhouse for that very purpose."

"Sounds like a great idea."

When all was said and done, the plan to build the guard's house was first on their agenda. Then Jewel's work and training building and lastly the extension to the house. By the late afternoon, all the locks were changed and new locks were also installed in each room. The little belongings that they brought with them on their journey to Redbane were moved in and Jewels started unloading everything in her grey space. She first started with Pop pop's belongings and then unloaded all the books that was from the Brooks Manor to the current library. She wasn't sure if she should unload all the books from her grey space library that she got from the castle in Sky Ship, so she waited until she could read through them before moving them into the Brooks Estate. She then went to Uncle Jude's quarters and unloaded everything that Uncle Jude gave her as well as the secret documents that she held on to. By the time she fixed up her room with her belongings, Zeze was ready to for her belongings and asked for Thomas's belongings as well. Zeze and Thomas were helping Pop pop and Uncle Jude with their things so they did not get the chance to put their things away. Zeze had order Chieko, Gina, and Leiko to clean the servants quarters and the kitchen. They were then ordered to go to the market to go food shopping and only buy enough for dinner and breakfast while Zeze was planning to go the next day to stock the house with food and possibly arrange delivery twice a week.

By dinner time, everyone was tired, but they were all moved in and had a place to call their own. The three maids had the dinner on the table on time and Jewels broke tradition and invited everyone to eat together. Although Roku denied the invitation, Jewels was able to convince him to join them for one night.

Word had already gotten around town of the Princess Consort buying up Sato's estate and moving into it within a day. Thomas put up a hiring notice in the middle of the city for 2 more maids and 3 butlers and 6 courtyard attendants. The six courtyard attendants were hired to keep the courtyard clean and tidy, they were in charged of any landscaping, taking care of the garden, and keeping the koi pond clean. The hiring notice caused a commotion within the city because the pay written on the notice, was three times the amount that was usually given. The hiring would be done by Thomas and Zeze with the last approval by the Brooks.

When people heard that the Princess Consort bought Sato's estate, the nobility and wealthy merchants went to Sato's place of business to gossip about the Princess Consort. They were able to see the Princess Consort last night, but with Prince Raiden by her side, no one could get near, but with her manners and her demeanor, everyone was already singing her praises for her gentle like nature and pleasing presence. Sato sang her praises of her beauty and talked about her docile and delicate manner. He talked about how he had mistaken her for just a Lady and when she finally identified herself, it was her forgiving nature of his mistake that he still lives to tell the tale. Soon stories of the Princess Consort's magnanimous and gentle nature spread throughout the city and how she had tamed their cold and wild Prince.