Second Life's Revenge

Chapter 104: Battle For The Title I

Battle for the title. This is not a rare occasion for nobles to fight for the position of the heir, especially for those families who have more than one son. But what is uncommon was ladies of the family fighting for the position.

From the beginning, Count Harrison has already decided that the title will not be given to his one and only blooded daughter, Tine Alvarado. This made him hopeless about finding someone suitable and worthy in order to replace him. However, upon seeing the cleaver and charismatic Laura, he made up his mind in making her the heir.

Being the heir means sacrificing many things in life and Count Harrison wanted to protect his daughter from the corrupted men. Corruption will never be depleted as this is something the majority of the people have decided to do. They are people who are greedy for power and fame. They are people who would dirty their hands and do anything for their own gain and satisfaction.

Two years passed and there were rumors speculating saying that Laura is only being used by Count Harrison. In a way, they weren't wrong. The man they call one of the gentlest and kindest Count wasn't all there was to it. The last thing Count Harrison had hoped was for Tine to want the title of the Countess.

"We need to decide on who will be the heir of the Alvarado family. Never has this family had a female heir and so whoever gets chosen should be proud of themselves," Count Harrison spoke, sitting in his seat while his hands rested on his desk.

In front of him stood side by side was Laura and Tine. The truth is Laura wasn't interested in being the heir; however, if Tine becomes the countess, who knows what might happen to her. If she were to become the new head of the family, Laura could be in trouble.

The two stood with serious expressions on their faces, filling the office with a heavy atmosphere. With their eyes motivated and hungry for the title. But to inherit the title they both need to compete with each other and the challenge they will face is to be decided by the current head of the family which is none other than, Count Harrison.

The challenge will be grand and hard since this will be showing the full potential of both of them. But the potential is not the only one that is needed but the character. How they interact with other people not just nobles but also commoners and other more.

"The test will be about managing your own store. Of course, a budget will be set however once you exceed the budget you will be at a disadvantage," Count Harrison took a pause before continuing, "For this year judge will not be me but rather the people which includes other nobles."

The test sounded easier than what Laura expected but that doesn't mean she will lower her guard. A test that will be judge by the people. Laura likes the idea but for Tine, she looked a bit in trouble. Clearly, Tine was at a disadvantage. But that makes reasons to taint her hands more.

"Four months. You will be judged in four months."

Four months for a test like this is quite short and so Laura started to build some ideas in her head that will benefit everyone. An item that is affordable for the commoners mixed with the taste of the rich nobles.

"The test starts now," Count Harrison said and the two bowed. Tine stayed behind in the Count's office to ask more questions. While Laura immediately made her way back to her room. Count Harrison asked, "Do you have questions?"

"Why do you have to make us fight to inherit the family? Isn't clear that it should be me? Why give her a chance when it's obvious who it should be in the first place?" Tine angrily asked as she bit her lip in frustration. Count Harrison let out a heavy sigh then answered, "It's because I choose Laura as the heir, not you. But to make things fair the test is needed."

"It doesn't even have to be Laura. Do you love me, father? If you do then help me win," Tine persuaded but failed when an unpleasing expression flashed on Count Harrison's face. He spoke in a low tone.

"Tine are you asking me to help you cheat?"

Count Harrison may be a man who would use someone else to protect something dear to him. But what he cannot stand is the unfairness and cheating as it is something that violates his morals and rules. For his daughter to have suggested that he felt slightly disappointed at her. Tine shook her head then apologized for her own mistake.

"I didn't mean to say to cheat. But only if you asked me to be the heir I would proudly take the title."

"Tine!" Count Harrison roared her name out. Then in a calm manner, he said, "Don't make me angry any further. Go back to your room and start planning what you want to do. Remember to fight equally. Do not cheat." His words flowed in then out of her ears. Cheat? Isn't that the fastest way to obtain the title? No one can stop her from doing so and she was ready to take the punishment.

But what she did not know that cheating in this kind of test can result in banishment or worse death. At least it's better than leaving a shameful life. People whispering to one another, dreadful eyes staring at you. Tine bowed to the count before leaving his room.

When the doors of the office closed, she kept muttering, making the servants scared and disturbed by her. But then an idea entered her mind. She stopped walking and the maid who was cleaning the window got startled and dropped the cleaning cloth to the floor.

"I think this might work," Tine smirked then she walked back to her own room.

The door opened to Laura's room and she entered, moving to her desk and thought hard about the test. Something that everyone can buy, something useful, and something that could bring her close to her customer. Count Harrison said to operate their own business and of course, it needed to be successful.

A clothing shop? Dresses and suits that can be worn by both commoners and nobles. A design that fits the taste of the nobles and it is worn comfortably. But that matter lies in the materials itself. Next, is the location where should it be placed? In the area where the nobles shop or in the area where the commoners' shops.

There were many unanswered questions making it hard for Laura to make her ideas smaller. But what she decided is to open a clothing shop where both nobles and commoners could buy. With high-quality materials but affordable for all to buy. Then that leads to one person who she could rely on, Serena Smythe.

"I'm sorry. I didn't hear it wrong did I? You want me to be the designer?" Serena asked in disbelief. Then apologized to the other people as she sat down back flustered. "I want to help you but I don't think I'm confident enough."

"Think about it, Serena. If I inherit the title your parents might change their minds, letting you become a tailor. I would like for your skills to be known," Laura tried convincing Serena but she was still doubting herself.

"Iplease give me some time to think about it," Serena apologizes then Laura realized she was pushing her so much.

"I'm sorry, Serena. Of course, your feelings go first. It's fine if you don't agree with me. I'll just find someone else."

"I'm sorry, Laura, and thank you for giving me time to think about it," Serena apologizes once more making Laura guilty of her own actions.

"How about we don't think about that anymore and just enjoy these delicious desserts?" Laura suggested then a smile lit up on Serena's face and she nodded her head.

Laura was grateful enough to have a friend to be by her side. Though she wished for Serena to accept it since she wanted to work with someone close to her. Someone who is efficient, trustworthy, and good at leading the people. The only person she could think of was Serena.

Now she has to worry about the materials, the location, and of course the person who will help Laura design the dresses and suits. There are so many things to do and the latest time she should open the shop is next month.

A month planning for the shop, finding the right people, and researching more about fashion.

Laura isn't the best when it comes to business however she could learn a few things before she opens the store. Also during that period of time gathering a few allies might be a good idea.

There weren't any rules stating that they could ask for help from other people. However, if they planned on cheating then consider it as their loss. Of course, Laura didn't plan on cheating. After all the consequences are inevitable.