Under a Dimmed Sun [UNCENSORED]

SII: Chapter LX: A New Era

The death of Sir Richaud marked the end of an era at the Mohn estate, and with it came sweeping changes. The air was thick with the sense of transition as the new lord, Albert of Mohn, began to assert his authority. His father's practices, particularly the keeping of mistresses, war slaves, and prisoners, were now over.

In the days following the funeral, a decree was issued throughout the estate. All of Sir Richaud's mistresses, along with the war slaves and prisoners, were to be dismissed and sent away. The decision was met with mixed reactions—some relief, some sorrow, and for a few, uncertainty about what the future would hold.

The mistresses were summoned to the great hall for their final audience with Albert, the atmosphere was tense. Each woman knew that this meeting would determine the course of the rest of their lives. The room was filled with the soft rustling of skirts and the hushed murmurs of conversations as the women awaited their fate.

As the doors opened and Albert entered the hall, the room fell silent. He looked out at the assembled women, his expression unreadable. The weight of his father's legacy and the responsibility of his new position seemed to hang heavy on his shoulders. This was the first true test of his leadership, and it was not an easy one.

Albert took a deep breath and began to speak, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. "The passing of my father marks a new chapter for this estate. With his death, certain practices must come to an end. As of today, all of you who have served as my father's mistresses, along with the war slaves and prisoners, are hereby released from your obligations to this house. You will be provided with what is necessary to start anew, but your time here is over."

The words hung in the air, a news that was both liberating and terrifying. As the women absorbed the news, their reactions varied—some stood in shock, others nodded quietly, and a few allowed tears to slip down their cheeks. The era of Sir Richaud was truly over, and with it, the lives they had known for so long.

As Albert delivered the decree, some of the mistresses, overcome with fear and uncertainty, rushed forward, falling to their knees before him. Their voices trembled as they pleaded, their hands clutching at his legs, begging for mercy. "Please, my lord," one of them cried, her voice choked with emotion. "We have nowhere else to go. This estate has been our home for years. Where will we go? What will we do?"

Another echoed the plea, tears streaming down her face. "I have no family, no one outside these walls. I beg you, don't send us away." The sight of these women, once proud and strong, now reduced to begging at his feet, tore at Albert's heart. He felt the weight of his decision more acutely than ever. These were not just mistresses; they were women who had shared a part of their lives with his family, who had given up their own hopes and dreams to serve in the shadows of the Mohn estate.

For a moment, Albert hesitated, his resolve wavering. The cries of the women, their desperate clinging, stirred something deep within him—a mix of pity, guilt, and responsibility. He knew the impact of his decision would ripple far beyond this room, affecting the lives of those who had called the estate home.

"I understand your fears," Albert said, his voice softer now, yet still firm. "And I do not wish to cast you out into the world with nothing. You will each be given provisions, enough to start anew, and those who truly have no place to go will be offered help to find shelter and work elsewhere. But the estate cannot continue as it was. I must think of the future, of the house of Mohn, and of what is right."

Tears continued to fall, but slowly, the women began to release their hold on Albert. Some nodded in understanding, while others remained silent, their expressions a mix of sorrow and resignation. Albert's gaze softened as he looked down at them. "You have served this house for many years, and for that, you will not be forgotten. But it is time for change, and with change comes the hope of a new beginning. Go now, prepare yourselves, and know that you leave here with my gratitude."