Suddenly, a knock came at the door. The butler's voice came and said: "Milord! The prince is here! And he's not happy!"
Dariush thought: Prince!? And he's not happy!? Okay, calm down, Dariush. Let's go calmly.
He took a deep breath and stood up. He opened the door of the office and said to the butler: "Is he in the living room?"
The butler nodded and gestured for him to follow: "Yes, this way, please. And the duchess is there too."
Dariush thought while walking: Eira is there too? I think she was reading a book. Because last night when I was asleep, I remember that she loves reading.
Once in the living room, there were two leather, luxurious couches. Between them was a low, long table. Sunlight was casting into the room through the leaves of the tree behind the big window of the living room. At the same time, the fireplace was lit, making the atmosphere cozy despite the cold outside.
Eira was sitting on the right couch, and the prince, who had blue eyes and mid-length blonde hair with a very luxurious blue-white attire, was sitting on the other couch.
His face was a combination of both elegance and beauty. And his body was lean and elegant.
His expression was calm, but his eyebrows were twisted slightly.
Dariush thought: The second prince of the Nari empire, Kian Mehrzad, well known for his beauty. His quite feminine look and manly behavior.
Dariush said casually with a faint smile on his lips: "Welcome to my mansion. And it looks like you aren't happy, Prince."
Kian's expression softened slightly: "Hello to you too. And yes, I am not happy."
Dariush sat beside Eira and said: "So what happened? Or let's say, go straight to the point."
Kian sighed deeply and said: "Very well. The thing is, I don't like how everyone tries to bastardize and antagonize you. But I know what you did too. Even after I consider every good and bad thing you did, I can't accept it, and now I am here to say I want to help you. And it's not a request; it's an order." (His expression showed defiance.)
Dariush thought for a moment: I expected it. Especially from someone who acts on logic and whatever he thinks is right. Besides, now I remember—for a long time, I was his teacher. Or let's say this body was his teacher, not me. But I think it's going to be a very good idea to accept help from someone who is the most favorite among the other species after me.
Dariush smirked playfully and said: "Very well, I'll accept your help. But don't think I will let you do everything you want. This is my house and estate. So from now on, you are my right hand." (He nodded for acknowledgment.)
At the same time, as Eira was watching, her expression gradually softened. Then she said playfully: "Don't worry, dear Kian. Your days are going to get more fun. Especially with Dariush when he's grumpy."
Kian chuckled softly. At the same time, Dariush said with a teasing tone and a smirk on his lips: "Grumpy? Maybe. But you need to wait until I start teasing you both relentlessly."
Both Kian and Eira chuckled heartily. And Eira challenged playfully: "Bring it on!"
Dariush chuckled too: "Oh, I will bring it on. But not now, dear. I will do it at the right time."
At the same time, a maid came with three tea cups, placing them in front of each person. At the same time, the fireplace crackled slightly. The sound and warmth of the fire made the atmosphere cozy. The tree outside moved slightly from the wind, making the sunlight in the room move too.
The maid left. The three of them sipped their tea, and then Kian asked Dariush: "So, Mr. Dariush, what do you want to do first?"
Dariush thought: He asked a good question. I need to gather information about this world and everything else around myself. But most importantly, I need to make the people in my estate trust me and more. Because almost 50% of my political power comes from the people.
Dariush responded to Kian: "First, I need to gain the trust and respect that I lost among the people. Not only the people in my estate, but none of the people in the Nari empire have any respect toward me. They don't trust me. Some fear me, and some hate me."
At the same time, he thought again: Before I died and got reincarnated into this body, my name was Amir, a billionaire. But now that I am in this body with every sin it has, I need to show redemption and gain the reputation that the previous Dariush destroyed—not as Amir, but as the new Dariush, who is smarter and better.
Kian nodded after hearing Dariush's response: "That's a very good starting point. And I have a suggestion: help people, but not always. Do it, but like you are really trying to redeem yourself and really change, so people can start trusting you gradually."
Eira added too: "I will help you too, standing right beside you always, to show how much you can and you want to change. I will make people believe that you are not like before... Maybe. But anyway, I will help you as much as I can."
Dariush's expression softened, and he ruffled her hair affectionately. He said warmly: "Thanks, dear. I appreciate your help." (He turned to Kian.) "And I appreciate your help too."
Kian nodded with a soft smile and said: "No problem. And I am helping because you were my teacher and the only one who always helped me when I needed it."
Dariush let out a soft chuckle: "Thanks again. I will repay you one day. Until that day comes, I really appreciate your support and help in these bad days."
Suddenly, a butler hurried into the room and said: "We have a big problem! Fire!!"