Cherreads

Exiled to a Foreign Land: Managing a Destitute Estate

Tux_Philosopher
Philip never expected his new life to be so… complicated. When a tragic accident in the modern metropolis of Bortinto abruptly ends his struggle for survival, he wakes up as the scandal-ridden heir of a ducal house in a world where magic and science coexist. Any fantasies of an easy, heroic life vanish the moment he realizes that the estate that he is tasked with managing is drowning in debt, and his reputation has been shredded by rumors involving his predecessor’s broken engagement to the socialite Lady Rosetta—the granddaughter of a prince. Even as he scrambles to rebuild his estate’s fortunes—grappling with contaminated land, mounting debts, and shrewed industrialists—he unearths troubling secrets about the original Philip’s heartbreak and suicide. A dark, hidden force seems intent on wiping him out for an unknown reason. As conspiracies emerge linking Lady Rosetta’s departure to these shadowy machinations, Philip struggles to separate ally from adversary, not knowing why this power in high places is so bent on destroying him. Meanwhile, the realm teeters on the brink of monumental change. Technological and social revolutions collide with century-old magical traditions, and war drums thunder on the distant borders. Armed with his modern knowledge of finance—now fused with the kingdom’s burgeoning industrial innovations—Philip attempts to ride the trends and transform his estate into a beacon of prosperity and secure his heirship to the ducal title. Yet each small triumph only attracts more enemies. Tasked by the System with cultivating a supernatural entity while uncovering the real reason behind Lady Rosetta’s canceled engagement and the original Philip’s tragic end, he must also shield those he grows to care about from the looming threats. Will he harness the synergy of magic, technology, and commerce to steer his estate toward greatness, or will malevolent forces quash his second chance at life? Will his second chance at life end the same tragic way as his first?
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Between Fangs and Claws

The hum of the coffee shop was like any other a blend of clinking cups, hushed conversations, and the soft swish of the barista’s apron as they moved behind the counter. Adrian strode in, his sharp gaze barely flicking toward the order board as he walked past the line of people. His mind was preoccupied, his phone held firmly in one hand, eyes scanning through an email from his company’s legal team. He was too distracted by his thoughts to notice the petite figure standing in his path until it was too late. A gasp broke through the air, followed by the unmistakable sound of liquid splashing. Adrian's body jerked, the scalding hot coffee sloshing onto his dark gray suit just as his phone flew out of his hand. “Shit!” came the voice, soft but hurried, as the person in question scrambled to steady their own coffee cup and avoid more damage. Adrian barely had time to react as a small figure stepped back, eyes wide with panic. "I.I’m so sorry!" The voice trembled, and Adrian finally looked up to meet the wide, apologetic eyes of the person who had crashed into him. His gaze softened as he saw the clear panic on the other person’s face. The person in front of him was a young man slender, with messy dark hair and a few stray strands falling into his face. His eyes, a warm shade of brown, flicked nervously from the coffee splattered on Adrian’s suit to Adrian’s face. His lips parted in a silent apology as he clutched the coffee cup, looking for something to say, but the words seemed to fail him. Adrian’s frown deepened, his suit already ruined, but the surprise of the moment faded quickly. He tilted his head slightly, giving the man a once-over. "Are you alright?" Adrian asked, voice calm yet with an edge of amusement, despite the ruined suit. He reached for the napkins on the counter to dab at the coffee stains. The guy blinked rapidly, as if processing Adrian’s question. “Yeah, I... I mean, yeah, but oh god, your suit! I’m so sorry, I wasn’t paying attention!” His hands fluttered in the air awkwardly as he stepped forward, his movements frantic. Adrian couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. “It’s fine, really. I’ve had worse.” His voice held a quiet authority, but something in his expression softened. He took a breath and added, “Not the first time something like this has happened.” The young man Kai, as Adrian now saw on his name tag bit his lip and exhaled a shaky breath. "I'm so embarrassed. I swear, I’m usually more careful." He finally seemed to calm down a little, though his nervousness lingered. Adrian couldn’t resist. “Seems like you’re a little distracted. What’s going on in that head of yours?” Kai blinked again, almost flustered. "Huh? Oh. Just... life, you know?" He laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Work stuff... which is apparently bad luck today.” He pointed toward the stain on Adrian’s suit, his fingers twitching nervously. Adrian’s eyebrow arched. “Work stuff, huh? What do you do?” Kai hesitated for a moment. “Uh... marketing. At... uh, a company. Not nearly as cool as... whatever it is you do.” Adrian chuckled again, shaking his head. “I’ll say this, though: I’m not in the marketing game. I’m actually... not great with people, so let’s just say you got me at a good moment. A coffee spill’s the least of my problems today.” His voice was smooth, almost teasing as he finally took in Kai’s nervousness. Kai looked embarrassed but a little relieved. “Well, if it helps, I’ll pay for a new suit?” “Too much of a hassle,” Adrian replied. “But you do owe me a drink. How about we get one sometime this weekend?” Kai blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Wait, you mean... after spilling coffee all over you?” Adrian smiled, a sly glint in his eyes. “Well, if you’re willing to make it up to me, why not?” Kai’s hesitation was palpable, but there was a playful curiosity there now, his shoulders relaxing as he gave a half-hearted laugh. “I’ll be honest, I wasn't expecting that...
Obruche_Princess · 4.8k Views