Here I am...

The weight of responsibility has settled upon me now that I have become heir to the Sterling name and estate. It is a transition I never quite imagined for myself, yet I find a curious sense of purpose in it all. So much work must be done; I can only hope I’m up to the task.
 
One of my first decisions has been to appoint Elinor to manage the bank. Her intelligence and resolve have always been exceptional, and it seems only right to place someone with her vision at the helm of our financial affairs. In a similar vein, I have asked Edwin to serve as my representative for the many important family meetings that are beginning to fill my schedule. His loyalty and quick judgment are invaluable, and I trust him to speak with both compassion and practicality when I cannot be present.
 
There is a tinge of pride in seeing Patrick depart for his overseas work study. Nicholas arranged the opportunity for him, a gesture that speaks volumes of what our family stands for: we give one another the chance to grow. I wish Patrick every success abroad and hope he returns with insights that will help further improve our ventures here at home.
 
Beyond these appointments, there is the matter of the impending threat Solomon warned me about. I have decided to form a small, secretive group called the Crimson Cloaks. They are to be trained to combat the evil said to be on the horizon. It may seem a drastic step, but my conscience will not allow me to sit idle while rumors of looming danger persist. I have also begun sending investigators and archaeologists out in search of any signs or omens that might point to this darkness, eager to gain more than just whispers and speculation. More specifically, I have sent individuals to look within the castle for Solomon's journal to see if that would give me any leads.
 
In my new position, I have been able to authorize funding for two projects dear to my heart: supporting Beriq’s dream of expanding the orphanage. There is something profoundly satisfying in putting our family’s resources toward improving the lives of others, especially children who might otherwise have nowhere to turn. With these efforts, I feel that we are honoring the ideals of compassion and fellowship that have always guided us—even when we did not carry the title or wealth to do so on this scale.
 
On a more personal note, I have decided to bring bread back into my meals. My aversion to it during simpler times was a small, symbolic stance—perhaps a reflection of my discomfort with who I was or where I belonged. Now, I find it comforting, a sign that I can embrace tradition in my own way. It is a small detail but one that feels oddly significant, reminding me that I can shape what it means to be the Sterling heir rather than let the role define me entirely.
 
Amidst these changes, there is growing unease among the people regarding my blood magic. Many confuse it with necromancy, especially after I slew the king, who revealed himself a monstrous were-creature in his final moments. The sight was disturbing; I did what I believed necessary for the safety of the realm, yet there are those who now label me a danger. Necromancy is illegal in Regencia, so these accusations are more than idle gossip. Fear makes people see monsters in the unfamiliar, and I cannot blame them entirely for their caution. Still, it pains me to know that my intentions are overshadowed by misunderstanding. I hope that time—and perhaps more transparency—will ease their fears, but for now, the weight of public judgment is not easily lifted.
 
Lastly, I have composed a letter to Dove, though part of me hesitates to send it. In it, I express my gratitude for all she has done, for being the foundation of my newfound belief that family is more than shared blood. She taught me to see a home in the people around me, not merely the walls and titles. I hope that in reading my words, she understands how much her influence has shaped my ideals. She saw the best in me when I was lost, and for that, I owe her more than I could ever repay.
 
Each step forward comes with its own trials, but I find myself more resolute than ever. Perhaps I will never perfectly fill the role of heir as others might, but I will do so with a sense of integrity and a willingness to listen—two traits I believe can carry us through whatever challenges lie ahead.