The Dreamer's POV

[01 Months: 10 Days: 05 Hours]

We soon changed locations to the study, considering we had a lot of planning to do and the training hall didn't cut it.

As Drius and Theo sat by my side, their expressions resolute and determined, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me.

It wasn't easy to question the intentions of one's own family, especially for a young noble like Theo.

'He worried me for a second there, but it seems I was overthinking for nothing.'

I still had the complete trust of these people, and my words were enough to persuade them to take action.

'Perfect!'

We gathered in the dimly lit study, the flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows on the walls. The letter from Theo's grandmother sat on the wooden desk, a seemingly heartfelt message that concealed a sinister undertone.

I knew every decision we made from this point forward had to be calculated and precise.

Drius was the one to break the silence as he looked at me with a firm resolve.

"Luke, what's our plan? How do we proceed?"

I leaned against the desk, my mind racing with thoughts and possibilities. "First, we need to be prepared for anything. We don't know how many family members are coming with Theo's grandmother, so we have to assume it could be a sizable group. Our main objective is to assert our dominance."

Theo nodded, his young face set with determination. "But why are they coming in such large numbers?"

I sighed, a sense of foreboding settling over me. "Theo, they're likely coming to establish their dominance within the Lyma family."

'The death of Duke Damien has left a power vacuum, and they see this as an opportunity to exert their influence.' My thoughts trailed.

Drius chimed in, "Wouldn't it have been more effective for them to arrive unannounced? Why send the letter?"

I paused, considering his question carefully. "Sending the letter serves two purposes. First, it gives us a sense of apprehension and fear before their true arrival. It's a psychological tactic to keep us on edge. Second, they're bound by noble etiquette. Acting without giving a proper letter would wound their legitimacy in the eyes of other nobles and allies."

Theo frowned, the weight of the situation bearing down on him. "So, they're playing a dangerous game of politics, trying to outmaneuver us?"

I nodded grimly. "Exactly. We must be vigilant and use every tool at our disposal to protect our assets and your legacy. That means knowing more about the Lyma family and its members than they expect us to."

The room fell into silence as we contemplated our next steps.

I knew I had to gather more information about the Lyma family tree, their connections, and any potential alliances that could be leveraged.

It was crucial to understand the dynamics at play within the family.

"I'll have to resume studying the Lyma family history and the family tree," I said, breaking the silence. "We need to know who's coming, their relationships, and their potential motivations."

I had already gone through the family records, but it wouldn't hurt to do so again.

"We'll have to act as soon as we can," I murmured , my tone serious and urgent.

There were still a bunch of factors to consider.

"The Lyma family members are probably very close by now, even though they sent the letter as if they would arrive later. They want to catch us off guard, create chaos."

"How close?" Drius asked.

"If I was to guess, I'll say they're going to arrive tomorrow morning."

The instant I said that, Deius hardened his face and clenched his fist.

That was bad news on multiple grounds.

Theo frowned, concern etched on his young face. "But why tomorrow morning, Luke? Why that specific time?"

I glanced at the candle on the desk, its flickering flame casting dancing shadows around the room.

"Because, Theo, it's essential that they witness the aftermath of the Lyma Capital's destruction with their own eyes as they have a triumphant entry. It'll be shameful for us if their first impression is seeing the pathetic state of the capital."

Since they thought like nobles, I assumed this would be their rationale. They probably thought that arriving in a horde while witnessing Theo's supposed incompetence would unnerve us.

Drius interjected, his voice filled with worry. "Luke, there's simply not enough time to get everything in order by tomorrow morning."

I shook my head, a smile remaining on my face . "We'll have to increase the rate of work, Drius. And since we're expecting more guests, we'll need more staff."

Drius raised an eyebrow. "Most of our workers are already busy with the construction work."

I nodded, acknowledging the challenge. "I'll handle that aspect of it. We'll have to hire more workers to assist with the preparations."

Theo looked at us both, determination shining in his eyes.

To be honest, I had already thought of most of these things before now.

"You have both hidden the secrets of the family in the special vault, right?" As they nodded, my grin widened even more.

"We've ensured that every secret is hidden in the bunker, and no traces of it can be seen. There's nothing left for us to do on that front." Drius nodded in all his seriousness.

'Good. That'll be instrumental.'n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

I placed a reassuring hand on Theo's shoulder. "You and Drius should continue with your training. I'll take care of the preparations and the additional staff. We need to be ready to face whatever your family has in store for us."

Theo and Drius exchanged glances, their trust in me unwavering.

'Well, I guess I have my work cut out for me, don't I!'

I was pretty much looking forward to this. No, I had been looking forward to it for some time now.

After all, I had my agenda for desiring this conflict.

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[A/N]

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