The Dreamer's POV

As the Lyma family members reluctantly excused Theo and retreated to their respective rooms, I stood there in the grand dining hall, playing my part as Luke, the butler.

Though I wore the facade of a servant, I couldn't help but smile smugly at the particularly frustrated expression of Theo's grandmother.

'Nice try, old lady. But you're not getting any piece of this cake.'

I did my best to hide most of my amusement, but I feared she would have already noticed some of it

'No matter. It's all going according to plan anyway.'

Theo, his shoulders visibly relaxing as the family departed, shot me a grateful glance. The plan we had devised together had borne fruit, and it was clear that he was relieved by the outcome.

Drius clapped a hand on my shoulder and gave me a nod of appreciation.

"Well done, Luke. Your training and guidance have proved invaluable."

I nodded in acknowledgment, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

"This is only the beginning, my friends," I cautioned, my voice low and serious. "There are challenges ahead, and it's too soon to celebrate."

I had already learned the hard way not to lower my guard until everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, had fallen into place.

Theo and Drius exchanged a knowing look, their expressions serious.

They understood that the family's dynamics had shifted, but the path ahead was still uncertain.

Theo spoke up, determination in his voice. "You're right, Luke. We cannot afford to become complacent. We must look to the future with cautious optimism and continue to work together."

I couldn't agree more. "Indeed, Theo. The Lyma family has weathered storms before, and we shall do so again. The road may be uncertain, but together, we will navigate it."

Words of optimism like this made me cringe, but they were all necessary.

With that, we shared a moment of quiet resolve, knowing that the challenges and changes that lay ahead would be the deciding factor on the current scenario.

'Now then… I wonder what the old lady will do next.'

******

The heavy, velvet curtains in Lady Sarah Lyma's opulent bedroom were drawn shut, casting the room in a dim, foreboding light. T

he flickering candles on ornate candelabras provided the only source of illumination, casting eerie shadows on the intricate tapestries that adorned the walls.

The room itself was a testament to the family's history and wealth, with polished wood furniture, antique trinkets, and fine art lining the walls.

Seated in an upholstered chair beside a small wooden table was Lady Sarah herself.

Her gray hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her emerald eyes glinted with a calculated intensity.

Before her lay a delicate, intricately designed magic device—a communication artifact that connected her with the head of the Gloria family.

With a sense of gravity that matched the oppressive atmosphere in the room, Sarah tapped her fingers lightly on the device's ornate surface.

A faint, iridescent glow emanated from the device, signaling that it was activated. The glow illuminated her face, casting eerie shadows that danced across her features.

"Hello, Julian," she murmured, her voice a low, conspiratorial whisper as she addressed her partner through the enchanted artifact.

A voice resonated from the device, rich and commanding, carrying the weight of the Gloria family's power.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Sarah, my dear, how goes your mission within the Lyma estate?"

Sarah took a deep breath, her fingers clenching the device with determination. "It's more complicated than I anticipated, Julian. Theo is proving to be a formidable adversary, and he has the support of allies I didn't expect."

The tension in the room grew palpable as she continued, "I will need more time to handle the situation. The Gloria family's assistance, for now, is not required. I have a plan, but it will take careful execution."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and the voice from the device sounded thoughtful.

"Very well, Sarah. You have always been resourceful. But remember, the Gloria family stands ready to support you should you need it."

Sarah's eyes flashed with a mixture of gratitude and resolve.

"Thank you, my dear. But I must break Theo, and that starts with eliminating his allies. It's a delicate matter that requires finesse."

The voice from the device resonated with approval.

"I trust your judgment, Sarah. Do what you must, and remember, I constantly stand at your side. I look forward to hearing the good news."

With that, the magic device's glow dimmed, and the connection was severed. Sarah leaned back in her chair, her mind racing with the weight of her mission.

She knew that the path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but she was determined to see her plans through.

'Theo, you've changed. Is it because of the loss of your parents… or due to that Butler of yours?

The more she thought of Luke, the more upset she became.

Yes, she had heard about him from her spies, and she knew of his remarkable power.

'Why is a man like that on Theo's side? What could he hope to gain?'

From the information she had gathered about him, he seemed to be a very upright and moral man, and he was someone who was on the side of justice.

The meant merely bribing him wouldn't work.

'And Drius is also just as inflexible. I'll have to use another alternative.'

Thankfully, she was already prepared for this.

As she stared at the dormant magic device, the room remained shrouded in shadows, and the tension within her simmered, ready to be unleashed in her calculated pursuit of power and control within the Lyma family.

'A lot of things have caught me by surprise, but it's not like I wasn't expecting any pushback.'

If she needed reinforcements, Julian was always at her disposal.

Yes, he wasn't the most reliable person, but as long as their interests aligned, she was certain he would keep on being a useful partner.

'All in due time, Theo… all in due time.'

*

*

*

[A/N]

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!