The Dreamer's POV

Throughout the rest of the morning, the Lyma family members retreated to their respective rooms to freshen up, their emotions ranging from annoyance to curiosity.

Sarah, in particular, had been visibly upset by the delay and the unexpected changes to the estate.

As she remained in her elegantly appointed room, her frustrations boiled to the surface.

She paced back and forth, her silver hair shimmering in the soft candlelight.

"This is an outrage," she muttered to herself. "The audacity of it all, to keep us waiting like this."

In Fiona's room, her twins, Eleanor and William, couldn't help but voice their discontent.

"Why do we have to wait, Mother? I want to see Theo now!"

Fiona tried to calm them, though her own frustration was evident. "Patience, my dears. We will see him at dinner, I'm sure."

Though, of course, internally, she was boiling with rage.

How could her nephew be so cheeky to her? To the entire family?

It made no sense!

Margarette, in her room with her children, exchanged knowing glances with Grace, Thomas, and Clara. Their whispers were filled with skepticism about the situation.

Their entourage were granted residence in the building outside the family's mansion, but since it was still within the Lyma Estate, there were no problems there.

The issues only lay in the unexpected delay.

Sarah's mood only darkened as the hours passed.

She had always been the one in control, the one who made decisions for the family.

'Even when Damien was Duke, he never ceased to consult me! The moment he did so, Eugene became the next viable option!'

And now it seemed Theo was also going down his father's path.

******

As evening descended, the Lyma family members gathered in the grand dining hall, their faces etched with irritation.

It only took the entire day for Theo to finally make himself available to the entire household, and everyone's demeanor expressed just that.

The room was resplendent with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the polished mahogany table.

The scent of a sumptuous feast filled the air, but the atmosphere was heavy with tension.

Theo finally entered the room, his presence commanding attention.

He was dressed in noble attire, his demeanor composed, but there was a hint of apprehension in his eyes as he met Sarah's piercing gaze.

"Welcome, dear family," he began, his voice steady and tinged with certainty.

"I apologize for the delay. I wanted to ensure that everything was in order for your arrival."

Even though he said that, there was no sense of regret in his tone.

Sarah's eyes narrowed, and she wasted no time in expressing her displeasure.

"This delay is inexcusable, Theo. We expected to be greeted by our family, not to be kept waiting like common guests. However, we understand perfectly."

Clearly, this was done by Sarah to gain the higher ground in the conversation.

Unfortunately, her victory would not last too long.

"I would expect you to understand, grandmother. After all, you delayed for weeks before coming to see me after the city was destroyed…"

Theo's audacious words shocked everyone present, especially Sarah.

Many had the mind to instantly respond to his words of defiance, addressing how rude his tone had become, and how insensitive his words were.

However, his sharp gaze made them hesitant for a moment.

Who in their mind would defend the truth he had just uttered? Not only had he spoken the truth, but saying any more would clearly reveal their aggressive disposition towards him.

That would not help their cause at all.

"Haha, you are correct. I indeed apologize for my delay."

In the end, Sarah had to forfeit the high ground.

… A defeat once more for her.

*****

The grand dining hall of the Lyma Family estate was bathed in the warm glow of candlelight, casting flickering shadows across the polished mahogany table set for the family reunion.

The scent of a lavish feast filled the air, a tantalizing array of dishes fit for nobility. At the head of the table sat Theo, his small form Barry fitting the big chair he occupied.

He was flanked by Drius and Luke, both of whom remained by his side like unmoving statues.

As the Lyma family members settled into their seats, the tension was palpable.

Sarah, the matriarch, sat at the opposite end of the table from Theo, her greying hair cascading down her shoulders.

She eyed the presence of both Drius and Luke with a skeptical glare, her brow furrowed in disapproval.

"This reunion should be among the Lyma family," Sarah declared, her voice laced with skepticism. "I fail to see why we are joined by our family's knight and a mere butler."

Theo, ever composed, raised his hand in a gesture of patience.

"Dear grandmother, I understand your concern, but I assure you that both Drius and Luke are as much a part of this family as anyone else. They have my father's blessing, and their presence here is not without reason."

Everyone was silent as they heard Theo's reason, their gaze resting on the oldest woman in the room to see her reaction.

As always, though, she remained calm.

Sarah sighed, begrudgingly relenting. "Very well, if it is your wish, Theo."

Theo's face softened with gratitude. "Thank you, grandmother. I believe you'll come to appreciate their contributions."

With that, the family members begrudgingly turned their attention to the sumptuous feast before them.

The tension in the room eased, albeit slightly, as they reluctantly acknowledged the changes that had occurred in their absence.

Drius and Luke remained respectful and quiet, their presence a testament to the changes that had swept through the Lyma estate.

The clinking of silverware against fine china filled the room as the family members began to eat their meals.

Though they were physically together, it was clear that the emotional distance between them was significant. The complexities of their reunion, the mysteries of the estate, and the shifting dynamics within the family weighed heavily on their minds.

As they continued to eat, each bite a silent acknowledgment of the changes and uncertainties surrounding them, it was evident that the Lyma family had much to discuss and resolve in the days to come.

But for now, they swallowed their pride and shared a meal, united by their shared history and the bonds that still tied them together.

… Or so it seemed.

******

The clinking of silverware ceased as the Lyma family finished their meal.

Sarah, ever the matriarch, raised her head and cleared her throat, her emerald eyes piercing as she gazed down the long mahogany table.

Her voice, when it finally came, was firm and commanding.

"Now that we are all gathered here," she began, "it is time we address the most pressing matter at hand."

Silence echoed in the dining area, and the members of the table began to exchange glances.

Most of the gazes fell on Theo, creating an inescapable net of dread.

"Hmm. True. But first… the children should be excused, no?"

The way Theo spoke, as if he too did not qualify as a child, made the eyes of the adults twitch in response.

However, with Luke and Drius nodding in approval, while leaking out smiles, it was clear that they had to play by those rules.

The younger generation, the children of Eugene, Fiona and Margarette, were quickly ushered out of the room by Drius, his imposing presence enough to ensure their compliance.

They exchanged uncertain glances as they left, wondering what awaited them in this solemn meeting of their elders.

Theo, now left with only Luke, nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, grandmother. Let us discuss the issue of succession."

Sarah's gaze turned to Theo, her expression a mixture of concern and skepticism.

"You'll let your butler remain even in such an important event?"

Theo's smile greeted the skeptical gaze as he responded with simple words.

"I told you already. He's family."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Sighs escaped Sarah's lips as she shrugged. Making this to be an even bigger issue would only hurt her case, after all.

"Theo, it is imperative that we establish who the new Head of the Family will be. The Lyma family has always prided itself on its traditions and continuity."

Fiona, eager to support her mother, chimed in.

"Your geandmother is right, Theo. With Father gone, we need to know who will lead the family."

Margarette nodded in agreement, though she wore a more reserved expression.

"We must ensure stability and unity within the family."

Theo, his brow furrowed, leaned forward slightly.

"I understand your concerns, and I have given this matter considerable thought."

However, as soon as he said this, his smile slowly faded away, replaced by a cold expression that shocked those who watched him.

The room fell into a heavy silence, the tension palpable as the family grappled with Theo's sudden change in demeanor.

"It's just a little surprising, though, grandmother…" His words felt as hollow as they were without any regard.

"… I thought you came here to console your dear grandson."

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[A/N]

Do you like or dislike the back and forths of the politics?

I'd like to know your opinions!