The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 112: Lyma Family's Young Master

[00 Months: 12 Days: 05 Hours]

There, across the spacious courtyard, was a grand carriage unlike anything I'd ever seen.

It was elegantly crafted, with intricate, gilded details shimmering in the soft evening glow. A pair of majestic horses, their coats sleek and shining, drew the carriage to a halt.

The sight was truly awe-inspiring, a clear reflection of the opulence of the Lyma family.

A figure emerged from the carriage first - a tall, well-built man who was unmistakably a guard of some sort.

Dressed in lavish armor that looked to be worth a fortune, the man glanced around with a hawk-like gaze that promised a swift end to any potential threats.

"Young Master Theo is now alighting the carriage," he announced, his deep voice resonating across the courtyard.

All eyes turned towards the carriage as the young master himself appeared.

He was a striking sight: golden hair that was light and free, yet carried a weight of its own, emerald eyes sparkling with curiosity and intelligence, and a cherubic face that held a surprisingly mature expression for an eight-year-old.

Clad in a sophisticated outfit that echoed his family's grandeur, Theo was every bit the young prince I had imagined. Despite his tender age, there was a certain gravitas about him, a sign of his position as the heir of the Lyma family.

Beside me, I could feel Seraphina's warmth, her eyes glistening with affection for her little brother.

I found myself smiling, feeling strangely touched by the family scene unfolding before me.

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Theo Von Lyma, though he was but a child, seemed to understand his role and the weight of his status. He was a little prince, the youngest in the family, yet the one everyone pinned their hopes on.

The young boy greeted everyone with an aura of maturity that belied his age. "Good afternoon, guards," Theo addressed the armored men first.

His voice was bright and clear, carrying an undeniable charisma.

"Good afternoon, young master," they responded, their voices harmonious, full of respect for the boy.

"Good afternoon, maids," Theo continued, offering the line of serving women a polite nod. They curtsied in response, blushing and giggling amongst themselves at the young boy's well-mannered nature.

"And to my beloved sisters," Theo's voice softened, his eyes sparkling with familial warmth as he turned to face the women.

He addressed each of his sisters by name. "Good evening, Beatrice, Claudia, Diane, Eliza, and..." his eyes finally landed on Seraphina, the one closest to his age. "Seraphina," he finished, his eyes twinkling.

"Welcome back, Theo," Beatrice responded, reaching out to gently tousle the boy's hair. The other sisters echoed her sentiments, their voices full of affection for their youngest brother.

The whole time, I observed from the side, taking in the scene. It was a side of nobility I had not often witnessed - one of love, warmth, and close familial bonds.

Yet, amidst the heartwarming scene, I couldn't help but notice a conspicuous absence. The Duchess was nowhere to be seen.

As the greetings ended and Theo's attention was momentarily diverted, I leaned in to Seraphina, curiosity piqued.

"Seraphina, where's your mother?" I asked in a hushed tone, wondering where the Duchess could possibly be amidst such a momentous occasion.

"Ah, she's…" Her expression suddenly fell, and I knew something was off.

'I know her father is bedridden, but… that can't be the case for her mother, right? Ah, could her mother be by his side?'

"It's fine. You don't have to tell me." I quickly chimed in, hoping that fixed the awkwardness that was now forming between us.

"Ah, you're already here, Theo?" An oddly familiar, but annoying, voice suddenly echoed all across the compound, interrupting the serene atmosphere.

Seraphina's uncle arrived on the scene with an air of nonchalance, a breezy smile on his face.

"My apologies for the late arrival," he declared, his voice carrying a disinterested tone that grated on my nerves. "I had some matters of importance to attend to."

Seraphina and her sisters frowned at his words, their eyes hardening subtly.

I understood their reaction immediately - Eugene's tardiness and his casual dismissal of it were a slap in the face to young Theo.

Even in a world as strange as this one, there were certain social cues, certain rules of respect that rang universally true.

'He's practically saying there was something more important to do than come out to greet the Young Master. That's going too far.'

I looked over at Theo, curious to see his reaction.

Despite his tender age, the boy maintained an impressive level of composure. His lips curved into a sweet smile that failed to reach his eyes, which held a level of maturity far beyond his years.

"I understand, Eugene. Apology accepted." Theo replied, his voice carrying the innocent lilt of a child, but his words were pointed.

He had chosen to address his uncle by his first name rather than an honorific.

The implication was not lost on anyone present - Theo was politely reminding Eugene of the respect he owed as a family member.

"Pfft…" I stifled a laugh.

Eugene seemed taken aback, his forced smile wavering for a moment before it was quickly plastered back on.

It was evident that Theo's subtle jab had not gone unnoticed.

As for me, I couldn't help but admire Theo's subtle maneuver.

The boy had an uncanny knack for power play, and I found myself intrigued, and frankly, a little impressed.

He was just a child, yet he held his ground amongst adults and dealt with disrespect with dignity and grace.

'Seraphina was right. I like him already… though not for the reason she must be expecting.'

The kid was sharp. That attribute alone was enough to warrant my interest.

At that moment, I found myself looking forward to working more closely with this young master of the Lyma Family.

"I would like a private audience with mother and father," Theo announced, his voice echoing in the courtyard.

He turned to the knight that escorted him, whose armor gleamed in the midday sun.

"Drius, would you be kind enough to share the details of our trip with my sisters?"

'Just sisters? Haha! Looks like once again Theo slighted his uncle.' I glanced at Eugene, and I found him doing his best to strain a smile.

It was hilarious.

"Of course, Young Master," Drius responded, his voice gruff but respectful.

Theo then left the courtyard, walking with the measured steps of a seasoned diplomat.

"Young Master…" The butler, Oswald, followed him closely.

The duo made their way towards the mansion, the stately structure providing a fitting backdrop for the heir of the Lyma family.

As the doors of the mansion closed behind them, the courtyard fell silent, the attention of those present shifting back to Drius.

Drius smiled at Seraphina and her sisters, the glint of his armor casting bright flashes across their faces.

"Well then," he said, his voice resonating with the confidence of a seasoned warrior, "I suppose I shall recount the journey and activities of the Young Master. Shall we find a comfortable place to sit?"

I watched as the ladies nodded, their gazes expectant and eager. It was clear that the events of their brother's trip were of great importance to them.

I found myself intrigued, too. The relationships, the power dynamics, and the layers of intrigue within the Lyma Family were proving to be more interesting than I had initially thought.

I was starting to feel more than a little curious about what this journey would entail.

'It's too bad this is for the ladies. I should also know my place…'

Or perhaps… could I try to stand out a little?

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[A/N]

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