The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 125: The Meeting

[00 Months: 13 Days: 09 Hours]

Sitting in the quiet solitude of my room, I found my thoughts drawn to the series of events that had unfolded like a chaotic whirlwind.

It seemed the information I'd acquired from the doctor had set in motion an avalanche. One that had the potential to upend the balance of power within the Lyma Region.

After our briefing with the Duke, the Lyma Family's forces had made a swift move to apprehend Eugene.

His luxurious mansion, once the site of numerous lavish parties, was stormed under the light of the rising sun. Yet, just as I had suspected, Eugene had fled.

His escape made it likely that the Nine Headed Dragon Alliance had also got wind of our knowledge.

The cat was out of the bag, and there was no turning back now.

As I mulled over this, I found myself pondering the enormity of what lay ahead. It wasn't just about punishing the perpetrators anymore; it was about securing the Lyma Family's position and ensuring their land's safety.

The clock was ticking, and every moment that passed could mean an opportunity for the Alliance to strike back, or even escape.

We had to act, and act fast.

With Eugene's flight, I knew the Lyma Family would have to rethink their approach. Strategy meetings were already being planned, and unsurprisingly, I had been extended an invitation.

An acknowledgement, perhaps, of my role in uncovering this dangerous conspiracy.

As I reclined back in my chair, my mind abuzz with anticipation, I couldn't help but wonder what they would decide.

Would they play it safe, fortifying their defenses and waiting for the Alliance to make a move? Or would they go on the offensive, taking the fight to the enemy's doorstep?

Only time would tell. But for now, I had to prepare.

********

Duke Damien Lyma leaned back in his ornate chair at the head of the table.

His family crest, a rearing Griffin, glowed in the dim light. Around him, the room was filled with the steady hum of tense conversations.

His son Theo was talking animatedly with Oswald, their butler.

Drius, the trusted Grand Knight, was deep in a heated discussion with a group of family members.

They were all trying to find a way forward, a solution to the precarious situation they found themselves in.

Damien himself was quiet, his thoughts a whirlwind of worry and frustration.

Each suggestion, each strategy, brought its own set of complications.

Was it best to fortify their defenses and await the Alliance's attack, as his cousin Clarissa suggested? Or should they storm the Alliance's headquarters as Drius proposed?

Perhaps a more subtle approach, like Oswald's idea of infiltrating the Alliance's ranks, was better?

As the debates raged on and the hour grew late, Damien felt his patience wearing thin. They were going in circles, and time was of the essence.

Sighing, he surveyed the room, his eyes falling on the one person who had remained silent throughout the proceedings: Luke.

The young adventurer had saved his life, uncovered the nefarious plot, and had shown nothing but wisdom and courage since he arrived at the Lyma mansion.

Perhaps he could offer a fresh perspective, a solution that hadn't been considered.

Clearing his throat, Damien rose to his feet, his voice echoing in the suddenly quiet room.

"I believe we have all heard each other's thoughts and plans," he began, "But there is someone who has not yet shared his opinion. Luke, you've saved this family, and you've uncovered this threat. What do you suggest we do? What is your perspective on this matter?"

Every eye in the room turned to Luke, the room falling silent in anticipation.

'Maybe… he just might have a solid plan.'

***********

[00 Months: 13 Days: 11 Hours]

'I don't have a solid plan…'

As I glanced around the room, the skeptical gazes of the upper-class figures bore into me.

Their eyes, filled with curiosity and an underlying sense of wariness, reminded me that I was an outsider here.

Their world was vastly different from the one I was accustomed to.

Lavish tapestries adorned the walls, and a grand chandelier hung above us, casting a warm glow throughout the room. This was a world of power, a world of influence, and here I was, just a humble adventurer, thrown in the mix.

I tried to tune out the whispers, the sideways glances. I was here because the Duke had invited me. Because I had saved his life and had uncovered the information that put us in this predicament in the first place, no one properly criticized his decision.

'Well, he's the head, they can't exactly challenge that authority. Else…' They could be branded as traitors, just like Eugene.

Still, the reality of the situation felt odd, out of place.

I found my gaze drifting towards Theo. The eight-year-old was a startling contrast against the room of hardened strategists and influencers.

He was a young boy, yet he held himself with a maturity and seriousness that belied his age.

It was clear why he was here; he was being groomed, prepared for the inevitable responsibilities of being the heir. He looked like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

'No wonder he always seems so composed and mature.'

The Lyma Family sure knew how to raise an heir.

As the discussion in the room continued, the tense atmosphere permeated the air. Every suggestion, every plan was met with skeptical glances and heated debates.

I watched, realizing I would never even have an opportunity to voice my own simple plan. Perhaps it was better this way too.

Or was it?

I never got to find out, because suddenly, all eyes were on me.

Duke Damien Lyma had called on me to speak, to share my perspective on the matter.

'Yikes…' My thought leaped, but I maintained my composure.

My gaze swept across the room, pausing briefly on Oswald, the butler.

In any other setting, it would be bizarre to see a servant amongst the family's upper echelons, but after the discussion I had with Drius, I understood Oswald's presence.

He was more than just a butler; he was a trusted ally and confidante of the Duke.

'Plus, he's a retired Grand Knight. One of a higher rank than Drius himself…' Enjoy new tales from M V L

An internal sigh escaped me as I prepared to voice my thoughts.

To be honest, I was out of my depth here. The detailed war strategies, the intricate methods of espionage... it was all foreign territory for me.

My life had mostly been one of the mundane, and it was only until recently that I was thrust into a world of violence.

Even now, I only relied on simple survival, of dealing with situations as they arose, not planning large-scale strategies for a war.

I felt like a pawn in a game of chess, a player unfamiliar with the rules of the game.

I could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on me, their expectant gazes making me more than a little uneasy.

Would my thoughts seem too simple, too naïve, in comparison to their grand plans?

'No… this is actually the best solution. For me, and the Lyma Family.'

Despite the lingering doubt, I believed my plan was the most reasonable.

It was perhaps simplistic, but sometimes simplicity is key in solving complex problems.

Clearing my throat, I began. The room fell into silence as all eyes turned towards me, awaiting my words. I could feel a small shiver of anticipation run through me.

No turning back now.

The words left my lips, cutting through the heavy silence, revealing my thoughts and suggestions to everyone present.

"Let's raid the Nine Headed Dragon Alliance. We'll kill all of them and purge the Lyma Region of their existence once and for all."

That… was my plan.

*

*

*

[A/N]

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!