Chapter 106 : A Plan
In the heart of the prestigious Crestvale Duchy stood an opulent mansion that exuded nobility from every polished marble tile and golden chandelier.
The grand dining hall, adorned with crimson drapes and a twelve-seat mahogany table fit for royalty, now sat nearly empty.
At the very end of the massive table sat Serena von Crestvale, the Duchess of the house and once the fiery jewel of the royal capital. Clad in an elegant deep-violet dress with her white hair cascading over one shoulder, she quietly sliced into her filet mignon. But her expression wasn’t exactly serene.
By her side, standing dutifully as ever, was Elric Spade, the family’s long-serving butler—a dignified man in his late fifties. He stood with poise, silver streaks running through his neatly combed black hair, hands clasped behind his back.
Serena stabbed a piece of meat with her fork, chewing slowly before mumbling, "Rey didn’t come home today either..."
She set the fork down with a soft clink against porcelain. "Looks like I’ll need to have a serious talk with him when he does decide to show up."
Her knuckles cracked ominously as she flexed her fingers with a wry smile.
"They’re all so mean," she grumbled. "Leaving me with all the duties here. At least they’re not bored."
Elric cleared his throat softly and said with practiced calm, "My lady, His Grace Duke Reynard hasn’t left for leisure. The situation regarding the cult’s latest invention in Marriotte... is delicate and dangerous. It’s only natural that it’s taking time to resolve."
Serena exhaled a long, dramatic sigh. "Yes, yes, I know. That’s why I’ve been patient. But still—he deserves at least a little beating. Don’t you think so, Elric?"
The butler muttered under his breath, "Perhaps that’s why he avoids coming home..."