Underneath the Vexley bridge, a tarp had sprung a leak and a 1927 Bentley 6½ Litre Vanden Plas 4 glided by as a drop of water from the tarp dripped on its roof.
The pungent aroma of gasoline, and the rich, musky scent of leather hung in the air long after its departure.
Its tires churned through the rain-soaked pavement, sending plumes of water cascading outwards, like a chorus of tiny fountains.
The fresh grass by the side of the garbage rustled in the wind and rats scurried around looking for a meal, while the dripping from the ceiling provided them with a source of water.
Dark clouds clustered together, covering the field with a blanket. The Sun's feeble attempts at piercing the darkness created a heavy blanket of gloom that hung over the city of Vamond like a thick fog.
The colossal ebony gates grudgingly parted, as if acknowledging the grandeur of the approaching limousine, before allowing its entry with a resounding creak.
The opulent vehicle journeyed past a mesmerizing garden, filled with an array of vibrant flora, their colors a feast for the eyes. Finally, it arrived at a magnificent marble fountain, its water cascading down in a gentle, hypnotic rhythm.
With nimble agility, the driver leaped out of his seat and strode purposefully towards the passenger door, his hand reaching for the handle with an air of practiced ease and a deft flick of his wrist, opened the door seamlessly, as if performing a carefully choreographed dance.
"Young Master," He bowed lightly.
The unmistakable sound of leather boots echoed through the air, punctuating each step as the man emerged from the sleek confines of the limousine. He wore a black trench coat over a tailored suit, his light brown hair was slicked back in its customary style, and he had an easy smile on his face that seemed to exude confidence and charisma.
"Thank you, Hayate." The young man nodded lightly, acknowledging the driving butler's presence.
He tilted his visage to look forward, where three butlers stood straight, one of them walking towards him. A young man with black hair and red eyes with an everlasting kind smile on his face.
"Welcome back sire," The young master ignored the approaching butler and walked towards the other two butlers.
Both of them were dressed in similar suits, except one had a white scarf wrapped around his neck, while the other wore a silver upside down catholic chain around his neck.
The first butler had piercing green eyes, while the second had captivating blue eyes. Both butlers sported impressive beards and majestic mustaches, but it was unfortunate that the green-eyed butler had a bald spot in the center of his head, which separated his otherwise pristine white hair.
Whilst this was happening, the young ignored butler remained standing behind the young master with a faint blush on his visage as if a masochist.
"Welcome back, Young Master Vreldilfer."
"Welcome back, Sire."
The brown-haired man took a quick glance at the elderly gentlemen, but despite their age, they exuded an aura of grace and vitality that exceeded all expectations.
His mouth curled as he spoke in a sarcastic tone.
"How is mother dearest doing?"
The green eyed butler, namely- Alfred Clownweiss, the Head Butler of the Navarin Crime Family raised his head lightly. His lips trembled a little as a melancholic expression surfaced upon his visage.
"Lady Rosalind is doing rather well compared to her prior condition."
Vreldilfer simply raised an eyebrow. He had a bored visage as he walked towards the door. The young man tilted his head to look at Alfred.
"Very, well. I heard father had requested for me."
Alfred nodded, he bowed in a soft manner. "I shall lead you to him."
Vreldilfer put his arms behind his head as he followed the elderly butler inside. Stepping, into the Manor- what greeted him first were the decorations and paintings on the wall that had been replaced.
Vreldilfer glanced at them with cold eyes. A sneer almost escaped his mouth as he observed the interior.
"Since when did the Devil begin to worship God?"
Alfred did not reply. He certainly flinched but he did not stop or turn around to reply to the comment.
It had been a while since Young Master Vreldilfer had visited the Manor. In his absence, a lot had changed.
Paintings of Young Master Vrelfilfer with his mother had been removed and replaced with those of his half siblings and Lady Rosalind.
The Satanic sculptures of a goat with draconic horns and hollow eyes had been replaced with Trinity crosses and similar antiques had been replaced.
Alfred glanced at Vreldilfer, peeking in short intervals to see his expression however he remained impassive and blank at most times only raising his eyebrows.
As the duo continued their journey, a teenage boy stood in a corner ahead. His eyes closed and arms crossed as his crimson hair fell till his nose.
Upon noticing their arrival, the man raised his head to look at them, especially toward Vreldilfer with a smirk.
"It's been a while, loser."
Alfred paused in his steps. He looked at Vreldilfer and then at the boy. The two stared at each other and he could feel tension rising in the air. He bowed elegantly, quick to intervene.
"My deepest apologies Young Master Veron... however I have been tasked with the job to escort Young Master Vreldilfer to Master's study chambers."
The boy glared at Alfred before releasing a scoff. With a little jump, he stopped leaning against the wall. He walked toward Vreldilfer who was taller than him and circled around him, observing his body.
"It seems that the Military did you good but a dog does not become a lion if he learns how to kill."
Vreldilfer did not even put his younger half-brother in his eyes. He stood straight, his posture upright as he spoke lazily.
"Are you done?"
Veron froze. In the past, Vreldilfer had always behaved timidly, never responding to his mother's provocations or talking back to either of them.
"Tch." Veron clicked his tongue as he moved past Vreldilfer, trying to shove him but to fail as the man stood unmovable.
Veron tilted his head to look at Vreldilfer but he was ready walking away, all Veron could do now was stare at his elder half sibling's back from behind... confused.