"Master Kione, the Lord, and the Lady arrived home last night, and they would like to have you down for breakfast." Merle stood at the end of the stairs with his head bowed, informing Kione, who was making his way down the flight of stairs.
"I have an early work in the council. I would have to skip breakfast today. Where are they?"
"They are having tea in the parlor room, sire. The Brigham would also be having breakfast with the family."
Just as Merle mentioned this, the sound of a carriage entering the mansion was heard.
"Why am I only hearing of this now?"
The butler bowed deeply and said, "The information was sent just this morning. Having had a good relationship with the Brigham, Lady Meredith could not refuse." He added, "And she feels it would be a good way to rekindle your relationship with the mistress after a long time."
His master scoffed before checking his pocket watch and closing it.
Kione strode to the parlor room, where his parents were having tea together. "Son, you finally came." Meredith said while placing her tea cup down.
"Father, mother," he greeted. "How was your visit to Whittaker?"
"It was good. The old man still has the energy in him." Rafferty chuckled.
The Brighams waltzed into the room behind the butler who led them, and at the same time, a maid came to inform the lady that the dinner table was ready.
"Oh, our guests are here." Meredith chimed in with a smile as she welcomed them. "Let's move to the dining room at once."
"Thank you for having us even on short notice." Mrs. Brigham said as they settled in the dining room.
"Olivia dear, how was your visit to the north?"
The mistress looked up from her meal to look at Lady Meredith with a shy smile on her face and said, "It wasn't all that fun since Kione wasn't there." A light blush on her cheek as she looked at him.
Kione didn't bother to look up from his meal despite feeling the numerous eyes on him, all expecting him to acknowledge Olivia's word.
"Eh-Ehn—" Meredith cleared her throat in an attempt to reduce the building tension. She looked at her son, who smeared jam on his bread and placed it in his mouth, seemingly ignorant of Olivia's gaze.
"Son, won't you say anything?"
He raised his eyes to his mother. "What?"
"Ms. Olivia just said she missed you." Meredith smiled at her son's obvious behavior.
"Isn't it natural for her to? After all, I'm like the brother she never had." Kione said it smoothly.
And if possible, everyone's mouth fell ajar in surprise at Kione's words. Olivia, on the other hand, was too embarrassed.
"Why are you all being overly dramatic?" He turned to Olivia and asked, "Was I wrong?"
"You are not like a brother to me, and you will never be." She almost shouted in his face.
A cocky grin played on his lips. "Then why did you miss me again?" His words were smug, daring her to say what he knew was running through that thick head of hers.
But he also knew that the mistress was proud. It would be beyond her status to say her intentions out loud.
"I'm-I'm—" His grin stretched when she could not form any words. Angry eyes stared back at Kione, as if she could tear him apart if no one was watching.
"Forget it. I'm sure Mr. Kione was only joking." Mrs. Brigham tried to coerce her angry daughter while placing a hand over hers under the table.
Without turning to look at them, Kione replied, "Pray tell me, what is there to joke about?"
"Son?!"
"Mother," Kione said, standing up from his chair. "I will have to leave first, as I have an early work in the council." He placed a kiss on her cheek and offered Lord Rafferty a polite bow before leaving.
Meredith nodded before turning her attention back to the table.
"I heard your son has been doing a terrific job on the council lately." Mr. Brigham started a conversation with the Lord of Winstol. "The rogue werewolves' case was solved within a day." His voice held amazement.
Lord Rafferty said, "Mm, it was a case that needed urgent attention."
"Agreed. And it is a good thing that there is someone like your son in the council." Commented Brigham.
While their conversation ensued, Kione had left the mansion in his carriage, heading for the council building in Bevylore.
An hour passed before the carriage came to a stop in front of the building. Once Kione stepped out, he spotted Craig waiting patiently for him.
Kione walked towards him with his hands dug into his trouser pocket.
"Sire, there is a new case, and I feel it would be to your liking." Craig announced it with great certainty.
His eyes squinted at his subordinate. "I do doubt you know what is to my liking." He answered as he started to walk inside the council building, and Craig quickly followed him hot on his tail.
"A rare case that might pique your interest." Craig commended trying to get the young lord's attention.
Kione continued to walk before saying, "What is the case about?"
Craig started, "A man was killed, and his two kids were poisoned by a witch. Surprisingly, it was their mother who was the witch."
"Well, I don't see how the case is to my liking." Kione deadpanned. "Cases like this aren't new to the ears."
"No, that's not the interesting part. Nobody has been able to figure out what kind of poison it is. Despite being verified dead for more than an hour now, their hearts still show signs of life, but their bodies are as cold as a dead corpse.
"What about signs of getting turned into a vampire?" Kione asked.
"There were no signs. Fraser believes the witches are trying to make a new poison to harm the vampires."
Kione hummed in response and said, "Where are the bodies now?"