The next morning, Lysander woke up with renewed determination. The dawn light filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a soft glow across his luxurious room. He stretched, feeling the tension in his muscles from the previous day's events. Today was the beginning of his new journey.
He climbed out of bed and made his way to the en suite bathroom. The bathroom was a marvel of elegance, with marble countertops, a deep soaking tub, and a spacious glass-enclosed shower. He turned on the water, adjusting the temperature until it was just right, and stepped into the shower. The warm water cascaded over his body, washing away the remnants of sleep and invigorating his senses. He took his time, enjoying the sensation and allowing his thoughts to focus on the tasks ahead.
After his shower, Lysander wrapped himself in a plush, monogrammed towel and moved to his walk-in closet. The closet was an impressive space, filled with rows of finely tailored suits, casual wear, and an array of accessories. He selected a crisp white shirt, a pair of dark trousers, and a tailored vest that accentuated his lean build. After dressing, he stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his collar and smoothing out any wrinkles. The reflection staring back at him was one of confidence and resolve.
Ring!!
He pulled the ornate bell cord near his bed. A few moments later, their family butler, Sooka, entered the room. Sooka was the epitome of a perfect butler: impeccably dressed, with a calm and composed demeanor. His years of service honed his ability to anticipate the needs of the Aurelius family with precision.
"Do you need anything, young master?" Sooka asked, his voice respectful and attentive.
"Sooka, I need you to compile every auction that will happen this month—the dates, the items, the organizers, everything," Lysander instructed, his tone decisive.
"Understood," Sooka bowed his head slightly and left the room, his movements efficient and graceful. He was a professional through and through, never mixing his duties with personal curiosity. Lysander appreciated this quality, knowing he could rely on Sooka's discretion and competence.
As Sooka exited, Lysander's mind wandered to the implications of his request. Sooka was his father's right-hand man in the household, and it was likely that his father would learn of this new interest. However, Lysander reasoned that Alaric would not mind his son's pursuit of artifacts, especially considering the family's immense wealth. After all, utilizing the resources at his disposal was a strategic move, not cheating. He chuckled to himself, acknowledging the slight advantage his privileged position afforded him.
His thoughts then shifted to the upcoming auctions. In his previous life, Lysander had read about the detailed intricacies of these events in the novel. While he knew when the significant auction would occur, he needed to pinpoint the exact location. By monitoring every auction this month and cross-referencing the details with his knowledge from the novel, he hoped to identify the crucial event where the legendary artifacts would be available.
Lysander sat down at his desk, pulling out a leather-bound journal. He began jotting down his plans and strategies, noting the key points he needed to remember. His handwriting was neat and precise, reflecting his methodical approach to problem-solving. The journal quickly filled with his thoughts on the system's missions, potential strategies for improving his stats, and ideas for navigating his new life.
Minutes turned into hours as he meticulously planned his approach. The sunlight streaming through the windows shifted, marking the passage of time. Despite the enormity of the task ahead, Lysander felt a surge of confidence. The system's appearance had provided him with a clear path, and his family's resources gave him the means to pursue it.
When Sooka returned, he carried a thick binder filled with meticulously compiled information. "Here is the information you requested, young master," he said, placing the binder on Lysander's desk.
"Thank you, Sooka. This will be very helpful," Lysander replied, flipping through the pages. The binder contained detailed schedules of upcoming auctions, lists of items to be sold, and profiles of the organizers. It was exactly what he needed.
"Is there anything else you require?" Sooka asked.
"No, that will be all for now. I'll call if I need anything further," Lysander said, dismissing him with a nod.
As Sooka left the room, Lysander immersed himself in the binder's contents. Each entry was a piece of the puzzle, bringing him one step closer to identifying the auction he sought. He cross-referenced the dates and locations with his memories from the novel, looking for any subtle details that might confirm the correct event.
Hours passed as he poured over the information, but he felt invigorated rather than tired. The thrill of the hunt, the challenge of piecing together clues, and the promise of gaining powerful artifacts fueled his determination.
As the hours crept by, he finally confirmed the date of the auction. Taking precautions, he dispatched guards to attend and inform him if they found the item he sought. Just then, Jeannie, his maid, knocked on my door.
*Knod knod*
"Young master, your grandmother, the Excellency Victoria, has arrived and awaits your presence."
Finally, my grandmother had arrived. Victoria Nightshade is renowned as one of the ten strongest individuals in the world. Her ability to control shadows was unparalleled, earning her the moniker 'The Abyss Queen'. Unlike common affinities, mastery over darkness was exceedingly rare, and those who possessed it could be counted on one hand. Victoria had developed this formidable power without guidance or precedent, a testament to her determination and innate talent.
Despite the scarcity of dark users, Victoria honed her abilities meticulously, crafting unique techniques that elevated her to SSS rank among the world's elite. Her journey was fraught with challenges, mastering a power shrouded in mystery and often misunderstood by others.
"Oh, you're here," greeted his grandmother as he entered the lounge.
"Nice to meet y…" he started, only to be cut off as Victoria enveloped him in a sudden hug.
"Oh, you're so big now! How are you? Do you still need rest?" she exclaimed, fussing over him with maternal concern.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," he managed to say as he extricated himself from her tight embrace, nearly out of breath.
"Hehe, looks like I got carried away," Victoria chuckled playfully, looking remarkably youthful with her fiery red hair cascading around her shoulders.
Taking a deep breath, Lysander observed his grandmother. Despite her age, she showed no signs of it, exuding an aura of strength and grace that commanded respect.
"So, I heard you want me to train you, huh?" Victoria teased, poking his shoulder lightly.
"Yes, can you train me, grandmother?" Lysander asked earnestly, his eyes reflecting determination.
"Hmm, what shall I do? I have so much work to do, but my dear grandson is asking for my help," Victoria teased, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Lysander sighed, familiar with her playful antics. "Please, grandmother, I really need your guidance."
"Well, since my dear Lish has begged me so earnestly, I suppose I can't refuse," Victoria relented with mock reluctance, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
As they continued their banter, the atmosphere lightened with laughter and warmth. Victoria recounted tales of her own training days, injecting humor and wisdom into her stories. Lysander listened intently, soaking in every word from his grandmother.
"Shall we go outside then?" Victoria suggested, gently taking Lysander's hand.
In an instant, they were transported to the serene gardens outside, where sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.