The dining hall of the Silvergale estate shimmered with the glow of chandeliers, casting a warm light over the sumptuous spread laid out. Leon entered, greeted by Caelum Silvergale's courteous yet insincere smile.
"Leon, welcome," Caelum said smoothly, though his tone carried a hint of underlying coldness.
"Hello, Lord Caelum," Leon replied, settling into his seat with a composed demeanor.
As the meal began, Caelum directed his attention to Leon. "I heard from Evelina you've been assisting Lady Morgana with her research today. It must be quite an endeavor."
"Yes," Leon confirmed. "We've been working on some advanced enchantment techniques. It's been challenging and exhausting."
Caelum's eyes narrowed slightly. "I see. And what specific aspects of the enchantment are you focusing on?"
Leon maintained his calm. "We're exploring new methods for enchantment stabilization. It's intricate but promising."
Caelum laughed, a sound that seemed more amused than genuinely pleased. "So that's why you look vastly different. Good! If you master it, may I require your assistance? A good enchantment spell is always welcome!"
"Of course, sir," Leon replied.
Caelum turned to Luna, seated beside him. "Luna, you're quite close to Leon. Are you familiar with the details of their work?"
Luna's expression was a mix of irritation and discomfort. "I know some of what he's been working on, but not everything."
Caelum's face hardened slightly. "It's important to be aware of the roles and responsibilities of those around you. Knowledge is crucial."
Evelina, seated across from them, shifted uncomfortably in her chair. Her gaze flickered nervously between her plate and the table, unable to meet Leon's or Caelum's eyes. Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her napkin, betraying her unease. Occasionally, her eyes would dart to Leon, and then quickly away, as if to avoid acknowledging any shared understanding of what had transpired earlier.
Caelum then shifted the conversation back to Leon with a subtle but pointed remark. "I trust you understand your place and purpose here, Leon. It's important to be clear about your role in the family."
Leon met Caelum's gaze with a steady expression. "I'm well aware of my role and its importance."
He knew his role was to support Luna's rise and ensure her success with his magical talent, but he was not bound to follow this time.
Luna's silent hostility was palpable. Noticing her discomfort, Leon decided to push the boundaries. "Luna, you seem to have strong opinions about my position. Is there something specific you'd like to address?"
Luna's eyes widened slightly, and she stiffened, but she remained silent, her displeasure evident in her posture and cold gaze. When her eyes briefly met Leon's, a flicker of defiance crossed her face before she quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Leon smirked slightly, not letting her avoid the issue. "It's fascinating how sometimes unspoken thoughts can be so revealing. Are you hesitant to say what you truly think?"
Luna shot him a sharp look, her composure faltering. "Leon, if you think there's something specific you need to hear, perhaps you should reflect on your own actions and their implications."
Leon's eyes gleamed with knowing. "Ah, so you do have something to say. Maybe you should speak it aloud, Luna. It might clear the air."
Luna's frustration was evident, but she kept her voice controlled. "Leon, I suggest you focus on your tasks rather than probing into my personal thoughts."
Evelina, sensing the rising tension, attempted to steer the conversation away. "Let's enjoy our meal. The food is wonderful tonight."
As the dinner continued, Caelum's indirect reminders of Leon's status and Luna's barely concealed disdain created an undercurrent of tension.
Leon, though aware of his role as a tool in the Silvergale family's plans, maintained his composure while subtly challenging Luna's attempts to keep him in his place.
As dessert was served, Caelum's tone remained polite yet commanding. "I trust your time with us continues to be beneficial, Leon. Understanding your position is key to our mutual success."
Leon offered a polite smile. "Thank you, Lord Caelum. I appreciate the opportunity."
Luna's silent disapproval was unmistakable, and Evelina, though relieved as the evening drew to a close, felt the lingering tension.
Her demeanor was one of barely concealed discomfort, her gaze frequently darting to the door as if seeking an escape from the oppressive atmosphere.
After Leon had left, the atmosphere in the dining hall grew tense.
The lively conversation dwindled into a heavy silence. Caelum, his demeanor now stern, turned his attention to Luna with a critical gaze.
"Luna," Caelum began, his voice carrying an unmistakable edge of frustration. "You need to be more aware of your responsibilities, especially regarding Leon."
Luna, still seated at the table, felt her face flush with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "I'm aware, Father," she said, avoiding eye contact.
Caelum's eyes were sharp as he continued. "Leon is not just a guest. He is part of this family and a significant asset to our plans. Your behavior tonight was unacceptable. It's crucial that you act with the appropriate level of respect and professionalism."
Luna's gaze remained fixed on her plate. She knew Caelum was right, but the reprimand stung. "I didn't mean to—"
Caelum interrupted, his voice firm. "It's not about intentions, Luna. It's about the impression you make. Your actions could jeopardize everything we've worked for. You need to manage your personal feelings and act accordingly."
Luna's hands clenched into fists under the table. "I just—"
"Enough," Caelum cut her off, his tone brooking no argument. "This is not open for discussion. Reflect on your behavior and ensure you uphold the standards expected of you. We cannot afford any more mistakes. If Leon ever decides that he doesn't want to be here, what do you think will happen?"
Luna bit her lip, her anger bubbling beneath the surface. "I understand, Father."
Caelum leaned in slightly, his voice low and intense. "You know how much work I have to do to keep that boy's talent hidden, so make sure you control him. Do whatever it takes."
"Yes, Father," Luna said through gritted teeth, her eyes still downcast. She was seething with frustration, blaming Leon for her current predicament. Her mind raced with thoughts of making his life difficult, vowing to use him to her advantage as long as he was a part of their plans.
Caelum then turned his attention to Evelina, who looked back with a mixture of apprehension and understanding. "Evelina," Caelum said, his tone softening slightly but remaining authoritative. "Make sure Luna comprehends the seriousness of this situation. We cannot have any more lapses in judgment."
"Then go and try to talk some sense into Leon. I have work to attend to!" Caelum added, his voice carrying a note of finality.
"Yes, Lord Caelum," Evelina responded quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
As the tension in the dining hall reached its peak, Caelum's departure left Luna seething with frustration. Evelina, sensing her daughter's distress, approached Luna with a sympathetic look. "Luna, please, calm down. I know tonight was difficult, but we can find a way to address this together."
Luna's eyes, burning with anger, turned to Evelina. The warmth of her mother's concern only seemed to fuel her rage. "Don't you dare talk to me about calm!" she snapped. "You think you can just console me with your empty words?"
Evelina's face fell, but she tried to remain composed. "I'm just trying to help. We need to—
Before Evelina could finish, Luna's hand flew out, striking her mother's cheek with a sharp slap. The sound of the blow echoed in the quiet room, and Evelina staggered back, her hand coming up to her face in shock.
"You useless whore!" Luna spat, her voice trembling with fury. "You can't do anything right! How dare you come here pretending to be of any help when you're nothing but a pathetic excuse for a mother! You've always been weak and ineffective! Even your bloodline doesn't work! You can't even use your own holy power and only gave me so little. Why Father still keeps you is only for your appearance. Don't try to act like you're something you're not; it disgusts me."
Evelina's eyes welled up with tears as she struggled to hold herself together. Her face flushed with pain and humiliation, and she stared at Luna with a mix of hurt and disbelief. The harsh words cut deep, leaving her paralyzed by the cruelty of her daughter's outburst. Her mouth opened as if to respond, but no words came.
Luna, her anger not yet spent, turned sharply away from her mother.
As she walked away, the weight of her actions hung heavily in the air, and Evelina was left to absorb the sting of her daughter's venomous tirade.