The echo of footsteps reverberated through the cold, dimly lit halls of the mansion as Erika and Ralf approached the main doors (this was no ordinary entrance). The weight of anticipation made Erika's heart race; however, her expression remained stoic. Beside her, Ralf knocked on the heavy, imposing door. The sound barely faded before the door creaked open slowly, revealing a shadowy interior. Ralf pushed the door wider, its hinges groaning in protest. Standing inside was an elderly butler, his posture stiff and his expression unreadable. Grey (the loyal servant of Lord Roy) greeted them with a slight bow. "Welcome, Lady Erika and Sir Ralf," he said in a calm, practiced tone. "Lord Roy is waiting for you in the dining hall. Follow me." Neither Erika nor Ralf replied; their silence was fueled by distrust and the oppressive atmosphere (because, after all, they felt out of place). Grey turned on his heel and began leading them through the expansive mansion. The corridors were grand yet eerily quiet; their footsteps muffled by the thick red carpets. Dim chandeliers cast flickering shadows on the walls, adding to the mansion's sinister charm (although one might argue it was more than just charm).
Upon their arrival at the dining hall, Grey (with a dramatic flourish) swung open the doors. Within, Roy sat at the head of the table, embodying both calm and authority. As they entered, he rose, his keen eyes meticulously scanning their expressions before bestowing a disarming smile. "Oh, you've arrived. Please, take a seat. Let's indulge in the feast first; after this, we'll proceed to the next stage," Roy stated smoothly, gesturing towards the opulent table (which was laden with a banquet worthy of royalty). However, the atmosphere felt heavy, almost charged with unspoken tension, because everyone knew that the true purpose of this gathering was yet to unfold.
"Grey, you may leave us," he added.
Grey tilted his head ever so slightly: "As you wish, my lord." He departed quietly, leaving the room thick with palpable tension. Erika's resolve shattered as she slammed her hands down on the table. "Don't act like we're friends, you snake!" she spat (her voice slicing through the suffocating silence). "Bring my siblings here now! And tell me the truth about my father's death. No games, no excuses—where are they?" Roy reclined in his chair, unfazed by her outburst; his smirk widened, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Now, now, Lady Erika," he replied, his tone dripping with condescension. "Let's not ruin the mood with impatience. Sit down and let's enjoy the meal first." Erika clenched her fists, trembling with fury. "Shut up! I'm not here to dine with a murderer like you!" Roy sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as if he were managing a particularly troublesome child. "You really lack manners, don't you? I told you to sit down. At least pretend to have some civility." Erika opened her mouth to retort; however, Ralf placed a hand on her shoulder. "Princess, calm down," he said gently (but firmly). "He's not going anywhere."
Let's sit first—this is matter we'll address step by step." Grinding her teeth (a telltale sign of frustration), Erika glared at Roy before she reluctantly took a seat. She had no other choice: this was only option available—at least, for now. However, the tension between them lingered in the air, palpable and heavy. Although she wanted to voice her displeasure, Erika knew it would be futile.
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As they sat, Ralf took the initiative to speak: "Roy, enough of these theatrics. Bring her siblings here. Now. You've taken this far enough." Roy exhaled through his nose and nodded. "Fair enough. Grey!" he called out. The butler reappeared almost instantly (as though he had been waiting just outside). "Yes, my lord?" "Go fetch Emma and Shun. Tell them we have guests who are eager to see them," Roy instructed. Without a word, Grey turned and ascended the grand staircase. On the second floor, he entered a modest room where Emma and Shun lay sleeping. Gently (but firmly), he woke them. Shun rubbed his eyes groggily. "What could possibly be so urgent at this hour?" he grumbled. Emma, slightly more alert, stood and straightened her nightgown. "Let's not keep guessing. If we're being summoned, it must be important." Shun muttered under his breath; however, he followed her. Together, they descended the stairs—curiosity overshadowed by lingering fatigue.
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Upon entering the dining hall, Emma and Shun froze in place. Their eyes widened in astonishment (upon spotting Erika) seated at the table. For an instant, it felt as though time had come to a standstill. "Erika?" Shun whispered, disbelief clearly etched across his face. "Shun? Emma?" Erika's voice trembled as she pushed her chair back and rushed (toward them). The three siblings embraced tightly in the center of the room: tears cascading down their cheeks. The raw emotion of their reunion filled the space, effectively erasing the tension that had previously dominated the atmosphere. "I missed you both so much," Erika sobbed, holding them as though she feared they might vanish. Emma clung to her (older sister), her tears soaking Erika's shoulder. "We missed you too, Erika. So much. We thought we'd never see you again." Shun's voice quivered with emotion. "You're here… You really came for us." As they wept together, Roy leaned back in his chair, observing the scene with a self-satisfied smirk. "Well then," he interjected, (his voice disrupting the moment) "I've kept my promise. Your siblings are here, safe and sound. Am I trustworthy now?" However, none of the siblings replied.
Their focus remained entirely on one another, as if Roy's presence (had) been momentarily erased from their reality. Roy's smirk deepened as he leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on the table. His eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and calculation. "Enjoy this moment," he murmured (to himself). "The real game begins now; however, the stakes are higher than ever before." Although he appeared relaxed, the tension in the air was palpable; this added an intriguing layer (to) the unfolding situation.
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The siblings' reunion had been poignant; however, Erika was aware that trusting Roy's intentions was unwise. This was not the conclusion of conflict—rather, it marked merely inception. Beneath his smile, there existed multiple layers of deception (manipulation) and Erika was resolute in her quest to dismantle each one (regardless of the price it might exact on her).