Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 148: The Meeting.

Chapter 148: The Meeting.

Evening.

Meeting Hall, Theodore Mansion.

Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.

********************

In the grand hall of the dark mansions, Lord Theodore stood at the head of a long table, his imposing figure commanding the attention of the assembled nobles, titled men, guards, magistrate and men of his city.

The flickering candlelight casted dramatic shadows across the ornate tapestries that adorned the walls, lending the hall an air of solemnity to the proceedings.

Theodore resisted the urge to clear his throat before he talked.

"My esteemed gentlemen," Theodore began, his voice carrying with it the weight of authority and concern. "I have called you here today to address a matter of grave importance" the men nodded.

His sky blue eyes tried to hold all their eyes, one by one. "It has come to my attention that intruders have infiltrated our fair city, threatening the safety and security of all who reside within its walls."

A whirr of alarm rippled through the gathered crowd, their expressions reflecting a mixture of shock and apprehension.

What is happening, they all mused.

Theodore raised a hand, quieting the rising tide of unease with a steely gaze.

"Fear not," he continued, his tone firm and resolute. "For we shall not cower in the face of such threats. Instead, we shall stand united, vigilant in our defense of our hearth and home."

Theodore turned to his guards and magistrate men, and issued a command. "Increase patrols throughout the city," he instructed, his voice echoed off the vaulted ceilings of the hall.

"Keep a watchful eye on the streets and alleys, and report any suspicious activity to me immediately." he ordered.

Conan cleared his throat.

"Or to my right hand man, Sir Conan" he added.

The guards and magistrate men nodded in understanding, their expressions grim as they prepared to carry out their lord’s orders.

"And to my fellow nobles and titled men," Theodore continued, his gaze sweeping across the room. "I implore you to remain vigilant." he shifted in his seat at the sight of Lydia passing the halls entrance.

"Keep a close watch over your estates and properties, and do not hesitate to seek assistance should you require it." he completed with a clear of his throat.

"Yes, Lord Theodore" they all roared, those who had come here with inklings of fear, relax as they realize it is all for the betterment of Critic Arley that Theodore wants.

"We pledge loyalty" the roar again.

A sense of determination filled the hall as the assembled men pledged their loyalty to their lord and their commitment to safeguarding their city.

In the face of adversity, they stood united, of the two races they knew some existed in this table but they resolved to defend their home against any who would seek to threaten it.

With his message delivered and his orders given, Theodore dismissed the gathering, his thoughts already turning to the task at hand.

While in the spacious dining hall of the Theodore mansion, the flickering glow of candlelight danced upon the elegant silverware and fine china, casting a warm and inviting ambiance.

Lady Theodore, a vision of grace in her rich silk gown adorned with intricate lace, stood at the head of the table, Joyous and Dorothy, flitting about under her watchful gaze.

"Careful with those crystal goblets, Dorothy," Lady Theodore instructed, her voice carrying the refined lilt of nobility.

"We must ensure everything is impeccable for our esteemed guests."

Dorothy nodded eagerly, her hands trembling slightly as she delicately arranged the goblets with trembling hands.

Joyous, her apron dusted with flour from her earlier kitchen duties, bustled about with plates of succulent roast and steaming vegetables, placing them with practiced precision along the length of the polished mahogany table.

As the final touches were being made, the heavy oak doors creaked open, revealing a group of well-dressed gentlemen, their faces flushed with anticipation. Conan had invited them just as Lydia had told him to, left to Theodore he’d let them just go to save himself from the noise.

Theodore appeared as the distinguished figure that he was with bored eyes and an air of authority, he led the procession, his eyes lighting up at the sight of his radiant wife.

Lydia.

"Lady Theodore, you have truly outdone yourself," he exclaimed, sweeping her hand to his lips in a gallant gesture, for the company. He couldn’t let them all know her nickname.

"I daresay our guests shall be most impressed." He added.

Lydia blushed, smiled graciously, her eyes sparkling with pride. "It is my pleasure, my darling husband. And I Helena has been a great deal of help"

At her mention, Helena, emerged from the shadows, her laughter tinkling and soft it drew Conan’s attention from the Viscount whom he had been talking to. "Indeed, my dear, I am positively famished even before eating! But we shall still indulge in this splendid feast"

With a nod, Lydia gestured for the gentlemen to take their seats, the intoxicating aroma of roasted meats and savory sauces filling the air.

Conan stood up after successfully wrenching his eyes away from Helena.

"My lords and gentlemen," he began, his voice carrying across the room with authority, Theodore wouldn’t do this so he must. "I thank you all for gracing us with your presence tonight. Let us enjoy this meal together as we discuss matters of importance."

The men nodded in agreement, their expressions serious, confused yet tinged with anticipation of the feast to come.

Lady Theodore, who Theodore has realized is a gracious hostess, raised her own glass, her eyes alight with warmth and hospitality. She loved the presence.

"To good company, good food, and good conversation," she declared, her voice ringing clear and melodious. "May this evening be one to remember."

With a chorus of clinking glasses and murmurs of agreement, the guests raised their glasses in unison, toasting not to a joyous occasion ahead but in preparation to the ultimate fight ahead.

As they settled in to begin, they went from soft murmurs to engaging in lively conversation and raising their glasses in toast, the dining hall came alive with the joyous sounds of camaraderie and fellowship, a result of the warmth and hospitality of the Theodore household.

"To think the lady of the city was rumoured to be a retard" a voice somehow managed to

Silence ensured.

Thick and strangling.

"Jerald?" someone called him, probably his friend amongst the men, to straighten him.

He cleared his throat quickly to start. "I uhh... my lo- lord Theodore, I did not mean that the way, forgiv-" Theodore cut him off.

"You should not ask for forgiveness" he said.m strictly. "You have done nothing wrong but spread a rumour you heard, no?"

Lord Jerald quickly tried to explain. "Lord Theodo-" but Theodore interrupted him again.

"You shall be rewarded generously" he added.

Another uncomfortable silence stretched as everyone held their breath but they were able to release it when lydia cleared her throat and incited everyone to continue with their meal as they night was drawing nearer.

And as the evening unfolded, the men tried to find comfort but it was long gone as Theodore now sat giving off menacing and cold energy, they felt their bodies unable to relax knowing lord Theodore was upset.

One thing was certain, they all needed to be vigilant and he trusted they would try their best possible to help Critic Arley because it was all they had, they had fought for it before and they would again.

For though the road ahead would be fraught with peril, he knew that together, they would prevail, their bond of duty and honor serving as a beacon of strength in the darkness.

*

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Late Evening.

Theodore Mansion.

Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.

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"Sir Conan!" Tom yelled running after Conan who was leaving the mansion after the men had all vacated.

Conan stopped in his steps, and met Tom’s eyes

"Handsome young man" he said, his tone easy and his shoulders as broad as Tom remembered.

"Is there a history to that nickname?" Tom asked rather politely.

Conan cocked his head. "Does it sound like there is?"

Tom smiled, his nod following. "Suspiciously so, yes" he admitted.

Conan doesn’t respond he merely starts to stroll towards the gates. "Okay, are you the wordy one?" he asked, his confident step as remarkable as his voice.

"No" Tom returned.

Conan glanced at him. "So straight to the point it is then"

"I want to train with you" Tom said after a beat of silence.

Conan narrowed his eyes. "You wish to train with me?"

"Yes, I know I cannot be a knight but I could get inside lessons from one, if you are interes...if you agree of course" Tom stumbled upon words before he finished his sentence where he then stared at Conan in anticipation.

"Have you ever trained before?" Conan.

Tom doesn’t think long before responding. "We had to fight for ourselves but I wouldn’t say I have skill"

"You would it if you work with the empire’s enemy" Conan advised, Theodore despite forsaking the throne is a man of many enemies, from the empire and out.

"Of course Sir Conan, it is why I am interested" Tom agreed enthusiastically.

Their walk continued before Conan said. "I can be strict during lessons, be prepared"

"I am ready sir Conan" Tom roared making Conan nod.

"Good, you can also go to the knights training grounds with me if you want" Conan offered generously.

"Thank you sir, I am forever grateful" Tom expressed truthfully.

Conan looked around before he said. "Take care of the ladies in the mansion" rather quickly.

With a knowing smile, Tom agreed. "Yes, Sir Conan"

Conan nodded and left the mansion with hopes that soon he could talk to Helena again.