Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 201: Preparing For Winter.

Chapter 201: Preparing For Winter.

Dearest Critic,

An Invitation to the Season’s Premier Gala

.

It is with the utmost delight that I present to you the season’s premier invitation. A ball.

With the gentle approach of winter, though the frost has yet to fully settle, the stage is meticulously set for an evening of grandness. Lady Cesita Reyes, in her inaugural venture into the realm of high society, extends an invitation to the distinguished populace of Critic Arley.

Her inaugural ball promises to be an affair of unparalleled elegance, one that only the most imprudent and rather brash would dare decline.

Guests are urged to adorn themselves in their most resplendent attire, befitting the exquisite setting. A word of caution: ensure that no one’s height or stature surpass the height of the doorways, lest one finds themselves regrettably excluded from the festivities.

Shame.

Now, whispers of the Season:

-Miss Isabella, Miss Shi’Enz and Miss Suzanne ware notably absent from last week’s soirée at the Hathaway Estate. Rumor has it that a secret engagement might be the cause of their sudden reclusiveness, pregnancies or congratulations approaching.

-The Honourable Miss Eugenia Clarke was spotted in a rather compromising discussion with the notorious rake, Sir Percival Blackwood. Is she courting danger, or merely indulging in a harmless dalliance?

-Viscount Victore Reyes’s extravagant purchases at the jeweller’s have tongues wagging. Could a proposal be imminent, or is this yet another of his well-known whims?

Oh, he is married.

Let the echoes of last summer’s intrigues resound through the gilded halls, for this city, Critic Arley, eagerly anticipates fresh acts of drama and delight. Lady Reyes’ ball is certain to provide a most splendid stage for new tales of love, rivalry, and mystery to unfold.

.

Yours most expectantly,

Muckraker.

*

*. *

*

Morning

Dining Hall, Theodore Mansion.

Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.

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

Lord Theodore and Lady Theodore woke up early today but all at different times, and when they caught eachothers eyes, Lydia smiled.

She was going to pretend yesterday never happened just like after the night of her wedding where she saw him kill someone where she could see. And that was what the dark mansion couple did, they put yesterday behind them.

Their good morning had no kisses but they didn’t glare or display hurt, they were fine, or so they thought.

The sun had just begun to peek over the horizon as Theodore and Lydia sat down for breakfast in the elegant dining room of their mansion.

The hall was bathed in the soft glow of dawn, casting a warm, golden light over the polished wood table and delicate china.

A fire crackled in the hearth, chasing away the morning chill and adding to the cozy atmosphere but the two felt anything but cozy.

As they sipped their morning tea and nibbled on freshly baked pastries, Lydia broached the topic that had been on her mind for some time.

"Theodore," she began, her voice soft but determined, he answered with a soft growl focused on eating as it felt like last night ate his stomach inside out. The alcohol.

"I have been thinking lately about how we could improve the ambiance of the mansion. It’s a beautiful home, but it feels...a bit dim, do you not think so?"

Theodore looked up from his plate, his brow furrowing slightly as he considered her words, she had been elevating the mansion from the first day she stepped into this place and he didn’t think she’d wish for more of that in this moment but Lydia was a realm of surprises.

"You may be right, my dear," he replied, setting the paper aside.

My dear?! Her mind wailed.

He never called her that, was he putting a space between them by changing her nickname? Her eyes itch and she looks away.

"What do you have in mind?" He asked.

Lydia smiled, her eyes lighting up with faux excitement. "I believe we need a Glassman," she declared.

"Someone who can replace the heavy drapes with sheer curtains, and install larger windows to let in more natural light. And we could use more mirrors strategically placed throughout the house to reflect that light and create the illusion of more space."

We have alot of space in the mansion, he wanted to say but maybe this would help satiate her thirst for his secrets.

Theodore nodded thoughtfully, taking a sip of his tea. "That’s an excellent idea, Lydia," he agreed.

"A Glassman could certainly help brighten up the place and make it feel more inviting. Shall I send for one to come and assess the situation?"

Lydia’s smile widened this time genuinely. "Yes, please do," she replied eagerly.

"I believe it would make a world of difference, not only in the aesthetic appeal of the mansion but also in our mood and well-being."

Her comment made him sigh, maybe he didn’t have to do much, maybe she has decided to trust him.

As they continued their breakfast, Conan and Helena joined them and started to discuss plans for the day and Lydia joined Helena on the future improvements to her home, Lydia couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.

With a Glassman’s expertise, she knew they could transform their beloved mansion into a brighter, more welcoming space, where they could truly feel at home. And with Theodore’s support, she was confident that their vision would soon become a reality.

Secrets be damned, they had eternity to unravel eachother. He went of to work while she went into her office.

*

* *

*

Morning.

His Office, Theodore Mansion.

Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.

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

In his quiet office, Lord Theodore sat behind an imposing desk.

A large desk, crafted from dark oak, stood in the center, its surface neatly organized with papers, quills, and an inkstand. A globe, maps, and various curiosities hinted at Theodores wide-ranging interests and influence.

The room, illuminated by the soft glow of a crackling fire that exuded an air of solemn authority.

The mantelpiece was lined with tokens of past glories, and a scroll bearing the seal of the kingdom.

His seal.

He had sent Shade to summon all the men in the building while he waited for them, and by the lord’s decree, the four figures entered the office with a mix of reverence and curiosity.

Sir Conan was already clad in his ceremonial armor, and as he moved in he stood to the right, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword. Beside him, half in the shadow, was Hound, the shadow guard, he looked around lightly, his piercing eyes missing nothing. Flanking them were the two young boys of the mansion, Tom and Gabriel, who were now handling menial tasks around the estate. Their faces were a blend of wonderment and uncertainty as they faced their lord.

Why did he summon all of them? They knew of the couples fight last night and they wouldn’t want to be dragged in a pool of emotions.

Theodore rose, his presence commanding immediate attention. His eyes, sharp and calculating, he scanned the assembled men. "Gentlemen," he began, his voice a deep baritone, "winter approaches with unforgiving swiftness. Our stores are not as plentiful as they should be, and it is crucial that we take action to ensure the survival of our people."

The mansion needed safes for winter.

The men exchanged glances, understanding the gravity of the situation and it’s difference from their initial fear.

Theodore continued, "I have called together all of you here to devise a plan. Sir Conan, your valor in battle is well known. I believe we can rely on hunting to supplement our stores, no?"

Conan stepped forward, his armor clinking softly. "Lord Theodore, the forests to the north are teeming with game. However, the wolves have been more aggressive of late. A well-organized hunting party could secure enough meat to last us through the harshest months, but we must be vigilant."

Lysander, ever the silent observer, nodded in agreement. "I can ensure the safety of the hunters, my lord," he said, his voice a whisper that seemed to blend with the shadows. "I could gather men that are trained to move unseen and unheard. We will keep the wolves at bay."

Lord Theodore turned his attention to the two boys, who straightened under his gaze. "Thomas, Gabriel, you will be responsible for arranging and managing the food in the storehouse. Every piece of meat, every sack of grain, must be accounted for and stored properly to prevent spoilage."

Tom, the most responsible of the two, stepped forward with a determined look. "Yes, Lord Theodore. We will ensure that nothing goes to waste. We will sort and store everything with the utmost care."

Gabriel, though playful on the eye, echoed his brother’s sentiment. "We will do our best, my lord. We won’t let you down."

The lord nodded, satisfied with their resolve. "Good. Now, Sir Conan, assemble a hunting party. Take only the best, for we cannot afford injuries. Hound, you will oversee their safety and ensure they return with a substantial haul."

Conan bowed, his face set with determination. "It shall be done, Theodore."

Hound left, melting back into the shadows as easily as it is for him to move, a promise of protection leaving his lips. "They will be safe under my watch."

Turning back to the boys, Lord Theodore gave his final instructions. "Thomas, Gabriel, begin preparations immediately. So that when the hunting party return with their spoils, we must be ready to preserve and store everything efficiently."

"Yes, my lord," they chorused, ready to prove their worth.

As the men filed out, Theodore returned to his desk, a sense of urgency propelling his every thought. The survival of the city depended on their success. Failure was not an option.

Outside, the first tendrils of winter’s chill crept through the air, a silent reminder of the challenges to come. But within the mansion’s walls, plans were set in motion, plans that, with courage and diligence, would see them through the harshest of seasons.

Little did they know, their enemies have been steps ahead in certain aspects for months now.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.