Seated elegantly in his armchair, Nero dipped his lips into a glass of wine, savoring each sip with delight. He was lost in thought, reveling in this new life and the future possibilities that lay before him. But as he indulged in his contemplation, a boy approached him, pulling him from his reverie. Klein, his eyes gleaming, gave a slight bow before Nero.
"Forgive me for interrupting, Master, but the one you've been waiting for has just arrived. She's waiting in the guest room," he announced.
Nero smiled gently, set his glass on the low table, and rose gracefully. He followed Klein, walking toward the guest room.
The guest room was adorned with red velvet curtains and sparkling chandeliers. The walls bore a soft, neutral hue, and the floor was covered with a cream-colored rug. At the center stood an elegant, solid wood table, a dim table lamp casting a warm glow over it. Comfortable armchairs were arranged harmoniously around small side tables—some wooden, others glass—offering convenient spots for drinks or personal items.
A young woman sat in one of the armchairs.
Klein stepped back slightly, giving the two a moment to meet.
Nero approached one of the chairs with grace, bowing gallantly to the woman while maintaining a charming smile.
"I'm delighted you could join me this morning. I hope your day has started well," he greeted warmly. The young woman, with a cold glance, seemed to refuse a reply.
Unfazed, Nero kept his warm demeanor. "May I know what brings you here?"
She fixed him with an icy stare. "It's not by chance that you approached me, is it? From the start, you planned to use me to achieve your ends. I'm not sure whether to commend your boldness or make you pay for it right here and now."
The air grew heavy as her hair began to float faintly, despite the absence of any breeze. A mischievous smile curled Nero's lips. "My dear, there's no need to blame yourself. I'd have found a way to get what I wanted regardless. You simply made it easier by avoiding unnecessary conflict. You should take pride in that."
Though anger simmered within her, the woman managed to rein it in. She sighed, calming herself. "A council of high dignitaries met last night, and a decision was made."
"Then tell me—what's the decision?" Nero asked eagerly.
She studied him for a brief moment before sighing again. Standing, she said, "If you want to know, you'll have to follow me."
At her command, Nero prepared to follow without hesitation. But as he took a step, Klein moved forward, determined to join them. Before the boy could speak, Nero raised a hand to stop him.
"That won't be possible."
His words carried a tender tone.
Klein, slightly disappointed, bit his lower lip. He stepped back, though his gaze lingered on Nero and the woman as they walked away with purpose.
Nero glanced back at Klein briefly. "Listen—this lady came to me unescorted. It's only fair I do the same. Or do you think I can't take care of myself?"
Overwhelmed by Nero's persuasive tone, Klein nodded understandingly. "I'm sorry, Master. Please forgive my lack of restraint. I'll wait patiently for your return," he replied, bowing respectfully.
A warm smile spread across Nero's face. Then he turned and joined the woman, who waited patiently outside.
They stepped out of the building and approached a black vehicle waiting nearby. The engine hummed softly as the designated driver opened the door with grace, inviting them to step inside. Once aboard, they were whisked through the bustling city streets. Passersby seemed to drift around them, while towering buildings rose majestically on either side.
At last, the vehicle stopped in front of a spacious plaza. The driver, ever dutiful, opened the door for them.
Nero took the lead, heading toward an imposing building ahead, but before he could take another step, the woman placed a light hand on his arm and pointed to a modest restaurant nearby.
"Where were you off to? This is our destination."
A smile played on Nero's lips as he followed her toward the restaurant.
The interior exuded a cozy, family-like charm. Framed photos lined the walls, and checkered tablecloths added a warm touch to the atmosphere. The manager, a friendly-looking man with graying hair, greeted them with a kind expression.
"Red special menu for two," the woman declared abruptly.
The manager's gaze shifted subtly.
"How would you like it cooked?" he asked.
"Medium," she replied.
The manager nodded. Without another word, he signaled a young man in a white shirt nearby, giving him a nod to take over. Then he approached the pair. "Follow me," he urged in a warm tone.
He led them to a small, hidden door tucked into a shadowy corner of the restaurant. They stepped through, and an old but well-maintained elevator appeared before them. With a final benevolent smile, the manager nodded and took his leave.
Left to themselves, the woman took charge, opening the elevator and stepping inside. Nero followed calmly as the doors closed behind him. Inside, Nero turned to her, impatient. "So, are you going to keep me in suspense until the end?" he asked with a sly smile.
"Stop playing innocent. You know exactly where we're going and why. It's irritating," she shot back.
A faint sigh escaped Nero's lips. "You're not as fun as you used to be, you know," he teased.
"Whose fault is that?" she retorted sharply.
The elevator came to a stop with a soft metallic creak. The doors slid open, revealing a scene straight out of a bunker. Dozens of guards stood ready to escort them. The woman strode forward without hesitation, Nero close behind. The guards flanked them as they approached a massive door at the end of the hall. She pushed it open, and they stepped inside, leaving the guards behind.
The room opened into a vast space dominated by an enormous table at its center. The chairs around it were occupied by figures wearing masks that concealed their faces.
Nero entered with confidence. "Good day, everyone!" he greeted the assembly warmly.
The woman, meanwhile, took a seat in silence, her expression serious.
"Welcome, Mr. Grimwald. We're pleased you agreed to come—and alone," said a member wearing a lion mask, his tone dry and distant.
"It's the least I could do, given the invitation. I must admit, I'm dying to know your decision," Nero replied kindly.
Without delay, he took a seat at the far end of the table, facing the lion-masked member. A tense silence settled over the room.
At last, the lion-masked figure broke it. "We've thoroughly reviewed your proposal, analyzing every detail with care." Pausing to meet Nero's gaze, he continued, "Today, we'll inform you of our decision, Mr. Grimwald."
A cunning smile curved Nero's lips as he awaited the next words.
Would they agree to become his pawns, or would they choose the path of destruction?
All eyes in the room fixed on Nero, anticipating his reaction, aware of the weight his involvement carried.
The lion-masked member let out a muffled laugh through his mask and turned to his colleagues. "Before we proceed, I think there's no point in wearing these masks. What do you say, dear collaborators?"
"Indeed, there's no need," agreed a member in a cat mask.
After a brief pause, they all removed their masks in unison, revealing their true faces.
"You look much better this way," Nero remarked with amusement.
"Very well, with that done, let's continue," announced the lion-masked member—now unmasked, revealing a mature woman with short silver hair and piercing blue eyes.
She took a breath. "The council and I have decided to hand over the guild to you, Mr. Grimwald."