Location: Damien Estate
Time: Evening
Mention: @Tpartywithzombi Violet @PapaOso Cassius @FunnyGuy Alexander
Calbert’s lips pressed into a thin line as the door slammed behind Cassius, his mind already a flurry of activity even before the echoes of the slamming door had fully faded. His sharp gaze remained fixed on the trail of smoke in the distance, but his thoughts were already ten steps ahead, analyzing every possible angle.
After a moment’s pause, his fingers drumming against the banister in thought, Calbert straightened and descended the stairs with haste. “Henry,” he called, his voice echoing through the grand foyer, resonating with an authority that left no room for hesitation.
Within moments, Henry appeared, his posture rigid, the body language of a man accustomed to the urgency of Calbert’s summons.
“One of the warehouses is ablaze,” Calbert began, “Have it reported immediately to the appropriate authorities. Ensure the guards are dispatched to investigate and contain it. I want updates every quarter-hour. And, Henry—” His eyes narrowed slightly, “send a small contingent of our people as well. Armed and discreet. Their primary directive is to protect Cassius.”
Henry bowed, his expression neutral. “And if there is trouble, sir?”
“Ensure Cassius remains unharmed. His safety is paramount.”
Henry nodded and took a step to leave, then paused and reached into his coat, producing an envelope.“This arrived for you earlier, sir. I thought it prudent to bring it to your attention before I depart.”
Calbert’s brow arched slightly as he took the envelope. His sharp gaze flicked back to Henry. “Go. Do as I’ve instructed.”
Henry bowed and exited swiftly, leaving Calbert alone with the letter. He turned it over thoughtfully in his hands as he took it to his study. Once inside, he opened a small drawer, he retrieved a cigar and a silver cutter. With practiced precision, he clipped the end of the cigar.
Striking a match, he held the flame to the cigar’s tip, the faint crackle of burning tobacco filling the room. He took a slow draw, exhaling a plume of smoke as he broke the seal on the envelope. As he inhaled, the warm scent of cedar filled the room.
Dear Count Calbert Damien,
I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I wish to express my deepest respect and admiration for the many accomplishments of your esteemed house. I am writing to you with a proposition concerning your talented daughter, Violet, who I understand is not only well-educated but also carries herself with the grace and intellect befitting her lineage. I have come to know of her exceptional abilities, and it is with great respect that I inquire about the possibility of employing her as my personal assistant. In my current endeavors, I seek the aid of someone who possesses both a keen mind and a noble bearing, qualities that your daughter clearly embodies. After briefly interacting with her, I quickly identified that her insights and skills would be of invaluable service to my wife and I, and I am confident that this opportunity could also offer her unique experiences, growth, and a chance to escape her bed chambers so that she does not become a stranger to the world. I, Alexander Deacon assure you that her well-being and development would be of paramount importance to me, and I would be honored to work alongside her. Should this proposal be agreeable to you, I would be most pleased to discuss the details further at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering this request. I await your response with great anticipation and will respect whatever decision you deem most appropriate.
With the highest regard,
Alexander Deacon Vice President,
Black Rose Trading Company
“Alexander Deacon...” he murmured, his tone thoughtful. “A man clever enough to earn Marek’s trust, yet wise enough to keep his personal ambitions close to his chest.”
Alexander’s intentions, even if genuine, could shift under the right pressure.
“He works for Marek, and Marek values him,” Calbert mused aloud, his voice low. “That alone grants him a measure of trust... but not immunity to scrutiny.”
Rising from his chair, he moved to the window, pulling it open with a single sweep. The night air poured in, carrying with it the faint, acrid smell of smoke from the distant fire. Calbert lingered for a moment, letting the cool breeze tousle his long, dark hair like a halo of shadow.
His lips curled into a smile as he drew deeply from the cigar, holding the smoke in his chest. Then, with a slow, deliberate exhale, he released it into the night, the tendrils mingling with the wind. The flickering orange light of the fire in the distance painted the horizon.
“Smoke in the distance, Alexander,” he muttered under his breath, then slammed the window shut. “...If Alexander’s offer is sincere, it could provide her the structure and protection she needs,” he muttered, taking another drag. “But if it isn’t...” His lips pressed into a thin line. “Then I must ensure the damage is contained before it begins.”
“Violet must be spoken to first,” he decided, his voice firm in the quiet study. “Her thoughts on this arrangement will reveal much.”
“And as for Alexander Deacon...” Calbert’s lips curved into a faint, humorless smile. “An invitation is in order.”
He turned back to his desk and reached for a fresh sheet of paper.
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