Ivan leaned back in his chair, looking around the elegant dining hall with wide-eyed amazement. The intricate chandelier glittered gently above, casting a golden glow over the long, empty table. Mia sat beside him, a matching look of wonder on her face, occasionally whispering excited comments to Ivan as they marveled at the opulent surroundings.

Across from them, Elsie adjusted herself carefully, wincing slightly as she shifted. She gingerly brushed the silk gown she'd been given, a proud little smile dancing on her lips despite the lingering pain from her injuries. "Elsie likes this dress," she murmured dreamily, fingering the fine embroidery. "Elsie never imagined she'd be treated like royalty someday."

At the far end of the table, Aria sat in stark contrast, scowling impatiently at the empty plates and silverware laid neatly before them. She drummed her fingers irritably against the polished wood, eyes narrowing dangerously with each passing second.

With an exaggerated sigh, she shoved her chair back abruptly, the legs scraping harshly against the marble floor, echoing through the room. "Where the hell are Kaiser and my breakfast?" she snapped, her voice echoing irritably off the ornate walls. "This is ridiculous!"

Tristan, standing straight-backed and statuesque in his immaculate suit, merely tilted his head fractionally. His expression was the epitome of calm and professional detachment. "My sincerest apologies, Miss Aria. It appears that several members of the mansion staff have not reported to their duties this morning for reasons yet unknown."

Aria's fierce gaze narrowed further, zeroing in sharply on Tristan's face. "And what about Kaiser? Is he part of your staff now, or did he vanish again?"

The butler remained unflappable, though a flicker of mild amusement passed briefly across his eyes. "Lord Kaiser has not been in his chambers since quite early this morning. His whereabouts are currently unknown."

Aria threw up her hands, frustration radiating from every sharp gesture. "Why am I not surprised..."

Mia giggled softly, leaning over to whisper something to Ivan, who nodded eagerly. Ivan's excitement overflowed, and he leaned closer, voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper.

"You wouldn't believe yesterday, Mia!" he whispered, eyes gleaming. "I was with Kaiser, and we got to see the capital up close. It's huge, bigger than I ever imagined. And you should've seen Kaiser in action! There was this ugly, massive green brute terrorizing everyone, and Kaiser didn't even blink. He just walked right up to him, stared him straight in the eyes, and the guy ran away—like, really ran! Tail between his legs and everything."

Mia's eyes sparkled, hanging onto every word as if it were the greatest adventure ever told. "Wow, Ivan! That sounds amazing. I wish I could've seen it!"

Across the table, Elsie leaned forward curiously, forgetting her own discomfort momentarily. "Elsie would've liked to see the green brute run away! Elsie thinks Kaiser is scary, but in a good way. Like, he's scary but still protects Elsie."

Ivan chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, Elsie, that's exactly it! Kaiser's scary, but when you're on his side, you just feel safe."

Aria scoffed loudly from her end of the table, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Oh, sure. Safe and starving. I'd rather Kaiser scare up some breakfast instead of giant green men."

Elsie tilted her head thoughtfully, chewing on Aria's comment. "Elsie thinks breakfast is important, too. Elsie hasn't eaten like royalty ever, and Elsie's stomach misses food."

Aria softened slightly, the edge in her voice fading into mild irritation. "Don't worry, Elsie. If Kaiser doesn't show up soon, I'll personally drag him back here and force him into the kitchen."

Ivan's eyes widened, impressed and slightly worried. "I don't think even you could force Kaiser into the kitchen, Aria."

Aria cracked a small, proud grin, crossing her arms confidently. "Wanna bet? If anyone can bully him, it's me."

Tristan stood silently near the corner, listening to the playful banter filling the dining hall. For a brief, surprising moment, warmth filled his chest, an unexpected fondness softening his usually stern expression. He had served this manor for many years, and rarely had such genuine laughter and warmth filled these halls.

The sudden creak and heavy thud of the mansion's front doors drew Tristan from his introspection, pulling his attention sharply towards the corridor. Four maids hurried past the open dining room doorway, their footsteps frantic and whispers anxious as they vanished up the stairs.

Tristan's eyebrow rose sharply. Those were the very same maids missing from their duties this morning. He considered pursuing them, demanding explanations for their unprofessional behavior, but before he could move, something outside caught his attention.

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Through the tall window, bathed in the soft light of early morning, two figures moved leisurely up the path toward the main entrance. Tristan squinted, confirming their identities. His expression smoothed back into practiced neutrality, though relief quietly seeped into his thoughts.

At the table, Aria noticed Tristan's subtle shift in posture, her curiosity piqued. "What is it now, Tristan? Another mysterious disappearance?"

"No, Miss Aria," he replied smoothly, eyes still fixed on the approaching figures. "Quite the opposite, it appears."

Elsie's interest perked up immediately, eyes wide with excitement. "Elsie wonders what Tristan means! Is someone returning?"

Ivan leaned over the table , craning his neck to see what Tristan was looking at. "Is it Kaiser? Is he back?"

The butler hesitated only briefly before nodding. "Indeed. It appears Lord Kaiser has returned, accompanied by Princess Celestine."

Aria's irritation vanished, replaced with intrigue and faint amusement. "Oh? This should be interesting. Celestine and Kaiser together this early? Something big must've happened."

Elsie's eyes sparkled joyously. "Elsie thinks they must be friends now! Maybe Celestine is learning to be scary like Kaiser. Elsie thinks that would NOT be amazing!"

Mia smiled sweetly, squeezing Ivan's hand in excitement. "Maybe Kaiser taught her something impressive. Like how he scared off that green brute!"

Ivan nodded, his face flushed with eager anticipation. "Maybe we can see them practice later!"

Aria shook her head ruefully, a small smile curling her lips despite herself. "Careful what you wish for. You remember what happened the last time you asked for training?"

Elsie tilted her head thoughtfully, tapping her chin. "Elsie thinks bruises might be worth it to learn from Kaiser. Elsie wants to be stronger."

Tristan observed their conversation quietly, the warmth returning to his heart. He knew not why he found comfort in this odd group, their laughter and anticipation. Yet, it felt right, like the long-absent heartbeat returning to the mansion after years of silence.

The grand doors swung open moments later, the sound echoing dramatically down the halls. Kaiser strode forward first, calm and commanding as always. Beside him walked Celestine, her presence softened but radiating newfound confidence. Her dress was torn and dirty, but her eyes sparkled brightly, as if reflecting the morning sun itself.

Tristan stepped forward with practiced elegance, offering a respectful nod to the duo. "Lord Kaiser, Princess Celestine, welcome back."

Kaiser's crimson eyes met Tristan's calmly, a faint smile touching his lips. "I trust we haven't kept everyone waiting too long?"

Tristan offered a gentle bow. "Not at all, Lord Kaiser. Though Miss Aria was growing impatient."

For a long heartbeat, the table was silent as everyone took in the sight.

Aria was the first to recover. She shoved her chair back so fast it scraped the floor and launched herself across the room, weaving between chairs and the butler. Before Kaiser could say a word, she threw her arms around his waist, hugging him tight with a relieved, almost childlike ferocity.

"Kaiser!" she exclaimed, squeezing him so hard it almost looked as though she intended to test his strength. "Where were you? We've been starving! WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME LAST NIGHT?!"

Kaiser glanced down at her, the faintest smile curving his lips. He ruffled her hair with his large hand. "There's my little spider. You really can't go half a morning without me, can you?"

Aria beamed, stubbornly refusing to let go. "Maybe I just needed breakfast. Or maybe I missed you, just a little..."

He laughed and patted her gently on the head. "You'd never survive a week on your own."

Elsie clapped her hands together. "Elsie thinks Aria is very brave! Elsie would hug Kaiser too, but Kaiser is scary and Elsie does not want to get dirty."

Celestine, still catching her breath, managed a tired but radiant smile for the group. Even through exhaustion, there was an unmistakable lightness to her. "Forgive our appearance. We lost track of time, and cleanliness it appears. "

Tristan, unfazed by even the strangest occurrences, bowed slightly. "Quite understandable, Princess."

Aria, meanwhile, finally drew back from Kaiser, but only after sniffing the air—and instantly recoiling, pinching her nose with theatrical disgust. "Ew! You're disgusting! You smell like you fought a war with a pigsty and lost!"

Kaiser just rolled his eyes and smirked. "A real spider shouldn't be so delicate."

Mia giggled from her seat, covering her mouth. "Welcome back, Kaiser. And Celestine… you look happier than ever!"

Ivan piped up, eyes bright with curiosity. "Did you two fight in the garden? Can you finally teach me some moves, Kaiser?"

Elsie stared wide-eyed at Celestine's ruined dress, her voice hushed with awe. "Elsie thinks the princess is the bravest of all. Elsie wants to be that strong, too!"

Tristan, suppressing a smile, gestured toward the table. "If everyone is ready, breakfast will be served shortly, assuming our staff can be rounded up."

As Aria took her seat, still fanning her face, she grumbled under her breath, "Next time, I'm dragging you all to the bathhouse first."

Kaiser only smirked, leaning back and folding his arms. "Next time, little spider, maybe you'll last more than a day without a hug."

Kaiser moved to the head of the table, casting a long shadow across the room. He let his eyes drift from face to face, memorizing the fragile peace that reigned here—peace that only existed because he allowed it.

Yet, beneath the laughter and the simple wants of children, Kaiser felt the slow, patient pulse of his own ambition, coiling like a serpent around his heart. This mansion, these people, their warmth and laughter... They were not a destination, but a staging ground. A moment's respite on the endless road he would carve through this world.

'They trust me now,' he thought, glancing at each of them: the bold and brash Aria, the innocent Elsie, the ever-curious Ivan, the steady Celestine, even Tristan's reserved loyalty. 'Trust isn't some prize handed out for good behavior, it's a resource as real as gold. You either spend it, or you hold it close for when it matters. Me? I don't waste a single coin.'

He caught his own reflection in the polished silverware, red eyes sharp beneath tousled hair, a predator seated at the head of a family that didn't quite know what he truly was.

Let them laugh. Let them dream. Let them find comfort in me. For now, I am content to be the spider at the heart of this web.

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