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A week had passed since the tragic events that shook Dabi's world.
During this ti, Dabi had distanced himself from others, finding solace in quiet monts of reflection.
His days were spent training in solitude, pushing himself to grow stronger,
And dedicating every spare mont to his siblings, Eli and Mira, who were the only family he had left.
They, too, felt the loss and change in their lives, and Dabi made it his duty to ensure they felt loved and safe, even if his own heart was heavy with grief and questions.
However, today felt different from the days prior. Today, he had been summoned to the headmaster's office.
The ssage had been brief, offering no details as to why he was needed, but a feeling of anticipation tugged at him as he made his way through the academy halls.
The air felt tense, as if sothing important was about to unfold.
Upon entering the headmaster's office, Dabi was t with an unexpected sight.
A middle aged man, impeccably dressed, sat calmly across from the headmaster.
He exuded an aura of refinent, with neatly combed silver hair and eyes that seed to hold a depth of knowledge.
As soon as Dabi entered, the headmaster gestured for him to take a seat, and Dabi complied, albeit with a hint of caution.
The man turned towards Dabi and gave a respectful bow.
"I am Butler Beriz," he introduced himself, his voice calm and asured.
Then, he addressed Dabi directly, surprising him. "Sir Dabi," he said, with a reverence that took Dabi aback.
Dabi was startled by the formality of the greeting.
People rarely addressed him with such respect, and especially not with the honorific "sir." Beriz's tone was neither mocking nor sarcastic; it was genuine, as though he were addressing a noble.
Dabi managed a small nod, unsure how to respond to this unexpected level of respect.
Beriz continued, his tone serious and purposeful. "I'm here to inform you that the issues you faced with the Vantore family have been resolved."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "You needn't worry; no elder from the Vantore family will trouble you again.
I have personally seen to it that Garrick Vantore, the head of the family, has agreed that this matter should remain solely between you and Reniel Vantore."
Dabi's mind raced. He rembered all the trouble the Vantore family had caused him, from intimidation to interference in his affairs.
The fact that the head of the Vantore family had declared a truce was baffling, and the timing seed suspiciously convenient.
Why now? And why was this stranger, a butler no less, involved in such an intricate matter?
Sensing Dabi's unspoken questions, Beriz elaborated, "From now on, only Reniel may interact with you regarding any disputes.
The family has left it up to the younger generation to resolve this matter among themselves."
His eyes narrowed slightly, and his tone took on a warning edge. "However, be cautious.
Reniel is… known for his relentless nature and narrow-mindedness.
I would not be surprised if he continues to challenge you in underhanded ways.
Be on your guard."
Dabi listened, digesting the information. This was a strange developnt, and it unsettled him.
He had already been aware of Reniel's animosity, but to have it directly confird by soone connected to a noble family made the situation feel all the more intense.
He remained silent, his mind racing with questions about who this butler truly was and why he was extending such assistance.
Noticing Dabi's confusion, Beriz softened his tone and asked, "How are your siblings, Sir Dabi?"
The question caught Dabi off guard, his mind shifting from thoughts of politics and rivalry to Eli and Mira.
They were the most important people in his life, the reason he endured all the challenges thrown his way.
He managed a brief but sincere response, nodding as he spoke of them.
"They're… well," he said, his voice steady but filled with underlying emotion.
Beriz offered a slight smile and nodded approvingly. "Good.
They're fortunate to have you looking out for them." With those words, he rose from his seat, bowing slightly before taking his leave.
As he departed, he left Dabi with a final piece of advice: "Stay vigilant, Sir Dabi."
The room fell silent once more as the door closed behind Beriz.
Dabi sat there, feeling as though he had just stepped out of a dream. He had so many questions Who was Beriz, really?
Why was he so invested in Dabi's affairs? And how did he know so much about the Vantore family's inner workings?
None of these questions had clear answers, and Dabi could only speculate as he turned his attention to the headmaster.
Raghnall Ferrin watched Dabi with his usual calm expression, but there was a glimr of interest in his eyes.
After a few monts, he asked, "Is there anything else you'd like to discuss, Dabi?"
Dabi took a deep breath. This was a question he had anticipated, and for days he had been mulling over a possible response.
He had been thinking about a particular topic, an idea that had been lingering in the back of his mind. Though he was uncertain, this seed like the right mont to bring it up.
"Yes, actually," Dabi began carefully, his voice steady.
"I've been curious about sothing… If an item you needed were to go up for auction, an item that could heal your injury…
How much do you think it would cost?"
The headmaster raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of intrigue.
"You an the Heart of Eternity?"
Dabi nodded, and Raghnall continued. "That's a legendary item, one that hasn't been seen for generations.
If it were to appear in an auction… it could easily fetch around 1.2 billion gold, if not more. Items like these are fiercely coveted by nobility and powerful figures alike."
Dabi listened, his face a mask of calm.
He had expected as much.
"Suppose," he said slowly, choosing his words with care, "I were to get it for you. How much would you be willing to pay?"
The headmaster's eyes widened slightly in surprise, unsure if Dabi was rely curious or if he genuinely ant to pursue such a rare artifact.
After all, the Heart of Eternity was sothing most believed to be a myth, a relic of ancient tis that only existed in stories.
Raghnall studied Dabi's expression carefully. There was sothing resolute in the boy's eyes, a determination that was not easily dismissed. He could see that Dabi was serious.....
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