"What do you think, Mr. Winter? Is it to your satisfaction?"
Sporting the brightest, most polite smile that he could muster, Nye bowed slightly but obsequiously, motioning in the direction of the massive structure complex behind him.
It had originally been a holiday resort of one of his sons, but ever since the owner's death, it had fallen into disrepair. Due to the need of presenting the Sybillans' saviour with a home of his own as quickly as possible, Nye had recalled this old place. With the property already under his control, it wasn't difficult to hire and 'motivate' the best of the best, getting it refurbished and expanded, upgrading and modernizing it in the process as well.
"Absolutely! The ocean view and pristine beaches all around are wonderful. What a soul-soothing property. Thank you, truly!"
Reciprocating kindly, Theodore shot the Prime Magistrate a radiant smile of his own. While he had been keeping an eye on this area to make sure that no tricks were being played all along, he genuinely couldn't complain about Nye's choice.
Situated on an island as big as a country, a vast 'city' of many mansions was spread out. They differed in sizes and the extent of luxury, clearly mostly intended for his people and lackeys. Only those towards the centre of the island were many cuts above the rest, surpassing even a number of high-end estates that he had seen before.
"In comparison to what you've done for us, this is nothing! By the way, I did not dare to hire any servants yet, fearing that some of my choices might not be to your liking. Rest assured that no matter who you decide to employ, I will be footing the bill! Those peanuts are not worth mentioning between us, after all."
Nye really wasn't joking. With Theodore's death already arranged, he would do his damnedest to avoid stepping on his toes in any way whatsoever. He barely knew him, after all, therefore he wouldn't risk a falling out with him over recruiting the wrong kind of eye candy.
"Oh? Then–and forgive me for asking this so bluntly–would it be alright to hire your granddaughter? Only if she would like to work here, of course."
Fully aware that this scum had long enacted some sort of plan against him, Theodore chose to behave a bit overbearingly. Still, he wasn't bringing this topic up solely to put Nye into a tough spot: Keeping Cadi under closer surveillance was also something that he had discussed with his trusted few.
"... I hope I'm not understanding this wrong... but does this mean you intend to accept her advances?"
Narrowing his eyes, the orange-red haired man's gaze turned a bit more complicated, yet he tried hard not to let it show. How could he possibly not guess that Cadi's drastic changes had something to do with this youngster? Yet, because they clearly had been of a huge help to her, he had nothing to complain about. In truth, he even felt a tiny bit awkward for having practically put out a hit on the greatest benefactor of the apple of his eye–but he didn't regret it. If he could go back in time, he would still make the same choice.
"Not exactly. I'll let her enter a trial period. You may not be aware of this, but before she stormed off, she promised me that she would become a new person. I simply want to give her a chance to prove that she's got what it takes."
Although Theodore's non-committal answer didn't satisfy Nye, he could only make do with it for now. Whether or not Cadi could 'conquer' him, that would be left to her. He had never excessively meddled in her matters, and he wouldn't start doing so now either.
"You have my approval. Should I let her know about this job offer?"
Recalling his plans for today, Theodore paused for a moment, then he responded with a nod.
"Please do. It would be best if she can come here in the evening. Before then, I'll still be busy getting settled in."
An agreement to this request and some tactful pleasantries later, Nye excused himself, disappearing in an instant. If one didn't know any better, then one might be under the impression that he was escaping... which was actually the truth.
'I know that he's just trying to intimidate me, but was it really necessary to juggle that light ray-imprisoning cube as if it's but a toy?!'
His back drenched in cold sweat, Nye caught a few deep breaths once he had returned home, his face paling in fright as he recalled this short encounter. Fortunately, he had weathered many a storm in the past, allowing him to shrug off the fear not long after.
'On the bright side, him engaging in tactics like these signifies that he wants to maintain the status quo for the time being. Indirectly, it proves that I'm still safe. Else, why would he be putting on an act like this?'
Feeling reassured, he dried his clothes, then he checked on Cadi. Noticing that she had already got out of her tub and put on a bathrobe, he judged her to have finished her retreat. Writing down the message that he was supposed to deliver, as well as his own deductions about Theodore's motives, he manipulated some of his Energy to transport the letter directly to her.
What had prevented him from doing the same back when he had wanted to reach out to that headache of a saviour was that the Arrays that had been set up were too strong, making him unable to perform such a deed. He could have attempted to overpower them, but that would surely have been seen as an act of aggression–for very good reason.
'What does grandpa want now?'
Furrowing her brows unhappily at the innocent sheet of paper, Cadi snatched it out of mid-air. Yet the more that she read, the happier she became. Wasn't this news exactly what she had been looking forward to the most?
'But... am I truly ready to meet him again?'
Placing a hand on her chest and sensing her rapid, irregular heartbeat, her cheeks flushed a slight shade of red. She was both scared and excited, as well as hopeful for 'something more'. Never before had she felt so conflicted when it came to matters of the heart and body, therefore this was an entirely novel experience for her.
'I can try to subtly ask him about that voice, too. Grandpa only knows as much as the Sybillan Republic does, and I couldn't find anything relevant or helpful in our databases–so it would be pointless to bother him with this.'
She wasn't aware of it herself, but ever since her transformation, she had been even less on guard towards Theodore than she had been before. It was almost to an irrational, mind-altering degree. As if she was the one who had been charmed this time.
Humming some happy tunes to herself, she made sure to check that the weird creature that her discarded toy had turned into had been dealt with, then she returned back to her own place.
Searching through her various items of clothing in an effort to present herself in as appealing of a manner as she could achieve, she came to the startling realization that due to her sizes having changed, most of them didn't fit her any longer.
Although she wouldn't be opposed to wearing some of her baggier garments and simply be fully au naturel underneath, she desperately didn't want to be perceived as a slut this time!
So for the next few hours, she was searching through various expensive stores' offerings and ordering anything that caught her eye, trying on more pairs of underwear and bras in front of the mirror than she had probably worn in her entire life.
-----
Long having informed Rhain and his parents, Theodore could pick them up and bring them to his new territory in the blink of an eye. Before he had done so, he had already relocated his privacy- and security-ensuring Array Disk from the Grand Tholos to his private island, his Subordinates following along happily.
"Wow! This is awesome! Teacher, where's my new home going to be?"
Practically jumping for joy, the young boy ran up to him with his eyes sparkling with excitement. Just like most kids, he was a huge fan of seaside resorts. Until today, he had only ever seen pictures and recordings of them, but he had never actually got the opportunity to see the ocean.
"I'll leave that choice up to you. Other than those bigger houses in the centre, you're free to choose where you want to stay. But once you make your decision, it'll be final. Don't forget to discuss it with your parents, alright?"
Smiling slightly, Theodore patted his shoulder, leaving the entire matter to the family of three. With nobody but him and his Subordinates living here yet, Rhain could pretty much reside wherever he wanted. With information on all of the buildings and the layout of the island at the three's fingertips, he shouldn't have to wait for long.
Some hushed discussions which he deliberately didn't listen to later, the boy walked up to him again, pointing at a particular spot on the tablet that he had received as a small present today.
"This one would be best, teacher!"
Taking a quick glance, Theodore couldn't help but slightly nod his head in approval. To no surprise, it was a property bordering on the ocean, but it was situated atop a solid cliff. Even in the event of a high tide or a storm, it shouldn't be hit too badly. The various security measures in place could help ward off strong winds, allowing the inhabitants of the house to remain at peace whilst the world around them was being badly battered by Mother Nature.
There was a big gate and a regular-sized door leading outside and to the beach in the third basement. Both of these would be heavily reinforced should the need arise, keeping them practically immune to the elements.
'Safety and comfort in one–truly a good choice.'
Mentally giving his first Student a thumbs up, his smile became a little warmer.
"I agree! I'll bring you there immediately, so that you can unpack your bags and familiarize yourself with the place."
Right after he had announced his intent, the four already found themselves directly in front of Rhain's family's new home. The breeze was gentle and the sunlight soft, the swaying branches of the tropical trees in the garden cheerfully inviting them inside.
"Go on, check it out. I'll come by again in a day or two. If you need anything, simply contact one of my people at those central residences. I have to deal with a few more matters for now, so if you'll excuse me..."
Courteously bidding them farewell again shortly after having met, Theodore exited the stage, leaving the trio to their own devices. Rhain's parents had secretly contacted him before, telling him that they didn't want to impose on him, or take advantage of his kindness.
In truth, they simply felt uncomfortable accepting such an unfathomably expensive gift for practically free. That was why he had invited them to become his employees on paper–their responsibility would be to keep their new property clean and tidy, but that was all. They would be paid a salary as well, with which they could exchange for any necessary items or resources. This way, the couple could feel better about themselves, and he could ignore this matter of their pride henceforth.
"By the way, Lady Reese. If there are any promising individuals over at the Grand Tholos who want a fresh start, feel free to invite them to come work for me here. We'll also have a discussion about how to proceed in the afternoon, so please be there."
Once he had distanced himself far enough, he turned to face in a particular direction and gave Cristyn some instructions. The Oracle had appeared nearby earlier and had watched his handling of his Student and his family with a kind, doting smile on her face.
"I'll see what I can do! See you in a few hours."
A bit embarrassed at having come here without being invited first, she was glad that he hadn't made a big deal out of it. Accepting this small task in exchange for this slight overreach on her part was not a problem.
'If she had waited a bit longer for me to contact her, then she wouldn't have had to feel any guilt at all. That aside, the sheer fact that she could make it all the way here despite all of the active Arrays should have told her that she's allowed to visit. Oh well.'
Watching her rush off in a hurry, he couldn't help but smirk in amusement.