296 Meeting the Wickerhems

"Let's go meet your family and see for ourselves," she said. 

Lycster nodded and they continued to make their way through the market backs to the Bureau. Caster informed Vy that he would inform the nobles of their return and arrange for them to meet in the Bureau. 

"They are in Timbretune?"

"Yes, milady. They turned up about a week ago. Since you've sent word about your return, I informed them that you and Lycster were going to return sometime this week. As such, they decided to stay and wait for your arrival."

"Very well, invite them here and we will entertain them in the drawing-room. I assume that the renovations were completed during your absence?"

"Duly noted. And yes, it has been completed. Shall I prepare the paperwork for you in the meantime?"

Vy turned to Lycster and asked, "Would you like me to-"

"Yes please," he swiftly replied, he could read her mind.

"I want you to be there when I meet them."

Vy nodded, "Very well. The paperwork can wait another day."

With that, Caster went off to make the preparations while Vy and Lycster entered the drawing-room. A space specifically made for entertaining guests, there was a comfortable seating area in the middle of the room with a long coffee table in the middle. 

As per Vy's instruction, the entire space was decorated with paintings on the walls, floral plants all around and a fireplace. One side of the room had no walls, only glass panels that had a view of the garden outside. 

Some of the flowers were in full bloom, adding colour to the greenery. There were even butterflies fluttering from flower to flower. 

"I wonder how Sylvy is doing," Vy wondered as she leaned back on the leather sofa as she sat down with her legs crossed. 

"We should write her a letter! I'm sure she would be interested in all the cool things we've seen! We still have to send her that gift we got for her on Skollwood Island!" Lycster suggested. 

"We should," 

Just then, there was a knock on the door and a maid dressed in uniform walked in. 

"Milady, would you like something to eat and drink while you wait for your guests?"

"A glass of orange juice for me please!" The boy exclaimed cheerfully. 

"I'll have some black tea, and could you also bring in an assortment of cookies?"

The maid bowed, "As you wish,"

After some time, the maid returned with a tray full of the items they requested. She served Vy a porcelain pot of Night Black tea, a small plate of assorted butter cookies, and a glass of orange juice for Lycster. 

Vy poured herself a cup of piping hot tea. She leaned back in her seat as they admired the view from their seat. She sipped her hot cup of tea. Lycster was intrigued by the various shaped cookies. 

He picked one up and placed it in his mouth. The sugar crystals on the top melted in his mouth instantly. The fragrant butter of the cookie was enough to tingle his senses while encouraging him to have another. 

Just as he was munching down on his second cookie, there was a knock on the door. 

"Milady, the Wickerhems are here," Caster's muffled voice announced through the closed door. 

"Enter," Vy simply said as she put down her cup and saucer on the table. 

Caster was the first to enter the room, as he ushered in two people; a man and a woman. Both of them were dressed in finery, with subtle jewellery pieces that indicated their status and wealth. 

Vy vaguely recalled the crests and emblems of the different noble houses of the Arkwing Kingdom. The Wickerhem Family's emblem was of a wicker man holding a sword and shield. 

A quick glance at one of their rings confirmed that they had the emblem on it. It was a small detail, but still a step in the right direction. Caster introduced the lady as Countess Lyra Wickerhem and the man is Count Cristo Wickerhem. 

"I must say, Caster, where are you hiding my boy? All I see is this one-handed boy… Wait, he has the same features as my Lycster…" the countess gasped in shock. 

She ran across the room and looked at Lycster up close. Her lips trembled as her eyes were filled with tears. 

"Are you… Lycster?" She asked. 

Lycster looked at the woman before her. Something about her felt vaguely familiar. But he could not quite put his finger on it. 

"Yes I am," he replied. 

The Countess hugged him tightly as she began to cry tears of joy. 

"Oh my sweet boy, my little honey cake! I finally found you after so long. We've been worried sick, thinking you were dead!"

Seeing the boy without an arm certainly struck a chord with them. Count Cristo was certainly unhappy about it. He walked up to Vy and was about to reach for her collar when she quickly stepped out of the way. 

Her movement was so swift and effortless that he did not know how she managed to dodge him. 

He cleared his throat and demanded, "Miss Blackfire, would you like to clarify why my grand nephew is missing an arm?"

Before Vy could even explain, he pointed a finger at her. 

"You better have a very good explanation for it! He's just a boy for Lord's sake! What sort of danger was he put in that caused such an injury!" He threatened. 

"Well…"

"It was eaten by a bear! Sis… Vyrena saved me from it!" Lycster quickly explained. 

"Saved? She couldn't save you in one piece? What sort of environment have you brought him up in? The boy is so scrawny he is almost malnourished!" Count Cristo added. 

-Interesting family.- Aether commented. 

-Families are always weird.- she replied.

With all of their attention on Lycster, and they seemingly did not look like a threat, Vy felt a little more at ease. She decided to excuse herself, so as to give them time to get to know one another and have some alone time. 

"But…" Lycster was about to protest but his sister reassured her. 

"Do not worry, I just want to get some work done. That is all. You can spend time with your mother and we can meet back during dinner time. Countess Lyra, Count Cristo, would that be alright with the both of you?"

"Yes, most certainly," Countess Lyra said with a smile. 

"Very well," the Count muttered. 

With a smile plastered on her face, Vy left the room, waving to Lycster before making her exit. As soon as she was out of the room, with Caster leading the way, they headed to her office. 

Vy quickened her pace as soon as she was out of the room. Caster noticed it as he was lagging behind her but he did not say anything. As soon as they entered her office, he closed the door behind them as she took a seat at her desk. 

Without skipping a beat, she cracked her knuckles and said, "Let's get started. Give me the most urgent ones then-"

"Milady," Caster interjected. 

Vy looked up at him, "Yes?"