Dimension System: SSS Rank Talent Awakening

---

Ravier chuckled. "Straight to the point, as always. Very well.

I wanted to discuss your future not just within this family, but beyond it."

Dabi's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Ravier leaned forward, his gaze piercing.

"The Asterius family holds influence far beyond these walls. With your abilities and your determination, you could achieve great things if you're willing to embrace your heritage."

Dabi's heart raced, though his expression remained neutral.

"And if I'm not?"

Ravier's smile was faint but knowing.

"Then you'll still have my support.

But there are forces at play that you cannot ignore, Dabi. Forces that will challenge everything you hold dear."

The room fell silent, the weight of Ravier's words settling heavily on Dabi's shoulders.

"What kind of forces?" Dabi asked finally.

Ravier's expression darkened.

"That's a conversation for another time.

For now, consider this an invitation to step into a role that could change not only your life but the lives of everyone around you."
Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

As Dabi left the study, his mind churned with questions and doubts. The royal estate, with all its splendor and secrets, was beginning to feel like a gilded cage.

But one thing was certain: the challenges ahead would test him in ways he had never imagined.

The next day-

The Asterius estate, with its labyrinthine corridors and unyielding air of grandeur, hid as many schemes as it did treasures.

From the moment Dabi and his siblings arrived, whispers and side glances became their constant companions.

Chief among their detractors was Lord Cedric, who had made it his personal mission to undermine Dabi at every turn.

It started small: Dabi's requests for training spaces mysteriously went unfulfilled, leading him to empty halls or double booked arenas.

Servants "misplaced" his belongings, and his siblings found their favorite garden mysteriously closed for "renovations."

Rumors swirled in the estate's shadowy corners, painting Dabi as an opportunist eager to claim power.

Eli and Mira noticed the subtle slights too. Mira huffed in frustration one evening.

"I asked one of the maids for a book, and she told me it wasn't suitable for 'children of our kind.' What does that even mean?"

"It means we don't belong here," Eli muttered, kicking at the leg of a chair.

Dabi's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to smile. "It means they're trying to test us," he said calmly. "And failing."

The next morning, he devised a plan. Rather than confront the servants or Cedric outright, Dabi chose to observe.

Over several days, he noted the patterns in their behavior: how Cedric's orders subtly encouraged the misdirection,

How specific staff members catered to Cedric's whims, and how others seemed uncomfortable but too fearful to act.

When Cedric staged another incident a servant "accidentally" spilling tea on Mira during breakfast Dabi acted.

"Accidents happen," Dabi said, his voice loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. He stood, helping Mira clean up.

"But it's strange how often these 'accidents' seem to involve the same people."

Cedric's smirk faltered.

"Perhaps we should investigate," Dabi continued, his tone light but firm.

"I'm sure the head steward wouldn't mind reviewing the staff's conduct.

After all, the Asterius family values integrity, doesn't it?"

The room fell silent. Cedric's face turned a shade paler, and the servants shifted uncomfortably.

One by one, they apologized, their loyalty to Cedric wavering under Dabi's quiet scrutiny.

Most of the servant only obey Cedric cause he is abusive of his power. If they don't listen to him the will get punished by him.

But in this situation, they can't support him. Other family members are present right now. By the end of the breakfast, the incidents ceased.

Cedric's influence over the staff had weakened, and Dabi had earned a few quiet nods of respect from family members who had witnessed the exchange.

Later that evening, Dabi sought out Tessa in one of the estate's private sitting rooms.

She sat by the fire, a book in her lap, but her gaze was distant.

"You've been avoiding me," Dabi said as he entered.

Tessa looked up, startled. "I thought you might need time to settle in."

I just want you to be able enough to deal with some petty politics. That's the reason I didn't do anything when Cedric was doing all that.

You are a royal you need to be able enough to deal with some small politics by your own. I just gave you time to adjust yourself with politics.

"Time, or distance?" Dabi countered, closing the door behind him.

Tessa sighed, setting the book aside.

"I know you're angry," she said. "And you have every right to be. But I brought you here for your safety."

Dabi crossed his arms. "Safety? Or leverage? Let's not pretend this is all for my benefit. What do you really want, Tessa?"

Her expression softened. "I want to reunite our family. To give you and your siblings the life you deserve.

But there's more at stake here than you realize. The Asterius name carries power, and with it, enemies. If you remain isolated, you'll become an easy target."

"And if I stay?"

"You'll have allies," she said firmly. "Protection. Resources. A chance to uncover the truth about your parents and Nazu."

Dabi studied her, searching for deception. He found none but remained wary.

"I'm not here to be a pawn in your game, Tessa. If I stay, it'll be on my terms."

"Fair enough," she said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "But I hope, in time, you'll see that we're on the same side."

Then conversation ended, Dabi was leaving the room. Tessa said just learn how royal politics work. It's necessary.

While Dabi navigated the estate's political minefield, Eli and Mira provided much needed levity.

Mira, ever curious, convinced one of the maids to let her bake cookies in the royal kitchen.

What began as a simple experiment quickly turned into chaos.

Flour dusted the counters, batter splattered the walls, and Mira somehow managed to break three eggs into her hair.

The head chef, a stern woman named Magda, initially looked ready to explode.

But Mira's earnest apologies and determination to finish the cookies melted her resolve.

"Fine," Magda grumbled, rolling up her sleeves. "But if you're going to bake, you'll do it properly. Let me show you."

By the end of the day, the kitchen staff were laughing as Mira proudly presented a tray of slightly burnt cookies.

Despite their imperfections, they were a hit, and Mira's charm won over even the strictest staff members.

Meanwhile, Eli spent his days at the stables, fascinated by the estate's horses.

One particularly stubborn stallion, named Obsidian, refused to let anyone near him. The stable hands warned Eli to stay away, but the boy was undeterred.

For hours, Eli sat outside Obsidian's stall, quietly offering pieces of apple and speaking in soothing tones.

By the end of the week, the once reclusive horse allowed Eli to stroke his mane, much to the astonishment of the stable hands.

"That boy has a gift," Gareth, the head stableman, remarked. "Obsidian's never taken to anyone like that."

Eli beamed, his connection with the horse a rare bright spot in their challenging new environment.

The siblings' moments of triumph were interrupted by a summons to the grand dining hall that evening.

The atmosphere was tense, the air heavy with unspoken words. At the head of the table sat Ravier, his expression unreadable.

"Thank you all for coming," Ravier said, his deep voice commanding the room's attention.

His gaze lingered on Dabi. "There's a matter we must discuss one that concerns the future of this family."

Dabi stiffened, sensing the weight behind his words.

Ravier leaned forward, his eyes piercing.

"As you know, your Aunt Nazu remains in a precarious position. She is a servant of the Asterius royal family."

I heard from Tessa you wanted to take her with you Dabi. 'Ravier said.'

Yes, you heard it right. I want to take her with me. By the way where is she.

I asked about her multiple times but nobody knows where she is....

Ravier said. She is on the different state of our family. Doing her work.

Dabi if you want something from a royal family you have given someone back. We can't just let you take her back.

"What that might be?" Dabi asked, his voice steady despite the unease creeping into his chest.

Ravier's lips curved into a faint smile.

"Nothing much just a alliance. A marriage, to be precise. Between you and a noble family of our choosing."

The room fell silent, the bombshell hanging in the air. Dabi's mind raced, his heart pounding.

"What?" he said, his voice sharper than he intended.

"This is not a demand," Ravier continued, his tone measured.

"But a proposal. Consider it a condition one that will ensure Nazu's return and strengthen your position within this family."

Dabi clenched his fists under the table, his composure slipping for the first time.

The room seemed to close in around him, the weight of the royal family's expectations pressing down like a vice.

Ravier's gaze remained steady. "The choice is yours, Dabi. But remember: every decision carries consequences."

Dabi staring down the head of the table, his mind swirling with anger, doubt, and a growing determination to forge his own path.

---