The next day, Egon walked through the mansion like he was the original master.
He didn't work. He didn't have to obey anyone's words.
He simply strolled the long corridors and sunlit galleries while hands clasped loosely behind his back as if savoring the quiet luxury of absolute ownership that had settled over the house overnight.
The servants noticed immediately. They had always moved with practiced deference around the family members, but now their eyes flicked toward him with a new, instinctive caution.
Their footsteps quickened when he approached, their backs straightened, trays were held a second higher, and voices softened to near-whispers when they greeted him.
"Good morning, sir," a young maid murmured as she passed with fresh linens, dipping into a curtsy without being asked.
She didn't meet his eyes for longer than necessary.
Egon gave her the barest nod as he continued on.
In the east wing breakfast room, Vienna sat alone at the long mahogany table with a half-eaten plate of poached eggs and fruit before her.
She wore a simple morning robe of pale silk, hair still loose and slightly tousled from sleep.
When she saw him enter, her posture changed instantly.
Her shoulders eased, lips parting on a soft, involuntary smile. The soreness from yesterday had dulled to a pleasant ache she could still feel with every shift of her thighs.
"Darling," she said with love.
Hearing her, he crossed to her side, leaned down, and pressed a slow kiss across her temple.
His hand slid possessively to the nape of her neck, and thumb ran down on the delicate line of her spine through the silk.
"Did you sleep well, Sweetheart?" he asked.
She smiled seductively, replying:
"Better than I have in years. I kept waking up, wanting you again."
His chuckle was dark and satisfied. "We'll fix that soon enough."
He stood straight amd glanced toward the open doors that led to the terrace.
Noella was already there, standing at the balustrade with a cup of black coffee in hand, gazing out over the manicured gardens.
She wore a tailored day dress of charcoal gray, every button fastened, every seam perfect. Yet when Egon stepped onto the terrace, she turned toward him without hesitation.
"Brother-in-law," she said sweetly.
The title slipped from her lips as naturally as breathing. No trace of yesterday's frost remained in her tone. Only infatuated respect.
He smirked and replied, "Noella. Are you enjoying the morning?"
She set the coffee cup on the stone railing, then replied excitedly,
"Yes, I am, Brother-in-law. And I've already reviewed the household expenses and spoken with head maid Hilga. Everything is in order. The Flower Garden's weekly report will be delivered to your desk by noon. Barbara has begun her duties in the stockroom as instructed. She is performing quite adequately."
Egon geinned at her, "Adequately is a start. We'll improve her enthusiasm later."
Noella nodded showing respect. "As you wish."
Vienna joined them on the terrace, slipping her hand into Egon's possessively.
He accepted it, fingers threading through hers in a loose, possessive grip.
The three of them stood in companionable silence for a moment, the morning sun warming the stone underfoot.
Below them, gardeners moved among the rose beds, clipping and watering, oblivious to the quiet revolution that had taken place inside the walls.
Egon inhaled deeply, tasting the fresh air and the faint perfume of blooming jasmine.
This was his now.
The mansion. The women. The power that had once belonged to others and now answered only to him.
He turned to Noella and said, "I want the east wing study cleared by evening. Move my things in there. It will be my private office."
"Of course, brother-in-law." she replied instantly. "Shall I have the staff prepare it for your personal tastes? Darker woods, perhaps? Or do you prefer something more austere?"
"Dark, and comfortable. I expect to spend time there," he replied.
Noella nodded her head. "It will be done."
Vienna squeezed his hand in nervousness. "And tonight? Will Noella be joining us?"
Egon looked down at her, then across to Noella, who waited with perfect composure for his decision.
He considered for only a moment.
"No. She is my sister-in-law. She deserve some special treatment before she comes between us.
Noella's silver eyes shined with longing. "I will wait for it, Brother-in-law."
Egon released Vienna's hand only long enough to cup Noella's chin, tilting her face up so their gazes locked.
"You've adapted well, Noella," he murmured. "I'm pleased."
Noella blushed.
"Thank you, Brother-in-law," she whispered.
He released her and stepped back, turning once more to survey the gardens, the house, the life that now bent to his will.
The morning stretched ahead of him, lazy and golden.
And for the first time in his life, Egon felt no need to hurry.
Everything he wanted was already here.
But deep down, something felt off.
Were these people truly themselves?
Was he actually loved?
Could he even call it a family when everyone was manipulated by his will alone?
His heart felt hollow.
"Will I ever find a person who will love me for who I am? Someone I don't have to bind with my power?"
He didn't know what the future held. But for now, he told himself that for his survival this manipulation would have to continue.
Once he had built a solid legacy for himself, he would try to find true companionship.
Next goal: Dominate The Dolan City.
For that, he needed strong Soul Evolvers. Hilga, Noella, and a few of the maids were powerful, but not enough.
He needed more.
"Vienna," he said, turning to her, "let's check the Slave Market this afternoon. I need to buy some strong hands for what we're about to do in the coming days."
Vienna had no objection.
"Everything is yours, Darling. I'll get the cash ready."
"And Noella," he continued, glancing at her, "you will accompany us there. Your strength will prove invaluable."
Noella smiled, "All right, brother-in-law. I'll show you just how capable I am."
"Yeah. Just don't create any mess at the market," Egon replied dryly.