Lyra wasn't sure what to make of this current development. Lloyd, who'd otherwise been the picture of practiced calm, absolutely melted the second Isobel walked in. She was trailed by a well-dressed older man wearing a suit emblazoned with the Adventurer's Guild's crest on his chest. He was the clerk that she and Lloyd had turned that Berserking Bulette Quest in to! Mr. Shaw, the retired 5-Star Adventurer. In previous runs, he'd been their combat trainer. He was the reason she could cast Eldritch Blast without losing her hand after!
"I have been called here by Mistress Greaves to oversee the sale of this House." Mr. Shaw said.
He locked eyes with Lyra and Lloyd, nodding politely to both as he walked a bit past them toward the Lord of the House. Isobel trailed him, though she was trailed by Lloyd's eyes! He just could not take them off her!
"What the hell happened between them…?"
Mr. Shaw reached into his jacket to reveal a paper binder. "I have with me the papers necessary to signify the sale of this House. Once each relevant party signs, this House will officially be under contract to the Adventurers Lloyd May and Lyra Knight. Is this something you accept?"
Lord Greaves took a deep breath, turned to his wife and son, who were still holding each other, and to his daughter, who was unusually cool.
"Yes. It is. Give that here, Xander. I'd rather make this quick."
"Very good," Isobel spoke. She turned to Lyra, completely ignoring Lloyd. "If you don't mind, father, I'd like to take the new buyers of this House on a thorough tour after they finish signing. Is that alright with you?"
"That would be nice, yes. Though I would like you to join us–"
"That's alright, Father. I'll be staying behind. At least for the week. I'd like to ensure a smooth transition for the new owners."
"I… I'm proud of you, Isobel."
Lyra watched Isobel's mask slip. Just a little. Her lip quivered a bit, though she adjusted relatively quickly. "Thank you, Father," Isobel answered.
***
Things were pretty awkward after the signing, Lyra noted. It was clear they were all barely keeping it together. Even Mr. Shaw seemed to notice, given how quickly he left after receiving the signed paperwork.
Just as she'd offered, Isobel led Lyra and Isobel on a tour, still the picture of "cool" as she showed the two around House Greaves. To her credit, Isobel was a great tour guide. Not only did she show them the most important rooms of the House, but she also gave Lyra and Lloyd a comprehensive history lesson on each place. She wasn't sure what she'd do with the knowledge that Mildred Greaves painted the mural patterns of the ceiling after taking a psychedelic from the Wastelands, but it certainly was good to know… Lyra assumed.
As interesting as the tour was, though, the thing that occupied Lyra's attention more than anything was Lloyd. Specifically, how weird he was being. He hadn't said a word from the moment Isobel showed up, simply just… staring at her like a dog. She, in turn, hardly looked at him, though when she did, it was like he was a schoolboy with a crush, looking away and blushing before she could say anything. She'd never seen this side of him…
Yet, Isobel got to. She'd done something. She had to have. Sure, she wasn't the Demon Queen, but Isobel Greaves obviously had the potential to become her. That cunning existed within her, Lyra knew. It was clear in her eyes. The way she looked at Lloyd. The way she smiled at him when he wasn't looking. The… victorious look in her eye she had. Isobel had done something, and Lyra was going to get to the bottom of it.
"Unfortunately, that's the end of our tour. Do either of you have any questions?"
Lloyd, obviously, didn't answer. Lyra watched as he shook his head. Watched as Isobel registered the gesture. As they held each other's gaze, Isobel maintained that "Demon Queen" look of assured confidence – as though she were in complete control of everything. The moment he looked away, though, it shifted into… something Lyra couldn't fully comprehend. Was Isobel… flustered? Embarrassed?
No. It was obviously something different. Something far more sinister, Lyra knew.
"I do," Lyra asked. Despite having asked for questions, Isobel seemed a bit caught off guard by the suddenness of Lyra's call. Good. "The House is 'Under Contract' now. What does that mean?"
"A-ah, right. Of course." Isobel blinked, surprise giving way to the unabashed confidence of the Demon Queen. "It means that the sale won't officially close for seven days. Do you understand?"
"So… we don't own House Greaves?" Lyra asked.
"You do, somewhat." She grinned, narrowing her eyes as she crossed her arms. "However, if at any point I decide to rescind my Signature of Consent, the sale will be voided and the House returned to the Greaves family. That's all."
Lyra tensed as realization hit. "Is that what you plan on doing…?"
"I mean, I'd rather not. It would inconvenience everybody. My parents are going to be gone by early morning, and you all still have a whole lot of learning to do if you want to make House May a Great House someday. Rescinding my Signature of Consent would be absolutely selfish!" She shrugged. "But… worse has happened in Aspia. We can talk more about this tomorrow. I'll be quite busy helping my family pack, you see." Her smile widened. "You will be here tomorrow, won't you? I'd be… quite disappointed if you didn't."
"What time?" Lloyd asked, speaking for the first time since Isobel showed up.
"O-oh," Isobel stammered, all traces of the "Demon Queen" vanishing. She looked away from Lloyd, cheeks heating. "T-the morning, maybe? My family will be gone by then, and the House cleaned. I'd like to see you– y-you both again as soon as possible so we can discuss next steps. I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to facilitate a smooth transition of power between Houses. I hope you won't mind my presence for another seven days, Lloyd… a-and Lyra."
"Not at all," Lloyd said immediately, causing Isobel's cheeks to get even redder.
"I look forward to your support," Lyra said, unsure what to make of all that.
"Good. Now, if you don't mind, I think you two should leave. This House is going to be busy for several hours, and I'd like you not to see it in that state."