EPISODE 6
---
Mr Kamen: Switch off the power supply.
The mansion's power is cut.
Though Yancy Wil refuses to give up, doing something rather spectacular with the cooking despite the blackout.
Magnus, still watching the grainy feed, lets out a low whistle.
Magnus: (Scoffs, genuinely impressed) What a mad gentleman you've got there, Mr. Vaj.
Mr Kamen merely squints at the monitor.
---
Magnus: I've registered Tib for the political class. Though don't be too confident—he won't easily befriend the son of our bait.
Mr Kamen: He has no other choice.
---
Inside Tiberius' room,
Yancy Wil brings in a bowl of sweet, aromatic noodles.
Maid Bethany: Miss Azenor was sent back home this morning. Mr Kamen informed her family that she was nothing but a distraction to the household. She's been banned from setting foot in the Empire Territory.
Yancy: Oh?
Sniffle.
They both turn to see Tiberius quietly sobbing.
Tiberius: {This meal… it tastes just like Mama's. Why?}
Maid Bethany: Junior Master…
Yancy: Oh my… (Gently patting his head) There now, don't be upset. Even if she's been dismissed, you can always meet again in the future. Isn't that right, Bethany 😄?
Maid Bethany: (Nods repeatedly) Mm-hm!
Tiberius: (Wiping his tears himself)
{Fool. Who said I was crying because of Azenor?}
Please… may I have more?
Yancy: Of course you may 😄.
They eat together and later play a few light-hearted games.
---
Another Night
Penthouse bedroom, Hovelle Hotel
Bare-chested, Mr. Kamen leans casually against the edge of the heavy oak table, the glow of light tracing the lines of his shoulders and his smooth built upper body. He swirls the deep crimson wine in his glass with slow, deliberate turns of his wrist, watching the liquid catch the light as his thoughts drift back to the charged events of earlier that day.
Flashback
Tiberius: No! I want Yancy Wil to come with me!
Assistant Butler: {(Panicking)} Junior Master, please lower your voice—}
Head Butler: Junior Master, you must not raise your voice at your elder—
Tiberius: (Teeth clenched) You speak of me taking after Mama…
What a fine speech from a man who couldn't even keep a woman at home!
Attendants: (Gasps)
From a distance, newspapers slip from Yancy Wil's hands in shock.
Oh dear… Tiberius truly overstepped.
Just as Mr Kamen turns to glare, Yancy swiftly slides in between and pulls Tiberius into a firm embrace.
Yancy: (Whispering) Quiet now, Tiberius—or no games.
(He straightens, facing Mr Kamen) My apologies, sir 😄. Tiberius is suffering from a severe fever.
(Lifts Tiberius into his arms) I shall see to his treatment. Senior Butler, please arrange for the physi—
Mr Kamen: (Cold) Did I grant you permission to leave?
Yancy freezes.
Yancy: (Turns back, unexpectedly composed) I do apologise if I acted impulsively, sir. As per my pledge, his wellbeing is my responsibility. Please, excuse me for the moment.
He leaves with Tiberius.
The room is stunned—both by Yancy's boldness and by Mr Kamen's lack of reaction.
---
End of Flashback
Mr Kamen: {Such daring eyes.}
(Exhales slowly)
A young, handsome man wrapped only in a bathrobe approaches—Kenan Groppe, Mr Kamen's partner.
Kenan: (Hand resting on Vajezatha's chest) What's troubling you, Vajezatha? Is it Tiberius again?
Mr Kamen takes a calm sip of his wine.
Kenan: I care for you both, but he despises me. I don't wish to come between father and son…
Mr Kamen: (Pauses, then gives a faint, cool scoff)
(Sets the glass aside and draws Kenan closer) When have you ever been an obstacle?
---
A Few Days Later — Empire Mansion
Several gifts arrive while Tiberius is having his meal.
Yancy: (Reading the sender's card) Good Heavens—these are rather extravagant. They weren't even scanned.
Head Maid: Pardon—who sent them?
Yancy: Kenan Gro—Groppe. Why?
A loud crash echoes from the dining room.
They rush in to find the gifts flung violently from the table. Tiberius is shaking with rage.
Yancy: Wh—why is he behaving like this?
Another Maid: Kenan Groppe.
Assistant Butler: In this world… he is the man Tiberius— hates the most.
---