Dimension System: SSS Rank Talent Awakening

Chapter 173 Subtle Sabotage and Quiet Triumphs

---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."

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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,

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