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(A/N: Don't forget to give those power stones to Skyrim everyone!)
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"My Don," Antonio began delicately. "Regarding the grand celebratory gathering we had previously arranged... since it has been temporarily pushed back and delayed due to your sudden departure to travel west to pick up the Madam... I must ask for your final directive. Shall I instruct the staff to finalize the preparations for tomorrow afternoon?"
Caleb, hearing that specific operational question, stopped cutting his steak. He rested his silver knife and fork on the edge of his plate and was completely silent for a moment. His max level Business and Leadership skills instantly flooded his mind with political calculus.
He weighed the risks of holding a massive public event so soon against the absolute necessity of cementing his power and displaying his dominance over the city's elite. He also factored in Mary-Beth's arrival, realizing how her presence fundamentally altered the dynamic of his public image.
Before then, a sharp, decisive light entered his blue eyes. He nodded his head definitively. "Yes, Antonio. We proceed as planned. We hold the banquet tomorrow at noon," Caleb commanded smoothly, his voice echoing with absolute authority.
He looked over at Mary-Beth, a proud, calculating smile touching his lips. "It's the perfect time. I had initially planned it just to announce my ascension, but now, the timing could not be more flawless. Since I will also formally introduce my Madam here to the entire upper echelons of this city."
Caleb listed off the guest list, outlining the sheer, terrifying scope of his new empire. "I will present her to the Mayor, the Chief of Police, the wealthy shipping magnates, and the aristocrats. And more importantly, I will introduce her to those in the Underworld of Saint Denis, alongside everyone in the family. The capos, the elite made men, and the lieutenants need to see exactly who sits beside me on this throne. They need to see that the era of Angelo Bronte's paranoid isolation is over, and the era of the McLaughlin dynasty has begun."
Antonio, hearing that definitive, strategically brilliant reasoning, immediately nodded his head, accepting Caleb's decision without a single note of hesitation. "It shall be done, Don McLaughlin. I will dispatch the messengers immediately to confirm the date with the guests, and the catering staff will begin the final preparations for the grand marquees on the lawn."
Meanwhile, Mary-Beth, who had been quietly enjoying her roasted beef, completely stopped eating. She lowered her silver fork, her dark eyes widening as she processed the conversation happening right in front of her. The words 'banquet,' 'upper echelons,' and 'Underworld' crashed together in her mind.
She looked from the stoic butler to her wildly ambitious lover, her brow furrowing in genuine confusion. She asked Caleb, her voice laced with a sudden, overwhelming anxiety.
"Caleb?" Mary-Beth asked, her voice trembling slightly. "What banquet? What are we going to be having tomorrow?"
Caleb opened his mouth to explain, but it was actually Antonio who was the one to respond to her, stepping in with the flawless, informative grace of a dedicated servant.
Antonio bowed slightly toward her, saying that it was an event of monumental historical importance for the city. "It is the grand banquet of celebration, Madam McFarlane," Antonio clarified smoothly. "A massive gathering arranged to formally declare the ascension of Don McLaughlin into the absolute position of the Don of the family, and to publicly crown him as the new, undisputed ruler of Saint Denis."
Hearing that, Mary-Beth was profoundly surprised. The air seemed to rush out of her lungs. A massive banquet? The entire city's elite? The Mayor? The mafia capos? Tomorrow?!
She turned her wide, panicked eyes back toward the head of the table, her voice a mix of shock and lighthearted accusation, "Mr. McLaughlin!" Mary-Beth exclaimed, "You haven't told me a single word about this! We literally just arrived, and you are throwing a coronation party tomorrow with the most powerful people in the state?!"
Caleb let out a low, incredibly handsome chuckle. He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly looking slightly sheepish despite being the most terrifying man in the room. He let out a small, highly affectionate smile of apology and genuinely apologized to her.
"I am so sorry, sweetheart," Caleb admitted, holding his hands up in surrender. "I swear to you, I didn't mean to keep it a secret. I was just so focused on riding out to Valentine, packing your things, and bringing you home safely... the logistics of the banquet completely slipped my mind until Antonio just brought it up. It's been a very chaotic few days."
He reached across the corner of the table, placing his large hand over hers. "I know it's sudden. But you don't have to do anything except stand by my side, drink champagne, and let the city marvel at you. You will be perfectly safe."
Mary-Beth looked at him, her panic slowly subsiding into a thrilling, terrifying excitement. "A grand banquet..." she murmured, looking down at her dark velvet traveling dress. The dress was beautiful, yes, but it was dusty from the long ride from the Heartlands, and it certainly wasn't the kind of high society couture required to stand before the Mayor and the mafia elite. "Honey, I... I don't have anything proper to wear for something like that. Not for a coronation."
At this exact time, Antonio from the side suggested a brilliant, highly elegant solution as a help to Caleb. The butler recognized the sudden domestic tension and stepped in to smooth the waters with absolute perfection.
"If I may be so bold as to suggest an itinerary, Don McLaughlin," Antonio offered politely, keeping his hands clasped behind his back. "Perhaps you and the Madam could venture into the commercial district this afternoon. As I am absolutely sure the Madam would want a brand new, custom fitted dress that would properly showcase her as the most beautiful, resplendent lady in the city tomorrow."
Antonio smiled warmly at Mary-Beth. "Saint Denis boasts the finest high end tailors and Parisian dressmakers in the entire country, Madam. They would be immensely honored to serve you."
And Mary-Beth, hearing that brilliant suggestion, immediately had a blindingly happy expression wash over her beautiful face. The anxiety of the massive party completely vanished, replaced by the sheer, unadulterated thrill of high-fashion shopping with a limitless budget.
She looked at Caleb with a massively excited, hopeful smile, her dark eyes practically begging him to agree. For a girl who had spent years running from the law in worn out cotton skirts, the prospect of visiting authentic Parisian dressmakers was a dream come true.
Caleb, of course, absolutely could not say no to that smile. His heart melted entirely. He nodded his head definitively at that, turning back to the head butler. "You are a genius, Antonio. That is exactly what we will do."
Caleb stood up from the table, his energy renewed by her excitement. He tossed his linen napkin onto his plate and told him to have the carriage be prepared for his outing with the Madam.
"Have the stable hands prep the black-lacquered carriage immediately, Antonio," Caleb ordered smoothly, slipping effortlessly back into his commanding Don persona. "Ensure it is cleaned of the swamp mud from yesterday. And summon Silvio and four of our best perimeter guards. They will ride as our heavily armed escort. I want a tight perimeter while we are shopping in the commercial district."
Antonio bowed deeply, accepting the logistical commands with perfect grace. "Right away, Don McLaughlin," Antonio confirmed. "The carriage and your elite escort will be waiting at the front steps within the half hour."
The butler turned on his heel and strode purposefully out of the grand dining room to execute the Don's will, leaving Caleb and Mary-Beth alone in the opulent space. Caleb walked over to her side of the table, offering her his hand.
Mary-Beth took it, standing up with a radiant, thrilled laugh.
The daunting reality of the mafia banquet had been completely eclipsed by the romantic, wildly exciting prospect of exploring the glittering high society of Saint Denis by his side. The Lady of the Don was about to make her first true mark on the city, and Caleb was going to ensure she looked like an absolute queen when she did it.
The remaining time in the opulent dining room passed in a blur of excited, hushed conversations and the soft clinking of fine crystal. Caleb and Mary-Beth finished their late lunch soon after the grand plan was set into motion.
The slow roasted beef and vintage wine had completely restored Caleb's formidable stamina, while Mary-Beth seemed to be running purely on the intoxicating, radiant adrenaline of her new, spectacular reality. She patted her lips delicately with a monogrammed linen napkin, a brilliant, irrepressible smile lighting up her features.
Caleb stood up from the head of the massive mahogany table, adjusting the cuffs of his dark, tailored Vaquero shirt. He stepped over to her side, offering her his hand with the flawless, sweeping grace of a born gentleman.
Mary-Beth took it eagerly, her fingers lacing through his as she rose from her heavy wooden chair. Together, they walked out of the formal dining room, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble floors of the grand foyer.
They made their way toward the towering, intricately carved front double doors of the mansion and stepped out into the humid, golden afternoon air.
They went to the grand marble porch, where Antonio was already waiting there with the carriage perfectly prepared. True to his word, the head butler had executed the Don's logistical commands with terrifying, supernatural efficiency.
The massive, black lacquered carriage, which just hours ago had been groaning under the sheer, unimaginable weight of swamp mud, stolen gold bars, and bearer bonds, was now completely transformed.
The estate's dedicated stable hands had scrubbed the vehicle until the dark lacquer shone like a flawless mirror in the sunlight. The brass fittings had been polished to a blinding gleam, and the plush velvet interior had been meticulously brushed clean of any lingering dust.
Even the four magnificent white horses had been swiftly groomed, their coats gleaming like fresh snow, standing tall and proud in their intricate leather harnesses.
The dedicated driver, a stoic, broad shouldered man wearing a crisp, dark suit and a bowler hat, was waiting patiently by the heavy door of the carriage.
As the undisputed ruler of the city and his beautiful lady approached, the driver immediately stood at rigid attention.
He greeted the both of them with profound, unshakeable respect while smoothly pulling and opening the carriage door for them.
"Good afternoon, Don McLaughlin. Madam McFarlane," the driver rumbled, bowing his head deeply. "The carriage is entirely at your disposal."
Caleb smiled, a genuine, appreciative expression. He firmly believed that loyalty was bought with gold but maintained through respect. Thanking the driver for his swift work, Caleb nodded his head. "Excellent work on the turnaround. Thank the stable boys for me, and ensure they receive a bonus in their pay envelopes this week."
"I will, my Don. Thank you," the driver replied, his chest puffing out slightly with pride.
Before then, Caleb turned his attention to the woman beside him. With absolute, tender care, he helped Mary-Beth to get onto the carriage first. He placed his strong hands firmly on her waist, lifting her effortlessly so she wouldn't have to struggle with the heavy velvet skirts of her traveling dress on the high iron carriage step.
Mary-Beth gathered her skirts and settled gracefully into the plush, crimson velvet cushions of the forward facing seat, feeling entirely like a reigning queen.
With his lady securely inside the luxurious cabin, Caleb did not immediately follow her. Instead, before then he turned to face Antonio, who was standing quietly near the base of the marble steps with his hands clasped behind his back, overseeing the departure.
Caleb looked at the impeccable head butler.
"Antonio," Caleb commanded smoothly, his voice carrying the undeniable weight of his authority. "You know the high society merchants and the commercial districts of this city better than anyone else in my employ. Get in. You are riding with us today."
Antonio did not show a single ounce of surprise at the sudden change in his daily schedule. The perfect servant simply bowed at the waist, his expression a mask of absolute, unwavering compliance.
He nodded his head, saying, "Whatever you requested, Signor. It would be my utmost privilege to guide you and the Madam through the city's finest establishments."
Before boarding, Caleb had one final, critical piece of security to arrange. A Don did not simply ride through the crowded, unpredictable streets of Saint Denis without an impenetrable wall of steel surrounding him.
Caleb then raised his voice slightly and called for several guards to join them.
From the perimeter of the courtyard, the heavy, rhythmic thud of combat boots on gravel echoed instantly. Silvio, the giant, heavily scarred enforcer, emerged from the shadows of the gatehouse, accompanied by four of the most lethal, highly vetted elite guards in the entire mafia family.
These men were armed to the teeth, wearing long, dark dusters that concealed high capacity repeating shotguns, their gun belts heavy with spare ammunition.
When they gathered before the carriage, they were ordered by him to accompany them to protect him and Mary-Beth.
"Silvio," Caleb addressed the giant enforcer, his blue eyes turning cold and entirely tactical. "We are heading deep into the commercial square. The streets will be crowded. I want a flawless, moving perimeter. Two riders at the front, two at the rear, and you ride parallel to the carriage window. No one gets within ten feet of this vehicle without my explicit permission. We are protecting the future Madam of this family today. Nothing is left to chance."
The guards, understanding the absolute gravity of the assignment, immediately nodded their heads, accepting the order with terrifying, synchronized discipline. "Yes, Don McLaughlin," they chorused.
As they went to take their own horses from the nearby hitching posts, mounting sleek, muscular dark bays and adjusting their repeating rifles in their saddle scabbards, that was when Caleb finally stepped up and entered into the carriage.
He settled into the plush velvet seat directly beside Mary-Beth, his broad shoulders brushing against hers.
He was immediately followed by Antonio, who stepped up into the cabin with practiced grace and took the rear facing seat directly opposite the Don and the Madam, keeping his posture perfectly straight and his hands resting neatly on his lap.
After that, the heavy, lacquered door was pushed closed by the driver. The metallic clack of the heavy brass latch engaging sealed them inside the quiet, opulent sanctuary of the cabin, muffling the outside noise. The driver quickly got onto the high driver's seat, grabbing the heavy leather reins. Outside, Silvio and the four heavily armed guards formed a tight, protective diamond formation around the vehicle.
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Name: Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 8/10
- Agility: 8/10
- Perception: 9/10
- Stamina: 8/10
- Charm: 8/10
- Luck: 9/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl MAX)
- Rifle (Lvl MAX)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl MAX)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl MAX)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl MAX)
- Sneaking (Lvl MAX)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl MAX)
- Poker (Lvl MAX)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl MAX)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl MAX)
- Dead Eye (Lvl MAX)
- Bow (Lvl MAX)
- Pain Nullifier (Lvl MAX)
- Physical Regeneration (Lvl MAX)
- Crafting (Lvl MAX)
- Persuasion (Lvl MAX)
- Mental Fortitude (Lvl MAX)
- Cooking (Lvl MAX)
- Teaching (Lvl MAX)
- Trilingual Language Proficiency - G, I, & C (Lvl MAX)
- Inventory System (Permanent - 100x100x100)
- Acting (Lvl MAX)
- Alcohol Resistance (Lvl MAX)
- Treasure Hunter (Lvl MAX)
- Drugs Resistance (Lvl MAX)
- Business (Lvl MAX)
- Leadership (Lvl MAX)
Money: 3,322 dollars and 60 cents
Inventory: 286,492 dollars and 61 cents, 11 gold nuggets, 74 gold bars, 1 Double Action, 1 Schofield, 2 Colm's Schofields, 1 land deed (Parcel), 1 Mauser, 1 Semi Auto Pistol, 1 Lancaster Repeater, 1 Old Wood Jewelry Box, 1 F.F Mausoleum small brass key, 1 Ruby, 1 Braithwaites Land Deed, 1 Broken Pirate Sword, 1 Milton's Safety Deposit Key, 1 Senator Pendleton Sealed Envelope, Proof Of Marlin-Thorne Firearms Co., 10 Dynamites, 1 LeMat, 1 M1899, 1 Carcano, 1 Ownership deed of Doyle's Tavern, 3 Diamonds, & Important Documents & Deeds Of Cornwall
Bank: -