Months passed, and between the witcher and the elf, something softer began to grow. The vampiress, after spending time attending to the naive young woman whom she assumed to be a witch, had come to a conclusion. Marianne was entirely unable to see the subtle, quiet things the witcher did for her.
Ever since the day she had been forbidden from following Marianne, the vampiress had frequently observed the unspoken feelings between the two. Yet, a confession or even an open acknowledgment of those feelings had still not happened.
Marianne had started working again. After touring the city, she had discovered an interest in opening a boutique. The vampiress was more than happy to help her for the rest of her life, as a small, soft spot had grown in her heart for the young woman.
Meanwhile, Ivan had settled well into the courthouse, operating without any assistant by his side. He had successfully earned the confidence of the court's inner circle. However, this achievement came at a great cost, earning him jealous ministers and a gathering crowd of enemies—most of them from his own kind, who resented him for helping the King of the Vampires.
On Ivan's strict orders, Marianne was kept under a watchful eye by the very same vampire who had assisted him over these past months, Theodore. He did an excellent job, silently protecting the elf. Rather than limiting Marianne's freedom, Ivan genuinely wished for her to open up and lean on him for support willingly whenever she needed it.
In Ironvale, a town not far from the capital, a young woman who looked barely fifteen walked through the busy market. An older lady walked alongside her.
"Sir, how much for this?" the young woman asked a vendor who sold various kinds of stones. She pointed toward a deep, rich red stone that had caught her eye.
The vendor replied in a heavy, rough voice, "Five bronze." He looked down at the young lady, noting her striking amethyst eyes, just as the older woman spoke up in a polite tone. "My, let me see what has interested my daughter."
The dark-haired woman looked at her young daughter, who stood staring intently at the strange red stone in her hand. The mother paid for the stone before the two ladies moved forward through the crowd.
Lily looked down at her daughter. "Did you like it?"
The younger one nodded slowly.
Suddenly, the older woman called out as she saw her daughter dart toward another stall. "Flor, dear!"
She followed her daughter to a saddlery, where various leather goods hung from the beams, ranging from sturdy boots to dagger belts.
"Oh, Lady Saipon, Miss Floria! It is such a pleasure to see you here. How may I help you?" asked the bearded seller, instantly recognizing the pair.
Floria looked at her mother before her bright amethyst eyes roamed across the items displayed on the racks. "Do you think Jace will like the waist dagger belt along with the boots, considering he will soon be taught?"
Lily looked at her daughter, a soft smile touching her lips at the child's thoughtfulness. "Why not? And not just him—you will need one too, as your father will be teaching both of you." She smiled, running her palm over her daughter's scarf-covered head.
Floria looked up at her mother in surprise.
However, the seller, watching the young woman, could not help but voice his own opinions. "Oh, Mrs. Saipon, why trouble the young lady with such things? On the contrary, you should start looking for a suitable groom for her." He followed the comment with a heavy, booming laugh.
Lady Saipon replied, waving her hand dismissively at the comment. "Not at all. Our daughter would surely love to learn, won't you, honey?"
At her words, the man's smile flattened at once.
After purchasing the items, Lady Saipon and Floria handed the parcels to the maid who was following them at a distance. They then ascended into the waiting carriage.
Floria looked out at the street. Vendors were shouting to the crowds about how excellent their goods were, while she unconsciously smoothed the stone in her hand. The stone had strangely attracted her, or perhaps it was simply the rich color.
Soon, the carriage halted inside the mansion gates. The coachman held the door open for the ladies as they stepped down. The maids took their coats at the entrance. The house was not exceptionally large, but it was modest, employing a decent number of workers for a merchant's household.
The butler bowed to the women before greeting them. "Welcome back, Lady."
Mrs. Saipon nodded in return, while Floria flashed a polite smile. "Thank you, Mr. Ethan."
Floria Saipon was the daughter of Oscar, a well-known merchant who held a highly respectable image in society. She lived with her mother and a younger brother, who—unlike Floria—still had a governess. Floria, meanwhile, was struggling for the opportunity to study at Colister, the most renowned institute in Zarafeth.
The institute was the top educational academy in the kingdom, but it was unfortunately open only to the council and highly reputed people, strictly forbidding middle-class teenagers from enrolling. However, after a long debate within the council and a constant appeal supported by the lord's daughter, Miss Salvatore, the council had finally decided to look into the matter.
Drifting from her thoughts, Floria spoke up as her eyes scanned the hallway. "Have they already started with his lessons, considering the governess might have already freed Jace?"
Her mother chuckled, shaking her head. "Miss Melinda freed him long ago. He must have gone to visit the stables."
Floria nodded slightly at her mother's assumption, knowing it had become a firm habit for her younger brother to make constant visits to the stables. "Then I suppose he won't be back anytime until supper."
Upon entering the kitchen, Mrs. Saipon washed her hands before discussing what should be prepared for the evening meal. Floria, meanwhile, walked off toward her own chamber.
She entered the room, which was spacious enough to include an attached bathroom and a balcony that overlooked the mansion's backyard. Laying her back flat against the soft mattress, she raised the newspaper before her face once more, her voice quietly sweeping through the printed words.
"The decree passed by the head council members of Zarafeth to open a spare enrollment for humans."
The news caused hope to bloom deep within her. Soon, she might be blessed with the chance to enroll in the kingdom's highest institution—a rare opportunity that could finally grant them the chance to be considered for positions in court matters.
A change could truly be made.