We had stayed in that little square for a while, letting time pass, enjoying the afternoon. Mom took the initiative to py with me. It was a simple, straightforward game of chase, and I'm happy to say it was a lot of fun. I'd never had the opportunity to really py with her before. Our time together was always very limited or mostly focused on taking walks in the garden. The few times we pyed together were simple games that didn't involve much physical exertion, since we didn't want to strain her heart too much, but fortunately this time there were no problems, since she didn't have to run around too much. Besides, I feel that getting some exercise was better for her health than being too limited as she was so far.

  By mid-afternoon we had left that pce and were on our way to our next destination. We already visited a few clothing stores, shoe stores, the alchemist, plus all the others, but there was one that had been left hanging—a jewelry store.

  We returned to the previous shopping area and walked around for a while until we finally came to a building that appeared to be made entirely of obsidian. It shone beautifully and had a strange relief that made its walls look much smoother than they actually were, as if it was made of wool instead of solid stone.

  It was a small, square, one-story building with no windows or storefronts. Embedded above the front door, the name “Lestain Jewelry and Goldsmith Shop” caught the attention of passersby.

  We entered and were immediately greeted by a Valven girl with short blonde hair, dressed in a masculine suit that beautifully accentuated her curves. She had beautiful silver eyes that, combined with her small but bright smile, made her look very galnt.

  She exuded an aura of a seductress; a woman who could easily win over anyone she wanted with minimal effort. Something I didn't doubt for a moment that she had already done several times with a client or two.

  “Welcome to Lestain, Your Grace. It is a true pleasure to have Duchess Baelian in our establishment after so long.” The Valven bowed deeply to us, then looked at me with a softer smile and gave me a somewhat different greeting. “And this lovely young dy must be your youngest daughter. What a great pleasure to welcome the younger generation of one of our best customers. My name is Raelia, little miss, may I have the joy of knowing your name?”

  She knelt and pced her open hand before me, as if asking for my hand. I didn't know that those kinds of customs also existed on this world. I knew Nisire did something simir with my sister Sarka, but she pced the back of her hand on her forehead, so it wasn't the same...or maybe it was. I had to look at my mother and ask her with my gaze what I should do. She just nodded as if somehow, I knew what that meant...

  I think it was time I seriously cared about learning manners and stuff.

  “Orincya Nita Baelian,” I replied in the clearest and most dignified voice I could as I pced my hand over hers. I struggled to pronounce my name correctly due to my sharp teeth, which I hoped I could correct with more time.

  As I expected, fortunately, she kissed the back of my hand while smiling. “Orinthya” she repeated my name in a whisper. “It is a pleasure to meet you, my dy. I hope you will continue to visit my humble store during your long life.” She said in a slightly suspicious voice. Somehow, she had a twinkle in her eye that, combined with her smile, seemed to mimic the attitude of a demon who had just tricked her victim.

  Although I felt a little shiver run down my spine, I couldn't help but be somewhat fascinated by Raelia's refined gestures and words. She really was a womanizer. I should by all means stay away from her as I grew up. I could see myself falling into some honey trap she might set in front of me, and my will would surely be broken quite easily by a female like her... I couldn't help it, she had that I don't know what, that was just too attractive.

  “I must say, your grace, it is a very amusing coincidence that, in the same week I have met three children named with some variant of the names of the “lovers in disgrace”, more so, that they were all of a simir age.” She said with an amused chuckle. I turned my gaze to my mother, confused, who just shook her head as if, somehow, the Valven had revealed the secret behind some eborate joke.

  “Your definition of fun is indeed strange.” Mom led me to a nearby space with a couch and a coffee table, where we sat and rested. Across from us, Raelia sat down and instructed a staff member to bring some tea for us. Then Mom turned to me and, in a soft and slightly nostalgic tone, began to narrate. “Tya, your name comes from Lankastya, an old way of spelling it. It's an old story, from long before the empire was founded. It is said that three folks, Lankastya, Ginara, and Artheran, had grown up together as friends since childhood. But when they became adults, Lankastya and Artheran had fallen in love with Ginara. For years, both had fought in every way possible to win the love of their beloved, but Ginara, who couldn't choose between her best friends and greatest loves, decided to flee into the forest in grief.” Mom paused to ensure I was attentive to her story, nodding as she saw me focused on her words.

  As I listened to the story, I had a strange feeling that those names reminded me of something, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what.

  “Both suitors heard of their beloved's actions, and in a surprising turn of events, they both agreed that Ginara's life was far more important than their quarrel.” Raelia continued, causing my mother to look at her with annoyance, probably for ruining her chance to tell me the story herself. Raelia seemed somehow amused by my mother's reaction, and didn't stop even though she was interrupting a high noble, as if she wasn't afraid of what might happen to her. “Together, they ran into the forest, desperate to find their beloved, and, after almost two days of tireless searching, they found a cave with part of their beloved's blood-stained dress at the entrance. Horrified, they entered with their hearts pounding heavily against their chests.

  The cave was deep, damp and dark, with many paths that confused our brave heroes. After a long journey, they finally entered the deepest part of the cave. Torches illuminated a rge room, where a terrible dark wizard greeted them. That despicable vilin had poor Ginara, who was badly wounded and weak, in chains.” With those words, the staff member arrived, pouring each of us a cup of aromatic tea. Raelia paused to take a sip. My mother took the opportunity to restart the story.

  “The evil wizard gred at them, announcing they were unworthy to face him. He called them weak and foolish as he tugged at the chains that held Ginara bound. Lankastya and Artheran leapt angrily at the evil wizard. Lankastya used her great agility and dexterity to attract the wizard's attention, attacking him with her sharp cws. Artheran used his great intellect and precision to strike blows with his spear against the evil vilin. The three engaged in a terrible battle in which they received multiple wounds. But just when it seemed that they would lose, Ginara managed to recover her consciousness briefly and using the mage's distraction, she cast a single spell that hit him. Lankastya and Artheran took advantage of that instant to attack him simultaneously, knocking him down and defeating him once and for all.”

  This time, Mom was silent as if waiting for something, alternating her gaze between Raelia and me. Then she took a sip of tea and, seeing that Raelia remained quiet, resumed the story.

  “Seeing the evil vilin finally defeated, Artheran ran to Ginara, mortally worried as he saw the deep wounds and bruises on her body. Upon arrival, Ginara could barely breathe. Devastated, Artheran called out to his friend for help, however, receiving no response he turned around and, with the same horror he experienced at the sight of his beloved, saw how his great friend and rival, Lankastya, kneeled on the ground, immobile and bleeding profusely.

  During the fight, he failed to notice how badly his friend had been wounded. Devastated, Artheran did everything he could to try to save them both, but unfortunately, they both died that day.

  With a broken heart and lifeless eyes, Artheran carried the bodies of both of them, walking for several days until he finally found his hometown. There, in the eyes of the vilgers, he fell to the ground exhausted and without strength. The st words he left were: Please bury me with them. I want to travel to the other side with those I have loved the most. And with that, Artheran breathed his st breath, leaving this world forever.”

  I had expected it since Raelia called them “the lovers in disgrace” but it was, truly, a sad story. Although, like any such story, the main characters always seem to make rather questionable decisions. That didn't stop it from really moving me.

  “My baby, did you like that story that much?” mom said as she wiped away some tears. I couldn't help it, that sort of thing has always been a bit of a weakness of mine.

  “Don't worry young miss, I am very sure that your Ginara and Artheran will soon meet you, and live happily ever after,” Raelia stated with such confidence in her voice that I almost believed her for a moment. But, the mischievous smile on her lips indicated that she might be teasing me.

  “Hmph” I snorted and turned my face away from her. But a chuckle was her response.

  “I'm surprised you're acting so 'naughty' Raelia. You're not normally like this.” Commented my mother.

  Raelia just shrugged, keeping her smile. “It's hard not to, your grace. Your daughter makes such funny and adorable expressions.”

  I snorted at her again and decided to ignore her. As attractive as she was, I wasn't going to be intimidated.

  Mom smiled in complicity, nodding as if she agreed with the Valven's words. I narrowed my eyes at her, but before I could say anything, she resumed her seriousness by talking about the reason for our arrival.

  “All that aside, I need a few things today.”

  “Of course, your grace, what can we do for you?”

  Mom motioned for Tina to come over. The maid handed her a rolled-up scroll, which she immediately handed to the Valven. The tter opened it and pored over the contents. Her expression, completely different from before, was solid proof of how professional Raelia really was with her work, which impressed me pleasantly.

  “Do you think you can do it?” my mother asked, drinking the st of her tea.

  “Hmm, it would take some time - is it an urgent request?” Raelia briefly looked away from the scroll to meet my mother's calm gaze.

  “No, not really, though I hope it will be finished before the fall.”

  Raelia remained silent. A small wrinkle formed between her brows, a sign of the depth of her thoughts.

  Her silence dragged on for quite a while, until she finally looked my mother in the eye and nodded. “If it had been an urgent request, I think it would have been quite difficult, after all, we have quite a long list of urgent requests. But, with the time limit you're giving us, I don't think there would be a problem. I'd need your grace to talk to our craftsman to fine tune the details.”

  “I can do it right now, if he's avaible.” My mother added.

  “Then,” said Raelia, standing up. “Follow me, please.” The Valven led the way for my mother, bowing slightly.

  “Tya, stay here, I'll be back before you know it. Be a good girl, okay?”

  “Yes, mami,” I replied, rearranging myself.

  “Raelia, do you think...?” before mom finished the sentence, Raelia motioned to the previous employee. She whispered something to her and left to carry out whatever order she had just given her.

  “One of my nieces started working here a few days ago. Taking care of the young dy will be a great experience for her, does that sound good to you, your grace?”

  Mom nodded, and, giving me one st look, walked forward with Raelia and Tina behind her. I guess that expined why I needed someone else looking after me. Although, why did she need Tina to go with her?

  I shook my head; it wasn't a big deal after all.

  Before I knew it, a young Valven girl, a little younger than Ameli, appeared from the door through which my mother had entered earlier. She was, in a nutshell, the spitting image of a new employee. Lots of energy, an excited but also nervous look, and a smile that lit up brighter than the suns at noon. She wore a pair of dark dress pants with an all-white long-sleeved shirt. Her orange-brown hair was tied back in a high ponytail, also held back by what looked like a wooden comb. I didn't know if it was reted to fashion, but somehow it fit her quite well. Her big, bright green eyes, and adorable little button nose further enhanced that new girl image. Her tail and, surprisingly, her wings were fpping as well, as she quickly made her way across the living room to my spot on the couch.

  “G-good afternoon, young dy. I am here to tend to you to the best of my abilities.” The girl greeted me by clenching her fists together in front of her, in a lovely gesture of positivity.

  Surprised by her high energy, I could only nod and introduce myself. “I am Orincya.”

  “Miss Orincya, a pleasure to meet you.” Interrupted, and now a bit overwhelmed by the girl's intense energy, I could barely attempt to correct my name.

  “Orinya... O-rin-thya. That. My name.” I repeated, trying to pronounce it correctly myself. Fortunately, the girl managed to understand and say my name correctly.

  It was a fortunate encounter? The girl introduced herself as Agalia and this was her first official job. “My mother was the one who asked Rae if she could give me a job. I know I'm not great at many things, but I work really hard. Mom doesn't understand that and thinks I'm just making excuses. What would she know, she's been working at the Maternity all her life! She's never done anything but attract males and nothing else. As for me, I want to do something that's not reted to using my body. I want to do something important, for which people will look at me and say “Is that Agalia Ardente? The famous... uh... whatever!?” I know it's just a silly dream, but I want to do something big. I already said that, didn't I? But you know what I mean. It doesn't hurt to aim for something big, right? Maybe I can be the first Valven to get a title of nobility! What do you think, young Miss?”

  “...”

  “...”

  I looked at her without really knowing what to say. I hadn't understood half of what she had been telling me, both by going back and forth with what she was saying, and by the fact that she was mentioning things I hadn't the slightest idea about. Unfortunately, despite the long, awkward silence between us, she kept that expression that begged me for an answer. And I could tell she was waiting for me to take her side...it was time to bring out my great social skills. If there's one thing, I managed to learn in my many jobs, mostly pces where the popution of women of a certain age was the majority, it was that if someone grabbed you as their source of venting, you only had to do one thing.

  I nodded with a smile.

  Her face lit up at my response. “I knew the little miss would understand me. It's like we are kindred souls. You must grow up fast so we can hang out together as friends. Wait, how old are you, Miss Orinthya? No, wait, what am I saying? Miss is still too young. Maybe, 3, 4 years? Never mind, I can wait a few years. I know the little miss would be a great friend when she grows up, and I have no problem waiting a few years. Hmm, I wonder if I'll have become famous when the little miss is grown up. Maybe little miss can brag that she was my friend since she was a little girl. That would be a good thing for you, Miss. It will help improve your social status. It might even help your family get a better status! One moment, now that I remember, I don't know which family the little miss belongs to. Oh, well, that's not important now. What is important is that-”

  Suddenly, the establishment's door opened, fortunately interrupting the energetic girl's tirade.

  It was so sudden that even the other employee on the other side of the room jumped in surprise. The person entered with footsteps that echoed loudly on the polished wooden floor, measured, deliberate, and full of a haughtiness that showed an upbringing in which she had never been denied anything. She advanced slowly as if the pce belonged to her. Her chin was slightly raised and, alongside her barely perceptible, but almost mocking smile, made her look as if she were convinced that every living thing in front of her was nothing more than a filthy being that belonged under her shoes.

  Politeness and humility were things that were not reflected in her eyes. In those gray orbs, only arrogance and contempt could be seen. Her ptinum white hair was perfectly straight and loose, like a silk curtain, and a bright jade tiara held everything in pce. She wore a gown of dark maroon brocade, long and cinched at the waist, with gold embroidery on the long sleeves and hem, that screamed that it was more expensive than the average person's house.

  She wore gloves of what looked like white silk, worked leather shoes with polished silver buckles, plus small earrings with blue and red gems, as well as a pendant with a huge blue stone, complementing her opulent outfit, showing everyone who saw her how wealthy and, therefore, powerful she was.

  The most striking detail was her horns. They were born from the back of her head, curving downward in an elongated, horizontal “δ” shape. Along both horns, various silver jewels and chains were inid, in a pattern impossible to understand.

  The noblewoman, because it was obvious that she was, stopped in the middle of the room, looking boredly at the whole pce. Our eyes met briefly and, although she raised an eyebrow curiously, she quickly ignored me.

  “What is there no clerk in this stupid store?” she bellowed in her voice full of petunce, which helped the clerk snap out of her daze and come closer to attend to her.

  “L-dy Eleios” she said nervously. Her name immediately made me pay more attention to what they were speaking. “It's a pleasure to have you in our establishment once again, what can I-?”

  “Yes, yes, stop all that nonsense.” She said, as she waved her hand dismissively. Again, she gnced around the pce as if looking for someone. Failing to find them, she turned again to the poor employee. “I came to have a little work done for my younger sister.”

  “O-of course. Your younger sister...?”

  The door opened again just then, this time more softly and gently. My eyes widened as I looked at the girl entering the establishment.

  Her ptinum white hair, carefully styled in waves, flowed softly down her shoulders. Her amber eyes, sharp and piercing despite her young age, were fixed straight ahead, giving her a somewhat intimidating appearance. Although, her bangs covered one of her eyes a bit. She was just over a meter tall, and her petite figure was wrapped in a dark blue dress, simple in design, but impeccably tailored, with bck ce detailing on the sleeves and high colr, enhancing her noble appearance.

  Despite that, little jewelry adorned her. A pair of silver earrings that contrasted with her pale skin, and a small sea-green brooch pced carefully in the center of her chest. On her head, two small horns, at least 10cm, glowed in a subtle reddish hue, which seemed to pulsate under the light of the ceiling crystals. Unlike her sister, they were not adorned in any way, which seemed to be the motive for her arrival at the Lestain jewelry store.

  Again, unlike her sister, her steps were softer, slower, and more elegant. The absence of arrogance in her expression, added to her serene and controlled attitude, made her look like an authentic noblewoman, at least a young one, a praiseworthy, opposite of her older sister.

  The girl arrived next to her sister, who gently id one hand on her shoulder. “Here. My little sister is old enough to adorn her horns now, and I want them to start doing the usual work.” She said, this time her voice sounding much more rexed than before.

  “Let's just... let's make this quick, will you?” the girl said. She sounded like she was in a hurry or, perhaps, she didn't want to be here in the first pce.

  She hugged herself, looking somewhat anxious, and looked away from her sister and the maid, who had started arguing about the work to be done. Slowly, her gaze swept around the pce until she finally reached me.

  For an instant she narrowed her eyes, as if unsure of what she was seeing, but slowly recognition dawned in her expression. Her eyes widened until she finally seemed to recognize me. A big smile tugged at her lips and, quickly she ran towards me, shouting, “Orinthya!”

  Of course, I recognized her the instant she entered. I jumped up from my pce and ran to meet her. It had been a long time since we met, and it made me very happy to see her once again “Aria!”

  FivesZeta