Chapter 3.10-Interlude:

1-2-3-4-5… I am in control.

I took a few small breaths. I could feel my mana surging within me. My hands started getting warm. The shame I felt was chipping away at the wall in my heart.

I repeated the mantra Master Dean taught me. I imagined a well and the water inside slowly receding.

My mana started stabilizing. My hands returned to normal temperature.

Mother and father deflected Royal Inquisitor Dirk Beryl’s question about whether I had an artifact of my own. But if he used his inquisition magic, he might be able to see that I had one soul bound to me until fairly recently.

He examined father’s cane and mother’s claws. After a few more minutes of small talk, he turned to me. My heart started racing again.

“She’s eight now right, Chase?” Royal Inquisitor Beryl asked.

“Ah yes, Dirk. She’s almost nine actually.” Lord Chase replied cordially.

“Shouldn’t you give her an heirloom-artifact already? She’ll be attending academy soon. All of her peers would have artifacts by then.” The man inquired. “What about your grandfather’s? I used to hear quite the stories about that Valera artifact.”

I saw mother tensed and the waves of shame returned in full swing. My hands burned really hot. I looked down and took a few more deep breaths.

“We’ll see, my lord.” Mother interjected while gripping my arm.

I repeated the mantra and imagery over and over again.

After a while longer, Royal Inquisitor Beryl gave father a small gold tab and directed us to a guard.

We moved away from the counter.

“It’s alright, dear. It wasn’t your fault.” Father whispered to me.

It was, though. It’s because I was too weak. I’ve hurt the family again.

I just nodded my head and tried to keep my face emotionless.

Mother just looked forward but I felt her grip on my shoulder tighten.

Mother’s angry with me.

I kept looking down. I tried to imagine the water in the wall draining until it was completely dry. As if to mock me I felt my mana spike just a little bit.

I’m stuck with you, huh?

We made our way through many hallways but after a few minutes arrived at a big hall.

There were a few tables occupied. I recognized some of the nobles and their children.

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The guard bade us farewell and a servant approached to lead us to our table.

We sat down and food was immediately served.

I ate quietly as some nobles passed by to speak with father.

I quickly finished my plate.

I need something sweet.

“May I looked around the hall?” I asked mother. Father was still having an animated conversation with Lord Xander.

She looked at me for a while and then nodded. “Don’t take too long, dear.”

I dabbed the sides of my mouth with my serviette before excusing myself.

I walked over to the back of the hall and found the desserts table. My eyes widened slightly at the selection available.

It’s twice as many pastries as last year.

I started going around the long table looking for my quarry.

Where is that strawberry cupcake?

When I reached the other end, I heard a thud and looked up.

A small girl was on the floor sobbing and two older boys were snickering over her.

“Trash. You and your family don’t deserve to be here.” One of the boys taunted.

“Yeah. I’m surprised you even had something to wear. Heard your family was dirt poor now.” The other boy piled on.

The girl only sobbed harder.

I felt an uncontrollable rage rise within me like a fire that’s been doused in oil. I stomped over.

I felt my right hand get warm as mana started to concentrate there. Without thinking about it, I raised my hand and slapped the boy closest to me right across the face.

The force was so strong that he toppled backward into the other boy and both of them fell on the ground.

The three of them looked at me in surprise.

“Don’t pick on the weak.” I said firmly. I glared at the two boys.

“Th-This doesn’t concern you, Roost freak!” The boy I slapped stuttered.

“It does if you keep picking on her.” I said defiantly.

The girl stood up and clutched my dress.

“You! You’ll regret this.” The boy threatened me.

I glared at him. The two boys flinched and ran away.

I turned to the girl. “You should stand up for yourself.”

She just kept sobbing.

What should I do? What does Lily usually do?

I raised my hand awkwardly and started patting her head.

“Lady Mina.” I heard a familiar voice behind me. My heart skipped a beat.

Did he see the whole thing?

I recited my mantra and tried to keep my mana in check.

I turned around and greeted him in my most deadpan voice. “Oh, hello. Looks like you guys made it.”

“Ah yes. We actually just got here.” Adi said with a slight bow. “What happened?”

Oh no… even Adi saw it? And he just became my friend. No no no… I need to downplay it. Maybe they didn’t see the whole thing.

“Nothing much. I was just helping… Sorry, what’s your name?” I tried to deflect attention to the girl who was sobbing.

“Vanya… Vanya Safyre, my lady.” The girl beside me replied.

“Ah, you’re Lord Stilton Safyre’s only child. A pleasure to meet you, my lady. Paul and Adi Finch, apprentice to Master Abram Finch, from North Haven.” Paul introduced himself.

The girl named Vanya seemed to panic and she quickly hid behind me.

“No need for alarm, my lady. We were just here to fetch Lady Mina.” Paul added with a smile.

The girl nodded her head but kept herself hidden.

Hmm… I think she took a liking to me. Maybe she can be my first girl friend.

“I’m sorry Lady Mina, your father is looking for you. We need to head back.” Adi remarked.

But… I don’t have my strawberry cupcake yet.

I quickly scanned the table and saw some pink frosting to the side.

There it is!

“I see. Well, I should get going.” I said to Vanya, while glancing at my target. “Come find me later after the ceremony.”

She nodded and ran back to her father.

“Did you make a new friend, Mina?” Paul suddenly commented.

Mina… That’s so much nicer to hear from them than “Lady Mina.” Lady Mina has no friends…

“Mhm. I believe so.” I replied casually.

I surreptitiously took my prize from the side and started heading back to the table.

Yay, cupcake!

I let myself smile a little.