Mr. Caloclees was handling the bandit issue, while Kayle and the manor’s caretaker were managing the search for Sheila. Now, all that remained for Ravina was to meet Young Lady Red and prepare for her father’s arrival. The latter could be left to the servants, who had already refreshed the Master Bedroom to perfection. That just left Ravina’s meeting at the Pasion Tea House.

The three-story shop was charming, with its high, vaulted ceiling and tables neatly arranged, exuding a comforting atmosphere. As she entered, the gentle hum of quiet conversation floated in the air, mingling with the rich aroma of fresh tea. Ravina’s eyes swept the room, and there, among the few patrons, she spotted the one person who stood out: a girl who could only be described as red. Fiery hair, auburn eyes, and skin adorned with a heavy dusting of red freckles. Even her outfit—a striking blend of red and orange—emphasized her long fiery hair.

Ravina approached, offering a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Young Lady Red, I presume?”

The girl scoffed, flicking her eyes up to Ravina with a dismissive glance. “What gave it away?” she quipped dryly. Ravina took her seat across from her, maintaining her composure. “You must be the young lady of Ravenshield that everyone’s been talking about,” Lady Red continued. “I must say, you certainly live up to the rumors.”

“Oh? And what rumors might those be?” Ravina asked, her voice smooth and measured.

“I doubt you’d care for them,” Lady Red replied, a wicked smile curling at the corner of her lips. “But what I care about is why the illustrious Lady Ravenshield requested this meeting. What could you possibly want from me?”

Ravina leaned back, not allowing her barbed words to ruin bite her. “Just a discussion. A few things have come to light, and I’d like your help in understanding exactly what’s going on.”

“Such as?”

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“Well, for starters,” Ravina began, her tone sharpened, “why has the Red family been assaulting Ravenshield cargo?”

Lady Red's smile pointed. “I can assure you, the Red family has never engaged in such behavior. Your accusation is baseless, to say the least.”

“I see,” Ravina replied, her voice lilting with false sympathy. “Well, it’s unlikely that the only daughter of the Red family would know much of anything, considering you have three older brothers your father prefers.”

Lady Red’s eyes flashed, her voice dropping dangerously. “What are you implying?”

Ravina’s smile turned knowing. “I heard that the youngest daughter of the Red family has... disagreements with her father about her position. Smart, hardworking, and clever, yet he only sees one side of you, doesn’t he?”

“Careful,” Lady Red warned, her eyes narrowing.

Ravina shrugged, undeterred. “Ravenshield has seen many female heads of house, but the Red family? Not a single one.”

“So what?” Lady Red scoffed. “Are you suggesting you’d support me if I lied about attacking your carriages? What makes you think I’m that disloyal?”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Ravina said coolly, setting a sealed envelope on the table. “It’s not a lie. And my support would come because I believe you’re the only honest member of the Red family.” Ravina paused, watching as Lady Red’s face as it remained unchanged, but it was her eyes, turned red by a reflection of light that wavered slightly. “Your eldest brother lost his position because of his reckless gambling, yet your father still talks about making him the heir. The second was caught multiple times having affairs with married women, and yet is allowed to remain because the elders see nothing wrong with a male whore and the youngest... well, he couldn’t string together a coherent thought together if it wasn't for your help.”

Lady Red sat in silence as Ravina revealed the results of her investigation.

Ravina leaned forward slightly, her voice low. “My lady, why be a surrogate leader when you can truly lead?”

With that, Ravina stood, offering one last remark before leaving. “I look forward to hearing from you. You’re welcome at Crook-beak Manor anytime.”

As Ravina turned and strode out of the tea house, the server arrived with Lady Ravina’s tea, placing it gently on the table before her now empty seat.