Siet returned, pushing a cart assisted by several older maids. The foremost among them exuded an air of authority. Around twenty years of age she had a fine gold wedding ring encrusted with a beautiful blue gem on her slender hand. Her vibrant blond hair was elegantly styled into dual buns, from which cascaded four slender braids. A measured, professional smile graced her fine square face as she looked at the residence of the room with her soft blue eyes.

She worked alongside Siet, arranging the tea tray and accompanying accessories on the table. The third maid, slightly younger but seemingly of similar age to the blonde, had rich auburn hair and shimmering golden eyes. Her oval face displayed not a smile but determination as she meticulously poured tea into two cups, her movements both refined and graceful.

In a silent ballet of efficiency, the table was set, the tea elegantly filled to the perfect level in exquisite china. Soon enough food and drink were left as the maids disappeared. It happened so fast that Ravina almost missed them, surprise to see the blond maid ruffle Siet's hair before following the auburn-haired girl, who wheeled the now-empty cart out of the room.

A faint blush tinted the young maid's cheeks as she adjusted her hair, standing beside the door. A proud smile dominated her face, her eyes eager as she awaited further instruction. Aurelia, who seemed far more accustomed to being served, had already taken a sip of her tea by the time Ravina thought to lift her own cup.

"It's good." Ravina's words emerged in mild surprise, taken aback by the tea's rich flavor. While she couldn't pinpoint the exact blend, she recognized its superiority over the simple tea bags she once used. Instead of a mundane, watered-down taste, this tea enveloped her senses with vibrant, aromatic notes. Was there a hint of... blue? No, that couldn’t be right.

She indulged in a few more sips, eventually abandoning her attempts to discern the elusive flavor.

“So, about the pouch.” Aurelia hinted, bringing the conversation back to its focus.

“Ah, right.” startled by her attention Ravina set the cup back down into its saucer .She leaned back, but not before picking up a pastry as she did. "Siet, would you be kind enough to step outside and ensure we aren't disturbed?"

Siet's smile wavered as she glanced between the swordswoman and the young girl. Her eyes darted quickly, reflecting her inner debate. After a brief pause, she nodded in acknowledgment of her young mistress's request. "Very well, I'll be just outside."

With that Seit left the two alone.

“You don't trust your handmaiden?”

“Dienlady. but no, I trust her. However, she's ultimately employed by the count. As such, she might not feel the need to conceal anything, even if I wished for it."

“Paranoid are you?”

“Well,” Ravina said a sly smile. “Perhaps.” Her simple answer was followed up by a nimble movement of placing the pastry into her mouth. The sweet chocolate taste mixed perfectly with the wheat snack. Especially the way they both melted into each other on her tongue.

“So, what’s so different with me that you will trust me? After all, I'll be paid by the same man,” Aurelia posited, crossing her legs and resting her hands on her raised knee.

“It’s about need, and coin.” again Ravina gestured to the grey bag. “My need, and enough money for a poor family to survive for a century.” Her tone took on a hint of bitterness, evoked by bitter memories of her family's hardships a few copper coins. Now she was giving away something far greater.

Curious by her words Aurelia grabbed the pouch only to frown at its contents: merely a handful of gleaming silver coins. Ravina continued, seemingly oblivious to Aurelia's reaction. “It would have been more, but you lost in the end and I had no one else to bet on.” she smiled playful as Aurelia’s lips turned upward in bemusement.

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With a scoff Aurelia jokingly said. “So you're hiring me, is that it?”

“To a point.”

Taken aback by the quick and honest answer Aurelia mulled over her words as she leaned back, juggling the bag in her hands. After a moment she spoke cautiously. “The count pays more, surely you know this.”

Ravina nonchalantly shrugged, lifting her teacup for a sip. “The count expects you to guard me and nothing beyond that. There's no obligation to disclose every detail or the fact that I've also contracted you for training, is there?”

Aurelia observed as Ravina swiftly drained her tea, setting the cup back on the saucer and reaching for another pastry.

"For how smart you sound, you still come off as..." Aurelia leaned back into the cushioned chair, a smirk playing on her lips, "...a child." After all, she would be required to report Ravina's actions, if not to the count, then certainly to her immediate superior, likely Sir Weighdur.

Ravina hesitated for a moment, her mouth opened for a moment then closed as if she thought better of it. Her eyes darted to the side, then with a click of her tongue, conceded. "You're not wrong." After all, Ravina was like… what, 16? No that doesn't seem right? She’d be taller then, right?

Aurelia tried to piece the puzzle together. "So, if I've got this right, you're playing the part of the count's child temporarily, but you want me to train you in how to be a warrior so you could survive not being his daughter?”

“Yes.”

“Would it not be better to just… be the count’s child?”

"But wouldn't it be simpler to just continue as the count's daughter?"

Ravina lifted the teacup once more, gazing into its half-empty depths. The life of an esteemed aristocrat's daughter held appeal. Love was something that never mattered to her. She never valued romantic love, so the prospect of a strategic marriage wasn't daunting. In fact, she found solace in the idea of a union based on practicality over passion, logic was often more comforting in the long run. Especially when the men of this county openly dated even after marriage.

Unfortunately, “that is not an option.” Ravina shook her head, reinforcing her resolve. Taking a deep breath, she spoke as truthfully as she could. "Soon, a war will come, “Soon enough there will be a war, one that will consume the entire world. Even after its terrible end there is something far worse on the horizon, something that will end all the comfort that this temporary station will allow me.”

An icy shiver raced down Ravina's spine as the gravity of her words took hold. Expressing her fears aloud, and more importantly, sharing them with someone else, intensified their reality. She felt her heartbeat accelerate, and the air in the room suddenly felt stifling. Even if she survived the fall of this nation, the empire would collapse soon after. There would be no safe place in this world for decades to come.

Aurelia narrowed her eyes at the girl, aware only of her darkened expiration. It was eerily spoken, what's more, no child could speak with such gravitas unless… “A prophecy?”

Her whisper roused Ravina from her mind, “ah sorry, what was that?”

“Nothing. Nothing sorry…” she bit her lip for a moment, taking time to enjoy another sip of tea. “Very well then.” she nodded.

Ravina's enthusiasm bubbled over. "Then you'll teach me!" She practically bounded to the edge of her seat, leaning forward with shining eyes.

“Yes.” Aurelia replied feeling a little defeated. “Although I am not sure how much I would be able to help you, I’ve never trained anyone before.”

Ravina waved away her concerns. "Don't worry, I've got a plan for that!" She abandoned all pretense of decorum. "It's straightforward. I'll join the Adventurer’s Guild!"

Aurelia blinked in surprise, stunned first by her excitement then again by their meaning. “Join the Guild…” she was too stunned to ask it as a question.

“Yes! You can teach me how to fight and I can run it in a practical field. Plus I’ll gain vital experience and practical knowledge!” Practically crawling over the table, Ravina soon found herself seated beside Aurelia, her purple eyes gleaming brightly.

“I- but.” suddenly finding her hands taken by Ravina all Aurelia could do was sputter at the frightening change in attitude and request. She wasn't asking her to teach her how to use a blade but stand with her in the field of battle! This is illegal! The terms are unfair!