A knock resounded in young Ravina Ravenshield's room. Ravina and Siet exchanged a glance as a voice called from beyond the door. "Young Lady, it's me!" The cheerful tone of Elysia's voice was a delightful surprise for Ravina. She nodded to Siet, who crossed the room to open the door. Elysia strode in with the grace of a dying fish. Flopping over to the young girl.

"My Lady," she complained as she fell into a brief hug with the girl. "We've been so busy lately, I haven't had the chance to visit you."

Ravina felt a twinge of discomfort at Elysia's affectionate gesture, uncertain about what was happening, her nose curling at the heavy lavender scent of her perfume. "Is everything okay?" she asked with concern. Elysia released her and twisted to the side, settling comfortably beside her on the same couch.

"Oh, where to start... it's just so tiring! The people of the Timberlands are quite exasperating. And there's this one villager, so full of himself just because he has a bit of coin. But," Elysia hummed, a sly smile playing on her lips, "I really shouldn't talk about it. More importantly," her mood shifted as she clapped her hands, sitting upright with enthusiasm, "get dressed! We're going out to eat!"

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

Ravina once again found herself at the grand Kantalateaka. She understood now why Elysia had insisted on this outing. Still, the food was quite good so she didn't mind. lost in thoughts of how pleasant it would be to distract herself, she entered the exquisite restaurant with both Elysia and Aurelia. The scent of exotic spices wafted through the air, awakening her appetite.

“Welcome,” a young receptionist greeted them as they entered, wearing the fine burgundy dress and white apron of the eatery. She was a young lady, probably someone who was on the cusp of reaching adulthood. She welcomed them with a flutter of her smiling blue eyes. "May I take your reservation?

“We don't have a reservation,” Ravina spoke up this time, and Elysia smiled with pride at the young girl's initiative.

“Oh, I am sorry, but we can only accommodate those with a reservation,” the receptionist politely declined, her demeanor contrasting sharply with that of the first hostess, whose image Ravina now saw reflected beautifully in this young girl. Perhaps the restaurant had a standard when hiring a hostess? Whatever the reason, this one at least, didn't speak condescendingly.

Still, that wasn't an issue last time and a brief glance back at Elysia encouraged her. “Really? The last time I was here, the manager personally saw to our seating." The truth was easy to push through her lips. It was comfortable. Thanks to what happened before her confidence was bolstered, allowing her to assert herself more firmly.

“The manager? I see.” her eyes fell with her face as the confusion made it clear she was unsure of what to do. Pausing to think, she tilted her head, her blond hair swaying with the motion. Regaining composure, she spoke again, “Let me fetch the manager for you. May I have your name?”

Pulling the hem of her dress Ravina gave a soft curtsy, “Of course, I am Ravaina…Rosewell Ravinshield.” She hesitated slightly on her middle name, still unfamiliar and new to her.

A flutter of blinks came from the hostess coming after the raven's daughter spoke the last word. A look of dreadful realization dawned on her face. She hastily tried to regain a neutral expression, a feeble attempt but one Ravina found acceptable. After all, the carriage was outside and only her knight was wearing a uniform. The daughter of the raven was still a myth to most people—but not a unique idea to this establishment.

As the hostess left with a bow, Ravina turned to Elysia. "Does the count usually visit here without a reservation?" she asked.

“Hmm? Oh no, he hardly comes here at all.” Elysia waved the question away with a hand.

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“Hardly? Then… are we allowed to-”

“Of course, well you're allowed to, after all, you are the daughter of Count Ravensheidl. It would be foolish to ignore you.”

“Oh… wait but we should make reservations if we-” Ravina's question was interrupted by the sound of quick footsteps.

The sound of footsteps heralded the restaurant manager's arrival. He wiped his forehead with a cloth before bowing in greeting. “Little lady of the Raven, it's a pleasure to have you back,” he said. The young hostess trailed behind him, mirroring his bow and rising only after he did. “I'm delighted you found our establishment to your tastes.”

“Oh, y-yes it's wonderful.” for some reason his polite attitude made her nervous, she was happy to be shown such respect but was far from used to it.

“Excellent, please follow me,” he urged, leading them away from the hostess stand. Ravina thought she caught a glare from the young hostess as she passed, but when she looked again, she only saw a smile. Shaking her head from the thought, she followed the manager to the same booth as before and the three ladies enjoyed the atmosphere.

“Now, sit tight and I will have them bring out the most wonderful meal for you,” he said, turning to leave. Ravina called out to him, a lingering concern in her voice.

“Excuse me, but is it a problem that we arrived without a reservation?” she inquired.

Of course not, my dear. Please feel free to stay as long as you like and visit as often as you wish,” the manager replied, his warm smile conveying sincerity and easing Ravina's concerns.

“I understand, thank you, sir,” Ravina responded. With that, the manager departed.

“See, I told you it would be fine,” Elysia remarked.

“Still it's good to know,” Ravina admitted.

Elysia then turned her attention to Aurelia, her green eyes glinting warmly in the candlelight. “How does it feel to be knighted?”

“It's great.” Aurelia lied with a gentle smile.

“Just great?” Elysia queried, her smile widening. “To think, a commoner granted such a distinguished honor and you say it's 'just great'?” The women looked over each other for a moment. A tinkle of candlelight lighting their eyes. “Well, be sure to wear it well, you are representing our cute little Ravina here.”

Ravina caught off guard, simply blinked. “Cute?” Folding her hands and unconsciously feeling the rough texture of her palms.

Ignoring the interjection, Aurelia continued, “I will do my job, focus on yours.” Ravina looked at her, noticing she seemed to be down. It wasn't the first time, but before she could ask about it Elysia tuned the air with her voice.

“I’m sure, alright—well then little raven, what do you think of your new knight?”

"New knight?" Ravina echoed, her gaze shifting to Aurelia. "Ah, yes, she's quite skilled." A smile touched her lips, recalling Aurelia's performance in the arena. She had forgotten as they played around in the forest but originally Aurelia was meant to guard her.

Elysia’s cheery smile fell a little, she sat back in her seat and stated, “Well that's good.” turning her green eyes to the blue hair of the other women. "Well, that's good to hear," she commented, her green eyes shifting to Aurelia's blue. "That's interesting... Sir Walküre, how did you become so adept with the sword that you could defeat a knight, even if it was on a technicality?"

Aurelia's lips curved into a faint smile at the mention of a technicality. She knew there was truth in that statement, but responded, “I managed to outlast him, regardless of the heat. He underestimated his opponent, a mistake that can prove fatal.” Elysia shrugged, turning her attention momentarily as two servers approached with freshly brewed tea. “As for my path, it wasn't a choice. It was set for me.”

"Set for you?" Elysia inquired, pausing to take a sip of her tea. "That's intriguing. Did your father guide you on this path? There are many stories of parents who, desiring sons, raise their daughters in that manner.”

"My family wasn’t like that, but... they were involved. You could say my entire village played a part," Aurelia reflected as the servants departed, leaving them in privacy. Aurelia gazed into the warm depths of her tea, watching the steam curl up like wisps of memory. The new knight was momentarily lost in the distance of the warm air.

The shadow of a smile twitched on the battle mage’s lips. "Well, I’m sorry to hear that. Nevertheless, it's good you found your way here. By the way, Ravina, did you miss us?"

"Miss—ah, no, I mean, I was busy." Ravina, initially content to listen to their conversation while savoring her expertly brewed black tea, was suddenly drawn back into the spotlight by Elysia. Although she had momentarily forgotten their presence, she quickly composed herself.

"Aww, I’m hurt!" Elysia playfully chided, her words belying her amused expression. "I can’t believe you didn't notice our absence."

Ravina couldn't believe it either. “I have been busy,” she said, trying to downplay her inattention. "The elders are here, and the Count wants me to..." Her voice trailed off, her gaze dropping to the table.

Both women watched her intently, their curiosity piqued. Elysia prodded gently, "He wants you to do what?"

Ravina swirled her tea, watching the reflections in the liquid. "He wants me to succeed him," she murmured to her own reflection in the tea.