The Tagaris family's estate in Cea was on a hill overlooking the sea. It wasn't large compared to an important family's house in Kostaspolis. However, the place was still larger than most other buildings in Cea.

It consisted of a villa house surrounded by a large garden. Various fountains were scattered across the exterior, and mosaics of dolphins filled the pathways.

Adriadne looked around. She didn't have an expression of amazement on her face. The girl had seen enough literal noble houses to be used to this. However, a different question was on her mind.

"Demetrius," Adriadne turned to her brother. "Why doesn't our family have a villa in Cea?"

"You'd have to ask Father," he replied.

Theodora gave Demetrius a smirk that contained just the slightest hint of smugness in it.

"The Kallergis family is not as wealthy as the Tagaris family. Chances are that you just could not afford it," Theodora said.

Demetrius ignored her. Adriadne, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes. A hint of annoyance flashed through her. She folded her arms.

"It's not our fault that your ice magic has more non-combat uses than our dark magic does," she stated.

Theodora tilted her head.

"You know dark magic? And here, my sources told me that you were a witch."

Adriadne blinked in confusion more than anything else.

"Well, yes, I am a witch. I didn't learn my family's traditional magic," she said.

"Then, it isn't 'our' magic," Theodora replied. "It's your family's magic. You have no part of it."

Demetrius nodded.

"She's right," he stated.

Adradne swung over to her brother.

"Don't take Stratigos Theodroa's side!" she snapped.

"Side has nothing to do with it," Demetrius replied, forcing down a deal of bitterness. "You have no right to be offended on my behalf, seeing as you do not use dark magic."

Hurt flashed over Adriadne's face. But she forced it down.

"Is Demetrius mad at me for some reason? But I've only been helping him. What's going on?" she thought.

Theodora turned her attention to Tomoe, who was examining a statue of a warrior wearing mail armor.

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"Do you like that statue? I could have one made of you if you'd like," Theodora offered.

Tomoe turned to her and bowed.

"No thanks. There is no need for statue of me," she spoke before thinking. "I'm sure the best thing I can do is die in honorable combat. Ganzaya-san's gotten me to hesitate, but I...I'm not sure what to do."

Theodora nodded.

"I understand. You think you haven't done anything worthy of getting a statue yet. Don't worry. I'm sure a beautiful warrior woman such as yourself will get there," the ice Stratigos said. "Speaking of which, what sort of magic do you use?"

Tomoe shook her head.

"No magic I have, Tagaris-san," she replied.

Theodora's eyes widened in shock. The girl turned towards Demetrius.

"It's true. She's from a group of barbarians who make their upper-class women fight or at least train in combat in case they're attacked," he said.

Ganzaya spoke up.

"Well, it is not unheard of. Among the people of the Steppe, there are warrior women," the Ulv added.

Theodora waved it off.

"Our dear Tomoe here is clearly not from the Steppe," she said. "Tomoe has some similar facial features, but nothing too close."

Then, an idea for how she could get closer to Tomoe flashed through Theodora's mind. The female Stratigos swirled around to face the Eastern woman. With a smile, Theodora gave a slight bow.

"I still have to tell my family's slaves to start on our meal. Perhaps you could join me and tell me all about your homeland?" Theodora asked.

Tomoe bowed.

"Thank you for the incredible honor. I will accompany you," she answered.

With that, Theodora started walking with Tomoe alongside her. A slow realization came over Adriadne. She turned to Demetrius and noticed that he was forcing himself to smile.

"That Tagaris girl...she's a disgusting..." Adriadne started.

"I can assure you that she is intelligent enough to not do anything illegal," Demetrius replied. "And if Tomoe doesn't want to be with her, I will step in. Otherwise, this is for the best."

Adriadne's eyes widened in horror.

"This is why you're in a bad mood, more than usual," she said. "Demetrius, anyone with eyes can see that you like Tomoe. And here you are, just letting her leave your grasp and enter the arms of someone else. And not even another man, but a woman! How can you even call yourself a man if you let something like that happen?"

A sudden sting passed through Demetrius. He struggled to avoid putting a hand over his heart.

"To have my own sister question my manhood. She truly must despise me, but I cannot change my path. I will do what I know is best," Demetrius thought before speaking. "I understand that it goes against common wisdom, but if another woman can make Tomoe happy, she's better off with her than she is with me."

Adriadne didn't bother suppressing her shock.

"I didn't think you cared about happiness," she said.

"I do not care about my own happiness. The happiness of others matter a great deal to me," Demetrius replied, his words filled with self-hatred. "And no woman who married into the Kallergis family has ever been happy. I would go so far as to say that no woman who joined the Kallergis family has ever been happy."

Adriadne opened her mouth to speak, but Demetrius interrupted her.

"If you would prefer me to find a man who would be willing to court Tomoe, I will attempt to do that. But right now, I am going to find somewhere I can bathe," he said.

With that, Demetrius all but stormed off towards the main building. Adriadne, with no one else to turn to in the most literal sense, faced Ganzaya. She looked onto the man for any sense of guidance.

"What...what..." Adriadne started but couldn't find the words.

"Your family has issues," Ganzaya replied.

"Yes..." she couldn't help but agree with a sigh. "We certainly do."