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Chapter 8.1: The Ambiguous Author

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Adira stood before an intricately carved grand door, the room where Jessie was meant to be waiting. As she pushed the door open, the man seated on the velvet couch rose to his feet, offering a subtle bow.

“Milady,” Jessie greeted, his tone respectful.

Adira returned his gesture with a warm smile. “There is no need for such formality, Jessie,” she assured gently.

For a brief moment, Jessie’s brow furrowed, but he quickly composed himself and nodded in agreement.

At Adira’s gesture, Jessie settled back into his seat, while she moved to the opposite couch.

Judith, ever dutiful by her side, busied herself preparing tea. Her watchful gaze lingered on the guest, her unease betrayed by the faint furrow of her brow.

Sensing Judith’s apprehension, Adira’s smile softened as she accepted the tea Judith offered with quiet gratitude. Yet, it seems her calm demeanor only seemed to deepen Judith’s unease.

Leaning close to the maids in attendance, Judith whispered curtly, instructing them to leave the room and to maintain absolute discretion regarding their visitor.

Once the room was emptied, Judith’s composed exterior faltered. A flurry of hushed questions spilled from her lips. “Milady, what is happening? Who is this man? Why was Her Grace not informed? Does His Grace know of this? And the twins—please tell me the twins know nothing of this!”

“Judith, calm yourself,” Adira urged, her tone steady but kind. “Allow me to introduce you. Judith, this is Jessie Pernoud. Jessie, meet Judith Offred, my closest aide. Jessie is an author—he writes romantic novels.”

Judith’s lips pressed into a thin line as her brow furrowed in thought. Then, as though a puzzle piece had clicked into place, her eyes widened with sudden clarity.

“Milady…” Judith began tentatively, her voice laced with curiosity and disbelief. “Is he…?”

Before Judith’s imagination could carry her further, Adira interjected swiftly. “No! Whatever you are thinking, it is not that. Jessie is merely an acquaintance—barely even a friend. He has something I require.” She turned to Jessie, her tone firm and resolute. “ I will also need his assistance to travel elsewhere.”

Jessie’s brows shot up in visible surprise, his confusion evident.

“Milady!” Judith exclaimed, her voice rising in distress. “You cannot simply venture ‘elsewhere’ alone with a man!” Her eyes glistened, and for a moment, Adira feared she might burst into tears.

Caught off guard by Judith’s reaction, Adira hesitated. When her aide’s distress showed no signs of abating, she gently handed Judith the tea that had been prepared moments earlier.

Judith unknowingly accepted it without a word and drained the cup in one long sip, her shaky exhale the only sign of her attempts to regain composure.

Adira thought grimly, If Judith knew that another man would be joining them later, Judith might very well faint.

The truth was, Adira had already sought permission to invite a guest in the manor the previous night, once her mind had cleared.

At dinner, she had broached the subject delicately, but the Duke and Duchess had refused her outright the moment they learned that her guest was a man.

Left with no alternatives—and knowing she had already confided in Cain and Jessie about her… last minute intentions—Adira was forced to turn to Judith for help.

At first, Judith’s refusal had been adamant. Yet, by morning, Adira’s persistent entreaties had worn her down.

Reluctantly, Judith had agreed, though the unease in her eyes suggested she had done so under quiet protest, which thankfully led them to where they are now at the present.

This situation reminded Adira of the constraints binding her current reality. Though her return to the past had given her certain advantages, freedom was not among them. The burdens of youth and noble propriety restricted her movements and tangled her plans in a web of teenage restrictions.

Gathering her resolve, Adira spoke once more, her tone a careful blend of persuasion and determination. “That is why I need your help, Judith. There is something I must ask of you.”

Judith’s gaze hardened with unspoken questions, but she remained silent, waiting for Adira to continue.

Adira glanced away, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. “The ‘elsewhere’ I referred to is… near the South. I really need to go there. But to make it possible, I’ll need your help convincing my mother that I’m merely traveling to Luminara—to sightsee and observe how they are preparing for the upcoming Dragon’s Dawn.”

Luminara, though technically situated outside the Empire’s borders and was supposed to be a part of the South’s territory, according to the map the town is actually geographically nearer to the Empire itself.

Its ownership has long been a point of contention between the two nations. In the end, both sides settled on an agreement to share the land, leaving its true allegiance in a state of perpetual ambiguity.

Nevertheless, going to Luminara provided a far more convincing excuse than revealing her true intention to journey further South. After all, the town still upheld the customs of the Empire, making it a plausible destination in their eyes.

Judith gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. “Milady, Luminara is nowhere near the South! And it barely borders the Empire! It is far too dangerous for a Duke’s daughter to travel so far, even with an escort of knights. Her Grace will have my head!”

It seemed that Judith had completely assumed they planned to go to Luminara.

Adira’s lips curved into a mischievous smile. “That is precisely why…” she began, her voice taking on a playful lilt, “you will come with me.”

Adira could have easily fabricated a lie and slipped away unnoticed, but she needed more time—time to explore the places she wanted to investigate and, if it came to desperation, track down Lucien before he got the chance to reach out first.

Adira knew that this freedom wouldn't last long if her parents began searching for her, things would get complicated. To keep her plans intact, she needed Judith's presence to make her excuse more credible and to stretch out the days under the guise of a vacation.

But it seems the request clearly overwhelmed her aide. Judith's complexion turned ashen as she hesitated.

Moving swiftly to her side, Adira retrieved the empty teacup from Judith’s trembling hands and set it gently on the table.

Turning to Jessie, she offered him an apologetic smile, silently reassuring him that the situation was, somehow, still under control.

“Please, Judith,” Adira implored, her tone soft but resolute. “I need to find out something important, and for that, I need your help. You know I’ve never asked for much—never once begged to leave the estate or demanded anything out of turn. But just this once… Please?”

Judith steadied herself, clearing her throat as she regained her composure. Pulling away from Adira’s supportive grasp, her voice emerged cool and measured, betraying none of her earlier distress. “Milady, will you please explain to me what is happening?”

Adira’s gaze softened, her tone growing wistful. “I’ll explain everything once I have the information I seek.” A small, playful smile curved her lips as she fluttered her lashes. “Will that be enough to ease your mind?”

Judith’s expression soured, her brow creasing with deepening worry.

Heh... Of course not.

Adira sighed, her voice taking on a more earnest note. “The reason I can’t explain now is the very reason I must go South. I promise, Judith, once I find the truth, I’ll tell you everything. Please… I can’t do this without you.”

Judith’s gaze kept flickering uneasily between Jessie and Adira, her features contorting with an almost fearful realization. “You… You’re not lovers eloping, are you?”

Jessie recoiled as if struck, his face draining of color. “No! Of course not! How could I—? To Milady—”

Adira intervened swiftly, her voice carrying a faint thread of amusement. “No… I’m far too young for such things, Judith.”

Judith took a deep breath, her shoulders sagging with resignation. “Fine… Fine! But only this once, Milady! We must return swiftly before the Dragon’s Dawn. We have two—no, one week at most—to stay in Luminara. After that, we’ll need to use the teleportation array to reach the borders of the city quickly. From there, we’ll find a carriage to take you to Luminara. We can’t use the household carriage—it will attract too much attention and danger.”

Though teleportation arrays were present in certain cities across the Empire, they had not yet been fully integrated into the nation’s infrastructure.

Luminara and many surrounding villages, for example, lacked such arrays, as establishing them required years of mana collection and substantial funds.

Only select towns had been granted teleportation arrays, and major cities like the capital often needed two or even three, given the sheer expanse of their territory.

“No,” Adira said, a flicker of doubt creeping in as she considered the difficulty of convincing Judith to accompany her all the way to Luminara. She dismissed the thought with a soft sigh. “ A carriage will take too long, we’ll have to travel by horseback.”

Jessie’s face froze, confusion and apprehension clearly written across his features. "Milady...?"

Judith paused, her eyes widening, then she exclaimed. "But you don’t even know how to ride a horse, Milady!"

“Don’t worry,” Adira replied, her gaze darting away. “I’ve been training... in secret.”

"Secret?!" Judith exclaimed, her voice rising in surprise. "Since when?!"

Judith’s hands tightened around Adira’s, her gaze fixed on hers with an intensity that could not be ignored. “Lady Adira, I don’t know what’s going on. I’ve spent my life serving the House of Laskaris, overseeing everything from the moment you were a child until now. And yet, I’ve seen nothing that would explain this behavior. All I ask is that you answer me truthfully.”

A flicker of nervousness rose in Adira’s chest at the seriousness in Judith’s tone, but she nodded in reply.

Judith’s gaze sharpened, as though she were searching for the truth concealed in the depths of Adira’s eyes. “Milady, this journey you’re planning… does it have a noble purpose in the end?”

Adira met her gaze with unwavering conviction. "It does."

Judith exhaled softly, her expression easing just a fraction, though a trace of doubt lingered in her eyes. "I understand. I trust this won't harm the family, nor you yourself, Milady?"

Adira replied, “Yes.”

Judith nodded firmly. "I will handle the Duchess myself. For now, please prepare for departure. Once I have the approval, we must leave immediately to avoid wasting time."

Adira flashed a bright smile. "I’ll leave it to you, Judith! Many thanks!" She gave her a light, encouraging pat on the shoulder.

In truth, the horses were not yet prepared, but Adira knew of a stable on the outskirt of the city.

Her plan was to leave Judith in Luminara, then continue on horseback with Cain and Jessie if possible, without revealing anything to Judith.

Adira couldn’t help but think that coming up with a plan on the spot is both challenging and… in a way thrilling.

Why worry? What was there to sweat about? No matter what, she has one ultimate wild card now. It wasn't as if being physically strong or wielding a sword would solve everything. This time, she had Cain on her side, right?

While Adira remained immersed in her thoughts, Judith slipped out of the room quietly, casting a final, lingering glance at both Adira and Jessie.

In the end, it seems Adira’s persistence had won her over once more.

Duchess Constance trusted Judith’s judgment more than Adira’s, as she had been by Adira’s side since her birth. Thus, Adira was confident that Judith would secure the necessary permission without much trouble.

Turning to the man who had been waiting in silence, Adira offered a warm smile. “So, Jessie…”

Jessie, startled out of his blank stare, jolted slightly as he returned to reality. His nervousness was still evident in the way his hands fidgeted. “U-uh… yes, Lady Adira?”

Adira chuckled softly. “No need for formalities.” She poured tea into the empty cup Judith had brought and extended it toward Jessie with a small, reassuring smile.

Still slightly anxious, Jessie accepted it with a timid smile. “Thank you, Milady.”

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Taking a sip from her own cup, Adira settled back against the plush couch, her demeanor poised yet inquisitive. "Tell me everything about the resentful spirits of the South and their origins."

Jessie, still visibly unsettled from the earlier events, gathered his thoughts quickly before speaking. "According to some wanderers I’ve met, there’s talk of a beast dwelling in the Misty Mountains, one that devours anyone foolish enough to cross its path. Some daring souls try to use the mountain as a shortcut to reach the town on the far side, hoping to save time and avoid the ghouls and monsters that prowl the base. Wealthier travelers, those who can afford protection, often hire former soldiers or knights as escorts—yet even they rarely return.”

“One story stands out in particular," he continued, his voice lowering slightly. "A renowned business tycoon from the capital of Changbei, vanished after attempting the shortcut. He was a moneylender, known for amassing an immense fortune, but neither he nor his hired guards were ever seen again. His disappearance became the talk of the capital and it even reached the Empire’s three major cities. Since then, merchants have chosen the longer, safer route, risking delays rather than their lives."

Adira sipped her tea in silence, her expression composed. Though she had been clear about the specific information she sought, it seemed Jessie had constructed an entire narrative in his mind, eager to share all he had gathered.

Stopping him mid-flow, especially when he spoke with such fervor, felt discourteous. So, she allowed him to continue, confident they would eventually arrive at the details she truly sought.

Jessie raised a finger thoughtfully, crossing his legs as he continued, his tone laced with intrigue. "There’s another rumor—the one about the locals that are too poor to hire guards. They would venture into the mountain alone, relying solely on prayers to the gods for protection. Some strangely managed to survive, but others… weren’t so fortunate.”

“The most chilling part," he added, lowering his voice, "is what happens to those who die there. It’s said they don’t rest. Instead, they return—not as the living, but as resentful spirits. Pilgrims from the church have even claimed to see them—shadows of the departed, lingering along the mountain’s path. And thus, the legend of the ‘Resentful Spirits of the South’ was born."

Adira’s brow furrowed at the mention of the spirits. So pilgrims are brave enough to traverse this mountain despite the dangers posed by the beast? Why? What’s so special about this mountain? She couldn’t help but find what she’s hearing all the more interesting…

“But wait…” Adira pondered, her brow furrowing slightly. “Where did the rumor about the black plague and its connection to the resentful spirits originate? From what I understood, isn’t it more likely that the resentful spirits are the result of the beast dwelling in the mountain?”

“Well…” Jessie chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. “There are many rumors, Milady. That one with the plague is outdated so I thought you’d prefer the more recent one. The one about the monster is more widely believed now. But the truth is, no one really knows for sure. People just like to tie the spirits and the plague or the beast to some ‘cause,’ you know? Easier to understand, easier to blame something.”

Adira sighed, a faint ache blossoming at the back of her head. "This beast... has anyone actually seen it?"

Jessie answered, his tone measured. "The survivors who managed to escape spoke only of fleeting glimpses—an agile creature whose shadow they could scarcely make out before it disappeared."

Adira's mind raced. She had suspected a connection between her father and the resentful spirits of the South. But now, with the mention of the beast, the tales seemed increasingly disconnected.

"By the way," Adira asked, shifting the focus, "What town lies beyond that mountain?"

Jessie replied, "It is the town of Falcrest."

For a brief moment, Adira felt a chill settle in her stomach, an unsettling sense she couldn't quite explain. "...The town from which the Black Plague originated?"

"Yes," Jessie replied, his voice steady. "But that was a long time ago."

"How—" Adira paused, swallowing nervously, the words heavy on her tongue. She forced a faint smile, striving to make it appear natural. "How is the situation there now?"

"I haven't been there personally," Jessie said, " But from the accounts of some merchants, and a few of my readers who are locals there that are now residing in the city, it seems the town has been rebuilt and relocated. It resumed its trade long ago. The town's structure, however, has been altered, of course, due to the tragedy that befell it."

"Ah... Really?” Adira blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback by the news. She had not expected the town to have thrived after such a calamity. She leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. " That’s reassuring. Then, are the inhabitants there survivors of the plague?"

“No,” Jessie replied, tilting his head as his gaze turned pensive. “Haven’t you heard, Milady? It’s common knowledge, even among the youth. The entire town was consumed by the fire. I’ve heard it caused a great uproar at the time—tragic and grotesque. The charred remains of those who perished left a lasting scar on those who were tasked with cleaning the town. Even now, discussions about it occasionally resurface. Word spread quickly after the disaster, claiming that the town of Falcrest had incurred the wrath of Lord Rheos and Lord Zephyr together.”

Jessie continued,” “The people currently residing in Falcrest are former beggars from nearby villages. If I recall correctly, the town now falls under the lordship of Changbei. No other feudal lord dared to govern it, fearing the town was cursed.”

"Mmn." Adira nodded slowly. "I see."

Her thoughts churned, the weight of the revelation settling in. Wiped out, and perished by both disease and fire—such devastation is almost inconceivable. Surely, a tragedy of that magnitude would sow the seeds of deep resentment, giving rise to resentful spirits. Could it have been the beast’s energy that bound so many spirits to that place?

After all, a beast is known for its powerful demonic energy—far greater than that of humans, no matter their strength or age. This makes them fearsome foes, but once defeated, their energy can be harnessed for many magical creations.

It is only natural for spirits burdened with deep resentment to cling to powerful beasts in order to sustain their existence in the land of the living. Over time, this bond can even transform them into a far more formidable entity as the two coexist.

Speaking of resentful spirits, Adira recalled how, upon her return, the spirits that had followed her remained eerily calm, though not once did she allow her aura to wane.

These spirits behaved differently than how she remembered. They huddled together in dense clusters, far more numerous than before, to the point where their numbers could fill the entire expanse of the Duke’s manor, most likely even stretching far beyond the eye's reach—coalescing into a thick, inky fog.

In the past, the spirits had only filled a small town if clustered together, and even now, despite their growth, they could have likely filled an entire city in such a state.

It was clear to her: the spirits were too numerous to all have been her doing. Some must have come from others... or perhaps from her father?

It was merely an assumption, born from the fact that Adira had been present when her father had been executed. There is a chance that the souls who resented him had latched onto her, sensing the same blood that flowed through her veins in the wake of his death.

After all, her sword possessed quite a unique ability—one that could seal all souls within its vicinity, binding them to the blade and, in turn, its wielder, for better or worse, so long as they had not yet evolved into something beyond mere wandering spirits.

Now, as she pieced together the fragments of information at her disposal, she couldn’t help but feel a growing unease at the sheer number of spirits bound to her. It was far too many—an overwhelming multitude. She didn’t recall ever wielding her blade against an entire nation.

This new mystery only deepened her uncertainty, raising even more questions. Adira tried to push it to the back of her mind, forcing herself to focus on the matter at hand.

From what she had heard from Jessie, she could identify threads linking her father, the town of Falcrest, and the spirits. Yet, there remained a gap—an elusive, unanswered question that left everything feeling both interconnected and fragmented at once.

It would be folly to present Adira’s suspicions as truths when the evidence was insufficient. Her father fought in wars, and death is an inevitable part of such endeavors... Her assumption holds no weight. There must be something more. She needed to know more.

Then, she remembered Fiona’s words: two souls repelling one another. If these souls truly were remnants of her father’s past life, and she, who had already met him in the present, should the souls repel each other by now?

Adding to that, the fact that the vengeful spirits still lingered in the South, despite her father remaining here in the Empire, suggested there may not be any connection at all.

As her theory unraveled further, Adira let go of her attempts to piece it all together—for none of it really made any sense.

Her thoughts shifted to the unsettling encounter she had experienced in the city: two spirits, lingering unnaturally close to its living counterpart.

It was a phenomenon that defied logic, and no matter how she tried, she couldn’t fully unravel the enigma. Something abnormal was at play—something far beyond her comprehension

For now, Adira had to narrow her focus; Falcrest was the only lead within reach. There is definitely something buried there, something that had compelled her father to lie when asked in the carriage. Though confronting him directly was once an option, that path had closed the moment deception tainted his words.

Adira realized in the end, that she would not uncover the truth merely by asking him to be honest.

She tried her best not to dwell too much on her father’s words but alas she failed. Labeling him a liar left a bitter taste in her mouth, yet when he claimed he was merely surveying the area or visiting, she knew he was hiding something. His tone betrayed him, mirroring a deeper truth that did not align with the fragments of information Lucien had provided.

Adira was not deaf. Even if she detested Lucien and his twisted games, she could not ignore the breadcrumbs he had deliberately scattered before her, like a hound teased with a bone. His intent was clear, his malice unmistakable—but the information he offered, however tainted, was invaluable.

Pursuing a lead in Falcrest might seem a futile endeavor. What could possibly remain hidden in a place so steeped in tragedy and fear? Yet, to Adira, it was a gamble worth taking—a fragile thread that might unravel something important.

Besides, the fire... Lucien's words had clearly left a lasting impression on her, as the image of the flames kept replaying in her mind. It was the one common thread that emerged from Lucien, Duke Hugo, and Jessie. Adira couldn’t help but feel deeply unsettled by it.

If killing her enemy was no longer an option but a test of her morals and humanity, then time was slipping through her fingers faster than she could comprehend.

Though the situation had not yet reached its most calamitous point, Lucien's absence in the present was not a reprieve but a calculated threat.

The information he possessed was a weapon, a blade that will sever all the peace that is currently in the present. It was a looming threat, one that could unravel everything—and Adira had no desire to face the storm it promised to unleash.

Firenze the region Jin Qiu governed, the mystery in the Misty Mountain, the Resentful Spirits of the South, and the fire tragedy in Falcrest. These four are intimately linked... but the beast is tearing it all apart.

Adira sighed, overwhelmed by the complexity of her thoughts, shifting restlessly from one concern to another, never landing on any resolution.

This... What Adira is doing now is akin to digging in the dark. She can only hope something will come of this.

"Milady?" Jessie called softly.

"Hm?" Adira responded, her gaze shifting to him.

Jessie fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve, hesitation evident in his posture. "If I may ask..."

Adira inclined her head, gesturing for him to continue.

Jessie hesitated briefly before asking, “Why is Milady so eager to travel south?”

Adira’s lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile as she chuckled lightly. "I could ask the same of you."

Jessie faltered, a flicker of suspicion crossing his face as he studied her, waiting for a more straightforward answer. Adira met his gaze, her expression teasing and unreadable.

“...Milady,” Jessie said at last, his tone thoughtful, “did you know that, aside from magic and swords, words are powerful too?”

A wry smile tugged at his lips, as though recalling a distant memory. “ One day, I realized that, as a man privileged to be literate, why not put these words to good use—to unite the hearts of the people?”

Adira remained silent, intrigued, waiting for him to elaborate.

“I have a vision,” Jessie continued, taking a measured sip from his cup. “Perhaps a foolish one, but… if, by chance, my readers come across a story about a man who, though born with nothing, earned his freedom and power through his writing—a man who gained the respect of many and united people by truly understanding the value of that freedom… What if they read of a man who embodies compassion, who does not judge others by the names they carry?”

He paused, his gaze distant, as though seeking reassurance in the swirling depths of his tea. “ I cannot express it fully yet, for there is still much to plan. But if I succeed… do you think people will be moved by it?”

“That…” Adira hesitated, her brow furrowing as she weighed her response. “I do not possess the wisdom or experience to say, I’m afraid.”

Jessie’s hopeful smile dimmed, though only faintly. “I see.”

“But,” Adira added, her tone softening, her expression thoughtful, “ Someone once told me that the pen is mightier than the sword, and words can be more powerful than any ability—if used wisely. I think you should follow your heart in this matter and write whatever you feel is worth writing.”

"Thank you, Milady," Jessie said, his face brightening with newfound enthusiasm. "I hope to meet this person one day. May I know their name?"

Adira smirked, "His name is Lucien. I don’t know his last name, but I’d wager it’s something like... Scum?"

Jessie grinned cheerfully. "I’ll be sure to remember that name!"

Adira chuckled at his enthusiasm before her thoughts returned to Jessie’s earlier plan. "Jessie, are you still intent on venturing to the Misty Mountain?"

“Yes!" Jessie replied without a hint of hesitation.

"Isn’t that far too dangerous for you?" Adira asked, her brow knitting with concern.

Jessie shrugged, his grin unfaltering. "Oh, I’ll just take a look at what the beast looks like, then I’ll leave."

Adira blinked, momentarily stunned by the casualness of his statement. "Take a look…?"

"Yes!" Jessie confirmed, his eagerness undimmed.

"But the beast is violent," Adira reminded him, her tone sharp with disbelief.

"Of course, I’ll make sure not to die," Jessie said with misplaced pride, his grin unwavering.

For a moment, Adira truly grasped the exasperation of Jessie’s companion from the pastry shop. This man was utterly reckless.

"Has your core matured already, Jessie?" Adira asked, attempting to gauge his readiness.

"Uh… no," Jessie averted his gaze as he admitted, he tilted his head as his fingers absently traced the rim of his cup. His gaze dropped into the tea as he added, "We common folk don’t usually get the chance."

Adira frowned, confusion flickering across her face. "Why not?"

Jessie looked up, his expression a mix of surprise. "You didn’t know, Milady? Only those enrolled in the Academy have access to core maturation. And even then, it’s usually limited to scholars with a high aptitude for magical abilities—typically graduates from the Institute of Medicus or Fortitude."

He paused before continuing almost grumbling, "Their cores are fully matured, yes, but their abilities are often confined to their fields: healing or appraisal for doctors, defense or strengthening for knights.”

"Is that so..." Adira murmured, still puzzled. The Academy’s inner workings clearly held more complexities than she had imagined. Curiosity tugged at her, but she set the thought aside for now.

"But before you met me at the pastry shop," Adira asked, "you weren’t planning to go to the mountain alone, were you?"

Jessie shook his head with a rueful smile. " I don’t have the funds to hire anyone. Even if I did, I’d rather save it for my brother. He wants to apply to the Academy next year, so yes I was originally planning to go alone."

Adira sighed deeply. Since her journey to Falcrest would lead her through the Misty Mountain, ensuring Jessie’s safety along the way would be a small effort. It was the least she could do in return for the information he had shared.

Adira’s musings were interrupted by the door bursting open. Judith stormed in, her expression grim and determined.

"Milady, we’ll depart in an hour," Judith announced briskly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"Oh, that was quick! Really quick!" Adira exclaimed with a nervous laugh, trying to lighten the mood. Judith, unimpressed, merely huffed and ignored the comment entirely.

Adira turned to Jessie and gestured for him to stand. As they both rose, Jessie hesitated, his posture uncertain. "Milady, what should I...?"

Adira thought for a moment, her gaze shifting to Judith before returning to Jessie. "Buy two tickets for the teleportation array, just in case," she whispered, pressing a small pouch into his hand.

As their hands met briefly, she mouthed silently, Wait for me.

Jessie instinctively nodded, his movements subtle as one of the maids Judith called discreetly guided him down a secluded hallway rarely used at this hour to ensure he remained unseen by the household.

Risky, she knew, but Adira was certain that no one knew the mansion better than the maids. They would manage just fine.

Judith, however, was not so easily deceived. A shadow of suspicion darkened her features. "Milady, what was that about? What were you whispering to him?"

Adira smiled sweetly, a light chuckle escaping her lips. "Oh, don’t trouble yourself over it. Cheer up, Judith. Those frown lines will age you prematurely. Now, let’s focus—we’ve got preparations to make for our trip."

Without waiting for a reply, Adira turned and strode ahead, leaving Judith to trail behind, with her exasperation evident in the sharp click of her heels. Together, they made their way to Adira’s chambers.

Once inside Adira’s chambers, Judith wasted no time, busying herself with packing an assortment of garments and jewelry befitting a two-week stay. Gowns of fine silk, delicate hairpieces, and other luxuries began to pile on the bed—items Adira knew she’d have little use for.

A pang of guilt settled in her chest as she watched. Judith had no idea what lay ahead, and the deception weighed heavier with every passing moment.

Adira had told Judith she was heading south, but she had deliberately omitted where in the South. The southern region was vast, sprawling across such an immense expanse that it warranted its own detailed map, divided into numerous sections for clarity. Each area held its own unique dangers, secrets, and stories.

Yet, Adira had shared none of this. She was confident Judith believed they were bound for Luminara anyway so it’s best to just leave it vague.