⚔️🌅🏰 — On the Training Grounds
Morning sunlight spilled across the grassy training grounds of Dunham Estate, gilding the wooden posts and practice dummies that lined the yard. For a moment there was only the sound of breath and swift movement—until one wooden sword went spinning through the air, somersaulted high, and struck the earth with a sharp thud, standing upright in the turf.
Before it had stopped trembling, a second wooden blade was pointed steadily at James Dunham's throat.
He raised both hands in surrender, but his eyes shone with pride and a wide, warm smirk.
"Well done, Lena~!" he praised, not moving an inch. "You finally struck my sword away and pointed yours at my throat... I'd say you've truly improved."
Lena lowered the tip of her sword, huffing softly as she stepped back.
"If I'd been just a little more careless," she said, brushing a strand of hair from her face, "you would've thrown me onto the ground again. I still have a long way to go."
James laughed, lowering his hands. "You're getting there faster than you think."
Lena turned away, walking over to the wooden rack to slide her sword neatly into place.
"Where are you off to now?" James called gently.
She looked back over her shoulder, already stepping toward the mansion doors.
"I'm meeting Lixia today—we're testing one of our new prototype devices."
James nodded, though his smile softened into something a little more wary.
"I see... take care, won't you?"
As she disappeared inside, he sighed quietly to himself.
I just hope there aren't any more accidents this time...
He winced faintly as memories flashed—sparks flying, a chair suddenly smoking, a loud BOOM and a very sheepish-looking Lixia peeking out from behind a workbench.
Please let today go smoothly.
🧹💛🤍 — A Quiet Conversation
Lena stepped into the entrance hall, stretching her arms above her head as she walked. She'd barely rounded the corner when she spotted Sophie—her nanny and head maid—polishing the banister with steady, careful hands.
"Good morning, Sophie!" Lena waved brightly.
Sophie looked up and smiled warmly. "Good morning, my lady."
Lena walked closer, tilting her head. "How are you doing? Everything alright around here lately?"
Sophie's smile softened, but her hands stilled for just a moment.
"I'm doing well... and yes, everything does seem to have settled down at last."
Lena went quiet, studying her for a moment, then asked gently—
"Sophie... why have you been leaving so early these past few weeks?"
Sophie flinched, almost unnoticeably.
Lena raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"
Sophie sighed, setting down her cloth. There was no point hiding it, not from her.
"I suppose I can't keep it from you, my lady..." She took a breath. "The truth is... one of my sons fell ill, quite suddenly. I've been taking extra jobs wherever I can find them—working late, leaving early—just to earn enough for medicine."
Lena's eyes widened. "What?! Sophie—why didn't you tell us? Father and Mother would have given you everything you needed!"
"You know I wouldn't want to cause trouble for the Master and Madam," Sophie said softly. "But it's all right now. He's already feeling much better—thanks to a kind boy I met."
Lena blinked. "A boy...?"
"Yes." Sophie smiled, remembering. "He was wearing a cloak, but as far as I could see... he had pink hair. He gave me the medicine himself, wouldn't take a single coin, and told me it would help my son recover quickly."
She smoothed her apron gently. "I should get back to work now. Have a wonderful day, my lady."
Lena nodded slowly as Sophie hurried away. Once she was gone, Lena stood there, thinking hard.
Pink hair...?
Her brow furrowed. Mother mentioned someone like that before... didn't she? Just who is this boy?
🔧✨💥 — In the Workshop
Later, Lena made her way out to the cave workshop hidden deep in the estate woods—their quiet, cluttered space of blueprints, mana crystals, and half-finished inventions.
The moment she stepped inside, Lixia grabbed her by the wrist.
"MISTRESS! You need to see this—right now!"
"Wait—slow down, Lixia!" Lena said, stumbling as she was pulled toward the workbench.
Lixia didn't let go until they stood before a small, rusted metal plate and a familiar glass jar.
"Look at this!" Lixia held up the jar proudly. "This Preservative Solution you brought back... it actually works!"
"Really?" Lena leaned in.
"Watch!"
Lixia poured a generous amount over the rusted, pitted surface. She wiped it clean with a cloth—and where the rust had eaten away, smooth, unmarked metal shone beneath. It looked as strong and fresh as the day it was forged.
Lena's eyes widened. "That's incredible... it would be perfect for keeping our devices in good working order—no more constant rust, no more worn parts failing early."
"Exactly!" Lixia beamed. "We won't need to hunt for rare, expensive metals anymore—just use this and everything lasts!"
Lena nodded slowly, but her thoughts drifted back to the shop...
Who made this? she wondered. And why does it feel like I'm hearing about this person everywhere I go?
Her gaze focused sharply on the jar, and suddenly she snapped her head toward Lixia—"Lixia—stop!"
Lixia froze, hand hovering over a glowing rune she'd just touched.
"Whatever you're about to do—don't," Lena said firmly, stepping forward. "We test it properly... and safely. No more sudden explosions before we even know what's happening."
Lixia blinked, then grinned sheepishly, pulling her hand back.
"Right... safety first. Got it."
To be continued