---
Windsor Town – Main Street
The journey wasn't long. Within ten minutes, the carriage reached the quieter outskirts of Windsor Town.
Even here, life stirred.
Children played near fountains. Merchants called out their wares—vegetables, scrolls, glowing magical trinkets. Skyster-crest guards strolled past, nodding at townsfolk. Blossoms spilled over balconies. The breeze carried a natural perfume of herbs and flowers.
But the carriage didn't stop.
Jones guided it discreetly into a quiet alley, tucked away from the main thoroughfare.
Once halted, Dian and the group descended gracefully.
"I'll be waiting here, young lord," Jones said, bowing slightly. "Call me if needed."
Dian nodded. "Hm."
He hadn't brought guards. This was a day for peace, for joy—for them. Even Jones had insisted on coming, but Dian had drawn the line—he would remain close but invisible.
Turning to Lena, Dian said, "Lead the way."
She began to bow, but he gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"No formalities. Call me Dian. We're just common folk today."
"A-ah… Y-yes… Dian," she stammered, her cheeks coloring.
The women behind him giggled softly at her flustered reaction.
And so, the seven of them began their stroll into Windsor's winding streets.
---
Windsor Town – Public Streets
After a few turns, the true heart of the town opened before them.
It was vibrant and alive.
Stalls overflowed with magical fabrics, shimmering jewelry, enchanted mirrors, and glowing fruits preserved by spellcraft.
Trees arched overhead. Birds chirped from rooftops. Laughter and chatter wove through the air. The cobbled paths were clean, worn smooth by generations.
"This is... beautiful," Suzine whispered.
Everyone silently agreed.
"Then what are we waiting for?" she grinned, grabbing Dian's arm.
Gianna took the other, smiling radiantly.
Emily, Olivia, and Emma blinked. Their hands had nothing to hold—but they said nothing aloud.
Lena guided them through the lanes, her soft voice recounting tales of Windsor's forest-spirit origins, and the protective magic maintained by the Skyster line.
Gianna stayed close to Dian, stealing sweet words and fluttery glances.
Suzine danced ahead, brushing her fingers across fabrics, casting teasing looks over her shoulder, her silver hair trailing like moonlight.
Dian's gaze caught on a colorful stall filled with oddly shaped sweets.
"Lena," he said, pointing. "What about that one?"
"That's Windsor's most famous confectioner!" she said brightly. "People travel from the capital just for those."
Dian turned to the group. "Sweets first?"
"Yes!" Emily said instantly.
Olivia gave a calm nod. Emma looked away—but didn't protest.
"Settled, then."
The stall offered cloud-shaped sugarpuffs, firefruit drops, rose-syrup sticks, and even humming-crystal candies that vibrated on your tongue.
Gianna squealed over a sparkling honey cookie.
Suzine giggled behind her napkin as she fed one teasingly to Dian.
Emily hovered over the counter like an excited child, eyes gleaming.
Even Emma's icy act faltered when she tried a dark-blue snow candy. Her golden eyes widened in delight before she quickly turned away.
Dian smiled. Caught you, he thought.
And Olivia—ever quiet—sampled a sweet, then looked toward him with a soft, unreadable smile.
But one person wasn't eating.
Lena.
She stood to the side. Smiling. Watching. But not partaking.
Dian walked over. "Why aren't you trying anything?"
She startled. "I—I'm just a guide. I don't want to overstep—"
"Nonsense." His voice lowered, kind. "You're with us. Now come, That's an order."
Thump.
Her heart skipped. Her face flushed. She nodded quickly and sat beside Emily, delicately picking at a sugar-flower.
Father was right… he really is a good man…
From a distance, curious eyes lingered. But none approached. Especially not with Emily present. Her aura—a Grand Mage's—needed no words.
---
Midday – After the Sweets
They moved on. Dian muted his system screen, which wouldn't stop pinging:
---
[Love Points earned!]
[Love Points from heart fluttering!]
---
Emma trailed behind, arms crossed. Scowling. Watching.
Each smile Dian gave to another made her brow twitch. And yet, she stayed close.
Olivia, always composed, watched silently. But when Dian helped a child up near a stall, she stared a little longer than before.
Emily stayed near him, her laughter bright. When Dian bought a rose-shaped candy and offered it to her, she looked down in surprise.
"For me?"
"Of course," he said softly.
Their fingers brushed.
Neither moved away.
They walked side by side.
Suzine and Gianna saw it. Smiled knowingly.
Emma scowled deeper. Olivia blinked slowly, thoughtful.
Dian caught everything.
And then, a thought struck him.
I haven't bought them anything. No gifts… That won't do.
His gaze turned to Lena. "Lena, Where's the best jewelry store in town?"
Because if there was one thing he knew—no woman refused jewelry.
Lena blinked. "That would be Nareth & Sons. The Windsor branch. It's the finest in the kingdom."
"Perfect," Dian smiled. "Let's go."
---
Nareth & Sons — Windsor Branch
After a five-minute walk, they arrived before a reserved and gleaming storefront.
Two guards stood outside—not threatening, but disciplined.
As the group approached, the guards' eyes flicked over them. They didn't stop them—but the pause was deliberate, measured.
Inside, the air changed.
Sweet, rich fragrance. Floating displays of enchanted gems. Crystal arches and soft lighting.
An attendant approached with a trained, neutral smile.
"How may I assist you, sir?" he asked with a polite bow. No judgment for their plain attire—just professionalism.
Dian nodded. "I'd like to buy something for these lovely ladies." He gestured behind him. "I heard this is the best jewelry shop in the kingdom."
The attendant's smile widened. "You've heard right, sir. We pride ourselves on satisfying our patrons with only the best." He motioned. "Please, this way."
The group followed. The attendant presented fine necklaces, enchanted earrings, elegant brooches.
Each beautiful. Each well-made.
But something was missing.
Dian browsed, thoughtful. Nothing felt right.
He turned back. "They're nice… but not what I'm looking for. They don't fit."
He sighed. "I thought your shop had more."
The attendant hesitated. Flustered.
"I—I'm sorry. I—"
"Wait!"
A firm voice interrupted.
From the far side of the store, a man approached. Late forties. Neatly dressed. Rounded belly, sharp eyes.
"Manager…" the attendant whispered with a quick bow.
The man stepped forward and bowed. "Please forgive our lapse. I'm Lork—store manager. Allow me to help you personally."
There was something in his tone—respect. Recognition.
One look at the group, and he understood: these weren't commoners in disguise.
Their posture. Their subtle aura. Their tailored clothing. Their veiled nobility.
Dian smiled. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Manager."
Wiping sweat with a handkerchief, Lork asked, "May I ask what you're seeking?"
Dian gestured to the group. "Something rare. Elegant. Enchanted. Powerful enough to match their beauty."
Lork nodded. "I understand. Please—follow me."
He led them through a narrow corridor into a more secure showroom.
The air here was denser. Guarded.
Dian paused, noticing six faint presences.
Lork smiled. "This section houses our antique and treasure collection. Hence the protection."
Dian nodded.
Then something caught his eye.
A single necklace on a velvet couch beneath crystal glass.
Drawn forward, he stood before it.
Lork followed. "Ah… excellent eye, sir."
He gestured to the pendant. "This is 'Lumineveil'. Crafted by the famed artisan 'Dagot' of the Drake Kingdom. The ruby is no ordinary gem—it was mined from a moonlit cave. The chain too, forged from rare mana-tempered ore."
Dian leaned closer. The ruby didn't glow. Didn't shimmer.
It waited.
Lork smiled knowingly. "It resonates with the wearer's mana. Adapts its glow over time. And… if it senses a fatal threat, it activates a protective shield—strong enough to block a Great-Class Mage's spell for nearly a minute."
Dian's eyes gleamed. A gift… and a protection.
He turned to the others. Frowned.
"But there's only one."
Lork's smile widened. "You're in luck, Sir. We have eight left. They were to be shipped across the kingdom tomorrow."
Dian grinned. "Perfect."
Lork clapped. Two guards emerged.
"Fetch the black delivery box."
They bowed and vanished.
Moments later, they returned—one holding a black wooden box like it contained a crown.
Lork opened it slowly.
Inside were seven identical Lumineveil pendants—glowing faintly. Waiting.
Dian's smile grew.
This was it.
.
.
.
---
Here's a polished version of your Author's Note, keeping your tone casual but refining grammar and flow:
---
Author's Note—
Hey guys, author here!
First of all, thank you so much for reading and supporting the story. It really means a lot. If you're enjoying it, please keep showing your love—it keeps me going!
If you ever have anything on your mind—whether it's a thought, suggestion, or even criticism—don't hesitate to drop a comment. I read them all and truly appreciate the feedback.
Now, the main reason I wanted to catch your attention: I've been releasing one chapter a day. But if you'd like to see more than one chapter daily, just let me know in the comments!
Stay awesome and happy reading!
---