After walking through the city, Dagerol split off on his own path toward his blacksmith shop, after saying goodbye to Vantias and Anna.
Vantias and Anna headed to Anna's bakery.
Vantias often came along with Anna to the bakery to help her out a little, and most mornings he would eat breakfast with her.
Once they arrived, Anna put on her white apron and began kneading dough for bread and pastries.
The bakery was tucked away on one of the cobblestone streets of the capital. Its large windows, with dark wooden frames and fogged glass, offered passersby a glimpse of the warm and sweet world inside. Each time the door opened, a small bell above it chimed, and the scent of vanilla, cinnamon, and freshly baked sweet bread filled the air.
The interior was bright and inviting. Glass displays overflowed with colorful pastries: multilayered cakes topped with whipped cream and glossy fruits, fruit tarts with shimmering jelly surfaces, and chocolates arranged like jewels in small velvet boxes. Of course, Vantias's greatest temptation was always trying not to eat them all. Behind the main counter sat traditional pastries, glazed and patterned, catching the attention of every newcomer.
The old wooden floor creaked softly underfoot, while the steam of freshly brewed coffee drifted through the air. Small round tables with white cloths and little glass vases holding single flowers filled the corners of the shop.
The bakery hadn't been open long that day, yet many people were already stopping by. Its popularity grew with each sunrise. Vantias, now wearing a white apron himself, was kneading dough, while Anna pulled hot loaves of bread from the oven. The steam rose in sweet waves, spreading warmth through the bakery. She placed them in a basket and covered them with a cloth.
Ding-dong!
The bell above the door rang. Both Vantias and Anna turned their attention toward the entrance. Anna cast a quick glance before turning back to the oven. Vantias, however, looked a little longer—at him.
A boy of about seventeen stepped inside. He had golden eyes and long silver-gray hair. His face was familiar to Vantias; they had met before, more than once.
A warm smile lit the boy's features. Sweat trickled down his forehead, and he was breathing heavily, as though he had been running and the smell of fresh bread had pulled him in.
It was Arthur.
The scholarship student from the Royal Academy—famous both for his swordsmanship and his magical talent. Everyone at the Academy knew him, yet he was equally known for his calm, reasonable demeanor and the quiet kindness that seemed at odds with his reputation.
He had removed the bandages that once covered his forehead, and his face looked brighter, livelier.
Arthur walked forward slowly, smiling. When he saw Vantias, his eyes widened in surprise.
"Good morning!" he said, waving a hand lightly before continuing,"Sir… no, Mr. Vantias… I didn't know you worked here."His tone carried both surprise and curiosity.
Vantias smiled.
"Good morning, Arthur. Ah… well, I usually just help my sister out here. I didn't know you came by this way."
Arthur smiled, rubbing the back of his head.
"Every morning, before sunrise, I go running. Afterwards, I usually stop to buy some fresh bread to share with my roommate."
His gaze wandered around the shop, clearly charmed by its cozy warmth. Then he added,
"I've been doing this for about five years now. But a few days ago, the bakery I always went to closed down. And today, when I was passing by here, this place caught my eye."
Vantias thought to himself:
" Five years… so ever since he first came to the Academy. This kid really has incredible discipline. "
He smiled and said aloud,
"That's truly impressive, the effort you put in. And about this bakery—" he spread both hands toward Anna with a grin, "my sister makes the best sweets in the whole world! You'll definitely love them, I promise." His eyes sparkled with excitement.
Arthur blinked, a bead of sweat running down his face, looking a bit flustered. Anna blushed, then smacked Vantias on the head.
"Ugh, you're always making trouble! Can't you just stand still for once?"
Then she turned to Arthur, smiling warmly.
"I'm glad you chose our shop."
"Ow, ow!" Vantias groaned, rubbing his head.
Arthur smiled back at Anna and said,
"This place feels so pleasant. From now on, I'll be coming here. And for today… two loaves of white bread, please."
"Of course. They'll be ready in just a moment," Anna replied.
She pulled fresh loaves from the basket, and Arthur stepped closer to take them, handing over two copper coins in return.
Then he looked at Vantias—but this time, he didn't smile.
"Thank you, for your help, Mr. Vantias. If it's all right, I'd like to ask you something."
Vantias tilted his head curiously, casting a glance at Anna, who was busy kneading dough and far enough away not to overhear. He leaned in slightly and said quietly,
"Of course. If I can, I'll be glad to answer."
Arthur's gaze lingered on him—sharp, unsettling, as if he could see more than eyes should allow.
"You really are—"Arthur began, but his words faltered, swallowed before they could take form.
Vantias frowned in confusion.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, curious.
Arthur paused for a long moment, then said,
"Actually… perhaps it's better if I ask another time. Please excuse me."
He gathered up the bread and quietly left the shop.
Vantias stared after him for several seconds, thinking:
" What was that question about? Was it connected to the murders of Kyle and Elizabeth… or something else entirely? "
Meanwhile, Arthur walked down the city streets toward the Royal Academy dormitory, holding the paper bag of fresh bread in his hands. Warm steam still rose from the opening.
Arthur thought to himself:
" From the very first time I saw "him," I knew… there was something in his soul. Something that didn't belong to his body."