Kaelvir groggily opened his eyes. The warm rays of the sun peeked through his curtains, pulling him further from sleep. His body felt different—stronger than yesterday, not by a little, but by a great margin..
The familiar incense hung in the air, mixed with two distinct fragrances. He shifted sideways to adjust his position—only to find himself face-to-face with a golden mask.
He almost jolted upright before realizing it was Solune. She was lying quietly beside him, her breaths gentle and steady, like a fairy lost in slumber. The fragrance was hers.
His heart skipped. He quickly turned to his other side—there, curled like a cat in her black robe, was Nythra. Masked as always, she looked peaceful.
I wonder how they look without their masks… Probably even more beautiful, he mused. Sitting up with a yawn, he muttered, "But why are they sleeping here… and not in my dream sea?"
His thoughts broke as familiar footsteps approached—the light tread of Fay.
Kaelvir froze. If she saw him in bed with both girls, no amount of bathing—even in the Nile River—would wash him clean.
Panicked, he shook them both awake. Solune stirred first, her black eyes snapping open to meet his. Nythra, lazy as a cat, stretched languidly, grumbling at his intrusion.
"Quickly. Hide. Fay's coming," Kaelvir whispered urgently.
Solune nodded and vanished obediently into his dream sea. But Nythra only smirked, twirling the red beads around her neck, mocking him.
Fay's footsteps stopped at the door. She knocked gently. "Young master, I'm coming in."
Kaelvir's heart nearly leapt out of his chest. He glanced at Nythra's sly smile, and for a wild moment, he wanted to stuff her in his pocket until she begged for air.
Too late. The door creaked open.
"Fay—this isn't what it looks like!" Kaelvir blurted, leaping from the bed.
Fay tilted her head, blinking at him oddly. "Young master… what do you mean?"
He froze. No outrage, no suspicion. Just confusion. Slowly, he turned back—Nythra was gone. Her mocking voice echoed from within his dream sea: Now we're even. That's for yesterday.
Kaelvir ground his teeth. This girl needs to be disciplined… she must know who her master is.
Fay stepped closer, concern in her eyes. She pressed her palm to his forehead, the other against her own. "Master, are you alright? Are you still hurt from yesterday?"
Her warmth pulled him back. He softened, smiling. "I'm fine. You don't need to worry anymore."
She eyed him suspiciously before withdrawing her hand. "You better be telling the truth. I won't forgive you this time." Her face colored faintly as she remembered yesterday's embrace.
Tempted to pinch her cheek, Kaelvir smirked. Fay quickly composed herself, slipping into her professional tone. "Master, when you're done eating, we'll leave for shopping this afternoon."
Kaelvir raised a brow. "Shopping? What for?"
"Have you forgotten?" Fay's gaze sharpened. "Your Awakening is only five days away. You need to prepare with everything you have—this is your last chance."
Realization struck. To Fay, his Awakening was near impossible. No one knew he had solved his anomaly. He wanted to tell her, but decided against it. Soon, everyone would see for themselves.
"But… I'm still under punishment," he reminded.
"I already asked the patriarch's permission," Fay replied firmly. "He agreed—because of the Awakening, I suppose."
Kaelvir's grin lit up. "It's been too long since I've walked the city in daylight." He stepped closer eagerly. "So, when do we go?"
"In the afternoon, once you're ready. I've already prepared your bath," Fay said softly. "I'll get your breakfast."
She left for the kitchen, and he freshened up. Soon after, she returned with food. Kaelvir ate everything, appetite larger than ever.
"Master, since when do you eat this much? Should I bring more?" Fay asked, shocked.
Kaelvir nodded slightly. His body felt like it craved endless energy—as though something deep within him had shifted.
After eating, Kaelvir found himself almost impatient for the day ahead. When Fay returned, the two of them finally stepped into the sunlit city streets.
---
The sun was high when they finally set out. The city was alive, bustling with cultivators, traders, and stalls flaunting treasures.
Fay walked beside him in her purple-and-white maid attire, while he wore green combat wear that fit his frame perfectly. She led him through shops, gathering herbs, soul weapons, armor, and treasures—all to protect a soul during Awakening.
Kaelvir didn't need them now. If he had, the clan would have provided. But seeing Fay's care, he didn't refuse.
With his merged memories, he was no longer ignorant of city life. For once, he walked freely, unburdened by his past failures, simply enjoying the view.
Then came whispers.
"Poor Miss Meyra… she didn't expect to meet that devil from the Zaryth clan today."
"What a pity. He always mocks her—saying no one will marry her because she's blind."
Kaelvir's brow furrowed. Fay, too, froze at their words.
The gossipers continued, unaware he was listening.
"But I heard Miss Meyra is already engaged to the third young master of the Veydrak clan."
The other man sneered. "You mean the anomaly who can't cultivate? How can he protect her? They say he's never even sought her out. What is he, if not a coward?"
The bald one shook his head. "She must be miserable, saddled with such a husband."
Their words cut deep. Kaelvir clenched his fists. They were right—he had never sought Meyra out. But to hear Dorian, the schemer, aiming to take her? His blood boiled.
Fay squeezed his hand, but her aura flared dangerously. Purple lightning danced around her, pressing the two men to their knees.
"You dare… speak ill of my young master?" Her eyes burned with fury.
Kaelvir's eyes widened. Fay's cultivation had surged—she was now at the Middle Dreamforged Realm, near its peak. Only a month ago, she had been at the peak of Awakening. At eighteen, her growth was terrifying.
The men paled, realizing who she was—the Veydrak clan's maid.
"Y-young miss, forgive us!" one stammered.
"We were out of our minds! Mortals' ignorance, nothing more. Please have mercy!" the other added, nearly trembling.
People began gathering. Kaelvir stepped forward, resting a hand on Fay's shoulder. "Let's not cause a scene. They're mortals, after all."
She hesitated, then withdrew her pressure.
Kaelvir turned his gaze on the men. "If you truly want forgiveness, answer me honestly. When did this matter with Miss Meyra happen?"
The bald man swallowed. "Not long ago. If you hurry, you can still find them at the Silver Chalice."
"You mean it's happening right now?" Kaelvir pressed.
They nodded quickly. "Yes, young master. Even Young Master Dorian is there."
Kaelvir's jaw tightened. "Good." He strode away without another word, Fay following silently at his side. His mood was dark.
The lively clamor of the marketplace followed them as they hurried through the streets—merchants calling, children laughing, the shuffle of countless footsteps. But as they drew nearer to the Silver Chalice, the sounds shifted. The laughter dimmed, replaced by murmurs and whispers.
Kaelvir's pace quickened. Fay stayed close, her expression tightening as the bustling noise of the city gave way to a heavy silence broken only by heated voices.
At the Silver Chalice, a crowd had already gathered. At its center stood Meyra, guarded by two men and a maid, facing Dorian, who sneered at her with four guards at his back.
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