Royal Lotus 12 8

"Oh, are you two going somewhere?"

Both Opal and I stopped walking and turned to face Sh.e.l.ly who looked at us with curiosity. I gave a bow as a sign of courtesy. "We're heading to town." I paused, looked at her, and decided to ask, "Would you like to join us?"

I wasn't quite comfortable around her just yet, however she did prove herself to be a good teacher, and an overall good person. Even though I was already ackowledeble about everything that was to be taught for my age, she would throw in additional lessons none of my previous tutors and teachers would cover. And from time to time she would present Opal with sweets after lessons. As for me, she would recommend me good books to read, something I really appreciated.

"Is that okay?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with excitement. I nodded, "Opal and I will go ahead to meet up with Draco. We'll wait for you at the main gate."

"Alright," she nodded excitedly, rus.h.i.+ng away in joy. Sh.e.l.ly was a lot like a child at times; easily scared, and easily excited. Yet it seems understandable. Draco had informed me that he dug up some information about Sh.e.l.ly in order to ease my worry. From what he gathered, Sh.e.l.ly was the only daughter of Gales household, and had two older brothers. One of her brother was to succeed their father's position, and the her other brother was to take over her mother's family line as her mother was the only child and did not want to take over after her father, Sh.e.l.ly's grandfather, retires. That being said, it seems like growing up her father never took notice of her, nor did her mother, as they were always busy with her brothers. She was rarely allowed to go outside or to gatherings and events, too. So, being the youngest and unfavored child, as well as a female, she only had two choices; get married, or find a career. Without hesitation she chose the latter. It was only when she gained success in her field that her parents began to praise her.

She reminded me a lot of my old self; wanting the proper attention and affections of my parents.

Getting off the carriage with the help of Draco, I waited for Opal and Sh.e.l.ly to get off to see what their plans were. I knew that Opal would most likely follow me. However, I wasn't sure as to what Sh.e.l.ly wanted to do.

"Do you have any place you want to visit?" I asked. She looked around the bustling town before peering back down at me with a smile, "I think I'll just walk around for now."

I nodded, "Very well. I have plans already so I can't accompany you. But I say that we meet back here around lunch time."

Saying all I needed, I parted ways with Sh.e.l.ly, who decided to look at the clothing shops first, and Draco, who left to catch up to an old friend. Opal walked alongside me to the familiar road of where we first met, and finally to my destination, Twin Moons. Like last time, it remained quiet and isolated compared to the popular Starlight's.

"Ah, Miss Juntasa!" a startled voice cried out. I gave a smile bow, "Phillip Crew," I greeted, "It's been a while, and there's no need to call me Miss. I am younger than you after all."
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Philip scratched the back of his ear in a shy manner, "Even so, your status is higher than mine…"

I understood where his discomfort came from, however, I would much rather prefer him to call me in a less formal way. I wasn't going to push him to change it just yet though. Not when we barely knew each other.

"Very well. Now then, have you completed the task?"

He nodded eagerly, his lips tilted upward in a proud manner. He motioned for me to follow him into one of the rooms in the back. Walking in, a strong smell of metallic hit me. I found myself looking around in interest, as did Opal.

As I was peering down at some untouched metals, Philip called out to me. I turned to face him and found him carrying the weapon I requested from him wrapped in black cloth.

"This is the final product," he stated.

I took hold of it and unwrapped the cloth that was covering it in a protective manner. As the last do the folds unraveled, I found myself taking in the beauty of the weapon. The blade was pitch black as a crystal blue line ran along the middle of it. On the handle, that was equally black, laid a ocean deep coloured gem. It was a simple design that didn't stick out, and was the perfect size for my current self. Pa.s.sing the cloth to Opal, I held the dagger with both hands and focused on the imagery. Frosty mist formed around the dagger and soon it became the size of a sword.

Satisfied, I changed it back to a dagger and took back the cloth I handed to Opal to cover it up once more.

"You've done a good job," I praised.

"Thank you. I was quite worried that it wouldn't meet your standard," he replied with a hint of shyness and worry.

I shook my head, "Your craftsmans.h.i.+p is much better than that of Starlight's. Too bad people don't realize that."

A sudden thought came to mind as I said that. I didn't want to do something like causing Starlight to become bankrupt since they hadn't done anything against me, but shedding light on Twin Moon's would put that into a possibility, especially with how talented Philip was. Perhaps I could tell Draco and have him spread the words only to the most capable knights - ones who could swear to secrecy and wouldn't immediately start spreading words about Twin Moons. Philip was too young and didn't have enough support to be able to withstand the outstanding amount of orders he would receive once people found out about his potential.

As I thought about how to help out Philip's situation, a loud noise from the main part of the shop caught my attention. Looking at Philip whose eyes appeared to be wavering in a nervous manner. My eyes flashed cold as I walked out the room with the dagger neatly covered and hidden away.

Two men stood, picking up weapons on display and dropping them on the floor. You would think they were bandits or criminals with their behaviors but the fact that one of them was neatly dressed in a butler's clothing, and the other in high end clothing gave away their status.

The one in expensive looking clothing held a mocking smirk as he laid eyes on Philip. His att.i.tude caused my stomach to turn in irritation.

As though he only just noticed me, his smirk faded, looking at me with pitiful eyes. I nearly scoffed.

"Did you finally decide to prey on innocent n.o.bles to make money?" he asked, eyes flas.h.i.+ng towards Philip. I could sense Philip tense up.

"I'd suggest you watch what you say," I warned, finally getting an understanding of who he was. It was no doubt he was the son of the current owner of Starlight's. I had heard rumors about him a gentleman, and a man of honour as he was to take over his father 'legacy' of being a talented blacksmith. However, rumors weren't always to be trusted. Meeting him was more than enough to determine what kind of person he was.

He didn't seem offended by my tone, instead the pity in his eyes only increased, as though he was looking at a naive and foolish child. His lips tilted up in a smile that only made me nauseous. It was a smile I was all too familiar with, and was sick of. "I am only speaking the truth. By your attire, you are obviously from a n.o.ble family of high standing. It would be a pity if you were scammed of your money for a lousy weapon."

I scoffed, my eyes glowing in a challenging manner. He was quick to recognize that my clothing were costly - I had decided to not change into commoner's attire as I only planned to make a short visit - making him a suitable match for the gold digger, Margret.

"I am more than capable of choosing which shop is worthy of my money. Now I suggest you apologize for being disrespectful to Philip, and for the weapons you threw to the ground."

His smile faded, and I saw the butler standing behind him casting a worry look towards me. I raised an eyebrow. For him to react that way would mean that his master was one to cause trouble often - most likely only ever behind close doors though.

"I have no need to apologize for speaking the truth," he insisted with utmost confidence, his lips pursing in an displeased manner.

I internally sighed before turning away and handing Philip the bag of money, "Another set of hundred golds, like I promised. I need to discuss something with you so I would appreciate it if you stop by my manor tomorrow. Go the the antique store, Sun Burst's, and request for Jiro Jugo. He'll know the way to my manor. And close the store for the day."

I didn't want other people knowing the location of my manor, as it would raise question on my status. Jiro would be smart enough to understand the meaning behind my request.