[...The three moons ascended as usual, marking the end of the night. In a secluded corner of the forest, away from the main road, a few shadowy figures rose to their feet. Working in flawless unison, despite the absence of communication, they soon prepared to depart.

Meanwhile, Deene had paused for a brief rest before embarking on the final stretch of the journey. They were in the same forest, less than 15 yards away from each other. Fate seemed to guide them, ensuring their paths would soon intersect--]

“Bad, Midnight!” Allen swiftly lifted the paper from the desk, preventing further damage from the coffee spilling from the overturned jar. His body jerked as he grabbed the jar just before it rolled off the edges. Phew, thank goodness for the fest reflexes.

 [Meow]

Allen shooed away the cat, who was apologetically rubbing herself against his leg, so he could clean more easily. The rags proved to be useful after all.

[meow…]

Placing the coffee so close to the spot where Midnight usually jumped up was a mistake. Blaming it entirely on the cat would be unfair. “It's alright, kitten. At least there wasn't much coffee left. Let’s go get something to eat, shall we?”

Both cat and human instantly felt better at the mention of food. Allen made a mental note to pick up more groceries when he had the chance. He noticed he had been more stressed lately, immersed in a somber sadness of unknown origin. Hopefully, it's a phase that will pass soon.

After cleaning his creative station, he decided to take a break as he felt no desire to add to his work. It further pointed to the difference in his current somber state compared to the ones in the past. The words didn't flow as effortlessly as they typically would.

Meanwhile, he considered seeking more sunlight. The bookstore's quiet atmosphere, which he usually appreciated, now seemed a bit too still. A change now and then could be refreshing. "Midnight, shall we go on an adventure?"

[Meow.]

-

“Welcome! I’m A-- Oh, is that you, Mr. Allen? It’s so nice to see you again! How have you been?”

“I’ve been well. How about yourself, Miss. Alice?”

“Definitely been better, but I can’t complain.” Alice chuckled. “Is there anything you are looking for today?”

Is there something I’m looking for…? Allen pondered as he glanced at the shelves to see if anything caught his eye. “I’m just browsing. Maybe find something amusing to pass the time if Lady Luck is on my side.”

Alice looked surprised at his answer. “Are you also a believer of the Lady?”

Who? Allen stared curiously at the young girl who had scurried off to find something ‘he will like very much’ after he didn’t directly refute her assumption. But, was I…? It is completely possible he used to be a believer before the memory loss. Why else would he utter her title so smoothly? A new discovery…

Alice returned with a silver three-leaf clover charm, proudly displaying it to Allen. "Look, it's a rare blessed charm that's been verified by the church. I was going to save it for myself when I have the funds, but a friend already promised me one for free."

It should be four leaves. That was the first thought that popped into his mind as soon as he laid eyes on the trinket. Surprised by the perplexing thought, his curiosity at the new clue grew.

Allen noticed the slight unnatural shimmer on the charm as he looked closer. The very first sign of magic still startled him despite knowing it was possible. Thinking with logic and witnessing first hand with his own eyes were completely different. Wait a second, why do I feel like I’ve forgotten something important?

"Mr. Allen?" Alice's clear eyes gazed at him impatiently, as if she were waiting for something.

“It’s beautiful.” Allen smiled as his thoughts returned to reality. “Are you a follower of the Lady?”

Alice's eyes crinkled into little crescent moons at his compliment, and a satisfied smile appeared on her face. "Yes, the Lady is one of the very few who do not ask for anything from her followers. She watches over believers in their time of need and offers hope where there is none. She is the most kind Goddess."

“She sounds like a wonderful Goddess.”

"Oh." Realization slowly dawned on her face as his words registered through the fog of excitement. "I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have automatically assumed you are a believer of the Lady. My most sincere apologies."

Alice bowed deeply. Allen quickly waved for her to stop. It seems like beliefs are taken very seriously here.

“No need, please. I am not offended in the slightest. In fact, the Lady sounds like a goddess I would very much like to learn further about.”

“You truly mean that?” Her face lit up despite her trying to retain her apologetic solemness. “Thank you for your forgiveness.”

“Indeed I do.”

“That’s great! The Lady welcomes all, believer or not. There is a celebration at the church a few days from now. You are more than welcome to attend. And if you can’t make it, the church doors are open from sunrise to sunset to anybody who wishes to visit.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.”

“You’re most welcome, Mr. Allen!”

Vera

“Welcome back, Miss Vera.” The servants paused in their tasks to bow as Vera walked by. Despite the early morning hour, the lighting in the house remained dim and moody. The tall ceilings amplified every hushed conversation with an echoing resonance. In the background, soft piano music played. She’s here too.

“The Count wishes to see you in his study.” The head butler whispered as he took the cloak from her. “He’s in a troublesome mood. Try not to upset him, please.”

“When is he not in an irritable mood?” Vera asked sarcastically.

“Miss. Vera, please.”

“Fine. I will try, but no guarantees.”

“Thank you, that’s all we can ask for.” The older gentleman appeared visibly relieved at her words. “Miss should visit more often; the madam misses you.”

Vera paused outside the study door, gathering every ounce of patience in her being in preparation. “How is she?”

“Worse than before. We don’t know how lon---a renowned doctor will be arriving tomorrow morning. We all hope he will be able to offer some advice.”

Vera took a deep breath. “I see. Thank you for telling me. I will visit her later.”

She knocked on the study door before pushing it open. Seated behind the desk was a middle-aged man who bore a striking resemblance to Vera. His eyes were closed, reveling in the notes rising from a glowing blue cube in the corner of the room. It is a lavishly decorated room, fitting in seamlessly with the rest of the mansion.

A delicate blonde girl about Vera’s age glanced up from her book then proceeded to ignore her after seeing who it was. Unbeknownst to her, her restless foot betrayed her facade of nonchalance. Good, mind your own business.

“Father.”

Silence. The man’s eyes remained closed as if he couldn’t hear Vera over the quickening piano notes that soon reached a crescendo before the song ended. The newfound silence emphasized the uncomfortable atmosphere of the room.

The blonde girl coughed lightly.

The man sighed, setting down his pen. "I'm not in the mood for your games. What do you want? More resources to waste on your research?"

Vera clenched her teeth. Patience. “You asked to see me?”

“Did I?” The man leaned back on his chair. “Did I ask to see her, Lucy?”

"You did, Lord Richmond." She rose from her chair, placing a hand on his arm. "The potential candidates, remember?"

"Oh yes, indeed." He turned his attention back to Vera. "There have been offers for the position of your future marriage partner. Just pick one. It doesn't matter as long as they can sire a child."

Vera remained silent, choosing instead to lock eyes with the blonde girl. Are you sure you want to play this game? Lucy averted her eyes, positioning herself slightly behind the Count.

“You can stop harassing her. It’s my decision, and you would do well to remember that.” Vera’s gaze clashed with an identical pair of intense orange eyes. Neither were willing to back down.

“Yes, Father. If that’s all, I will visit my mother now.”

Count Richmond looked away, returning to the papers on his desk. "You may leave."

“Lord Richmond, the search--”

“I said she may leave. Next song.”

“...yes, my lord.”

This one is not so bright, is she? Vera felt rather disappointed as she closed the door behind her. If this is all she could do, it seems like she need not be worried. Or I need to be very worried. Vera frowned. Lucy wasn’t the type to be overconfident, so this laziness is very uncharacteristic of her.

Speaking of the devil, a pair of obnoxiously loud shoes clicked up the stairs, approaching her. A porcelain white face with blonde hair and emerald eyes appeared in her vision. The permanent smirk was much more fitting for the familiar face than any other expression. Her signature blood-red dress swished as she strolled over with a lazy nonchalance that made Vera tighten her vigilance.

“Well, well, well. Look what the rat dragged in. Its fellow brethren.”

“Nice to see you too, Lucy.”

StarrGaze

May Lady Luck bless us all this year. [Interact to claim the buff...] Jk. Enjoy the extra chapter, fwends:)