The Countess

Just as Ranav was about to leave his master's room, a knock echoed through the quiet house.

"Who could it be at this hour?" Nanima frowned, clearly annoyed by the interruption. "I didn't inform anyone I'd be staying here."

"I'll check," Ranav offered, rising from his seat and heading to the door.

When he opened it, he was surprised to see Usha standing there. Before he could speak, she greeted him with a warm smile. "Good morning, Ranav. I was just passing by and noticed your door was unlocked, so I thought I'd check in."

"Good morning, Usha. Please, come in," Ranav said, stepping aside to let her enter.

Hearing voices, Nanima stepped out of her room. She eyed Usha curiously and asked, "Ranav, who is this?"

Hurriedly, Ranav introduced them. "Master, this is Usha, a member of the Hunters Guild I met during my last visit. She's also the caretaker of this house. Usha, this is my master, Mage Naria Agarwal."

Usha clasped her hands in front of her chest and bowed slightly. "Good morning, Mage Naria. I've seen your name on the rental agreement, and Ranav has spoken about you before. It's an honor to meet you in person."

Nanima's expression softened. "The pleasure is mine. It's good to know my foolish disciple has made a friend in the city. I thought he spent all his time reading books and practicing magic, never bothering to speak with anyone outside of his family."

Usha looked surprised. "I didn't expect Ranav to be an introvert. He was quite communicative with us during our time together. In fact, he even saved my life once. At that time, we…"

"Usha, please sit," Ranav interrupted quickly, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation.

Sensing his unease, Usha stopped mid-sentence and smiled. "I wanted to invite all of you to a tea party at my house this evening. Since your master is here as well, it would be lovely if you could all join."

Ranav glanced at Nanima for her decision. She nodded thoughtfully. "We can make a short visit before heading to the count's estate for dinner. We have an invitation there as well."

Usha beamed with excitement. "Wonderful! I'll be expecting you all." With that, she bid them farewell and left.

Ranav closed the door and announced, "I'll be resting in my room." Without waiting for a response, he slipped into his room and shut the door.

Nanima smirked at his abrupt retreat before returning to her own room.

In his room, Ranav let out a sigh of relief. Sitting cross-legged on his bed, he entered his consciousness into the ring. "Jessica," he called, "I want to meditate for a while. Let me know if someone knocks on the door."

"Understood," Jessica replied.

Ranav focused on his spiritual space, observing the newly formed gold and red stars in his cluster. "I should work on forming a star circle with the red stars first. The Fire Element will give me some offensive capabilities, while the Blessing Element is off-limits for now, as Master instructed."

He began meditating, familiarizing himself with his Fire Element stars. Time slipped by until Jessica's voice broke through his focus.

"Vivita is knocking at the door," she informed him.

Ranav exited the ring and opened the door.

"Lil bro," Vivita said cheerfully, "we're ready for lunch. Get dressed!"

Ranav glanced at his clothes and smoothed them out. "I'm good. Let's go."

After a quick meal at a nearby restaurant, the group returned home. Ranav resumed his meditation until Jessica notified him that the sun was about to set. Emerging from his room, he found Nanima advising his sisters on Tier-0 magic techniques.

Seeing him, Camilla and Vivita smiled.

"Lil bro," Vivita said, "I heard we're visiting your friend's house. Should we go now?"

"Sure," Ranav replied.

The group left the house and walked to Usha's nearby residence. Usha greeted them warmly at the door, and Ranav introduced his sisters. They settled into the lounge, enjoying snacks served by a maid while chatting about local shops and current trends.

After some time, an elderly man descended the stairs, leaning on a walking stick. Usha rose to her feet.

"This is my grandfather," she said, introducing him to the group.

The old man smiled kindly, thanking Ranav for saving his granddaughter. He then engaged Nanima in a lively discussion about current affairs.

Ranav learned that Usha's parents had passed away years ago, leaving her to care for her grandfather. Although her grandfather had tried to arrange her marriage, Usha had rejected all his choices, much to his frustration. He even sought Nanima's help in finding a suitable match.

After nearly an hour of pleasant conversation, the group bid farewell to Usha and her grandfather before hiring a carriage to the count's estate.

At the estate gate, Ranav was greeted by Kulbir Thapa, the chief guard. The man's face lit up with a broad smile as he extended his hand.

"Young Master Ranav, it's been a while! How have you been?"

Ranav shook his hand warmly. "It's good to see you, Kulbir. I've been well. And you?"

"I'm doing fine, thank you," Kulbir replied. "Last time, you didn't spar with me. I've improved my sword techniques since then. You must spar with me this time!"

Ranav chuckled. "Alright, alright. I'll let you know."

A second guard approached and saluted Ranav. "Welcome, Young Master. Do you remember me? I was with you and the Young Miss at the night market."

Ranav recognized him instantly. "Oh yes! You were the quick-witted one. I'll be here for some time, so we'll catch up later."

Nanima's voice interrupted their conversation. "If you're done chatting, let's go in."

Kulbir and the guard turned to see Nanima, who had been paying the carriage driver. Both men quickly saluted her.

"Welcome, My Lady," they said in unison.

Nanima laughed. "It seems someone has become more popular here than me after just one visit." Camilla and Vivita giggled as they followed her through the gate.

Inside the estate, the front door was open. The Countess sat in her usual chair, deep in conversation with the housekeeper.

Ranav approached and greeted her with a slight bow. "Good evening, Aunt Vedika."

The Countess looked up and smiled warmly. "Good evening, Ranav."

Camilla and Vivita curtsied politely. "Good evening, My Lady," they said in unison.

Ranav introduced them. "Aunt Vedika, these are my sisters, Camilla and Vivita."

The Countess nodded thoughtfully. "I recall the older one from your previous visit. This must be the younger one. Welcome, both of you. Please, sit."

Turning to the housekeeper, she said, "Ask a maid to bring snacks and tea for our guests. And inform Paramita that Ranav is here. She's likely in her room."