The Turning point

Juhtmed smirked at Veyla's interest but kept his voice low. "The only way I can keep you with us—even at the academy—is if I take you on as my second maid."

Veyla blinked. Then she snorted. "You want me to be your maid?"

"Want? No. But it's the only thing I can think of that won't raise suspicion."

She folded her arms, eyes narrowed. "And what exactly does a 'maid' do in this academy of yours?"

Juhtmed leaned back against the chair, thinking. "Honestly, i dont really know and Lian to say is not the best exemple i could think of."

"So, you don't have any idea and still want me to play servant while you do your fancy noble training?"

Juhtmed sighed. "It's better than the streets. Or the Guilds. And there nothing as fancy"

Veyla studied him for a moment, weighing her options. "Lian's going to hate this."

"I know," he admitted. "Which is why I'm not telling her. Not until we get there."

Veyla huffed, shaking her head. "And if she finds out before that?"

"I'll deal with it."

She looked at him for a long moment before clicking her tongue. "Fine. But I'm not calling you 'Master' or whatever ridiculous noble title you want."

Juhtmed chuckled. "Fine im still not use to people call me like that."

Before Veyla could respond, Lian returned, carrying a small bundle wrapped in cloth. She set it down on the table with a thud, fixing Juhtmed with a glare.

"She doesn't have much, but it's packed." Her tone was clipped, her suspicion still evident.

Veyla raised an eyebrow. "Fast."

Lian ignored her and turned to Juhtmed. "You're sure about this?"

"Yes," he said firmly.

Lian's lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn't argue—at least not yet. Instead, she glanced toward the inn's entrance, where the sky beyond had begun to darken.

"You said we haven't explored Castelnero properly," Veyla said, changing the subject. "Is that still an option?"

Juhtmed stretched, standing. "Might as well. No point sitting around all day."

Lian rolled her eyes. "Fantastic. Let's go entertain the new stray."

Veyla shot her a look but didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she stood, adjusting her hood.

Juhtmed smirked. This was going to be interesting.

With that, the three of them stepped back out into the streets, the city of Castelnero waiting before them.

As they left the inn, the evening air was crisp, carrying the mingling scents of roasted meats, fresh bread, and the faint tang of the sea breeze. Its narrow streets illuminated by lanterns swinging gently in the wind.

Juhtmed led the way, hands in his pockets, lian followed beside him, her expression still guarded, while Veyla trailed slightly behind.

The tension between the two women was almost palpable. Juhtmed could practically feel Lian's irritation simmering, while Veyla seemed determined to ignore her.

"So," Juhtmed said, breaking the silence, "if we're doing this, might as well make it worthwhile. What do you two want to see?"

Lian sighed. "I doubt she cares about the sights."

Veyla smirked. "Depends. Is there anything worth stealing?"

Lian shot her a glare. "Not funny."

Juhtmed chuckled. "I've notice the old watchtower im sure we could get a good views. If you don't mind a bit of a climb, it's worth it."

Veyla tilted her head, considering. "Better than sitting in an inn all night."

They made their way through the winding streets, passing musicians playing lively tunes, vendors closing up their stalls, and groups of travelers sharing drinks outside taverns. The further they went, the quieter the streets became, until they reached a worn stone staircase leading up the hillside.

As they climbed, Veyla stole a glance at Juhtmed. "So, this academy. What's it really like?"

Juhtmed exhaled. "I don't know but if its from seing iv'e read, its filled with people who either want to prove themselves nor destroy each other and sometime a mix of both."

Veyla smirked. "Sounds charming."

Lian scoffed. "You have no idea."

At the top of the stairs, they reached the old watchtower, its weathered stone walls overlooking the vast, dark waters of the bay. Ships rocked gently below, lanterns flickering along the docks like fireflies.

Veyla stepped to the edge, her expression unreadable. For a moment, Juhtmed saw something in her eyes—something distant, almost lost.

Then, she let out a slow breath and muttered, "At least the view's nice."

Juhtmed leaned against the wall beside her. "Yeah. It is."

Lian crossed her arms. "Enjoy it while you can. Tomorrow, things change."

Veyla smirked at her. "I know."

Juhtmed sighed. Tomorrow would bring new problems, but for now, the three of them stood in silence, watching the city glow under the night sky.

The wind carried the scent of salt and distant smoke, ruffling Veyla's hood as she stared at the sea. Juhtmed let the silence settle, enjoying the rare moment of calm before the storm of tomorrow.

Lian, however, wasn't one for quiet. She shifted impatiently, shooting Juhtmed a pointed look. "So, what's your real plan here?"

He raised a brow. "I told you already."

Lian scoffed. "Do you honestly think no one will question you suddenly bringing in another maid? Yes i heard you two conversed about it."

 "Juhtmed, if you're serious about this, you need a real cover story. Something solid."

He exhaled, rubbing his temple. "We can't hide anything from you. I'll just think of something."

"Think now. Before we walk into that academy with her and someone starts asking questions."

Juhtmed glanced at Veyla, who was watching the conversation with mild amusement. "Alright," he muttered. "We say she was a last-minute arrangement. My family wanted me to have additional help while at the academy. No one will question it too much."

Lian frowned. "Your family barely acknowledges you. Why would they suddenly care?"

Juhtmed smirked. "Exactly. I just remember of it now, my father said i wouldn't have any support from the family and that influence is nowhere here, so who care if i bring a second maid with me."

Lian sighed, but didn't argue. Instead, she turned to Veyla. "And you? Can you even pretend to be a maid?"

Veyla shrugged. "How hard can it be? I pour a drink, I clean a room, I stab someone who gets too close."

Lian pinched the bridge of her nose. "Please, for the love of the gods, do not stab anyone."

Veyla smirked. "No promises."

Juhtmed chuckled, pushing himself off the wall. "Alright, we should head back before the city guards start getting nosy."

Veyla took one last look at the sea before turning away. "Tomorrow, then."

Lian crossed her arms. "Tomorrow."

With that, the three of them descended back into the winding streets, leaving the watchtower and the calm of the night behind.