Invitations and Demands

Ignatius returned to Mithrilen City with Luna and Christie by his side. The city bustled with activity, its grandeur and wealth evident in every corner. Elysia, watched closely by Magnus like a hawk. Could not break away from police headquarters to join them.

A letter had arrived yesterday, inviting Ignatius to the North Hill Estate. The estate was an enclave of opulence. Comprising thousands of condos owned by the rich and privileged. The owner of the artifact bought at the pawn shop had invited him for tea, and Ignatius was curious to learn more.

As they strode through the streets, the magnificence of the area surrounded them. The architecture was breathtaking, and the people moved with an air of affluence. They reached the entrance of the estate, where a doorman opened the door and welcomed them with a polite nod.

"Good morning, Mr. Thorn," the doorman said. "Welcome to the North Hill Estate."

Ignatius nodded in acknowledgment, leading Luna and Christie inside. The dwarf who operated the steam lift had an air of superiority, yet he greeted them humbly as they stepped in. The lift ascended and they soon found themselves in a decorated Parlor.

The man in the elegant chair looked up as they entered. "Good morning, Mr. Thorn. My name is Weeler. Please, have a seat, and your lovely companions as well."

Ignatius, Luna, and Christie took their seats. Their curiosity piqued by the man's demeanour. Weeler held a staff that looked almost like the cane they had been searching for.

"This has been in my possession for years," Weeler said, taking a scroll from a box. His butler handed the scroll to Ignatius.

Luna inspected the scroll carefully, her eyes scanning the ancient writing. "It is a valid owner's scroll. The man is telling the truth," Handing the scroll back to the butler.

Weeler nodded. "The staff had been stolen five months ago. My people searched diligently, and when the pawn shop owner contacted me... well, you know what happened next."

Christie leaned forward, her curiosity evident. "What does the staff do?"

Weeler tightened his grip on the staff. "It stops aging when held," he said.

"I see," Ignatius replied, his mind racing with the implications. "It is priceless, then."

Weeler nodded again. "It is not for sale."

Ignatius waved his hand dismissively. "No need. We do not need it."

Weeler's eyebrows rose in surprise, but he remained silent. The meeting continued with polite conversation, but the underlying tension was palpable.

After leaving the estate, Ignatius, Luna, and Christie returned to Misty Cove. The journey was uneventful. Ignatius found himself reflecting on the encounter with Weeler.

Upon arriving at Elysia's house, Ignatius waited for her return. When she finally arrived, her face lit up with joy.

"Ignatius! Luna! Christie! I've missed you so much," Elysia exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion.

"We've missed you too," Ignatius replied, his tone warm and affectionate. "There's something I need to tell you, Elysia."

They settled down in the cozy living room. The warm glow of the fireplace creating a comforting ambiance. Ignatius began to recount their visit to the North Hill Estate.

"Yesterday, we received a letter inviting us to the North Hill Estate," Ignatius started. "The owner of the artifact bought at the pawn shop had invited us for tea."

Elysia listened, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"The area was magnificent, filled with grandeur and wealth," Ignatius continued. "A doorman welcomed us, and a dwarf operated the steam lift. When we arrived, we met a man named Weeler."

"Weeler?" Elysia repeated, her brow furrowing.

"Yes, Weeler. He held a staff that looked almost like the cane we were searching for," Ignatius explained. "He told us that the staff had been in his possession for years and that it was stolen five months ago."

Luna chimed in, "He had a valid owner's scroll, and he was telling the truth."

"We asked him what the staff does," Ignatius said, glancing at Elysia. "He told us it stops aging when held."

Elysia's eyes widened in surprise. "Stops aging? That's incredible."

"Yes," Christie agreed. "But he also said it was not for sale."

"We didn't need it anyway," Ignatius added. "We had no use for it. It turned out that our lead was a red herring."

Elysia sighed, a mix of relief and frustration in her expression. "I was hoping this lead would bring us closer to the cane. But I suppose not every lead will be fruitful."

Ignatius nodded, understanding her sentiments. "We'll keep searching. The right lead will come eventually."

Elysia leaned back in her chair, her thoughts racing. "Thank you for sharing this with me. It's good to know we're still making progress, even if it's not always in the way we expect."

Ignatius reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "We'll find the cane, Elysia. I promise you that."

The evening passed with light conversation and laughter. The camaraderie between them providing a sense of comfort and strength. Ignatius, Luna, Christie, and Elysia united in their quest, their resolve unwavering.

The fire crackled in the background, casting a warm glow over their faces.

Ignatius looked around at his companions. Feeling a deep sense of gratitude. They had faced challenges together and emerged stronger for it. The journey ahead filled with uncertainty, but he knew they were ready to face it together.

Elysia leaned her head on Ignatius's shoulder, her heart filled with hope. "We'll keep searching, and we'll find what we're looking for. Together."

Luna and Christie nodded in agreement, their eyes reflecting the same determination. They knew that with each other's support. They could overcome any obstacle and uncover the truth.

************

Clair brushed her hair, the soft bristles gliding through her golden locks. She admired herself in the mirror, her thoughts already scheming. The door creaked open, and Marcus entered the room, carrying a tray laden with breakfast.

"That took less time than I thought," Marcus said, placing the tray on the small table near the kitchen.

Clair placed the brush on the nightstand and walked over to Marcus. Her eyes gleaming with gratitude. "What would I do without you?" she said, kissing him.

"Let's eat," Clair said, picking up her coffee and taking a sip. She savoured the rich, aromatic brew before continuing. "Today he must concede to my demands. Ignatius's wealth will be mine." She coughed, glancing at Marcus. "I mean, ours."

Marcus ate like a ravenous wolf, his hunger evident. Clair had been very generous from the first day she visited Silvi's Coffee Shop. He had encouraged her to drink coffee there every day to spy and gather information. His personal reasons were a bit darker; he had never had it this good before. She was a beast when she came home to him, fulfilling his every dream.

Later that day, Clair invited Ignatius to a restaurant she had booked for them. Ignatius arrived with his usual positive attitude. Which gave Clair the courage to further her plans.

As they sat at a private table, the ambiance was perfect. The soft candlelight and elegant decor created an intimate atmosphere.

"Thank you for meeting me, Ignatius," Clair began, her voice sweet and charming.

"Of course, Clair. It's always a pleasure," Ignatius replied, his smile genuine.

Clair took a deep breath, her resolve firm. "Ignatius, there's something I need to discuss with you. Our relationship has been wonderful, but it's time we take it to the next level."

Ignatius raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"I want us to make our relationship official," Clair said, her tone more assertive. "And when we do, it's time for the maids to leave. Their presence is... distracting."

Ignatius's expression darkened, a flicker of anger in his eyes. "Clair, the maids are like family to me. I can't send them away because you find them distracting."

Clair's facade began to crack, her frustration evident. "Ignatius, this is important to me. If we're going to be together, I need to feel that I'm the priority."

"You are a priority, Clair, but not at the expense of my household," Ignatius retorted, his voice firm. "I won't abandon the people who have been by my side through everything."

Clair's eyes narrowed, her control slipping. "So, you're choosing them over me?"

"I'm choosing to honour my commitments," Ignatius replied, his tone unwavering.

Fed up, Clair stood up, her chair scraping against the floor. "Fine. If that's how you feel, then this is over."

Without another word, she stormed out of the restaurant. Leaving Ignatius to finish his steak. He remained seated, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

Christie, who had been sitting quietly in a corner, approached Ignatius and took a seat beside him. She sat silently, offering her presence as a comfort.

Ignatius's anger began to subside as he looked at Christie. Her calm demeanour and supportive gaze reminded him of what truly mattered.

Eventually, a smile tugged at his lips. He called the waiter over and ordered a steak and wine for Christie. "Thank you for being here," he said.

Christie smiled warmly. "Always, Ignatius."

As they enjoyed their meal, the tension from the earlier confrontation faded away. Ignatius knew that his decision to stand by his household was the right one. The path ahead might be challenging, but he had the support of those who truly cared for him. All the women in his household were his wives. He would never abandon them for one silly woman.

The evening ended on a positive note. With Ignatius and Christie sharing stories and laughter. The bond between them grew stronger, and Ignatius felt a renewed sense of purpose.