Chapter 10: “The Bard’s Ballad and the Broken Vase”

The Starfall Festival was Larkspur's most celebrated event—a night when the heavens themselves seemed to weep stardust, and the townsfolk danced until dawn. This year, however, the festival had a new attraction: a traveling bard whose voice was said to charm even the fiercest beasts.

Stephanie, now ten and very aware of her growing feelings for Aizen, had insisted they attend. She'd spent hours picking out her dress (a silvery-blue gown that "matched the night sky," according to her) and even longer lecturing Aizen on the importance of staying close.

"If anyone tries to talk to you, ignore them," she ordered, adjusting the collar of his new cloak—the one she'd gifted him last year. "Especially girls. Especially pretty girls."

Aizen sighed. "My lady, it's a festival. People talk at festivals."

"Not to you," she muttered, grabbing his hand.

The Bard's Lure

The town square was packed, but the crowd parted like water as Stephanie strode through, Aizen in tow. At the center of the square stood a makeshift stage, where a boy no older than thirteen plucked a lute with practiced ease. His hair was the color of honey, his eyes a warm amber, and his smile radiated a charm that felt almost… magical.

"Master, that's Lysander Vale—the game's fifth capture target," Vermis warned. "Bard archetype. Specializes in charm magic and emotional manipulation."

"Let me guess: tragic backstory involving a cursed voice and a dead mentor?"

"Remarkably accurate."

Lysander's fingers danced across the lute strings, and the crowd fell silent. When he sang, his voice was a velvet caress, weaving tales of lost love and starlit promises. Even Aizen felt a strange pull, his chest tightening with emotions he couldn't name.

Stephanie, however, was immune. "He's annoying," she hissed. "And why is everyone crying? It's just a song!"

Aizen blinked, snapping out of the trance. "You… didn't feel anything?"

"Of course not. His magic's weak." She paused. "Wait—did you feel something?"

"I… might've teared up a little."

Stephanie's grip on his hand tightened to bone-crushing levels.

The Encounter

After the performance, Lysander hopped off the stage and made a beeline for Aizen. "Hey! You're the kid from the Redwyne estate, right? The one who caught Rylan Marrow!"

Aizen stiffened. "How do you know about that?"

Lysander winked. "Bards hear everything. Name's Lysander. Mind if I write a song about you?"

"Yes," Stephanie snapped, stepping between them. "He minds."

Lysander chuckled. "Who's your friend? She's got a glare that could freeze lava."

"I'm not his friend. I'm his—" Stephanie faltered, her cheeks flushing. "—employer."

"Right, right." Lysander strummed his lute, and a few notes drifted toward Aizen. "So, what's your secret, huh? How'd a servant kid get so interesting?"

Aizen shrugged. "Dumb luck."

"Or fate," Lysander said, his tone suddenly serious. "Ever think maybe you're meant for something bigger?"

Stephanie's wand was out in an instant. "He's meant to stay right here. Got it?"

Lysander raised his hands, still grinning. "Message received, Sparkles. No need for the fireworks."

The Aftermath

Later, as they walked back to the estate, Stephanie fumed. "I don't like him. He's… shiny."

"He's a bard. They're supposed to be shiny," Aizen said.

"And why was he so interested in you? You're not special!"

Aizen raised an eyebrow. "Thanks?"

"I didn't mean—ugh!" Stephanie kicked a pebble, her magic sparking. A nearby flower vase exploded into frost. "You're my special! No one else's!"

Aizen stopped walking. "Stephanie…"

She turned, her eyes blazing. "Promise me you'll never listen to his stupid songs again!"

"I promise."

"Good." She grabbed his hand again, her grip unyielding. "Because if you do, I'll melt his lute."