Threads of Fate in a Web of Power

As if sensing her little trick hadn't worked on Gideon, Seraphina's mind whirred.

As expected of the villain's lackey.

She scoffed, crossing her arms.

"Don't get me wrong… He was just too beautiful and cute, with that terrifying ability of his. A child with dual skills that rare! Of course, I'd suspect his identity."

Her hazel eyes turned sharp.

"But that doesn't mean I'd hand him over to just anyone."

Her voice dropped, slow and deliberate. "And the fact that he's hiding in a place like this? It means someone out there wants him dead."

Silence.

Gideon's entire body stiffened. His eyes widened—just barely—but she caught it.

A slow, knowing smile curled on her lips.

'I hit the nail on the head.'

Brushing past him, she stepped further into the room and gestured toward a seat.

"Mister, would you care to sit down? I have something to discuss."

Gideon, still silent, finally lowered himself onto the couch beside Julian, motioning for her to sit as well.

Without hesitation, Seraphina reached into her bag and pulled out several shimmering magic stones, setting them on the table.

Julian leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in recognition.

"Where did you get these?"

Seraphina shrugged. "Apparently, the seller didn't know the true value of his goods and got ripped off. That's all."

Julian mouthed a silent Oh… while Gideon continued to study Seraphina, his gaze unnervingly intense.

Julian exhaled and laced his fingers together. "How much do you expect in exchange?" His usual crafty smile reappeared.

Seraphina sighed internally. 'Of course, he's trying to haggle.'

Truthfully, she had no idea how much magic stones were worth. The novel had mentioned them only briefly, making her clueless about their actual value.

She sighed. "Forget it. Just prepare a house for us children—with a store attached to it. You can keep the change as appreciation for giving us food, shelter, and treating Lucian."

Then, she smirked wickedly.

"Even though Lucian seems to be your kin."

This time, Gideon finally spoke.

"So, how much do you really want?"

"Not how much." Seraphina leaned back, folding her arms. "What I want."

Gideon's eyes narrowed slightly. "And that is?"

His voice had lost its previous amusement. It was calm, calculating, and laced with warning.

The kind of voice that said, Step too far, and I'll end you.

Seraphina raised her hands in mock surrender.

"Relax. I mean no harm." Her lips curled into a soft, almost childish smile. "Lucian is my friend. And I wouldn't sell him out even if you offered me the whole world."

Silence.

Julian and Gideon exchanged a glance.

For the first time, their expressions softened.

Even those cold-hearted men weren't immune to the sincerity of a child's bond.

Julian coughed awkwardly to break the tension. "Ahem. Well, go on."

Seraphina tapped her fingers against the table. "From what I heard… those bastards weren't acting alone."

She casually cursed.

Which—

Was met with immediate disapproval.

"Hold on." Julian winced. "You're still a child. Children shouldn't cuss."

Gideon nodded in agreement, his expression turning almost… fatherly?

"When you get older—" he said darkly, "as you're a lady, you still shouldn't cuss."

But instead of coming off as wise or mature, he just looked downright intimidating. His usual wicked smile combined with his serious glare made it seem more like a threat than advice.

Seraphina blinked.

Her thoughts were dry.

'Villain's lackeys are… oddly civilized?'

But she didn't take them seriously. Shrugging, she brushed it off and redirected the conversation.

"So," she leaned forward, locking eyes with Julian. "Tell me. Who's behind that gang?"

A silent exchange passed between the two men before Julian finally answered.

"The Duchy of Ravensdale."

Seraphina's fingers froze.

Julian's next words confirmed her dread.

"Or, to be more precise—Duke Alistair Ravensdale."

Seraphina exhaled sharply.

The Duchy of Ravensdale.

According to the novel, they were one of the three great duchies of the Empire.

In the Empire of Everbane, the Emperor's power was absolute—his ability to mark territories kept the Empire safe from the endless hordes of monsters beyond the borders.

But where the Emperor's reach couldn't extend, three duchies held control:

The Blackwoods, known for their powerful dark elemental magic, were the most feared. Their bloodline had passed it down for generations, making them a force to reckon with.

The Duskanes, wielders of fire elemental skills, were warriors who defended the Empire's borders against the monster hordes.

And then there was Ravensdale—the richest of them all.

Unlike the other two, Ravensdale didn't rely on combat power but on control. Trade, weapon production, vast wealth—they had it all.

And Cassius Ravensdale, the male lead of the novel, came from that very family.

Seraphina sighed.

She rubbed her temple, already feeling a headache forming.

These two villain's lackeys couldn't even hold a candle against the Duchy of Ravensdale.

Even if they gained support from Blackwood, it wouldn't be enough.

They were far too weak.

"We. Are. Too. Weak."

Julian and Gideon watched her frustrated expression with mild amusement.

They, too, understood the gravity of the situation.

But instead of panicking, Gideon leaned back with a confident smirk.

"It's all right." His voice was calm, assured. "We'll find a way."

Julian followed, flashing an easy-going grin.

"And about that house—you'll have it as soon as possible."

For the first time, Julian didn't sound like a scheming merchant.

He sounded like a normal, well-meaning adult.

Seraphina looked between them.

She sighed again.

'If these two were supposed to be villains… then who the hell was fit to be the hero?!'

Shaking her head, she straightened her posture.

"No… I have a plan."

Gideon and Julian instantly leaned forward, interested.

"But before that—" Seraphina hesitated briefly before muttering, "…Can someone bring me a boy named Jonny?"

A pause.

Julian and Gideon raised an eyebrow.

Her expression remained calm—but internally, Seraphina was cursing.

'Damn it.'

'I really suck at drawing.'