A carriage rumbled along a dusty cobblestone road, the wheels ttering rhythmically against the stones as it carried a young girl through the countryside.


    It was arge, ornate vehicle, its dark wooden panels adorned with gold trim, and the curtains in the windows were a deep burgundy, pulled back slightly to let in the warm afternoon sunlight.


    It was bespoke judging from the proud crest emzoned on the carriage doors.


    Serah Crimson, the girl inside was perched on a cushioned seat, her posture straight and elegant, though her gaze was enquiring and thoughtful in turns.


    "Can''t it go any faster," She yelled out to the driver who pretended not to hear her.


    He was frankly exasperated by the continuous yells from her every five minutes or so.


    "Hey, you''re not deaf, are you?" She said poking her head out the door this time, her red hair flying with the sudden wind that swirled around her.


    "S...sorry Miss, wh..at did youuuu say?" He said in breaks jostled by the movements of the horses who chose that moment to make a sharp turn.


    "GO FASTER!"


    He wanted to say that they were already going at a reasonable safe speed but knew how irrational she could be when angry.


    "Alright, I will."


    "You had better," She said, smacking her lips in distaste as she retreated back to her seat.


    She let out a sigh for the umpteenth time, tapping her foot in impatience as she began worrying.


    It was the first school break and she couldn''t wait to get home so she could find out clues of Neron''s whereabouts.


    Along with everyone at school, she had heard the rumours that Mordred Kaelid was dead.


    It had been a shock coupled with the disappearance of his son from school.


    Naturally, people that knew how close she was with Neron turned their attention to her and she had to feign ignorance about what was happening.


    She liked attention but not the kind that was now directed at her.


    She saw the suspicious nces and heard the whispers of students whenever she walked past them and it got on her nerves.


    Of course, nobody could say anything to her face because of her status but they didn''t hide what they thought about her.


    Not that she helped matters given how she snapped amgrily at the slightest provocation but in each case, she had thought her reaction justified.


    She was Serah Crimson after all.


    She had thought though that Neron woulde back for her after some time had passed and she has stayed up each night for the first few weeks after that only to be disappointed.


    She knew how hard the discovery of his father''s death must have affected him which was why she needed to be by his side.


    "I would give him a piece of my mind when I see him," she thought with a frown.


    She didn''t have any fear about his safety though as her rationale was summed up in four simple words.


    "Neron is the strongest."


    She was confident that he could protect himself if he was in a dangerous situation.


    The carriage slowed as it approached the edge of the woods, and Eveline caught a glimpse of her family estate in the distance.


    "About time."


    The carriage finally turned onto the gravel drive leading up to the estate grounds and she leaped out while it was still on the move.


    "I still have it," she muttered as she swayed slightly from the impact of her jump.


    It was something she always did which her parents told her off for as it was udylike.


    It only meant that she kept doing it though in their absence.


    She was relieved that she was finally home.


    Thete afternoon sun cast long shadows across the manicured gardens, and the smell of blooming roses filled the air.


    The manor''s familiar grandeur was a wee sight after her first term at the Academy.


    As she walked up the steps, the grand double doors swung open, revealing the manor''s staff lined up to greet her.


    As usual, her eyes roamed over them to see if they were looking less than perfect but they were all dressed immactely which impressed her.


    Regardless of whether they were staff or family, she expected perfection from people around the Crimson family.


    The head maid, Beatrice, curtsied deeply, her warm smile mirrored by the other servants.


    "Wee home, Lady Serah," Beatrice said, her voice full of genuine warmth.


    "It''s good to be back, Beatrice," Serah replied cooly. "Is Father in?"


    The head maid exchanged a brief nce with the butler, a tall man named Reginald who had served the family for as long as Serah could remember.


    He stepped forward, his expression polite but tinged with a hint of concern.


    "Your father is currently upied, Lady Serah," Reginald said with a bow. "He is in his study, attending to urgent business regarding the approval of a newly discovered dungeon on one of your rtives'' estates."


    Serah''s interest was piqued immediately. "A new dungeon? Where?"


    "In Lord Alistair''snds, mydy," Reginald answered. "The discovery is quite recent, and the dungeon is said to be rather unique. Your father has been in meetings all day with various officials, debating the approval process for exploration rights."


    Serah''s curiosity grew as she listened.


    The approval of such a site was no small matter, and the idea that this was happening so close to home filled her with a sense of anticipation.


    "Does Father have any reports on it yet?" Serah asked, leaning in slightly. "What''s so unique about this dungeon?"


    "I''m afraid the details are still under wraps, mydy," Reginald said, maintaining his professional demeanor. "However, your father will know more once the final reportse in."


    Serah''s mind raced with possibilities. This was far more interesting than anything she had encountered at the Academy and she had to know more at least to keep herself upied.


    "I''d like to see him anyway," Serah said, her tone leaving no room for argument.


    Reginald nodded knowing her well. "Very well, Lady Serah. I shall inform your father of your arrival and request an audience with him."


    As the butler departed to deliver the message, Serah turned back to Beatrice. "What do you make of all this, Bea? Have you heard anything?"


    Beatrice shook her head gently. "Only rumors, mydy. But knowing your father, he''ll have the situation well in hand. I''m sure he''ll fill you in on the details soon enough."


    "Tell me everything you know. Rumours and all."