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    Chapter 7.2: Timeless Encounters


    <hr>


    Adira cast her gaze over the bustling streets and the crowd of people as she strolled along the main road of the city.


    All around her, individuals were adorned in elaborate attire—a testament to her proximity to the heart of the city.


    Each passerby appeared to belong to the peerage or the loftiest tiers of society.


    Adira observed the fashionable women strolling along, each carrying intricately designed parasols. They held them gracefully in one hand, while the other daintily fanned their faces against the gentle breeze.


    The men, in contrast, walked with rigid poise, their every step exuding the refined demeanor of businessmen or gentlemen of leisure. Both carried the unmistakable aura of men with pockets brimming with wealth.


    But as always, in the darkest corners of the streets—the ones people dare not tread—lay the unfortunate, their palms outstretched, waiting for grace to be bestowed upon them.


    Adira couldn''t help but linger her gaze upon them, pondering how the unfortunate always venture to the city in hopes of opportunity, only to find themselves mired in deeper misery.


    She couldn''t help but sense the hypocrisy lingering in the air.


    The hum of chatter surrounded her—daily rumors and the usual discussions about what was popular in the empire—and it grated on her ears.


    Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply in an attempt to center herself, but the irritation stubbornly lingered, gnawing at her composure.


    Clicking her tongue in frustration, she cast a sharp glance around. A few passersby smiled politely, others waved, and some leaned close to whisper behind their hands, their expressions curious as they speculated about why she seemed so familiar.


    Suddenly, out of nowhere, a voice—eerily soft, like a ghostly whisper—spoke directly into her ear.


    " You’re furious.”


    Adira turned her head slightly, her composure unshaken, as though this were a scene she had faced countless times before.


    In that instant, she realized her surroundings had shifted. The bustling street she had been walking on was gone, replaced by a bloodied abyss that stretched endlessly around her.


    “Are you going to kill us again?"


    The eerie voice echoed from behind, resonating as if drawn from the depths of an abyss. The sound carried a chilling resonance, though Adira did not falter.


    Adira couldn’t help but find it intriguing—a mere spirit had managed to draw her fully into its domain. Ordinarily, she would have to peer through a layer of mana just to glimpse such realms, yet this one had bypassed all barriers and pulled her directly within.


    A ghastly, shadowy figure loomed in the dim light—a woman dressed in bloody extravagance, her neck unnervingly twisted as though on the verge of detachment. Her lifeless eyes stared blankly in Adira’s direction.


    Beside her stood another apparition, even more grotesque—a woman missing both arms, with a portion of her skull shattered. Yet, one remaining eye fixed itself unblinkingly on Adira.


    Both figures spoke in unison, their hollow voices reverberating in the silence: "Are you going to deliver the same fate to us again?"


    Adira raised an arched brow, her scrutinizing gaze laced with indifference. Slowly, she turned to face them completely, her movements deliberate. A faint, aloof smile played upon her lips as she walked silently toward them.


    It seemed Adira’s appearance had been altered to match how they had last seen her before their death—clad in a red robe and black pants, a sword at her hip. The silver chains on her boots and robe gleamed ominously in the faintest light that flickered within the domain.


    Looking around, it became clear that the spirit had failed to mimic the surroundings of its death—likely the very spot where Adira had walked moments before. It was poorly executed, and the domain was a twisted, distorted version of reality.


    Adira had heard before that a spirit was strongest near the location of its death, but for it to possess such strength took her by surprise.


    Though this was no longer a new experience, the spirits tormented her in much the same way they did in her dreams—when a person is at their weakest. Yet now, these two had managed to do so while she was awake, walking, and even manifesting her old form. The sheer power of it was astounding.


    They must have been truly terrified for Adira to lose her composure.


    As Adira neared the two ghastly figures, her arm slowly extended toward the woman with the broken neck, her fingers poised like a predator’s claw. Her lips curled into a faint, almost cruel smile.


    Adira stated, "I can." her voice low and smooth. Then, she tilted her head slightly, her sharp eyes locking onto the woman''s hollow gaze.


    Adira continued," If this city gives me a reason to do it again."


    Then Adira’s voice softened to a whisper, chilling in its clarity. "After all, the first time was the hardest I admit. But the second time..."


    Her smile widened, her whisper barely audible, "I can make it even more painful than the first."


    The entity''s eyes wavered, a flicker of something akin to fear crossing their hollow gaze. Then, in the blink of an eye, the grotesque figure transformed.


    What once was horrifying now stood as a pristine young lady, her appearance that of a noble.


    The twisted neck was no longer, and her once lifeless eyes, though still carrying a trace of nervousness, now glimmered with joy. A gentle smile graced her lips as she asked, almost hesitantly, "Are you perhaps Lady Adira?"


    Adira''s faint smile remained in place, her hand still hovering close to the young lady’s neck as she replied. "Yes, I am."


    The young lady''s eyes sparkled with recognition, and she stammered, struggling to contain her excitement. "It is... it is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Adira." She attempted a curtsy but hesitated, as Adira’s hand still hovered near her neck. The one standing beside her was the only one who managed to curtsy instead.


    A soft chuckle escaped Adira''s lips. Her hand shifted, brushing gently from the woman’s neck to her cheek in a gesture both intimate and unsettling.


    "The pleasure is mine," Adira responded. "It is rare to encounter such beauty wandering in broad daylight."


    With her free hand, Adira reached into the basket hanging from her arm, retrieving two apples. She extended them toward the two ladies. "Here," she said warmly. "Take this, and make sure to take care of yourself."


    The two young ladies before her flushed a bright pink, their demeanor changing entirely.


    One shakily reached for the apple, her voice trembling as she protested, "I... I don’t think I’m worthy of such a gift from you, Lady Adira!"


    Adira’s smile deepened, though her eyes retained their sharpness. "I insist."


    The woman hesitated before finally accepting the apple, stammering, "Very well—" Her companion squealed with excitement, both of them clutching the fruit like sacred relics.


    Their flushed faces and rapid fanning only amplified their giddy enthusiasm. "Thank you so much, Lady Adira!"


    Adira’s gaze lingered for a moment before she spoke again, her tone now laced with polite finality. "There are matters I must attend to."


    Adira’s hand traced a line from the woman’s cheek down to her neck, this time with an almost tender touch. "I’m afraid I must take my leave."


    "No!" the two exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with sudden regret. "We’re so sorry for taking your time. Please, Lady Adira, be on your way! We are honored to have had such a precious encounter—one we will never forget."


    Adira’s smile remained fixed, though beneath it lay a practiced insincerity. To them, however, she shone as if she were sunlight itself—a goddess descending into their mundane world.


    Adira offered a final nod of farewell, walking away as they loudly expressed their gratitude once more. As the distance grew, their hushed conversation drifted to her ears.


    " She’s nothing like the rumors." one said dreamily.


    " You’re so lucky! I only received an apple meanwhile you-!" the other retorted, their voices turning to faint bickering.


    Adira found it amusing. Just moments ago, their ghostly forms had stared at her with unyielding contempt. Yet, in the blink of an eye, their living self have eyes that sparkled with reverence.


    Adira formed a circle with her index finger and thumb, then a layer of mana formed in the space between her two fingers. As she glanced over, the hole formed in her finger, she saw the 2 ghastly figures tall beside the young ladies,  their hollow, unyielding eyes remained fixed on Adira.,


    Adira couldn’t suppress the smirk that tugged at her lips. The irony of the dead mingling so effortlessly among the living was a sight that both somehow amused and astonished her, afterall, she was also supposed to be like them if not for Fiona.


    If the future is to linger in the past, as she herself had, then they must summon every shred of their will to prevent their living selves from bringing harm to Adira’s family. They would do well to remember—if they care so much about their living selves—not to anger her.


    Only then would she entertain the notion of a temporary truce. Otherwise, this time, they would face a fate far graver than death.


    Yet, even as the thought formed, Adira couldn''t ignore the gnawing question that had lingered at the edge of her mind. How had these spirits really come to accompany her in the past if they were to be slain in the future?


    Fiona''s words echoed faintly in her memory—her soul in the past had been taken, replaced by her future self. The notion that two versions of the same soul, if they were to coexist, would vanish, now seemed to no longer apply to these spirits.


    But then again, these spirits were different. They had no bodies waiting to reclaim them, no futures to overwrite. And yet, they remained bound to Adira, tethered in defiance of reason.


    Why? The sword—the blade once wielded to sever their mortal ties—had been broken before her death, they should’ve been released even if the sword came back now.


    Also Adira’s death should have been enough to satisfy these lost spirits, and even if it hadn’t, her soul had already traveled to the past, where none of her misdeeds had yet occurred. So what force kept them lingering now?


    Unless... part of the power granted by the cub involved the return of the sword—not just any sword, but her original blade, before it was broken.


    Just the thought of it gave her a headache. She knew the last possibility might be the closest, for if one were to examine her memories, it would be evident how heavily she had once relied on that sword.


    Just how strong are Fiona and these cubs? Such power should have been known, yet no one has ever spoken of a fox deity. And just how could these souls have followed her if none of them had died yet?


    The questions lingered in her mind, each one more perplexing than the last. The unanswered possibility made her lips press into a thin line.


    If the original sword had indeed been returned, for her it was not just a tool but a symbol—a reminder of the lives she had claimed and the burdens she now bore.


    This thought stirred a deep sense of foreboding within her—a gnawing dread that no matter what she did, nothing would ever change.


    The very idea of being shackled to a predetermined destiny, no matter her efforts, was enough to piss her off.


    Adira’s resolve hardened, and a fire ignited within her chest. She would not let this pass unchallenged. No matter how unyielding fate seemed, she would wield every ounce of her power to defy it—even if it meant using an evil tool to alter its course.


    Adira knew one truth above all: she was no longer the woman she once was. With the insight she had gained and the paths now visible to her, there were more options at her disposal than ever before. And this time, she vowed, she would not fall victim to destiny''s cruel design.


    Lost in her thoughts, Adira''s wandering gaze suddenly locked onto a familiar figure amidst the bustling crowd.


    Standing by the front of a modest flower shop, surrounded by a vibrant array of blossoms in every color, shape, and fragrance, was a man who drew attention not by his attire—a black cloak with its hood resting casually on his nape—but by his serene and commanding presence.


    His height set him apart, his figure towering among the crowd. What truly caught her attention, however, was his appearance. Even from a partial view, the chiseled lines of his face appeared as though sculpted by the divine itself, each detail deliberate and flawless.


    His eyes, bright yet gentle, carried a focused intensity, as though the world around him faded in the presence of the delicate blooms he observed.


    His entire form exuded celestial grace, every feature meticulously crafted as if he were an angel wrought from the purest light.


    He reached out to examine the delicate flowers on display, his movements deliberate, almost reverent.  The pristine white sleeves of his tunic, visible beneath the dark cloak, were immaculate, a subtle testament to his discipline and care.


    His calm yet penetrating gaze lingered on the blossoms, as though searching for an unspoken secret hidden within their fragile beauty.


    A thrill coursed through Adira, igniting a spark of excitement that sent shivers across her skin.


    A grin tugged at her lips, unbidden and impossible to suppress. That figure, that posture, that undeniable air of quiet strength—there was no mistaking him.


    For that back, that presence could belong to no one else but the man who had once matched her in battle—the Bearer of Light, General Cain!


    Adira couldn’t help but think that this is truly the embodiment of the bearer of light! Even at such a young age, his appearance defied all norms—his beauty so striking it bordered on the supernatural. It was as though the heavens themselves had deemed him their masterpiece, setting him apart from ordinary mortals.


    Before Adira could process the surge of recognition, her feet carried her forward, her hands waving energetically through the air.


    A rare joy bubbled within her at the sight of a familiar face outside her family. It was the kind of unexpected meeting that felt like stumbling upon an old friend after a long time.


    “ General—”


    Adira’s enthusiastic call was abruptly cut short as her foot caught on the hem of her dress. Her traitorous attire had conspired against her!


    As Adira lost her balance, her hand shot out instinctively, grasping for the figure in front of her. She braced herself for the inevitable fall, but instead of hitting the ground, she felt a firm grip catch her arm.


    Startled, Adira looked up, her eyes widening with excitement as recognition dawned. “It really is you, General!”


    The sound of something dropping broke through her enthusiasm, and her gaze shifted downward.


    A few apples had tumbled onto the cobblestones, rolling haphazardly in the bustling street!


    Realizing she had caused a disturbance, Adira quickly bent down to gather them, brushing against the edge of Cain’s cloak as she did so.


    Cain, noticing a few apples rolling farther away, moved with quiet grace to retrieve them. He crouched effortlessly, his tall frame folding down as he reached for the scattered fruit.


    The crowd flowed around them, indifferent, stepping over or around the fallen fruit without a second glance.


    Adira paused a bit irritated, her lips curving into a sarcastic smirk. She couldn’t help but wonder if her name were plastered on her back, who knows how many people would have rushed to help.


    Feeling a bit ashamed, Adira’s eyes flicked toward the flower shop, intending to apologize for disrupting the scene, but she noticed that the store owner was nowhere in sight—likely preoccupied inside.


    That left only Adira and Cain standing together, the two silently placing the apples back into the basket on her arm amidst the murmurs of the gathering crowd.


    Now that most of the apples have been picked up, for a brief moment, silence stretched between them.


    Adira studied Cain, her thoughts drifting back to their last encounter. She had been blind then, unable to see him, unable to truly take in his presence as she did now.


    It had only been days since their last encounter, well atleast for her, and yet, seeing him now brought a strange sense of familiarity—one that felt disjointed by an odd detail.


    Adira tilted her head slightly, scrutinizing him. The Cain she remembered should have borne the maturity of time—a reflection of the godlike figure carved into the statues, with sharp features and an air of seasoned wisdom.


    Instead, this version of Cain had softer, almost cherubic features: full lips and faintly rounded cheeks that hadn’t yet been sculpted by the passage of years.


    “Wait... young!?” Adira exclaimed out of the blue.


    Cain’s bright eyes blinked open, clearly startled by her sudden exclamation. As he opened his mouth to speak, she hastily cut him off.


    “Generality!” Adira blurted, waving her hand around, pointing at the people nearby, then back at him. She tried, and failed, to mask her awkwardness with a forced chuckle. “Ah, yes, it really is—” she gestured toward the crowd again, then back to him, “You—” She gestured toward everyone once more, her voice trailing off. “Generality!”


    As if that’s going to fix what she just said! Adira cringed inwardly. This would certainly be one of those moments she''d look back on with mortification.


    Adira really needed to stop living as though she were still in the future.


    Meeting old acquaintances triggered Adira’s sense of time, blurring the lines between past and present. But now, she was truly back in the past, and none of these people knew her. They couldn’t possibly understand.


    Adira knew she was acting indecently, and she assumed that the consequences of this slip-up would most likely follow her for days. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    It wasn’t just that she had caused a small scene—though, considering her status as the first daughter of noble birth, second only to the peerage, all eyes would naturally be on her.


    Even if no one recognized her yet, word would quickly spread of the Duke’s family’s arrival in the city. Descriptions and details would be exchanged in whispers, and soon enough, everyone would know she had made a fool of herself.


    But those worries seemed insignificant compared to the real problem. How could she have called him "<i>General</i>" when he hadn’t even earned that title yet?


    The thought hit her like a weight to the chest, and her panic grew. Yet, despite the chaos swirling in her mind, Adira forced herself to maintain a smile, though it felt tight and insincere.


    With a nervous gulp, Adira steadied her voice, she asked, “Do you think the generality of the people in Lirosa are mostly merchants, artists, and… and gentry?”


    Cain’s response came with a simple pause. He considered her question, then answered in his usual calm tone. “Yes.”


    Adira nodded, though her mind was still racing. Trying to salvage what little dignity she had left, she replied. "I think so too."


    With an awkward smile, she wanted to diffuse the tension in the air. Noticing a few apples still scattered on the ground, she bent down to gather the remaining fallen fruit and carefully placed them back into the basket.


    For some reason, Adira found herself pausing for a moment, eyeing the apples. They’re surprisingly fresh…


    This was the only chance she had to observe them thoroughly, after all. Yet, she couldn’t shake the odd feeling of being drawn to an apple. She quickly brushed the thought aside, finding it a bit weird.


    Once the apples were back in place, Adira stood up, dusting off her hands and trying to shake off the lingering discomfort.


    Adira cleared her throat, she tried again, her voice laced with a feigned uncertainty. “Sir, I believe your name must also be General, am I correct?”


    Cain’s brow furrowed slightly, a silent question hanging in the air.


    “…?”


    Adira laughed nervously, her words spilling out in a rush. “Uh… well, hahaha! I thought… because you turned around when I called you ‘ <i>General</i>,’ so I… assumed you had the same name, you know? Or maybe not? What’s your name, sir?”


    Cain stared at her, his expression remaining indifferent as he replied, “Cain.”


    Adira blinked, eyes widening in surprise. “What a surprise! You know, I have a friend with the same name! What are the odds, right? For a second I thought he was you!” She chuckled awkwardly, but the sound felt forced.


    “…”


    An uncomfortable silence stretched between them.


    Adira coughed, the awkwardness palpable in the air. “E-ehem. Well then, I’ll be on my way now. It was a pleasure to meet you, good sir. I’m sorry for, uh… causing a disturbance. I really mistook you for a friend of mine.”


    Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel and strode away, her cheeks flushed with the sting of embarrassment.


    Adira wondered why he was even here. Had the General lived in Lirosa when he was young? Maybe he had… or maybe not. It was information she wasn’t fully aware of.


    In the past, she had crossed paths with him in the most unexpected places and times—just like this one. But she had never encountered him around this time before!


    Some things never change, huh? This encounter could perhaps be viewed as the change Fiona had alluded to, brought about by the simple act of purchasing a cheesecake when in the past Adira didn’t actually do this.


    The ripple effect—though born from a small encounter—was more evident than she had anticipated.  It would likely grow even more pronounced now that her core had matured, soon to be known to the public.


    The doctor had even considered her one of the divine people, if that was to be announced. So much was bound to change.  Adira could only hope that such change would lead to the betterment of her family.


    Adira hadn’t gotten far when, suddenly, Cain’s voice broke through the silence, he asked, “ Are you looking for something?"


    Adira froze mid-step, startled. She turned around, forcing a nervous laugh as she answered,"Actually, yes, I am."


    Cain nodded, his composed demeanor evident as he walked toward Adira, asking calmly, “I am willing to help. What is it you’re looking for, if you don’t mind me asking?”


    Surprisingly, the young Cain spoke more than expected, initiating the conversation in a way he never had before—and, to her surprise, in a manner that seemed genuinely helpful.


    Normally, Cain refrained from speaking unless the situation demanded it. Yet perhaps this was one of those rare moments when it did—when someone appeared to be in need of assistance.


    Adira nodded eagerly. "Oh, I don’t mind. I don’t mind at all!"


    Of course, she would never decline his offer. Who was she to refuse this man—not just any man but this righteous man—on his journey toward godhood?


    One could never go wrong in befriending a holy figure! Adira felt as though she had stumbled upon a hidden treasure cove, one she could keep all to herself!


    As Adira wallowed in her imaginative thoughts, Cain waited patiently, his expression mild and serene, almost polite even.


    The contrast between the young Cain and the older version of him could not have been more stark!


    Their encounters had been few and far between, but when they did cross paths, the words he spoke could nearly lift one to the heavens. He was simply that compelling.


    Yet now, imagining him speaking the same words with his current expression felt... rather out of place.


    Noticing how he’s still waiting, Adira said. "I need to buy a cheesecake."


    "..."


    "..."


    Was that embarrassing? She wasn’t sure. However, for some reason, she felt a twinge of awkwardness in the silence.


    <i>Why did the conversation suddenly fall quiet?</i>


    Then suddenly, Cain broke the silence as he stated. "I know of a place."


    Adira was full of smiles as she replied, “ That’s great! Please kindly lead the way!”


    Cain paused for a moment, casting a brief glance down at Adira before striding forward, effortlessly parting the crowd with his imposing frame.


    Adira followed closely behind. Watching him, Cain was precisely the sort of man an impetuous leader might send to the frontier. His strength was unparalleled—having him around, one would never need to worry. Then, her thoughts drifted to Cain''s past in the frontier.


    <i>It’s not that I’m suggesting His Imperial Majesty is impetuous, but... meh.</i>


    Following his broad back, Adira found an unexpected pleasure in the act. She thought to herself that she needed to build a good rapport with this man if they were to continue meeting easily in the future.


    The benefits Adira could gain simply by being affiliated with this man before she had committed her wrongdoings, could extend to her family as well! Who knows, perhaps his good fortune might even rub off on her.


    Before long, they arrived at a quiet bakery nestled beside the street. Its exterior was designed to invite long, restful stays—wooden furniture, small hanging plants from the ceiling, and a modestly elegant sign just outside the door.


    The entire place exuded a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a warm drink on a cold winter’s day.


    But it was soon to be summer, so the few people resting inside were simply going about their usual routines.


    Adira saw how tall Cain now was, his head nearly brushing the top of the doorway with the ease of a casual stride.


    <i>Not only has this man surpassed the spiritual, but he has also defied the very norms of physique! Truly, a great man deserving of all his titles.</i>


    The bell above the door jingled, signaling their arrival, alerting the baker behind the counter of their entrance.


    The baker''s eyes were quick to scan the two of them with nothing but a glance. He greeted gleefully," Young Lady, welcome! What can I get for such a beautiful lady today?"


    Adira glanced at Cain, who stood beside her. The baker had likely mistaken him for her guard. Clearing her throat, she corrected him, "This man is with me. We’re here for a cheesecake."


    “Oh,” the baker responded, his eyes flicking briefly to Cain, before offering a polite, albeit somewhat awkward, smile. He turned back to Adira and asked. “What kind would you like?”


    Unsure, Adira asked, "...What kind do you have?"


    The baker retrieved a wooden board, inscribed with a variety of options, and said, “Pick whichever you prefer, young lady.” as he said so, his finger seems to linger on the most expensive choice.


    “Oho…” Adira held her chin, amused by his strategy. “I see where your finger is pointing, Mister.”


    “Ah, forgive me!” The baker held his hands up, chuckling. “My finger must have slipped.”


    Adira chuckled, she asked “Do you want me to buy that one?”


    The baker, attempting to hide his grin, covered his mouth with a paper but he couldn’t hide the enthusiasm in his eyes, he stated, “It is always our wish for esteemed customers to choose what suits their taste!”


    Adira narrowed her eyes at him, her tone playful. “Doesn’t seem like it...”


    The baker responded,“ Really, it’s true! We only wish for the joy of our customers, young lady!”


    Adira smiled knowingly. “I know, I know.”


    After a moment’s thought, she saw that the cheesecake names listed were unfamiliar—either because she had forgotten them after so long or because they were new to her altogether.


    Realization struck her—she actually had more money than she could even count at this moment. Why bother carefully selecting a flavor when she could simply have them all?


    Adira pulled a pouch from the pocket of her dress and spoke proudly, her eyes glimmering. “I’ll just take them all!”


    Adira afterall was the daughter of a noble, she recalled how a portion of her allowance was always discreetly tucked into her dress by her maids whenever she ventured into the city. And this budget was no trivial sum!


    Even if she were to buy every pastry in the shop, it wouldn’t come close to exhausting her funds.


    The baker was caught off guard then his mouth instantly curved into a huge zealous grin," Well then, just sit tight Milady! Your cheesecake is surely in safe hands! I assure you—you’ll taste heavenly pastry in this store. Why don’t you sit while I fix up your order, Milady?"


    Adira nodded, her excitement evident. “I’ll do just that.”


    The baker was clearly pleased with the customer''s purchase and personally escorted them to a table, one that would be considered the best spot of the room.


    Adira found herself thanking him repeatedly, though he deflected each expression of gratitude with another bout of<i> ‘’ thank you ‘’</i> as well, turning the exchange into a lighthearted back-and-forth.


    He soon issued commands to the workers behind the counter, and a young woman, likely another employee, emerged from the back carrying delicate glasses of drinks—none of which were meant for them.


    The lady employee glanced at Cain and Adira with a curious expression and asked, “Why haven’t the two of you sat down yet?”


    Adira was taken aback. The woman’s tone was harsh, almost sharp, and her indifference to appearances was conspicuously absent in contrast to the baker.


    Adira couldn’t help but wonder if the stress of the woman’s job was taking its toll on her. Still, this first impression was certainly striking—it reminded her of the people she used to mingle with, though not in an entirely negative way.


    Adira smiled politely and moved to a chair. “We’ll sit now.”


    Cain, following closely behind, ensured Adira’s chair was pulled out for her before taking the opposite seat.


    “Thank you,” Adira said with a polite smile as she settled into her seat.


    The General—ehem- Cain—maintained a calm demeanor, sitting still, though his eyes wandered over the flowers in the cafe before finally settling on the small plant in the center of the table.


    Adira, on the other hand, found herself deep in thought, wondering what he had been like in the East, and if he had ever been one of those who had dealt the final blow.


    A smile tugged at her lips. Adira was tempted to ask this young Cain what he thought of witches. It might be a bit mischievous, but her curiosity itched to interrogate him. She wanted to know if Cain had already been so detached from humanity when he was young.


    Just as she was about to speak, however, a sudden outburst caught her attention.


    “It’s too dangerous!” someone exclaimed out of nowhere.


    Adira whipped her head toward the source of the voice. A bald man stood almost intimidatingly on one of the seats, his words hushed yet unintentionally loud, making him seem suspicious.


    Realizing he had caused a scene in public, the bald man shamefully sat down, wiping beads of sweat from his forehead as he spoke, his voice thick with concern. “Who knows what beasts are lurking in that mountain!? Didn’t they recently find strange, resentful spirits there? Stop being so reckless!”


    “I’m not being reckless!” came the retort from the man sitting in front of him. “I just want some change. I’m tired of writing about girls moaning, giggling, and falling in love with some fool! I want... I want to create something... Something that will move the people who read my work. But whatever, you wouldn’t understand.”


    The bald man shot back sharply, “I won’t, and I will never understand!  Do you want to die!? Just tell me if you want to die. I’ll be the one to do it for you, for free.” His eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched tightly.


    The other man replied. “Of course I don’t want to die!”


    The bald man almost slapped the table, but instead, he looked around, his fist clenched, before glaring at him intensely. “Then stick to writing romance! No one’s going to read that kind of thing from a renowned erotic author!”


    Adira propped her arm up to her chin, listening intently. At first, her curiosity was piqued by the mention of resentful spirits—finding it strange and wondering if it might be linked to the abnormalities of the spirits attached to her. But now, the unfolding drama was drawing her in even more, making her pay closer attention.


    Nothing beats a bit of random gossip while waiting for one''s order.


    “What!?” the man who claimed to be an author snapped, “It’s not about the author! It’s about the contents of the book! The contents!!!” He crossed his arms defiantly. “I’ll go to the Misty Mountains whether you like it or not. I won’t accept decisions made for me without my consent.”


    The bald man in front of him stared with wide eyes, veins bulging in his neck and forehead. “ Before you get killed by some beast or the reseantful spirits of the South, we’ll lose all our money and die because of you!”


    "Fuck off!" the other man growled, his voice thick with fury. "The only thing you see in my books is money, money, and money!" He leapt to his feet, exclaiming, "I''d rather die than lose my passion!"


    “ You fucking crook!”  the bald man shouted, his voice rising to a furious pitch. “ Don’t think you can bring change! You’re nothing but a second-rate—!”


    Thud!


    His words were abruptly cut off as Adira placed a gold coin on the table. "This young lady is quite interested in your conversation," she remarked, her gaze steady. "In exchange for gold, may I know the name of this author?"


    Confused, the author stared at Adira with questioning eyes, asking. “Who—”


    “WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?” The bald man exclaimed.


    THUD!


    The bald man instantly stood up, causing the chair he had been sitting on to crash to the floor with a loud raucous sound. His face, from his forehead to his neck, turned as red as a tomato.


    Staring at him, Adira couldn’t help but wonder why he was so mad. There was no need to be so angry; it was very off-putting, especially in such a serene setting.


    Adira remained calm, her smile not quite reaching her eyes as she stared him dead in the eye. She remarked, " Hello, nice to meet you, I’m Adira."


    "Huh??? Adira?" He gave her a once-over before stiffening. "Adira…"


    The bald man clearly moved in circles of importance. Though arrogant enough to cause a scene in public, his arrogance was tempered by a cautious awareness. He was keenly conscious of his connections and understood how those at the top presented themselves—especially when it came to family symbols and crests.


    He didn’t need to know their names to discern their status; a simple observation of their outer appearance, let alone the patterns in their clothing, was enough to tell him whether they were of importance or not.


    Realizing who this lady was and where she came from, his eyes bulged, looking as if they might fall out at any moment. His mouth gaped open in stunned disbelief.


    The bald man quickly composed himself, lowering his head and kneeling on one leg. "Forgive me! I… I didn’t know! Please don’t take this fool’s insolence to heart!"


    Adira hadn’t expected him to kneel, so she quickly assisted him to his feet. "Please don’t kneel,” she said, offering a nervous smile as she glanced around. The onlookers were starting to grow more curious about the scene unfolding. She added, “There are too many people here.”


    Feeling the awkwardness of the moment, Adira cleared her throat and addressed the author asking. "Your name, sir?"


    "Oh, yes, uhm..." His eyes darted to the bald man, seemingly confused, before he spoke. " My name is Jessie, Milady."


    Adira waited for him to continue, but he hesitated. Seeing her still waiting, Jessie added, "Jessie Pernoud, Milady.”


    Adira nodded in reply, her gaze expectant. He hesitated once more, then added, “I... I write books?" For a brief moment, his eyes flickered with uncertainty, his gaze avoiding hers.


    Confused, Adira didn’t understand why Jessie appeared so nervous. She was a young lady, shorter than them, yet they acted as if they were standing before an imperial knight.


    Glancing to her side, Adira noticed the General had silently positioned himself beside her, as still as a statue once more. It seemed he had noticed her gaze, for he turned his head toward her and met her stare.


    With nothing else to say, Adira nodded at him and Cain also nodded back.


    Suddenly, the sharp-tongued woman from earlier that was holding cups, inserted herself between them. This time, she held a box with delicate ribbons tied around it, securing it tightly.


    The lady employee glanced at Adira with a mix of curiosity and impatience before speaking in an overly polite, almost forced tone, "Milady, here is your order. Please come again next time." She bowed. "Fare thee well, milady."


    As her parting words floated in the air, Adira realized they were being quietly ushered out. Looking around, she noticed the store had grown uncomfortably quiet following their conversation.


    "Melissa! You!" The baker stormed over to Adira’s side, his voice a low whisper, laced with frustration. "Not again!"


    The baker quickly replaced his frustration with an obsequious smile as he turned to Adira, explaining in a much softer tone, "Milady, this woman has... issues. You don’t have to leave so soon. Stay as long as you like." He paused, an idea seemingly striking him. "In fact, she’s just a temporary worker! Please forgive her, milady. Her mental state is... not quite balanced these days."


    Adira blinked, momentarily thrown off guard. "Uh... What?"


    The baker chuckled nervously, his smile strained as he proposed, "Would you care for some tea?"


    Meanwhile, Melissa stood off to the side, her mouth agape in shock and disbelief.


    Feeling guilty, Adira quickly spoke up, her words tumbling out. "Oh no, no, I was about to leave anyway. The service was good, truly. Thank you, Melissa."


    The baker responded with a chuckle, "You flatter us too much, milady! Hohoho! Do not worry, milady. The next time you visit, we’ll serve you even better—though we didn’t do badly this time, hahaha!" He waved his hand shyly, his laughter awkward.


    "Hahaha, yes, sure," Adira replied, smiling as she paid for her order.


    Adira gestured for Jessie to follow her outside however Jessie seemed reluctant, his gaze flickering between the bald man and Adira, but the bald man merely glared at him, silently urging him to follow Adira.


    Adira didn’t mind the tension. After all, they had to leave the store sooner or later—they had already caused enough of a scene.


    Before leaving, Adira couldn’t help but let her gaze linger on Melissa. Perhaps it was the way she carried herself—someone who didn’t care about class and was transparent with her displeasure. Maybe it was also because she felt partly responsible, knowing that her presence had somehow contributed to the woman’s potential loss of her job.


    Regardless, Adira felt the need to cover for Melissa this t]ime. Doing one good deed might prove useful in the future.


    Adira called out, her voice steady but sincere, “Melissa, if you have the time, please consider applying to the manor. Our family could use another helping hand.”


    Melissa, still shocked in disbelief, was now entirely caught off guard by such a generous offer.


    Adira couldn’t help but think how the maids at the manor reminded her of Melissa—honest and capable of loyalty if treated right.


    If Melissa passed the application process, good. If she didn’t, it wasn’t something Adira could control, in the end it''s all up to Melissa. With a soft smile, Adira turned and made her way out.


    Once outside and a little further down the not-so-crowded road, Adira stopped and turned to Jessie. "Sir Jessie, I’m willing to help you reach Misty Mountain. I’ll provide a mount and cover all your expenses along the way." She paused, her gaze steady, then added, "In return, tell me everything you know about the resentful spirits of the South."


    Jessie, who seemed to have just spotted a pot of gold, immediately agreed without hesitation. "Milady, I’ll tell you everything I know! You can trust me! I’ve done my research—carefully and thoroughly, of course!"


    Glancing at the people passing by, Jessie lowered his voice. "The stories aren’t long, but... this isn’t exactly the best place to tell them. Should we find somewhere more private, milady?"


    Adira glanced at the clock tower in the distance, its hands marking the passing time in the heart of the city. And then, it hit her—Cain was still there, quietly accompanying her! How could she have treated the very person who introduced her to this place like a stranger? What a blunder!


    "No. Just come to the Duke’s Manor tomorrow," Adira said quickly, her tone apologetic. "We can continue from there. I’ll inform the guards of your visit. I can’t stay out for too long; this meeting was... unexpected, hahaha."


    Jessie’s eyes widened. "Oh! So, milady is from the Duke Laskaris’ family? I—I''m sorry, I didn’t know! Please forgive me if I’ve acted disgracefully—"


    Adira chuckled quietly to herself, amused by his mistake. <i>He must think I’m a noblewoman, but not a Duke''s kin earlier.</i>


    She quickly waved her hand to dismiss his concerns. "No, no! You didn’t offend me. Don’t worry about it. I don’t care about such things, honestly. Just be yourself when you''re around me. I hope that eases you."


    Jessie, still looking uncomfortable, shook his head. "I could never behave that way towards you, milady!"


    Adira sighed in defeat, laughing lightly. "Well, that''s up to you. So, will you be able to visit tomorrow?"


    Jessie brightened immediately, nodding enthusiastically. "Yes, of course! I’ll be there first thing in the morning!"


    "Good," Adira said, pausing for a moment. "One last thing... Where exactly in the South are these resentful spirits?"


    Jessie answered without hesitation. "It’s in the eastern part of the South, milady."


    "East... Southeast?" Adira inquired, narrowing her eyes slightly in thought.


    Her memories of the area near it stirred in her mind, a faint chuckle escaping her lips. The word "east," brought a sense of comfort.


    Jessie glanced at her, a look of curiosity crossing his face as he sought to understand her reaction.


    "Is something funny, milady?" Jessie asked, clearly intrigued by her sudden amusement.


    “Oh, it’s nothing. Pay me no mind,” Adira replied, waving her hand dismissively. “Can you tell me more about it?”


    Jessie nodded,” Understood. It’s located in a region known as ‘ <i>Firenze</i>,'' according to the locals, Milady.” He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing, "It’s a relatively small area now, but I believe you’ll recognize it better as the place your father, the Duke, and the Emperor’s friend, once governed in the past."


    “Oh.” Adira tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Interesting.”


    There was something Adira felt she must know, yet she recognized that nothing there might offer her the answers she sought. However, perhaps it was because she has her own “<i>Resentful Spirits</i>”, but the mention of the Resentful Spirits of the South and the Witch of the South stirred a strange resonance within her.


    The two names felt eerily similar, and her curiosity was piqued. But the connection seems rather far-fetched as her title of being the Witch of The South occurred in the future.


    Adira’s eyes narrowed in thought. “Can you briefly tell me about this Resentful Spirit of the South? What is it, and how did it come to be?”


    Jessie hesitated for a moment before answering. “ I’m not entirely sure, Milady, but based on the rumors I’ve heard, the resentful spirits might have originated from the black plague. A town was struck down by disease, and many lives were lost. From what I’ve gathered, the Emperor and your father, the Duke, along with their other sworn brother were deeply involved in suppressing the plague, as it was considered a major calamity at the time. Thankfully, the spread was contained before it could reach farther territories.”


    Adira absorbed his words in silence, the weight of what he said lingering in her mind.


    There was something about this matter that gnawed at her curiosity. Not only was her father involved, but the mention of the Emperor also felt strange— at the same time she had never known of a third friend or rather a sworn brother, it was something Adira was hearing for the first time.


    A peculiar feeling stirred within her, quiet yet insistent—a sense that there was more to this tale than she had realized. More threads to follow, more truths to uncover. Yet, the uncertainty of it all made her wonder if this was just another case, unrelated to anything she was searching for at the moment.


    The connection between the plague, the spirits, and her father remained like a puzzle with too many missing pieces, impossible to solve without seeing the bigger picture. In fact, there wasn’t even certainty that they were related at all.


    Each step she can take toward this issue could bring her closer to the truth—or deeper into a web of lies and uncertainties, or she could even arrive at none.


    But as time continued to slip away, one thing became clear: Adira was six years in the past. The only thing she had in abundance was time itself. The rest, she realized, was a matter of choice.


    In the end, Adira knew she could always change her fate, whether by force or not.


    Killing those who stood in her way to achieve peace was not a foreign concept to her.


    But would her family truly be happy if the path she paved to achieve peace was covered with blood?


    Adira recalled the time when they all had lunch together in the manor’s dining room. The memory of their warm smiles, the sense of belonging and love in the air, made her hesitate.


    Would her family still see her as the same person if she killed to protect them?


    “... I see. Very well.” Adira smiled, her tone softening. “ Forgive me, but I really don’t have much time left. I must be off now. Let’s continue this conversation with more detail tomorrow, Jessie, remember.  Take care on your way.”


    "Yes! Thank you, Milady! Thank you so much!" Jessie exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with genuine joy.


    "Don’t mention it," Adira replied with a grin. "Think of it as an exchange of sorts. I get what I want, you get what you want. It’s a win-win for both of us, hahaha!"


    Jessie smiled, though his gratitude remained clear. Jessie smiled, though his gratitude remained clear. "Still, I’m truly grateful for your patronage! You don’t know how much this means to me. Really, thank you so much, milady!"


    Adira shook her head gently. "No, no… There’s really nothing to thank me for. If anything, I should be the one thanking you for taking the time, but I really need to go now. See you tomorrow, Jessie," she said with a smile.


    Jessie nodded eagerly. "Yes! Thank you, Milady! I will definitely be there."


    As they bid their temporary farewells, Jessie continued to express his gratitude, his face bright with satisfaction before he left.


    Adira, now feeling more at ease, turned to head back toward the carriage, with Cain trailing behind her, as quiet as ever.