Chapter 3- Argument

The young girl was eating lunch at the dining hall with her family, they were all different from her as she has red hair and they have brown. She always feels out of place but stays at the county for her mother's sake and one day fix her relationship with her stranger-father.

After finishing the lunch meal, Cynthia is planning to go and see the baby dragon since it's just born.

''I will be going back to my room,''

She announced but silence is all she got

Cynthia wasn't expecting them to answer her so she just walk to the door planning to escape from the dining hall. But a voice called out to her making Cynthia stop at her track

''Cynthia come to my office later,''

That her father; Count Deruth that she try to mend their broken relationship but he only makes it worse.

She nodded going out of the dining hall to her room, Cynthia's is farthest from the rest of the family.

Along the way, Cynthia noticed that the maids and some servants either bow to her or look at her with pity, sorrow, and sympathy eyes.

Usually, they would ignore her and whisper rumors in front of her, but she doesn't care she used to such treatment.

One of the maids came to bow to her and asks

''Milady, is there anything I can do for you...''

Cynthia was surprised since they never called her 'Milady' only Evelyn Ron and Beacrox called her that. But she answers anyway since she needs something, she leans in near the maid's ear

''Can you get two high-grade potions and bring me black tea with milk separated.''

The maid nodded rushing to the medical wings as Cynthia just stood looking confused and chuckles looking at the young girl.

She seems to be a new maid working at the estate, the others maids and some butler just look at Cynthia surprised that she chuckles.

Not noticing the stares she goes to her room

''Milady I have already brought the stuff you need... and um...''

Seeing that Evelyn was hesitating she look at the tiny red dragon who was sleeping in a small bundle of a soft blanket.

Cynthia sat down in her office chair is which has a large library and office desk. Looking down at the estate from her window that is covered with runes, she tapped the desk two times and sends her mana.

Click

Inside the hidden drawer, rested a beautiful slender light green brush made of the green-white jade handle. The bristle itself is made of white feathers attached to the green jade with a silver ferrule; the design of it makes it appear mystical and alluring.

It gives off a faint green glow and numerous runes of light seem to flutter within the glow, making it appear extremely mystical.

This Rune Brush was first found by her mother; Jur but she didn't use it as she said that the brush doesn't choose her to be the owner.

Cynthia used to not understand what her mother mean but after the war, this Rune Brush is useful to her when she accidentally drops her blood on it.

The brush makes it easier to draw runes and it stores extreme condensed spiritual energy that it gathers since its creation.

Cynthia slip her finger the second time today which make Evelyn panic seeing that her lady casually do that.

The first drop makes one rune glow that she recognizes, after seven drops, Evelyn hurriedly holds her finger to prevent it from any more bleeding.

Cynthia remembers 7 runes symbolize different power within the brush, in her past life she only reached 3 runes.

First Rune - Spiritual Absorption

Second Rune - Illusion

Third Rune - Rune devour

Fourth Rune - 5 Element Combination

Fifth Rune - ...

Sixth Rune - ...

Seventh Rune - ...

Cynthia doesn't know the Fifth sixth and seventh runes as she hasn't reached that level, she only finds out about the fourth rune after the white star using his ancient powers.

'Knock'

'Knock'

Evelyn goes to open the door leaving Cynthia to hide the Rune Brush in the hidden compartment of the desk. Cynthia put disguise magic on the tiny red dragon making him a cat, she carried it to the chair near the window.

Setting the now disguise cat on her lap petting him

The maid who ask her if she need anything came in and was surprised at how simple but extravagant the room Cynthia had, she thought it would have shining gold and look bad.

Evelyn gets the tray of healing potion and the tea set before letting the young maid close the door.

The young maid sneaks a glimpse at Cynthia and almost gasps at how beautiful Cynthia was.

The sunlight makes Cynthia's red hair shine like the blood of a river with reddish-brown eyes that seems to have lived a long life and had much knowledge. She has this mystical aura around her as she strokes the red cat looking softly outside of the window.

The maid was in awe after the door is closed till she attracted the other maid's attention.

Inside Evelyn damp cloth with the highest Grade potion and wrap it around Cynthia's finger. Evelyn set the tea for her lady and was curious as to why there was a cup of milk there.

''Pour the milk into the tea and stir it till it mixes,'' Cynthia said not looking at Evelyn

Cynthia unwrap the wet cloth from her finger the cut is already healed

Evelyn followed her lady's instruction and stirred it

Cynthia still stroking the now red dragon carefully while thinking knew what Deruth was gonna say and she can't guarantee she won't break down and end their ruined relationship.

She sighs in frustration

She can't blame him though he just... missed her mother and can't get over his grief no matter how long.

''Milady the tea is finished.''

Cynthia look at the now milky brown tea before drinking it, it tastes sweet but also has a bitter taste she like how it was.

She subconsciously smiles remembering when her team leader and her other Oppa fight for the one-bottle milk tea.

They almost spill it before it was saved by Cynthia and she drinks without remorse. The two males look at her shocked and proceed to beg Cynthia for the milk tea back.

She misses them

Evelyn sighed in relief seeing that her lady smiles before looking at the tiny red dragon that was resting on Cynthia's lap so doesn't know where her lady get a baby dragon but knows one thing.

'The baby dragon is so CUTE!!!'

She coughs a few times before asking her lady

''Milady what name are you going to choose for this baby dragon-nim?''

Cynthia looked at her surprise written on her face before looking down at the red dragon sleeping on her lap.

She didn't consider giving the dragon a name after all they are known to be arrogant and independent but if this little dragon wants she can choose a name for him.

She was contemplating a name fitting for this small majestic dragon before a knock was heard. Cynthia put on disguise magic for the red dragon into a red cat

''Come in...''

A figure comes in he has brown hair and dark brown eye he only looks around 10 years old; Basen Henituse is her younger step-brother.

Cynthia look at Evelyn

Evelyn noticed Cynthia gaze, bow to the two noble and left the room

Based on who was hesitating to knock on Cynthia's door came in holding a few books.

He just came back from the library

He have a lot of things on his own ever since this morning. He needs to talk to his older step-sister

"Sit down first before you want to ask anything," Cynthia said sipping her milk tea

Based do as his sister told him and look at Cynthia with determination and hesitation. Cynthia notice this made a new tea and set it for Basen.

"You can talk whatever on your mind Basen. No one going to judge you." Cynthia said softly looking at her brother

She always knows whatever her siblings are trouble even when she never talk to them, it is always Basen came to her first asking for her guidance of being an heir and being a Henituse.

Basen drink the tea in a daze of memory

─ flashback ─

Basen was about nine years old returning from the party, he was bullied by the noble heirs in the party while his parent busied themselves with the noble.

They didn't even notice bruised on Basen's cheek or the way he walk.

Returning to the estate Basen goes to his room after bidding his parents goodnight, after a quick shower, and changes to his pajamas preparing to sleep. Having nightmares are occasional for Basen but this time he has a really bad nightmare that woke him up.

He decided to have a midnight snack

About to open the kitchen but a smooth humming voice stopped him as he walks in the direction of the sound unexpectedly the voice was from Lily's nursery.

Through the crack door, he saw Cynthia sitting on a chair near Lily's bed. Lily tightly holds on to Cynthia's hand sleeping peacefully looking cutely with Cynthia has her eyes closed stops humming.

She look at Basen blankly making him flinch back away, he was about to go back to his room before a voice called out to him

''You can come in Basen...''

He hesitates but went in and sit down on Lily's bed

He looks anywhere except for his big sister

Cynthia let out a soft sigh seemingly hopeless at what Basen doing

She gently patted Basen's head and let him sleep on her lap the boy was very surprised and had a slight brush on his face.

He silently sleeps on Cynthia's lap as she starts to hum a new song

He tried to stay awake but there seem to be something that put him to sleep, Cynthia put a sleeping rune on him

Cynthia caressed Basen's head she looked up to the moon that shone brightly through the window

It was a peaceful silence

Cynthia looks blankly her eyes shine with blue-purple color the room instantly lit up with her mana and some elemental started surrounding her

Cynthia not noticing this stood up and carried Basen to his room using magic

The next morning Basen woke up to see him in his room with a note on his nightstand

^^^Sleep well, don't wander off by yourself ^^^

^^^- Cynthia^^^

Basen laugh at the note before doing his daily routine

─ end of flashback ─

Basen smile at the memory not noticing that Cynthia picks up a scroll, she unrolls it to see many runes that never see before.

She widen her eyes, seeing the seven runes that are drawn on her Jade Rune Brush she didn't think it has its name and many uses.

''Basen where do you find this scroll?''

She eyed her brother seeing him look at her confused she roll up the scroll to its original state let Basen look at it.

''Oh, I found this scroll in the corner of the abandoned Henituse library. It has an interesting drawing so I want to research it.''

Basen explains looking at the scroll he found he doesn't understand what the writing under the drawing.

But it seems that his sister know what it is

''Where?''

''Erm... it was at the west side of the library that has many books stacked together.''

''I see...''

Basen glanced at his sister who open the scroll and look at the drawing and writing with a little frown and have a surprising glint in her eyes.

He decided to spend a quiet time with Cynthia as he pick up a book about politics.

The time they spend together is quiet and peaceful

+++++++++++++++++++++

It was time for Cynthia to visit her father's office she have a bad feeling and know what gonna happen as she had almost ended their relationship.

But after years into the war, she killed her so-called fiance ended the engagement, and end her relationship with her father, and only maintained with her siblings.

She right now is in front of Deruth's office door she took a deep breath before knocking

''Father it's me,''

''Come in...''

A voice behind the door called out as she open the door to see he was doing the paperwork only glancing at his daughter for a second before going back to his work, Cynthia grit her teeth together to prevent her from shouting at her idiot father and tears swell in her eyes.

''What is it you are going to tell me, father...''

''You have an engagement,'' he stated

Evelyn rush to countess; Violan room causing the other staff and Basen to follow her curiously as she was the example of a perfect maid. She never breaks that title that is bestowed on her.

Evelyn knocks on the Voilan's door anxiously she remembers that her lady said something before leaving.

''Get someone to stop me after I reach came out of this room... I will be a little reckless this time...''

Her lady said in a low voice with her shining blue-purple that terrified Evelyn

She finally understands what her lady means so she rushed toward the Countess for help stopping her lady from either killing or injuring someone.

''Countess Violan! Please go to the Count office with me or else someone will be injured!''

Evelyn shouted through the door as the Countess open it and walkout

The shout surprised all who were present and the Countess as she open the door leading the way to the Count's office.

In front of the door, Violin was about to open the door to Deruth's office but they heard something shocking.

"Father, do you know why I haven't ended my relationship with you as your daughter yet..."

They heard was Cynthia's voice, Violan, Basen, and Evelyn goes into the office. The other staff stood still horror and guilt can be seen on their faces thinking of what they did.

Inside Cynthia's eyes swell with tears that threaten to come out she stands in front of Deruth far away.

Death sits on his office chair stunned and his eyes widen in horror because of what Cynthia revealed.

The three people who came in stand in front of the door looking at the two in the office before they came in. Evelyn being loyal to her lady stand behind Cynthia while sending a message.

Milady please calm down and are you okay...

That makes Cynthia smile a little but the Henituse family misunderstanding is a bitter smile.

They weren't close but seeing a tinkle of tear coming down Cynthia's eyes make their heartbreak. Deruth stand up from his chair and tried walking towards Cynthia but she step back.

The creating distance between them is like how their father-daughter relationship is.

So close yet so far away

"Father"

Deruth and the family look toward and flinches at her motionless and dead gaze

"The 1st reason I haven't left this place is because of my siblings. I promised them that I will stay with them in this place."

"The 2nd reason is that mother in trusted something to me in this place and let me make a promise..."

That is when they realize the promise that Jour let Cynthia make.

How does Jour know about this?

Deruth never knows since her sudden appearance and mysterious background. But Cynthia knows she knows everything about her mother even about her death.

"The promise late countess made lady swear is to never break ties with the count..." Evelyn said muttering but the Henituse family hear it clearly

"Yes, that is correct. Mother wants me to swear that I will never break ties with you, father."

At this point, Cynthia sobs, trying to control her facial and emotion. It has been a long time since she was this emotional.

She pointed directly at Deruth saying something that shocked them

"But I never promise that I won't get out of this territory."

"Cynth-" Deruth tried talking but Cynthia interrupted him

"So have that god damn engagement cancel before I will go away."

This time the word 'engagement' has those who don't know attention.

Voilan frown and glaze at Deruth for not telling her such an important thing. Marriage is very important for everyone, especially for women.

She once married and know marrying blindly could cause you troubles.

Derith feeling his wife's glare avoids looking at her and the burning gaze of Evelyn.

Evelyn was very mad at what Deruth doing, she now understands why her lady ask her to bring someone. She couldn't contain her anger and hatred for him but because Cynthia gripped her hand, she would have killed him right then and there.

"Who is she engaged to, father?"

Basen who has been very quiet asks, Deruth avoid his family's looks, answer.

"Neo Tolze..."

Cynthia cools her head, wiping the tear with a handkerchief before glaring at her stupid father

"Next time, father if you want to do something like this do make sure of the person's information."

Deruth nodded avoiding his burning gaze by looking down ashamed. Cynthia doesn't care about any of this sigh because of her sudden emotion and wants to get this conversation done.

"I also came here for another request," she said sternly but you hear a gentle tone

"what request is it?"

This time its Voilan that inquired with the family and the maid looks at her curiously.

"I want permission to travel for two years."

Cynthia knows the answer to that question and it

"NO!" her father said

"How about this, I will go to travel for two years after I'm 14 and I will bring Evelyn and Han with me."

That got the Henituse thinking of the pros and cons before Voilan's answer

"well then, we will agree to this request and you better come back for the festival and send a letter."

"Then I will be in my room," Cynthia said rubbing her temple to ease the coming headache

Evelyn opens the door to see many maids fallen from coaching down wanting to hear the conversation. Cynthia seeing this ignores everything and goes to her room.

Evelyn scolded the staff for eavesdropping and so on about their duties. But the staff wasn't listening as they look at Cynthia's retreating figure thinking of the same thing.

'we will treat our lady better'

They determined to treat and respect Cynthia

Cynthia arrives in her room to see the dragon look at her curiously, its lustful green eyes look at her curiously and... happy.

"Hello, little dragon," Cynthia said smiling slightly feeling better in her peaceful and quiet room

"mama,"

That call stop Cynthia's on her walk toward the bed, she has a shocked look on her face with the dragon smiling at her.

Cynthia laughs, she walks up to the bed and pats the tiny red dragon, she can't blame him though. Seeing the first person assuming they are your parent is common for dragons.

The tiny red dragon flew and sleep on her lap again feeling the warmth of his assuming mother.

The door clicks open Evelyn came in seeing the lovely scene of Cynthia stroking the tiny dragon scales. The tiny dragon sleep on Cynthia's lap quietly cuddling to Cynthia.

"Evelyn, tell me about the Thames family that mother agrees on..."

Cynthia said quietly not to wake up the dragon.

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