Castle Of Thorns [Mature] Accepting an Offer

[Verzyne Duchy - Marxstein Castle]

Serafina is nowhere in sight when Raven arrives at the greenhouse.

This is something unusual. Although they never agreed on any fixed schedule to meet, Serafina is always at the greenhouse at this time of the day.

Teen Raven (ML)

I should just drop by again later.

He leaves the greenhouse and goes to Jared's house.

Teen Raven (ML)

Mister Jared, I'm here!

Jared comes out from the house.

Jared Bartholett

Raven! It's only been a day. Have you thought about my offer?

Teen Raven (ML)

Yes. I accept. I think it is time for me to move out from Madam Julia's home as well.

Jared Bartholett

Why?

Teen Raven (ML)

Mm...

He scratches his head sheepishly.

Teen Raven (ML)

I can't be Dion's roommate forever, right? He's getting married soon.

Jared Bartholett

That brat Dion is getting married?

Teen Raven (ML)

Mister Jared, he's twenty already; they are going to get married in autumn.

Jared Bartholett

Who's the girl?

Teen Raven (ML)

Lillian Carmel, doctor Zeyd's assistant's little sister.

Jared Bartholett

Haha, good for them. I'll send them a nice big bouquet of flowers for the wedding later.

Teen Raven (ML)

So that's why, I think I should move out soon. Do you need me to stay here, or should I just commute from the village? I can return to my own home; Mister Lowell has been keeping it in good condition all these years.

Jared Bartholett

Bah, what's the point of offering you the job if you're living somewhere else? You need to live here too, of course.

Teen Raven (ML)

Haha, alright then. I'll move my belongings tomorrow.

Jared Bartholett

It may be a bit lonely here, but it's not like you can't go outside. You may go visit your lady friend sometimes if you have finished your work.

Raven feels warmth rising to his cheeks at the mention of a 'lady friend'.

Teen Raven (ML)

I don't have any lady friend outside, Mister Jared.

Jared Bartholett

So she's inside the castle, eh?

Teen Raven (ML)

What??

Jared Bartholett

Lad, I've known you for years.

Jared smiles amusedly at Raven's flabbergasted expression.

Jared Bartholett

I heard from Dion that you always depart quite early in the morning. And yet, in the past year, you only got to my place after noon. Don't you think I've noticed you always stopping by somewhere else first? Not to mention you always appear to be in a very good mood when you arrive.

Teen Raven (ML)

I...

Jared Bartholett

So who is it? The maids? Any of the cook's girls?

Raven almost answers 'the Duke's daughter'. Thank God he manages to hold back, as it seems that Jared thinks he has been seeing one of the worker of the castle.

Teen Raven (ML)

Anyway... It settles then. I will move in tomorrow.

Jared Bartholett

Alright, alright. I'll let you keep your secrets for now.

They continue discussing the work arrangement. Once everything has been finalized, Raven bids his goodbye then leaves Jared's place; a place that will also be his home soon.

He makes a detour to the greenhouse before leaving the castle.