One month had passed since Seraphine's meeting with the dwarf and alchemist came to an end. With their respective knowledge and skills, they returned to their workshops and embarked on the production process.
However, it wasn't an easy journey for any of them. They faced numerous obstacles, encountering challenges in finding suitable components and enduring trial and error until they achieved the desired results.
In time, the alchemist successfully completed the formula for gunpowder and the antibiotic substances. Seraphine wasted no time in distributing the medicine to alleviate the plague that continued to plague other cities in the empire.
Nonetheless, she stressed the importance of keeping the inventor's identity a secret to avoid unnecessary attention, while still ensuring the income generated from it remained unchanged.
Shortly thereafter, a package arrived from the dwarf guild, containing the first prototype of the shotgun. As Seraphine unwrapped it, she was in awe of its perfection. The gun was a true masterpiece, a beautiful and formidable creation that left her and Damian marveling at its craftsmanship.
Damian took the gun in his hands, feeling its weight and power. "So this is the gun that you invented with the dwarf?" he asked, examining the double-barrel saw-off shotgun with fascination. He couldn't help but compare it to a small crossbow, but its robustness and potential for destruction set it apart.
"Yes, young master," Seraphine replied with a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Do you like it?"
Damian looked up from the gun and met Seraphine's eager gaze. "It's more than just a beautiful piece of art," he said, acknowledging its significance. "It represents progress and innovation. This firearm has the potential to change the course of battles and ensure our protection in the face of danger."
Seraphine smiles contentedly at Damian's praise of her inventions. Suddenly, he sets the gun down on the table, stands up from his chair, and slowly approaches her.
Seraphine watched Damian curiously, unable to predict his mood or emotions. She approached him and asked, "Is there anything I can help you with, young master?"
Damian smiled at her and said, "I heard you also invented medicine for the plague and even distributed them to the people in need. Excellent work Seraphine"
Seraphine felt a surge of pride and warmth from his words and responded,
"It is nothing, young master. I'm grateful for your praise."
"By the way, Marcus mentioned something to me," Damian began, his cheeks turning a shade of red as he raised the topic.
Curiosity sparked in Seraphine's eyes, and she asked, "What did Sir Marcus tell you, young master?"
"He said that hugs are a way to share love and affection," Damian admitted, his voice quiet and filled with slight embarrassment. "But, to be honest, I've never tried it before... Would you be okay with being my first?"
Seraphine was touched by Damian's vulnerability and openness. It made her heart swell with a mixture of emotions. She understood that Damian's life had been quite isolated, and the idea of him never experiencing such a simple act of affection tugged at her heartstrings.
In Damian's life, hugs had been foreign to him, and Marcus had observed the subtle changes in his demeanor when he was around Seraphine. That observation had led Marcus to consider using hugs as a way to foster a closer connection between the two and introduce Damian to the warmth and affection he had been missing even from his own family.
With a warm smile, Seraphine nodded, appreciating the chance to make a difference in Damian's life. "Of course, Damian. I'd be more than happy to be your first hug."
As she wrapped her arms around him, Damian's initial tension gradually melted away, replaced by a sense of comfort he had never experienced before. It was a small, simple gesture, but it held a profound meaning for both of them.
"This feels so nice, I never expected this kind of feeling, Seraphine," Damian said with genuine happiness as he held onto her, embracing the warmth she offered.
"A hug is a way to share warmth and support with someone you care about. It's nothing to be embarrassed about, young master," Seraphine whispered softly, her words filled with comforting reassurance.
"Seraphine, since you came to this mansion, everything in my life has started to change for the better. It feels like you always bring happiness and fortune to my life. Thank you for everything," Damian expressed sincerely, his eyes welling up with tears of gratitude. Though Seraphine couldn't see his face as they hugged, she could feel the depth of his emotions.
"I'm happy that you feel that way, young master. I'm also happy to help you," Seraphine replied with genuine affection. Her feelings for Damian had grown stronger over time, and she was determined to support him and change his fate for the better.
"I also have not apologized for when we first met, Seraphine. I was such an idiot back then," Damian recalled, his voice tinged with remorse. The memory of slapping Seraphine when they first met weighed heavily on him. He blamed himself for that rash act and had since learned the value of kindness and understanding.
Seraphine gently pulled away from the hug, looking into Damian's eyes with a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Damian. you have grown since then, and I believe in the person you've become. Let's focus on the future and make sure it's bright for both of us."
Damian nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. With Seraphine by his side, he knew he could face any challenges that lay ahead.
"Can I have your hug one more time?" Damian requested Seraphine again, this time without feeling as embarrassed. He had come to appreciate the warmth and comfort of her embrace.
"For sure, young master," Seraphine responded with content, happy to share another hug with Damian. It seemed he had become more open to expressing his emotions.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, a sudden knock interrupted the moment, causing them to quickly pull away from each other. The door swung open, revealing Marcus, who had come to deliver some documents to Damian.
Marcus couldn't help but notice the reddened faces of both Damian and Seraphine as they tried to avert their gazes. The atmosphere in the room was undoubtedly awkward.
"Well, I think this is more efficient than I thought," Marcus mused to himself, realizing that his suggestion had perhaps led to a closer bond between Damian and Seraphine than he had anticipated