Kael finished his meal in the estate's dining hall, the delicious food offering a small respite from the weight of his recent actions and the looming presence of Lady Seraphina. With his hunger satisfied, he decided to retreat to his room to study the magical tomes Seraphina had given him. He needed to keep his mind occupied, and delving into the complexities of magic was a good way to do so.
Back in his room, Kael spread out the books on his desk, carefully selecting one that detailed the intricate theory behind elemental magic. He lost himself in the dense pages, his mind absorbing the theoretical underpinnings of spells and mana manipulation. The quiet of his room was a comforting contrast to the chaos of his missions.
He was in the middle of contemplating a particularly challenging spell when a knock at the door startled him. Kael's first instinct was to ignore it, assuming it was one of the estate's staff with a mundane request. But the knock came again, more insistent this time.
Sighing, Kael stood and crossed the room, opening the door to find Tori standing there, no longer in her maid uniform. She looked different in her casual clothes, more relaxed, but her confident demeanor remained unchanged.
"Hey," she said with a grin. "I finished my duties for the day and didn't feel like going home just yet. Mind if I hang out with you for a bit?"
Kael was taken aback but found himself nodding. "Sure, come in."
Tori stepped into the room, glancing around with curiosity. "Wow, nice setup. I never get to see these rooms. Usually, I'm stuck in the servants' quarters."
Kael chuckled, closing the door behind her. "It's not much, but it serves its purpose. I was just studying some magic theory."
"Magic, huh?" Tori said, flopping down onto a chair with a casual grace. "That sounds intense. Mind if I ask what kind of magic you're working on?"
Kael returned to his desk, sitting down and turning the book so Tori could see. "Elemental magic, mainly. Trying to understand the deeper principles behind it."
Tori leaned forward, her interest piqued. "Like fireballs and stuff?"
Kael laughed. "Yeah, like fireballs. But it's more than just flashy spells. There's a lot of subtlety to it. Understanding how different elements interact and how to control them takes a lot of practice."
Tori nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds complicated. I can barely keep track of my chores, let alone manipulate elements."
Kael smiled, appreciating her straightforwardness. "It's definitely a challenge, but it's also fascinating. Magic is... well, it's like a puzzle. Every spell, every element, it's all part of a bigger picture."
"You seem pretty dedicated," Tori observed. "How did you get into magic in the first place?"
Kael hesitated, unsure of how much to share. But something about Tori's genuine interest made him open up. "I didn't have much of a choice. It was either learn to fight and use magic or... well, not survive."
"That sounds rough," Tori said, her voice softening. "But you're still here, and you're doing what you have to do. That's something."
Kael nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Tori. "Yeah, I guess it is. But sometimes it's hard to see the point."
Tori reached over, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "You're doing what you have to do. That's all anyone can ask for."
"Do you have any family around here?" Kael asked, curious about her background.
Tori shook her head. "Nah, I'm on my own. My family... well, let's just say we didn't see eye to eye. I prefer to keep moving forward."
Kael appreciated her honesty. "I know the feeling. It's not always easy, but sometimes moving forward is all you can do."
Tori's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, do you know anything about this important guest Lady Seraphina mentioned?"
Kael's curiosity was palpable. "Do you?"
Tori's eyes lit up with a hint of mischief. "Actually, I do. The staff's been buzzing about it. Apparently, it's a Lord named Lysander."
Kael's heart skipped a beat. "Lysander? As in, Lysander who trained me?"
Tori raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Wait, you know him? Damn, Kael, you might actually be a big shot, and I just didn't know it."
Kael couldn't help but laugh. "I'm not a big shot, trust me. But Lysander... he's someone important to me. He taught me a lot."
Tori grinned. "Well, it looks like you'll get to see him again soon. Maybe this visit will be a good thing."
Kael nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Yeah, maybe."
They continued talking, the conversation flowing naturally. Tori's presence was a balm for Kael's weary soul, her humor and kindness a welcome change from the usual tension and formality of the estate.
As the evening wore on, Kael felt a sense of contentment he hadn't experienced in a long time. He realized that, despite everything, he had found a friend in Tori.
Eventually, Kael glanced at the clock and realized how late it had gotten. "It's pretty late. Do you want to head home?"
Tori stretched and shook her head. "Honestly, I don't feel like going home. Mind if I crash here?"
Kael hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, you can stay. Take the bed. I'll find a spot on the floor."
Tori laughed, hopping into his bed. "No way. This bed is big enough for both of us. Just a heads up, though—I'm a cuddler."
Kael felt his cheeks flush at her openness. "Uh, okay. Thanks for the warning."
As they settled into bed, Tori scooted closer to him, draping an arm over his chest. Kael felt a strange mix of comfort and suspicion. *This is weird. She's so open and affectionate already. Most people aren't this warm and fuzzy with someone they just met.*
But despite his reservations, Kael found himself relaxing. The warmth of Tori's presence was comforting, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of peace.
As he drifted off to sleep, Kael couldn't help but feel grateful for this unexpected connection.