In the bustling heart of the Valerian Kingdom lay the Everhart estate, a modest yet prosperous noble household. Though once unremarkable, the Everharts had recently gained wealth and influence, climbing steadily toward greater heights. The early morning breeze carried whispers of anticipation, a subtle prelude to the eventful day unfolding within its stone walls.
Inside the estate, the stillness of dawn was broken only by the soft rustle of parchment and the murmur of conversation in Viscount Edmund Everhart's study. Evelyne, the youngest of his two daughters, sat across from her father, their heads bent over stacks of documents, the first rays of sunlight streaming through the window and casting a warm glow on the pages before them.
"This will be our legacy, Evelyne," Edmund said, his steady voice rich with both authority and anticipation. He gestured to the figures scrawled across the pages. "If the unveiling goes as planned, then our family's long-cherished dream of etching the Everhart name into the pages of history will be fulfilled."
Evelyne's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she examined the product's potential. "Father, I don't think anyone has ever imagined a product that allows others to use first-circle spells without being a mage. I have no doubt it will succeed."
A small smile tugged at Edmund's lips as he leaned back in his chair, pride evident in his eyes. "But there's still an issue-it requires two mana stones to charge. A single mana stone already costs twice a commoner's monthly income."
"Don't worry," Evelyne replied confidently. "I think the second version of this product will reduce the requirement to just one mana stone. And who knows? Maybe we'll even create one capable of performing second-circle spells within a few years."
Edmund chuckled. "The first version hasn't even been released yet, and you're already thinking ahead to the second?"
Evelyne raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a subtle grin. "Of course. Didn't you teach me to always think two steps ahead?"
With a flick of his finger, Edmund tapped her lightly on the forehead. "I did, but I never taught you to be greedy," he said, his tone half-chiding, half-amused.
Evelyne rubbed her forehead with a sheepish grin. "Well, being greedy isn't so bad for a merchant."
This earned her a second flick, sharper this time. "How many times do I have to teach you? We are nobles, not merchants!"
"Alright, alright," Evelyne said, raising her hands in mock surrender. "I understand."
Both broke into laughter, their smiles radiating the warm bond they shared. Viscount Edmund Everhart, a visionary businessman, had revolutionized the mana-infused trade industry with his sharp intellect and calculated strategies. His success had earned him widespread respect, and Evelyne admired him deeply, always proud to call herself his daughter. Together, they were known as the "Silver Strategists," a formidable duo in the arts of trade and commerce.
A soft knock interrupted their conversation, followed by the entrance of a servant who bowed deeply. "My lord, my lady, breakfast is served."
Edmund cast a reluctant glance at Evelyne, clearly not wanting to pause their discussion.
The servant, sensing his hesitation, added with a slight smile, "My lord, her ladyship requested your prompt attendance at breakfast."
Edmund straightened immediately, his expression a mix of good-natured resignation and mild dread. "We'll continue this later," he said, rising from his chair. Evelyne stifled a giggle as she set the parchment aside and followed him out.
As they made their way to the dining hall, the silver-threaded banners above the estate fluttered. Silver had long been a symbol of the Everhart family, as every member bore the hereditary trait of silver hair. However, Evelyne was unique, as she stood out with her rare silver eyes that perfectly complemented her hair. She was often described as the perfect muse for any artist aspiring to capture the essence of a silver fairy in their masterpiece.
In the dining hall, the family gathered for their morning meal. The rich aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the faint scent of roasted coffee, adding warmth to the room. The soft hum of voices and the clinking of silverware filled the air, and the sunlight filtering through the windows bathed the table in a golden hue, lending an air of comfort.
The atmosphere was lively with anticipation for the day ahead, each family member preparing for their roles, near the head of the table sat Viscountess Viviana Everhart, commanding the space with her composed grace. Her crimson hair, swept into an elegant chignon, caught the light as she surveyed the room with quiet authority. Her movements, as fluid and musical as the melodies her family was known for, reflected the refinement of her upbringing in the renowned Baron Carmen family, celebrated for their musical achievements.
"Cristina," Viviana said, her tone firm but not unkind, "today's performance is an opportunity you cannot afford to squander. Have you practiced the cadence I showed you?"
Cristina, the eldest of the two daughters, seated across from Evelyne, nodded earnestly. "Yes, Mother. I've rehearsed every night this week."
Viviana tilted her head slightly, considering her daughter's response. "But remember, precision alone is not enough. You must move your audience. They should feel the music, not just hear it."
"Yes, Mother," Cristina replied, though her voice wavered slightly under the weight of her mother's scrutiny. Evelyne, sensing her sister's nerves, offered a small, encouraging smile.
Edmund, noticing the growing tension, chuckled to himself. "Now, now, Viviana. Let Cristina enjoy her breakfast. She'll dazzle them, as always."
Viviana softened, a rare warmth touching her features. "You're right. Cristina has worked hard, so she'll do well, even without me."
The conversation shifted to lighter topics, and the sisters exchanged glances. Though their mother's strictness often felt heavy, they knew it came from a place of deep care and desire to see both of her daughters thrive, and Cristina understood this better than anyone.
Today was an eventful day for Cristina, too. She had a performance arranged at a nearby grand event, a prime opportunity to shine before some of the most respected musicians in the kingdom. Viviana, though worried about leaving Cristina to face such an important day on her own, had decided to accompany Edmund to the factory for the unveiling of the new product. It was a major event for the family, and she knew her presence was needed there more.
As the last of their breakfast was consumed, the family began to stir, each absorbed in their respective thoughts about the day ahead. Edmund and Viviana exchanged a final look, a quiet understanding passing between them, before they rose to prepare for the day's significant events.
Edmund's and Viviana's carriage awaited to leave for the factory. Viviana had her harp tucked into the carriage, bringing an air of elegance to the otherwise business-focused occasion. While Evelyne, despite her desire to accompany her father, decided to stay behind to support her sister.
As they gathered by the entrance, the morning sun casting a golden glow over the estate, Edmund turned to his daughters. "We'll be back before sunset. Let's celebrate a successful day together," he promised.
Viviana added, "After the event, come straight home. Don't go wandering around."
Evelyne whispered to Cristina with a teasing tone, "Yes, yes, always nagging," as she mockingly mimicked their mother's voice.
Cristina, catching the playful jab, couldn't help but smile a little.
Viviana, hearing the quiet exchange, replied firmly, "And..."
Evelyne blinked, suddenly realizing she may have been caught.
Viviana softened and said gently, "Cristina, Good luck."
With that, the carriage pulled away, the silver crest-a silver tree entwined with golden vines-of the Everhart family catching the light as it disappeared down the path. Leaving Evelyne and Cristina to prepare for their respective tasks. Yet, for some unknown reason, Evelyne felt a strange unease in the air, as if something unsettling was about to unfold.
As afternoon turned to evening, the sisters returned home, their spirits joyous by Cristina's triumphant performance. The judges, including renowned musicians from across the continent, had showered her with praise, one even offering to mentor her if she continued to hone her skills. Cristina, beaming with pride, had proudly credited their mother for her growth.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and night fell, their father's promise to return by sunset went unfulfilled. Evelyne's anxiety tightened with each passing minute. She moved restlessly around the room, her gaze frequently shifting to the window, fixed on the darkening road, her mind filled with troubling possibilities.
Cristina, sitting nearby, fidgeted with her hands in her lap, the usual calm of her demeanor replaced with a quiet anxiety. "Maybe they're celebrating with the others," she suggested, her voice wavering slightly. "They'll be back soon."
But Evelyne was not reassured. "It's not like them to be late, especially mother," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
They both sat in tense silence, the world outside growing darker. The sound of distant hooves shattered the stillness, faint at first, then growing louder, steadily approaching. Evelyne's breath caught, her heart pounding in her chest. She moved toward the gate instinctively, her footsteps quickening as the clatter of hooves drew nearer.
As she stepped outside, the rider appeared, his figure emerging from the growing dusk. His horse was weary, its coat matted with foam, as if it had been pushed far beyond its limits. The rider himself was disheveled-his clothes blackened with soot, his face pale and streaked with dirt. His eyes, wide with exhaustion and fear, locked onto the sisters as he dismounted with unsteady legs.
"My ladies," he began, his voice hoarse and broken, "there's been... an accident at the factory."
Evelyne felt her heart lurch, her hands gripping the gate for support. "What happened?" she demanded, though the answer already loomed in the pit of her stomach.
The man hesitated, his expression crumbling. "A mana overload... there was an explosion. Viscount and Viscountess..." His voice broke, and he could not bring himself to finish.
The rider's words pierced through Evelyne like a blade, her breath catching as the world seemed to collapse around her. Her knees gave way, but Cristina caught her, gripping tightly as if trying to hold together what had already shattered. Evelyne's mind screamed for this to be unreal, for someone to wake her from this nightmare, but the horror in the rider's eyes left no room for hope. The weight of the truth crushed her chest, and the world around her faded into a hollow, deafening silence where only the ache of loss remained.