After the events of the previous day, Zafron had left his house, having completed his daily quests and feeling ready to tackle the day's work at Beaumont Mansion.
Within some moments, he was at Beaumont's mansion. The sitting room, stood empty save for Cassandra's nanny, who was bustling about with her usual efficiency.
"Good morning," Zafron greeted her with a nod. "Is Cassandra around?"
The nanny turned, a look of mild surprise on her face. "Yes, she's in her room. I believe she was just—"
Before she could finish her sentence, a familiar voice rang out from behind Zafron. "Zafron? What are you doing here?"
He turned to see Cassandra descending the grand staircase, her brow furrowed in confusion. "I wasn't expecting to see you at work today. You were supposed to be resting."
Zafron straightened, offering a small bow. "I'm feeling much better. Besides, I can't allow you to be walking around without a guard."
A warm smile spread across Cassandra's face. "As it happens, I was just on my way to visit you. But since you're here now..." She paused, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. "Perhaps we could take a walk around town? There's a place I've long wanted to visit."
'Where are we headed today? She doesn't seem dressed for anything special,' he wondered, his eyes drifting to the casual blue gown she was wearing.
Although it looked casual, it was still something most locals could not afford.
"Of course, Cassandra," he replied outwardly, keeping his curiosity in check. "I'd be happy to accompany you wherever you'd like to go."
A warm smile appeared on Cassandra's face as she heard Zafron's words. She couldn't help but admire his attitude and neverending passion for the job.
As they were about to step out of the mansion, a voice called out from behind them. "Cassandra! Wait a moment!"
They turned to see a man striding towards them, dressed in an ostentatious golden shirt that glittered in the morning light. His attire screamed wealth and importance.
"Good morning, Cassandra," the man said, his tone overly familiar.
"Good morning, Lucien," Cassandra replied, her voice noticeably cooler.
Lucien's eyes darted between Cassandra and Zafron. "Where are you heading off to?"
"I was planning to go around town, any problem?" Cassandra answered, a hint of reluctance in her voice.
Lucien's face lit up. "Not really! I'd love to accompany you. I heard there's a lot about this town that might impress me."
Cassandra hesitated for a moment, her body language betraying her discomfort. Despite this, she nodded. "Very well, you may join us."
Zafron observed this exchange with growing curiosity. 'Who is this new person?' he wondered.
'From the expensive clothes he is wearing, he must be from a noble lineage. Yet something about the interaction between him and Cassandra seemed off. He doesn't even look like a relation.' Zafron thought, as he scanned Lucien.
As they made their way to the waiting cart, Zafron couldn't shake a feeling of unease. The day he had anticipated spending alone with Cassandra had suddenly become more complicated.
As their cart flew through the crowded streets, Cassandra noticed Zafron's curious glances at the bustling scene outside. She leaned towards him, her voice taking on an explanatory tone.
"This is the Trade Fest," she said. "It's quite an event in Drakoria."
Intrigued, Zafron inquired further. "I've never heard of it before. What exactly is it about?"
Cassandra smiled, seemingly pleased by his interest. "It's a time when traders and buyers from all over Drakoria and beyond flock to the city. Everything is sold at discounted prices, so it attracts quite a crowd."
Her expression grew more serious as she continued, "However, it's not all fun and bargains. The increased activity also brings a higher rate of theft and robbery. It's a challenging time for the Enforcers – they have their work cut out for them during the festival."
As Cassandra finished her explanation, Lucien's voice cut through the air. "This place is far too chaotic for a refined lady such as yourself. At Lumina, the atmosphere is serene, and your every need will be met without exertion."
Zafron noticed Cassandra stiffen at Lucien's words, as she only managed to smile.
Zafron's thoughts churned with growing unease. 'What's the deal with this guy?' he wondered, observing Lucien's behavior towards Cassandra. 'I don't care who he is. I really don't like the way he's talking to her, or how he keeps staring at her. It's... unsettling.'
Zafron could feel a mixture of anger and annoyance building inside him, his jaw clenching slightly as he tried to maintain his composure.
Lucien's voice suddenly broke the tense silence. "Where exactly are we headed, Cassandra?"
"We're going to the garden at the edge of town," Cassandra replied, her tone neutral.
"Oh?" Lucien's eyebrows raised. "Do you like gardens?"
Cassandra nodded, "Yes, I do."
A smug smile spread across Lucien's face. "You simply must visit Lumina, Cassandra. I have a garden of my own there, you know. It's quite expansive – I dare say it's far superior to anything you've seen in all of Drakoria."
Cassandra's eyes narrowed slightly, her patience clearly wearing thin. 'Why can't he take a hint?' she thought, suppressing a sigh. 'I've made it clear I'm not interested in Lumina, yet he persists.'
As the cart glided through the air, Lucien's voice droned on. "There's a lovely reddish flower at my garden that would complement your hair perfectly. I'm certain you'll adore it."
"That sounds... lovely," Cassandra replied, her tone neutral. "But I'm quite content here in Drakoria. It's my home, after all."
Lucien's face fell slightly, but he quickly recovered. "Of course, of course. But surely a visit wouldn't hurt? You might find you prefer it."
'I doubt that very much,' Cassandra mused silently. 'Drakoria may not be perfect, but it's where I belong. My work, my family, my purpose – they're all here.'
Aloud, she said, "Perhaps someday. But for now, I have too many responsibilities here to consider leaving, even temporarily."
Despite this response, the journey continued with Lucien seemingly incapable of maintaining silence for more than a few moments.
His constant chatter ranged from self-aggrandizing comments about Lumina to thinly veiled criticisms of Drakoria.
Despite Lucien's incessant talking, Zafron noticed how Cassandra managed to maintain her composure, only the slight tightening of her jaw betraying her irritation. Her ability to remain calm in the face of such annoyance only increased his respect for her.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the cart came to a stop. They had reached their destination.
As they dropped down from the cart, they were greeted by the sweet scent of flowers in the air. The garden stretched out wide before them, with a lively crowd moving in and out, their faces lit up with excitement and engaged in excited chatter.
Zafron's eyes scanned his surroundings, taking everything in, his mind racing. 'The last time I was in a garden was with Matilda at Astoria. I hope this one is just as nice. And I really hope this guy doesn't mess things up for us,' he thought, casting a glance at Lucien, who was trailing behind, trying to catch up.