While Katherine had just made a significant decision that might shape Cassian's future, he was still wandering the bustling streets of Magisteria's market, searching for a restaurant that served good soup and bread. As he moved through the lively marketplace, he couldn't help but be curious. This market was unlike any other he'd seen before.
Almost everywhere, mages were at work—some controlling fire to cook food, while others used telekinesis to weave clothes or froze water to cool drinks, though Cassian couldn't understand why they didn't just cool the drinks directly with magic.
Putting that thought aside, he also noticed the darker alleys, where discreet exchanges were happening. People handed over items carefully, yet no one seemed to care. What surprised Cassian most was seeing a few individuals dressed in dark blue uniforms, adorned with ornaments and weapons at their waists, patrolling the streets.
They reprimanded troublemakers, but paid no mind to what was going on in the alleys—despite everything being out in the open, visible to anyone.
Cassian began to question whether the dealings in the alley were as shady as he initially thought. But it wasn't his concern, so he focused on his task, following the enticing aroma to a restaurant. After purchasing the food, he smiled, eager to share the delicious-smelling dishes with Katherine.
"I've got the food, my lady," he said, standing outside her door, waiting for permission to enter.
"Come in," Katherine replied, putting her book aside.
Cassian entered with a wide grin, proudly presenting the meal. "I got something new! It's called broth, but it looks like soup, and it comes with these long, chewy things called noodles. But I also got some bread, like you asked."
Katherine smiled and nodded, "Well then, place it here. I'm starving..."
Cassian did as she asked, but as he approached her bed, he took a few deep sniffs, his face turning confused. "Did someone smoke in here?" he asked.
Katherine nodded. "Yes, I had a visitor," she said, without revealing more. Then, changing the subject, she asked, "Tell me, Cassian, do you have any interest in training under a sword master?"
Cassian's smile grew even wider than it had when he saw the food, nodding eagerly. "I'd love that! But... I've heard learning under a sword master is expensive."
He knew this all too well. The sword master he knew had barely made a living from teaching. If it hadn't been for his illness, the man wouldn't have died so poor that there wasn't even enough money for his cremation. And the other reason was that he charged too much to train someone.
Katherine smirked as she stirred the noodles in her broth with two slender wooden sticks. "Well, guess what? The visitor I had earlier— I asked him for a favor. I made sure you'd get to train under a sword master. And he agreed."
Cassian, mimicking her as he stirred his noodles into the broth and added some of the condiments, looked at Katherine with eyes full of excitement. "Really?"
"Yes," Katherine nodded, her tone calm. "But you'll have to join the city's law enforcement force for that."
"You mean like the ones patrolling the streets in those blue uniforms?" Cassian asked, surprised. He didn't mind joining, but the thought crossed his mind that it might take away his time from tending to Lady Katherine.
"Yes, but not exactly like them," Katherine explained, mixing her noodles with practiced ease. "It's a special unit. I don't know all the details, but they handle different kinds of work. If you're curious, you can visit their office in a few days. I'll make the necessary arrangements for you."
Cassian, who had paused mid-motion while thinking over her offer, asked, "Who will I be learning from?"
Katherine smiled and replied, "You already know him. You've been sparring with him these past few days."
"Julius..." Cassian said, shocked.
Katherine nodded. "Yes, he'll be joining the same law enforcement unit as you. I can arrange for you to train under him."
Cassian grinned widely. "Then I'm all for it, my lady." He didn't mind at all. Over the past few days, he'd gotten to know Julius well. Despite his irritatingly narcissistic personality, Julius was an exceptional swordsman, having reached the 7th circle—a feat many died trying to achieve.
Cassian still had some concerns as he said, "But my lady, will I have time to tend to your needs?"
Katherine smiled, picking up some noodles with her wooden chopsticks. "I wouldn't have even considered it if you couldn't," she replied. "Now, let's eat. These smell too good to resist."
Cassian felt the same way, eyeing the steaming bowl before him, but he couldn't help glancing at Katherine with mixed feelings. She'd just said she wouldn't have considered an opportunity that didn't allow him to continue serving her.
On one hand, that made Cassian feel happy—knowing she valued his presence—but on the other, it left him wondering. If a chance to train under an even stronger swordmaster arose but would prevent him from being her servant, would she turn it down? It wasn't likely, but the thought nagged at him. Wouldn't it be nice to make such decisions for himself?
But then again, Katherine had arranged this opportunity for him by asking the favor herself, so it seemed reasonable that she made the decisions on his behalf. Still, it left a bit of a sour taste in his mouth. Thankfully, that bitterness quickly faded as he slurped up the chewy noodles, followed by the rich broth that washed over his taste buds.
"This is amazing," Cassian exclaimed, surprised and excited, slurping down more noodles after dipping them in the broth.
Katherine nodded in agreement as she ate hers. Soon, they finished their meal, and Cassian set about cleaning up the room and arranging things, the ones which weren't setting well with Katherine. With a tired sigh, he finally sat down on the bed, clearly worn out.
Seeing his tired state, Katherine casually said, "Massage me now, I haven't had one all day."
Cassian's exhaustion instantly disappeared, replaced with excitement. He smiled and nodded eagerly, "Then let me massage you all night, my lady, to make up for the missed day."
"That's a good idea," Katherine replied, surprising him since he had said it jokingly. She laid down and added, "Go ahead, massage me all night. Try my waist and hips too, even if you're not used to it yet. Just be careful not to wake me once I fall asleep, which I don't think I might since I am so tired."
Note : Read author's thoughts