The carriage ride back to the mansion was quiet, but something was different. Instead of sitting across from Orion like usual, Elara had boldly taken the seat beside him. Her small hands clutched his arm tightly, and her head rested against his shoulder, eyes closed.
Orion glanced at her in surprise but assumed she was simply exhausted from their shopping trip. With a gentle smile, he reached out and patted her head.
Elara, on the other hand, was not truly tired.
She was jealous.
Laura's flirtatious behaviour had stirred an unfamiliar frustration within her. Without thinking, she had clung to Orion as if to reclaim what was hers.
But after realizing what she had done, she grew embarrassed.
(…I-I'll just pretend to be tired.)
She squeezed her eyes shut and stayed still, letting the warmth of Orion's presence soothe her childish irritation.
-------
When they arrive at entrance of their mansion. Orion gently wakes Elara, who pretends to be asleep. Together, they step out of the carriage, where Orion turns toward Commander Black and offers a polite nod.
"Thank you, Commander, for today's escort."
The hardened warrior stiffens in shock when he listens Orion what said because most noble heirs never acknowledge their guards, let alone thank them. He immediately said "N-No, my lord! This is my duty!" He stammers quickly.
Orion noticed his behaviour and understand what happen then he simply nods and proceeds inside with Elara.
Upon entering, Orion notices something unusual—neither of his mothers are present.
He turns to a maid. "Where are my mother's?"
The maid bows. "Lady Sera is resting in her room, and Lady Celia is in the garden. Shall I call them?"
Orion shakes his head. "No need. Let them be."
Turning to Elara, he stretches slightly. "I'm going to my room to rest. You should do the same."
Elara smiles sweetly. "I will. Rest well, Brother."
But just as she turns to leave— "Elara."
She stops, looking back. "Yes?"
Orion's eyes remain calm. "Send all four of your spherical jars of ManaGold to my room by a maid."
Elara blinks in confusion.
She opens her mouth to ask why, but then—she stops.
She trusts Orion completely.
He never speaks without reason.
With a small nod, she says, "Okay, Brother."
As Orion enters his room, he finds his purchased sword, herbs, and pills neatly arranged in their respective boxes.
Walking toward the two long boxes, he opens the first one.
Inside lies a beautiful silver sword, polished and durable.
He lifts it, swinging it a few times before nodding. "Not bad. For now, this will do."
Setting it back, he opens the second box—
Inside rests a crescent-shaped sword…
But—it's cracked, rusted, and seemingly useless.
Yet, when Orion lifts it, his grip tightens with longing.
"My beloved Lunar Fang…" he whispers.
Sadness fills his gaze.
"Look like me… you too have been erased from the memory of Eldora."
His mind drifts back to Laura's words—
"My men retrieved this from Eternal Lake 400 years ago."
Orion's breath stills. "Eternal Lake?" Eternal Lake—a legendary place in the West where anything submerged never ages.
His jaw clenches.
"What were you doing there…?"
He exhales. "I need to visit Eternal Lake… soon."
Just as he sinks into thought—
A knock at the door.
He carefully places Lunar Fang back into the box.
"Come in."
Two maids enter, carrying Elara's ManaGold jars. "Young Master, the young miss asked us to bring these. Where should we place them?"
Orion gestures. "Here. On the floor."
Orion exhaled softly, his sharp blue eyes glinting with quiet determination.
"First, I need to prepare the pill for Elara."
His gaze drifted to the corner of his room, where a small yet intricately designed alchemy pot rested— It was a simple pot, but the faint runic etchings along its surface spoke of its deeper purpose.
Stepping forward, he reached for the pot, its metallic surface cool against his fingertips. He then gathered the herbs he had purchased earlier—a delicate collection of dried Frostleaf, Bitterroot, Fire Orchid Petals and three other potent ingredients—all chosen to refine the crude ManaGold into something far more concentrated and powerful.
Placing the alchemy pot on the ground near mangold jar, he sat cross-legged before it. With a controlled breath, he stretched his hand toward the Fire Mana Crystal embedded in its base. Last time, igniting the crystal had drained him almost entirely, a humbling reminder of his current limitations.
"Let's see how much I've improved."
With a focused mind, he willed his mana to flow into the crystal. A faint hum vibrated through his fingers as the crystal absorbed his energy, flickering to life. The runes along the pot's surface lit up one by one, casting a soft crimson glow in the dimly lit room. Unlike before, the process didn't leave him gasping for breath—he could feel it. His mana reserves had increased.
A subtle smirk played on his lips. Good.
Now, the real process began.
He reached for the first spherical jar of ManaGold, twisting open the lid and pouring a small portion into the pot. The golden liquid shimmered under the flickering fire, its floral scent wafting through the room. Slowly, methodically, he added more, ensuring the base was evenly distributed before moving to the herbs.
One by one, he introduced the ingredients. The Frostleaf went in first, its icy essence swirling into the mixture, immediately cooling it down. Next came the Bitterroot, counterbalancing the cold with its gentle warmth. Fire Orchid Petals followed, its energy-infused essence seeping into the liquid like veins of light spreading through the golden depths.
The real challenge was heating control. Too high, and the ingredients would burn; too low, and the fusion would fail.
With both hands hovering over the pot, Orion carefully adjusted the intensity of the Fire Mana Crystal, his mind entirely attuned to the fluctuations of heat within the mixture. Minutes stretched into hours as he continuously monitored and adjusted, sweat beading along his forehead from the mental and physical strain.
Finally, after a long, painstaking process, the liquid inside thickened, the golden hue intensifying until it condensed into eight small crystalline forms. The transformation was complete.
Orion leaned forward, peering into the pot. Eight perfectly refined ManaGold pills sat at the bottom, each radiating a faint golden glow. He let out a slow breath, satisfaction glimmering in his eyes.
Reaching for a small, transparent vial, he carefully transferred the pills inside, sealing the lid before holding the container up to the light. The floral fragrance of the concentrated essence was even stronger now, a testament to the pill's purity.
Setting the vial aside, he finally noticed the dimming light outside. Evening was descending, the soft hues of twilight stretching across the sky. His body, though strengthened, was slick with sweat from the long hours of alchemy.
"A bath first," he muttered.
After a quick wash, he changed into more comfortable attire—a loose tunic and dark trousers—before making his way downstairs
------
As Orion descended the grand staircase of the Vale estate, the soft glow of evening lanterns bathed the halls in golden light. His mind still lingered on the strange visions he had seen earlier—the two mysterious women whose sorrowful voices had called out to him.
Stepping into the dining hall, he found his family already gathered.
His mother, Sera, sat gracefully at the table, sipping tea with a warm smile. Across from her, Celia arranged the food on her plate, her long bluish-white hair cascading over her shoulders. Elara was already there as well, idly twirling a strand of Black hair between her fingers, though her gaze flickered toward Orion the moment he entered.
He moved to take a seat on the couch when Sera spoke with a knowing smile.
"Son, did you enjoy your day?"
Orion returned her smile, nodding. "Yes, mother."
Celia glanced up. "Did you find a weapon to your liking?"
A smirk tugged at his lips. "Yes, mother."
Then, as if suddenly remembering, his expression shifted slightly. "Oh, I almost forgot. I brought gifts for both of you."
Both women raised their eyebrows in amusement before exchanging brief glances.
"A gift?" Sera mused, her lips curving into a teasing smirk. "How rare. You must be trying to impress us, hmm?"
Celia, however, smiled softly. "I'm curious now."
Reaching into the pocket of his robe, Orion retrieved two exquisitely crafted hairpins—one shimmering in an icy blue hue, the other a pristine white. He carefully stepped forward and presented them.
"This one is for you, Mother Sera," he said, handing her the blue hairpin, "and this is for you, Mother Celia."
Sera held the delicate ornament between her slender fingers, examining the intricate craftsmanship. "Oh, how beautiful," she murmured. "You have good taste, son."
Celia traced her fingers over the smooth surface, her green eyes softening. "It is truly lovely."
Before they could simply accept them as decorative accessories, Orion added, "These aren't just ordinary hairpins. They're imbued with protective magic. If you're ever in danger, they'll form a barrier around you for a short time."
Both women looked up, their expressions shifting from amusement to something deeper—warmth, appreciation.
Sera's teasing smirk softened as she ran her fingers over the hairpin once more. "You really do care for us, don't you?"
Celia reached forward, placing a gentle hand over Orion's. "Thank you, my son. You always think of us."
Before he could react, both women leaned in, enveloping him in a warm embrace.
Watching from her seat, Elara smiled delightful and said while grabbing both ladies' attention and showing bracelet on her hand. "Look, mother. Brother Orion also gave me a gift."
Sera and Celia turned toward her with raised brows, and Sera chuckled. "it's look beautiful on you my dear."
"Actually," Orion said, "I have another gift for you, Elara."
At his words, Elara instantly perked up, jumping to her feet and standing right in front of him. "What is it, brother?! Tell me!"
Her enthusiasm made Orion chuckle, and even Sera and Celia smiled in amusement. Reaching into his robe, he retrieved a small transparent vial. Inside, the golden-hued ManaGold pill glowed faintly, its floral fragrance permeating the air.
The moment Orion uncapped the vial, both Celia and Sera's expressions shifted to shock. Even Elara looked confused.
Sera hesitated before asking, "Son… what is this?"
Orion met their eyes. "It's a ManaGold pill. A concentrated form—far more potent than ManaGold liquid."
Celia and Sera stared at him, their shock deepening. Celia was the first to speak. "Son… where did you get this?"
Orion's expression remained calm. "I made it. Using ManaGold and a few herbs."
Silence.
A brief silence fell over the dining hall, broken only by the soft flickering of lanterns and the faint aroma of the evening feast. Orion stood before his family, the small vial of crystallized ManaGold pills resting in his palm, its golden hue shimmering beneath the candlelight.
Elara blinked, tilting her head curiously. "Brother, is this really… ManaGold?"
Orion gave her a small nod. "Not just any ManaGold. This is a condensed form—one pill holds the potency of three whole jars of liquid ManaGold."
At his words, both Celia and Sera stiffened, their eyes widening in shock.
"Three jars… in one pill?" Sera murmured, as if needing to confirm she had heard correctly.
Orion met her gaze calmly. "Yes. That's why I prepared these for Elara. They will be far more efficient in strengthening her cultivation."
Elara's bright blue eyes sparkled with awe. Then— before she could say anything, Celia spoke first, concern lacing her voice. "But Orion, refining ManaGold into pills is a delicate process… How did you—?"
Orion chuckled softly, placing the vial in Elara's hands. "Let's just say I read a book, so I put it into practice and make this pill."
Celia and Sera exchanged glances. They both knew alchemy was no simple craft, yet their son had not only refined ManaGold but improved its effectiveness. Such a feat required precision, knowledge, and—most importantly—immense control over mana flow.
For a long moment, both women could only stare at him before a wave of pride overtook their expressions.
Sera's lips curved into a proud yet teasing smile. "Orion, are you hiding your alchemist talent from mother, it's not fair.
Orion smirked. "No, Mother Sera. I just know very little about alchemy."
Elara held the vial gently, as if afraid to drop something so precious. "Brother…" Her voice was soft, filled with emotion. "You really made these… for me?"
"Of course, silly," Orion said, brushing a stray strand of silver hair from her face. "Your cultivation is important, Elara. I want you to grow stronger."
Elara clenched the vial tightly and nodded. "I… I'll work hard, Brother. I promise."
Sera crossed her arms, watching the siblings with warmth in her violet eyes. "You're really spoiling her, you know?"
Orion smiled. "She's worth it because she is one and only beloved sister in this world."
Elara smile beautifully on his comment.
Celia's gentle laughter filled the room. "It's wonderful to see you both so close." She then turned to Orion; her blue sapphire eyes filled with quiet admiration. "You've grown so much, my son."
Sera leaned back in her chair, tapping a slender finger against her chin. "Hmm… I almost feel jealous. My dear son goes out, buys thoughtful gifts, refines powerful cultivation pills, and yet…" She sighed dramatically; her azure Blue eyes gleaming with mischief. "Not even a single gift for his poor mothers?"
Orion chuckled. "Didn't I just give you a hairpin, Mother?"
Sera waved a hand. "That was a wonderful gift, but seeing Elara get something so special makes me feel left out." She shot Celia a look. "Don't you agree, sister?"
Celia smiled knowingly. "Well… it is true that Orion has always been quite considerate, but now I also feel left- out"
Orion sighed, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Next time, I'll make something special for both of you as well."
Celia and Sera grinned. "Good. I'll be expecting it."
The light-hearted banter continued, the warmth of family filling the air.
---------
The night was cool, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh rain as Laura Valtor leaned against the balcony railing of her private chamber in Iron Fang Pavilion. Her golden eyes, usually sharp and calculating, softened as she gazed at the moonlit sky. A slow, almost wistful chuckle escaped her lips as she absently twirled a strand of her raven-black hair, her thoughts circling back to a certain young man. "What an amusing boy… no, an amusing man."
"You seem distracted, my lady."
From the shadows behind her, a voice spoke—low, smooth, and edged with wariness.
Stepping into the moonlight was Shadow, Laura's most trusted guard. Clad in a sleek black robe, her figure was both deadly and alluring—full curves wrapped in an aura of quiet lethality. Despite her beauty, danger clung to her like a second skin.
" It's unlike you to personally guided someone through the market, and gave them the Vial of Eternal Tears as a gift… Why?" There was a note of concern in her voice.
Laura hesitated, a rare flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. "You didn't notice, Shadow?" She let out a soft sigh. "That young man… he's different."
Shadow remained silent, waiting for her lady to explain.
Laura's fingers traced the edge of the railing as she thought back to their meeting. "I tried to seduce him countless times—words, gestures, charm… Yet, he didn't even flinch. If in his place any other noble would have been at my feet, but him?" Her smirk deepened. "But He barely acknowledged me."
For a woman who could bend even seasoned warriors with a glance, Orion's indifference was a rarity—a challenge. But more than that, there was something about him.
"So, because he ignored you, you're interested?" Shadow asked, unimpressed.
"No," Laura admitted. "Because he carries himself like a man who has seen the world… yet, he is only seventeen. His eyes—" She exhaled slowly. "They're sharp. Cold. As if he already saw a world in and out."
For the first time, Laura's merchant mind and heart clashed. Logic dictated she should let it go, that love had no place in her life, especially not now. Yet, something deep within her refused.
Shadow, sensing her hesitation, folded her arms. "
Shadow frowned. "He may be different, but You are playing a dangerous game, my lady my lady, a Vials of Eternal Tears is no small gift. With Master gone, your family is circling around you like vultures. If you give away such treasures so freely, they will seize it as a weakness and take this pavilion from you."
Laura's grip tightened on the railing. Her father's warm smile flashed in her mind—his voice, his unwavering faith in her. But that warmth was gone, replaced by the cold reality of those waiting to devour everything he built.
"Perhaps," Laura said softly. Then, a smirk returned to her lips. "Or perhaps… I am investing in something greater."
Shadow remained silent, watching as Laura turned toward her chambers.
"I don't know why, but… I want to see him again," Laura murmured, almost to herself. "And this time, I won't let him escape so easily."
For the first time, Laura Valtor wanted something she couldn't buy or manipulate. And that terrified her.