Really? Billie jogged her mories, trying to recall where she had been as of recent. As though reminded of sothing unsavoury, she frowned and began to stare at the ground in silence.
Mm? Whats wrong? Is there anything I can help with? Locke tried to catch her eye.
Billie shook her head softly. No, but thank you for your concern.
Admittedly, Locke was curious but he was still tactful enough to stop probing. He watched Joaquin and Angelina talking animatedly in the distance. Their rry laughter was a stark contrast to the silence that enveloped him and Billie.
Joaquins garden was designed to be partially open. The gentle breeze caressed the top of their heads while their nostrils were treated to the subtle fragrance of flowers. Billie basked in the gardens beauty while she watched Locke through the corner of her eyes. mories from early this year began flowing through her mind.
While Billie had co from a standard rchant family in Princeton, there were barely any high-ranking officials in her family. The one with the highest status had only been her grandfather, who was just an earl.
However, her familys huge influence in trades and their multitude of businesses scattered across the city had allowed them to hold shares in other industries outside of Princeton. They may not be ridiculously wealthy but their coffers were comparable to half of a marquis treasury.
Despite that, money was the root of evil. Their affluence had garnered plenty of jealousy from rivals. So of them were business competitors while so were opportunists looking to seize their wealth. Even with her clans connections to other influential families in the trade, they were still constantly on thin ice in Princeton. There were no perpetual enemies in the eye of eternal interests. Despite that, there was no guarantee of how much support her clan would still have if they should ever lose their power.
The end of last year was marked with the emperor stripping away a marquis title for taking the wrong side of the court. While this incident wasnt major to the massive population of the empire, the marquis had been the biggest interest protector of Billies family. It was owed to his support that they were able to get the upper hand in terms of business competition.
While her family businesses were still selling like hot cakes in Princeton, most of their trade channels in the other provinces had already fallen through. Their current survival had depended heavily on their strong network circle. Billies future was her biggest woe. Her clan had begun introducing marriage matches earlier this year.
At this point, shed spent a year out of the Imperial Academy. With the help of her familys precious potion stash, shed managed to squeeze into the middle ranks by a hairline last sumr. Unfortunately, her status as a mid-rank Lehrling couldnt help her out of the situation.
Her grandfather, whod loved her the most, could not afford to spare her attention amid a family crisis. Billie later learnt that he had a part in the matchmaking. Shed t a few of her matches prior. Most of them were either from affluent and influential aristocratic families or rchant families with deep-rooted influence in Princetons business scene. Despite their flashy backgrounds, their competence left much to be desired. So of them were downright spoiled that fed on their familys coins while so were destined to be nothing for the rest of their lives.
Billie was an ambitious woman of many talents and she refused to settle for less, especially when it ca to choosing partners. Her matches paled in comparison to Locke. He was astoundingly capable, having been able to climb from the bottom to where he was currently in life.
Admittedly, Billie had enjoyed a sheltered life filled with love from her elders. Her materialistic needs were simple and shed always admitted those with genuine talent and potential. Kris, whod harboured a crush on her when they were groupmates, was even better than her matches. After all, he was a stellar scholar thatd graduated from the Imperial Academy too.
Billie stole a glance at Locke, who was spacing out at the beautiful garden. His presence felt different. It seed as though the planar way had given him an otherworldly toughness that Billie had never seen before. Honestly, Locke always had a brooding presence. He was only suppressing it throughout the years. The conquest of Botania had rely brought it to the surface again. Billie slipped into deep thought, captivated by his aura.
Oi, stop staring at Locke. Mina and the others are here, lets go et them! A pat on her shoulder brought her back to reality.
Billie studied Lockes face, noticing the sa shade of sheepishness. Her hot gaze had taken him by surprise; hed never known that she was capable of such intensity. Her cheeks reddened. Billie couldnt help but look at Angelina, who was standing beside Joaquin. The Faustian princess calm expression gave nothing away. The four of them left the garden to welco Mina, Kris and Pabo.
Mina was still wearing the sa yellow dress from the other day. Locke couldnt help but notice that she wasnt one to pay attention to appearance. If she could give it more thought, she wouldve been a pretty caster too. Kris and Pabo walked with their heads high. They looked taller and bigger than before, which was an obvious sign of a successful breakthrough.
Apart from those with unique constitution, most knights would see growth especially in the height and weight departnt after each advancent. Locke was at least half a head taller than Kris and Pabo now. Standing at 185 centiters, hed reached a height where he could peer down on most n in Princeton.
Long ti no see, Locke!
My, my! Youve grown buff!
Kris and Pabo made a beeline for Locke instead of Angelina. There were more common topics shared between knights, which made it easier for the three to get along. Through their conversation, Locke learnt that Kris had enlisted in the Princeton city guard after graduation. Since his father was a middle officer in the troupe, Kris was promoted as a commander within a year of enlistnt. He had been leading the patrols around Princeton City every day and life has been great.
Pabo, on the other hand, embarked on an adventure of a lifeti. His family had roots in the military and even had their territory and estate. However, Pabo wasnt looking to settle down so soon. He yearned to explore the world before coming ho to heed his familys arrangents. Pabo spent the year trekking across one-sixth of Aomars territory. Everything hed experienced had made him look more grounded than before.
While the knights crowded together, the four won sat on the other end of the garden. Soon, the servants began serving finely-aged wine and desserts to their table. The small stream that was directed into the estate flowed serenely, letting the carefree atmosphere of the garden comfort their hearts.
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