Page 14 of Destiny Redeemed
I paused, caught off guard. “That’s… actually a valid question. I’ll think about it.”
As we left Magnolia, I turned to Laurel. “How’s the shop acquisition going?”
Laurel’s eyes lit up, and she launched into a detailed explanation, rattling off numbers and strategies with impressive efficiency. I found myself nodding along, impressed. Who knew my little maid had such a head for business?
“…and there’s this one particular shop that’s refusing to sell,” Laurel concluded. “But I have a plan to make them reconsider.”
I grinned, a touch of my old evilness creeping into my voice. “Do whatever it takes, Laurel. If you need more money, then take it from the account. We need those shops.”
“Of course, my lady. Oh, and how’s the permit application going?”
And just like that, my mood soured instantly. The rejection from the Vermilion Circle still stung. Since Vermilion Circle gave more preference to lower-class women with experience, I applied this time with Laurel’s name, but I was rejected again. I would need to wait a whole year to apply again.
I hunched my shoulders, eyes growing misty. “Rejected. Again. That’s the third time now.”
Laurel’s face contorted in an awkward grimace. She patted my shoulder stiffly. “There, there. There must be another way. Let’s get back home for now.”
As we trudged back to our modest apartment, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for my old life. The grandeur, the respect, the ease of it all. But then I remembered the price of that life - the lies, the manipulation, the constant fear of discovery. And… my eventual death.
I shuddered at the thought of getting skewered with a sword.No, thank you. I hope I meet Commander Maxwell again.
I glanced at Laurel, her brow furrowed in concentration as she no doubt plotted her next move at acquiring that shop. A small smile tugged at my lips. Perhaps this new life, built on honesty and hard work, wasn’t so bad after all.
As we climbed the stairs to my apartment, I spotted Sebastian waiting by the door. How he found out my apartment, I had no idea, but my mood instantly brightened.
“Seb!” I cried, rushing to embrace him.
He laughed, wrapping his arms around me. “Easy there, kiddo. Anyone would think you actually missed me.”
I pulled back, grinning. “Don’t let it go to your head. Come on in, I’ll give you the grand tour.”
As Laurel headed off to buy some refreshments from the marketplace, I flung open the door with a flourish. “Ta-da! Welcome to my humble abode.”
I fidgeted nervously as Sebastian surveyed the space, his face impassive. The apartment was small but cozy and, most importantly, very clean, with worn wooden furniture and warm earth tones. What it lacked in grandeur, it made up for in homey charm.
Finally, Sebastian nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. “I approve. It’s…quaint.”
“Oh, thank goodness,” I drawled. “I was so worried you wouldn’t like it. However, would I sleep at night?”
He chuckled, settling onto the bed. “I have to admit, I’m impressed. I thought you’d last a week on your own before crawling back home.”
I smirked, flipping my hair. “Of course, someone like you doubts me instead of cheering for me. But I am something of a genius, you know. Though clearly not at having supportive siblings.”
Laurel returned with refreshments, including a homemade pie. As she set everything down and excused herself, I couldn’t resist bragging a little. “I made that, you know.”
Sebastian burst out laughing. “Good one, Lya.”
Seeing my offended expression, he sobered quickly. “Wait, seriously? Since when do you cook?”
I scoffed, crossing my arms. “I’m so glad you have such faith in my abilities. But yes, I cook now. Try not to faint from shock.”
Sebastian eyed the pie warily. I huffed in exasperation. “Oh, just eat it already. I didn’t poison it, I promise.”
He took a tentative bite, then his eyes widened. Before I knew it, the pie was gone and he was licking his fingers clean.
I raised an eyebrow. “Well?”
“Not bad,” he said casually. “A bit too sweet, though.”
