Once Lance had finished explaining all the details of the arrangement, Talia agreed without a hint of hesitation. "Starting tomorrow, I’ll teach you how to make cards."
"Wonderful. I’ll have an identity ready for you by then. You can choose between being a maid or a steward—"
Before Lance could even finish his thought, Talia cut him off coldly. "Steward."
Lance nodded vigorously, in fear of angering her. Although he felt his reaction might be a bit cowardly, and he was certain Talia wouldn’t resort to violence immediately, the absolute gap between a mortal and a being like her meant he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of fear at being so close to her.
Books about the demon race in this world stated, "Demons don’t need a reason to kill humans, and they feel no guilt doing so."
Basically, if a random thought crossed their minds, they would simply act on it. While Talia was behaving no different than a human, she was essentially just masking her violent, cruel nature in an attempt to blend into human society.
Although this deal he made was already toeing the line, he didn’t have a death wish. After all, if he were a harmless little kitten, then Talia was a tigress. Even if the tiger promised not to hurt the kitten, the little creature would still tremble with fear next to her.
As those thoughts crossed his mind, the corners of Lance’s mouth curled up almost imperceptibly. Talia, meanwhile, frowned. She had the feeling that this human boy was thinking about something truly infuriating, yet she had absolutely no proof. It was merely a gut feeling.
"Well then, I look forward to your guidance, Instructor Tali." Lance’s voice was clear and bright, and he wore a harmless smile.
Hearing her pseudonym made her uncomfortable, but as usual, Talia ignored him. However, she had tacitly accepted their master-apprentice relationship.
***
A month and a half had passed. Summer was slowly ending as autumn began to reign. On this day, gentle rays illuminated the earth along with the dripping dew. The glow of the morning resembled a brush made of pale-gold feathers as it swept softly across the dark gray platform and the cold metal rails, giving them a touch of gentleness.
The South Vantina magitech rail station was bustling with crowds of people. Some travelers ran to get on their way, while others found their companions first before departing on their journeys. The casual chatter of people waiting for their trains, the farewells exchanged with loved ones, and the announcements of arrivals and departures blended together to create a unique melody.
On the platform, Hans lifted the suitcase he had been in charge of and handed it to Lance, who took it firmly.
Lance said with a smile, "Thank you, Hans."
"Take care of yourself, Young Master Lance." The butler’s voice remained as deep and resonant as usual, yet beneath that gravity lay a hint of softness. Noel was away in another province, so it fell to Hans to see the young master off.
With two weeks remaining before the start of the school term, Lance and Talia had arrived at the station. They were going to depart from South Vantina for Ikerite, the capital deep within Hutton. The journey to the capital by magitech train would take more than a day. Once they arrived, they would have three days to rest before the entrance exam.
The maid couldn’t hide the concern on her face, and her voice was tinged with worry as she said, "Safe travels, Young Master Lance! It would be best if you didn't return for a while. If Master Noel discovers that you stole the family's ancient relic, he certainly won't let you off easily..."
The various incidents Lance had been involved in the past had, at most, only caused Noel a bit of distress. However, if his father were to discover that Lance had lost the family heirloom, the Hymn of Compassion, he would undoubtedly fly into a rage.
Over the past couple of months, Lance’s cheerful and easygoing nature had changed the staffs’ perception of him. Everyone had gradually warmed up to him. Francine had been the maid with the closest relationship with him before, and she no longer addressed him hesitantly.
"It’s really not that big of a deal." Lance’s smile remained composed and reassuring, which made everyone who cared about him feel more at ease.
If Noel were to see the enchanted card Lance and Talia had created using the Hymn of Compassion, he surely wouldn’t scold his son, but instead be so shocked he’d collapse into his chair.
Hans smiled and shook his head slightly after overhearing the conversation between Lance and Francine. He had a pretty good idea why Lance seemed so unconcerned.
He then glanced behind Lance at Talia, who was now dressed in a completely different outfit. She wore a tailored coat, and a silk ribbon was neatly knotted beneath the collar of her dress, giving her an air of elegance and professional precision. After shedding the filthy rags of a vagrant, Talia now shone with the brilliance of a well polished gem.
Hans said with sincere earnestness, "Miss Tali, I leave the young master in your care."
He had been utterly astonished when they first tracked Talia down using Lance’s painting. He couldn't believe that his foolish young master had taken a liking to such a powerful and dangerous woman. Yet, seeing how well the two got along, Hans had gradually become less worried.
Talia didn't reply and simply nodded instead. Although she appeared to be around the same age as Lance, her composed and icy demeanor made her seem far more mature.
Regardless of whether Hans had asked her to, she would strictly honor the terms of the deal she made with Lance because she had already accepted his payment. She was now protecting Lance from assassination attempts and serving as his card making mentor.
During the brief silence, a blurry object appeared at the far end of the tracks, accompanied by the sound of a whistle. Soon, the vibrations along the tracks intensified, bringing a low, rumbling sound. The train’s shape became increasingly distinct. Sunlight glinted off of it, revealing a metallic sheen.
The headlight at the front of the train grew brighter, piercing through the layers of morning mist and guiding the steel behemoth toward its destination. Lance took out his ticket and glanced at it, mentally noting the seat locations he and Talia would need to find shortly.
As the moment of departure drew near, Hans suddenly seemed to recall something. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly as he said, "Come to think of it, it really is a shame that Miss Tali didn't get a chance to see that portrait in the young master's room before leaving—"
"Ahem!"
Before the mischief-loving butler could finish, Lance hurriedly coughed twice to cut him off. He was certain that while Hans didn't intend to harm him, he was definitely trying to stir something up!
Talia turned to look at Lance and asked, "What painting?"
A twinge of panic ran through him, yet he maintained a calm, composed expression as he unhurriedly answered, "Just a portrait of a poor, pitiful old lady. It was an early work of mine. Hans and Francine seem to appreciate it, though."
At that moment, the train, painted in shades of dark gray and reddish-brown, roared into the station. The screech of brakes and the grinding of wheels against the tracks drowned out Lance's voice. The train gradually slowed until it came to a complete stop.
Since the painting had nothing to do with her, Talia lost interest in the topic and shifted her gaze away from Lance. Warm light spilled from the carriage windows, illuminating the faces of the passengers inside. As the doors slowly slid open, a cool breeze wafted out.
Meanwhile, travelers waiting on the platform began to move toward the open doors. Amid the bustle of the crowd, Lance breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, his quick thinking had gotten him out of a tight spot. The next time he returned, he would have to make sure to hide that painting. He absolutely could not let Talia discover that the "poor, pitiful old woman" depicted in it was actually her.
"I'm off, then." Lance waved with a smile, bidding a final farewell to the two servants, then turned and stepped into the train carriage.