MOTHER AND DAUGHTER IN LAW ON A SPREE

The morning had been peaceful and filled with laughter as breakfast concluded at the Astarot mansion.

Lady Jade, her elegance always apparent, turned to Ava with a warm smile.

"Eva, dear, would you like to join me for a shopping spree in Claire City? We can buy some new clothes and perhaps a few other things."

Eva, her eyes lighting up with excitement, nodded enthusiastically.

"I'd love that, mother. It sounds like fun."

Just as Eva was about to leave, Diaval approached her, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Eva, can I talk to you for a moment?" he asked, his voice low.

"Of course," Eva replied, stepping closer.

Diaval hesitated, his mind racing. That morning, while tidying up, he had seen a bloody cloth in the room's dustbin.

It had startled him, and he had wanted to ask Eva about it. But then he had second-guessed himself, wondering if it might simply be a matter of her periods.

It was strange to him that dragons in this world experienced such things, but he had tried to brush it off as normal.

Clearing his throat, he finally spoke, "I noticed something in the room this morning. A bloody cloth... I wanted to make sure everything is okay."

Eva's eyes widened slightly, then softened as she understood his concern.

She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "Don't worry, Diaval. It's nothing serious. I'll be back soon, and we can talk more if you want."

Diaval nodded, still feeling a nagging sense of unease but choosing to trust her.

"Alright. Have a good time with mother."

As Lady Jade and Eva left the mansion, the bustling streets of Claire City awaited them. The city was vibrant and alive with activity, its cobblestone streets lined with various shops and stalls.

The moment they stepped out of the carriage, their presence was noticed by the townspeople.

"Isn't that Lady Jade of Astarot?" someone whispered.

"And look, she has a guest with her," another added.

Their path through the city was marked by respectful nods and whispers of admiration. Lady Jade, accustomed to such attention, carried herself with grace and poise.

Eva, walking beside her, couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and amusement at the reactions they garnered.

Their first stop was a luxurious boutique known for its elegant dresses and fine fabrics.

The shopkeeper, a middle-aged woman with keen eyes and a welcoming smile, greeted them warmly.

"Lady Jade, it's an honor to have you here. How can we assist you today?"

"We're looking for some new clothes," Lady Jade replied, her tone friendly but authoritative.

"Show us your finest pieces."The shopkeeper led them through the boutique, presenting an array of beautiful garments.

Lady Jade and Eva examined each piece with care, discussing colors, fabrics, and styles.

They selected several dresses, each more stunning than the last.

From there, they moved to a jeweler's shop, where the display cases glittered with an assortment of precious gems and metals.

The jeweler, a stout man with a magnifying glass perched on his nose, bowed deeply as they entered.

"Lady Jade, Miss Eva, welcome. Please, take your time."

Eva marveled at the array of jewelry, her eyes catching the light of a particularly exquisite necklace.

"This one is beautiful," she said, pointing to it.

Lady Jade smiled.

"It is. Why don't you try it on?"Eva did, and the necklace seemed to sparkle even more against her skin.

They continued their spree, visiting various shops and stalls, each filled with treasures waiting to be discovered.

At each stop, the respect and admiration of the townspeople were palpable. Vendors offered them their best wares, often refusing payment or offering significant discounts in honor of Lady Jade's presence.

They bought fine silks, delicate lace, and even a few practical items for the mansion.

As they walked through the bustling market, the atmosphere was filled with chatter, laughter, and the occasional call of a vendor advertising their goods.

The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the city.At one point, they stopped at a quaint little cafe for some refreshments. The owner, a cheerful woman with rosy cheeks, brought them tea and pastries.

"It's such an honor to have you here, Lady Jade," she said, practically beaming.

"Please, enjoy."

Eva took a sip of her tea, savoring the moment.

"This has been wonderful," she said, turning to Lady Jade.

"Thank you for inviting me."

Lady Jade smiled, a twinkle in her eye.

"It's my pleasure, Eva. It's nice to have such delightful company."

As they continued their shopping spree, Eva couldn't help but notice the way the townspeople looked up to Lady Jade.

There was a deep respect, almost reverence, in their eyes. It was clear that Lady Jade was not just a noble in title, but also in the way she carried herself and treated others.

Their final stop was a small flower shop at the edge of the market. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blossoms, and the shop was a riot of color.

Lady Jade selected a bouquet of roses, their deep red petals almost as vibrant as the glow that had surrounded her earlier.

"These will look lovely in the dining room," she said, handing them to the shopkeeper, who wrapped them carefully.

Lady Jade and Eva strolled through the bustling streets of the city, their presence turning heads despite their attempts to remain inconspicuous.

The nobles had decided to take a local carriage back to the mansion, as their royal carriages were currently under maintenance. It was a testament to their humility, showing that despite their noble status, they could mingle with the common folk.

As they turned a corner, the lively atmosphere took a darker turn.

Three men, noticing their noble bearing, approached with unsettling smiles. Their eyes lingered too long on the women, and their intentions were clear.

"Well, well, look what we have here," one of the men said, stepping closer.

"Such beautiful ladies out on their own."

Another reached out, attempting to caress Lady Jade's arm.

"How about you come with us, sweethearts? We can show you a good time."

Lady Jade's eyes narrowed, a fierce glint replacing her usual warmth.

"Step back," she commanded, her voice icy.

Eva, feeling a surge of protectiveness for Lady Jade, readied herself to fend off the men.However, she hesitated, knowing Lady Jade's strength.

The men continued their advances, one of them even daring to touch Lady Jade's shoulder.

"Come on, don't be like that," he coaxed, his tone dripping with false charm.

Lady Jade's response was swift. Her eyes turned a deep, glowing red, and the sclera darkened to black.

An immense pressure filled the air, and a crimson aura enveloped her. The men were suddenly forced to their knees, gasping as if an invisible hand was pushing them down.

"You will apologize," Lady Jade said, her voice resonating with power.

"Now."

The men, recognizing the overwhelming spiritual pressure and the name Jade, realized too late the gravity of their mistake. One of them stammered, "Please, we didn't know...we're sorry!"

Lady Jade's aura intensified, the red glow becoming almost blinding.

"I accept your apologies," she said, her tone calm but dangerous.

"But actions have consequences."

With a swift movement, she grabbed the hand of the man closest to her and snapped his fingers, one by one.

He cried out in pain, but she continued, moving to the next man.

"This is so you won't go around touching women inappropriately," she explained coldly.

The men, now sobbing and begging for their lives, were finally released. They scrambled to their feet, groaning in pain, and fled the scene as fast as they could.

Eva, who had watched the entire scene with a mix of awe and relief, noticed two men in long trench coats turning a corner.

Something about them seemed off, and when she saw the Astarot symbol on their front pockets, her suspicions were confirmed.

"Lady Jade," Eva said, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her.

"I need to attend to some matters at the post office concerning the University. I'll catch up with you later."

Lady Jade, still emanating an aura of power, nodded.

"Be careful, Eva. I'll see you at the mansion."

Eva watched as Lady Jade continued on her way, then turned to follow the men.

Her instincts told her something was very wrong. She quickened her pace, determined to catch up with them and uncover whatever scheme was afoot.