Resolution

"Miss Samantha, I apologize for yelling at you earlier. Today's workload has been overwhelming, and I'm afraid I took it out on you." He rubbed his temples, showing his fatigue. "Please, accept my sincerest apologies."

Lady Samantha's smile was warm and understanding. "None taken, Mr Vincent. However, I would appreciate it if we could find a better way to manage our stress… for both our sakes."

Mr Vincent's hands came together in a clasp, a gesture of supplication.

"I am truly sorry, Lady Samantha. I know my behaviour was unacceptable. I hope you can understand that my concerns and frustrations led me to react poorly. Not only that, but I promise to work on my composure."

"You should understand why my reaction was so intense. Given the high stakes and dangers involved in these operations, every detail must be meticulously planned and executed with precision,

We can't afford even the slightest margin for error. That's why introducing an unvetted ward into the mix is extremely risky. Who knows if they might be a mole or have ulterior motives?"

"I understand your concerns, and I apologise for not informing you earlier. However, you didn't give me a chance to explain before reacting." Lady Samantha's expression remained calm, her voice even.

Mr Vincent nodded, his hands extended in a gesture of truce. "I know I was rash, and I've already apologised. Let's start afresh?" His eyes sought hers, seeking a fresh beginning.

Lady Samantha accepted his handshake, her grip firm but brief. "Very well. Now, regarding the unvetted ward I brought in…"

She paused, her gaze intense. "During my return from Sorvanth, I detected an unusual energy disturbance near the Wild Boars in West Blackwater Forest"

"The strange thing is that the energy source I detected was incredibly faint—not strong enough to grab my attention, yet my spirit senses kept drawing me to it.

I dismounted my tamed beast and followed the disturbance, guided by my instincts. The area's home to feral beasts, so I encountered similar energy signatures, but this one was unique.

After a short walk, my senses led me to a lad lying on the shrubs.

I examined him and determined he was 17, recently initiated, and emitting a weak energy signature. I brought him here, knowing we'd need to learn more about his background.

Thereafter, I took him straight to the infirmary to get him medically stable before investigating his past. This afternoon, he suffered partial amnesia—his brain seemed fine, but he genuinely couldn't recall anything.

His state was chaotic, and I guided him through meditation to recover his memories, but he entered a trance instead.

Later, he woke up convulsing, mumbling about his family's death.

I tried to calm him, but he continued convulsing, forcing me to hypnotise him to sleep. Yh... that's the basically the update on the issue."

Mr Vincent, who had been listening intently with his hands to his chin, let out a thoughtful, "Hmmm… this is a really delicate issue." He rubbed his temples, his eyes closed in concern.

"Let's await his full recovery before deciding what to do next." He opened his eyes, his gaze distant.

Lady Samantha stood up to leave, her movements graceful. "I apologize for the disturbance, Mr Vincent. I hope you rest well, good night."

"Good night, good night, sleep tight," he replied, his voice laced with distress. His usual habit of gazing at her figure was forgotten in his worry.

As Lady Samantha reached the front door, she hesitated for a moment before turning the knob.

But just as she was about to leave, Mr Vincent's voice stopped her. "Wait! What's his name?"

Her body froze, her eyelashes fluttering imperceptibly. Though her back was to him, her subtle reaction escaped his tired but sharp eyes.

Regaining her composure, she replied without turning back, her voice steady, "Wilson."

With that, she twisted the doorknob and stepped out of the room, leaving a perturbed Vincent to grapple with the sudden revelation.

As the door creaked shut behind her, he rose from his chair, his movements heavy with concern.

He approached a nearby compartment, where an assortment of wine bottles and gourds were arranged.

Selecting a glass cup, he poured himself a full measure and downed the contents in one swift motion, seeking solace in the alcoholic liquid.

Vincent gazed at the empty cup, his expression twisted in frustration.

"Ugh! Too much to handle! Should I report this to the higher-ups?"

He queried out loud before dismissing the thought.

"I'll inspect the lad, see what makes him special,"he said, deciding on just checking up on the lad.

"And if truly is?… Hahaha!" A devious plan began to form in his mind.

His thoughts turned to Lady Samantha, a sly grin spreading across his face.

"That arrogant bitch, flaunting her status! I suspect she's a scion of a powerful family, trying to keep it under wraps.

How I despise them! And a dual-elemental mage, no less… the thought alone fuels my ambitions. Oh, to have her under my control… Hahaha! That's a high priority on my bucket list.

Dear Samantha, enjoy your momentary triumph, but your downfall is approaching. Soon, you'll fall into my trap."

With a devious smile, Vincent set his empty glass down, his gaze drifting into the distance.

His eyes gleamed with sinister intensity as he envisioned a twisted scene: claiming dominance over his desires, including the enchanting beauty. The thought intoxicated him, his lips curling up in sadistic anticipation.

***

Lady Samantha entered her room, closing the door behind her, and leaned against it. Letting out a sigh of relief, she whispered to herself, "Phew! This is getting tougher!"

Slowly, she stood up, heading towards the closet, she stopped by the mirror.

Looking at her reflection, "I knew it was going to be more complex than simply taking in the lad. Vincent… Despite being a lustful dog, I know he is a crafty fox also, of course, he has to be, to be put in charge of this place."

Twisting the tap's knob, she cupped her hands beneath the cool water, letting it wash over her face.

Reaching for her toothbrush, her gaze faltered, and her thoughts slipped away to a certain issue, her eyes dimming like the fading light of a distant star.