Isolde

Just as the maid was trying to process what she had heard, another servant entered the room carrying a silver tray, upon which rested a crystal glass containing an exotic-looking drink. 

The liquid was a pale blue color, with a slight shimmer that suggested it might have some unusual substance. 

Around the rim of the glass were small mint leaves and a thin slice of a fruit unknown to Emily, likely something reserved for the nobility. 

Next to it, a simpler drink was placed in front of the head maid. 

The head maid picked up her glass and elegantly took a small sip. 

Emily, more timid, mimicked the gesture, though she found the drink much more refreshing and smooth than she had expected. 

"It's quite good," Emily commented, somewhat surprised by the sophistication of the drink. 

The maid, satisfied with her reaction, smiled with a certain pride. 

"It's a special drink we only serve here. It's made with a blend of revitalizing herbs and fruits you won't find outside these walls." 

As both drank in a brief but not uncomfortable silence, Emily decided to ask what had been on her mind for a while. 

"Excuse me, you haven't told me your name," Emily said, trying to sound as polite as possible. 

The maid, as if she had been waiting for that question, lifted her chin slightly, a mix of pride and haughtiness in her eyes. 

"My name is Isolde," she said, with a voice that seemed filled with importance. "Isolde… Arundel." 

Emily smiled, trying to ignore the chill she still felt from the young woman. 

"Nice to meet you, Isolde," she responded sincerely, but before the conversation could become more awkward, she changed the subject. "I wanted to ask you… What kind of jobs are available here?" 

Isolde was momentarily stunned. 

Was Emily asking about a job? 

Here, at the mansion? 

Doubt crossed her mind quickly. 

Had this girl really met with Nolan yesterday, or was there some confusion? 

After all, what commoner would come here to ask for work? 

"Jobs?" she repeated, trying to buy some time to better understand. "Could you be more specific? If you want my help, of course." 

Emily sighed and, with her usual innocence, explained. 

"Well, Nolan said he wanted me to work here… but now he's also teaching me magic. What do you think I should do…?" 

Isolde remained silent for what seemed like an eternity. 

The glass she held trembled slightly in her hand. 

Nolan… teaching a commoner magic? 

This was much more than she had ever expected. 

This wasn't just a passing fancy; Nolan really had plans for this girl! 

Disguising her shock, Isolde smiled, though her mind was racing, thinking about how she would have to report this. 

"That's… fascinating," she replied, regaining her composure. "If Master Nolan is teaching you magic, that's quite an honor. There are many things you could do here. It depends on what kind of magic you're practicing, of course…" 

"We're practicing wind magic," Emily replied without much thought. 

Isolde had to restrain herself from opening her mouth in shock. 

Wind magic? 

The pieces began to fit together in her mind. 

Until now, no one had understood how Nolan had managed to excel so much on the battlefield. 

But if he really mastered wind magic, perhaps he could have used the wind to listen to his enemies' conversations and anticipate attacks. 

This information was invaluable. 

'I must report this immediately!' Isolde thought, her heart racing. 

However, she maintained a calm tone as she responded. 

"Wind magic… how interesting. And how are your practices going?" 

Before Isolde could inquire further, the door to the room opened slowly, revealing Nolan's figure. 

Emily looked up immediately, smiling as she saw him. 

Nolan looked tired. His hair was disheveled, and his eyes, though full of determination, showed that he hadn't slept well. 

There were slight dark circles under his eyes, and his shoulders seemed a bit slumped, as if he were carrying a heavy burden. 

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Emily," Nolan said with a tired smile. "I overslept more than I planned." 

Emily stood up immediately, her concern for him evident. 

"Don't worry. I'm fine," she said, approaching him. "Are you feeling alright? You look exhausted." 

Nolan nodded, though his gaze showed that the past weeks had been exhausting. 

He turned to Isolde, who had immediately stood up to greet him with the appropriate respect. 

"Good morning, Master Nolan," Isolde said, bowing slightly. 

"Good morning," Nolan replied, courteously, though he didn't pay much attention to her presence. 

He then turned back to Emily and, with a slight smile, gestured with his head for her to follow him. 

"Let's go. We have a lot to do today."