After taking our seats, Lawrence closed his eyes, seemingly slipping into meditation. For Mages, meditation was the most fundamental form of cultivation—a way to pass idle time without rudeness. I used the wait to observe the scene outside through the glass.

The merchant guild’s main hall resembled a stock exchange. Clerks sat behind service windows, mercenaries handled security, and attendants guided visitors. Guests like us waited in elegant private rooms for dedicated service.

Just then, the door swung open. Two familiar figures entered. Raymond’s sausage-like fingers were crushing Emily in a suffocating embrace as he barked orders at a staffer: "You! Fetch a priest from the Church of Agate immediately. I’m marrying her right now. Ugh, my old man insists I tie the knot before I can do the deed—such a pointless formality. Hey, sweetheart, why so quiet? Not thrilled to marry a handsome catch like me?"

Emily didn’t answer, her eyes reddened.

*Slap!* Raymond struck her without hesitation. "What, ashamed to marry Raymond? You’ll be my woman soon—I can treat you however I like. One bad mood, and I might accidentally kill you. The sheriff’s chummy with my father; I’d serve a few days’ labor at most. Then I’ll just find another pretty bride. Remember this: serve me well with a smile, or you won’t live to regret it."

Emily’s cheek swelled like a ripe peach. She bit back tears and nodded.

She’d spotted me the moment she entered but never glanced over—likely having given up on me completely. Yet seeing her downcast eyes and swollen face sent a strange ache piercing my chest, making it hard to breathe.

I wasn’t some justice-obsessed saint, but basic compassion remained. This girl had shared days with me; our chats in the carriage were vivid in my mind. At the very least, I considered her a friend.

I took a deep breath and made my decision. "Lord Lawrence," I called out clearly, "Mages devote themselves to cultivation, leaving household chores to servants, correct?"

Lawrence opened his eyes, voice calm. "Indeed. We Mages are blessed truth-seekers. Mundane tasks waste precious time."

"My new house will be ready soon. I should hire a proper servant. To avoid trouble, I’ll find one right here in this guild."

I swept my gaze around the room, finally settling on a familiar girl.

Emily understood instantly. She raised her hand. "Honored Mage, may I apply for the position?"

"You insolent wench! You’re dead!" Raymond roared, swinging his arm again. But this time, his blow struck something hard as stone. He howled, clutching his injured hand.

I stood before Emily, my arm shielded by Stonehide Skin. Behind my mask, my gaze turned glacial. "Mr. Raymond, I’m interviewing this lady for employment. Do not interrupt."

Raymond’s eyes narrowed, his belly heaving with rage. "Boy, do you know who my father is?!"

Ignoring him, I gestured for Emily to sit far from Raymond. "Your name, miss?" I asked formally.

"Emily, Honored Mage. Emily Leonard."

"Age?"

"Fifteen. Sixteen in five months."

"Can you tidy rooms?"

"Yes, I’ve handled household chores since childhood."

"Cook?"

"Well. My dishes are delicious."

"Twenty silver coins monthly, paid at month’s end. Acceptable?"

"Accepted!"

"Then we’ll find a notary here to sign the employment contract immediately."

As I moved to leave with Emily, Raymond blocked the door with his bulk, glaring. "Mage or not—you’re not taking my woman!"