In the cafeteria; Naylyn and Vurckair are received on a private table under Balalaika's name.
This preferential treatment is traditionally reserved to the first three founding Families of every City.
In Bramnt; This honor is divided between Six Families that fall under three dogmas.
Wealth, Lineage, and Power.
Berezovsky Clan.
Rwöllmör House.
Arfand Kingdom.
Mäwller House
Nephron Armada.
Thyfall Empire.
While many Families offered support.
All paled before the substantial and ever-present assistance of the Vecturion House across the Cities of Ell'Thane.
Yet. They prefer anonymity, and silent control to manipulate the outcome with plausible deniability; Especially when someone is stupid enough to point out their wrongdoings.
It doesn't matter how formidable had grown the New Families on individual level. Even if they have powerful allies, or belong to an ancient Alliance.
The Vecturion will strike hard, quietly hunting down with their primal instinct as Stealth Predators.
{Both are silent since we left the room. Do they not get along?. Or is it because we are in public?}
Many eyes stared at Naylyn; Until a red skinned Maid arrived next to Balalaika, and rised a Privacy Barrier, blurring what it's seen from the outside.
"Good morning, Lady Berezovskaya."
"Almendra!." Balalaika's face lit up, and the Maid's turned playful.
"You brought friends, and got up early. Shall i bring the usual?." The Maid giggled, her black sclera eyes with golden irises swapped between Vurckair and Balalaika. "Or would you like to share a drink?."
"Share a cup with him?!." Scandalized, Balalaika's breath got ragged; Her cheeks flushed in shame as her hand went to her chest.
"My apologies, Lady Berezovskaya. I understand that an indirect kiss from this handsome young Vecturon is very inappropriate."
"Of course it is!." Embarrassed, Balalaika weakly stamped her palms on the table.
The Maid shrugged off her Lady's shame, and protest. "Why not go for a real kiss instead?. Doing things halfway is never productive. And your mother would not approve it."
Balalaika's puffed out lips pressed tight, and her eyebrow twitched. Her cute voice still soft despite her serious attitude. "Do not make those comments, Almendra. Not even as a joke. Vurckair is a One-Digit Vecturion."
{How does she know that?. Did Naylyn, or i mentioned my name?}
{My Variant didn't meet Balalaika}
{Although the Berezovskys have a natural ability to read minds. My Ordinance, Emeneld, and Camouflage; Should work together and impede others from reading my thoughts}
{Wait. One-Digit Vecturion?. Not many are aware of… Oh!. This Balalaika is the one i met in Loutharn… That's why she knows}
"Lady Berezovskaya. I acknowledge how attractive this young man is; Your fascination is evident and comprehensible. But don't be deceived by his appearance."
Balalaika shaked her head. "I can tell you the same. «The most dangerous, is the one nobody considers a threat»…"
The atmosphere turned heavier, and around Balalaika, ablazed a red aura. "Or have you forgotten what killed my brother?."
Almendra rubbed her right bicep; An old tear in the sleeve's black fabric was poorly sewn with a scarlet thread.
This can be seen again in the velvet crimson hood attached to the maid's uniform.
{Brenna died?!. He, like me, is… was… from Azthea}
{After Loutharn's destruction. We were supposed to reunite, and search out for our acquaintances}
{I almost feel bad for fucking his ex-fiancée's ass. It was kinda his own fault though…}
"I haven't forgotten, «My Lady». I never will. You saved me, more than once…"
Balalaika almost screeched. "He could have saved everyone!…" Then she murmured in defeat. "It should have been me, not him."
Vurckair smelled Balalaika's scent. He cannot determine the exact Stats the Lady possesses; But he perceived an insanely high Radiance.
{She is trying to be more like Brenna, even if it's detrimental for her}
{Now i understand why the letter say she was bullied}
{Balalaika is confused by the Radiance, seeking to reaffirm her connection with others. Rather than confront her trauma}
{Ordinance will force her to face the reality, so she avoids acquiring it}
"Almendra. Bring us breakfasts."
The Maid bowed, and departed from the Privacy Barrier.
"I'm sorry." Balalaika timidly lowered her gaze. "Please, accept my apologies for the unsightly event you two saw… Almendra doesn't do it on purpose. But she always goes back to «That» subject. And just like her; I can't get over it."
{At least she is aware of her shortcomings}
"Don't excuse yourself." Stated Naylyn. "I have many half and step siblings. I don't care what happens to them. But that doesn't mean i can't empathize with your loss. So don't apologize for expressing what you feel."
{And we are quiet again. Although this time it's an awkward silence}
Bored of waiting, Vurckair leaned back on his seat, and subtly signaled Naylyn not to protest.
He stretched his leg under the table. His foot touched Naylyn's leg, and rubbed up to the thighs, teasing her with going even deep, and higher.
Naylyn blushed, and Balalaika noticed.
"Are you alright, Perfection Incarnated?."
"Yes. But don't call me like that. I prefer, «Miss Nephron»."
"I will do so. Please call me Kaya or Laika."
Naylyn kept a straight facade, on her flushing frustrated face, and responded to Vurckair's provocation with a similar action that went straight for the young man's crotch.
However, he barely got affected. Not only Vurckair has plenty of experience; The Adarga's scales hardened to hinder the sensation of Naylyn pressing her boot sole.
{A proactive, enthusiastic amateur with a lot of spirit and guts. Impressive. Because Almendra could come-in at any moment}
'He can take it?!. I should have kicked him harder!.'
Vurckair removed Naylyn's boot, letting the Lady's foot rest against his groin.
Likewise; His toes touched Naylyn's most intimate part, even though the fabric of her panties was in-between.
Sweat beads formed on Naylyn's forehead and temples; Her breath quickened, and the reddish shade on her cheeks intensified.
"Miss Nephron?. Is the temperature too hot for your liking?."
"No, Laika–"
"Cooler would be nice, «Bereza»." Vurckair returned the boot to Naylyn, and retracted his foot.
Balalaika didn't realize what happened, and agreed compliantly to Vurckair's petition.
Almendra returned a minute later, and brought a tray with various dishes and drinks.
"Someone did a good research." Naylyn commented, and the Maid bowed.
"I can be by My Lady's side again. I will not neglect anyone's background, just because she tends to trusts everyone. I apologize for my impertinence, Miss Nephron…"
{Blind trust is Brenna's typical behavior}
{Why is Breyda not interfering?. I know she had an excessive affection for her son. But not caring for Balalaika; It will backfire like it happened with Brenna…}