"Also, an unscheduled council meeting has been called to discuss this matter further today, my lady," Kirlo informed.
"I'll attend," Cynthia replied, her tone calm but curious. "However, why do you only appear now, when I've held the title of Councilwoman for some time?"
"It was originally determined that I would formally begin my duties on the day of your first official meeting next week," Kirlo explained. "But, as you can see, recent events have accelerated the timeline."
Cynthia gave a thoughtful hum. "Hmm…"
"Opal," she called out.
"Yes, young miss?" Opal responded promptly.
"Prepare my bath. And Clementine," she continued, turning her attention, "once I've refreshed myself, I'll be inspecting the room that's to serve as my laboratory."
Clementine nodded and silently left to carry out the instructions.
"And as for you," Cynthia added, turning her golden gaze toward Kirlo, "you may go... or do whatever it is you're tasked with."
"As you wish, my lady," Kirlo said with a bow before quietly exiting the room.
"Young miss, the room is this way," Clementine said as she led Cynthia through the corridor. They moved with purpose, Opal trailing just behind.
When they arrived, Clementine opened the tall double doors, and Cynthia stepped into the space that had been designated for her laboratory. Her attendants followed closely behind.
"Well, this is rather spacious, isn't it?" Cynthia said as her eyes swept over the room. She walked slowly, taking in its breadth and structure. "It's slightly larger than the lower levels of my lab back at Father's estate."
Her gaze soon settled on a spiral staircase tucked into one corner of the room. Curiosity guided her steps, and she ascended.
At the top, she arrived in an even grander space, one capped by a glass dome roof that welcomed the morning light. The wide, open expanse was flooded with soft sunshine, casting crystalline patterns across the polished floor.
"Now this," Cynthia murmured to herself, a glint of inspiration in her eyes, "would make an excellent space for cultivating rare plants… and much more."
"This will do just fine," Cynthia said as she descended the spiral staircase.
"Wonderful, young miss. Once Jennifer returns with the supplies, you can shape the lab however you see fit," Opal replied, walking beside her as Clementine followed closely behind.
"Indeed. Now then, breakfast," Cynthia said, her tone composed but eager, turning toward the corridor that led to the dining room.
Upon entering, she spotted Charlotte at the far end, carefully setting the table.
"Good morning, young miss," Charlotte greeted with a small bow.
Cynthia offered a silent nod of acknowledgment and gracefully made her way to her seat. Just as she sat down, the doors opened, and Mavis entered, pushing a silver trolley laden with breakfast dishes. The scent of warm bread, herbs, and honeyed tea filled the room.
Once the trolley reached the table, Opal and Clementine stepped forward, assisting Mavis with arranging the tableware. Plates were placed, napkins unfolded, and silverware set in practiced, fluid motion.
"Opal," Cynthia called, her golden eyes fixed on the tea being poured.
"Yes, young miss?" Opal replied, straightening slightly as she set a fine porcelain teacup onto its saucer in front of her mistress.
"Have you received any word from Jennifer since she left?"
"Yes, young miss," Opal replied, carefully pouring a stream of steaming tea into the cup. "She reported that the Marquis is quite rattled by recent events. He sent her off with more supplies than originally planned, though he himself is not yet scheduled to visit Lumenoth."
Cynthia gently lifted the teacup, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Is that so?"
Opal nodded, continuing, "It appears that, as the High Commissioner of the Lumenoth High Commission, the Marquis is restricted from leaving the nation he's stationed in unless he receives express permission from a council member such as yourself. Until then, he is prohibited from making any formal visit."
"I see," Cynthia murmured, taking a sip of her tea just as Mavis placed a platter of food before her, the aroma of seasoned eggs and spiced vegetables rising into the air.
The atmosphere settled into a quiet calm as the morning sun streamed through the tall windows, gilding the polished surfaces of the room with a golden glow.
"I wonder what he could have given Jennifer to pass on to me," Cynthia mused aloud as she picked up her knife and fork, laid precisely before her. She sliced into the soft-boiled egg, its golden yolk oozing slightly, and brought a piece to her lips.
"Well, whatever it may be, young miss, the Marquis found it important enough to provide her with an entirely new storage ring," Opal responded, standing by her side. "He didn't place the item in the ring you had originally sent for the retrieval of your belongings."
"Mhm, I see… no use in pondering over something that will reveal itself soon enough," Cynthia said between bites. "Also, Opal, I'll need a way to contact my father. Look into acquiring a set of communication crystals and determine if it's possible to connect with him directly."
"Understood, young miss," Opal said with a respectful nod, taking note of the directive.
Cynthia continued her breakfast, savoring the flavors as the morning light streamed through the tall windows, catching the glint of silverware and the soft folds of her silk robe.
She was halfway through her meal when the door to the dining hall opened, and two knights stepped inside: Sir Eryndor Starforge and Dame Lysara Shamrock. They both bowed with synchronized grace.
"Good morning, my lady," they said in unison.
"Yes, good morning to you both," Cynthia replied curtly before returning her attention to her plate.
"My lady," Sir Starforge began, clearing his throat, "regarding the council meeting…."
"What of it?" Cynthia asked, picking up the last piece of toast.
"The time has been set," he replied quickly. Cynthia paused, arching a brow as she placed the toast in her mouth, clearly prompting him to continue.
"It will begin at eleven, which is in approximately two hours."
"Thank you for the notice," Cynthia said, taking a sip of her tea, the porcelain clinking softly against the saucer.
The air in the room was calm as Cynthia deemed the breakfast to be satisfactory,