Fate : A Twisted Story

Chapter : 51

Her slender figure moved with grace and elegance, her every step imbued with a celestial aura that seemed to draw the gaze of everyone in the room. Ivan couldn't help but feel as though she was a goddess of the stars and moon, her presence illuminating the night with an otherworldly radiance.

Her radiant smile seemed to light up the entire room, infusing it with an undeniable charm that made it impossible for Ivan to look away.

As she interlocked her hand with his, all he could do was stare at her. She giggled, her breathy tone tickling his ear as she whispered, "Did I take your breath away?" Her voice and the sparkle in her eyes left him stunned, his heart pounding so hard it felt like everyone in the room could hear it. He tried to calm down, however the lady beside him, her giggle only fueled his agitation. Unable to keep his eyes on her, he turned to the guests in the hall, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks from her proximity.

As he reminisced about the evening, Ivan felt a warmth spread through his chest, accompanied by a gentle fluttering sensation that seemed to fill him with an indescribable sense of desire. It was as though Arya's presence had ignited a spark within him, one that filled his heart with tingles of excitement and anticipation. Lost in his thoughts, Ivan couldn't help but wear a dreamy smile upon his lips.

"Hey, if you're done with your daydreaming, care to spare a glance for me?" Stefan teased. Hearing this, Ivan's smile faded, replaced by a glare. "What is it?"
"Baron Miller has been waiting for you in the foyer. Shall we?" Stefan gestured towards the door, amused by Ivan's irritation.

Ivan got up and headed to the foyer. As he entered, Baron Miller rose from his seat and greeted him. After exchanging pleasantries, they both sat down. Baron placed several papers on the table along with two metal-clasped envelopes on top of them.

"Here are the yearlong reports you requested for the last three years," Baron said. "The green one is for Viscount Reginald, and the other is for Baron Beresford. Both seem to indicate significant amounts of money in their possession. However, the tax review shows no signs of this income or any other income sources. They didn't even submit it in the yearlong. Meaning…"

Darkening his eyes, Ivan's strong timbre voice resonated as he uttered, "black money." Miller nodded his head in affirmation. Gazing at Miller, Ivan added, "Let them be for now and delve further into this matter. There must be a source from whence all that money is coming. Once we grasp that head, the rest will crumble on its own."

Miller replied, "I will do so, your grace. Um..."

"Is there anything else to report?" Ivan asked, as Baron shook his head and stated, "No, sire, except that my daughter has sent these for the duchess. They are acquainted with each other." Ivan was surprised at his words. Glancing at the gifts on the ground, he said, "Very well then. I hope to hear from you."

Baron got up, bowed, and left. Ivan looked at Stefan with a confused expression, then back at the gifts. 'Since when did they...' He did not dwell on that thought any further.

Inside the library :

Arya and Sofia were engaged in conversation when Miya approached them with a tea trolley filled with various snacks and aromatic tea. Both Arya and Sofia were engrossed in their research about the Black Forest, evident from the table cluttered with books and papers. "Ma-madam, I found i-it," Sofia exclaimed as she clapped her hands. Startling Arya as she was engrossed in reading. Arya leaned in to see; it was a book she had borrowed from the Wills'. As she read the text,

"In realms obscure, where edges blur,
Not there it dwells, yet close to stir.
To ancient kin of prickled lore,
In Aisle's embrace, it's found once more.
A cascade's flow, a rim it meets,
Within the curl, its song repeats.

In shadows deep, where whispers creep,
Lies a tower where secrets sleep.
Woven by the magic hand,
Its mysteries vast, its power grand.

Through labyrinth halls, one must roam,
To find the secrets, buried in tome.
Unlock the truth, and you shall see."

Arya, looking confused, gazes at Sofia. "A rhyme?"

"I-it is. But I..i ha--have been dw--dwelling on these for wee--weeks, and as I--i co--continue to do so, th-the an--answer became so--so clear, ma--madam," Sofia stammers, her eyes glinting with excitement as she shudders while talking, afraid she would waste Arya's time. She grabs hold of some papers and a pen and starts writing. After finishing, she shows the papers to Arya.

Arya's eyes widen in shock, a smile appearing on her rosy lips. With vivacious eyes, she looks at Sofia, pulls her into a hug as she shakes. "Thank you, thank you so much, Sofia. You are a genius. Love you," she says, pinching Sofia's cheeks lightly.

It was the answer to the riddle, which seemed like a rhyme. It was the location of the witch's tower, a grand discovery to pave her path. Arya smiles with great joy, seeing that Sofia also laughs together with her. Both of their hard work finally paid off. Miya could not understand their behavior, but seeing her mistress's mood better than before brought relief to her.

'Near the edge of the northwest side, where the earthy scent of pine mingles with the crisp air, porcupines scurry amongst the tangled roots. Down the narrow path to the west, where shafts of golden sunlight pierce through the canopy, a waterfall cascades gracefully, its veil of mist concealing the entrance to a hidden passage. As one ventures deeper into the forest's embrace, following the winding path, ancient trees loom overhead, their gnarled branches forming a canopy that filters the light into dappled patterns on the forest floor. And there, nestled within the heart of the woods, amidst a clearing suffused with an ethereal glow, stands the magic tower, its spire reaching skyward like a silent sentinel guarding secrets untold.'

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