The carriage came to an abrupt halt, jolting Bluria and Renzille in their seats ever so slightly.
The coachman rushed to open the door, his movement efficient and quick as he held it wide open, awaiting the noble sisters' descent from the wooden vehicle.
Renzille stepped out of the carriage with Bluria followed closely behind, the little girl's eyes eagerly taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.
Though her excited expression soon morphed into a puzzled one, her confusion was evident as she peered around the orphanage, perplexed, because aren't they supposed to be somewhere else?
"I thought we were going to the wilderness?" She wondered aloud, her voice tinged with puzzlement. "Why have we stopped at an orphanage of all places?"
Renzille simply ignored the little girl's question and turned to the coachman, a soft hum of satisfaction escaping her lips.
"Stay here." She instructed, her voice carrying the authority of a noblewoman. "We'll be returning shortly. Don't go anywhere, but if you must go somewhere, go inside to notify me first. Understood?"
"Yes, my lady." The coachman nodded in acknowledgment, understanding his role in the situation so he stood by the carriage, a watchful presence awaiting their return.
Renzille smiled and, with a subtle motion of her hand, gestured for Bluria to follow her lead.
The two Thillion siblings started walking towards the building, the sound of their heels clacking on the floor echoing faintly in the air— Renzille spoke, her voice firm.
"We're here to retrieve a pup." Renzille stated simply. "So follow me, hm?"
She continued walking, her stride confident and purposeful, as she navigated towards the orphanage, Bluria obediently trailed close behind.
Renzille and Bluria stepped inside the orphanage, with Renzille's gaze immediately sweeping the surroundings, her sharp eyes swiftly scanning the area.
Then, her gaze became fixated on a handsome-looking man, whose presence immediately commanded her attention.
With a tilt of her head, she took in his features with curiosity, her mind already working to assess this unknown individual because the man standing before them had an appearance striking in its uniqueness.
His skin was a warm brown hue and his eyes were dark and captivating, but the most notable feature that set him apart was the pair of ears that stood out on his head.
They were black and fluffy, resembling a bunny's ears— their presence on his human frame only added to his already lovely appearance.
Due to the handsome individual, Renzille's attention became divided for a moment, first drawn to the man with the rabbit ears, but then snatched away as a child rushed up to him.
She observed the boy, noticing the striking resemblance to the man— white hair, golden eyes, and an animal ear, however, this time bearing a wolf-like appearance.
Renzille's eyes twinkled with recognition as she took in the child's appearance.
Renzille didn't waste any time on seizing the opportunity afforded by the little boy's cheerful conversation with the man and took a step closer, addressing the bunny-eared man directly.
"Pardon me." Renzille said, her voice calm and composed.
The man turned towards Renzille, his gaze shifting from the small boy to the newcomer and when he noticed her, he immediately noted that she was someone with a high status.
He nodded politely, acknowledging her presence.
"What can I do for you, my lady?" He inquired, his tone polite and attentive.
Before Renzille could speak up, the little boy whimpered softly, his ears flattening against his head before he suddenly dashed away from Renzille and the dark skinned man.
He darted around the corner and vanished from their view, leaving a sense of unease lingering in the air.
Renzille's gaze followed the boy's quick disappearance, her brow furrowing in mild confusion because she couldn't help, but wonder what had caused the child's sudden retreat.
"Do forgive me." Renzille spoke up and redirected her focus back to the bunny-eared man, her expression serious and intent.
"But I would like to discuss something important concerning that child." She stated bluntly, her voice conveying the importance of the matter at hand by going straight to the point.
The man's gaze sharpened, his ears twitching slightly as he picked up on Renzille's serious tone.
"What is the matter?" He asked, a slight hint of protectiveness in his tone, his posture suddenly became tense.
Renzille shook her head firmly, her voice lowered to prevent others from eavesdropping. "It's hardly the place to discuss such matters. Let's find a more private place to talk, shall we?"
She glanced around, aware of their surroundings and the curious glances of the orphanage staff and children.
The man narrowed his gaze, his expression turning thoughtful, but after a moment, he conceded, his voice firm and measured as he responded. "I understand, my lady. Please follow me."
He gestured for Renzille to join him, guiding her away from the main room of the orphanage towards a quieter, more secluded room.
However, before they could go further, Renzille suddenly halted and turned to Bluria, her expression serious yet reassuring which made the little girl confused.
"Would you mind distracting yourself with the other children while I discuss important matters with this kind man?" She inquired gently.
Bluria, though initially curious, nodded obediently, recognizing the importance of her sister's need for privacy and partly, she didn't want to cause trouble for Renzille.
"Of course, sister." Bluria replied, her tone understanding with a hint of disappointment at missing out on important information. "I'll amuse myself with the other children then."
Renzille's lips curled into a soft smile and her hand gently ruffled Bluria's white hair, causing the young girl to perk up.
"Good girl." Renzille murmured, her voice tinged with an affectionate tone. "Now run along."
Bluria beamed at the gentle touch and words of praise, her earlier disappointment subsiding under her sister's warm gaze.
"Yes, sister. I'll go play now!" she replied cheerfully, her spirits lifted by the affectionate gesture before dashing down the hall. "Have fun with whatever business you have with that man!"
Renzille spared a final glance at Bluria, watching as the young girl scampered down the hallway before redirecting her attention to the bunny-eared man.
She sighed and explained. "I had to send her away momentarily because our discussion isn't something a child should hear."
The man nodded in understanding even though he was partially curious.
Renzille signalled for the man to continue walking, indicating her intent to follow his lead once again and understanding her cue, he nodded before he resumed walking.
He led her through the orphanage hall to a cozy room filled with books, their spines lining the shelves in neat rows.
Renzille's gaze swept across the room, taking in the orderly collection of books that was accompanied by the scent of aged paper with an ink scent hung in the air.
Renzille took her seat, the soft thump of the chair against the floor breaking the silence in the room, then the man, after closing the door, moved to the opposite side and settled into his seat facing her.
Renzille wasted no time on speaking, her gaze locked onto him as she spoke, her voice steady. "I want to take that child under my care.
The man's eyes widened slightly, surprise evident in his expression as he processed her words then, a moment after, his eyebrows creased. "You want to adopt that child?"
Renzille nodded, her gaze unwavering.
"I'll visit regularly." She stated confidently. "To help him get acquainted with me and if it will help, I'll bring my little sister with me, too, so he won't feel uncomfortable."
The man could only stare at Renzille, disbelief plastered all over his face.
"But make no mistake; my ultimate goal is to take him in as soon as he gives me his consent." Renzille hummed, flashing him a cold smile. "I need him so I must have him."
The bunny-eared man's expression morphed to cautious consideration.
He studied Renzille's determination, his gaze searching for a hint of doubt or uncertainty, but finding none— he pursed his lips, his ears twitching.
His face had a slight frown and he couldn't help, but pose a question.
"Pardon me for asking.." He began, his tone cautious yet respectful. "But do you mind revealing which noble house you are from? It's quite obvious that you don't come from the slums, given the fine clothing you currently wear."
Renzille met his gaze, her face showing no hint of surprise at his keen observation.
She clasped her hands together, her fingers intertwining in a relaxed gesture as she nodded her head. "Indeed. I am from a noble house."
The man observed Renzille closely, his eyes narrowing slightly as he noted her non-answer to his previous question.
He nodded his head, acknowledging her reluctance to reveal her exact noble origins.
"It appears that you'd rather keep your noble house identity a mystery, my lady." He said, his tone a mix of understanding and annoyance. "I must admit, it's quite intriguing, but I assume you have your reasons for withholding that information."
Renzille hummed softly, satisfied as she observed the man's response.
"I'm glad you're not like some of the beastmen I know." She replied, her tone slightly teasing, then she shifted slightly in her seat, her gaze never leaving his face. "Does this mean you're willing to drop this topic?"
He gave a slight nod, a small frown tugging at the corners of his lips as he backed down. "Very well."
Renzille smiled softly, her eyes shining with excitement as she rose from her seat, her movements smooth and elegant— a movement befitting a noble.
"I need to get going for now." She informed the man. "I promise to come back tomorrow, around this time, and I'll bring my little sister with me."
The man nodded, acknowledging her plan before he rose from his own seat as well, his gaze meeting hers with a cold stare causing a shiver run down her spine.
"I'll let the child know." He promised. "I'll make sure he won't be caught off guard by your presence tomorrow."