Meanwhile, Ashford City (the main trade hub of the Veloria Kingdom)
Inside the grand manor of the wealthy merchant Gale, warm light filled the dining hall. A long polished table stood at the center, covered in fine dishes and shining silverware. Servants moved quietly along the walls, refilling glasses and replacing plates with careful hands.
For the first time since enrolling in the academy, Mira was here to have dinner with her family.
The atmosphere was lively.
Her father sat at the head of the table, posture straight, eyes sharp even at home. Her elder brother lounged comfortably to one side, already halfway through his second glass of wine. And across from Mira sat her mother.
A beautiful woman.
She looked like an older version of Mira. In fact, she looked so much like Mira that it was hard to tell who resembled whom more. Maybe it was more appropriate to say Mira looked like a younger version of her mother.
