"How is my little angel?" the Marquis' voice came warmly through the device.
Cynthia leaned her head back against the chair, closed her eyes, and exhaled deeply, slowly as if it was a breath she had been holding in since the day she left the Marquis estate.
"Father," she replied, "I find it rather frustrating that I cannot return home. But aside from that... I am fine. Or at least, I think I am."
"I imagine your mind is trying to process everything around you," the Marquis responded gently. "You've always been one to remain composed. Not easily overwhelmed, not prone to extremes. It's good to hear that nothing disastrous has happened."
"Yes... I don't often find anything worth getting emotional about," Cynthia murmured as she slowly caressed the armrest of her chair, eyes still closed.
"Have you checked the automaton I sent you?" the Marquis asked.
"Yes, Father, I have," she answered. "And I believe I'd like to ask something of you, if you don't mind."
"Ask away, my dear. Whatever you desire."
"In the creation of your automatons... did you work with blacksmiths or artificers?"
"Hmm... both, actually," the Marquis replied with a chuckle. "Why? Are you planning to make your own?"
"I believe they would be useful in the work I've been pursuing for some time now," Cynthia said.
"You mean your Mystic Circuit Merging Theory?"
"Yes. I've been searching for practical methods to create golems embedded with Mystic Circuits that could merge or network together."
"Have you made any progress in that field before the automaton arrived?"
"Not much," Cynthia replied flatly. "Due to the limitations you placed on my access to knowledge, I could only gain minor insights from what was available in the human world."
"My dear, I understand. I didn't want to expose you to too much too soon. But it seems now you're readyan d in the right place, with the right power, to go much further."
"You think so?"
"I know so. The Library of Lumenoth is unmatched. It's the only place where every branch of knowledge both established and experimental is preserved and studied freely."
"Alright, Father. I'll take your word for it," Cynthia said.
"Yes, Jake.....Cynthia, my dear... it was wonderful hearing your voice again. This bracelet will allow us to speak anytime. It also functions as an item transporter, so keep an eye out, I'll be sending notes, blueprints, and if you're interested, I can dispatch some of my blacksmiths and artificers to assist you."
"I'll let you know soon, Father."
"Ah, one more thing. I received word from your aunt. She's returning soon with your gift."
"She's returning from the Eldorian Continent already?" Cynthia asked, mildly surprised. "Isn't that trip both expensive and draining?"
"Normally, yes. But your aunt is an Elder of the Kingdom of Wind and a High Chancellor of the Wind Academy of Olixinar. She's allowed to travel freely to the Eldorian Continent. And at her level, the journey hardly affects her." He paused, then added warmly, "Don't worry, my dear. She'll be just fine."
"I understand, Father, and thank you," Cynthia said softly.
"No worries, my dear. We'll talk again soon," the Marquis replied, his voice warm as it faded from the device.
Cynthia closed her eyes briefly, a calm settling over her as the connection ended. She sent her father a silent wish for wellness until they spoke again.
"What will you do now?" Vesan asked, his Sentinarch Model hovering beside the armchair.
"I think I'll refresh myself, eat, and then sleep," Cynthia replied as she slowly rose from her seat.
"Understood."
Cynthia paused, glancing at the stack of books on the table. "Vesan, I wonder if you can read the tomes, scrolls, and grimoires I brought back from the library?"
"Yes. It is possible, as I am linked to your Psy-Mind. I can interpret them through your connection."
"Excellent. This will make things go much faster." She gestured toward the table. "Scan all the materials laid out here."
"Leave it to me," Vesan replied, drifting toward the table. As he passed over the first tome, a soft light emitted from the center of his face, casting a glow across the pages as he scanned each one methodically.
Meanwhile, Cynthia stood up and stretched languidly before making her way to the bedside table. She retrieved a small silver bell and gave it a gentle ring.
A few moments later, the door opened quietly, and Clementine stepped inside.
"Yes, Young Miss. How may I assist you?" she asked with a gentle smile, eyes immediately going to Cynthia.
"An early dinner, and I'll need a bath drawn," Cynthia said as she walked back toward the table to check Vesan's progress.
"Of course, Young Miss," Clementine answered with a respectful bow.
Just as she turned to leave, her eyes caught sight of Vesan floating mid-air, scanning the books. She froze for half a heartbeat, eyes widening slightly. But quickly, she composed herself, dipped her head, and excused herself from the room without comment.