[To be honest, this meeting felt more like the introduction of a third love interest after Edwin and Lucian than a scene with a real villain.]
[But given that the novel belonged to the “healing romance” genre, it was logical to expect at least a hint of feelings, even in relation to the antagonist.]
[After all, the villain had to fall in love with the one he was supposed to kill, and the main character had to feel sorry for the man who tried to destroy her.]
[Five years had already passed, and Adaline did not think that the plot of the book could still be useful.]
[But since something similar happened, it was worth the risk.]
When the ogre appeared, Adaline immediately remembered that episode from the novel, but Shane first sent her to the Bertrand mansion. So she decided to call Lucian.
[It was irritating, of course, that her family was instantly appointed as new security as soon as she left the scene, but on the other hand, it was natural that Shane did not trust her.]
Adalyn provided no explanation or compelling evidence.
She couldn’t even really say why she needed to get to the square.
She really wanted to stay away like Shane asked.
[But she couldn't miss the chance to find the real villain.]
[It must be Lucian.]
[He is like a fairy godmother: he came and gave freedom.]
For the first time since returning to Delmez, Adaline felt truly free. [In one night, Lucian got everything she asked for: medicine to induce a mild fever, a modest dress, simple shoes and a light coat. Lloyd received a similar set.]
[At first light she drank the medicine and went to bed, pretending to be sick. And then, with Lloyd's help, she secretly left the mansion.]
[It’s funny, she couldn’t even leave the house without help.]
[It would be great if she could use magic, summon spirits, or at least wield a sword.]
[But Adaline had no ability for either.]
[If this could be overcome by effort, she would pay for the training. There were no problems with money in the Bertrand family.]
[But magic and summoning are gifts that one is born with. No talent, no entry.]
[Ah, a sword...well, with her insomnia, even normal stamina was not enough, let alone swinging a piece of metal.]
---The central square of Delmez was seething.
Autumn was coming to an end, the harvest had been harvested, there was plenty of food, the city was rich, the square was full of life, laughter and hubbub.
Adalyn sat down at a cafe table overlooking the square and ordered everything that was on the menu.
[Just because Genevieve did the same thing in the novel.]
“Madam, this is wasteful.” - Lloyd noted.
“Only if you don’t eat it.” - she answered calmly.
“Do you think you can handle all this?”
"Certainly. Because you will eat."
"I don't like sweets."
Adaline stared at him in amazement. Lloyd sighed and added:
“You know, there are people who really don’t like sweets.”
"It can't be..."
“I’ll eat if you order. But don’t be surprised if I throw up.”
“No really... if you’re so disgusted, I’ll eat it all myself...”
She just wanted to joke a little, not make a scene.
Lloyd, as always, didn't ask anything.
[When she said she was going to contact Lucian and escape from the mansion, he didn't ask why.]
[He never asked.]
[If Adaline said something, he did it as if it was meant to be.]
[Lucian, who only needed payment.]
[And Lloyd, who never expected an explanation.]
[They were the only ones with whom Adaline felt calm. And in this she saw her selfishness.]
[Shane didn't really like sweets either...but he always ate what I gave him. He probably hated them even more before.]
[He was thirteen at the time, she was nine.]
[He accepted the treat from her hands without once pushing away.]
[Although it was clear that he himself would not have touched it.]
[She once said that he shouldn't eat something he doesn't like.]
He smiled, his eyes curved into crescent moons:
[How can I not love what you give me?]
[Would you even eat poison if I brought it to you?]
[Oh, do you want to check?]
[It was a joke...]
[What the hell is flirting between a thirteen year old and a nine year old?]
Adalyn rested her chin on her palm and stared thoughtfully at the square.
She tried to repeat Genevieve's action.
[But it will be a real problem if the sorcerer actually approaches.]
[This would mean that the plot did not stop during those five years of her absence.]
[That her escape did not change anything.]
[Or maybe this is a sign that a real tragedy will soon unfold, as in the book.]
She had already decided that she would kill the sorcerer.
[But deep down, Adaline still hoped that the attack was not connected to the real villain.]
[That the world she lives in now is no longer the same world from the novel.]
And at that moment, someone touched her shoulder.