Chapter 17
Winnie left the grandeur of the Sanchez Manor, bypassing a return to the Bryant Manor. Instead, she hailed a cab to the apartment she had rented years prior.
It was a cozy two–bedroom place with a living area cordoned off by a folding screen, creating at playful nook for her pet, Pretty. A tiny tent in the corner housed an assortment of toys for the
fox.
The apartment had a master bedroom and a study. The study was split into two distinct workspaces. One side was cluttered with various carving materials and tools, while the other held aged parchment, vermilion Ink, and some calligraphy supplies.
Winnie got busy collecting several necessary items. She left for the Bryant family without packing and had used all her protection charms. And as she needed to prepare to reclaim Lucy’s intelligence, she set to work.
As she gathered her belongings, her phone suddenly rang. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw it was from the caretaker of Breeze Monastery. She hesitated but ultimately answered.
An elderly voice came through. “Winnie, have you thought about our previous conversation? The guest lecturer position at CU Supernatural Department could be your ticket to Capital University. They have a partnership. And you could get in even if your scores fall short. But between us, you’re wasting your time with college. A few years as a guest lecturer, and you’ll be an honorary professor. That’s like having a master’s degree.”
The caretaker went on persuasively while Winnie patiently switched the phone from one to the other ear before finally responding, “I should have the scores to get in, but I haven’t decided yet. if I want to head to Capital City or stay in Emerald Bay.” Winnie added. Her desire to attend. Capital University was a means to distance herself from the Henderson family. She had left them and wasn’t so keen on leaving Emerald Bay.
Realizing she was considering staying, the caretaker quickly forgot his initial advice and chuckled. “Emerald Bay is wonderful, indeed. I can pull some strings for you at Emerald University. I’ll decline the Supernatural Department offer on your behalf. By the way, have your considered joining us at Breeze Monastery? With your talents…”
Before the caretaker could continue, Winnie interjected, “No, thanks. I’ll go to college.”
There was a tinge of disappointment in the caretaker’s voice before he swiftly changed the subject. “We’ve run out of your protection charms. When can you deliver more? It’s the usual. price, three thousand per charm.”
The mention of business perked Winnie up. She eyed her stockpile in the drawer and nodded. “I’ll send twenty over.”
Selling twenty charms meant sixty thousand dollars. Even after donating half, she’d keep thirty thousand for herself. However, paying off her foster fees to the Henderson family would require more than charm sales.
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16:38
Chapter 17
Winnie was a master of crafting charms. It was the most mysterious and difficult part to
master.
Though Winnie had dabbled in all supernatural things, her forte and focus were charms.
Apart from some specific charms, most were inscribed on special Charms paper. Drawing charms was the most fundamental skill, followed by carving charms, like the one she made for Drake, and the most advanced one was drawing charms in thin air.
Spreading out parchment, Winnie focused her breath and began to draw. Her pen moved with precision, and upon finishing, a hint of otherworldly light shimmered on the paper, a completed. protection charm.
Winnie worked swiftly, finishing twenty charms for Breeze Monastery in just fifteen minutes. Afterward, considering her brother and father’s protection, she carved a high–quality stone into a protection charm for them.
After spending the afternoon in her rental, as dusk settled, Winnie packed up, took Pretty, and headed back to the Bryant Manor.
Entering the house and heading upstairs, she had just opened her room to put away her belongings when a small figure dashed toward her.
Turning, she saw her six–year–old cousin, Nadine, burst into the room, pushing her aside and shouting angrily, “This is my room! You’re not allowed in my room!”
Stunned, Winnie glanced behind Nadine and confirmed it was indeed her room.
At that moment, Leonie rushed over, scolding Nadine in a low voice, “Nadine, that’s no way to behave! Apologize to your cousin now!”
But Nadine, undeterred, pointed at the room and accused Leonie, “Mom, you promised me this room! Why did you let her move in? You lied! I don’t care! It’s my room!”
The commotion drew the attention of Springer and the other siblings from their rooms just in time to hear Nadine’s outburst.
Winnie instantly understood the situation. Leonie had intended this dreamy princess room for her daughter all along. That was originally why she had set up the doll room for Winnie. Leonie’s face was a mask of embarrassment, not expecting her daughter to speak so bluntly. and could only offer a strained smile as she explained, “No, it’s just… Nadine likes that room, and I didn’t know Winnie would be coming home. I was trying to… to comfort her…” “Whether Winnie comes back or not, that’s her room.” Horace’s voice suddenly carried from the other end of the corridor, clearly having heard the commotion and come to investigate.
His expression was the usual warm and gracious one, but as his eyes swept over the scene, they held a hint of cool detachment.
16:38
Chapter 17
Looking toward Leonie, his tone was neither warm nor cold as he queried. “Auntie Leonie, aren’t you aware?”
That room was off–limits for anyone else to claim, even if the family had not officially acknowledged Winnie.
Leonie’s face stiffened, her red lips faltering with an embarrassed mien.
Hobson, the second son, bristled at how Horace spoke to his mother and stepped forward. “Horace, my mom didn’t mean harm. It’s just a room. It was decorated for a child. If Nadine likes it, why can’t she have it?”
As he spoke, his gaze fleetingly brushed past Winnie with discontent. “She’s an adult, isn’t she? Should she be fighting with a child over a room?”
His words implied Winnie was being petty.
Winnie raised an eyebrow slightly. She wasn’t one for arguments, but when called out, she wouldn’t pretend to be deaf.
“So, you’re saying I should give it up because she’s younger and likes it? And if I don’t, it means I’m fighting with her over it?” Winnie asked.
“Isn’t that the case?” Hobson retorted, his face the very picture of conviction.
Winnie nodded in feigned comprehension. “Well then, I fancy a painting at the National Museum. If you can persuade the museum to hand it to me, I’ll give up the room to her. How
about that?” She spread her hands with an emotionless face, emphasizing. “After. How
youngster wanting a national treasure. That’s all.”
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