Before Luo Wei could finish speaking, the Pegasus dipped its head and swiftly licked up a piece of malt candy. The sweetness hit its tongue, and its eyes lit up with delight. Unable to contain itself, it swished its tail energetically.

  "Meow~"

  The kitten watched with wide eyes, clearly envious. It trotted over to Luo Wei's feet, rubbing against her leg and meowing pitifully. "Meow-meow-meow~"

  Luo Wei bent down and picked it up, cradling it in her arms. "Kittens can't eat sugar."

  "Meow-ow meow-ow~" the kitten protested softly, its tone pleading.

  But I'm a magic cat—I can eat sugar!

  Luo Wei hesitated, studying the kitten's hopeful expression. Finally, she sighed. "Fine, but only one tiny piece."

  "Meow!" The kitten let out a triumphant cry, its tail flicking with joy.

  Luo Wei rummaged through the bag and found a fingernail-sized piece of candy that hadn't been poured out. Perfect for the kitten.

  In the garden, one person, one cat, and one horse coexisted peacefully. It was a scene of harmony that made one appreciate the simple beauty of life.

  The sun dipped toward the horizon, its harsh rays softening into a warm glow.

  From outside the courtyard gate came the sound of hurried footsteps. Bella entered, leading two young knights and a group of servants back home.

  "Miss!"

  Roman and Rosie dashed toward Luo Wei like the wind, their faces flushed red from the heat of the afternoon sun.

  The sudden commotion startled Joshua. The carrot it had been chewing fell right out of its mouth.

  "Don't be afraid. They're my people. Keep eating." Luo Wei picked a fresh carrot from the basket and gently pushed it into the Pegasus's mouth. Then she turned to greet the two young knights.

  "Why are you sweating so much? Be careful not to catch cold. Go back to your rooms, wash your faces, and change your clothes before coming back out," she instructed, her tone firm but caring.

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  The young knights skidded to a halt and stood at attention. "Yes, Miss!"

  Rosie discreetly sniffed her clothes and wrinkled her nose. The sweaty smell was undeniable—she definitely needed to change.

  Roman wiped his forehead and stared in horror at the grime on his hand. He quickly hid it behind his back and bolted toward the washroom.

  Miss didn't like slobs. He had to clean up immediately!

  As the two children ran off, Bella stepped forward hesitantly, her gaze fixed on the Pegasus. "Master, this is...?"

  "It's... uh..."

  Only then did Luo Wei realize she hadn't asked the Pegasus its name yet.

  She turned to Joshua. "What's your name?"

  The Pegasus finished chewing its carrot and swallowed. "Neigh-neigh-whinny!"

  [My name is Joshua.]

  Luo Wei turned back to Bella and introduced the Pegasus. "Its name is Joshua. It's a magic Pegasus. It likes malt candy and carrots. Arrange a room for it—make it a separate stable."

  "Y-yes, Master." Bella stammered, her eyes wide with surprise.

  Yesterday, a magic kitten had arrived. Today, a magic Pegasus. Good heavens—could her master be a magic princess?

  "One more thing," Luo Wei added. "Have Teresa write a letter to that ceramic merchant named Tim Swift. Ask him to come to Siria for a meeting."

  "Yes, Tim Swift." Bella quickly wrote the name in her notebook.

  "In the letter, say that the Church has traced his high-priced ceramic sales back to me. Our contract needs to be revised, and he should come renegotiate our business partnership."

  Bella nodded, her pen flying across the page.

  Some of her notes were abbreviated. Worried she might forget later, she asked for permission. "Master, may I send someone to notify Teresa right away?"

  Luo Wei nodded. "Yes. The sooner, the better."

  Bella accepted the order and retreated with renewed energy, clutching her notebook tightly.

  Luo Wei turned her attention to the remaining servants in the courtyard. Her gaze landed on the most striking one. "Belial."

  "Yes," the servant replied in a voice as smooth as silk. She stepped forward and curtsied gracefully. "Master, what would you like me to do?"

  "How is your tea-making and perfume blending coming along?"

  Belial lowered her lashes modestly. "I've learned a bit. Please test me, Master."

  "Pack a box of your best tea. I'm taking it to the Academy for the Headmaster to taste. Also, I'm attending a ball tonight. Can you prepare a sachet for me—something to repel insects and refresh the mind? Will it be ready in time?"

  "It will, Master," Belial assured her, her tone soft yet confident. "I'll start blending the perfume right away."

  Luo Wei's ears tingled at the melodious quality of her voice. She waved her hand. "Go ahead."

  She turned to the other servants. "The rest of you are dismissed. Go do what you need to do."

  "Yes, Master." The servants answered in unison, bowing respectfully before scattering to their tasks.

  As the sky darkened, Chris returned with the gift she'd carefully selected.

  "Master, how does this waist chain look?"

  She opened an exquisite cherry wood box. Inside lay a silver waist chain—low-key yet luxurious, simple yet elegant, with craftsmanship so fine it seemed almost magical.

  Luo Wei's eyes lingered on the chain, her thoughts already turning to the ball ahead.

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