The Red Thread of Destiny

Red thread

Take a walk at night while mingling and blending in with the crowd like now, reminding Stella of one of the sweet memories she had with her sister.

In the past, when her late eldest brother was still alive, Stella was occasionally invited out and introduced to the people in the Vandesca region. In addition to intending to teach Stella on how to manage the territory, as the owner of the ability of the other Red Yarn, as well, Fabian also taught Stella how to use the ability that was a blessing from the Goddess of life in the midst of their sightseeing activities.

The reason Fabian was willing to teach Stella on the sidelines of her own busy time, Stella knew not because of limited responsibility as an older sister or as an heir to the same abilities.

The reason why Fabian was so persistent and diligent in taking his time was .. After a hundred years had passed, it was only in their generation that there were two heirs to the ability of Red Yarn.

From what Stella knows, it is a rare case there are two people who were chosen as owners of Red Yarn in the same generation. It was rare to have two heirs at once, the ability of the Red Yarn itself was arguably even the most stingy when compared to the blessings the Goddess gave to the imperial family and the other three dukes.

Why would Stella dare say that?

That is because, different from other families who directly get the legacy of that blessing in the next generation, in the family Vandesca the ability of the new Red Yarn appears after twice changing the head of the family. Having passed two generations without a figure who inherited the blessing of the Goddess, as the youngest child in the current Vandesca family, Stella was able to understand Fabian's enthusiasm as the head of the family in their generation.

The phenomenon of two Red Yarn heirs in the same generation is clearly a miracle. It is still unknown why, or how it happened, the mystery of the two heirs can be chosen as they certainly should not be missed.

Stella thought letting her brother pry about their abilities further was a good thing. In addition they can find out what Red Yarn is and how to use it much more effectively, seeing Fabian's bright face while solving one mystery of their magic is also fun.

Stella always felt it was normal that her brother was interested in their family's hereditary abilities. Because, not much different from Fabian, Stella herself was also always amazed by the blessings she had.

However, behind what Stella considers normal, who would have thought that curiosity would bring a sad ending?

Instead of getting the desired answer, the curiosity that Fabian had became death. Involved with a troublesome group of people, Fabian ends up getting killed at the hands of the person who is the subject of the Red Yarn ability he uses.

"Basic, you stupid brother."

Different from Stella who always look for safety and only use Red Yarn for just a regular fun, Fabian is indeed a reckless person.

Had Stella known her brother had used Red Yarn to see the ties of other people in order to catch the criminals directly, Stella would not have let Fabian go that day.

For Stella, it was better to see her brother complain with a stack of documents than her figure who turned into a corpse because of wrong in taking steps. Stella really regretted the day that she did not put the slightest suspicion on her brother's serious expression.

I hope you do not rise from the grave. Otherwise, I will definitely really hit that head of yours!

Stella looked at her hand. Every time she used Red Yarn, Stella always remembered her older sister. Always clinging tightly to wherever and with whatever Stella does, the shadow of a Fabian Kahill Vandesca is already like a ghost in Stella's life.

It is always there and cannot be removed. Together with the memories of his figure while drenched in blood, Fabian's related memories have truly been a nightmare for Stella and Orfeo for the past two years. The two of them are always haunted by guilt for not being able to prevent the reckless actions of the brother.

"Ah, here it is."

After walking through the shops with memories that were present without being asked, Stella finally found the cake shop she was looking for.

That's enough, that sad nostalgia. Now Stella must focus on the fight that is before her eyes.

Getting rid of the Red Yarn she was using as part of the trip, Stella noticed the shop before her.

Appreciable.

Judging from its outward appearance, this cake shop was not much different from any other cake shop Stella had ever been to. Full of cheerful colors, has a variety of menus, and also crowded visitors even though the night begins late.

Putting aside what was hidden behind it, at a glance, there was nothing strange about this cake shop. In addition to the closing hours that are longer than other stores, then the disguise of this illegal auction place will certainly give Stella perfect value.

Without wasting time, once inside the store Stella directly to the clerk who guards the storefront. Stella said, "Please give me a sweet cake that can drive me crazy." While showing the buttons of clothes that have the emblem of his family in a movement that is not too obvious.

Auction places that use special passwords are usually limited and can only be entered by certain people. So it's for that reason that Stella this time purposely wore a shirt. Family hand buttons commonly used as a decoration– only applies to shirts only, very useful at times like this.

"Please follow me, Miss."

He guided her without the need to go through the troublesome process, making Stella exhale a sigh of relief. Unlike other auction places that have to go through a complicated process, Stella is grateful that the auction place she went to this time was enough to show buttons, had been able to get permission to enter.

Stella looked around. There is nothing strange about the kitchen of the cake shop. It looks like a normal kitchen in general.

"Have a good time, Miss. Please enjoy your time."

The absence of a door and only being led to approach the mirror, might seem strange to the person who first entered the underworld auction. However, that confusion did not apply to Stella. This was the last time Stella went sneaking, of course she was quite familiar with this little trick like the mirror before her.

Bending her head down a little as an expression of gratitude to the officer who had led her, Stella walked towards the mirror with a definite step. The mirror, which has a height of about 180 cm, is framed white, only slightly different from the height of his second brother. So not afraid of getting caught or anything else, Stella walked through the mirror without a problem.

The existence of white sparks scattered once Stella has made it through the mirror, proving how difficult the process of making the magic mirror is. Because, the more perfectly the item containing magic is made, which color is issued also becomes brighter.

The place is quite wide.

Different from the part of the store that is brightly colored and contains cheerfulness, the new place that Stella comes to now is very inversely proportional.

This place has a high gray wall and the floor resembles snow. Had this place not been warm, Stella would have thought instead of moving, she had moved to a different dimension.

If that were so, I'm sure Brother Orfeo wouldn't be enough just to scold me.

Moving to a different dimension? Stella could not imagine it. Though the wonders of this world are as ordinary as breathing. The magic that could bring to a different world, felt very unreasonable. If it's teleportation between countries, maybe Stella can trust him. But, between worlds? Stella is not sure if there is another world that has a miracle beyond this world.

...~o0o~...

Though Stella believes he has tried to come as soon as possible, but still he still lost quickly. As soon as Stella entered the auction room, there were already many items sold.

Stella breathed out slowly. The remaining seats make it difficult to find a strategic place to pay attention to each item displayed.

"All right! Let's start the main event of today's auction!"

The announcement from the host was greeted by an impatient shout from everyone present. Stella, one of the figures who was also quite curious about the shape of their main item, began to gather her focus.

Although honestly sitting anywhere does not matter to him, Stella still a little regret this less strategic seat. Stella was quite disappointed because she could not see the rare items with both eyes freely.

Well, nevermind.

Feeling the protests would also be useless, Stella put aside the disappointment she felt. Leaning quietly in his chair, he tried to follow word by word that came out of the host's mouth.

Under normal circumstances, maybe the seat that Stella is sitting in right now is very bad for someone. However, this was not the case for Stella.

In addition to seeing the bond of everyone's relationship, along with so many sneak processes that Stella does, Stella knows that Red Yarn can also be connected between living things and inanimate objects.

Can choose to see the relationship between objects, figures, or focus on what is shown by the Red Yarn, using this ability, Stella can see the items she wants as clearly as looking directly up close.

Utilizing the attachment relationship of everything that exists, as long as it is still within range, Stella can use the relationship shown by Yarn Red as her own vision.

Choosing the Red Yarn that was connected between the host and the artifacts that were in the glass cover, Stella smiled faintly as the details of each artifact on display now began to be clearly visible in both eyes.

The necklace had a large mana.

The thin blue light that enveloped one of the necklaces caught Stella's attention. The necklace had a simple motive but it issued a tremendous intimidation. Although the model itself looks a little outdated, judging from the pressure around it, Stella realizes her hidden strength cannot be underestimated.

"This canyon will be opened starting from the price of a thousand gold!"

As soon as the necklace that was the target was auctioned, Stella immediately raised the board with the number 78 of hers. As a person who liked magic artifacts, Stella could not let the precious item fall into the hands of others just like that before trying.

"1 million gold," Stella lightly bargained. As one of the members of the Vandesca family, Stella does not need to worry about unimportant things such as running out of shopping money. One million gold was no more than the budget given to her to buy two daily dresses.

"Does anyone want to bid any higher?"

The high number that became the opening, making others who were previously enthusiastic turned into filled with doubt. Though Stella was sure the nobles of the capital made more money than their families, but once saw the look of hesitation that was painted on everyone's face, she said, Stella realized they underestimated the necklace look outdated.

"Appearance is not important. The main point to note is the value behind it."

That was the thing that her two brothers always emphasized to Stella. So, no matter how much money he had to spend, as long as the results he got were worth it, Stella certainly should not lose it, right?

"If no one else wants to bid, then we'll assume this necklace has been sold."

"Before we count down, does anyone want to bid again?"

The people who were silent, not the slightest bit of interest, further widened Stella's smile.

It's a fortune. The absence of people who realized the hidden wonders of the necklace, proves there are very few people who have the ability to realize its surplus value.

Well, it's not their fault.

Like blood flowing, Stella knows everyone has mana in their bodies. However, having does not mean being able to. Although mana flows in the veins as well as blood, not everyone can use or realize it as power.

Magic can be used on condition that the amount of mana should be abundant. So for those who only had mana the size of a small bowl, they would not be able to use the power as a mage at the very least, either, requires a large bowl of mana in the body in order to see the flow of others or make miracle-creating objects.

"10 million gold."

The bidding was ten times higher in the final seconds, successfully resuscitating Stella from daydreaming. Stella thought, only she was able to realize the advantages of the worn necklace. The existence of another lunatic who dared to waste a lot of money just for the sake of a necklace, was beyond Stella's calculations.

"50 million."

Before the worn-out black gemstone necklace fell into the hands of others, Stella again offered a higher price. Stella really did not want to let go of the necklace that had taken her heart away leaving her without having a chance to fight. As long as her daily budget had not been used up, Stella would not let the treasure get away from her so easily.

"75 million."

As if realizing Stella's strong desire, the man returned to charge a higher price. The room that was supposed to be cold, turned into heat in an instant. Neither Stella nor the man stared fiercely at each other, they both had no intention of giving up.

"150 million!" stella shouted, inviting the other person's gaze to focus on her.

Deemed crazy for fighting over obsolete items that don't look valuable at all? That's a normal thing. As long as Stella's incognito magic still works, no one will be able to figure out what kind of madness Stella has hidden behind the mask of elegance she has displayed all along.

Don't value something by its outward appearance or you'll lose something valuable.

Money can be sought back, but not with the valuable necklace-shaped artifact. Although it was now their first time meeting, Stella had already determined the necklace as the port of her heart.

The now faded binar is not a problem. As long as the hidden radiance behind that ugly appearance was able to surpass the full glittering item that beautified one's appearance, even the hundred best gems in this world, would not be comparable to replace it for Stella.

"200 million."

The fierce fight continues. Whether it was Stella or the man, they did not even show the slightest intention to budge.

"250."

"275."

"300!"

Three hundred million gold. If the money is used for the needs of ordinary people, the amount of money that much is enough to feed four families for five years full of adequate nutrition, not a day was lacking.

"I'm not just gonna give you that necklace, okay?" stella said impliedly through her sweet, deadly smile.

Waving a sharp gaze at the figure who dared to look for trouble at him. With that much money, as long as the man was not a noble, Stella believed that three hundred million was a limit that began to feel difficult to break.

"305 million."

At least the figure raised by the man was hidden under the cloak, bringing a bright smile to be painted on Stella's lips.

"350 million."

Stella noticed the anxious expression of the male figure. The gurgle that seemed to have been at the tip of the horn, gave a pleasure of its own for Stella.

He's reached the limit.

As long as the man had no intention of offering a much higher price, then the auction of the necklace could be ensured to be won by Stella.

"Does anyone want to bid higher than this?"

The atmosphere of silence was filled with tension, welcoming questions from the host. The absence of anyone opening their mouth after the host figure counted down, could finally make Stella let out a breath of relief.

Yea! I got it!

After successfully going through a fierce price fight, on the seat where she now leaned back, Stella was unceasingly smiling. Though Stella only managed to win the highest offer, but the pleasure that now Stella felt, even more than the first time Stella was able to use her Red Yarn ability

Since this is the last item, I just need to pick it up.

In addition to the victory of getting what he wanted, being the cover in the last part of the auction was a pleasure in itself for Stella. Successfully creating an atmosphere full of disbelief, instead of feeling depressed by the whispers around, Stella actually widened the smile of pride.

Yep, yeah. Whisper as you like. When you realize the true value of the necklace, I am sure you will regret that you dared to underestimate it.

Following the direction given by the reader of the event, one by one the winners of the auction descended from the audience seats and began to pick up their belongings on the stage.

Now that her turn had arrived after waiting for a few minutes, Stella stood up from her seat. As she walked past the man she had just defeated, Stella put on a smile full of charming arrogance.

"Wait, Miss."

Though Stella believes the pride of the members of the auction is high. However, looking at the male's parsimonious gaze directed at him, it seemed that maintaining self-esteem as the losing side was not very important to the man.

His figure who deliberately stopped Stella as if he had not been able to accept this defeat. Stella doesn't believe anyone still retains hope when she's been blatantly destroying it.

"Yes, how can I help you, sir?"

Although being stopped this was a little annoying, Stella did not show her disrupting sense openly. Stella as much as possible shows the good side she has as a form of politeness. He really did not want to make matters worse than this fellow's defeat.

"Ah, no. That, I think you—"

"Ughhh!"

A throbbing suddenly appeared in the head, making what the man said not sound obvious. Immersed in a deafening ringing sound, what the man said was no longer heard in Stella's ears.

"What's that?" stella whispered as the buzzing sound disappeared. As the disturbing sound faded from the ears, the pulses that had previously filled Stella's head also began to subside.

"Miss?"

A puzzled expression mixed in shock from the man who was still holding her hand, Stella noticed. There's no weirdness there. Just as Stella was shocked by what had happened so suddenly, the man himself was also astonished at Stella's murmur earlier.

"none. Sorry to surprise you, sir."

Stella let go of the man's grasp and put on an expression nothing happened. Lowering her head slightly, Stella walked away from the face of the man. Before he gets the question and gets stuck even further, Stella accidentally takes some distance. He left the man with a lot of questions.

What the hell's going on?

While walking towards the stage to retrieve her belongings, Stella could not prevent her mind from remembering what had just happened.

As the foreign man held his hand, something strange flowed in without being prevented.

No, Stella's sure that's not where the forced entry is. Nor is it a terrible curse. Maybe the sensation was a little painful, but clearly Stella did not feel anything bad left in her body after the pain disappeared.

If the man had bad intentions, Stella would not have been able to take to the stage right now. Stand received the artifact he won, then handed him a blank check with the symbol in the form of roses and butterflies protected sword–the distinctive emblem of the Vandesca family.

Had the man done something bad, Stella would have collapsed by now. So, should Stella think it's just an oddity of a touch?

The buildings are destroyed, the limbs are scattered, then the blood pooled like a river flow. Can Stella think of what she saw in the middle of that time as a side effect of the recent excessive worry?

That bothers me.

Stella hoped that the shadow that appeared so suddenly in her head as it pulsed, was just an illusion. For, among all the terrible things that Stella saw, the shadow of the blond figure stood with his head bowed under the rain, becoming the most dreadful shadow amidst the other full picture of chaos.