The duke's private dining room was smaller but exquisitely elegant. The walls were covered in dark red brocade and a black marble fireplace provided cozy warmth. Instead of the usual Essence lamps, candles in silver chandeliers lit the room. The table was set for two, with the finest silver cutlery and cut crystal glasses.

"Intimate," purred Vyxara. "Candles instead of Essence lamps, very atmospheric."

A servant helped Valentina to her chair. She was grateful for the new lavender grey dress – it gave her a sense of dignity that she would not have had in her wine-stained red velvet. The duke sat down opposite her, close enough for her to catch his subtle lavender scent, but not so close that it seemed oppressive.

"I hope the day wasn't too tiring for you?" The duke poured her wine himself – a golden drop that sparkled in the candlelight. The gesture was intimate, he normally left such tasks to the servants.

"Quite the opposite, Your Grace," Valentina replied. "It was fascinating to get to know the city this way. Especially the Essence patterns in the old buildings..." She hesitated, unsure whether she should try his patience with technical details.

"Tell me more about it." He leaned forward with interest. "I can't see the patterns myself, but I've always been fascinated by their effects. What have you observed in the wine cellars?"

The first course was served – a clear soup whose complex aroma whetted Valentina's appetite. As they ate, she described the Essence patterns she had seen in the cellars.

"Well, well," Vyxara commented, "he's giving you a chance to shine, to explain something to him. Shows a genuine interest in your knowledge, even though he's not a Weaver himself."

"I found the similarity to the Greystone Cascade, which itself is similar to the Vanderlieu spiral, particularly interesting," Valentina explained.

"Oh yes!" The duke smiled approvingly. "My great-grandfather was convinced that the principles of the Cascade should also be applicable to other areas."

"Was that after the Scorching?"

"During the long reconstruction phase, yes." A shadow flitted across his face. "I remember it well from when I was a child. Parts of the city were still in ruins, but strange new Essence patterns were appearing all over the ruins. Patterns that no one had ever seen before."

The soup was cleared away and an intermediate course was served – small pies, the aroma of which made Valentina's stomach growl. She blushed sheepishly, but the duke just smiled.

"Eat," he said warmly. "A clever young woman needs strength for great thoughts."

"Oh, how thoughtful," Vyxara mocked. "And at the same time a small indication that he appreciates you as a clever conversationalist. The man knows his trade."

"These new patterns after the Scorching," Valentina said thoughtfully as she savored the spicy pie, "they must have been terrifying. Twisted and unnatural."

"And yet," the duke took a sip of wine, "they held the key to some of our most important discoveries. The Greystone Cascade would never have been created without them." He smiled mischievously. "Sometimes, my dear, the most valuable things come from what frightens us at first."

"Oooh, ambiguous," Vyxara commented, amused. "He's talking about the Essence patterns, but he means your... situation."

"Master Wilford seems to think similarly," Valentina replied. "His theories about tiny creatures in the water – most people think they're absurd, but the Essence patterns clearly show-"

"That there is something alive in the polluted water, even if we can't see it?" The duke nodded. "Yes, he told me about it. Most people think he's a little… eccentric, but I've learned to trust his instincts. After all, his instruction to clean the instruments with herbal liquor has drastically reduced the number of wound infections. I don't care if the world thinks the man is an eccentric, he delivers results."

The main course was served – tender veal in a dark wine sauce, served with artfully draped vegetables. The duke bent down and personally cut a particularly tender piece for her.

"I heard you dealt with a difficult case in the hospital yesterday?" he asked as he handed her the meat. His fingers brushed against her hand as if by chance.

"A miner," Valentina confirmed. "A cave-in... the injuries were severe, but the Greystone Cascade allowed us to control the bleeding and-" She interrupted herself. "Forgive me, Your Grace, I was inconsiderate, such details are hardly appropriate for a dinner."

"On the contrary." He leaned back, his gaze warm. "Your passion for the art of healing is inspiring – and I share it. The hospital is my pride and joy. You know, when my grandfather had the hospital built, many called him a fool. 'A duke should look after armies, not hospitals,' they said." He snorted softly. "But look what it's become. People come from all over the realm to be treated here. Things like the Greystone Cascade, or your water purification method – these are discoveries that save lives. That's incredibly valuable."

"He's really good," Vyxara murmured approvingly. "Skillfully weaves your work into his family's legacy. Makes you part of his vision."

"Your water purification method could really be revolutionary," said the duke thoughtfully. "Not just for medicine. Think of the possibilities for agriculture, the dye works, the tanneries..."

"The economic impact could be enormous, yes" Valentina agreed. The enthusiasm made her cheeks glow. "But the method would first have to be refined and simplified. At the moment, it's still too complicated for everyday use."

"That's why research is so important." The duke leaned forward, his eyes shining as well.

A servant approached to pour more, but the duke waved him away and reached for the decanter himself. "This wine," he said as he filled her glass and then his own, "is from one of the first vintages stored in the new cellars with the twisted Essence patterns. The merchants were skeptical at first, but..." He held his glass out to her.

Valentina understood the gesture and gently clinked glasses with him. The wine was really exceptional – sweet and heavy, with a fruity note.

"The Essence patterns in the cellars," the duke continued, "don't just increase durability. They... well, some say they refine the taste. Give the wine a special depth." His voice softened. "Sometimes it takes this willingness to try something new to create something truly special."

"He's so good," Vyxara commented with amusement. "Look how skillfully he picks up on your enthusiasm, cheers you on and subtly gives you a favorable framing for accepting his advances."

"The question, of course," the duke leaned forward, elbows propped on the table, "is how far we should take this development. Using the twisted patterns of scorching is one thing. But opening up completely new avenues..." He let the sentence hang meaningfully in the air.

"What do you think, Your Grace?" asked Valentina. The wine had reddened her cheeks and loosened her initial reserve.

The servants cleared the plates and served a small intermediate course – poached pears in a spicy sauce. The duke took his napkin and dabbed his lips, a thoughtful gesture.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"You know," he said, "when I was young, it was considered impossible that normal citizens could ever own Essence-enhanced goods. Too expensive, too complicated to produce. Today? You can find some cheap Essence lamps even in the poorest neighborhoods. Mills supported by Essence. The Greystone Cascade heals rich and poor alike."

He reached for the wine carafe and refilled their glasses. His hand brushed against hers as if by chance. The touch was fleeting, but it sent a small shiver over Valentina's skin.

"The question is," he continued, his voice warm and inviting, "where the boundaries lie. What else could a brilliant young Weaver like you discover?"

"Oh, now he's getting more direct," Vyxara commented with amusement. "'Brilliant young Weaver' – he's not just wooing your body, but your mind too."

"The possibilities are endless," Valentina said quietly. "The water purification method could be refined, simplified. If we combined it with the Greystone Cascade..."

"Exactly!" The duke slapped the table with the flat of his hand so enthusiastically that the glasses clinked. "Excuse me," he laughed sheepishly, "but that's exactly what I mean. You see the connections, the possibilities. You think further ahead than most."

He raised his glass. "To the future – and to those who have the courage to break new ground."

Valentina also raised her glass. As she drank, she noticed the duke watching her over the rim of his glass. His gaze was warm, admiring, but also... hungry.

Dessert was served – artfully draped fruit in honey, accompanied by small tarts with candied violets. Valentina recognized the signature of Jenny's mother, the chef.

"Ah," the duke smiled mischievously, "I see you already have Madame Thimbel's goodwill. The candied violets are a sign of her favor."

He took one of the candied flowers and looked at it in the candlelight. "You know, violets are fascinating flowers. They often hide their beauty in the shadows, where few would look for them. But when you find them..." He let the sentence hang meaningfully in the air.

"Another of his little metaphors," Vyxara commented. "He compares you to a humble flower he's discovered. Charming. And a bit corny."

"Speaking of discoveries," the duke leaned back in his chair, "tell me about your family. How did they react when your talent for Weaving became apparent?"

The question surprised Valentina. Most nobles showed no interest in her origins – except perhaps to mock them.

"They were... surprised," she said cautiously. "There's never been a Weaver in our family. Not in the whole village. And not in the surrounding villages either."

"But they supported you?" His voice was warm, inviting. "The training at Bridgewater isn't exactly cheap."

"Be careful," warned Vyxara. "He's fishing for information about your financial situation."

"They've made great sacrifices," Valentina said quietly. She thought of the debts her parents had incurred, of Adeline's near-marriage to Brentwood.

"And you are making great sacrifices to repay this investment." The duke leaned forward and took her hand. His stubby fingers were warm and surprisingly strong. "You are a remarkable young woman, Valentina. Clever, talented and – if I may say so – of captivating beauty."

The familiar use of her first name made her shiver. It was the first time that evening that he had dropped all formality.

"And there it is," purred Vyxara. "The decisive moment. How will you react, little Weaver?"

"You are too kind, Your Grace," Valentina said softly. Her hand was still in his and she made no move to withdraw it.

"Kind?" The duke laughed softly. "No, my dear. I am many things, but kind..." His fingers gently stroked the back of her hand. The duke's touch sent little shivers over her skin. "Let's just say I recognize potential when I see it. And you... You have more of it than most."

"Oh, that's good," Vyxara commented approvingly. "He's admitting that he's not acting selflessly. The kind of honesty that actually takes you seriously. Intriguing."

A servant approached to clear the dessert and the duke reluctantly let go of her hand. He leaned back in his chair and looked at her over the rim of his wine glass.

"You know," he said thoughtfully, "sometimes I wonder what the world looks like through your eyes. All these Essence patterns, these hidden structures... It must be overwhelming."

"Sometimes it is," Valentina admitted. The wine had loosened her tongue. "Especially here in the palace. The patterns are so complex, so multi-layered. Some are ancient, some are new, and they all weave together to form a larger whole."

"Like the people at court," grinned the duke. "Old families, new faces, all dancing together in a complex weave of ambition." He made a sweeping gesture. "Sometimes it takes fresh eyes to recognize new possibilities in old patterns."

"An invitation to the dance," murmured Vyxara. "He's offering to play the game with you – with his guidance, of course."

The candles had burned low, their warm light creating intimate shadows. The duke's lavender scent mingled with the aroma of heavy wine and the sweet notes of candied violets.

"It's getting late," Valentina finally said. She could feel the wine going to her head – or was it the duke's intense attention that was making her dizzy?

"Indeed." He rose elegantly and offered her his arm. "Allow me to escort you to your chambers."

The path through the nocturnal corridors of the palace was silent. They stopped in front of her door.

The duke took her hand and breathed a kiss on it, his lips lingering on her skin a heartbeat too long. "I hope the evening was... stimulating," he said in his warm, deep voice.

"In many ways, Your Grace," she replied quietly.

A knowing smile flitted across his face. He bowed and left, his footsteps echoing in the corridor.

"Well," Vyxara said as Valentina stepped into her room, "that was... a very smooth performance from both of you. He made his intentions more than clear without ever being explicit. And you... you let yourself be seduced by his attention without ever really committing."

Valentina found Jenny in her chambers, excitedly jumping back and forth between the numerous parcels and boxes that had been delivered.

"My lady! All these beautiful dresses have been delivered! And this necklace... oh, it's gorgeous!" The young maid was beaming all over her face.

"Thanks Jenny, but it's getting late. You should get some rest," Valentina said gently.

When Jenny had said goodbye with a curtsey, Valentina stepped out onto her balcony. The night air was cool and clear, the scent of roses drifted up from the gardens. A fine haze hung over the city, through which the lights of a few Essence lamps shimmered like blurred stars.

"An eventful day," commented Vyxara. "New clothes, expensive gifts and a very... attentive duke."

"He was indeed very attentive," Valentina murmured as she left the balcony and went back inside. She slipped off the lavender grey dress and slipped into one of the new nightgowns made of fine silk.

"Oh yes," purred the demon. "Attentive, generous and surprisingly patient for a man in his position. Most dukes would just take what they want."

"Do you think he's just playing with me?" Valentina sat down at her dressing table and began to brush her hair. She looked tired but elegant in the mirror.

"No," said Vyxara after a moment's thought. "He's too clever for simple games. He really wants you – not just your body, but your mind and your potential too. Didn't you notice how attentively he listened to your explanations about Essence patterns?"

"So he really wants me to be his paramour?"

"Why not?" Vyxara sounded amused. "You're young, beautiful, intelligent. He is powerful, wealthy and – despite his portliness – not unappealing. The duke obviously knows how to woo a woman. Those subtle touches, the clever compliments... He knows how to seduce. He is an experienced man."

"The duchess seems to tolerate it," she said thoughtfully.

"Of course she does. She's a pragmatic woman. As long as you're discreet, don't threaten her position and don't expose her, she'll even support you – like with the clothes."

"And Lady Hazel?"

"The little snake will make life difficult for you," Vyxara admitted. "But what can she do? The duke has your back. And the more allies you gain – like Lady Celestine, for example – the more difficult it will be for her."

Valentina let herself sink onto her bed. The silk sheets felt cool and inviting. "What do you want me to do?"

"What do you want to do?"

"I..." Valentina hesitated. "I want to be successful. I want to learn, research, achieve something. I want to help my family."

"And the Duke could make all that possible for you," Vyxara purred. "The library, the hospital, the contacts... think of the possibilities!"

"But the price..."

"It's one you were already willing to pay."

"That was different."

"Was it really?" Vyxara's voice became soft. "Or are you lying to yourself? But that aside, yes, it will be different with the duke than with Horne. The duke is definitely the more interesting man."

Valentina was silent for a long time while she thought.

Finally, she straightened up. "I must have certainty," she said firmly. "No more games, no more hints. I'm going to ask him directly what he wants from me."

"Oh!" Vyxara sounded surprised and pleased. "That's... unexpected. And courageous. Very few women would take such a direct approach."

"I'm tired of guessing," said Valentina. "If he wants me, let him say so. Then I can decide if I want to pay the price."

"You know what?" The demon laughed softly. "I think he'll like that. He seems to be a man who appreciates direct communication. Tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow," confirmed Valentina. "I'll ask for a private audience. If he wants to play, I want to know what the rules are."

She extinguished the lamp and lay down. In the darkness, she could still smell the duke's lavender scent clinging to her hand.

"Oh, this is going to be delicious," Vyxara whispered. "I wonder if you really want an answer – or just permission to take what you're offered."

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