The dinner date with Liobald was in less than two hours. Hattie and Monte were in the little closet room perusing her meager offerings. Among her outfits, she really had only one nicer piece, part of what she would wear when especially distinguished guests graced the Duke’s household. The unadorned dark purple dress bordered on black, but the cloth was of a quality above average.

To distinguish it from plain livery, she added a shawl with lace edges and a set of earrings made from cheap amethyst. Though simple, the earrings were well made.

Hattie remembered the type of clothes Liobald wore, and hoped she wouldn’t look shabby next to him.

[I should’ve asked Vivianne if she could go shopping with me,] Hattie said, and then sighed, [We’ll have to make do.]

Hattie adjusted her shawl, and when she finished she turned to Monte and turned in a circle.

[What do you think, my friend?]

[You look beautiful.] Monte said, enjoying the sparkle in Hattie’s eyes and the renewed energy in her step. By far, Hattie hadn’t fully recoevered from the ordeals of the past few days, but she was doing much better.

Hattie smiled at Monte, and then said aloud, “Oh! I have something for you, too!”

She rummaged around in her drawers and pulled out a length of purple ribbon.

[Come sit, Monte,] Hattie patted the bed.

Monte leapt onto the bed frame, curious. What did Hattie have planned?

Hattie took her comb and ran in through Monte’s long winter coat. Each stroke was gentle. Hattie didn't want to snag Monte's fur and cause him pain. She brushed until his clean fur gleamed, and then tied the purple ribbon around his neck into an elegant ribbon. The material was stiff enough to hold the shape.

"There!" Hattie smiled. She stood up and brushed her skirt. "If we take a leisurely pace, we should be just on time."

She locked up her room. Outside, Hattie was careful to keep the hem of her dress from touching the floor. They walked through the dim streets of Derington, chilly evening air wrapped around them. Hattie pulled her shawl closer.

They arrived at the address that Liobald had specified, an upscale restaurant. Liobald was standing by the entryway, and he smiled when Hattie arrived.

“Miss Hattie,” he said, and took her arm, “Good evening.”

“Hello, Liobald,” Hattie gave him a small smile.

Inside, the delicious smells of meat and vegetables wafted about the air mingled the scent of flowers. Monte approved of the aromas. A host guided them to a dining room. Someone had thought of all the details, because there was even a cushion set out for Monte.

The host pulled out their chairs, and told them what their meal options were. Hattie ordered for herself and Monte. Liobald made his order too, and the host left them to each other’s company.

“Thank you for inviting us,” Hattie smiled, “This is lovely.”

Liobald smiled, “You grew up here in Derington?”

“I did,” Hattie told him the brief summary of her youth in Derington, culminating in her long term employment for the Duke and his family, and her recent departure from the family’s employ. She paused for a moment when their food arrived.

“Did you grow up here too?” Hattie asked, when the server left.

Liobald shook his head, “Rivershard.”

Hattie’s eyebrows went up, “Rivershard? Why would you move out to Derington, then?”

“My father was the head of the...less savory businesses there, and he had my brothers and I move out the outer territories when we came of age, to expand his influence. I was sent to Derington, and I’ve been here ever since.”

“So, you've been involved in this sort of life, forever, then?” A feeling close to pity washed over Hattie. Monte shot her a look.

Liobald nodded, his expression unflinching, “Yes.”

“Did you ever want to leave it all?”

Liobald shook his head, “No. What about you? You worked for the Duke’s family your whole life. Why leave at all?”

Hattie looked down, and said in a soft tone, “I felt I never used my youth to the fullest, and this was my last chance to go out into the world.”

“What prompted that?”

It had been more than a half a year since the true inciting incident to all this business, but Hattie couldn’t bring herself to say what had made her leave.

Monte sensed Hattie’s sudden pain. [Hattie?]

[Later, my friend.]

To avoid an answer, she asked Liobald a barbed question of her own, changing directions, “Don’t you feel any guilt about the kind of actions you encourage?”

Liobald clasped his hands, a thoughtful expression over his face, “You see, I keep order among what could be bloody chaos. And I don’t coerce people to use. It’s just business,” Liobald paused, and then said, “No. I don’t feel guilty.”

“But people do get hurt.”

“That’s true. But that was their choice to make. And remember, if I weren’t supplying, someone else would, and tainted products are far more dangerous.”

Hattie sighed. “I still can’t approve.”

Liobald sighed, too.

Wanting to move away from these heavy, sensitive topics, he asked, “What’s the story behind your friend here, and you attending the Mage Academy?”

Thankful for the change, Hattie proceeded to tell about her actions of the past few months. Her tone was warm with fondness as she talked about Monte. She spoke of the exact details of their magical connection in a vague manner, though.

Tension leached out of the air.

Liobald smiled as Hattie spoke.

They finished eating. Liobald paid for the meal, and the three walked outside.

[That was delicious,] Monte said.

Hattie laughed, [So you don’t regret coming?] she asked.

Liobald gave her a curious look, and she waved her hand towards Monte. Liobald waited while they finished speaking, an intrigued expression on his face as he tried to suss out what they were speaking about.

[If the food’s going to be that exceptional...you may be able to bribe me.]

Hattie laughed again. Monte and his appetite.

[Still,] Hattie said, [I don’t really see how this could go anywhere. I don’t think I can accept what he does.]

[Then tell him. Why waste your time or his?]

Hattie sighed. Monte wasn’t wrong.

“Liobald,” Hattie said as they walked, “I think I may as well be blunt with you here and now,” she took a deep breath, and exhaled.

“You’ve been very kind to me, and I do like you. But with your background being what it is, I don’t think I could have a friendship or relationship with you comfortably. And I wouldn’t expect you to give your way of life up. I may be being presumptuous in all this, thinking you have such an interest in me, but this whole experience is quite new.”

Liobald stopped and Hattie and Monte turned to face him. He put his hands in pockets, a slight, sad frown on his face.

“You’re not wrong,” he pulled his hands out of his pocket and ran them through his grey hair.

Liobald met Hattie’s eyes, resolute, “Then, if our paths ever happen to cross again, at least say hello. And if you ever need help, reach out,” he chuckled to lighten the serious mood, “And if you ever happen to need a drink, I’ll tell Jameson yours are on the house.”

Hattie reached a hand to Monte’s back for support.

“Thank you. It was truly a pleasure to meet you,” Hattie said, “I wish you all the best.”

Liobald walked Hattie the rest of the way to the Mage Academy, in a quiet that was solemn and subdued.

“Good night,” Hattie waved once they were at the door.

“Good night, Miss Hattie,” Liobald said.

Liobald turned, dark suit blending into the night.

Hattie watched him disappear, and wondered if she’d done the right thing.