The Noble Queen-A Shadow Slave Fanfic

As the weather intensified, Noble held her umbrella against the wind. Not even the volcano could fully counteract the snowstorm falling from the sky. The most it was able to do was melt some of the snow before it hit the ground, causing the precipitation to be a messy mix of water and ice.

'How miserable.'

If she had not been sure of her daughter's location and the rather urgent need to speak with her, Noble would have abandoned her mission until the weather cleared.

Though the way the storm had blown in and then settled, the blizzard might last for a couple of days or more. Lightning somewhere overhead caused Noble to flinch.

'Ah, Ravenheart, such delightful weather patterns.'

The whipping wind gave Noble an extra challenge. Her feet did not touch the ground for purchase as she moved, so the swirling air currents affected her more than most. Making her clothing heavier helped give her better resistance, and she slogged forward down the almost invisible street.

Thankfully Noble didn't need to see. She called on the [Bread Crumbs], and a lovely glowing green path laid out before her, completely ignoring the snowy blizzard trying to blow it away.

As she got closer, Noble spread out her emotional radar and confirmed the location of her daughter.

'I like it when I'm right.' Noble smiled to herself.

At least her trip had not been in vain.

Slowly, the outline of buildings became visible in the world of white. These structures were newly built but had been well made to withstand Ravenheart's harsh weather.

Noble reached a place where a sign hung outside by creaking chains. The wooden board was unreadable as it swayed in the unyielding wind, but Noble already knew what it said.

After coming under the awning of the establishment, Noble dismissed her umbrella and headed inside.

"Welcome to Abyssal Fire: Coffee Shop and Bakery!" A voice behind the counter beckoned loudly. "Oh, Master Noble! I was wondering who would still be traveling in such adverse conditions. Please come in and make yourself comfortable by the fire!"

The owner of the voice was also the co-owner of the establishment—he was none other than Abyss himself.

As soon as Sarai had agreed to become business partners with him months before, the entrepreneur had selected the spot for their shop and began construction.

Recently completed, it was filled to the brim with people escaping the cold. Most of them were at tables, but a few were standing or sitting by the large fireplace while sipping coffee and eating various baked goods.

Even those who hadn't ordered anything were being given hot water by the establishment's owner. Abyss cared enough to take care of all, not just the paying customers.

He and Sarai held that belief in common.

Noble floated to the counter and greeted Abyss with a warm smile, "The weather might be bad, but business is good, I see."

Abyss nodded. "I suppose that is a perk of being one of the only permanent structures close to the lower part of Ravenheart. I will be glad when more people get proper housing though, don't get me wrong."

While the upper city was full of government houses and places belonging to other prominent members of society from the waking world, the lower settlement was severely lacking in permanent shelters. It was no wonder so many had flocked here for some relief.

"Well, you'll never have to worry about getting business. People will remember your kindness and your coffee fondly," Noble smiled. "Unfortunately, I am not here for food. I am here looking for a special someone. Have you seen her?" 

Abyss tilted his head to one side. "Master Sarai is busy at the moment." 

Noble resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Talking with my daughter, I know." 

"Your senses are uncanny," the shopkeeper didn't deny the claim. "They are in the bakery out back." 

"Thank you," Noble tapped the counter lightly. "I'll probably be back from something warm to drink soon." 

"Just not coffee?" Abyss teased.

"You know me too well," the Master glanced behind the counter. "May I?" 

While she could have gone outside and used the back entrance into the bakery, it was much cozier to take the direct route between the two buildings. 

"It's for staff only," Abyss stroked his chin. Then he lifted a hinge in the counter. "But I suppose we are always hiring." 

"I'll come clear the tables when I get back," Noble winked. "Thank you." 

The shopkeeper coughed lightly as she passed. "I hope whatever is bothering that sweet girl of yours is easily fixed." 

"Thank you" The professor squeezed his arm lightly. "It isn't, but I'll try just the same." 

The back wall held a swinging door that led to an enclosed hall. Each morning and several other times a day, the baked goods that Sarai created were brought fresh into the restaurant. 

Eventually, the baker planned to hire more staff, but for now, Sarai was working the ovens all by herself except for times like right now, when she had someone volunteer to help. 

Entering the warmth of the bakery, Noble found the two ladies kneading dough. Two large wood-burning ovens lined one wall while racks of cooling goodies covered another. Sarai had been able to buy most of her equipment in the Waking World and transfer them here, making the room look remarkably similar to her bakery back in the NQSC. 

"See, I knew you could do it," Sarai released the dough so that Rain had full control. 

The teen nodded. "It's not that hard now that I have done it a few times. Maybe I could do something like this for the rest of my life. I know you need help. Perhaps..." 

"Let's not go making life-changing plans off of one successful loaf of bread. Cooking skills are useful no matter where you are, and you are always welcome here." The redhead patted the younger girl on the back. 

Noble cleared her throat, pulling the two women from their conversation. 

"Mom? When did you come in?" Rain's ears were tinged with crimson.

"Just now," the professor shrugged. "Sorry to interrupt." 

"You shouldn't have come after me," Rain began, "Your school!"

"Got canceled for the weather. I know this place doesn't have windows, but it's a bit dicey out there." Noble paused long enough for them to hear the howling wind. 

"Your timing is perfect. We just finished with this loaf and were about to stick it in the oven. I've left poor Abyss in the main hall all by himself for too long. If you will monitor the oven, I can go and help him for a bit." Sarai wiped her hands on her apron before removing it to hang on a hook. 

"Thank you," Noble hugged her friend as she passed. "We will take good care of things." 

"I know you will," Sarai chuckled softly. "I'll be back in a bit!" 

After checking to make sure there was no flour on her dress, the baker swept out of the room leaving the other two ladies alone. 

Rain turned back to the task of putting the loaf in a pan and slipping it into the flames. 

After the task was done, the teen moved to silently clean up the workspace. 

'Ah, so that is how it is going to be.' 

Stepping forward, Noble began helping the young woman tidy up the bakery, even moving the used dishes to the wash tub in one corner. 

"I'm ready to talk whenever you are," Noble handed her daughter a cloth to wipe her hands.

Rain frowned. "What if I'm never ready to talk."

The mother shrugged. "Then I suppose you'll have to leave. I can't. I work here, now, you know…"