Mara stepped forward, she held out a small, specially woven basket. "It's not much, but I packed you some lunch. In case you get hungry while you're out job hunting," Mara said with her eyes gleaming with pure intentions.

Zafron's face lit up as he took the basket. "Mara, this is wonderful! Thank you so much." He lifted the lid, inhaling the delicious aroma wafting from within. "Is that your famous spiced lamb?"

Mara nodded, her earlier timidity melting away at his enthusiastic response. "And some fresh bread and fruit. I wanted to make sure you had a good meal."

Matilda on hearing this simply rolled her eyes in an exasperated manner. Although Zafron was too busy gushing over Mara to notice this little gesture Matilda made.

'So she had plans too huh?' Matilda thought bitterly.

Meanwhile Zafron's who was blissfully unaware of the tension between both women couldn't help but allow his heart to swell with gratitude as he looked between the two women. "I don't know how to thank you both. You've done so much for me."

Matilda and Mara exchanged a glance, it was shortlived but the two of them felt the same thing, joy. Joy that the man they both wanted was happy because of something they did. This very moment was something they couldn't trade despite their ongoing rivalry.

"Just do your best out there," Matilda said warmly.

"And come back safe," Mara added, her voice soft but firm.

Zafron nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. He turned to Mara first, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Thank you," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin.

Mara's heart fluttered, her eyes widening at the sweet gesture. 'He appreciates me more,' she thought as a deep blush spread across her face as she stammered, "Y-you're welcome."

Then Zafron turned to Matilda, repeating the gesture. His lips brushed her cheek as he said, "Thank you for everything, Matilda."

Matilda's usual composure faltered for a moment, her own cheeks coloring slightly. "Oh, you," she said, patting his arm affectionately and pulling him in to hug him tightly making sure their chest made contact. This of course did not go unnoticed by Mara as when Matilda pulled away, they both exchanged another quick glance at one another. Whatever connection they felt moment ago was gone.

They were back to being rivals.

Zafron stepped back, looking at both women with a broad smile that seemed to light up the entire room. "Well, I guess this is it. Wish me luck?"

"Good luck!" Mara and Matilda chorused, their voices blending in a harmony of hope and encouragement.

Zafron chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "And try not to miss me too much while I'm gone."

Matilda rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Oh, go on with you. We'll be fine."

Mara just smiled, unable to find words to express the mix of emotions swirling within her.

With a final wave, Zafron stepped out the door and into the bustling streets of Drakoria. The door closed behind him with a soft click, leaving Mara and Matilda standing in suddenly quiet room.

For a moment, neither spoke. The absence of Zafron's presence was palpable, like a shift in the air.

Matilda was the first to break the silence. "Well," she said, her voice a touch too bright, "I suppose we should get on with our day."

Mara nodded, her eyes still fixed on the door. "Yes, I suppose we should."

As they turned to go about their separate tasks, both women found their thoughts lingering on Zafron. Despite their rivalry, they shared a common hope – that he would find his place in this magical, sometimes overwhelming city.

Outside, Zafron took a deep breath of the morning air, feeling the weight of the map crystal in his pocket and the sheer thoughtfulness of Mara's lunch basket in his hand. "They are both so wonderful. I'm glad they at least go along so well,' he thought with a smile lonking back at the door.

He squared his shoulders, ready to face whatever challenges the day might bring.

As he walked down the street, blending into the loud and busy Drakorian life, he couldn't help but smile. Whatever happened out there, he knew he had a home to return to – and two remarkable women who believed in him and loved him.

Zafron had been walking for about twenty minutes, the house now far behind him. He stood at a crossroads, contemplating which direction to take first. The bustling streets of Drakoria stretched out before him with people moving here and there all in different directions.

As he reached into his pocket to consult the crystal map once more, his fingers brushed against something unexpected. Frowning, he pulled out a small, heavy pouch that rustled softly as it fell into his palm.

Curious, Zafron opened the pouch. His eyes widened as he saw a generous wad of Thalens inside, the crisp paper notes gleaming in the morning sunlight. He immediately knew who was responsible for this unexpected gift.

"Matilda," he whispered, shaking his head with a mixture of exasperation and gratitude.

He had specifically asked her not to spend any more money on him, yet here she was, finding a way to support him financially even when he was out of sight. Her kindness was as boundless as it was stubborn.

For a moment, Zafron considered turning back to return the money. But as he looked around at the unfamiliar streets, he realized he was too far from the house now. Besides, he knew Matilda well enough to know she would insist he keep it.

Sighing, he clutched the pouch tightly.

"I'll pay you back, Matilda," he promised quietly to himself. "Somehow, I'll find a way to repay your kindness."

With that thought firmly in mind, Zafron tucked the pouch safely back into his pocket. He pulled out Matilda's list of potential employers, scanning it with fresh eyes. The money gave him a safety net, true, but it also added to his resolve to succeed on his own merits.

He chose a direction, squaring his shoulders as he set off. The day stretched before him, full of possibilities. Zafron was determined to make the most of it, not just for his own sake, but to prove worthy of the trust Matilda had placed in him.