「BASTION OF PHALANX— TRAINING ARENA」
Lord Earl kept the Earthen Wall standing between Prince Dio and Lord Keith while the remaining recruit names were called and their initial assignments completed.
The thick barrier remained a physical monument to his annoyance, forcing the cousins to cool down on opposite sides while everyone else attempted to restore some dignity to the orientation.
Only after the last recruit joined the group heading toward the dormitory did he dismiss the spell.
The packed earth loosened and collapsed into the arena floor, revealing Prince Dio standing with his arms crossed and Lord Keith openly sulking. They were still glaring at each other.
"Are you two quite finished?" Lord Earl asked. "Or shall I ask Omnia to build a permanent wall between you?"
Lord Keith opened his mouth, but Lord Earl immediately raised a hand.
"No."
"But—"
"I do not want to hear it, Keith."
Lord Keith scowled as Lord Earl turned toward the Prince.
"And you are no better, Your Highness."
"I am aware."
Prince Dio's expression tightened.
"Good. Then perhaps both of you can make yourselves useful."
From the opposite side of the arena, G6 watched with a faint smirk.
What a bunch of immatures.
Tina and Lilia remained near the lunch table. G6 caught Tina's attention and glanced toward the archway leading back through the Bastion.
The maid understood immediately and gathered the remaining belongings while Lilia hurried to help.
G6 walked away first. Prince Dio followed her with his eyes, one foot already shifting before Lord Earl spoke again.
"Your Highness."
He stopped.
"You are not going anywhere."
Prince Dio looked back to find Lord Earl folding his arms.
"The on-call adventurers are still waiting for their formal briefing. You will speak with them."
Lord Keith grinned, earning a warning look from his cousin. Lord Earl continued before either could start again.
"Miss Eliza may assist with the regulations she transcribed, and one of the Bastion staff will handle the administrative portion. Lord Zen can accompany you."
Lord Zen glanced up from the folder he had been reviewing.
"I am afraid I still have several documents requiring my attention in the Bastion office."
Lord Earl stared. Lord Zen offered an apologetic smile.
"They were supposed to be finished before the recruits arrived."
"Fine," Lord Earl conceded with a sigh. "Then Prince Dio will handle the formal greeting. Miss Eliza will assist the staff with the copies."
He pointed toward Lord Keith and Lady Brenda.
"You two are coming with me to the dormitory."
"Why me?" Lady Brenda asked, frowning.
"Because unlike His Highness, you did not start throwing Water across the arena."
"He threw Fire first," Lord Keith protested.
"I do not care."
Lord Earl began walking. Lady Brenda followed, while Lord Keith remained behind long enough to mutter something before reluctantly trailing after them.
Lord Zen excused himself and headed toward the Bastion offices, leaving Prince Dio and Miss Eliza near the arena entrance. A Bastion employee waited several paces away.
"Y-Your Highness…"
Miss Eliza adjusted the regulations in her arms as Prince Dio turned toward her.
"Shall we proceed to the main hall?"
"Yes."
His tunic remained damp along one side from Lord Keith's Water spell. Prince Dio examined it, sighed, and began a quiet Fire invocation.
After the familiar short interval, controlled heat gathered close to the wet cloth without touching his skin, gradually drying the remaining moisture.
Miss Eliza watched silently until he dismissed the spell.
"Where are the adventurers?"
"The Bastion staff asked them to wait in the main hall. They thought it best to move everyone away from the Training Arena after…"
She hesitated beneath his look.
"The commotion."
"Yes. The commotion."
Prince Dio's expression flattened as they entered the Bastion together.
Neither spoke during the first stretch of corridor. Miss Eliza held the regulations against her chest while Prince Dio maintained his usual controlled posture beside her.
Eventually, she gathered enough courage to break the silence.
"The adventurers we are meeting seem rather accomplished."
He glanced toward her.
"I overheard some of the registrations yesterday," she continued. "Most of the parties assigned for on-call participation are already experienced. Several are C-Rank or higher, and there are A-Rank parties among them as well."
"It is why they were accepted."
"Yes, of course."
Miss Eliza nodded quickly.
"The recruits living here will require much more direct supervision. The on-call adventurers already know how to fight, so I suppose they mostly need to understand Bastion protocol and what will be expected if they are summoned."
"That is correct."
The explanation was obvious, yet it reminded Prince Dio of how Reise might have phrased it.
The experienced ones know how to fight. Babysit the new ones.
He could almost hear her blunt delivery. The corner of his mouth moved before he caught himself, but Miss Eliza noticed. Her steps faltered briefly.
By the time she recovered, his usual expression had returned. Neither mentioned it.
Several groups of adventurers were already gathered in the main hall, speaking quietly among themselves. A Bastion employee stood near the registration table with the final attendance records spread before him.
Conversation softened when Prince Dio entered. The adventurers turned, several bowing immediately as he approached the front.
"I apologize for the disturbance you witnessed earlier. What occurred in the Training Arena was an unnecessary disagreement between Lord Keith and me. It will not interfere with the responsibilities you were called here to fulfill."
Someone near the back coughed suspiciously. Prince Dio ignored it.
A man in his forties stepped forward and bowed. His clothing and armor were practical rather than ceremonial, and his companions stood behind him with the discipline of people accustomed to working together.
"Rodolph, Your Highness. Captain of the Ravens Oath. A-Rank adventurers."
Prince Dio recognized the name.
"I have heard of your party. You frequently take northern assignments, correct?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Your experience will be useful. Please rise."
"We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Crown."
Rodolph straightened while Captain Sebastian's party watched from one side of the hall.
"Rodolph looks ready to swear fealty before anyone even gives him an assignment," Nick whispered to Dante.
"Lower your voice."
Dante elbowed him lightly.
"I am whispering."
"You are terrible at whispering."
"Behave."
Captain Sebastian's reprimand, delivered without looking at either man, mostly ended the conversation.
Several more parties introduced themselves before Riza stepped forward. Captain Sebastian saw her move and sighed.
"We should probably move closer before she embarrasses everyone."
"She has not even spoken yet," Rich objected.
"That is precisely why we still have time."
Riza stopped before Prince Dio and offered a surprisingly proper bow.
"A pleasure to meet you formally, Your Highness, the Second Prince. My name is Riza, captain of the Chain Dancers."
"Your party appears comparatively young."
Prince Dio examined the members behind her. Riza straightened proudly.
"We started only two years ago and reached C-Rank quickly."
She smiled.
"If Your Highness ever requires our services, the Chain Dancers will gladly answer."
Rich looked away, and Mary closed her eyes.
"She lasted longer than expected," Nick whispered.
Dante stepped on his boot.
"Chain Dancers?"
Prince Dio remained unmoved by the exchange. Riza brightened at his question.
"It refers to my weapon. I use chains in combat. When I fight properly, the movement resembles dancing."
Reise would probably call the name childish, Prince Dio thought.
He dismissed the observation almost as soon as it occurred. Before Riza could continue, Captain Sebastian stepped forward.
"Your Highness."
He ignored her annoyed glance and bowed.
"Sebastian. Captain of the Iron Shield. A-Rank."
"The Iron Shield."
Prince Dio's attention sharpened.
"Yes, Your Highness."
"I have heard favorable reports from Bastion knights who have worked alongside your party. To be captain of an A-Rank party at your age is commendable."
Captain Sebastian looked genuinely surprised.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
He glanced toward his three companions.
"I would not have achieved the rank without them."
"Good. You're also humble."
Prince Dio briefly examined the rest of the party. Captain Sebastian's attention shifted toward Miss Eliza, who was helping the Bastion employee distribute the copied regulations.
"I suppose you are Miss Eliza Hanson."
"Yes."
She looked up.
"The bearer of Benedictio."
"I am surprised you recognize me."
Her expression softened.
"News of Benedictio returning to the kingdom spread quickly."
Captain Sebastian smiled politely before something appeared to occur to him.
"I remember seeing you yesterday beside another noblewoman."
Miss Eliza's expression changed almost imperceptibly.
"Lady Brenda?"
"I think Captain means Lady Worthon," Rich supplied, forgetting his earlier nervousness.
Prince Dio's eyebrow twitched. Rich continued without noticing.
"What is her full name again? She really is as beautiful as people say."
"Oh? Looks like Captain is not the only one who noticed the cold, scary lady."
Nick's remark made Captain Sebastian's shoulders stiffen.
"That 'cold and scary lady' is my fiancée."
Prince Dio looked directly at Nick. Conversation around them faded, and Nick's expression collapsed.
"Oh."
"My apologies, Your Highness."
Captain Sebastian bowed immediately. Nick followed.
"I did not mean any disrespect."
"It is fine."
The Prince's irritation eased slightly. After a pause, he added dryly, "My fiancée is indeed cold and occasionally frightening."
An image of Reise threatening to put chili in his soup crossed his mind. His mouth twitched, drawing the attention of both Riza and Miss Eliza.
He ignored their looks and turned toward the Bastion employee.
"You have the remaining schedules?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Good."
Prince Dio addressed the adventurers again.
"You have already proven yourselves through the Guild. Your role here differs from that of the residential recruits. Bastion staff will explain your call schedules, authorized areas, compensation procedures, and conditions for deployment."
He glanced toward Miss Eliza.
"Miss Eliza will help distribute the regulations she prepared."
She nodded.
"If you are called upon," he continued, "I expect the same professionalism here that you would demonstrate on a Guild assignment."
"As you command, Your Highness," Rodolph answered with a bow.
"You can finish the administrative briefing."
Prince Dio directed the instruction toward the employee, who bowed as well.
"Yes, Your Highness."
"You are leaving?" Miss Eliza asked.
"I have completed what required my presence."
He faced the adventurers once more.
"I look forward to working with you if circumstances require it. Until then, familiarize yourselves with the Bastion rules and continue your Guild duties as normal."
The adventurers bowed as he left. The door had barely closed before Nick leaned toward Riza.
"Did you see his face?"
"What about it?"
"He actually looked amused when he talked about Lady Worthon."
"So?" Rich asked, glancing toward the door.
"I am saying maybe their engagement is not as miserable as the rumors claim."
Nick grinned, but Riza merely lifted one shoulder.
"Or maybe he finds her scary personality funny."
Captain Sebastian offered no opinion. The conversation had unsettled him more than he cared to admit. His curiosity about Lady Reise had begun the previous day and only increased as more details about her felt strangely familiar.
Rich noticed his silence.
"Captain?"
"Pay attention to the briefing."
Captain Sebastian looked away.
Miss Eliza lowered her gaze to the regulations. For reasons she preferred not to examine, Nick's teasing had left an uncomfortable weight in her chest. She ignored it and resumed helping the Bastion employee.
「BASTION — KNIGHTS DORMITORY」
The residential recruits gathered in the large circular hall on the dormitory's ground floor. Above them, Lord Earl, Lord Keith, and Lady Brenda stood along the second-floor balcony.
The building had been designed for expansion long before the current recruitment drive. Entire floors had remained largely unused until now.
"Most established Bastion knights do not reside permanently inside this building," Lord Earl explained. "Those who live near the Capital generally return to their own residences when they are not deployed or assigned overnight duty."
He indicated the upper levels.
"These floors are being opened primarily for your training period. Your room assignments have already been posted. Squadmates have been grouped whenever possible."
The recruits listened attentively.
"There is a table near the staircase. Each of you will take one copy of the dormitory and Bastion regulations before going upstairs."
Lord Earl turned toward Lord Keith.
"You are next."
"What?"
"I am tired of speaking."
Lady Brenda nodded as Lord Earl gestured toward the waiting recruits.
"You have contributed almost nothing except irritating your cousin and abandoning your assignment when Reise called you over to wash her hands."
Several recruits looked up. Lord Keith stared at him.
"Do you have to tell them that part?"
"Yes."
Lady Brenda covered a laugh while Lord Keith muttered an insult and stepped forward along the balcony.
"Fine."
He pointed toward a platform built into the floor near a large wall map.
"This dormitory has ten floors. Rather than making you climb the stairs every time, each level is connected through a short-range Omnia transportation platform."
Several recruits turned toward it.
"You stand inside the marked area, select the destination floor from the wall panel, and the platform moves you there."
Pete raised a hand.
"Yes?"
"Excuse me, my lord."
The boy straightened when Lord Keith acknowledged him.
"I have heard that teleportation magitech consumes a large amount of mana."
"Long-distance systems can."
Lord Keith nodded toward the platform.
"This one moves you only within the building, so the absolute amount required is far smaller. Natural mana accumulated by the device supplies part of the activation, while the person using it supplies the remaining portion."
"Can more than one person use it at once?"
"This is more Earl's field."
Lord Keith glanced toward him, and Lord Earl approached the railing.
"The dormitory platform is rated for no more than ten passengers per activation. The basic principle is the same as larger teleportation systems. Surrounding natural mana gradually charges the device. A single activator then contributes the personal portion required to complete the activation."
An older recruit raised his hand.
"Can several people divide the mana cost?"
"No. The activation recognizes only one mana source as the operator. Several people cannot pool their contribution."
The man lowered his hand as Lord Earl continued.
"The farther the destination and the greater the transported load, the higher the absolute energy requirement becomes. Long-distance town systems therefore place far greater strain on the activator than this internal platform."
Pete raised his hand again, drawing an amused look from Lord Keith.
"You have many questions."
"Sorry, my lord."
The boy lowered it halfway.
"Do not apologize. Ask."
Pete turned toward Lord Earl.
"What happens if there is no natural mana?"
Several recruits exchanged confused looks. Lord Earl became still.
"What?"
"If the device normally gets part of what it needs from natural mana… what happens if there is none?"
Someone behind Pete snorted.
"What kind of question is that?"
"Natural mana cannot just disappear," another teenage recruit whispered.
Pete's shoulders tightened.
"Silence."
Lord Earl's voice cut through the murmuring. Once the room quieted, he returned his attention to the boy.
"It is not a foolish question."
Pete straightened again while Lord Earl considered his wording.
"A teleportation device is designed with the expectation that its environmental charge will be available. If that charge were absent, attempting activation could become extremely dangerous."
"How dangerous, my lord?"
"That would depend upon the device, the distance, and the activator's reserve. A system attempting to compensate for missing energy could place an abnormal burden on whoever initiates it."
"In other words," Lord Keith added, leaning against the railing, "do not activate teleportation magitech if the device is behaving strangely."
"That is an oversimplification."
"But an accurate one."
Lord Earl sighed. Pete frowned thoughtfully, while Lady Brenda had become unusually quiet.
"Is that why knights deployed far from the Capital do not simply teleport home whenever they want?" she asked.
"Partly."
Lord Earl turned toward her.
"Even the normal personal contribution of a long-distance device can be exhausting. A knight returning from an expedition may already be fatigued, injured, or expected to remain combat-capable until reaching a secure route."
"So they travel overland instead?"
"They mostly travel overland, using a teleportation device only after passing every two towns."
Lady Brenda nodded. Lord Earl's attention drifted briefly toward Pete.
"Ordinarily, the disappearance of natural mana would be considered virtually impossible in a healthy environment."
The boy said nothing. Lord Earl returned to the orientation.
"The internal dormitory platform requires only a modest fixed activation amount because of the short distance involved. It also replenishes its environmental charge quickly, although repeated use may still require a brief recharge."
"And no more than ten people at a time," Lord Keith emphasized, raising a finger.
"Yes."
"So if eleven of you crowd onto it and complain when nothing happens, I will personally laugh."
"Very professional," Lady Brenda remarked, shaking her head.
"I am inspiring them."
"No."
He ignored her.
"Your names are posted outside your rooms. Your squadmates will generally be your roommates. Cafeteria hours and the rest of the dormitory information are also posted on each floor."
After a pause, unexpected seriousness entered his voice.
"Welcome to the Bastion of Phalanx."
The recruits looked up.
"This place exists to turn people with potential into people who can survive when the kingdom actually needs them."
Lord Earl glanced toward him. Lady Brenda did the same.
"So train properly. Do not waste everyone's effort."
For once, no joke followed. Several recruits straightened before Lord Keith immediately ruined the moment by turning toward Lord Earl.
"There. Can we leave now?"
Lord Earl closed his eyes, and Lady Brenda laughed.
The orientation ended shortly afterward. Recruits collected their regulations and approached the transportation platform in small groups.
The first activation drew everyone's attention. Mana passed into the controls, illuminating the symbols along the platform before a brief shimmer carried the group toward an upper floor.
Several younger recruits stared in amazement.
"It must be their first time using anything like it," Lady Brenda said with a smile.
"For many of them, yes."
Lord Earl watched another group gather.
"Long-distance devices are far less accessible. For an ordinary commoner with a modest reserve, the personal contribution alone may consume nearly everything they have."
"So technically possible."
"In some cases. Practically dangerous."
Below them, Pete stepped onto the platform with his assigned group. Lord Earl watched him for a moment, the boy's question lingering.
Most commoners depended almost entirely upon General Magic: Physical Enhancement, Utility Magic, and whatever technical applications they could learn. Hereditary affinities remained overwhelmingly concentrated among noble bloodlines, with rare exceptions appearing only occasionally.
That inequality shaped almost every part of Einston society, including travel.
Lord Earl looked away as Pete and his group vanished toward the upper floors.
「G6'S OFFICE」
Edmund was in a suspiciously good mood, humming quietly as he walked along the Bastion corridor. At G6's door, he paused and glanced into Prince Dio's office directly opposite.
It was empty.
Great, Edmund thought.
He entered to find G6 absent from her desk. Lilia sat cross-legged near the center table with an open book in her lap, while Tina worked through the paperwork their mistress had abandoned.
"Lady Reise is in the adjoining room."
Tina did not look up.
"I did not even ask yet."
"You were going to."
Edmund smiled as Lilia raised her head.
"You look happy."
"You are becoming far too observant."
"And you are humming."
"Quiet, you brat."
Lilia frowned. Edmund's attention dropped to the book, and his brows rose.
"What are you reading?"
"Nothing."
She immediately pulled it against her chest.
"That answer guarantees it is something."
He leaned slightly while Lilia turned away, but he caught sight of the cover.
"A romance? Why are you reading a romance at eight years old?"
"It is not for me."
"That explanation concerns me more."
Tina suppressed a smile without looking away from her documents. Edmund shook his head and crossed toward the discreet entrance built into the wall.
"Lady Reise, it is Edmund."
He knocked twice.
"Come in."
Edmund turned the concealed mechanism and entered.
G6 sat against the bed's headboard. One dagger rested across the covers while she carefully wiped the other with a clean cloth, inspecting the fine crimson engravings along its matte-black blade.
Edmund immediately closed the door. Tina and Lilia had no need to see those weapons unnecessarily.
"You know running off earlier was pointless, right?" G6 asked without looking up. "They did not get close to our area."
"Well, I merely opted for the safer path."
He approached the foot of the bed while she turned the dagger and wiped its other side.
"So? What has put you in such a good mood?"
"Was it that obvious?"
"Yes."
"Felicia sent a message."
That obtained her attention.
"She has apparently arranged something she believes will make us quite happy."
"You went to see her?"
"No."
Edmund shook his head.
"I encountered that child, Pete, briefly while he was being taken toward the dormitory. Felicia instructed him to pass the message to me if he saw me."
"Hmm. I did not see him earlier at the Training Arena."
G6 placed the cleaned dagger beside its twin.
"He was farther toward the rear of the recruit group."
Edmund's expression changed slightly.
"He seemed uncomfortable around several of the older boys."
"Is it because of his clothes?"
"Not at all."
Edmund almost laughed.
"Felicia and the Utility Magic staff apparently enjoyed having him around last night. They found him several proper outfits before sending him here."
"Then why were those youngsters laughing at him?"
G6 crossed her arms.
"Likely because of his age. He drew considerable attention yesterday. Some of the older recruits probably resent that a fourteen-year-old received provisional placement while they had to meet the ordinary minimum requirements."
"Well, Pete is tough enough to handle bullies. Keep an eye on him, and make sure he does not run his mouth."
"Understood."
Edmund hesitated.
"There is one more matter. A royal messenger delivered an invitation. Her Majesty requests our attendance at tea this afternoon."
"It must be about her mutt."
"Most likely."
G6 picked up both daggers and touched the Dimensional Vault earring. The artifact answered her mana signature with a faint shimmer, opening the familiar distortion into which both weapons disappeared.
Edmund watched without comment. He had long since stopped reacting to her treating expensive magical artifacts like ordinary pockets.
"What time?" she asked.
"Quarter to five."
"Fine."
G6 swung her legs off the bed.
Outside, the office remained relatively peaceful for less than five minutes before the main door opened. Prince Dio entered first, followed by Lord Keith, Lord Earl, and Lady Brenda.
Tina looked up from the paperwork and rose immediately.
"Your Highness. My lords. Lady Brenda."
Lilia hurried to her feet with her romance book.
"Where is Reise?"
Prince Dio examined the room, drawing a sharp look from Lady Brenda.
"You arrive first and immediately ask where she is?"
"I have finished my responsibilities. Why are the three of you here?"
"Obviously, we are also finished. I wish to speak with Reise."
Lord Keith headed directly toward the couch.
"I require something from her," Lord Earl said, remaining on his feet.
"And I am taking advantage of the time before Lady Reise disappears into the Utility Magic Department again."
Lady Brenda folded her arms.
"You are suffocating me."
Prince Dio looked at all three.
"You walked in with us," Lord Keith pointed out.
"I regret it."
Before the argument could continue, the concealed door opened. G6 emerged with Edmund behind her, drawing every noble's attention.
Prince Dio's gaze moved immediately toward the private chamber.
"What are you two doing there?"
"I should be asking you that."
G6 crossed to her desk and sat. Edmund took his usual position several steps behind her, while Lord Keith dropped onto the couch beside Lilia.
"I must say, you two are becoming closer than is perhaps proper."
"Can you all explain why you are trespassing in my office?" G6 demanded. "Do you not understand the concept of personal space?"
Lord Keith ignored the hostility and examined Lilia's book instead. Lord Earl cleared his throat.
"Reise, I came because I need something."
Her attention shifted toward him.
"It concerns the book I gave you."
Prince Dio settled on the opposite couch, and Lady Brenda claimed the remaining seat. G6's voice became dangerously sweet.
"Lent?"
Lord Earl immediately realized his mistake.
"Which one?" she asked.
"The spellbook."
G6 gestured toward Edmund, who retrieved the thick volume from the shelf and handed it to her.
"This one? Is it not mine? You made a deal for it in exchange for intruding on my training session."
"Well…"
Lord Earl adjusted his glasses.
"This should be entertaining," Prince Dio remarked, leaning back.
Lord Earl ignored him.
"What I meant was—would you permit me to borrow it for a short while?"
G6 opened the book and idly turned several pages. She had read enough to consider much of its basic content unimpressive: support spells, defensive spells, and minor Utility applications she had already threatened to burn once.
An unfamiliar heading stopped her.
Spatial Weaving. What is that?
She took a spare slip of paper from the desk and marked the page. Lord Earl noticed, his expression shifting almost imperceptibly before she closed the volume.
"I might."
He relaxed.
"But I will not."
His face fell as G6 returned the book to Edmund.
"I will burn this if you ask for it again."
Lord Earl's gaze moved from her to the book and back.
"O-Okay."
Edmund returned it to the shelf.
"What did you need it for?" Lady Brenda asked, leaning toward Lord Earl.
"A certain spell."
He lowered his voice, and she did the same.
"What kind?"
"It is nothing."
"Come on."
Lord Earl glanced toward G6, who appeared occupied with her paperwork. He leaned closer to Lady Brenda.
"Spatial Weaving."
Prince Dio turned sharply. Lord Earl noticed too late.
"Do not stick your nose into matters that do not concern you, Earl. You know what I mean."
The Prince's voice was low. Lord Earl frowned.
"I know."
G6 continued examining the document in front of her. She had heard every word.
Spatial Weaving. Interesting. Very interesting.
A cunning smirk curved her lips.
On the couch, Lord Keith turned toward Lilia.
"What are you reading?"
She tried to close the book, but he caught sight of the cover before she could hide it. His eyes widened, then a grin appeared beneath her glare.
"Lilia, I did not know you were already searching for your prince charming."
"I am not!"
Tina looked over from her documents as Lilia held the book against her chest.
"I am reading it for Lady Reise!"
The room quieted. G6 slowly raised her head.
"For Reise?" Prince Dio asked.
Lilia nodded.
"Lady Reise does not seem like the type to read romance."
"That is correct," Lord Keith agreed.
"So I am reading it for her."
"Why?" Lady Brenda asked, leaning forward.
"So I can explain romance to Lady Reise if she needs to know something."
The answer was delivered with complete innocence. Lord Keith made a choking sound, while Lady Brenda smiled.
"That is adorable."
Prince Dio looked toward G6 and found her staring back.
"What?"
He looked away.
"Though remember," Lady Brenda told Lilia, "a woman does not always need a charming prince."
"Do not poison the child with your strange ideas," Lord Keith scoffed.
"You are the strange one here."
Lady Brenda turned sharply toward him.
"Peculiar woman."
"Annoying man."
"Get out."
G6 leaned back in her chair, stopping everyone.
"Who said you could sit here?" she asked Lord Keith.
"We just want to spend time with you, Reise."
He smiled. Prince Dio immediately distanced himself from the statement.
"I arrived first. I merely encountered them outside."
"You walked here with us," Lady Brenda reminded him.
"That does not mean I joined your collective invasion."
She ignored him and returned her attention to G6.
"We are only here because we can hardly catch you anymore. You spend the mornings training, and then you disappear to the Utility Magic Department in the afternoons."
G6 examined the nobles gathered in her office before a faint smirk appeared.
"Well, I have news for all of you."
Every head turned.
"I will not be going to the Utility Magic Department in the afternoons anymore."
"Really?"
Lady Brenda's face brightened.
"Why?" Prince Dio asked.
"Because, ah, I cannot be bothered to explain."
G6 rotated her chair toward the window, allowing Edmund to intervene.
"Lady Reise's schedule has changed. She will remain entirely within the Royal Collegium for three consecutive days. After that, she will spend the next three consecutive days assigned to the Utility Magic Department."
Silence lasted only a moment.
"What?"
Lady Brenda nearly rose. Lord Keith stared, Lord Earl's brows lifted, and Prince Dio looked directly at G6's back.
"Three full days?" Lord Earl asked first.
"Yes."
"And then three full days at the Utility Magic Department?"
"Yes."
"Who decided that?" Lord Keith demanded.
"Her Majesty approved the arrangement."
Edmund answered without hesitation. G6's mouth curved where only he could see it.
Let the Queen take the blame.
"My mother?"
Prince Dio frowned deeply. Lord Keith pointed at him.
"Go ask your aunt why she keeps hogging Reise."
"My aunt?"
"Your mother. My aunt."
Lord Keith corrected himself after a startled blink.
"You know what I mean."
"This is the first I am hearing of this."
Tina had abandoned her documents and was watching G6.
"Lady Reise, does this mean that during the three days assigned to the Utility Magic Department, you will not return to the West Villa?"
G6 exchanged the briefest look with Edmund.
That assumption is convenient. Very convenient.
She nodded slightly, and he followed without hesitation.
"Yes."
Tina stared while Lilia frowned.
"Three days?"
Lady Brenda looked devastated.
"That is unacceptable."
Lord Keith leaned back dramatically. Lord Earl remained quieter, though his disapproval was equally evident.
"Three entire days without Lady Reise?"
Lady Brenda pressed a hand against her chest.
"You survived before she began attending the Collegium," Edmund observed.
"That was different."
"How?"
She ignored the question.
Prince Dio had become silent. He remained seated for another moment before standing.
"Where are you going?" Lord Keith asked.
"To speak with Mother."
"Wait. I am coming."
Lord Keith jumped to his feet. The Prince made no objection, and they left together.
Lord Earl watched the door close before looking back at G6.
"This is a significant change. I assume Her Majesty has her reasons."
"Probably."
She did not turn around. Lord Earl knew better than to push.
"I should return to Omnia."
He stood, but Lady Brenda remained seated.
"Brenda."
"I am staying."
"No."
G6 turned her chair back toward them.
"Lady Reise—"
"All of you are acting like I'm dying. It's three days. Get a grip. Now, get out. All of you. I have actual work to do."
Lord Earl bowed and left. Lady Brenda stayed for another two seconds before Edmund indicated the door.
"Your actual work is elsewhere."
"You do not understand."
She narrowed her eyes.
"Lady Reise is the most fascinating subject in the entire Collegium."
"I am not your research specimen."
Lady Brenda finally rose and left with one last miserable glance over her shoulder.
The closing door restored silence. Tina released a long sigh while Lilia appeared genuinely confused by the amount of drama they had witnessed.
G6 leaned back. Their reaction had been irritating, but useful.
The cover now existed beyond her and Edmund. Prince Dio, Lord Keith, Lord Earl, and Lady Brenda believed the Queen had arranged the schedule. Tina and Lilia believed she would remain inside the Utility Magic Department for three days.
Anyone noticing her absence would already have an explanation: Lady Reise was elsewhere in the palace, receiving instruction approved by Her Majesty.
G6's smirk deepened.
Good.
「QUEEN EUPHELIA'S PRIVATE RESIDENCE — STUDY」
Prince Dio made no attempt to disguise his irritation when he and Lord Keith reached Queen Euphelia's study. He knocked once and entered after receiving permission.
The Queen sat behind a low table with several documents arranged before her. Leo stood nearby.
Her attention moved from her son to Lord Keith and back again.
"That was faster than expected."
"You knew we were coming?"
Queen Euphelia set down the document in her hand.
"I approved a schedule that removes Lady Reise from the Collegium for three consecutive days. Naturally, I expected at least one of you to complain."
"He is complaining more."
Lord Keith pointed toward Prince Dio.
"You followed me."
"Because I also object."
"Sit."
Queen Euphelia gestured toward the chairs. Both obeyed while Leo excused himself to arrange refreshments.
"You are both away from your responsibilities."
"We finished," Prince Dio replied.
"Barely, according to what I heard about the Training Arena."
Lord Keith looked toward his cousin, who ignored him.
"Mother, why does Reise need three full days in the Utility Magic Department?"
"Because that is the schedule I approved."
"That does not answer the question."
"It answers the relevant one."
Prince Dio's jaw tightened.
"If she requires Utility Magic instruction, an instructor can be assigned to the West Villa."
"Can one?"
The Queen raised a brow.
"Yes."
"Who?"
He hesitated.
"Janin is highly accomplished in practical Utility Magic."
"Janin has a newborn child."
"Then Felicia."
"The head of the Utility Magic Department?"
Queen Euphelia almost smiled at his frown.
"You would remove the department head from her own facilities for three days every week simply because you dislike Reise going there?"
"I did not say I dislike it."
Lord Keith looked at him immediately. The Queen noticed as well.
"Then what exactly is the problem?"
Prince Dio remained silent, leaving Lord Keith to answer.
"We barely see Reise as it is."
"You are not helping."
"I am being truthful."
"Interesting."
Queen Euphelia leaned back.
"What?" Prince Dio asked, narrowing his eyes.
"You spent years avoiding Reise."
His expression changed.
"You ignored letters. Avoided private meetings. Deliberately behaved in ways you believed would discourage her attachment to the engagement."
Prince Dio looked away.
"And now you are in my study objecting because she will spend three days elsewhere."
Lord Keith became unusually quiet. Prince Dio's fingers tightened against his knee while the Queen watched him.
"Why?"
He gave no answer.
"Is the schedule dangerous?"
"No."
"Does she lack protection?"
"No."
"Have I forbidden her from returning to the Collegium?"
"No."
"Then why does it bother you?"
Prince Dio frowned. It did bother him; that was the irritating part.
Reise had spent years trying to force herself into his attention while he wanted distance. Now she had stopped trying. She trained where she pleased, disappeared into departments without explaining herself, spoke to whoever interested her, and ignored him whenever she wished.
Apparently, the prospect of her absence for three days every week irritated him enough to bring him directly to his mother's study.
When had that happened? Prince Dio wondered.
He could not answer. The realization was unpleasant precisely because he had no explanation.
"Perhaps you should consider that question before demanding answers from me."
He looked back at the Queen.
"You were comfortable when Reise's attention was something you rejected," she continued. "Now that she no longer offers it freely, you suddenly notice where she spends her time."
"That is not what this is."
His expression hardened.
"Then determine what it is."
Lord Keith glanced between them and, for once, decided against a joke. Unfortunately, the Queen turned toward him.
"And you. Why are you here?"
"I like having Reise around."
He straightened as he answered.
"At least one of you can answer a simple question."
Prince Dio looked offended. Lord Keith grinned.
"The schedule remains."
Queen Euphelia dismissed them with a small wave.
"Understood."
Prince Dio exhaled and stood, with Lord Keith following.
Leo returned carrying two chilled drinks just as they reached the door.
"They are leaving already?"
"Apparently."
The Queen smiled while Lord Keith examined the drinks.
"Can I take mine?"
"Come."
Prince Dio caught his shoulder and pulled him toward the exit.
"But—"
The door closed behind them.
Leo looked at the Queen, then at the untouched refreshments.
"That went well."
"Prince Dio needed a question more than he needed an answer."
Queen Euphelia accepted one of the glasses.
"He seemed unusually invested."
"He is beginning to notice his own contradictions."
She took a sip.
"That is enough for now."
Leo set the second drink on the table.
"Zero has also been informed."
Amusement sharpened the Queen's eyes.
"And?"
"He did not appear pleased when he learned whom he would be meeting."
"Excellent."
Leo almost laughed.
"The invitation for Lady Reise and Edmund has already been delivered."
"Good."
Queen Euphelia set down her glass.
"I am curious which one of them will object first."
「4:45 P.M.」
G6 had not bothered changing out of her black training clothes. She and Edmund crossed the gardens toward Queen Euphelia's private residence at an unhurried pace.
"I encountered Prince Dio earlier," Edmund remarked.
"And?"
G6 kept both hands in her pockets.
"He looked troubled."
"Of course."
A faint smirk appeared.
"He couldn't beat his mother."
"I assume that is one interpretation."
Edmund almost smiled.
"Amateur."
A servant bowed as they entered the residence and directed them upstairs. G6 climbed without slowing. The invitation had promised tea, but she did not believe for a moment that tea was its actual purpose.
At the study, Edmund knocked twice. Permission came from within, and he opened the door.
Queen Euphelia already occupied the central couch. A man sat beside her, and his expression froze when G6 entered.
She recognized him immediately. The composed young noble who normally appeared impossible to unsettle stared as though the Queen had placed a loaded weapon in his lap.
Edmund stopped beside her, his own composure slipping briefly. The man stood, apparently without realizing he had done so, while Queen Euphelia observed all three with suspicious satisfaction.
G6 looked from him to the Queen and back again.
So this is it. The person she intends to attach to us. The royal watchdog.
She allowed the silence to stretch before a slow smirk appeared.
"So… you are the dog… Zen."
—To Be Continued…—