G6 was tangled in her bedsheets, a monument to severe hangover misery. The sun was painfully high.
"What is this?" Tina asked, arms crossed, disapproval etched on her face as she surveyed the scene from the foot of the bed.
"Is Lady Reise okay?" Lilia whispered, tiptoeing closer and wrinkling her nose. "She reeks of alcohol."
"EDMUND!" Tina yelled, turning her sharp gaze to the steward trying to look small by the door.
"It was a deal!" Edmund defended immediately. "You said to accommodate her 'reasonable' requests! She said after all her work, she deserved that promised reward!"
Tina sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. She strode to the window and threw the heavy curtains open. Harsh light flooded directly onto G6's face.
"What the hell…?" G6 croaked, flinching and pulling a pillow over her head.
Tina was merciless. She yanked the pillow away, forcing a pained moan. "It is 7 o'clock, Lady Reise. You did this to yourself."
"My head is killing me," G6 groaned, clutching her temples.
"I have informed Alistair you will require his special hangover concoction," Edmund said, a hint of pride in his foresight.
Tina's full glare landed on him. "You told the head chef? The entire kitchen will know the mistress was in a drunken stupor!"
"A suffering Lady Reise is more volatile than a mildly scandalized staff! I chose the lesser evil!"
"'Lesser evil' is a tarnished reputation?"
"'Lesser evil' is a mistress who can function properly. If she's already evil if her head's functioning right, how much worse could it be if she is not?"
The thought silenced Tina. She conceded with a heavier sigh. "Fine. But you explain the liquor smell to the laundress."
"I spilled cooking wine while checking inventory," Edmund said smoothly, cover story ready.
From the bed, another pathetic groan. "Can you two argue in another kingdom?" And did Edmund compare me to evil? Argh, who cares, my brain's killing me.
"Lady Reise!" Lilia chirped, oblivious. "Lady Brenda will be going down soon! You should get ready! It's your first day at Utility Magic today!"
G6 sighed, about to respond, when a stinging pain flared behind her ear. The burning was gone, replaced by a deep, throbbing ache. Her fingers went to the chain-rose tattoo. A sharp jolt shot through her at the touch.
"What the fuck?" she whispered to herself.
"How did I even get back here?" she asked the room, voice strained.
"Do not ask us," Tina said, adjusting her glasses with a pointed look at Edmund. "We were unaware of your… activities."
"Lilia, Tina, prepare the dining hall. Inform Lady Brenda our lady will join her shortly. I will see to Lady Reise." Edmund's tone brooked no argument.
G6 leaned back against the headboard, hand pressed to her neck. "Do it," she said, eyes squeezed shut.
"Then, please ensure our lady is… presentable," Tina said, doubt lacing her words.
"See you there!" Lilia added before they left.
The door clicked shut.
"So? Answer me." G6's tone made it clear he was withholding.
"I returned late after finalizing your garments," Edmund began. He walked to the balcony, opened the doors for fresh air. "You were not here. I heard footsteps—not yours. You move with a particular silence. So, I concealed myself to observe." A pause. "To my surprise, it was Prince Dio. Carrying you in his arms."
G6's eyes flew open. "What?" She sat up straight, a wave of nausea following.
"I don't know the circumstances. He did not stay. After laying you in bed, he departed moments later. He appeared… flustered. Or flushed." Edmund.
"I can't recall anything," G6 admitted, frustration etching her features. "Last thing I remember is the whiskey. Nearing the end of the second bottle. After that… nothing." She glared. "I didn't expect to run into any of them! You said no one goes there late!"
Not only that. Something significant happened. I'm missing a critical data point. Why does my tattoo feel burned? She leaned her head back with a dull thud. Fuck.
"My apologies. It is highly unusual, based on my observations. Your memory will return. I've drawn a bath; alternation between cold and warm should help." He gestured to the bathroom. "Everything is prepared."
They looked at each other, co-conspirators assessing damage.
Right. Don't waste energy on that damn Snow White now. The break-out matters.
"You're right." G6 forcibly collected herself, pushed out of bed, and strode to the bathroom without another word.
As the door closed, Edmund set to work, stripping the alcohol-scented sheets—the picture of a dutiful steward, the perfect partner in crime.
❈.❈.❈
Descending the stairs, G6 cracked her neck with an unladylike pop, still battling the aftermath.
"I believe, Lady Reise, you may have a slight drinking problem," Edmund observed from behind, tone carefully neutral.
"Good morning, Lady Reise," the servants chorused, ignored.
"What are you trying to say? Don't nag me," G6 grumbled, massaging her temples.
"I merely recall warning one bottle would incapacitate most. The inventory shows you finished two and a half bottles of various, highly potent varieties. No wonder your memory is compromised." He paused at her sharp glare. "…Yet," he added diplomatically.
"I haven't been able to drink for two weeks. Give me a break." This body is weak.
"Well, I enlisted Alistair's aid so you may function for your appointment." He pushed open the dining hall doors.
The room was more crowded than expected. Brenda, Tina, and Lilia were not alone.
Keith, Earl, and Prince Dio were also present. Prince Dio sat next to Earl, Brenda beside Keith. Both sides of the head chair were occupied.
"What the hell are you three doing here?" G6 asked, voice low and strained.
"That's what I said!" Brenda whined.
"Merely efficient for the kitchen staff. No need to divide meals between three locations," Earl explained calmly.
G6's eyes landed on Prince Dio, unusually still and quiet, suppressing internal turmoil.
That idiot looks suspicious. A faint, tired smirk touched her lips.
She walked to her seat and sank into it, letting her head fall back. "I won't argue. So everyone, shut your mouths," she commanded, closing her eyes.
"Lady Reise, did you drink last night?" Brenda asked.
G6 cracked one eye open. "Do I reek?"
"No, I deduced it. You're uncharacteristically passive about this invasion. You must have a severe hangover. I recognize the look from my father."
"Drinking is detrimental to one's health," Earl began to lecture.
"I thought I said to shut your mouth," G6 interrupted.
"I was so looking forward to breakfast with you," Keith whined.
No answer. Zero energy for antics.
"Did you inform Chef Alistair to attend to Lady Reise's… condition?" Prince Dio asked Edmund.
"Yes, Your Highness."
"So? Why are you three here, but that other woman isn't?" G6 asked, eyes still closed.
"Do you mean… Eliza?" Keith asked.
"Who else, you idiot?"
This isn't bad. Keep them close, under observation. Pry loose more clues. I need the data. Pull their strings, too.
Her mind whirred despite the pain.
She opened her eyes, stared blankly at the door. "Tina, fetch Eliza. Tell her to join us."
Her three servants stiffened.
"What are you plotting?" Tina whispered, leaning close.
"Shut up and do it."
"It's inappropriate to let her dine alone. Though a commoner, she is divinely blessed." A plausible, benevolent reason to calm suspicions.
"You are too kind," Brenda said, convinced.
"Hmm. A rational decision," Earl agreed.
"I have no objection," Prince Dio stated.
"Me neither!" Keith seconded.
"Then I shall inform her." Tina departed with a final, wary glance.
The nobles resumed hushed chat. G6 made no move to question Prince Dio—every word spiked pain through her skull.
Damn this body's pathetic tolerance.
"Lady Reise," Lilia whispered.
"Hmm?"
"Is it alright if we eat over there?" Lilia pointed to a smaller, extension table. "We thought this might happen, so we prepared it."
For the first time that morning, G6 did something that made the entire room freeze. She reached out and patted Lilia's head, a genuine, uncalculated smile touching her features. "Aren't you the clever one?"
Lilia beamed, flushing with happy embarrassment.
G6 turned her gaze on the stunned onlookers. "What?" she barked, making them jump and look away.
"Nothing," Earl and Keith said in unison. Brenda smiled fondly.
"How much longer?" G6 whined to Edmund as the door opened.
Her eyes lit up, expecting Alistair. It was Eliza, followed by her two servants.
"Good morning, Your Highness," Eliza greeted Prince Dio first, then the others. "Esteemed Pillars."
"Good morning!" Brenda.
"Hello." Keith, his usual playful tone.
Earl offered a curt nod.
Prince Dio did not acknowledge her.
Eliza's eyes lingered on Prince Dio's indifferent profile before turning to G6, visibly unimpressed. "Thank you for your generous invitation, Lady Reise. A true honor."
G6 waved a dismissive hand. Sit. Be quiet.
Tina returned to her post. Eliza, after hesitation, sat next to Earl.
"So, Miss Eliza, I heard your healing endurance has progressed! Consecutive critical injuries now?" Brenda asked.
"Indeed. Saves considerable amounts on high-grade potions," Earl noted.
"Aren't I a fantastic mentor?" Keith puffed out his chest.
"It was Earl who did most of the work, you good-for-nothing," Brenda fired.
"Lower your voices," Prince Dio interjected, mindful of the volatile presence.
"I do not deserve such praise. I merely fulfill the purpose the God's bestowed," Eliza replied with practiced humility.
"I heard this afternoon is your first day in Utility Magic, Lady Reise," Eliza ventured.
"Yes, correct," Edmund answered smoothly. "Lady Reise is rather reserved this morning due to… circumstances."
"I see. Nevertheless, grateful for the honor to eat with all of you today." Eliza.
Then, one servant behind Eliza fixed a sharp look on Lilia, waiting quietly near Tina.
Eliza tapped her empty water glass. The pitcher was near G6. The servant spoke up, tone imperious, devoid of deference.
"Lilia, fetch the pitcher. Lady Eliza requires water."
Lilia's knuckles turned white, ghost of past bullying resurfacing.
Tina opened her mouth to intervene. G6's eyes snapped open.
"And who do you think you are," G6 said, voice devoid of emotion yet colder than ice, "to give orders to someone who stands in my service?"
Tense silence.
"Crap," Keith whispered. Earl stiffened. Brenda's smile vanished. Prince Dio's gaze sharpened, focusing entirely on G6.
"F-forgive me, Lady Reise. I merely thought it convenient, as she was closest—"
"So," G6 cut her off, voice dropping to deadly calm, "despite knowing Lilia is my personal attendant, you commanded her in my direct presence?"
Edmund gulped. Tina braced.
"It's just—"
"Are you not afraid of me?"
The question hung, sucking oxygen from the room. Not a question. A threat from the apex predator.
As Eliza opened her mouth to defuse, the door swung open. Janin and Alistair with service carts.
"Alright, relax. Here's the cure for that head," Alistair announced, casual tone a stark contrast. "Good morning, Your Highness, everyone." He pushed his cart straight toward G6, unconcerned.
"Good morning, Lady Reise, Your Highness," Janin greeted politely.
"Knew it," Alistair said to G6. "The moment I heard this lot was gathering, I knew you wouldn't last a minute before that temper snapped."
Jaws dropped at his bluntness.
"Stop acting like you know me, old fart." G6 said, leaning back.
"See what I mean?" Alistair said to the room.
"Alistair, what have you prepared?" Brenda asked, shifting focus.
"Light but nutritious."
As Janin served the nobles, Tina and Lilia moved to their own table. Alistair placed a bowl of special broth before G6.
"Why is mine different?" G6 complained.
"For the hangover. Don't complain." He handed her a glass of murky green liquid.
"What is this? No training today."
"It will cleanse the alcohol and kill the headache."
G6 grabbed it, sniffed, recoiled. "Vile."
"Just drink it so the rest of us don't have to suffer."
G6 took a sip, spat it onto his apron. "ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?" She slammed the glass down.
The room froze again.
But Alistair knew how to handle her. "Ah, that's too much? But nearly three bottles of hard whiskey wasn't? Fine. Suffer all day." He made to grab the glass. She held it firm.
"Let go." G6.
"You let go." Alistair.
"You big old fart!" G6.
"Okay, both of you, stop." Janin intervened, stepping between them. "Lady Reise, please. It will help. Alistair is only worried you'll be unable to function. Edmund said you have matters this afternoon."
"Just drink it, you brat," Alistair said, letting go, concern poorly hidden beneath gruffness.
"Lady Reise," Lilia called softly, offering an encouraging smile.
"Fine." G6 relented. She downed it in one swift gulp.
Alistair let out a short, surprised laugh, placed another plate before her. "Vanilla cupcakes. For the taste."
"What about mine?" Keith asked.
"You don't get one!" Alistair barked. Keith pouted.
"Thank you for your… thoughtfulness," Prince Dio said.
"Nothing. For the lady of the house." A shrug. "And I'm thankful for her decision to have everyone eat here. Makes the kitchen's job easier." He and Janin began their exit.
"Give your apron to Tina later," G6 said casually, starting her soup.
Edmund gave a slight nod to Alistair—silent acknowledgment of backhanded kindness.
"Will do." Alistair replied and they left.
As Edmund joined the other servants, Eliza's attendants watched in visible confusion.
"Lady Reise, I must apologize again for my servant's rudeness," Eliza began.
"Forget it," G6 replied, not looking.
"Lady Reise! Look, Alistair gave us lemon cakes, but you have the new flavor he's testing!" Brenda exclaimed.
"Tch. That old man plays favorites," Keith whined.
"That is simply his way," Earl said.
"Alistair is an exceptional royal chef. The King personally assigned him," Prince Dio added.
"No wonder his cuisine is exquisite," Eliza agreed, aligning with Prince Dio.
"Alistair hates when people change his recipes or pick at their food," Keith mentioned casually, a dig at Eliza's finickiness.
"But first time seeing a chef speak so… freely to his employer," Eliza said, brushing past Keith to focus on Alistair's behavior.
"It does not concern us, so do not concern yourself," Earl stated flatly.
"Yeah, what Earl said. That's just Alistair."
"Besides, Lady Reise and Chef Alistair are the same," Brenda said innocently. "Fiery tempers."
The three men glanced warily at G6. She shrugged. "I don't care. He serves excellent food and aids my training. That's all."
She picked up her bowl, drank the remaining soup directly from it—a profoundly un-noble act that made several stare. She set it down with a satisfied sigh. "Seems both remedies were effective." Hangover evidently cured. "Now stop staring and eat."
Her gaze fell on Eliza's two servants, still standing, watching G6's own servants enjoy their meal.
They haven't eaten? Their boss treats them like furniture. Tapping a glass for water? Pathetic.
She took a bite of her cupcake, eyes lighting up. Hmm, this is good! Cleanses the palate. That damn talented old man.
The others watched, relieved she was satisfied, silently agreeing not to provoke the storm that had miraculously passed.
❈.❈.❈
After breakfast, the group dispersed. As they moved to leave for the Collegium, G6 was nearly at the door when Prince Dio's hand closed around her wrist.
She turned, a sharp, questioning look.
"A question," Prince Dio said, a faint flush on his cheeks.
G6 curled her brow, smoothly extracted her hand. Right. Me too.
"Edmund." A slight nod. A silent command. Her servants obeyed, filing out.
Alone in the empty hall, G6 leveled her gaze. "So? What is it?" Tone carefully neutral, feigning ignorance.
"You truly don't remember anything from last night?" His eyes searched hers.
G6's analytical gaze swept over him. She played her part perfectly. "I don't. Were you the one who brought me back?"
Prince Dio let out a tension-releasing sigh. She doesn't remember. Thank the gods. "Yes," he admitted, voice softer. "I was having trouble sleeping. Thought to have a glass of wine. Found you asleep at the table."
"And?" G6 pressed, intuition telling her there was more.
Before answering, his gaze dropped to her lips—still slightly flushed. His heart gave a traitorous lurch. Memory flashed: the softness, the faint taste of whiskey, the electric moment of weakness. Heat rushed to his ears.
"That's all," Prince Dio stated, the lie delivered with bluntness to conceal his fluster. "I decided it best to return you to your quarters."
This fucker is hiding something. Eyes flickering. Pulse jumping in his neck.
"Thank you, then," she said, playing along. The truth would reveal itself.
Prince Dio nodded, a slight, relieved smile.
The door banged open, making them startle.
"Prince Dio!" Brenda's voice cut through. "Why are you detaining Lady Reise?"
"That's right," Keith added, peering over her shoulder.
Earl stood quietly, his sharp, disapproving look saying enough. A betrothed prince had no business being alone with her.
"What is wrong with me speaking with my own fiancée?" Prince Dio retorted, composure returning with irritation.
"Shut your mouth!" Brenda fired, marching over and looping an arm through G6's in a bold, possessive gesture. "Lady Reise, shall we go?" Stealing her away.
"Let's go. Too much energy for one morning," G6 agreed, allowing herself to be led out, leaving the three men in a standoff.
❈.❈.❈
The morning passed without incident. Tina was now fully prepared. Finally, she was free.
Lilia and Tina walked a few paces behind their mistress, who was in an uncharacteristically good mood—suspicious, given her destination.
"Lady Reise is suspiciously cheerful," Lilia whispered.
"I concur. But Edmund will manage her. Do not worry," Tina assured, unaware Edmund was being expertly managed.
They reached the Bastion's main entrance to see her off. G6 paused at the top of the stairs, glanced back.
"Do your jobs properly and wait for my return." She turned and descended without farewell.
"Take care!" Lilia called, waving.
"Edmund, look after her," Tina added.
Edmund merely nodded, hurrying after his swiftly departing lady.
They walked with purpose, taking the path back toward the West Villa on their way to the main palace.
❈.❈.❈
From his office window, Prince Dio watched his unpredictable fiancée.
Should I cease analyzing and simply accept what you are? he wondered, gaze fixed until she disappeared. I wonder how you would react… if you knew.
Prince Dio sank into his chair, overwhelmed by memory. The previous night replayed, sending an uncontrollable, giddy thrill through his heart.
"This prince is starting to scare me," Keith whispered to Earl.
"Tch. Insufferable," Earl muttered.
"Would you two not start?" Zen interjected.
Their mockery was lost on Prince Dio, utterly lost in his own world.
He turned his chair back to the window, gently touched his lips. The fierce, vibrant image of G6 flashed behind his eyes. He had acted on impulse, a moment of weakness. But to his surprise, he felt not an ounce of regret.
Was the Prince's growing feelings a good omen? Or the prelude to disaster for the woman who saw everyone as pawns?
—To Be Continued…—