The sun had already risen over the West Villa, though the curtains in G6's bedroom remained firmly shut against it.
She was tangled beneath the sheets in a position that would have horrified every etiquette instructor Reise Worthon had ever possessed.
One leg had escaped the blankets entirely, rose-gold hair covered half her face, and the pillow beneath her head looked as though she had attempted to suffocate herself with it during the night.
Despite Edmund's efforts to air out the room, the faint smell of alcohol remained. Tina stood at the foot of the bed with her arms crossed, regarding her mistress with profound disappointment.
"What is this?"
Lilia tiptoed closer and cautiously leaned over the bed.
"Is Lady Reise okay?"
The smell reached her before anyone answered. Her nose wrinkled.
"She reeks of alcohol."
Tina turned slowly toward the man standing near the door, who was doing his absolute best to appear insignificant.
"EDMUND!"
"It was a deal!" Edmund defended immediately, abandoning all pretense of innocence. "You said to accommodate her 'reasonable' requests! She said that after all her work, she deserved that promised reward."
"I did not authorize you to let her drink herself into unconsciousness!"
"I did not pour the liquor into her mouth!"
"You gave her access!"
"She already had access!"
Tina stared at him. Edmund held her gaze while Lilia glanced between them with growing fascination. Eventually, Tina pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Unbelievable."
She strode toward the windows. Edmund's eyes widened as he realized what she intended.
"Tina—"
The heavy curtains swept open, flooding the bedroom with sunlight that fell directly across G6.
"What the hell…?"
A raw croak emerged from the bed. G6 recoiled from the light and dragged the nearest pillow over her head, but Tina seized it and yanked it away without mercy.
G6 made a genuinely miserable sound before burying her face in the mattress instead.
"It is seven o'clock, Lady Reise," Tina informed her. "You did this to yourself."
"My head is killing me."
G6 clutched both temples without making the slightest attempt to sit upright. Near the door, Edmund cleared his throat.
"I have informed Alistair that you will require his special hangover concoction."
There was an unfortunate amount of pride in his voice. Tina's glare returned to him immediately.
"You told the head chef?"
Edmund's confidence faltered.
"The entire kitchen will know the mistress of the West Villa drank herself into a stupor!"
"A suffering Lady Reise is more volatile than a mildly scandalized staff!" Edmund protested. "I chose the lesser evil!"
"The lesser evil is a tarnished reputation?"
"The lesser evil is a mistress who can function properly. If she is already evil when her head is functioning correctly, how much worse could it be when it is not?"
The room fell quiet. Tina stared at him as the implications of his own words gradually reached him, while Lilia pressed her lips together very tightly.
Another pathetic groan came from beneath the blankets.
"Can you two argue in another kingdom?"
Neither servant answered. Apparently, G6 did not possess enough functioning brain cells to care whether Edmund had just compared her to evil.
Tina released a long breath and pointed at him.
"Fine. But you will explain the liquor smell to the laundress."
"I spilled cooking wine while checking inventory," Edmund replied, straightening.
Tina blinked.
"You already prepared an excuse?"
"Of course."
Lilia looked impressed, and Edmund acknowledged her with a tiny nod. Professionals recognized professionals. The child then turned back toward the miserable mound on the bed.
"Lady Reise!"
G6 twitched.
"Lady Brenda will be going down soon! You should get ready! It is your first day at Utility Magic today!"
G6 released a long, suffering exhale, only for a sharp sting behind her right ear to make her eyes open.
The violent burning of the previous night had subsided into a deep, throbbing ache beneath the skin. Her hand moved instinctively toward the chained-rose tattoo concealed by her hair, and the moment her fingertips pressed against it, pain shot through the side of her neck.
"What the fuck?"
Tina's expression changed.
"What is it?"
G6 ignored her and touched the area again, more carefully this time. The pain remained distinct from the pounding behind her forehead. Whatever was wrong with the mark, it was not merely another part of the hangover.
Her brows drew together.
"How did I even get back here?"
Tina adjusted her glasses and looked pointedly toward Edmund.
"Do not ask us. We were unaware of your… activities."
Lilia immediately looked curious, but Edmund intervened before she could begin asking dangerous questions.
"Lilia, Tina, prepare the dining hall. Inform Lady Brenda that our lady will join her shortly. I will see to Lady Reise."
Tina narrowed her eyes. Something in Edmund's expression made her pause, and G6 noticed it too. He knew more than he had said.
"Do it," G6 ordered, squeezing her eyes shut against another pulse of pain.
Tina looked between the two conspirators, her suspicion deepening.
"Then please ensure our lady is… presentable."
"I am always presentable," G6 muttered into the sheets.
Tina wisely ignored the claim.
"See you there!" Lilia chirped before following her out.
The door clicked shut. G6 remained still for exactly three seconds before addressing Edmund.
"So? Answer me."
He released a slow breath, crossed toward the balcony doors, and opened them to let the cool morning air circulate.
"I returned late after finalizing your garments. When I reached the villa, you were not here."
G6 watched him as he turned back from the balcony.
"I heard footsteps approaching your chamber," Edmund continued. "They were not yours."
That obtained her full attention. Edmund clasped his hands behind his back.
"You move with a particular silence, Lady Reise. Even when you are irritated, your steps are… controlled."
A faint twitch appeared beneath one of her eyes.
So he has been studying how I walk. Useful. Slightly creepy.
"I concealed myself on the balcony to observe," Edmund continued before she could comment. "To my surprise, it was Prince Dio, carrying you in his arms."
"What?"
G6 sat upright far too quickly. The room tilted, nausea rolled through her stomach, and her hand slammed against the mattress to steady herself. Edmund took a reflexive step forward, but she raised her other hand to stop him.
Don't.
He halted.
"I do not know the circumstances," Edmund said. "He did not stay. After laying you in bed, he departed moments later."
His brows furrowed faintly.
"He appeared… flustered. Or flushed."
G6 stared at him while searching backward through the night. She remembered the whiskey, the shelves, the glass, and the table. There had been a second bottle, perhaps nearing its end, but nothing useful followed.
"I cannot recall anything."
Frustration sharpened her face.
"The last thing I remember is the whiskey. Nearing the end of the second bottle. After that… nothing."
Her grey eyes narrowed.
"I did not expect to run into any of them. You said no one goes there late."
"My apologies. It is highly unusual, based on my observations."
Edmund did not attempt to defend himself further. G6 leaned backward until her head struck the headboard with a dull thud.
Something significant had happened; she could feel the gap even without knowing what belonged inside it. Prince Dio finding her was strange enough. His carrying her back was worse, and neither explained the pain beneath her hair.
Why does it feel burned?
Her fingers drifted toward the tattoo, stopping before they touched it again.
Something happened. Critical data missing. Fuck.
"Your memory may return once the hangover subsides," Edmund suggested after watching her for a moment.
He gestured toward the adjoining bathroom.
"I have drawn your bath. Alternating cold and warm water should help with the headache."
G6 closed her eyes. The missing memory irritated her deeply, but irritation would not make information materialize. Her first afternoon at the Utility Magic Department was approaching, along with the alibi, the route, and the beginning of her actual plan.
Right. Do not waste energy on that damn Snow White now. The breakout matters.
"You are right."
She forced herself out of bed. Her legs immediately objected, but she ignored them and headed toward the bathroom with as much dignity as a severely hungover assassin could manufacture.
Once the door shut, Edmund looked toward the ruined bed and sighed.
"A loyal servant's work is never done."
He stripped the alcohol-scented sheets with practiced efficiency. Anyone entering would have seen a dutiful steward cleaning his mistress's room rather than a co-conspirator removing evidence before an operation.
❈.❈.❈
By the time G6 descended the grand staircase, the bath had done enough to convert death into mere suffering. Her rose-gold hair had been brushed into order, her face washed clean of the night's misery, and the elegant black dress she wore concealed how aggressively she wanted to crawl back into bed.
She cracked her neck, the sound carrying through the corridor. Edmund followed several steps behind.
"I believe, Lady Reise, you may have a slight drinking problem."
"Good morning, Lady Reise," several passing servants greeted.
G6 barely acknowledged them as she rubbed one temple.
"What are you trying to say? That I'm an alcoholic?"
Edmund continued as though he had not heard the warning.
"I merely recall warning that 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."
G6 stopped and slowly turned her head. Edmund appeared to reconsider his chances of surviving the conversation.
"…Yet."
She resumed walking.
"I have not been able to drink for two weeks. Give me a break."
This body is weak.
Two and a half bottles would never have destroyed Akira Gemstone like this.
Reise's body apparently considered hard liquor a personal assassination attempt.
"Well, I enlisted Alistair's aid so you may function for your appointment," Edmund said, wisely changing the subject.
He reached the dining hall and pushed the doors open. G6 stopped again.
Lady Brenda, Tina, and Lilia were already inside, which was expected. Lord Keith, Lord Earl, and Prince Dio were not. Both seats beside the head of the table had been claimed, with Lady Brenda sitting beside Lord Keith and Prince Dio unusually still beside Lord Earl.
"What the hell are you three doing here?"
"That is what I said!" Lady Brenda complained immediately.
Lord Keith looked offended.
"Why does everyone act as if breakfast requires special permission now?"
Lord Earl ignored him.
"We decided it would be more efficient for the kitchen staff. There is little reason to divide breakfast service among three separate residences when we are all already gathering here."
The explanation was annoyingly reasonable.
G6's attention shifted toward Prince Dio, whose composure looked less natural than deliberately maintained.
He was holding himself still, and his unusual silence only made it more conspicuous.
That idiot looks suspicious.
Her tired gaze lingered on him for another second. Something was wrong, but she lacked the concentration to dissect it. She sank into her seat and let her head fall against its high back.
"I will not argue. So everyone, shut your mouths."
Lady Brenda leaned slightly toward her.
"Lady Reise, did you drink last night?"
G6 opened one eye.
"Do I reek?"
"No. I deduced it."
G6 closed her eye again.
"You are uncharacteristically passive about this invasion," Lady Brenda explained with a small smile. "You must have a severe hangover. I recognize the look from my father's condition after court gatherings."
"Drinking is detrimental to one's health," Lord Earl began with a frown. "Excessive consumption can affect mana regulation, hydration, concentration—"
"I thought I said to shut your mouth."
He stopped. Lord Keith snickered.
"I was so looking forward to breakfast with you."
G6 did not even grant him an irritated glance, leaving Lord Keith looking personally betrayed. Prince Dio turned toward Edmund instead.
"Did you inform Chef Alistair to attend to Lady Reise's… condition?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
G6 opened her eyes again.
"So? Why are you three here, but that other woman is not?"
"Do you mean… Miss Eliza?" Lord Keith asked.
"Who else, you idiot?"
He glanced around as though hoping the insult had been directed at someone else. No one volunteered.
G6 looked toward the doors.
This is not bad.
They were all together and close enough to observe. People became careless when they believed themselves familiar with one another, which meant every breakfast could offer another source of information.
She could compare their reactions and identify contradictions between the book's account and what these people actually remembered about Reise.
Keep them close. Watch. Pull loose whatever they know.
The headache complicated the strategy without changing it.
"Tina, fetch Eliza. Tell her to join us."
All three servants froze. Tina slowly leaned toward her mistress.
"What are you plotting?"
"Shut up and do it."
Tina's expression sharpened, and G6 sighed inwardly. Of course they needed a harmless explanation.
"It is inappropriate to let her dine alone. Though a commoner, she is divinely blessed, no?"
"You are too kind," Lady Brenda said, her expression softening immediately.
Predictable.
"Hmm. A rational decision," Lord Earl observed.
"I have no objection," Prince Dio added with a small nod.
"Me neither!" Lord Keith declared.
Tina continued studying G6, who met her stare without wavering. Eventually, the maid surrendered.
"Then I shall inform her."
She left with one final suspicious glance. The others resumed talking at a lower volume, which at least suggested they had listened to one of G6's requests.
G6 made no attempt to question Prince Dio yet. Her memory gap could wait until conversation stopped feeling like someone repeatedly striking her skull with a hammer.
Damn this body's pathetic tolerance.
"Lady Reise."
Lilia's small voice came from beside her.
"Hmm?"
"Is it alright if we eat over there?"
She pointed toward a smaller extension table set several paces from the main dining arrangement.
"We thought this might happen if everyone began eating together, so we prepared it."
G6 looked toward the three places already set.
Efficient.
Without giving the gesture much thought, she raised a hand and patted Lilia's head.
"Are you not the clever one?"
The child froze before brightening so rapidly she might as well have been struck by sunlight. A genuine, uncalculated smile briefly touched G6's face, only to disappear when she noticed the room had gone quiet.
Everyone was staring.
"What?"
Lord Earl and Lord Keith looked away together.
"Nothing," they answered.
Lady Brenda merely smiled. Prince Dio's gaze remained on G6 for half a second longer before moving toward his cup.
G6 leaned back in her chair.
"How much longer?"
The dining hall doors opened, drawing her attention at once. Her expectation collapsed when Miss Eliza entered with two servants instead of Alistair arriving with breakfast.
"Good morning, Your Highness."
Miss Eliza offered Prince Dio a graceful curtsy before turning toward the others.
"Lord Earl. Lord Keith. Lady Brenda."
"Good morning!" Lady Brenda replied.
"Hello," Lord Keith said lightly.
Lord Earl offered a courteous nod. Prince Dio barely acknowledged her, and the faintest hesitation crossed Miss Eliza's expression before she turned toward G6.
"Thank you for your generous invitation, Lady Reise. It is a true honor to share breakfast with you."
G6 waved toward the empty chair.
Sit. What a bitch. I was the one who invited her here, and she greeted me last.
Miss Eliza hesitated before taking her seat. Tina returned to G6's side while Lady Brenda filled the silence.
"So, Miss Eliza, I heard your healing endurance has progressed tremendously! You can now heal consecutive critical injuries?"
"My endurance has improved considerably," Miss Eliza answered with a smile.
"That will save a considerable amount on high-grade healing potions," Lord Earl observed.
Lord Keith leaned back with visible satisfaction.
"Am I not a fantastic mentor?"
"It was Earl who did most of the work, you good-for-nothing," Lady Brenda replied.
"I contributed."
"You distracted everyone."
"Morale is important."
"Lower your voices," Prince Dio said before Lady Brenda could answer.
Lord Keith glanced toward G6, whose eyes had closed again, and immediately quieted.
"I do not deserve such praise," Miss Eliza said, adjusting her napkin. "I merely fulfill the purpose God Eldrin bestowed."
The humility sounded almost too carefully arranged. She turned toward G6.
"I heard this afternoon is your first day in Utility Magic, Lady Reise."
G6 did not answer. Edmund stepped smoothly into the silence.
"Yes, correct. Lady Reise is rather reserved this morning due to… circumstances."
"I see."
Miss Eliza's gaze flicked briefly toward G6's face before she offered another polite smile.
"Nevertheless, I am grateful for the honor of eating with all of you today."
Behind her, one attendant looked toward Lilia. Something about the child's place beside Tina seemed to bother her.
When Miss Eliza tapped the rim of her empty glass, the attendant glanced toward the pitcher on a serving cart near G6's side of the table.
"Lilia, fetch the pitcher. Miss Eliza requires water."
Lilia's posture changed almost imperceptibly, her fingers tightening around her apron. Tina noticed at once.
G6 opened her eyes at the command and caught the movement before the maid could intervene.
"And who do you think you are," G6 asked, her voice devoid of emotion, "to give orders to someone who stands in my service?"
The room fell silent. The attendant blanched as Lord Keith's smile disappeared and Lord Earl's attention sharpened.
Lady Brenda lowered her cup, while Prince Dio's private preoccupation gave way to the confrontation unfolding before him.
"F-forgive me, Lady Reise. I merely thought it convenient, as she was closest—"
"So, despite knowing Lilia is my personal attendant, you commanded her in my direct presence?"
"I-it is just—"
"Are you not afraid of me?"
The quiet question made the attendant pale further. G6 needed neither Aura Dominion nor magic when the Wicked Rose's reputation already did so much of the work. The woman seated at the head of the table looked entirely capable of improving upon it.
Miss Eliza drew breath to intervene, but the doors opened before she could speak.
"Alright, relax. Here is the cure for that head."
Alistair entered with a service cart, followed by Janin pushing another. The ordinary briskness of his arrival disrupted the tension in a way no carefully chosen reassurance could have managed.
"Good morning, Your Highness. Everyone," he greeted, glancing around the room.
"Good morning, Lady Reise, Your Highness, everyone," Janin added more formally.
Alistair stopped beside G6, surveyed the silent table, and looked down at her.
"Knew it."
G6 narrowed her eyes.
"The moment I heard this lot was gathering, I knew you would not last a minute before that temper snapped."
Several people stared at him. Few servants would have survived speaking so casually to a Pillar heiress, but Alistair appeared unconcerned.
"Stop acting like you know me, old fart."
"See what I mean?"
He looked toward the others, and Lady Brenda choked on a laugh.
"Alistair, what have you prepared?"
"Light but nutritious."
Janin began distributing breakfast as Tina and Lilia moved toward their smaller table. Edmund lingered nearby while Alistair placed a bowl in front of G6.
She inspected it, then compared it with everyone else's.
"Why is mine different?"
"For the hangover. Do not complain."
He handed her a glass of murky green liquid, which she regarded with immediate suspicion.
"What is this? I have no training today."
"It will cleanse the alcohol and kill the headache."
G6 lifted the glass and sniffed. Her expression recoiled before the drink reached her mouth.
"Vile."
"Just drink it so the rest of us do not have to suffer."
She glared at him and took a cautious sip. The moment the liquid touched her tongue, she spat it directly onto his apron.
"ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?"
The glass slammed against the table. Everyone froze as Alistair looked down at the green splatter covering his apron, then back at G6 with remarkable calm.
"Ah. That is too much?"
She stared murderously.
"But nearly three bottles of hard whiskey was not?"
He reached for the glass.
"Fine. Suffer all day."
G6 grabbed it before he could take it away.
"Let go," Alistair said.
"You let go."
Neither released it.
"You damn old man."
Alistair pulled, and G6 pulled harder. Janin stepped between them before the struggle could send the contents across the table.
"Both of you, stop."
They held their positions.
"Alistair."
Janin looked at her husband, then turned toward G6.
"Lady Reise."
Both reluctantly stopped fighting over the glass. Janin sighed.
"It will help. Alistair is only worried you will be unable to function. Edmund said you have matters this afternoon."
"Just drink it, you brat," Alistair grumbled, turning away.
The concern beneath the insult was painfully obvious. G6 stared at the liquid until Lilia called from the smaller table.
"Lady Reise."
She glanced over. The child offered an encouraging smile, and G6 returned her attention to the vile drink.
"Fine."
She emptied the glass in one practiced gulp. Alistair turned back just in time to see it and released a short laugh.
"Well, at least you commit."
He placed a plate beside her bowl.
"Vanilla cupcakes. For the taste."
"What about mine?" Lord Keith asked immediately.
"You do not get one!"
"Why?"
"Because I said so."
"Favoritism."
"Correct." Alistair replied arrogantly.
Prince Dio looked toward the chef.
"Thank you for your… thoughtfulness."
"Nothing. For the lady of the house."
Alistair shrugged, his gaze moving around the fuller dining room.
"And I am thankful for her decision to have everyone eat here. Makes the kitchen's job easier."
"Considerably," Janin agreed.
They began preparing to leave. G6 had already started on her soup when she spoke again.
"Give your apron to Tina later."
Alistair paused and looked down at the green stain. A knowing glance passed between him and Edmund. G6 had offered no apology, but she intended to have the apron cleaned, which apparently came close enough.
"Will do."
Alistair and Janin departed, and Edmund joined Tina and Lilia at their smaller table. Miss Eliza's attendants remained standing behind their mistress, watching.
G6 noticed.
"Lady Reise, I must apologize again for my servant's rudeness," Miss Eliza said after glancing toward the woman behind her.
"Forget it."
G6 kept her attention on her food.
"Lady Reise!" Lady Brenda exclaimed. "Look, Alistair gave us lemon cakes, but you have the new flavor he is testing!"
"That old man plays favorites," Lord Keith complained.
"That is simply his way," Lord Earl replied.
"Alistair is an exceptional royal chef," Prince Dio added between bites. "The King personally assigned him."
"No wonder his cuisine is exquisite," Miss Eliza said.
Lord Keith immediately glanced toward her.
"Alistair hates when people change his recipes or pick at their food."
His casual delivery did little to conceal the pointed nature of the comment. Miss Eliza's smile tightened almost imperceptibly.
"But it is my first time seeing a chef speak so… freely to his master."
"It does not concern us, so do not concern yourself," Lord Earl replied.
"Yes. What Earl said," Lord Keith agreed. "That is just Alistair."
"Besides, Lady Reise and Chef Alistair are the same," Lady Brenda observed, looking between G6 and the closed door.
Several faces turned toward her. She smiled innocently.
"Fiery tempers."
Lord Keith, Lord Earl, and Prince Dio looked toward G6, who merely shrugged.
"I do not care. He serves excellent food and aids my training. That is all that matters."
Ignoring the spoon, she lifted her bowl and drank the remaining broth directly from it. The decidedly un-noble act earned several stares, none of which interested her as much as the improvement in her condition.
Her headache had receded considerably, the nausea was gone, and even the pressure behind her eyes had faded.
"Seems both remedies were effective."
She set the bowl down and noticed the attention.
"Now stop staring and eat."
They returned to breakfast. G6's gaze moved beyond them to Miss Eliza's attendants, who were still standing without food.
Have they not eaten?
She glanced toward Tina, Lilia, and Edmund eating comfortably at their own table, then back at the two women behind Miss Eliza.
Their boss treats them like furniture. Tapping a glass for water? Pathetic.
G6 bit into a vanilla cupcake, and her expression changed just enough to betray approval. The sweetness swept away the bitter medicinal aftertaste.
Hmm. This is good. That damn talented old man.
She continued eating while the rest of the table collectively decided that peace was more valuable than conversation.
❈.❈.❈
After breakfast, the group began dispersing toward their duties. G6 was nearly through the dining-room doors when a hand closed around her wrist. She stopped and looked from it to Prince Dio's face.
He released her almost immediately.
"A question."
A trace of embarrassment colored his expression. G6's brow rose.
Right. Me too.
She drew her hand back and looked toward Edmund.
"Edmund."
He understood without further explanation and gestured subtly toward Tina and Lilia. The three servants continued outside. Lady Brenda hesitated, while Lord Keith opened his mouth only to be caught by the shoulder and dragged along by Lord Earl.
When the doors closed, Prince Dio and G6 were alone.
"So? What is it?"
He hesitated.
"You truly do not remember anything from last night?"
G6 studied the small shifts in his expression, his breathing, and the tension around his mouth. Whatever had happened, discussing it made him uncomfortable.
"I don't. Were you the one who brought me back?"
Prince Dio released a breath he had not realized he was holding.
She does not remember. Thank the gods, Prince Dio thought.
"Yes," he answered, his voice softening slightly. "I was having trouble sleeping. I thought to have a glass of wine and found you asleep at the table."
G6 waited.
"And?"
His gaze dropped briefly to her lips, bringing back the whiskey, the rose-gold hair across her sleeping face, and those three reckless seconds. He looked quickly into her eyes again as heat climbed into his ears.
"That is all."
The answer arrived too quickly.
"I decided it best to return you to your quarters."
G6 stared at him.
This fucker is obviously hiding something.
His eyes would not remain steady. He looked at her, away, and back again, while his pulse jumped visibly at the side of his neck.
Did he just lie right to my face? Interesting. Very interesting.
She could press him, interrogate him, and force him into a corner, but there was no need to do it now. People often revealed more when they believed a lie had worked.
"Thank you, then."
Prince Dio visibly relaxed. A slight smile almost appeared before the dining hall doors flew open with a resounding BAM!
Both turned.
"Prince Dio!" Lady Brenda marched inside. "Why are you detaining Lady Reise?"
"That is right," Lord Keith added, leaning around her shoulder.
Lord Earl stood behind them without speaking, his expression somehow communicating disapproval more efficiently than either of the others.
Prince Dio's irritation returned.
"What is wrong with me speaking with my own fiancée?"
"Shut your mouth!"
Lady Brenda crossed the room and looped her arm through G6's.
"Lady Reise, shall we go?"
G6 looked at the three men, then at Lady Brenda.
"Let's go. Too much energy for one morning."
Lady Brenda led her away, followed by Lord Keith. Lord Earl gave Prince Dio one final look before leaving as well.
Alone in the dining hall, Prince Dio glanced toward the place G6 had occupied and pressed two fingers against his brow.
What exactly had possessed me last night? Prince Dio wondered.
Guilt explained part of it, and regret explained another, but neither accounted for his disregard of his own judgment. Reise remembered none of it. He had expected that fact to make the incident easier to dismiss; instead, it had somehow made it more difficult.
❈.❈.❈
The rest of the morning passed more quietly. For Tina, it became the first true test of the arrangement G6 had spent three days preparing.
She handled the initial review of administrative reports, inventory requests, and routine correspondence without G6 hovering over her shoulder.
Anything requiring Reise's direct approval was separated and left for later. Everything else she managed efficiently, exactly as planned.
By late morning, G6 had seen enough. The preparation period had ended the previous evening; today merely confirmed that Tina could manage.
That left G6 as free as anyone inside a heavily secured royal palace could reasonably become.
The realization put her in an unusually tolerable mood.
Lilia noticed immediately. Walking beside Tina a few paces behind their mistress as they headed through the Bastion, she lowered her voice.
"Lady Reise is suspiciously cheerful."
Tina studied G6's back. Her expression remained cold and unreadable, but they had spent enough time with her to recognize the difference.
"I concur."
"Do you think she is truly excited about Utility Magic?"
Tina hesitated. That was precisely what made the arrangement suspicious.
Most nobles in Reise's position would have treated Utility Magic as a useful secondary study, yet G6 had spent days engineering her entire schedule around it.
"I am certain Edmund will manage her," Tina said at last.
Lilia nodded. Neither understood that Edmund was not managing G6; if anything, the opposite was becoming increasingly true.
They reached the Bastion's main entrance, where G6 stopped at the top of the stone steps and looked back. Tina and Lilia remained together beneath the archway.
"Do your jobs properly and wait for my return."
She descended without lingering.
"Take care!" Lilia called.
G6 raised one hand in a gesture that barely qualified as a wave without turning around.
"Edmund, look after her," Tina said.
"Naturally."
He offered a dignified nod, then hurried after G6 before she could leave him behind.
The two followed the path leading back toward the West Villa. Their afternoon appointment was supposed to take them to the Utility Magic Department, but only they knew what that arrangement was truly meant to become.
❈.❈.❈
Prince Dio stood beside his office window in the Bastion. Beyond the glass, gardens and stone paths threaded between fortified structures and the broad green spaces separating the Collegium from the other palace residences.
He caught sight of G6 and Edmund below and followed their progress until the trees and buildings concealed them.
Should I stop trying to analyze you? Prince Dio wondered.
For weeks, every attempt to reconcile Reise's behavior with the woman he remembered had failed. Each answer produced more questions.
Her temper, pride, and sharp tongue remained recognizable, yet everything beneath them seemed to have shifted.
Or should I simply accept that I no longer know you? he thought.
Or I never knew the real you at all…
The possibility unsettled him more than he cared to admit.
"This prince is starting to scare me," Lord Keith murmured behind him.
Lord Earl glanced up from a report on the opposite side of the office.
"Tsk. Insufferable."
"Would you two refrain from starting?" Lord Zen asked, looking up from his own work.
Lord Keith leaned closer to Lord Earl.
"He has been staring out that window for an unreasonable amount of time."
"I can hear you," Prince Dio said without turning.
"Good."
Lord Keith sounded pleased.
Prince Dio finally returned to his desk and sat before the waiting paperwork. His fingers drifted toward his lips before he caught the movement, and the memory returned with a rush of embarrassment and discomfort. What he had done had been reckless and wrong, and it refused to become any easier to dismiss.
He lowered his hand immediately.
What exactly was I thinking? Prince Dio wondered.
He had crossed a boundary with someone who was unconscious and heavily intoxicated. That knowledge sat uneasily in his chest, alongside his inability to explain the impulse itself.
Years of resentment had not vanished overnight, nor had ten years of history. Somewhere among his guilt, curiosity, and repeated encounters with the unfamiliar woman Reise had become, his carefully ordered understanding had shifted. He could neither identify the change nor trust it; he knew only that it continued to trouble him.
Across the room, Lord Keith watched his cousin before glancing toward Lord Earl. Lord Earl noticed, but neither spoke. For once, even Lord Keith seemed to understand that mockery would only make Prince Dio retreat further into himself.
Outside, G6 was already moving toward the next stage of her plan. By afternoon, she would enter the Utility Magic Department for the first time.
To everyone else, the appointment was another attempt by Lady Reise Worthon to broaden her magical education. To G6, it was her first opening through the palace walls.
While Prince Dio remained behind trying to understand a moment he could not take back, the Reaper was thinking about escape routes.
—To Be Continued…—