Anastasia walked calmly across the courtyard, her parasol casting a soft shadow over her pale face as she approached the garden.
Rem was kneeling among the rose bushes, pruning carefully, a light layer of soil on her gloves. She looked peaceful — like nothing had happened yesterday.
But as Anastasia stepped closer, the air turned stiff.
Their eyes met.
Both hesitated.
"...Rem," Anastasia said gently, voice composed but distant. "I was hoping to meet with your husband today. To discuss the sponsorship. The festival."
Rem's face lit up instantly — her blue eyes wide, glowing with joy.
"Truly? That's wonderful, Lady Anastasia!" she said, rising quickly to her feet and brushing her skirt clean.
"Subaru's at home right now. If you're free, we can go right away!"
Anastasia forced a soft smile. "Of course. Lead the way."
Of course he's at home, she thought bitterly. No job. No work. No pride. Just sitting around waiting for his little wife to bring home coin.
As they walked through the cobbled streets toward the small house Rem shared with Subaru, Rem couldn't stop talking.
"Subaru has such a vision," she beamed. "He wants to bring people together — not just for fun, but for trade, for art, for music! He's planned out booths, games, performances... even a closing fireworks show. He's really going to make it a festival worth remembering!"
Anastasia nodded politely, keeping pace beside her.
"Sounds impressive," she said, her voice even.
(Sounds like a money pit.)
(There's no way I'll see any real return. Festivals don't pay back — they burn gold like fire. But... at least it'll polish my public image. And shut you up.)
Rem kept talking, excited, dreamy.
And Anastasia — though she nodded, smiled, even threw in the occasional soft "How lovely" or "He sounds passionate" — was miles away in her mind.
Talk about Julius instead, she thought irritably. Talk about how his voice makes you blush. Talk about how you feel when he calls you by name. Not this nonsense about your husband's fireworks and dancing peasants.
The silence stretched for a moment.
Anastasia let it hang... then asked carefully, keeping her eyes on the path:
"...Rem. Are you still angry with me about yesterday?"
Rem slowed slightly, her cheerful expression softening.
There was hesitation in her voice now. "I... no. I mean, I was upset. But... you apologized. And you've done so much for us already..."
Anastasia nodded slowly, her expression unreadable.
They arrived at a modest little house on the village's outer edge — clean, well-kept, but humble.
Anastasia's sharp eyes immediately took in the details: chipped windowsills, an old garden fence, patched roof.
Rented. Probably cheaply. Barely sustainable without Rem's income.
Exactly the kind of living situation that would keep Rem needing her job.
Perfect, Anastasia thought.
Rem knocked twice and opened the door without waiting. "Subaru? Lady Anastasia is here!"
He stepped out from a small back room, wiping his hands on a towel — a young man with messy black hair, tired eyes, and a too-big smile.
Something about him struck Anastasia as vaguely familiar, but she couldn't place it.
"I'm Natsuki Subaru," he said, offering a polite nod. "It's an honor, Lady Anastasia."
Anastasia smiled back with practiced politeness.
"Anastasia Hoshin. Let's talk business, shall we?"
She didn't care for pleasantries.
She could already feel Rem's glowing admiration for Subaru leaking off her in waves.
That look. That same look she herself gave Julius.
Protective. Proud. Blind.
But unlike Julius, Subaru was untrained, underbuilt — not exactly a fantasy for any woman with taste.
Still, this wasn't the time for fantasies.
She wanted this business wrapped up quickly.
But then Subaru began speaking.
And to Anastasia's surprise... she was actually impressed.
He spoke passionately about the festival:
Games for kids like ring toss, water balloon battles, and "yoyo fishing."
Food stalls with new ideas like "fried noodles in paper boats" and "sweet bean buns shaped like cartoon animals."
A firework show that ends with a surprise floating lantern release.
"Couples' contests" with light-hearted games — funny little dances, matching masks — for adults to flirt and laugh.
Most of it was wildly unfamiliar — but his descriptions were vivid, creative, and surprisingly well-structured.
This idiot actually has a brain somewhere in there, Anastasia thought with faint amusement.
When he finally paused, she folded her hands primly and nodded.
"You've clearly put a lot of thought into this," she said with a small smile.
"You'll have my sponsorship."
Rem nearly squealed beside her.
Anastasia continued calmly.
"Tomorrow, I'll assign someone from my company to help organize things. They'll assist with logistics and—most importantly—monitor the budget. Carefully."
Subaru blinked. "Of course. That's reasonable."
"And," Anastasia added smoothly, "if the festival is a success, I'll offer you a permanent job."
She turned to Rem with a kind smile. "Seventy percent of your pension rate, since you're a professional maid."
Rem gasped softly — her eyes shimmering with gratitude.
"That's amazing! That's... that's good money, Subaru! Lady Anastasia, you're incredibly generous!"
But Subaru's reaction was... off.
He smiled, yes — but it was stiff. Too stiff. His eyes didn't quite match.
Anastasia saw it instantly.
He doesn't like it. He hates that she'll still earn more than him.
Pride stings harder than hunger.
Still, he bowed politely. "Thank you, Lady Anastasia. Really. I'm grateful for the opportunity."
She returned his smile with one of her own — gracious, warm, perfect.
But inside?
She laughed.
Good. Keep smiling while I own both your lives.
Anastasia's eyes wandered as Subaru and Rem exchanged a soft kiss near the door.
He whispered something about dinner after her shift, and Rem lit up like a candle.
Anastasia cleared her throat. "Rem. Let's head back."
Rem turned quickly, bowing. "Yes, Lady Anastasia!"
As they began walking back toward the mansion, Anastasia glanced at the small house one last time.
It was nothing impressive — but enough.
She'd have to find out who owned it. Buy it quietly.
Then keep it rented to Rem and Subaru — controlling not just their work, but their roof.
Total control.
Expensive?
Yes.
But all worth it.
All to help Julius slide between Rem's thighs, again and again.
She looked at Rem walking beside her, her light step, her innocent joy.
Subaru doesn't even realize what he has. That face, that devotion — that body. She's meant for something better. For someone better.
For Julius.
Rem smiled brightly as they walked. "Thank you again, Lady Anastasia. For everything. I... I'm sorry about how I spoke yesterday. I know you're my mistress. I overstepped."
She looked down, fidgeting. "You have the right to do things I may not understand. I should've just cleaned the tights and forgotten it happened."
Anastasia gave a small, thoughtful nod.
"I appreciate your words. But I was wrong too," she said gently. "I should have told you I took the tights. I panicked. I lied. That wasn't fair to you."
(Inside her mind: She's bending. Finally. Good. She should get used to feeling Julius's seed on her. It won't just be on her tights next time.)
Rem let out a relieved breath. "It won't happen again."
Anastasia stopped walking. "No," she said, voice suddenly heavier. "Rem. Wait."
Rem blinked, confused. "Lady Anastasia?"
Anastasia looked away — as if ashamed. It was a perfect act, perfectly delivered.
"You deserve the truth," she whispered. "The real truth. About what happened."
Rem stiffened slightly.
"I..." Anastasia swallowed, choosing every word like a blade.
"Julius and I... we've been struggling. You've seen it. My body... it's weak. I can't always give him what he needs. I've tried... but I can feel him drifting."
Rem looked pained. She started to speak, but Anastasia raised her hand.
"No. Listen."
She forced tears to rise in her eyes. "I took your tights because... I thought it would help him. I thought... if I wore something from you... something that carried your scent, your energy... that he might feel something again. And he did."
Rem stood frozen, a stunned expression on her face.
"I know he finds you attractive," Anastasia said softly. "And I don't blame him."
She smiled bitterly. "You're young. Beautiful. Loyal. Anyone would love you."
She looked Rem in the eyes. "Even Julius."
Anastasia watched Rem's stunned expression closely — then softened her voice, painting her words with quiet sorrow.
"Don't misunderstand," she said gently. "Julius is loyal to me. He would never betray me. Not unless I allowed it. But..."
She glanced down, her hands folding politely in front of her.
"I haven't been able to... be with him. Not in years. My condition makes it too painful, too exhausting. So I don't blame him for looking at other women."
Rem opened her mouth slightly, unsure.
Anastasia smiled — fragile, honest. Or at least, it looked that way.
"He's a man. And all men look. It's in their nature. Even the best of them."
She turned to Rem, her eyes calm and sad. "But Julius won't act on it. He'd rather suffer in silence than cheat on me."
She let that hang for a moment, then spoke even more softly — words that carried years of bitterness underneath.
"...I just hope he doesn't waste his life on me."
Rem's eyes widened, confused.
Anastasia's voice dropped to a whisper.
"One day... I'll be gone. We both know my illness won't get better. And when that time comes... I pray he finds someone who truly loves him. Who gives him children. Who gives him the life I stole from him by dragging him into mine."
Her voice cracked — just barely.
"I want him to be happy. Even if I'm not the one giving it to him."
Rem stood frozen, visibly shaken. The sorrow in Anastasia's voice was too heavy to dismiss.
After a moment, Anastasia looked up again, smiling through the pain. "You understand, don't you, Rem? If it were Subaru... wouldn't you do the same?"
There was a long silence between them — only the faint wind rustling Rem's hair.
Then finally, slowly, Rem nodded.
"Yes," she said quietly. "If Subaru needed it... if it would make him happy... I'd do the same."
A gentle smile bloomed on her face — not seductive, not naive.
Just warm. Honest.
"And I'm glad you told me the truth," Rem added. "I'm really... happy you trusted me with it."
Anastasia exhaled softly — a perfect mask of relief and gratitude.
But inside?
Her heart sang.
Anastasia gently touched Rem's arm, her voice low, almost conspiratorial.
"But... please don't mention any of this to Julius."
Rem blinked. "Of course not, Lady Anastasia. I would never—"
"I'm telling you," Anastasia interrupted softly, "because I see you as a friend."
Her smile was small, quiet, sincere on the surface.
"You and I... we're similar, Rem. We love good men. Strong, kind, loyal men. Men who would never even think of betraying us."
Rem's expression softened, nodding slightly.
Anastasia's eyes dropped for a second, her smile fading.
"That's why it's hard," she whispered. "Because even if I gave Julius permission... I couldn't bear the humiliation. I would never be able to look him in the eye again."
She let out a bitter laugh.
"And not that it matters. Even if I told him, even if I begged him to find another woman... he'd refuse. He'd smile, hold my hand, and tell me he only wants me. He's too loyal. Too proud. He'd never do it."
Rem nodded again — slower this time, the words sinking in.
"That's why," Anastasia added carefully, "if he ever did decide to be with someone else... I'd rather he did it behind my back. I wouldn't want to know. I wouldn't want to be asked."
Her voice trailed into a whisper. "Let it just happen, far from me... and maybe I could pretend not to know."
For a moment, silence hung between them like a veil of shared sadness.
But Anastasia wasn't done.
She tilted her head gently. "Rem... if I may ask. How is your relationship with Subaru?"
Her voice stayed soft, but her eyes sharpened just slightly.
"I don't mean the happy parts. I know you love him. That's obvious. But..."
She glanced back toward the house they'd just left.
"It's the middle of the working week, and he's at home. No job. No income. You're the one supporting the household, aren't you?"
Rem hesitated, her steps slowing just a little.
Anastasia watched her carefully — hoping, pushing, for that opening.
A crack.
An honest confession.
"I just ask," she added lightly, "because I know how tiring it is... when you're the one carrying everything alone."
She gave Rem a kind look, like a trusted sister.
"I won't judge. I just want to know if you're really okay."
Anastasia walked quietly beside Rem, waiting — watching for that moment.
And it came.
Rem exhaled slowly, gaze falling to the path ahead. Her voice was tired. "Subaru... can't really keep a job."
Anastasia's heart skipped with wicked satisfaction.
Rem continued, "He tries. Really. But he either pushes himself too hard and gets hurt... or messes up and gets fired. People know him. Some want to give him a chance... but it never lasts."
Her voice cracked a little. "He keeps looking. But no one really trusts him anymore."
(Perfect.)
Anastasia kept her expression sympathetic, but inside she was glowing.
Rem's sadness, the weariness in her voice — it was everything she needed to hear.
A struggling husband. A desperate household. A faithful but worn-out wife.
She turned toward Rem, voice soft and warm. "That's exactly why I gave him this chance, Rem. For you."
She smiled gently. "Even if the festival fails... I'll still hire him. Permanently."
Rem stopped walking, eyes wide. "You would?"
Anastasia nodded. "Of course."
And then, smoothly, she added her lie.
"After our argument yesterday... Julius came to me. He told me I was wrong. That I needed to fix things with you."
Rem looked stunned.
"He said you were doing amazing work," Anastasia continued. "That you've helped him more than I realize. And he didn't want to see you treated unfairly."
Rem's eyes shimmered. "He... said that?"
Anastasia nodded. "He defended you. Said I was too harsh."
(Inside: Let her believe it. Let her feel special to him.)
A silence passed — heavier now.
"It must be hard," Anastasia said softly, "to pay for everything on one pension."
Rem nodded, her lip trembling. "Yes. I don't know what we would've done if I'd quit yesterday."
Anastasia smiled inside.
(That's right. You need this job. You're trapped now — beautifully, hopelessly trapped.)
Then she asked, lightly, "Have you ever thought about leaving Subaru?"
Rem shook her head firmly. "Never. He's everything I have."
Anastasia tilted her head. "What about your family?"
Rem looked away. "They're gone. My sister... Ram. She died."
Her voice dropped. "I left her. I ran away with Subaru instead of staying. She died alone. Sometimes I still wonder... if I made the right choice."
Her voice cracked and the tears came.
Anastasia didn't hesitate — she pulled Rem gently into her arms, letting her cry into her chest.
"It's okay," she whispered. "You did what you had to. Don't carry that alone."
(But inside her mind: Ram, huh? Another lead. I need to investigate her past. All of it.)
They stood like that for a long moment — Anastasia cradling her like a friend.
Like a sister.
Like a predator.
After a while, they continued walking. The air felt lighter.
Anastasia let her voice shift, playful now. "Let me ask something a little embarrassing."
She smiled coyly. "Julius used to be... amazing in bed. Strong. Gentle. He knew exactly how to move. I miss that. What about Subaru?"
Rem blushed, eyes wide. "I-I... don't have much to compare to. But... he's great. He's kind. He makes me feel safe."
She began talking softly, shyly — about how Subaru would always ask if she was okay, how gentle he was, how sweet.
Anastasia nodded along, smiling.
But in her mind?
She wasn't listening. Not really.
She was picturing Rem on her knees, her pretty blue lips wrapped around Julius's cock.
Not speaking about Subaru.
Serving someone better. Someone worthy.
(Soon, Rem. You'll stop talking about your husband.
And you'll start moaning for mine.)
As the two women approached the mansion gates, the warmth of the walk began to fade. The iron gate loomed — polished, cold, controlled. Just like Anastasia's smile.
Before they stepped inside, Anastasia stopped, resting her hand lightly on Rem's shoulder.
"Rem," she said softly, "do me a favor?"
Rem looked up. "Yes, Lady Anastasia?"
"I'd prefer if today's conversation... stayed between us."
Rem blinked, surprised. "Of course. I wouldn't tell anyone."
Anastasia smiled — one part grateful, two parts calculating.
"It's not just about me. It's about Julius."
She lowered her voice. "He's... too knight-like, too humble. He wouldn't want you to know he spoke on your behalf. He does good things, but he doesn't like the praise. Especially not for defending someone."
Rem nodded slowly, visibly touched. "He's... really kind."
Anastasia's expression flickered — carefully.
"He is," she agreed. "A very good man."
Then she let out a breath, tilting her head slightly as if thinking aloud.
"Actually... now that I think of it..." She glanced at Rem, her tone casual — too casual.
"Julius really does seem to like you."
Rem stiffened slightly. "L-like me?"
Anastasia gave a soft, knowing smile.
"He talks about your skill often. Your dedication. Your... kindness. Even your personality. He respects you a lot."
She paused — let the silence tease.
"And once or twice, I've heard him mention you're... attractive."
Rem's cheeks bloomed pink.
Anastasia looked down and shook her head lightly. "I suppose I should have a talk with him."
Rem's eyes widened, confused.
Anastasia met her gaze again, calm and cool.
"I can't let him start falling for you, can I?" she said gently. "You have a husband."
She said it without malice.
Without accusation.
But the words hung like a blade — delicate and sharp.
"I trust you, Rem," she added, stepping toward the door. "But even the best men... can lose themselves. Especially around someone as pure as you."
She opened the door and stepped inside, leaving Rem with a storm of emotions fluttering behind her.
(Inside her mind: Let her panic. Let her squirm. Let her wonder.
That tension is the first step toward guilt. And guilt... is the leash.)
Anastasia returned to her chambers with a graceful sigh, her steps light, her expression soft.
She locked the door behind her, slipped off her shoes, and sat by the window, letting the sunlight spill across her lap.
Everything had gone exactly as planned.
Rem had accepted every word — the story about Julius defending her, the warning about his growing affection, the subtle reminder of her own marriage.
Anastasia smiled faintly to herself.
(It's planted now. The idea. The possibility.)
Across the estate, Rem walked quietly toward Julius's office, arms full of documents, posture slightly tense.
Anastasia closed her eyes and leaned back, imagining it.
(She'll be nervous now. Overthinking everything.
Wondering if Julius is looking at her.
Wondering what he really thinks.
Blushing if he so much as compliments her handwriting.)
And those tights.
Anastasia chuckled softly to herself.
She knew full well how uncomfortably snug they were — she designed them that way.
After walking all day in them — from the mansion to the village and back — Rem's legs would be aching.
The fabric would dig into her thighs, the waistband pressing into her hips with every step.
And now?
The only room she was assigned to for the rest of the day... was Julius's.
(She'll want to take them off. She'll need to.)
Anastasia tilted her head against the window frame, smiling lazily.
(And the only place she can do that... is in his office.)
She imagined Rem slipping her shoes off by Julius's desk, hesitating, shifting in discomfort —
maybe whispering something shy and innocent:
"L-Lord Julius... do you mind if I take off my tights? They've gotten so tight, I can barely move in them..."
And Julius, always the gentleman, would probably avert his eyes, flustered.
Or maybe — maybe — he'd look.
He'd notice.
And Rem would notice him noticing.
(Today is different now,) Anastasia thought, a deep warmth settling in her chest.
(Because now Rem knows Julius likes her. And her body knows it too.)
She closed her eyes, resting her cheek on the pillow.
No need to rush.
Everything was moving perfectly.
Anastasia curled into her sheets, her body aching softly — the familiar weight of exhaustion pulling at her muscles.
The idea of spying on Julius and Rem passed through her mind like a shadow.
But she was too tired.
Her lungs were tight. Her skin cold and hot at the same time.
She needed to rest.
Later. There will be time for watching later.
But rest didn't stop the thoughts.
They bloomed in her mind like dark flowers.
She had two goals now.
Two beautiful, insane, perfect goals.
First: Collect Julius's seed in a jar.
It was insane.
It was filthy.
And it made her heart race with joy.
She would please him — softly, slowly.
Let him finish in her mouth, or with her hand.
And once he turned away, distracted...
She'd let it spill from her lips into a waiting vial.
Bit by bit.
Drop by drop.
Julius's love, bottled.
Why?
Because she wanted to turn it into perfume.
For Rem.
Anastasia let out a small, breathless laugh under the covers.
The image is perfect.
Rem standing there, eyes bright, holding a delicate crystal bottle.
"This is for me, Lady Anastasia? It smells... amazing."
And Rem wouldn't know.
Wouldn't know that what she was wearing wasn't perfume.
It was a claim. A bond. A warning.
"You are Julius's."
Even if she never saw him naked.
Even if she never kissed him.
Her body would carry his scent.
Her skin would bloom with his mark.
And when she stood near him...
Julius would notice.
Even if he didn't understand why.
Second: The kimonos.
The festival theme gave her the excuse.
She would order three:
A masculine, formal one for Julius
A tasteful one for herself
And a filthy, almost transparent, slut's kimono for Rem.
On the surface?
A friendly gesture.
Matching outfits.
Cute coordination.
In truth?
It was a trap.
She'd wait until the fitting day.
Bring Julius into the room.
Have Rem try on the sheer kimono.
And then ask, with perfect sweetness:
"Julius, what do you think?"
He'd try to be polite.
He'd hesitate.
But he'd look.
And when he spoke — when he praised the cut, the color, the style — Anastasia would smile and say, "Hmm... maybe something less revealing. I think I can see your nipples, Rem."
Discomfort. Tension. Heat.
Let them squirm.
Let them burn.
Then she'd give Rem a second, modest kimono to wear for the actual festival.
But the sheer one?
She'd say, laughing softly:
"Take it home. Maybe wear it for Subaru."
Then, glancing sideways at Julius:
"If you like it... he'll love it too."
Anastasia's fingers curled in her sheets, her body hot with fever and arousal and anticipation.
She couldn't breathe deeply — her lungs resisted — but she didn't care.
She was too happy.
Rem would smell like Julius.
Julius entered the bedroom just past twilight, his shoulders tight from the day's work.
Anastasia was already lying in bed, wrapped in light silk, her long white hair brushed and pinned loosely behind her. She looked tired, but her smile was soft.
"You look tense," she said gently. "I know how to help with that."
Julius barely had time to respond before she shifted, her slender fingers finding the bulge in his pants with practiced ease.
She moved slowly — delicately — as if her joints ached, but her intentions were clear.
"You've worked hard," she whispered, stroking him softly under the sheets. "Do you want to come kimono shopping with me tomorrow?"
Julius gave a tired chuckle. "You know I hate shopping."
Anastasia leaned closer, letting her fingers curl tighter. "But it'll be fun. I'll wear something... nice. Maybe a revealing kimono, just for you."
She felt him throb lightly in her palm — her smile sharpened.
"We'll bring Rem with us too," she added, her pace quickening just slightly. "She could use a break from all this paperwork."
Julius shifted awkwardly, but said nothing.
Anastasia slowed again, feigning innocence. "It'll be for the festival. We'll buy a proper kimono for me... and maybe a few fun ones, too."
Then she picked up speed again, her voice lowering, sultry.
"I'll even get one for Rem to try — something bold. You can help judge them, hmm?"
She gave a playful giggle. "I'll convince her to model something extra daring.
And I'll buy it for her — she can wear it for Subaru, of course. I'm sure her husband will enjoy it."
Anastasia laughed softly.
"I can already imagine it — Rem giggling like a newlywed, that sheer fabric riding up her thighs while Subaru fucks her all night long."
She felt Julius stiffen — and not just from her hand.
Perfect.
She moved her grip faster, guiding him toward climax. She whispered teasingly:
"I love teasing you about Rem, you know. Gets you all flustered."
But Julius, breathless, managed to say:
"I only think of you, Anastasia. I would never... never think of Rem like that."
Anastasia gave a sweet chuckle, slowing down.
"I know, I know. You're my perfect, loyal knight. Besides..."
She glanced down at his face, her tone half-mocking, half-sweet:
"Rem's out of your league anyway. You've been celibate for years, Julius.
You'd probably disappoint her."
She said it like a joke — a soft sting under velvet words.
And she hated saying it.
The look on his face made her gut twist with guilt.
But she had to.
(He needs to prove me wrong.)
(He needs to want her. To crave her. To show me he still has fire.)
She leaned in, kissed his cheek, then pulled her hand away.
"Sorry," she said, brushing her fingers together. "My arm hurts. That's all I can manage tonight."
Julius nodded gently. "It's okay. I understand."
She rolled over in the sheets, eyes fluttering closed.
But inside her mind?
She smiled.
(He's still hard.)
(And he'll be lying there, full, aching... imagining someone. Maybe me. Maybe...)
She whispered, half-asleep, "I love you. Good night."
Julius reached to tuck the covers over her.
"Good night," he said softly. "I love you too."
The room was dim, silent now except for the soft rustle of bedsheets and the quiet creak of Julius carefully slipping out of bed.
Anastasia's eyes remained closed, her breathing steady — feigning sleep.
But inside, she was alert.
Waiting.
Listening.
The moment the bathroom door clicked shut, she moved.
Her fingers slipped under the sheets, finding the faint warmth and wetness left on her palm and the fabric below.
Not much — but enough.
She reached under her pillow, retrieving a small glass vial she had hidden there earlier.
Quick. Quiet.
She scraped what she could from her skin, then dabbed at the wet spot on the sheets, soaking it up with the tip of a handkerchief. She twisted it tight, squeezing a few last drops into the vial.
It wasn't much. Barely a layer.
But it was a start. Day one.
The vial went back under the pillow. The handkerchief, tied and folded, into the hidden pocket of her robe.
By the time the bathroom door creaked open again, Anastasia was back under the covers — eyes closed, breathing soft.
She heard it.
The soft grunt. The muted, rhythmic sound of Julius relieving himself alone.
She smiled — bitter, playful, cruel.
"Julius..." she called out sweetly, still pretending to be half-asleep.
"Come back to bed. I feel lonely."
He paused. "...I'm just—finishing."
"You shouldn't be in there doing that," she said with a tired little sigh. "Thinking about Rem."
There was a moment of silence — then Julius's voice, steady but defensive:
"I wasn't thinking about Rem."
The words were sharp. Final.
Anastasia said nothing else — just let them hang.
A moment later, he returned to the bed.
Slid beneath the covers.
Lay beside her, quiet.
Anastasia immediately rolled toward him, wrapping herself around his side. Her head rested against his chest, her hand resting over his heart.
"Thank you," she whispered. "For coming back."
Julius didn't reply, but his arm gently folded around her.
Anastasia closed her eyes again.
The next morning, as the sun crept over the tiled rooftops of Kararagi, Anastasia sealed a letter with her signature wax stamp and handed it off to a courier. Inside were detailed requests — fabrics, styles, measurements — everything needed to prepare the kimono order ahead of their visit that afternoon.
She spent the morning resting and reviewing event schedules. After lunch, she summoned Rem to her office.
"Rem," she said smoothly, smiling as the maid entered, "we'll be going shopping this afternoon — Julius and I — for the upcoming festival."
Rem tilted her head politely. "Of course, Lady Anastasia. Should I prepare your parasol or—?"
"You'll be coming with us," Anastasia said, her voice warm, casual. "I'd like you to assist us. There are plenty of details to handle — and I plan to buy you a kimono as well."
Rem blinked in surprise. "For me?"
"Of course," Anastasia said. "You'll be working through the festival and especially during the final party. I expect you to assist both myself and Julius — you'll be our representative, after all."
Rem smiled softly. "I understand. I'll do my best."
Anastasia gave a little chuckle. "Don't worry, I'm not cruel. During the party, you'll have some time off. You'll be able to spend a little time with Subaru. I imagine he'll be busy during the festival days too, managing booths and such. But the party is meant to be celebratory."
Rem's face lit up with a blush. "Thank you, Lady Anastasia."
Perfect.
(Let her feel grateful. Let her feel like I'm the one giving her these small moments with Subaru — because soon, I'll be the one giving her to Julius.)
Later that afternoon, the three of them arrived at the kimono shop, a cozy but high-end boutique nestled in the merchant district. The owner, already prepared from Anastasia's morning letter, greeted them with a low bow and ushered them into the private fitting chamber.
Racks of folded silk were laid out — regal patterns, soft colors, and a few more daring designs tucked discreetly behind a folding screen.
"Let's start with Julius," Anastasia said smoothly, walking beside the rows of men's kimonos. The shopkeeper brought out several options — some bold, others classic and knightly.
She turned toward Rem with practiced charm.
"What do you think, Rem? This one?" she asked, holding up a deep indigo robe with silver trim. "It'd bring out his eyes, don't you think?"
Rem blinked. "I-I suppose so. It's very elegant..."
"Oh, don't be shy," Anastasia said with a small laugh, waving the fabric toward her. "You'll be working beside him during the party. You'll have to match somewhat. What would look best on him?"
Rem stepped closer, trying not to fumble with her words. "The silver matches his hair... and the indigo is strong. It suits him."
Anastasia smiled. "Mmm. Good eye."
She turned to Julius. "Darling, try it on for us."
Julius looked faintly uncomfortable, but obediently took the robe and stepped behind the curtain.
As he changed, Anastasia turned again to Rem and whispered, teasing:
"Don't worry. He's shy, but he loves compliments."