Julius held her tightly to his body, his arms a steady embrace as Rem broke down completely. Her sobs came in waves—deep, guttural cries that shook her entire frame, each one tearing from the depths of her pain. The maid uniform, usually so neat and composed, now clung to her in disarray; the apron twisted around her waist from the sudden movement, the collar damp with tears, the fabric of her skirt bunched where Julius's hands gripped her securely. She had sought to be hugged, to be held, and Julius gave her that without hesitation.
The embrace lasted far longer than a moment—five minutes, perhaps more. Time stretched in the quiet office, marked only by the rhythm of Rem's breathing as it slowly steadied against his chest. Julius didn't move, didn't speak. He simply held her, one hand gently stroking her back in slow, soothing circles, the other cradling her head against his shoulder. Her blue hair spilled over his arm, damp with tears, and he could feel the warmth of her body through the thin layers of her uniform, the subtle tremble that lingered even as the worst of the storm passed.
Rem's fingers clutched at his shirt, knuckles white, as if letting go would mean falling apart entirely. The necklace—the one that had started all of this—rested against her collarbone, rising and falling with each shaky breath. Julius's chin rested lightly atop her head, his own breathing deep and calm, a silent promise that he was there, that she wasn't alone.
Anastasia watched from the shadows, her own tears forgotten in the face of this intimate scene. The sight of Rem, so vulnerable, so held, was a knife to the heart. But she couldn't look away.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Rem's sobs quieted to soft hiccups. She didn't pull away. She stayed there, nestled in Julius's lap, her face still buried in his shoulder, as if the world outside his arms no longer existed.
Anastasia felt the weight of her sorrow pressing down on her like an invisible hand, too heavy to bear any longer. Julius's words had carved a deep wound in her soul, one that throbbed with every beat of her heart. She couldn't continue watching this intimate scene unfold—it was too much, too raw. Yet, amidst the pain, a spark of excitement flickered to life. Seeing Rem so close to Julius, nestled in his arms, her body pressed against his... it was exhilarating. Anastasia knew that if Julius weren't acting like such a bitch—holding back, being the perfect, honorable knight—he could have her right here and now. He could claim Rem on that desk, in that office, and make her his. But right now, with Rem's emotions in turmoil and Julius's own conflicts raging, it wouldn't work. It would be forced, unnatural, and Anastasia wanted it to be perfect—inevitable, passionate, and irreversible.
She lingered a moment longer, her eyes glued to the spy hole, but the ache in her chest grew unbearable. With a shaky breath, she pulled away, wiping the tears from her face. There was nothing more to gain from this today. The day had dragged on long enough, and she needed to regroup, to plan her next move.
In the office, Rem's sobs began to subside, her body still trembling but her breathing slowing. At some point, she pulled away slightly, her hands gently pushing against Julius's chest as she sniffled. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice hoarse from crying. "I... I don't think I can do the paperwork today. I'm too emotional. I'd just mess up the papers with my tears."
Julius nodded understandingly, his hand lingering on her shoulder for a moment before he helped her stand. "Of course. Why don't you rest on the sofa? I'll handle it myself."
Rem hesitated, her cheeks flushing with shyness. "I shouldn't sleep at work... it's not right."
He smiled gently, guiding her toward the plush sofa in the corner of the office. "Don't worry about it. I'm your boss, and I say it's fine. Treat it as an order if you must."
With a reluctant nod, Rem allowed herself to lie down on the sofa. From Anastasia's perspective in the hidden room, the sight was intoxicatingly provocative. Rem's body, so hot and curvaceous, stretched out like an offering. Her maid uniform, once pristine, was now messy and disheveled from the emotional turmoil— the apron askew, the bodice slightly unbuttoned at the top from her heaving breaths, revealing a hint of the soft swell of her breasts. The skirt had ridden up as she settled in, rolling slightly higher on her thighs, exposing her naked legs in all their smooth, toned glory. They were long and shapely, the skin pale and flawless, leading up to where the fabric bunched just enough to tease. As Rem adjusted her position, her legs pointed in Julius's direction, parted ever so slightly in her exhaustion. Anastasia knew that from his vantage point at the desk, Julius should be able to catch a glimpse of Rem's panties—white, simple, yet tantalizingly innocent against the backdrop of her vulnerability. It was a view that screamed temptation, and Anastasia's jealousy mingled with a twisted satisfaction at the thought.
Julius didn't speak to her after that, turning his attention back to the paperwork with a quiet focus. Anastasia could tell he didn't want Rem to cry anymore; he wanted her to sleep, to find some peace in the midst of her storm. The room fell silent, save for the soft rustle of papers and Rem's gradually evening breaths.
Anastasia sighed, her own tears drying on her cheeks. She decided to return to her room—after all, today's events had dragged on long enough, and she needed solitude to process the pain. Slipping out of the secret chamber, she made her way through the mansion's corridors, her steps heavy with regret and resolve.
As the day wore on, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows through the windows. Anastasia knew what she had to do to salvage this. Hiding her pride like a bitter pill she had to swallow, she called for Rem to come to her office at the end of the workday. When Rem arrived, her eyes still puffy from earlier tears but her composure regained, Anastasia stood up to meet her. In a gesture of humility that burned her from the inside, Anastasia bowed deeply before Rem.
"I am deeply sorry for my actions today," Anastasia said, her voice steady but laced with feigned remorse. In her head, she seethed, calling Rem a whore, a manipulative slut who didn't deserve Julius's kindness. "Nothing justifies what I did. I was out of line, and I regret hurting you and the other maid."
Rem blinked in surprise, her posture stiffening slightly. "Lady Anastasia... I appreciate that, but—"
Anastasia straightened, her eyes meeting Rem's with a calculated vulnerability. "Please, let me explain. I see you like family, Rem. When you rejected Julius's gift, it felt like more than just turning down a necklace. It felt like a rejection of our friendship—of the bond we've been building. But I realize now that was my own insecurity speaking."
She paused, correcting herself with a soft smile. "No, more than that. I see you as family. You're one of the only people I've been open with emotionally, Rem. In a way... I see you as a sister."
Rem's expression shifted, a flicker of pain crossing her face at the mention of "sister." Anastasia had gleaned that from her spying earlier—Rem's deep bond with her lost sister Ram, the guilt she carried. It was a calculated strike, hoping to worm her way into that emotional void. If she could take Ram's spot in Rem's heart, even a little, Rem would trust her more, be easier to control, to manipulate into Julius's arms.
Rem hesitated, her voice soft. "Lady Anastasia... that's kind of you to say, but today was really difficult. You threatened me, and the other maid—she did nothing wrong."
Anastasia nodded, her face a mask of sincerity. "I know. I let my emotions get the better of me. I've been struggling with my health, with feeling inadequate, and I took it out on you. That's no excuse, but I hope you can understand. You're important to me, Rem. To this household. Can you forgive me?"
Rem looked down, fiddling with the hem of her uniform. "I... I respect you, Lady Anastasia. And I appreciate everything you've done for me and Subaru. The sponsorship, the job... it's changed our lives. But what happened today—it scared me. I don't want to lose this position, but I also don't want to feel like I'm walking on eggshells."
Anastasia stepped closer, her voice gentle. "I promise it won't happen again. Julius already scolded me for it, and he's right. You're not just a maid—you're part of our family. Like a sister to me. I've never had siblings, Rem. Growing up as an orphan, I always wished for someone like you—strong, loyal, kind. Please, forgive me. Let's start fresh."
Rem's eyes softened, the mention of "sister" hitting its mark. She remembered Ram, the pain of loss, and something in Anastasia's words tugged at that wound. "Alright," Rem said finally, her voice wavering. "I forgive you. But please, don't involve the other maids next time. They're innocent."
Anastasia smiled, relief flooding her features—though inside, she still seethed. "Thank you, Rem. You're too kind. And yes, I promise. Now, go home to Subaru. Rest. Tomorrow is a new day."
Rem nodded, offering a small smile before turning to leave. "Goodnight, Lady Anastasia."
As the door closed, Anastasia's smile faded, her mind already plotting. Whore, she thought again. But now, with Rem's forgiveness secured, she was one step closer to control.
The next two weeks were a whirlwind of triumph for Anastasia, a rare stretch where her plans aligned perfectly, fueling her twisted determination. She managed to create the perfume just before the festival, a subtle, intoxicating scent infused with Julius's essence. Of course, she sprayed herself a couple of times—after all, Julius was her husband, and the idea of his semen on her skin sent a thrill through her. It was a secret indulgence, a reminder of her control, even as her body failed her.
What more, Anastasia decided what to do with Rem's ring. She hired a female ninja, Yae Tenzen, as a new maid. Yae had once worked for her opponent in the royal selection, Priscilla Barielle, but after Priscilla's death, she was looking for work. Anastasia chose to involve a secondary person—someone who didn't know Rem personally—to avoid suspicion. If it came out that Anastasia had ordered the theft of Rem's ring, it could destroy their fragile friendship, and in the worst-case scenario, she'd pretend she hadn't given the order. Of course, she paid Yae in advance; she needed her only for this task, but having someone who followed orders blindly might prove useful in the future. So, Anastasia decided to give her a permanent job in the household. The ring would be stolen at the festival, during the chaos of the crowds and distractions—a perfect cover.
Anastasia also managed to collect more of Julius's seed in those two weeks, despite his reluctance to her advances in bed. He acted distant, still stung from their arguments, but she coaxed him with gentle words and feigned vulnerability. Anastasia thought he was acting like a child—after all, she had restricted herself not to say anything that might hurt his feelings. But what mattered was the result: she had enough now to make a nice little bath for the ring. Anastasia planned to submerge that declaration of Rem and Subaru's love in Julius's seed for a time, tainting it symbolically, overwriting Subaru's claim with Julius's essence. It was a petty, delicious revenge.
Amidst her schemes, Anastasia had to handle the festival preparations. She met with Subaru a couple of times to discuss it, ensuring everything was on track. She even made comments that could be taken as flirting, like praising his ideas in ways that hinted at deeper appreciation. And she made sure Subaru prepared attractions for couples—romantic lantern releases, cozy booths for shared treats, secluded spots for whispers under the stars. After all, she wanted Julius and Rem's "date" to be attractive, irresistible.
The hardest conversation with Subaru was about the necklace. It came up during one of their meetings in her office, as they reviewed vendor lists.
Anastasia leaned back in her chair, her eyes sharp as she regarded Subaru. "Subaru, I couldn't help but notice Rem wearing that necklace Julius gave her. It's a fine piece, isn't it?"
Subaru shifted uncomfortably, his usual bravado faltering. "Yeah... about that. It's a bit much, don't you think? I mean, from another man..."
Anastasia smiled smoothly, folding her hands. "It's a reward for Rem's hard work, Subaru. She's been exceptional here—dedicated, efficient. You should appreciate her more, especially since you're getting this chance to prove yourself thanks to her efforts."
Subaru frowned, scratching his head. "I do appreciate her! Rem's amazing. But... a necklace like that? People might talk."
She tilted her head, her voice laced with calculated innocence. "Talk? About what? It's just a token of gratitude. And let's be honest, Subaru—with all the time Rem spends working with my husband on paperwork... well, I doubt Julius would make a move on her. He's far too honorable for that."
Subaru's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of jealousy crossing his face. "Working with Julius a lot, huh?"
Anastasia waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, yes—late nights sometimes, poring over documents. But if he did make a move... I wouldn't blame him. Rem's quite the catch. And as his wife, I'd forgive him. After all, marriages have their complexities."
Subaru's jaw tightened, but he forced a laugh. "Haha, yeah... I guess. But Rem's loyal. She wouldn't..."
"Of course not," Anastasia said, her smile sharpening. "She's devoted to you. But it's good to value what you have, Subaru. Rem's given up a lot for this fresh start with you. Make sure you deserve it."
He nodded, a bit subdued. "I will. Thanks for the advice, Lady Anastasia."
As he left, Anastasia leaned back, satisfied. She had pointed out his shortcomings without destroying his jealousy—in fact, she'd stoked it just enough. Subaru's insecurity would keep him off-balance, making Rem more vulnerable to Julius's charms. Everything was falling into place.
The next two weeks were a whirlwind of triumph for Anastasia, a rare stretch where her plans aligned perfectly, fueling her twisted determination. She managed to create the perfume just before the festival, a subtle, intoxicating scent infused with Julius's essence. Of course, she sprayed herself a couple of times—after all, Julius was her husband, and the idea of his semen on her skin sent a thrill through her. It was a secret indulgence, a reminder of her control, even as her body failed her.
What more, Anastasia decided what to do with Rem's ring. She hired a female ninja, Yae Tenzen, as a new maid. Yae had once worked for her opponent in the royal selection, Priscilla Barielle, but after Priscilla's death, she was looking for work. Anastasia chose to involve a secondary person—someone who didn't know Rem personally—to avoid suspicion. If it came out that Anastasia had ordered the theft of Rem's ring, it could destroy their fragile friendship, and in the worst-case scenario, she'd pretend she hadn't given the order. Of course, she paid Yae in advance; she needed her only for this task, but having someone who followed orders blindly might prove useful in the future. So, Anastasia decided to give her a permanent job in the household. The ring would be stolen at the festival, during the chaos of the crowds and distractions—a perfect cover.
Anastasia also managed to collect more of Julius's seed in those two weeks, despite his reluctance to her advances in bed. He acted distant, still stung from their arguments, but she coaxed him with gentle words and feigned vulnerability. Anastasia thought he was acting like a child—after all, she had restricted herself not to say anything that might hurt his feelings. But what mattered was the result: she had enough now to make a nice little bath for the ring. Anastasia planned to submerge that declaration of Rem and Subaru's love in Julius's seed for a time, tainting it symbolically, overwriting Subaru's claim with Julius's essence. It was a petty, delicious revenge.
Amidst her schemes, Anastasia had to handle the festival preparations. She met with Subaru a couple of times to discuss it, ensuring everything was on track. She even made comments that could be taken as flirting, like praising his ideas in ways that hinted at deeper appreciation. And she made sure Subaru prepared attractions for couples—romantic lantern releases, cozy booths for shared treats, secluded spots for whispers under the stars. After all, she wanted Julius and Rem's "date" to be attractive, irresistible.
The hardest conversation with Subaru was about the necklace. It came up during one of their meetings in her office, as they reviewed vendor lists.
Anastasia leaned back in her chair, her eyes sharp as she regarded Subaru. "Subaru, I couldn't help but notice Rem wearing that necklace Julius gave her. It's a fine piece, isn't it?"
Subaru shifted uncomfortably, his usual bravado faltering. "Yeah... about that. It's a bit much, don't you think? I mean, from another man..."
Anastasia smiled smoothly, folding her hands. "It's a reward for Rem's hard work, Subaru. She's been exceptional here—dedicated, efficient. You should appreciate her more, especially since you're getting this chance to prove yourself thanks to her efforts."
Subaru frowned, scratching his head. "I do appreciate her! Rem's amazing. But... a necklace like that? People might talk."
She tilted her head, her voice laced with calculated innocence. "Talk? About what? It's just a token of gratitude. And let's be honest, Subaru—with all the time Rem spends working with my husband on paperwork... well, I doubt Julius would make a move on her. He's far too honorable for that."
Subaru's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of jealousy crossing his face. "Working with Julius a lot, huh?"
Anastasia waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, yes—late nights sometimes, poring over documents. But if he did make a move... I wouldn't blame him. Rem's quite the catch. And as his wife, I'd forgive him. After all, marriages have their complexities."
Subaru's jaw tightened, but he forced a laugh. "Haha, yeah... I guess. But Rem's loyal. She wouldn't..."
"Of course not," Anastasia said, her smile sharpening. "She's devoted to you. But it's good to value what you have, Subaru. Rem's given up a lot for this fresh start with you. Make sure you deserve it."
He nodded, a bit subdued. "I will. Thanks for the advice, Lady Anastasia."
As he left, Anastasia leaned back, satisfied. She had pointed out his shortcomings without destroying his jealousy—in fact, she'd stoked it just enough. Subaru's insecurity would keep him off-balance, making Rem more vulnerable to Julius's charms. Everything was falling into place.
The next two weeks brought Anastasia a fragile sense of victory mixed with gnawing frustration. Through her hidden peepholes and carefully placed listening devices, she watched Julius and Rem grow steadily closer—not in the physical way she craved, but in the quiet, dangerous intimacy of open conversation. They talked more freely now: about work, about small daily frustrations, about dreams they rarely shared with anyone else. Julius's voice softened when he spoke to Rem; Rem's laughter, though rare, became less guarded around him. Yet there was never a single touch that crossed the line—no lingering hand on a shoulder, no accidental brush of fingers, no stolen glance that lasted too long. They remained painfully, frustratingly proper.
What bothered Rem the most, Anastasia quickly realized, was the simple fact that she couldn't attend the festival with Subaru. Subaru had to stay behind the scenes, managing vendors, timing fireworks, directing staff—keeping everything running smoothly. Rem would be expected to remain visible as part of the Hoshin household staff, attending to guests, ensuring protocol, and—most importantly—staying close to Julius. The thought of missing the festival with her husband clearly weighed on Rem; Anastasia overheard quiet sighs, seen the way Rem's fingers would unconsciously touch her wedding ring when the topic of the event came up.
These words brought Anastasia secret comfort. Rem's unhappiness was a balm to her wounded pride. After all, Anastasia had made sure Subaru would have to oversee every detail himself. She had deliberately loaded him with responsibilities, praising his "leadership potential" and "unique vision" until he felt he couldn't delegate even the smallest task. It was perfect—Subaru would be trapped running the show while Rem stood beside Julius under the festival lights.
Everything would have been perfect... if not for Julius.
In one overheard conversation, Julius—ever the gentleman—suggested to Rem:
"You know, during the closing ceremony for sponsors, you could slip away for a while. Go find Subaru. Have some fun together. You've earned it."
Rem had hesitated, then smiled weakly. "Thank you, Sir Julius... but I couldn't leave you and Lady Anastasia to handle everything alone."
Julius had only chuckled. "Don't worry about us. Enjoy the night with your husband."
Anastasia's blood had boiled. She hated it—hated that Julius was practically pushing Rem back into Subaru's arms. She briefly considered pretending to be too ill to attend, forcing Julius and Rem to go together without her supervision. But she knew it wouldn't work. If she stayed behind, rumors would spread like wildfire: The Hoshin marriage is crumbling. Anastasia too sick to appear in public, Julius attending alone with the beautiful maid... The very idea made her furious. Their marriage was perfect. People had no right to stick their noses into private matters.
Anastasia took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside her. The image of Julius standing alone at the festival, waiting while Rem disappeared into the crowd with Subaru, hurt more than she wanted to admit. Even worse was the thought that they might waste every romantic opportunity the festival offered—lantern-lit walks, secluded couple booths, fireworks that could have been the perfect backdrop for stolen glances and whispered confessions. Knowing Julius and Rem, they would probably spend the entire evening being polite, proper, and painfully restrained.
She paced her hidden chamber, fists clenched.
They'll waste it all, she thought bitterly. And if Julius ends up alone even for a moment, the rumors will start. Everyone will whisper that our marriage is failing.
The very thought made her chest tighten. She could already imagine the pitying glances, the hushed conversations behind fans. Poor Lady Anastasia... so frail, so unable to keep her husband's attention...
Anastasia pressed her palm against the wall, steadying herself.
No, she thought fiercely. Our marriage is perfect. It has to stay perfect. No one gets to question it. No one.
But even as she repeated the words to herself, the pain lingered—sharp, deep, and impossible to ignore.