She was hungry. Very hungry, for that matter.
Head resting on the dining table, arms sprawled over it, Amanises grumbled under her breath. Her ears drooped low, eyes shut tight, silky hair spilling over to hide her mild annoyance. It had been over two hours since their usual dining time and yet Klein—her personal chef—had not brought dinner to the table.
For a brief moment, she considered rising from her seat and marching into the kitchen to see what he was doing. But alas, she had been bound by a rather unreasonable promise—to neither enter the kitchen nor so much as sneak a glance inside.
Anyways… The last time she tried, Klein had concealed the kitchen in a thick veil of Fog of History. The attempt to breach it had gone… poorly. Her location had been "gently" displaced to somewhere outside Tingen. It was a long, long walk back.
Thus, after repeated failures, she'd resigned herself to defeat. Klein knew her far too well.
Amanises let out a deep sigh, ever so slightly shaking her head. This charlatan… he has been more annoying than ever! Of course, Amanises didn't mean it to heart, in fact, she herself found these little playful moments quite amusing. How could she not? They were by someone she cherished the most.
Besides, Klein had definitely suffered some noticeable changes—perhaps a bit more playful, a bit more quiet, a bit more shy. His hair just slightly messier, his eyes just slightly more alluring—was he… trying to look good? Since when has The Fool bothered with his looks?
This was also not the first time Klein had barred her from entering the kitchen, but in the past it was more out of a joke than anything. Nowadays, he seemed to find a strange amusement in keeping the King of Angels of Darkness in dark about her own meals. Was his smile always curling so much when he looked at her?
Perhaps Amanises had been staring at him far too long to notice everything that the excellent clown didn't even attempt to hide.
It's not a lie… a guy you like can really make your head go fuzzy.
This is so stupid, she lampooned with a sigh.
Then a soft creak of a door hinge pulled her from her sulk. She straightened instinctively, ears perking, eyes snapping open. Klein emerged from the kitchen at last, his expression maddeningly calm, carrying two covered platters in his arms. The aroma that trailed him was nothing short of divine, curling into the air reaching into Amanises nostrils.
Without a word, he set one platter in front of her, the other across the table for himself. The silver lids gleamed faintly under the light, and from their seams at the bottom escaped an aroma strong and delicious. Amanises eyed him for a long second before flicking her gaze to the covered dish. "…This had better be worth my exile," she muttered.
Klein only smiled faintly, fingers poised on the lid of his platter. "Why don't you see for yourself?"
Amanises' fingers curled around the delicate handle of the silver lid. The faint clink of metal on porcelain, and as she lifted it, a small swirl of fragrant steam escaped—warm, golden, and laced with aromas that wrapped around the senses like a silk ribbon.
Beneath was a sight so divine it could have been an oil painting in some royal gallery. A perfectly roasted duck, its lacquered skin shimmering with a deep mahogany glaze, sat atop a bed of buttery truffle-infused mashed potatoes. The skin was crisp, taut, and whisper-thin, yet beneath it glistened tender meat, still carrying the faint blush of slow roasting. A drizzle of thick, ruby-red pomegranate reduction traced along the edge of the plate, jeweled droplets catching the candlelight.
Around the duck lay a careful scatter of caramelized baby carrots, blistered pearl onions, and slender green beans. The scent was maddening. Amanises eyes were locked dead on the plate.
The second plate mirrored the first though Klein's portion was ever so slightly larger, a subtle boast hidden under his usual calm expression. Amanises' stomach growled audibly. She didn't even bother with words at first. She only exhaled a slow breath, her dark eyes narrowing slightly.
"This is…" she murmured.
Klein only smirked, settling into his seat. "I've been perfecting it"
Her fork twitched in her hand. Amanises slid the fork into the meat, the skin giving way with a delicate, audible crack. A thread of steam rose as the tender flesh parted, juices spilling over. She didn't waste time and brought the bite to her lips. The moment it touched her tongue, her eyes half-lidded, and without so much as a pause, she carved into the next piece. Another bite. Then another. Klein didn't touch his own plate right away. He just leaned back slightly, watching her. The flicker of the candlelight caught on his eyes, lighting the softness in them. His gaze lingered, reflecting her figure surrounded by his warmth, and as she kept eating in silence, a small, unforced smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
It stayed there, as if her quiet enjoyment alone was enough to fill him.
Slowly, Klein lifted his fork, the motion unhurried, as though matching her pace. The first bite was taken without flourish, his attention split between the food and the woman across from him. They ate in silence, still, an easy sort that seemed to stretch and settle between them like a shared blanket. Every so often, their eyes met. No words were spoken, but the brief acknowledgment of the other's presence was simply enough. The soft clink of cutlery, the faint simmer of the candle, the steady breathing of two people content to simply exist in the same moment.
When the last bite was gone, they both leaned back into their chairs almost in unison. A sigh slipped from Amanises, light and satisfied, the kind that only followed a truly scrumptious meal. Klein's sigh was quieter, his expression carried a different kind of joy—one born not from the food, but from watching her.
"Have I satisfied you, my lady?" Klein's voice carried a coy edge, his gaze fixed on Amanises. She lifted a hand, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her beautiful face. "Indeed you have." Her leg crossed over the other, hands resting elegantly on her lap, posture composed like a refined lady.
"It was an amazing meal, Klein," she continued, voice soft but brimming with quiet sincerity. His smile rose just enough to betray his delight. "I can't be more glad to know that."
Amanises nodded, then tapped a finger lightly against her lips, eyes narrowing in playful thought. "Was there some special occasion for such a grand meal?"
A brief pause. Klein leaned forward, resting his chin on his steepled hands. "I… had a realization." Her gaze locked on his, searching. For a second, her expression grew distant, then her lips parted in a small curve. "…Actually, same."
Her words lingered in the air, suspended in a still silence. Neither spoke further. The quiet stretched until Amanises exhaled, her sigh soft and feather-light. She reached forward, collecting her plate then his with an unhurried grace.
"I'll wash these," she said, already standing.
Klein rose without argument. "I'll help. I have a bit of cleanup to do myself."
They walked to the kitchen, their footsteps the only sound in the quiet house. The warm lamplight fell over them as they worked side by side at the counter—Amanises at the sink, Klein nearby clearing scraps and wiping the tableware. Every so often, their shoulders brushed; not enough to be deliberate, yet enough to stir a current between them.
It was, if they were truly honest with themselves, hard to work like this—hard to focus with that faint proximity and the attention that was placed on the other.
They settled onto the couch, the fabric still faintly cool against them. Without speaking, they leaned side by side, without words or even their own acknowledgment—almost completely instinctual. Amanises' hair brushed lightly against Klein's shoulder, her faint scent of serenity and quiet still lingering despite the work in the kitchen.
The room was steeped in a comfortable quiet with only the low hum of the distant clock filling the air. Klein's gaze remained forward, but every now and then, his eyes flickered toward her, catching the gentle rise and fall of her breathing. Amanises, though still, seemed to soften further with each passing second, legs tucked under her.
This is so stupid… It wasn't that Klein or Amanises were feeling awkward—far from it. They were stretching the silence on purpose, both too comfortable and too wordless to break it. Time ticked on, the quiet thinning along with the final moments before awakening.
Amanises yawned. Klein still had no idea how a King of Angels could even do that.
"Sleep after a scrumptious meal~" she murmured, raising her arms for a long stretch. She rose from the couch, joints popping softly as she smoothed her hair into place. Klein stayed where he was, quietly watching her prepare to drift off to her room.
And then a thought slid into his mind. His lips curled. "Hehe… where's my payment for that?"
Amanises half-turned, eyes locking with his. A moment of silence passed between them. Then she tilted her head and whispered, "Payment, you say?~"
She stepped back to the couch, leaned down over him, one hand resting lightly on his chest as she brought her face close enough for him to feel her breath.
A soft peck. Her lips pressed gently to his cheek—warm, perfectly shaped, lingering just long enough to leave the faintest ache when they parted. Then, without a backward glance, she murmured, "Night," and headed for the stairs.
Klein stayed on the couch, letting out a slow breath. His cheek was burning red, and the Clown didn't bother hiding it. The tingle still ran through him. This is so stupid…
After a few more deep breaths, he slouched until he was almost melting into the cushions feeling too lazy to go to his room, and too human to just blink there. What a conundrum. He closed his eyes, head on the armrest, legs dangling off the couch, and let himself drift.
I really have been transmigrated into a rom-com, Klein mused, letting his mind drift back to that single day that had overturned everything. A sigh slipped out, followed by a quiet laugh. He summoned a fragment of his Divine Kingdom within his mind, sealing his thoughts away from any wandering gaze or intrusive will.
Of all the things I thought could happen, falling in love wasn't one of them. And with Amanises, of all people—the Evernight Goddess… No. The Evernight Goddess isn't Amanises or not completely. She's Sequence 0, a deity eroded by divinity. Amanises is… my most cherished friend. Or— his thoughts stalled, —my "crush"? Which is it? Friend… or crush?
He shook his head with a soft huff, a wry grin tugging at his lips. I wonder what The Lady would think of this. I wonder what I would think… if I'd known that day where it would lead.
Regardless… if that truly is the case, then I'll cherish it and leave no regrets behind. A quiet chuckle escaped him. Perhaps this whole business of me traveling back in time is nothing more than an unknown opportunity, one handed to me by some higher existence.
Klein wasn't sure how to feel about that. On one hand, he was genuinely content with how everything had unfolded; on the other, there lingered that familiar, unsettling fear of the unknown—
"A price is always exacted for what Fate bestows…"
What would that price be? When would it be claimed, and in what form? He had his theory—a name for the hidden existence capable of sealing the primal will of Mysteries and sending him back in time. But he also knew there would be no confirming it… not for a long while.
Better to let it rest than ruin the moment. Klein etched that into his thoughts. For now, I should focus on untangling my feelings… and on Amanises. And, of course, planning for the future. In the days ahead, the tides of time would shift again—this time more violently than ever before. Gods would fall. Disorder would break apart. And the era of Humanity would march forward in full force.
And God will become mad…
Klein lingered on that thought, rubbing at his temple. Which reminds me, I should go to the Kingdom of Silver.
He shifted in his seat, straightening a little. Yes. My love story aside, I need to get back to my own affairs. Amanises can't come since this is the Divine Kingdom of a neighboring pathway's deity, and… there's something else I must investigate. Something she shouldn't be exposed to—not yet. Not until we meet Lilith.
I should also hunt down the two Uniquenesses and the Magic Wishing Lamp. Letting them slip away wasn't exactly in my plan, but I'd rather Grisha not keep them until I can confirm the corruption theory surrounding those Uniquenesses.
Klein's leg swung idly as he exhaled another sigh. It's remarkable… so much turbulence in what should be a relatively simple Era.
Then, as if on cue, the Historical Void began to stir. The Ripples spread. The Fog of History from the Second Epoch thinned further.
Klein suffered a pause, then facepalmed. And I'm supposed to be the God of this pathway! He chuckled to himself before settling back down. I suppose grasping history and living through it are completely different things. You can explore, decrypt, and read through the buried pages all your life, yet some secrets will always remain beyond your grasp and comprehension.
Because such is Mystery.
And in that moment, better than ever, Klein understood why History was an authority of the Fool, and, in turn, of the Lord of Mysteries.
Nodding to himself a few times, Klein finally pushed off the couch, forcing his body upright. His gaze drifted across the small, cozy living room, lingering for some time. A sigh escaped him, followed by a faint chuckle, and he started toward the stairs.
Then he froze.
Klein's eyes widened, a cold crawling down his spine.
Sefirah Castle had just been faintly stirred!
And in that same heartbeat, his spiritual intuition flared not with warning of danger, but with the peculiar, sharp pull of something else. An opening. An opportunity. Or perhaps danger in a different form.
Almost without thinking, Klein reached into the Historical Void and withdrew a gold coin, flipping it into the air. It caught the light for a brief second before landing in his palm and dissolving into gray mist. He remained perfectly still. Above, the faint creak of a door reached his ears, followed by quickened footsteps.
Amanises appeared at the landing, her expression a mix of seriousness and quiet bewilderment. "I just felt something… it's hard to put into words. Like my soul rattled for an instant."
Her eyes locked on Klein's, blank, distant, the look of a man that was far too deep in his thoughts. Then, abruptly, a snicker broke his stillness and a wide grin spread across his cheeks.
"Mhm," Klein said, his voice carrying that strange, bright edge. "River of Eternal Darkness."
"…Huh?"
"The Sefirot," he said, smile sharpening, "has seeped out of the Western Continent."