Tina's heart was still racing, but she had to be direct. "Because you told me never to show them to you again, Lady Reise. You said you didn't want to be like your cousin, who used her shoulders to gain attention. You said she had no self-respect, and you refused to be like her."
G6's eyebrows furrowed. A silent storm brewed. She stood up straight, her posture rigid, and the air grew cold. "Who said I don't have self-respect?" The question was a sharp, dangerous challenge. A rejection of the past self Tina had invoked.
Tina's eyes held a weariness that went beyond the day. She was tired of the emotional whiplash. "You said those words, my lady."
A moment of silence. Then a spark of realization flashed in G6's eyes. She'd asked the question not as Reise, but as Akira.
A slow, smug smirk spread across her face. She reached into the wardrobe, her hand brushing past black and gray gowns before settling on the blood-red one. She pulled it out—a flash of scarlet—and handed it to Tina.
"I'll wear that," she said, her tone returning to its usual calm. As if the moment of vulnerability had never happened. She turned and walked away.
Tina took the dress, the fabric soft but heavy. She let out a deep, trembling sigh and closed her eyes against the sheer, stressful unpredictability. She looked down at the gown. A bold, scandalous red. The slit on the side ran dangerously high. It wasn't a dress. It was an act of defiance.
And G6 was going to wear it.
❈.❈.❈
Lilia skipped down the gilded hallway, her search for Edmund an urgent mission. She spotted a cluster of servants huddled in a shadowy alcove—a whisper factory. Perfect.
"Excuse me," she chirped, cutting through their chatter.
They flinched, turning as one. "What is it, Lilia?" one asked, annoyance etched on her face.
"Have you seen Sir Edmund?" The words tumbled out in a rush.
"Edmund?" Another frowned. "No. He's been missing for almost three days. Why?"
"Lady Reise needs him to escort her to the Queen."
The air stilled. Shock. "The… Lady? You mean, Lady Reise herself?"
Lilia felt a flicker of irritation. She's the only mistress in this villa. "If you don't know, I'm leaving."
A servant grabbed her arm. "Wait. Did Miss Tina look for him?"
"No," Lilia said, lifting her chin with a small, defiant pride. "I offered it myself. To the Lady."
Stunned silence. "You? To the Lady herself? And she didn't… yell?"
"I'm in a hurry," Lilia insisted, pulling away. "And for your information, my lady did not yell. She gave me a whole lemon cake." A wide, victorious grin split her face.
She was about to leave when a wonderful, triumphant thought made her stop and turn back. She gave them a mischievous wink.
"And… I'm her new assistant personal maid now."
She twirled on her heel and continued her walk, steps now a joyful dance. A peasant who'd won the lottery.
The servants remained frozen, faces a mix of disbelief and sheer terror. They remembered a few days ago, when someone tried to wake Lady Reise and ended up pinned to the bed by a cold-eyed monster. Little did they know, it was already G6.
❈.❈.❈
Lilia stood at the back of Annex-Unus, a forgotten corner. She remembered the old layout. This was where Edmund hid to escape the bustle.
"I'm pretty sure he's here," she muttered, peering through a crack into the liquor storage.
The air was cool, heavy with the scent of aged spirits. She stepped inside carefully, navigating a treacherous path between shelves of bottles more valuable than her life.
"Edmund…? Edmund, I know you're here."
She clicked her tongue in irritation, crossing her arms.
"What is the brat doing here? Didn't I tell you this room is off-limits?" A voice boomed from behind her, full of dramatic flair.
Lilia turned, a slow smile spreading. "Edmund! Hurry, you need to get to the main building—"
She couldn't finish. Edmund took a step closer, his expression a theatrical mask of despair. "You're wasting your time. I wasn't needed there," he said, pressing the back of his hand to his forehead. "The Lady… she hates me."
Lilia cracked a wry grin. "You haven't even talked to her since the greeting when she arrived."
"That's because I don't have a chance!" he protested, the theatricality fading into genuine distress. "I was so happy to be the butler of the youngest Worthon—just like her brothers. But after she went savage with the servants, she locked herself away… never wanting me."
Lilia sighed. The exhausting drama of dealing with Edmund. "Old man—"
"Watch your mouth, you brat!"
"Lady Reise is going to kill you with her gaze if you don't move. She was asking for your attendance."
"Be—"
"Let's go! Our lady is waiting!" he interrupted, already turning and pulling her along.
He practically dragged her out, his elegant gait replaced by a frantic scramble. This pain-in-the-neck, dramatic old man, Lilia thought, a sense of weary affection mixing with her frustration.
「ROYAL COLLEGIUM OF SORCERY & STEEL」
Prince Dio strode through the arched stone entrance. The air was cool. The only sound was the gentle trickle of water from a grand fountain, centered by a statue of the God Eldrin. Beside it, Eliza stood with her head bowed, as if in prayer.
He gave her a brief glance, planning to pass by.
"Good morning, Your Highness."
Her voice halted him. He offered a polite, practiced smile. "Likewise. Just Prince Dio will do."
She walked toward him, her movements fluid, two handmaidens trailing behind. "Are you headed to the Bastion now?"
"Yes. Now if you'll excu—" His words were cut short.
"I heard there was a commotion at Lady Reise's villa last night," she said, tone casual.
Prince Dio's expression shifted. "How did you know that? Was it loud enough to reach your place?" Subtle sarcasm.
Eliza scoffed lightly. "Fortunately, no. My servant told me." She turned her head slightly to the two women behind her.
One stepped forward. "Excuse me, Your Highness. We accidentally overheard something on our way to the annex."
I was right, Prince Dio thought. It hasn't even been a week, and she's already back to her old ways.
The other chimed in. "It sounded like… she was looking for something. As if her room was being turned upside down."
Eliza's eyes narrowed slightly, a glimmer of satisfaction. "What do you mean?"
"She wasn't engaged with anyone. In fact, she'd locked herself in. Perhaps that's why Miss Tina seemed distressed in the kitchen earlier."
A small spark of concern ignited in Prince Dio's eyes. "Is something going on with your Lady?"
"We… don't know, Your Highness. Miss Tina never speaks of the Lady's private affairs. All we know is that she's distant… to everyone."
Prince Dio's gaze hardened, turning cold and sharp. "Next time, do not speak about the mistress of your villa. Especially not to a woman far higher in station than your employer." The command cut the air. "Now, excuse me."
He turned and continued, leaving Eliza and her servants in his wake. Her shoulders slumped. Determined, she sped up, her steps turning into a small run to catch him.
"Your Highness, I'll walk with you. Since we have the same destination."
Prince Dio didn't answer. He simply continued his silent, unhurried walk.
They reached the Bastion. At the entrance, Eliza began to speak, but Dio had already turned his back and ascended the grand staircase to the second floor.
He pushed open his office door. A man stood behind his desk, idly juggling droplets of water in the air. A lazy smile on his face.
"Get out," Dio said, walking straight in.
The man turned, a teasing grin spreading. He popped the water droplets in a burst of mist. "Getting chummy with that commoner early in the morning?" He circled the desk as Dio approached.
"As always, you're still as low-mannered as you are," Prince Dio said, collapsing into his chair.
"We share a damn house. Let's at least be strangers here."
"That's so mean!" Keith said, plopping onto the couch with a childlike pout.
"What do you want, Keith?"
"Give me a new toy. I don't want to be chummy with the Prince's girl," he teased.
"There is nothing going on between me and Miss Eliza."
"Really? Why can't you ignore her the way you used to ignore dear Reise?" A jab that hit its mark.
"She's a prospect for this kingdom. Her magic is the kingdom's signature."
"And Reise isn't?" Keith laughed, mocking. "We both know we don't need that signature anymore."
"Don't be absurd. That magic is what this kingdom is made of. A direct blessing of Eldrin."
"And? It's been lost for two centuries, and the kingdom didn't fall. Thanks to what? The Three Pillars." Keith's voice grew offended, playfulness gone.
"Why are you being such a jerk this morning, Keith?" Prince Dio's irritation had an edge of confusion.
"I just don't want you hurting Reise with another woman," Keith said, completely serious. "Reise may be a handful, but we all grew up together. You didn't even notice her when you got chummy with that peasant in the Annex-Duo garden."
Prince Dio's expression hardened. This wasn't the usual clown.
"What do you mean?"
"You were too distracted to notice. Reise was lurking in the bushes that night," Keith said, tone laced with pity. "That could be why she didn't even bother with you at the tea party." He paused, a cruel truth hanging. "Maybe she finally realized you're not worth chasing."
He started for the door. He stopped, looked back. "I don't mind you ignoring Reise. But don't make her see you flirting with another woman. That's not manly." He walked out.
When the door shut, Prince Dio let out a long sigh. He turned his chair to the window. Keith, the jester, had been dead serious. Dio was left speechless, the weight of his best friend's words settling in. Was he finally realizing he was the reason the glimmering rose had become so wicked?
「WEST VILLA'S—G6'S ROOM」
G6 stood before the gilded mirror, captivated. The dress was a masterpiece of rebellion. Thin straps, bare back, daring decolletage. It felt scandalous and exhilarating.
Behind her, Tina could only stare, caught between silent admiration and terror of what her lady's mother would say.
G6 turned, her face a mask of joy that made the day's emotional whiplash all the more jarring. Tina had to admit it: the garment transformed her. A beautiful, living temptation. Her exposed skin was as untouchable as a museum masterpiece.
"What do you think, Tina? Do I look stunning?"
Tina was pulled from her thoughts. "I hate to admit it, but yes, Lady… truly stunning."
G6's smile widened, genuine. A cunning devil reveling in her new body and freedom.
A gentle knock. "Excuse me, I'm coming in." Lilia's small, hesitant voice.
Lilia froze at the threshold, eyes wide in awe. All fear vanished, replaced by wonder. "You… You are so beautiful, Lady Reise!" she gasped, clasping her hands.
G6 then smirks. "Tell me something I don't know."
A gasp from behind Lilia broke the moment. "It looks so… rebellious!" An older man's voice exclaimed. G6's face fell, waiting for the lecture. Boomer? "But you're like a goddess descended from heaven. A picture of pure elegance."
G6's smile returned, brighter. "You know your style. Who are you?" A playful glint.
He stood straight, hand on chest. "Let me reintroduce myself, my lady. I am Edmund Saiden, your butler." A perfect, graceful bow.
"I like you, Edmund," G6 said, turning back to the mirror. "Keep praising my style, and we'll have no problems." She paused. "And drop the 'my'. I don't like the sound of it."
"As you wish, Lady Reise," he replied with a soft, warm smile. "Whenever you are ready, we will proceed to the Queen's chambers."
G6 turned, hand on hip. "I'm ready. Let's go." She strode out with confidence, as if heading to a delightful negotiation rather than a tense meeting.
The three followed, a mix of awe and bewilderment. As she moved down the hall, servants froze, eyes widening at her new appearance. Struck by rebellious beauty.
Their old lady had been a creature of light pastels—a walking saint, wicked from within. This version was different. As if her true self had finally burst into the open.
The echo of G6's red heels was the only sound. She moved like a walking goddess. "Goddess Nyxoria," a servant whispered—the deity of temptation.
G6 paid them no mind. "Edmund, how far is the Queen's chamber?" she asked, calm as she walked.
Edmund quickened to step behind her. "Just past the garden in front of Annex-Unus. A ten-minute walk."
G6 gave him a quick glance of understanding. He fell back in line.
I can't wait to see her, and trick he—I mean, talk to her into giving me a professional card.
Her thoughts, mischievous. Oh no, she's a queen. That's like dealing with the First Lady. I must play my cards right.
A ghost of a smile touched her lips.
Ugh. This villa is more like a mall. It's so big.
A gentle breeze swept through, fluttering the hem of her dress. The slit swayed, exposing a daring length of leg. The three servants behind tensed, faces a mix of alarm and embarrassment.
G6 didn't flinch. She didn't look back or adjust. She kept walking as if it were the most natural thing. In her old life, G6 was a master of fashion, often called a "baddie" for her style. She hated anything suffocating. Here, in a world where such outfits were non-existent in noble circles, she was a fashion crasher.
They entered Annex-Unus. G6's eyes, like robot sensors, scanned the interior. Every detail, every corner saved for later.
Edmund stepped forward to offer his hand for the grand staircase. "No need, Edmund," she said, voice clear. "A woman who can't walk on her own is useless." She descended effortlessly.
Edmund looked at Tina, who gave a small, knowing nod. Don't argue. You'll never win.
On the ground floor, G6's eyes continued scanning. They walked toward a path to a lush garden, the well-worn flagstones a common route. She glanced at Edmund; he gave an approving smile and nod.
"Why is this place full of greenery? It's like the whole palace is a garden."
"It produces natural mana, Lady Reise," Lilia answered, humming happily.
"Mana?" G6 asked, a curious cat's look.
"Yes, lady," Edmund said. "The entire palace is encircled by gardens. It acts as an energizer for all mages here."
"Your body absorbs it unconsciously, as it recognizes mana," Tina added, voice full of pride.
"Ah… so that's why I feel a strange sensation when I'm closer to nature?" G6 asked, confused.
"Sensation?" Edmund repeated, brow furrowed. He clasped hands behind his back. "The only common effect is a general feeling of wellness. As if mana improves blood circulation. Soothes muscles. More a result than a specific feeling."
G6's eyebrows knit further.
"Perhaps it was simply hunger, Lady Reise," Tina suggested lightly.
G6's sharp, annoyed gaze snapped to her. Is she trying to be funny?
"Lady Reise, are you hungry?" Lilia asked, innocent concern.
"I am not," G6 stated flatly, eyes pinned on Tina. "And Tina, do not make it sound as if I'm hearing or feeling things that aren't there." A clear warning.
Tina looked away, feigning nonchalance.
"Lady Reise, did you know?" Lilia chirped, expertly diverting attention. "Only noble and royal families have an affinity for the four major magics!"
"Really?" G6 said, genuinely surprised. "I assumed everyone could use magic."
"Oh no!" Lilia fell into step beside her as if they were old friends. "Most commoners use Physical Enhancement or Utility Magic."
"Physical Enhancements sounds…" G6 cut her own words short. Freaking cool. Incredibly useful in my line of work. "…very practical," she said aloud.
"Yes! You can learn it with physical training! I don't have it yet because I'm only eight," Lilia explained. Suddenly, her eyes caught sight of something ahead and she darted forward.
"Lilia—!" Tina began to reprimand, but G6 raised a hand to stop her.
"Let her be." G6 turned back to her other servants as they walked. "What about you two?"
"I am proficient in both PhyEn and Utility magic," Edmund answered.
I could have guessed that. You move like someone who knows how to handle themselves.
"I only have Utility magic," Tina added.
"So those are the common magics for commoners?" G6 clarified.
"Indeed, Lady Reise," Edmund nodded. "Though they can become quite powerful with dedicated practice… like the Adventurers."
G6 halted as Lilia reappeared, gently tugging her dress. "Lady Reise," the girl beamed. "I wanted to thank you again for today."
She held out a single, pretty purple flower.
G6 accepted it with a faint smile, tucking it behind her ear. "Do you know what this flower is called, Lilia?"
Lilia shook her head, eyes wide.
G6 bent down to her level. She gently cupped Lilia's cheek. "This is Belladonna. Some call it Nightshade. In an old language, its name means 'beautiful lady'." She paused, her smile fading into seriousness as she stood. "But it is also highly poisonous. It could make you sick… or worse."
"Lilia! Why would you pick something dangerous for the lady!" Edmund scolded, stepping forward. Tina moved closer, face etched with worry.
"It's alright," G6 said, tone leaving no argument. "She didn't know." She looked directly at Lilia, gaze firm but not unkind. "I told this to someone before: not everything beautiful or interesting is meant to be touched."
"I'm sorry, Lady Reise," Lilia whispered, bowing her head.
"See that you are. Now, raise your head." G6 gave a small, reassuring nod before continuing.
As she led, she could hear frantic, hushed whispering and dramatic gestures behind her. Without breaking stride, G6 threw a single, sharp look over her shoulder.
The bickering ceased instantly. They straightened, falling back into line—perfect professionalism.
❈.❈.❈
The long, immaculate pavement led not to a chamber, but to an extravagant villa. Smaller than the western wing, but its sophisticated architecture—elegant arches, delicate spires—left no doubt: the private sanctuary of the highest authority.
"I thought we were going to a chamber?" G6 muttered, brow furrowed.
Edmund offered an awkward, resigned smile. "Well, Her Majesty refers to this residence as her 'chamber'."
"Right. Of course she does," G6 said flatly. "Let's continue."
As if on cue, the grand doors swung open, revealing a butler whose poised expectation collapsed into a visible jolt of surprise. His eyes widened, scanning G6's daring dress before he schooled his features.
G6 met his stare with cool indifference.
"N-nice to meet you, Lady Reise Worthon," he stammered, subtly adjusting his suddenly-too-tight collar. "The Queen has been expecting you."
G6 shot a glance at Tina. "I sent a letter ahead," Tina explained softly.
"The pleasure is mine," G6 replied, tone brisk. "Please, lead the way. I wouldn't want to keep Her Majesty waiting." She didn't wait for a response, her decisive stride forcing the flustered butler to scramble beside her.
They ascended a grand staircase to wide, ornate doors.
The butler knocked gently. "Lady Worthon has arrived, Your Majesty." He opened the door.
The room was tasteful opulence. And there, seated regally on a central couch, was the Queen. Pristine, sophisticated, beautiful. Her eyes swept over G6, a faint flicker of surprise before melting into a warm, practiced smile.
"My dear Reise. You've finally freed yourself from your bechamber. A relief to see you."
So this is the Queen.
G6 approached and offered a perfectly measured, slight bow of her head. "Thank you for sparing the time for my sudden visit, Your Majesty."
"I was delighted to hear you wished to see me. Please, sit." The Queen gestured to the plush chair opposite.
G6 sat, gracefully crossing her legs. The slit fell away to reveal a long, elegant line.
The butler, Leo, found something of intense interest on the far wall.
Then, small hands appeared, deftly laying a soft, embroidered blanket across G6's lap. "To keep warm, Lady Reise," Lilia whispered with a quick, nervous smile before scurrying back.
Ah, right. Noble decorum. G6 almost smirked.
"So," the Queen began, gaze lingering on the dress, "I see you are in a… new stage of expression."
"I prefer to think of it as finding my comfort, Your Majesty. This feels more like me," G6 replied, smoothing the blanket with a grace that made rebellion look like high fashion.
"It is daring. The cut reminds me of your cousin from the Elora Kingdom, in the North."
Oh, the one Tina mentioned? I should visit the North—they have good fashion sense.
"A gift from her, years ago," G6 confirmed smoothly, layering her lie with nostalgia.
"It looks outrageous. However, at the same time… ridiculously good on you," the Queen conceded, seemingly disarmed by the audacity.
"You are too kind. I will delay no longer. I am here to request a Professional Card."
The Queen's expression shifted to genuine curiosity. "Well… that is unexpected. I was anticipating a question about Prince Dio."
Dio? Oh. Right. The Prince.
A new, thrillingly reckless idea shot into G6's mind. Why not?
"Would you allow me to dissolve the engagement, then?" she asked, casual as inquiring about the weather.
The air vanished. Tina's breath hitched. Edmund stiffened. Lilia looked ready to faint. The Queen's composure cracked for a full second.
"Oh, my dear," the Queen finally said, a light, uneasy laugh escaping. "You must be jests. You have been promised to my dearest son for ten years. The official announcement is mere months away."
G6's eyes instantly lost their sparkle. Boring.
"Which is precisely why I am asking you, not him. I refuse to be simply 'the woman of your son'. I refuse to be a bird with clipped wings," she stated bluntly.
A shadow passed over the Queen's face. "Have you grown tired of my son's… cold behavior?"
"This is about maturity, not pettiness. Ten years ago, I was eight with no right to object. I was vulnerable, made to believe I liked someone."
Heavy silence. The three servants stood rigid, awaiting the storm.
Then, the Queen smiled. Not warm. Sharp understanding. She stood and moved to sit beside G6, taking her hands. "I understand you, dear. Truly. It makes me happy to see you find your voice and purpose."
Her grip tightened suddenly, vicelike. G6's eyes widened at the surprising, painful strength in the Queen's delicate hands. "But," the Queen continued, voice dropping to a whisper, eyes flicking to the red dress, "I will not tolerate a scandal." The ring on her finger glowed faintly, and the pain vanished. "Your parents would never forgive me if I let their prized daughter 'run free'."
Intriguing.
"It is my lifeline," G6 defended, mind racing, deciphering the magic and motives.
The Queen released her and returned to her seat, signaling Leo for tea as if nothing happened. "So, you wish to join the Royal Collegium?"
G6's eyes lit up, tension forgotten. "Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Hmm… very well. I can grant your card, but protocol demands an appraisal first. Leo, fetch the orb after we're done."
G6 had to consciously stop her foot from tapping with excitement.
"I heard about the tea party, by the way," the Queen added casually, sipping tea. "Keith came to see me that night. He would not stop talking about it."
G6 remembered what she'd said to the Prince and awkwardly rubbed her neck. "I… may have woken on the wrong side of the bed."
The Queen let out a genuine, melodic laugh. "Oh, don't you dare apologize! Keith and I were in stitches. It was the most entertainment we've had in weeks."
Wow, her attitude… It's exactly like that water guy. She's far more easygoing than I expected.
"If only the King's brother had an heir," the Queen sighed, sudden weariness in her voice. "Then Prince Dio would not need to be a Duke, and you… you would perhaps be free." She set her cup down. "I am sorry, my dear, for placing you in a gilded room with no visible exit."
The King's brother? G6 filed that away. New information. Absent from the book and diary.
"The Three Pillars already balance so much power. To place another major title upon them… it is delicate." The Queen's face softened with a mother's worry. "Please try to understand Prince Dio. He's not cold. He's drowning under the weight of the Upper House's expectations."
Before G6 could process this, Leo returned, carefully carrying a luminous crystal orb on a velvet pillow.
"Ah, here we are." The Queen gestured. "Now, my dear, place your palms flat on the orb."
G6 obeyed. The orb responded instantly, glowing with soft, sparkling white light—the hue of her mana. But it didn't stop. The light intensified, brighter and brighter, filling the room with blinding radiance. A searing heat built beneath her palms.
"Fuck! That's fucking hot!" she yelped, yanking her hands back with a hiss of pain. Decorum shattered.
The three servants rushed forward. Tina dabbed at her reddening hands with a napkin. Edmund and Lilia hovered, faces etched with concern.
"Dear child, are you quite alright?" the Queen asked, genuine alarm.
"It burned me!" G6 snapped, cradling her hands. Controlled fury, real pain.
The Queen quickly took G6's hands again. Her ring glowed, and a wave of cool relief washed over the burns, soothing them instantly.
"How very strange," the Queen murmured, staring at the now-dormant orb. "It has never reacted so violently before."
"Your Majesty…" Leo's voice was a hushed, awed whisper. He stared, transfixed, at runes shimmering on the orb's surface. "The appraisal… it reads: 'Mana Reserve: Immeasurable'."
A dead silence swallowed the room. Every head turned to stare at Leo, then the orb, then their wide, disbelieving eyes landed on G6.
Shock and utter confusion hung heavy in the air.
—To Be Continued…—