━─━────༺༻────━─━
G6 stared at the extravagant carved design of the ceiling in her bedroom.
Hmm… now let's see… this must be a reincarnation package. Oh wait—is the reason my previous trained skills are with me now because of my tattoo?
G6 was drowning in her thoughts and theories. After the meeting with the Queen, she had immediately returned to the villa, claiming she needed meat and rice for dinner to prepare for her first day tomorrow.
The truth was, she was just starving after days without a proper meal.
Now she was about to rest, lying on her bed with her arms wide open and her feet still on the floor.
It only burned once, the day I got here. But never again. Hmm. Ah—how do you even use magic?
"They would be suspicious if I told them I don't know how to use magic. When they saw my stats, their eyes looked like they were going to pop out," she said aloud to herself.
"Okay, it's decided," she announced, and stood up from the bed.
She walked out onto the balcony and breathed in the cold, fresh breeze.
"In the series I've seen, they usually imagine the flow of mana and just let it out," she muttered.
Then she stretched out one hand, palm facing up, and closed her eyes.
Imagine the flow of mana.
A moment later, she felt an incredible flow of mana gathering in her palm. Not only that—without her realizing, the mana in the surrounding air began swirling toward her hand like glowing fireflies.
Ah, I saw that in one anime, about the wind bla—
As she generate the image of spell in her mind, her eyes snapped open at the sound of a loud BANG.
The big tree in front of her balcony had been cleanly sliced in half.
She blinked, hand still held out, completely speechless.
"Did I do that?" she asked herself, her tone oddly relaxed, as if it were no big deal.
Hearing footsteps approaching from below, she hurried back inside her room and closed the balcony door.
"Phew. That was close," she said, thinking she'd gotten away with it.
She must have forgotten—only nobles and royalty can use elemental magic.
"The Queen was right," she mumbled, flexing her tingling fingers. "I need to train this body. My hand feels funny."
She wandered back to her bed.
What has Reise been doing for 18 years? She's so weak, physically.
When I was 18, my father already passed me the title of Reaper.
I wonder how they're doing…
A sudden, unfamiliar ache bloomed in her chest. What is this weird feeling?
Little did G6 know, traces of her past life's emotions still lingered within her. But having been trained to suppress her own feelings, even as she could read others' emotions with chilling precision, she remained completely blind to her own—and to the affection others might hold for her.
G6 turned over and buried her face in a pillow, trying to smother the strange, aching feeling in her chest—one she couldn't name—until she finally fell asleep.
_____
The sun had not yet risen when G6 woke up, the sky still a soft gray. She was already practicing her Wind Magic on the balcony, having learned to control just a small amount after accidentally shredding a few unfortunate flowers below.
Now, she stood in the dressing room, hands on her hips, staring at the wardrobe that held Old Reise's—now her—forbidden clothes.
"Hmm. Let's see. Let's see…" she murmured, scanning the contents.
She sighed, her eyes sweeping over the room full of racks bursting with colorful gowns. "Ugh! So many colors. I hate colorful rags—my eyes can't take it," she complained to the empty air before turning her attention back to the prized wardrobe.
"All of you are beautiful," she said, adopting the dramatic tone of the people in this world, as if mocking them, "yet you are hidden away. Do not worry, my darlings. I will take care of you and protect you from these boring nobles."
She pulled out the black gown. This one is gorgeous, but the straps are so thin and the neckline is so low. The Queen will threaten to take my card again.
She remembered the Queen's warning from the night before. Her Professional Card wasn't registered with a guild—it was tied directly to the Queen herself. In short, the Queen was her boss.
"Oh, look at this beauty hiding in the back," she said, pulling out another gown from the depths of the wardrobe.
It was black with delicate lace. It had no slit, but it revealed a tasteful amount of her back, and the shoulders were designed with a web-like, butterfly-shaped detail. "Damn. This girl is lit," G6 whispered, impressed. It was perfect.
"Whoever designed this is brilliant," she said to herself. She closed the wardrobe and left the dressing room.
On her way back to her room, servants were already beginning their morning duties.
"Good morning, Lady Reise," one servant greeted, while others pressed themselves against the walls to clear her path, bowing their heads.
"Good morning," G6 greeted back—and she was SMILING.
The servant stood stunned, watching her walk away. The Wicked Rose had never smiled so brightly—and so early.
G6 was simply happy to have found a dress that truly felt like her own.
Back in her room, she laid the dress carefully on her bed and headed to the bathroom, buzzing with excitement for whatever awaited her at the Royal Collegium.
A little while later, she emerged and sat at her vanity, opening the makeup box.
"Hmm, I hate the soft look Tina always does. I want something different," she said to herself, sifting through cosmetics.
But first—her hair.
She pointed her hand toward her head, palm facing her hair. "If I accidentally use too much mana, I'm dead," she said calmly. Then, she released a small, controlled stream of air—like a hair dryer—and added a hint of heat. Her thick, slightly curled hair became lighter, smoother. "Now that's a new look. Better," she said, admiring herself in the mirror. She was proud she hadn't accidentally killed herself this time.
She began applying her makeup, far from Tina's soft and subtle style. She went for something a little fierce, tracing a sharp, neon green eyeliner that emphasized the shape of her eyes.
"Damn, the quality of this makeup is no joke. So beautiful, so elegant… just looking like me," she praised herself, finishing with a satisfied smile.
"There. You're coming back," she said, as if speaking to her old self—to Akira.
Then she stood, dressed herself without waiting for Tina or Lilia, and completed her preparations entirely on her own—something nobles of this world simply did not do.
_____
Tina and Lilia walked toward their lady's room.
"Do you think Lady Reise is already awake?" Lilia asked.
"I've decided to stop trying to predict her," Tina answered. "If you set an expectation, it will only shatter. Her behavior lately is completely unpredictable."
"You're right. Edmund is fetching her breakfast from the kitchen. He's probably being yelled at by Alistair for the trouble he caused for hiding for days," Lilia said, changing the subject.
"Probably," Tina replied.
They stopped at the ornate door to their lady's room. Tina knocked three times before opening it.
There, they found their lady already ready for the day. She was seated at the tea table, wearing a beautiful black dress and sporting a… new look.
See what I mean? Tina thought.
"Good morning, Lady Reise!" Lilia greeted with a bright smile, hurrying to G6's side. "You're… so beautiful," she said, circling around her. "And my lady, your new hair suits you so well!" she added, sounding like an excited fan.
All her yesterday's tension and shyness around G6 had completely vanished.
"Good morning, Lady Reise," Tina finally found her voice. "You look truly elegant," she added, walking closer.
"Thank you, Lilia. Thank you, Tina," G6 said with a smile.
Why is she smiling? Is she planning something? Tina's thoughts raced.
"Lady Reise, did you wake up early?" Lilia asked, taking a seat beside her.
"Yes, I did," G6 replied.
"What did you do to your hair, my lady?" Tina asked, unable to hide her confusion.
"I used my family's affinity magic," G6 answered smoothly. "Mixed it with a little heat by controlling the air speed."
"I assume you practiced first before trying it on yourself," Tina said, as though hinting at something.
"You're right, Tina! As always, you're such a smart pants," G6 answered with light sarcasm.
"Then I heard from the servants that you were upset last night… enough to tear up a tree. And early this morning, you… altered the garden," Lilia mentioned innocently.
Oh crap. Right! Only nobles can use elemental magic so openly! How could I forget what Lilia said yesterday?
Am I being... sloppy?
"Ah… that wasn't intentional," G6 said quickly.
"And can you stop standing there like a statue?" she added, turning sharply to Tina. "I told you to sit when you're in my room."
Tina sat quietly beside her. She knew she was being used to change the subject, but she didn't mind.
Just then, a knock came at the door. "I'm coming in, Lady Reise," called Edmund's voice. The door opened, and he guided the service cart into the room.
He paused, surprised by the scene—the two servants sitting on either side of their lady like honored guests.
"Don't mind them. It's my rule in this room," G6 said, answering his confused look.
"As you wish, Lady Reise," he replied, setting down a plate of French toast and a pot of tea.
"Mmm… smells good," G6 said.
"I'm glad you think so. Alistair made sure it was full of nutrients. I told him you'll be training at the Bastion today," Edmund said.
"Thank you. Now, sit there," G6 said, nodding toward the vacant chair across from her.
Edmund looked startled, then glanced at Tina. She gave a slight nod—a silent warning that if he refused, their lady might threaten to throw the food out the window again.
Hesitantly, Edmund sat down, as though everything about it felt wrong for someone of his station.
"Tina, take those extras and serve yourselves," G6 said before starting on her toast.
"Lady Reise! Is that why you told us last night to bring three extra plates?" Lilia asked happily.
G6 simply nodded, her mouth full. It was one of her traits—she was passionate about fashion, undeniably fond of alcohol, and absolutely loved food.
"Thank you, Lady Reise!" Lilia said, happily beginning her meal.
Tina and Edmund remained quiet most of the time, watching their lady. Despite her elegant appearance, everything about her—from the way she enthusiastically ate her bread to how casually she spoke—was unlike any noblewoman they had ever known.
"You are very kind, my lady… despite what the rumors say," Edmund said softly.
"Lady Reise simply doesn't like anyone standing over her while she eats," Tina explained. "And she hates being the only one eating while others watch."
"That's right. Just don't get on my nerves, and we'll be fine," G6 agreed, as though they were all friends casually chatting about the weather.
And so, the three of them ate peacefully alongside their unpredictable lady, sharing a quiet, comfortable moment unlike any they'd known before.
___
"Ahh… I'm so full," G6 said, gulping down the entire glass of water in one go as if it were a beer.
"Thank you for the meal, Lady Reise," Edmund said, elegantly sipping his tea.
"That's right. Keep in mind to serve the same amount every time. I hope I don't have to remind you again tomorrow," G6 said, staring pointedly at Tina.
"We understand, Lady Reise. Especially me," Tina responded, her tone perfectly formal yet laced with subtle sarcasm.
Tch. This four-eyed maid always answers me with an attitude, then acts like she didn't.
"I'm heading to the Royal Collegium now. Which way is it?" she asked, but instead of answering, all three of them slid their Staff Cards across the table toward her.
G6 stared blankly at the cards, then back at them.
"The Queen instructed us not to let you wander unsupervised," Tina stated plainly.
"I'm not going to 'wander,'" G6 replied.
Yeah, like we'd believe that, Tina thought.
"Her Majesty also said that if you refuse company… we must insist," Edmund added gently.
"She may dissolve your card," Tina finished.
That witch! I knew she was just like that water guy—always playing games!
"So all three of you are following me?" G6 asked, unimpressed. "Get a life."
"Lady Reise, I've always heard the Collegium is so beautiful…" Lilia said, her eyes wide and pleading.
Tina slowly began retrieving her card. "It's fine if you refuse… if you'd rather stay here in the villa. All day."
"Fine. Stop sliding your card away," G6 relented.
Smiles of victory spread across their faces. They'd learned their lady's weakness.
Her card wasn't just a tool for the Queen—it was a lever they could pull, too. Especially Tina.
"How do I do this again?" G6 asked.
"Place the crest of your family facing the name on the card, my lady," Edmund explained. "Then release a bit of your mana. It will only respond to its owner."
G6 did as instructed. The cards glowed softly, and the Worthon family crest—along with the initials R.W.—appeared below each of their names. She repeated the process for each card.
"Yay! It's so pretty!" Lilia cheered, hugging her card. "Now it has your crest and initials, Lady Reise! This will show the gate system that we're under your care."
"Indeed. It is an honor to bear the crest of the Guardians of the Sky," Edmund agreed, looking equally pleased.
"What happens if you lose it?" G6 asked.
"There is no need to worry. No one else can use it—not to enter the Collegium or access guild records. The card responds only to the owner's mana energy" Edmund assured her.
G6 nodded slowly.
Whoa. This is some high-level security. Strict systems like this are just begging to be hacked… and broken.
Once again, G6's thoughts drifted back to her old ways—and old habits.
_____
"Lady Reise! Over here!" Lilia said excitedly, pointing down a long path lined with flowers in the garden behind the West Villa.
Lilia took G6's hand to guide her. G6 was surprised—and found it a little weird—but she didn't pull away. She allowed the child to lead her.
Tina and Edmund were about to scold Lilia for her informal behavior, but when they saw G6's face—calm and showing no sign of annoyance—they held their tongues. They took it as a sign that it was acceptable.
"Lady Reise, this path is actually exclusive to the palace's residents," Lilia explained, still holding her hand.
"You mean there's another entrance?" G6 asked.
"Yes! The main one is outside the palace! Not everyone who works at the Collegium belongs to the Three Pillars, after all," Lilia said cheerfully.
"So only the Three Pillars get to live inside the palace grounds?"
"Yes, Lady Reise. It also serves as a training ground for them—especially for those who will inherit the role of Family Head," Edmund added from behind, walking gracefully alongside Tina.
"Stop clinging to the Lady," Tina finally said to Lilia, a hint of irritation in her voice.
Lilia looked up at G6 with puppy-dog eyes. Damn, this kid must be using some kind of hidden magic.
No, G6, that's not magic. What you're feeling is called… affection.
"It's alright, Tina," G6 said. Then, glancing over her shoulder with a smirk, "You can cling to me too, if you're jealous." she added as a tease.
But Tina took it as a consent.
"As you wish," Tina replied, adjusting her glasses before taking G6's other arm.
THIS LITTLE—
Tina was genuinely trying to reconnect with her lady, just as they used to, though G6 seemed to interpret it as playful teasing.
Edmund, walking behind them, allowed himself a small smile.
To think the lady everyone calls the Wicked Rose could be this strangely kind. I wonder why Prince Dio never saw how special she truly is.
He quietly savored the peaceful moment, grateful for the unexpected warmth beginning to bloom around their once cold and distant mistress.
They reached the end of the path, arriving before a massive wall covered in ivy. Its entrance was shielded by a shimmering, blurry barrier that made it impossible to see what lay beyond.
"This is it?" G6 asked.
Tina and Lilia released her arms, preparing themselves to enter the most heavily guarded grounds in the kingdom.
"Lady Reise," Edmund explained, "we must tap our cards on that magical device attached to the wall." He pointed toward a crystal panel set into the stone.
G6 nodded and stepped forward. She tapped her card, and the device glowed softly. She waited at the edge of the doorway while the others did the same—Edmund even lifted Lilia so she could reach.
G6 smiled slightly at the sight but said nothing. When they were ready, they nodded to her, signaling it was time.
Cautiously, G6 stepped through the barrier.
What greeted her was nothing short of magical. The space inside was vast, with grand buildings arranged in a wide circle. At the center stood an elegant fountain topped with a statue of their god, Eldrin. The air itself hummed with immense mana—unseen, but palpable in the crisp, energizing breeze.
"Lady Reise!" Lilia called, clinging to her once more. "It's so beautiful! Look at all the trees, the flowers… and the architecture!"
G6 simply glanced down at the excited girl.
Just then, a young woman in her early twenties approached. "Good morning, Lady Reise," she greeted politely.
G6 eyed her. "And you are?"
"I am Brenda. The Queen asked me to show you around." She offered a warm smile.
Another watchdog? Am I that untrustworthy?
"Pleasure. These are my personal aides," G6 said, gesturing toward Edmund and Tina.
"And the child… is also with you?" Brenda asked, looking puzzled.
"She is. Do you have a problem with that?" G6's tone turned cool and intimidating.
It seemed this sharpness was reserved for outsiders—her three servants had become the clear exception as for the reason they're her subject now.
"Not at all, my lady. Forgive my question," Brenda replied quickly. "Shall we proceed? I'll begin with the Magic Department—the Sanctum of Sorcerous Solution." She motioned gracefully toward the path ahead.
G6 nodded, and the group followed.
Cool. This is way better than I expected.
As they entered the building, workers and mages turned to look.
"Who is that elegant lady?"
"Wait… rose-gold hair…"
"That's Lady Reise Worthon! The youngest of the family."
"She must be visiting her brothers."
"She looks more striking than I remember."
"Yes, there's something… different about her."
Whispers trailed them as they walked. Lilia's grip on G6's hand tightened—she seemed overwhelmed, surrounded by so many nobles.
"Lady Reise," Brenda said, "I've been informed you have Open Access privileges. That means you may train or work in any department you wish, at any time."
Hmm. The Queen must be trying to figure out my weird skills.
G6 stayed quiet as Brenda explained how the Sanctum functioned.
"This underground level is dedicated to potion development—" Brenda was cut off as a young man approached from behind.
"Reise? Is that you?" He smiled warmly.
"Oh, my beautiful sis—" He moved to hug her, but G6 sidestepped smoothly.
What the—? Touch me and I'll break your arm. Who is this guy? He looks… familiar. Like me. Like Reise.
"It's been a while, Master Ray," Tina greeted politely.
"Master Worthon, it is an honor," Edmund added.
Worthon? Oh—he must be one of my brothers
"Tina! Edmund! It truly has been too long," Ray said cheerfully. "I almost didn't recognize my own sister! What a surprise to see her dressed so differently, and—" He paused, then tried to hug her again. G6 dodged once more. "Reise! You changed your hair? It suits you! You look like a godde—"
"REISEEEE!" Another voice shouted from across the hall.
"My sweet little sister!" A second young man came running, arms wide—only to be dodged just like the first.
It was almost comical—G6 kept evading, and Lilia, still clinging to her, swayed along.
"Quiet, Ron. You're embarrassing my sister," Ray said irritably.
"Your sister? She's my sister, too!" Ron shot back, shoving Ray lightly.
"Reise! You look… wow! So different!"
Another brother? They all look alike. Annoyingly handsome. And that fading purple hair actually works for them.
"Reise, are you here to see me? Couldn't stay away from your dashing brother?" Ron reached for her hand, but she pulled away.
"I told you—she's here for me—" Ray began.
Both fell silent when Tina spoke up firmly, "With all due respect, sirs, people are staring. And Lady Reise is not here for either of you. She will be working at the Collegium from now on."
Their eyes lit up with excitement, and they stepped closer.
G6 tried to back away but bumped into a wall.
Crap. Dead end.
"Did you finally get tired of practicing to be the perfect wife, sis?" Ron asked, eyes shining.
"Or did you finally realize that prince of yours isn't worth it?" added Ray.
Huh? Sounds like they're not fans of Dio.
They took another step forward, and Lilia let out a small squeak. G6 realized they hadn't even noticed the girl. Then forced herself way out from being caged.
"Would you mind giving us some space?" G6 said sternly.
She turned gently to Lilia. "Are you alright?" Her voice was still calm, but softer now.
"Reise…" both brothers murmured, completely confused.
"You're… holding hands with a servant?" Ron asked, disbelief written across his face.
"Nooo! And you're avoiding my hugs! Do you hate me now, my only sister?" Ray said, sounding genuinely hurt.
"Is it true? Does Reise hate us?" Ron asked dramatically.
Tina and Edmund could only watch in silent secondhand embarrassment.
"Control yourselves. You're being embarrassing," G6 said flatly.
Do they have some weird kind of sister complex? My brother back home wasn't like this. He once chased me with a gun during hide and seek.
"For heaven's sake, please calm down. Lady Reise is here on an important tour. If you'll excuse us, we must continue." She signaled Brenda to lead them away before the brothers could cause more of a scene.
G6 turned quickly, pulling Lilia along as she made her escape from her, now, brothers.
"Reise! We'll see you later!"
"Take care, my little sister!"
"She's my sister!"
"Shut up!"
Their voices faded as the group hurried away.
For damn sake. Is this what Reise meant in her diary? These two are a handful.