"Hey, geek. Should we start now?" G6 called, pushing herself up from the ground.
Earl meticulously removed his coat, watch, and glasses, placing them neatly on the bench. "Cease calling me 'geek,' you ill-mannered woman. I am older than you." He began precise warm-up stretches.
"Yeah, that much is obvious." Her agreement was flat, acknowledging only his age.
Keith barked a laugh. "Reise, that's a good one!"
G6 ignored him, already strolling toward the arena center.
Her servants resumed their seats. Prince Dio remained standing, leaning against the wall with crossed arms, a silent sentinel.
"After this, you take a break for lunch, Lady Reise," Tina reminded, tone firm.
"Shut up, Mom." G6's voice held a surprising amount of teasing affection.
She refers to her servant as 'Mom'? Prince Dio's brow lifted. Then again, after yesterday, nothing should surprise me.
"Listen, Reise." Earl finished folding his sleeves. "You have never exercised fine mana control, not even as a child."
What? The original was sloppy? G6 filed it away.
"So?" One eyebrow raised.
"I am stating you possess a mana reserve comparable to ours, yet your application is… amateurish."
"Are you here to nag or teach?" Her patience thinned.
"Very well. Observe." Earl raised a hand. "Earth Golem."
Sand and earth coalesced, forming a small, lumpy figure no taller than Lilia.
"Am I a joke to you?" G6's voice dropped, laced with pure kill intent.
"Temper your ire. I crafted it thusly to demonstrate control." The golem dissolved. "Your control is weak. Therefore, despite your mana, your offensive capabilities are lacking. Now, show me your most common attack. A Wind Blade."
Ah, I can control air for drying hair. But an offensive spell? The balcony damage proves I'm not.
G6 closed her eyes, focusing. But she didn't just tap her innate mana. Unconsciously, she pulled from the immense, ambient energy saturating the palace air—drawn toward her like iron to a magnet.
A hand, hidden from view, glowed with faint, swirling pale green light.
While G6 concentrated, Edmund's eyes widened. He saw the air around her distorting, shimmering with a visible concentration of power far too vast for a simple Wind Blade. It was the precursor to catastrophe.
He didn't hesitate. He sprinted toward her.
"LADY REISE!" Edmund yelled, skidding to a halt.
G6's eyes snapped open, the energy sputtering out. "What?"
Earl stared, bewildered.
Edmund leaned in, voice a frantic whisper only she could hear. "Your mana flow—it's all wrong! You're pulling from everything around us. It's going to be far too much!"
Irritation vanished, replaced by tactical understanding. "What should I do?" she whispered back.
"The usual thing! The small thing you have absolute control over!" He thought of her perfectly dried hair.
Nodding, G6 turned back to a confused Earl. "Well, I can only do this."
She pointed her index finger at his forehead and released the tiniest, most controlled stream of air, just enough to ruffle his perfectly styled hair.
Earl stood frozen. "…Are you kidding me?" Disbelief dripped from his voice.
"You said it yourself." G6 shrugged, deadpan. "I'm bad."
From the sidelines, Prince Dio frowned. "What in the world is she doing?"
Keith's face split into a wide grin. "I don't know, but I love it. Wager on how long before Earl cracks? Ten gold says under a minute."
"Twenty gold you shut up." Prince Dio's eyes never left the pair.
Keith pouted. "Boring."
Meanwhile, G6 and Earl were locked in a silent battle of wills.
"I said, perform a Wind Blade. Not this… frivolous puff," Earl insisted, patience thinning.
"I'm shy. My control is weak." Her expression was pure, unapologetic sarcasm.
"How can I instruct you if you refuse to demonstrate? Don't tell me you're all talk and no action?"
That did it. G6's eyes sharpened lethally. Wind Blade!
Without a chant, she slashed her hand through the air. A visible ripple of compressed wind shot forth, not just cracking the distant wall but striking with such force that an entire section near its base shattered, threatening collapse.
"What was that?" Keith asked, bewildered.
"A Wind Blade. But she didn't chant it." Prince Dio's composure was shaken.
Oh crap! I just did it? Need to bookmark this feeling.
Earl's hand twitched toward his face, a reflex to adjust absent glasses. "You didn't chant. And your control isn't weak anymore…" A new note of alarm entered his voice. "It's become completely unchecked."
"Well, you made me do it." G6 shrugged. "Why don't you fix it?"
"What do you mean?"
"Your affinity is Earth. Make a new wall. Consider it an exchange." She gestured at the rubble.
"Reise, you impossible little brat." Exasperation and unwilling admiration mixed in his tone.
My hand is trembling… G6 subtly tried to still the faint tremors from the uncontrolled release.
Earl's sharp eyes caught the movement. Without asking, he reached out and took her hand.
From a distance, it could have been mistaken for something tender. Prince Dio, leaning against the wall, now stood perfectly straight. Keith's playful expression vanished. "What does that geek think he's doing?"
Earl's signet ring glowed with a soft, cool blue light—similar to the Queen's but with a different, calming frequency. "This will settle the nerve fatigue. A side effect of such a violent, unchanneled release." His tone was clinical.
G6, who normally would have dislocated an arm for unsolicited touch, allowed it. Not from softness, but from instant recognition of the ring's function.
I knew it. The moment I saw it. A variant of the Queen's tool. But this one is for neurological calibration. Expected from the Head Geek.
"The Boss has a ring like that."
"The Boss?"
"The Queen."
'The Boss'? Earl repeated, baffled. "Yes, well, this is a high-grade magical tool. Fueled by the wearer's own mana." He released her now-steady hand.
"That's convenient. Can you get me one?" Pure practical interest.
"Hmm… you are in dire need. Very well, I shall arrange a device suited to your… specific requirements." A sly look crossed his features. "But—you must address me with proper respect."
This nerd is asking for too much.
"Fine. Earl. How's that?" False sweetness laced his name.
"A marginal improvement. Maintain that courtesy, and your ring will be forthcoming."
"EARL DIDN'T GET HEADBUTTED? REISE NEARLY DISLOCATED MY JAW FOR GETTING TOO CLOSE!" Keith whined, gesturing wildly.
"It was the ring, Sir Keith." Tina interjected calmly, not turning. "Lady Reise would never permit a liberty that did not offer her a distinct benefit or satisfy a curiosity. In my observation."
Prince Dio's gaze flicked to Tina. Hmm. That makes sense. Earl possesses unique resources. She would never allow anything that doesn't benefit or interest her… The thought was both frustrating and fascinating.
"We will work on your control, Reise," Earl announced, "but I fear this arena will be reduced to dust if we continue today. In addition to the ring, I will procure an item to artificially regulate your mana output. It should prevent further strain."
"Who would have thought I'd find a useful training partner?" G6 mused. "I'll appreciate it. Thanks."
"Now, we are done. I will send a team from the Omnia to repair the wall. I shall take my leave." A curt nod.
"It's over?" Keith asked, disappointed.
"For today, yes."
"Am I deaf, or did you not chant that spell?" Prince Dio pressed, his question squarely at G6.
"I whispered it, Prince." A smooth lie. Earl glanced at her but said nothing.
"Then I shall take my leave. Reise, prepare yourself for tomorrow." With a final nod, Earl departed.
"Reise!" Keith pouted, stomping over. "Why does Earl get to hold your hand, but I can't even hang out in your office?"
"Ask your mother." G6 deadpanned, sinking onto the bench.
She turned to Prince Dio, a new idea forming. "Hey, Snow White. Show me another one of your fancy sword techniques." A blatant attempt to mine him for information.
"Are you truly that interested?" A hint of challenge.
"I wouldn't ask if I wasn't, smartass."
Again—that crude, modern slang that shouldn't come from a noblewoman's mouth yet suited her perfectly.
"Very well. Keith. Prepare yourself. You will spar with me."
Keith's expression vanished, replaced by genuine alarm. "What? No! Edmund is my partner! Right, Edmund?!"
"I am at my lady's disposal." Edmund glanced at G6 for confirmation.
"Nah, you can have Prince Dio." G6 waved dismissively. Come on, let me see how good you really are.
"Then it is settled." Prince Dio's smug, snarky attitude returned as he removed his long black coat. "It seems my fiancée is finally taking an interest in my capabilities."
"Gross." G6 muttered.
Prince Dio set aside his coat, watch, and crest pin, revealing a fitted satin white dueling shirt that blended with his pale, impeccable skin. He looked every inch the stunning, elegant prince—unreal perfection.
Yeah, he looks like a bag of premium cement ready to be mixed. G6's brutally honest appraisal.
Keith and Prince Dio strode to the arena center, air crackling with rivalry.
"Let us use live steel." Prince Dio's voice was cool and commanding.
"Eager to show off for an audience, Your Highness?" Keith retorted, a familiar, snarky grin spreading.
Prince Dio answered with a dismissive glance. He touched a finger to the elegant silver stud in his ear. A faint sigil glowed. "Dimensional Vault."
A small, shimmering portal materialized. He reached in and withdrew a magnificent sword, hilt intricately carved, blade gleaming. Keith performed the same, tapping his more flamboyant ear cuff, his portal flashing.
G6's eyes widened with immediate, avaricious interest. "What is that? Edmund!" she demanded, not looking away.
"A Dimensional Vault, my lady. A magical artifact crafted by the Omnia's artisans. The focus is often set into rings or earrings. Earrings are popular for young nobles."
Oh. So the earrings aren't just rebellion. They have a function. Badass.
"I want that." No room for argument.
"You may acquire one by commissioning Sir Earl. The vault's capacity is fed by the wearer's mana level. Greater reserve, more storage. Commoners, with lower mana, can only store a few small items."
Tch. Typical aristocracy. Even pocket space is a status symbol.
"REISEE! WATCH ME DROWN HIS FIRE!" Keith yelled, shamelessly seeking attention.
"Whatever, clown." Her eyes never left the elegant piercings.
"Cease your prattling and begin." Dio's gaze fixed on Keith. "Prepare to see your water boiled away, you waterlogged fool."
"You absolute jerk." Keith's grin never faded. He fell into a ready stance, stepping back.
Keith raised his blade. "Neptune's Fang!" A torrent of shimmering, navy-blue water—dense as a deep ocean current—coalesced around his sword, spiraling with a sound like a crashing wave.
Prince Dio brought his sword to bear. "Cinder's Edge." His blade sheathed in roaring, brilliant blue flame twisted around the metal like a living serpent, air wavering with intense heat.
Hmm… Magic weapon coating. So fantastical! Straight out of one of Pisces's games. The visual alone is a psychological weapon.
Almost in unison, they activated enhancements.
Prince Dio: "<
Keith: "<
Dio: "
Keith: "
Then, they moved.
A violent displacement of air. One moment apart; the next, they met in the center with a deafening CLASH of steel and elemental power. The force kicked up a violent cloud of sand, obscuring them before revealing locked blades.
G6 leaned forward, boredom vanished. A spark of pure, undiluted enjoyment lit her grey eyes. This was entertainment of the highest caliber.
The idiot moves differently than yesterday. Faster. More precise. He was holding back with Edmund.
No holding back now. No chants, no elaborate spells—just raw enhanced physicality and relentless elemental dominance. Each exchange a concussive BANG of metal and magic, fire to extinguish water, water to quench fire.
Prince Dio executed a swift, low slide, aiming to sweep Keith's legs. Keith anticipated, leaping over with fluid grace, bringing his watery blade down in a powerful arc to block the blazing sword rising to meet him. The collision sent a burst of scalding steam hissing into the air.
But Prince Dio was not head of the Bastion at such a young age without reason. In the split second after the block, the blazing sword seemed to vanish. Prince Dio had repositioned, the searing tip of Cinder's Edge now resting lightly against the back of Keith's neck.
A silent, deadly checkmate.
Damn. Snow White's got a rizz. A flicker of genuine professional respect cut through her apathy. The Reaper within awarded a slow, deliberate clap that echoed in the sudden quiet.
"That's enough." G6's voice cut through the steam. "Wrap it up before you summon a tsunami." She gestured at a sulking Keith, whose watery blade dissipated.
Prince Dio lowered his sword with a triumphant smirk. "What's the matter? Still a sore loser?"
Keith shot him a look of pure, distasteful pouting.
In perfect, grudging unison, they deactivated enhancements.
Prince Dio: "<
Keith: "<
They walked back toward G6, competitive energy shifting.
"Now I'm starting to see your value." Not praise for them as people, but a cold, clinical assessment of their utility as assets.
"Reise! What did you think of my Neptune's Fang?" Keith asked, irritation forgotten in thirst for approval.
"Must you be so desperate for validation?" Prince Dio sighed, stowing his sword with a dismissive flick.
"So hungry for a compliment? Fine." G6 relented, a ghost of a smirk. "I must admit, you both impressed me." She paused for effect. "…You passed the screening."
She stood, brushing sand from her clothes. "Thank you for the demonstration. I'll see you around." She turned and walked away.
"We passed the screening?" Prince Dio mused aloud. It sounded less like a compliment and more like a first-round selection.
"Reise said she was impressed! With me!" Keith crowed, snatching his coat and hurrying after her. "Wait up! What does that mean? What's the next test?"
Prince Dio collected his belongings at a sedate, princely pace, thoughts churning. Passed the screening?
And thus, the first day of unofficial training concluded, leaving one man ecstatic and the other deeply, calculatingly intrigued.
「WEST VILLA—LATE NIGHT」
Deep silence. G6 sat on the cold stone of her balcony floor, clad in a simple white nightgown. Both hands raised, palms directed at damp training clothes hung over the railing, a faint, warm breeze emanating from her fingertips.
"So, today I finally grasped the Perfect Assassin Form. But I'm still nowhere with this world's magic. Tch."
"Brenda must be confused why I didn't store these back. It's just more convenient here. Hmm. Need to wake up early again tomorrow. New regimen."
"I was unaware you had developed a hobby of holding conversations with yourself in the dark." Tina's voice came softly from behind. "The night wind is strong enough to dry them by morning."
"Nah." G6 didn't turn. "Adding heat keeps out the musty smell."
"I've brought a tea Alistair prepared. He claims it will aid your rest." Tina placed a warm cup on the floor beside her.
"Thanks."
"Drink it now while it's warm. It cools quickly." Tina gently draped a soft blanket over G6's shoulders.
"Ugh, so naggy." G6 groaned but obediently stopped channeling air and picked up the tea.
Tina stepped forward, gazing at the vast, moonlit gardens. "I will confess, I do not understand you these past days, Lady Reise." Her voice was quiet, contemplative. "But I will not press for answers. I would far rather navigate this… chaotic vigor of yours than witness you slowly fading away within these four walls again, as you were before."
So the old Reise was showing signs of depression? Hmm… Another piece that doesn't fit. The timeline's off. In the book, her breakdown wasn't until after the engagement.
I think I got so caught up in my own goals that I overlooked clues. But it doesn't matter. This life is mine now; she abandoned it. Still… I'll complete the puzzle. Find all the missing pieces.
"Please do not stay up too late. You will need rest for tomorrow." Tina's tone shifted back to practical warmth. "I will take my rest as well. Good night, Lady Reise." A slight bow, and she turned to leave.
"Good night." Almost a whisper, but it carried perfectly.
Tina paused at the door, a genuine, relieved smile touching her lips before she slipped out.
「Time Check 05:15」
The West Villa was a tomb of silence. G6 slipped from her room, a shadow detaching from darkness. She employed no supernatural skills; the art of moving without sound was fundamental, learned long before the title Reaper. Footsteps utterly silent, she glided through the slumbering manor unseen.
Servants' routines wouldn't begin for another hour.
G6 had forsaken cumbersome gowns. Her daily uniform was the simple, functional black training gear. As she strode down the dimly lit hallway, her form was a slash of darkness against pale stone, the only splash of color the rose-gold crown of her hair catching the faint pre-dawn glow.
She descended the main staircase and turned toward the villa's rear, path set for the Collegium. But as she stepped onto the garden pathway, a figure materialized from the gloom.
A man stood waiting, wearing a mirror of her practical black. Stark white hair glowed against the dull, pre-dawn sky. Posture relaxed, yet deliberate, as if he had been standing there for some time, anticipating her.
G6 stopped a few paces away, head tilting in cool assessment.
"Why are you up so early… Snow White?"
—To Be Continued…—