The sun had not yet crested the horizon, painting the sky in muted grey and gold. In the quiet of the West Villa, G6 sat at her tea table, sipping tea and watching the dawn. The final day of grooming Tina. A sense of transition hung in the air.
A soft knock. "Good morning, Lady Reise. It is Janin."
"Enter."
Janin bowed. Behind her stood Brenda, holding a fancy box and a paper bag, energy radiating from her. "Lady Brenda wishes to see you."
"Good morning, Lady Reise!" Brenda chirped.
"Morning." A small, measured smile.
"Will you be taking breakfast together?" Janin inquired.
G6 glanced at Brenda. "We are. It's her first morning here."
Brenda's face lit up. "Then I shall prepare it," Janin said, withdrawing.
"Have a seat." G6 gestured.
Brenda sat, laid her offerings on the table. "A gift for you." She slid the paper bag forward. "I already gave Her Majesty hers."
G6 peeked inside. An elegant black satin nightdress. She held it up. "Beautiful." The compliment was deliberate, smooth.
"I noticed your fondness for black."
"Thank you." G6 set it aside.
"And these are the items you asked for." Brenda slid the box over.
G6 opened it. The materials.
"That colored eyeglass is quite rare," Brenda noted, pointing to the sunglasses. "Most find the tint disorienting."
"How did you acquire them?"
Hmm. Perfect. The tint is deep enough to conceal my eyes.
"Zen enjoys inventing. He gave them to me. I never wore them. Thought you might appreciate them."
G6's attention shifted to a small jewelry box. "The Dimensional Vault earrings," Brenda explained.
G6 opened it. "Only one pair?"
"Yes. Sir Keith and His Highness prefer multiple earrings over rings."
Tch. Thought I could pierce another hole. This will have to do.
"Thank you, Bre." A sweet, calculated smile.
Brenda's cheeks flushed. "It was nothing."
Another knock. Tina and Lilia entered, pausing at the sight of Brenda. "Good morning, Lady Reise! Lady Brenda!" Lilia chirped.
"Good morning," Tina added with a bow.
"Likewise." G6.
"Good morning!" Brenda.
"Lady Reise, Janin said you'll have breakfast in the dining hall," Tina said.
"Yes. Discourteous to let our guest dine alone." G6.
Tina smiled faintly, relief in her expression.
"Will you always eat there now?" Lilia asked, a hint of sadness.
"We will," G6 corrected.
"My lady, it may be considered inappropriate," Tina cautioned.
"The mistress of this villa is me. I govern as I see fit." A tone that brooked no argument. She turned to Brenda. "You have no objection to their company, Bre?"
"None! Delighted!"
"Then it's settled."
Edmund entered. "Good morning." A formal nod.
Brenda smiled.
Edmund's gaze shifted to G6. A silent request.
"Tina, Lilia, escort Lady Brenda to the dining hall. Edmund and I will follow."
"Understood."
"We'll see you there!" Brenda followed them out.
Alone with her conspirator, Edmund spoke. "I've sent the advanced specifications for the tailored garments."
"Completed by tomorrow morning?"
"By this evening. The Utility Magic Department prioritizes their mistress."
"Deliver these after breakfast." G6 indicated the box.
"Understood." A pause. "Can you manage without the mana restraint now?"
"I can. The ring handles the strain."
"Very well. To the dining hall?"
A single, curt nod.
The pieces fell neatly into place. As she left her chambers, the mistress moved with a new purpose.
「DINING HALL」
G6 descended the stairs. Morning servants stopped, offering deep, synchronized bows.
This is so annoying. This is why I prefer to be gone before they wake.
"Good morning, Lady Reise," they chanted.
"They are likely on edge," Edmund murmured a step behind. "First time you've used the formal hall in three weeks."
G6 ignored him but found the continuous bows grating. She stopped mid-stride. "I will take all meals here from now on. Cease bowing as if I'm a deity. A single greeting shows respect."
She continued, leaving bewildered servants. "Understood, Lady Reise."
Edmund opened the ornate door. Brenda sat idly beside the head chair. Tina and Lilia stood nearby. A wide, genuine smile spread across Brenda's face.
G6 took the head seat without a word. Lilia and Tina sat opposite Brenda. Edmund beside Lilia. Brenda and Tina flanked G6.
Brenda watched, fascinated, as the three servants settled with a comfort that spoke of routine.
"Lady Reise," Brenda began. The servants grew still, wary. "I did not expect you to be quite so… kind."
G6 waited.
"I've always admired you from afar. At every ball, I looked forward to a glimpse." Brenda admitted. "I never thought you were truly bad, but I did not expect good, either. The rumors… yelling at servants, cruelty, mocking lower-house nobles for lingering near Prince Dio. But it always felt… performative. Forced."
Forced? G6's interest sharpened.
"You and Prince Dio were both trapped. He resented his future being decided. But you… you tried. You became his perfect future spouse. His Highness only saw your efforts as an annoyance, focusing on missteps."
"You know a great deal about my past."
"Earl spoke of you. Said you were changing, warping because of Prince Dio's arrogance. He blamed him for turning you into the 'Wicked Rose.'"
The book mentioned a rose. G6 filed it away.
"When we were children, at a party, Dio told you you were like a rose…" Brenda's expression turned somber. "Beautiful, but a predator. Anyone near you would get hurt. He believed you pushed for the engagement, that you didn't object because you wanted him."
"Was I truly infatuated?" G6 sipped water.
"As far as I recall, you found Prince Dio… endearing," Tina interjected carefully. "But when you learned of the engagement… you said you did not want it. You wished to be like your brothers. To explore magic and combat."
So the original Reise didn't want this either. Was her entire 'bitch' persona an act to push him away? G6's mind raced. But the book said she loved him. Inconsistent data.
"But you were told it was for the kingdom and your family," Tina added softly. "So you became the perfect spouse."
"And he never appreciated it, viewing it as an annoyance, which made me… spiteful?" G6 summarized.
"Precisely." Tina confirmed, then realized her bluntness, earning stares.
"So I became evil?" A dangerous glint.
"I'll assist Janin with breakfast; it's taking long," Tina began to rise.
"But Lady Reise asked if you think she's evil," Lilia piped up innocently. Tina shot her a glare.
"I do not believe Lady Reise is evil," Brenda declared. "Since my arrival, I've not heard a single person here speak ill of her."
G6's attention shifted back. "They said after your initial outburst three weeks ago, you ceased reprimands. The villa has been peaceful. They respect you for being a… 'chill' mistress."
"They 'like' me? You just said I yelled for three days."
"They concluded you were stressed from the journey," Edmund added smoothly.
"Tch. You even disappeared because you thought Lady Reise hated you," Lilia said.
"Silence, gossip!" Edmund barked, ears red.
"The consensus is they find your presence… intimidating," Tina stated, reclaiming her seat with a sigh. "But that's the extent. No active fear or dislike."
"The Worthons have always been good to their people," Brenda said proudly.
"Indeed, though the main branch may produce the occasional… prickly individual," Tina added, a master of the subtle jab.
"Say it plainly." A faint smirk.
"This room is cozier than I remembered."
A new voice. Janin in the doorway, and behind her, a large, imposing man.
"Who's the big guy?" G6's filter absent.
"This 'big guy' wakes at an ungodly hour to prepare your liquid vegetables and breakfast," the man said, rich with sarcasm. Alistair.
Ah. The man who's been feeding me.
"If you hate your job, find a new profession."
"Just as Edmund said, your sharp tongue is as quick as your wit." He set down broth and bread.
G6 shot a look at Edmund, who found the wall sconces fascinating.
"Pastries today are lemon cake and strawberry. The favorites of the lady in black."
"Your manners evaporated facing the furnace twenty-four hours a day."
"Please forgive my husband," Janin interjected, serving Brenda. "He acts arrogant, but he cares." Tina served Edmund and Lilia.
"I feel the overwhelming sincerity."
"Perhaps this broth will thaw your frozen heart," Alistair grumbled.
[Alistair: hot-headed royal chef, takes immense pride. Despise anyone who rejects his food. Veteran. Tongue as sharp as his knives.]
"Do not listen," Janin said, pouring tea. "When word reached the kitchen you fainted, he was sick with worry. Blamed himself for not preparing a healthy smoothie sooner. That's why every dish is packed with nutrients."
"Must you share that…" Alistair muttered, flustered. "Embarrassing."
Edmund and Lilia laughed. "Hot-headed Alistair is embarrassed!" Lilia teased.
"Do not address me informally, you uncultured brat!" No real heat.
Brenda smiled, soaking in the heartwarming chaos. G6 showed no outward reaction, but deep inside, she found it… peaceful. A stark contrast to eating alone in a stark basement after training. Here, the table was alive. She was not alone. A buried part of her, beneath the Reaper's conditioning, quietly appreciated it.
❈.❈.❈
After breakfast, the group headed for the path to the Royal Collegium.
"Chef Alistair is magnificent!" Brenda declared.
"Yes! The very best!" Lilia agreed.
"Right, you little charmer? No wonder Lady Reise has a soft spot for you." Brenda nudged Lilia.
"You think so?" Lilia.
"Of course! I noticed the first day!"
Lilia blushed, beaming. G6 remained silent, walking a few paces behind, Tina and Edmund at the rear.
At the ivy-covered wall marking the Collegium path, three figures waited. G6's brows furrowed in annoyance.
Brenda and Lilia stopped short.
"Good morning, Your Highness! Lord Keith, Lord Earl," Lilia greeted.
Tina and Edmund bowed.
"Tch. Why are you here?" Brenda's tone dripped with annoyance.
Their eyes were fixed on G6, who halted and crossed her arms. The three men were uncharacteristically timid, avoiding direct eye contact—the lingering effect of yesterday's scandal.
"Why are you three acting strange?" Brenda pressed.
"Shut up," Keith muttered, energy absent.
"Ah. Perhaps the memory of my bare back is still fresh." A sharp, knowing smirk.
No retort. They looked away, cheeks pink and red.
"Janin said you'd nearly finished breakfast. We decided to wait," Earl explained, gaze on the ivy. "Thought you might head to the training grounds."
"Morning training resumes tomorrow. Final session with Tina today."
"I see. So you'll be at the Main Palace tomorrow afternoon," Prince Dio said, finally looking at her.
"None of your business." A flat dismissal.
"Oh…" a delicate voice. "Rare to see you all gathered." Eliza had arrived, a subtle jab at G6's absence.
"Good morning, Your Highness." A deep curtsy to Prince Dio. "Esteemed Pillars."
G6's eyes swept over Eliza in a cold assessment.
"I heard you've moved into the main building, Lady Brenda." A smile not reaching her eyes.
"Yes!" Brenda.
"How do you find it? The quietest quarters, is it not? Servants clock out early, as Lady Reise doesn't keep them beyond routine." Sweetly laced implication of idleness, loneliness.
That's right. Early night, the main villa is a tomb. Unlike the annexes. What a drag.
"Far cozier than you imagine," Brenda countered, pride evident. "Quiet at night, but not sad. Especially now I share all meals with Lady Reise."
"What? You'll always eat with Reise now?" Keith's jealousy palpable.
"Yes, so shut up." Brenda.
"I see. Glad you're settling in." Eliza's smile strained.
What a crappy environment is this? Tch.
Thoroughly annoyed, G6 walked forward, brushing past the entire group without a word.
Edmund and Tina exchanged a weary glance. "Disturbed Lady Reise's peaceful morning," Edmund sighed, bowing before hurrying after her.
Eliza's eyes darted to Prince Dio, seeking attention. He was already striding after G6.
"This is all your fault!" Brenda accused Keith and Earl before flouncing off.
Prince Dio caught up to G6's brisk pace. "Walk slowly. You've just eaten." Concern foreign in his tone.
"Stop pretending you care." G6.
"Early to pick a fight." Prince Dio.
"Can't you stay away, as you used to? Or observe from a distance until satisfied." Still not looking at him.
"What's gotten into you?" Prince Dio.
"I should be asking you." G6 stopped at the shimmering barrier wall. Turned. A cold, deadpan challenge. "You said I was like a rose. That anyone close gets hurt." She held his eyes. "It will happen. If you keep coming near me." A final warning. She tapped her access card, vanished.
Prince Dio stood in silence, her words echoing. She remembered. She remembered what I said seven years ago… Reise… you don't understand. I had my reasons…
The others caught up. "Ah, Reise beat you in a battle of words again," Keith teased, tapping his card and passing through.
"Serves you right," Brenda huffed, following.
"You really shouldn't provoke her," Earl said, smirking before disappearing.
G6's servants offered silent, pitying bows. Eliza's maid followed.
Only Eliza and Prince Dio remained.
"Prince Dio, are you alright?" Soft, feigned concern. She reached out, touched his arm.
He snapped out, pulling away as if burned. "Refrain from touching me." Cold, regal. "Do not forget your place." He looked at her, devoid of warmth. "And I am engaged." A final, absolute dismissal. He turned, walked through the barrier.
Eliza stood alone, her composure cracking into pure, humiliated fury.
❈.❈.❈
The day passed quietly after the morning's tension. Keith and Earl were occupied grooming Eliza, Brenda, Zen for their roles. Knight recruitment in three days demanded attention.
But the silence from Prince Dio's office was not about the event. It was a churning vortex of memory and regret.
He was right to have been cold before. His reasons were just.
「FLASHBACK」
Ten Years Ago.
Reise Worthon, 8. Prince Dio Einston, 10.
Hours after the engagement announcement shook the court, young Reise was in a guest room with her father.
"Father, why?" Small, confused.
"What do you mean, sweetheart?" Gentle but weary.
"Why am I promised to the Prince when my brothers aren't forced?" Grey eyes, so like the woman she'd become, brimming with tears.
"Sweetheart… listen." He knelt to her level. "Prince Dio is destined to be Grand Duke of Internal Affairs. Oversees the kingdom's stability. As Prime Minister of External Affairs, this union is imperative for our family's standing. The crown needs a powerful house. Ours."
But Prince Dio, having left a book, returned to the door in time to hear Reise's voice rise in a frustrated, tearful sob.
"I DON'T WANT TO MARRY HIM! I WANT TO BE LIKE BIG BROTHERS! I WANT TO EXPLORE MAGIC, MASTER COMBAT! I WANT TO BE A GUARDIAN OF THE SKY, NOT JUST A… A ROYAL WIFE!"
The words struck the young Prince Dio like a physical blow. She was just like me. Trapped. A pawn. He didn't retrieve his book. He turned, walked away, her crying etching into his memory.
Inside, Duke Worthon hugged his distraught daughter. "Please, Reise… Being a Guardian is not just battle. It's ensuring the kingdom's heart remains strong. That is our role, as the first pillar. We must fulfill our duty."
Reise took those words to heart. Her sole purpose: become the perfect future spouse for Prince Dio. Her patriotic, familial duty.
Prince Dio made it his purpose to set her free. He treated her with cold indifference, ignored her efforts, subtly mocked her attempts to please him—a misguided attempt to make her so miserable she'd reject the engagement.
He never anticipated her sense of duty would be so absolute. Her determination to fulfill her "purpose" slowly, tragically twisted into a genuine, desperate love for the prince who offered only scorn. His plan to liberate her backfired catastrophically. His pity for the girl in the same gilded cage curdled into frustration as he watched her personality warp under pressure, becoming the sharp-tongued, cruel "Wicked Rose."
All of it—her unhappiness, her transformation—was because of him. He tried to break the chains, only to forge them tighter, oblivious the girl he was trying to save was dying inside.
「END OF FLASHBACK」
The night grew deep. Prince Dio was a prisoner of his thoughts. Seeking oblivion, he strode to the liquor storage behind Annex-Unus.
I thought I was being kind. Giving her an escape route by being the villain she could despise and refuse. I never imagined her resolve would be so absolute. She interpreted my rejection as a challenge to overcome, a flaw to fix. Her father's words about 'purpose' built a wall my cruelty only reinforced. I was not freeing her; I was hammering the nails into her coffin. And I believed my actions noble. What an arrogant fool.
He sighed, the weight of regret a physical pressure. At the storage room, the door was ajar, light spilling out.
"Who could that be? Don't tell me it's Keith…" He pushed the door open.
Tall corridors of shelves, expensive liquors. Empty at first glance. He moved silently.
Rounding a corner, he stopped.
There, leaning against a heavy oak table, was a woman in a simple black satin nightdress. One hand a pillow for her head, the other hanging limply, fingers loosely curled around the neck of a bottle of potent whiskey, moments from slipping.
"Reise?" A whisper.
He moved swiftly, caught the falling bottle, set it safely on the table.
Only then did he see: two empties of the same brutal whiskey, and the one she'd held, now half-empty.
"Did she drink all of this?" Disbelief and awe. "Three glasses would render a novice unconscious. Two and a half bottles… monstrous tolerance." Amusement warred with concern.
Why here?
G6 slept soundly, hair cascading over her face. Prince Dio reached out, hesitant, gently brushed the strands away.
The face revealed was delicate, strikingly beautiful even in sleep. No cosmetics. No pretense. Just her. Pure, unguarded, heartbreakingly serene.
His breath caught. His heart skipped a painful beat.
"I am sorry." A whisper for years of pain, seen and unseen. "For all of it."
His gaze dropped to her lips, slightly parted, flushed from alcohol. What happened next was not a decision, but an impulse born of a decade of tangled emotions and newfound regret.
He leaned down and kissed her.
Brief. A mere brush of his lips against hers. Three seconds before reality crashed down. He jerked back as if burned.
At that exact moment, G6's eyes snapped open. No drowsy confusion. Instant, sharp awareness. A switch flipped.
"It's fucking burning." A low, gravelly rasp, thick with alcohol.
"Ha?" The only sound he could manage.
What's burning? The whiskey?
He was utterly unaware. The searing sensation was not external, but within her. The hidden chain-rose tattoo behind her ear burned with an intensity it never had before—a violent, physical reaction to a touch that was not an attack, but something far more dangerous and entirely unfamiliar.
In the quiet sanctum of the liquor storage, a single, impulsive act changed the game. A kiss born from years of regret, placed on the lips of a lethal reaper. Deep beneath her skin, a hidden sigil—a mark of a soul meant to cleanse, not to love—burned like a brand, signaling an awakening neither could yet comprehend.
The first move was made, not on a battlefield, but in the dark. The consequences would be explosive.
—To Be Continued…—