Days had passed since the incident in the cafeteria. Somehow—perhaps due to the work of the Five Angels—the matter had been contained, never spreading beyond the bustling halls of Bastion.
------
The night is deep, the stars like a glint of dust shimmered on the black sky and, as usual the moonlight is bright as if it knows its purpose—to light the chamber somewhere in West Villa that is always dark and rebellious of light.
And in that room, there was a woman standing in the threshold of the balcony door in the same manner—wearing a satin black nightdress with her long black robe draping over her shoulders til the floor.
"Will you be okay having Edmund stay here?" Tina asked, her gaze fixed on the slim back of her mistress, who leaned against the balcony doorframe.
"You said it yourself, we cannot bring out palace servants." G6 responded without looking back, her eyes set on the gardens below, bathed in moonlight.
"Edmund is a butler of the West Villa here in the Palace. He is not inclined to follow me to the Estate, no?" she added.
"You are right, my lady." Tina paused.
"We will leave at eight tomorrow morning, alongside Master Ray and Master Ron."
"Alright. You are dismissed."
Tina went silent for a moment, as if she was trying to say something she can't make into words. Why on earth do I feel distance between us again?
"I understand, my lady. Then I will see you tomorrow. Please rest well—the journey ahead is long." She bowed. Waited a moment to see if her lady would spare her a glance.
G6 remained silent.
Tina bowed again—almost a nod toward that unyielding back—and left the room.
The moment the door shut, a blue flame flickered from behind G6's ear, materializing into Daunt's form on the floor.
"Hmm. People in this villa are starting to grow suspicious of your behavior," Daunt observed.
"Edmund and Zen are apparently busy with something. Zen asked for time alone until the Moris Escadron hasn't been properly started. And Edmund is busy covering his suspicious absences prior to his attachment to me here."
"Well, it is suspicious to have Edmund acting submissive to you when he is not your butler personally, but a butler of the entire West Villa." Daunt grumbled, grooming his paws.
G6 finally shifted her head toward him. "Well, ain't I the lady of this villa?"
"Still. The power dynamic in this side of the Palace is ruined. I understand you are the daughter of the First Pillar House, Worthon. But that does not change the fact that the West Palace grounds usually belong to the Queen and the Second Prince. Yet neither of them can win against you."
"Prince Dio is tormented by his own inadequacy and superiority, while his mother is a psycho in disguise behind that benevolent face." G6 sat at her tea table and poured herself a glass of whiskey. "Isn't I the most real? Why am I getting blamed for this?"
"Tsk, look at you grumbling. Who would dare blame you."
"Enough with that. While I am away, Edmund is in charge of keeping an eye on that kid—Pete." She gulped down the whiskey. "And you will go to that ruined villa and check if that thing is still alive."
"It has been days since we left him. You only left enough bread and water for three days." Daunt's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure you want him alive?"
G6 leaned on her hand, her other fingers tapping against the table as if calculating the thing's value. "I am sure he will have his own use. Just keep him alive until I say otherwise."
"How cold-hearted." Daunt's eyes gleamed as if adding wood to a fire. "What about that child, Eliza? Isn't she blatantly beginning to show hostility toward you these past few days?"
G6's eyes glinted. A smirk formed on her lips. "Ah, that? She is not really that important. I am not interested in her that much."
"Hmm. But weren't you called by the Queen after that cafeteria incident? That woman raised a complaint against you for being a bully."
G6 snorted, then gulped another shot of whiskey. "Yeah." Her smirk vanished, replaced not by her usual neutral cold face, but by something more serious. "I'd hate removing the holder of the Kingdom's signature magic. So she had better not get in my way."
She poured another shot, inhaling the strong yet appealing scent. "After all, toys need to be endearing to keep their owners from discarding them. Right?"
Daunt gave a smug sigh in response. "Do not forget the law, Reise…"
"I know. And I am not that monster. I have feelings too."
"You mean a rational mind."
"Anyway, keep a tab on the Queen as well. I was the one who told her to give me the Black Ledger after I return from the Estate. Still, make sure she doesn't get any ideas."
"You already made a Pact of Promise. Are you still doubtful?"
G6 cleansed her glass. A cracking sound echoed through the dark, silent room. Daunt's eyes lingered on the glass, fractured in her grip.
"Do you expect me to trust anyone in this world, Daunt?" Her grey eyes locked onto his.
Right. What was I thinking? She was tossed into here against her will. Used by the All-Seers with unclear motives and purpose. She herself cannot even breathe freely.
"It is my mistake. Forgive me for asking something ridiculous."
G6 stood, her long black silk robe kissing the marble floor. She walked toward her bed.
"Go now. I will see you when I return." She did not turn back, tucking herself beneath the covers.
"Alright. Take care. I will be leaving, then." Daunt walked toward the balcony.
Before he left, he stood by the doors, staring into the moonlight and stars.
Oh, holy All-Seers. You were the ones who led me to this child. Is it to guide her to a new path? Or to repeat history?
Daunt dissolved into a blue flame, transformed into a phoenix of that same ethereal fire, and flew into the night.
Outside the villa, Earl had just returned from the Main Palace and was making his way to the Unos-Annex when he felt a surge of strong mana in the air. He looked up toward its source—G6's balcony, her room—but saw nothing except a flash of blue shadow, more like a light.
"Is Reise still awake?" he murmured.
"What was that?" Keith asked from ahead, equally tired.
Earl adjusted his spectacles. "It was nothing. Let us proceed to my study and finish what we must finish today."
"Seriously?! Can't we just finish it tomorrow?!" Keith whined.
Earl looked serious, though exhaustion shadowed his eyes. "I want to end this too. But that evil Dio will just dump more work on us tomorrow. If we don't finish what he gave us today, we will be left with nothing but mountains of work! This is worse than when I was at Omnia!"
Keith was flabbergasted by Earl's outburst. He cleared his throat. "A-alright. Just… chill out."
"Chill out?! Are you hearing yourself? It has been days since I halted Brenda and Zen's training. The longer their rank is delayed, the longer I have to juggle multiple workloads. Do you even understand where I am coming from?!"
"Hey! Are you the only one juggling multiple workloads? I have neglected Eliza for days too!" Keith yelled back.
"It seems you have lost your manners due to exhaustion."
A voice emerged from the shadows in the corner. Earl and Keith turned.
Janin.
"Please keep your voices down. You are still in the area of the main villa. I am sure you are aware what will happen if the one sleeping upstairs wakes up because of your yelling, no?"
Keith's face lit up, remembering G6—but before he could speak—
"Ah, to add: it is a bad idea to get on her bad side right now. I heard from Edmund and Tina that she has been in quite a foul mood these past few days. The one receiving the brunt of it is Pete, her student. Unless you wish to share the burden—"
"Earl, what are you waiting for? Let's finish that work." Keith smiled at Janin and left first.
"That dumbass." Earl murmured. He looked at Janin and nodded. "Forgive us for our manners, Janin." He hurried after Keith, who was already walking away.
Janin nodded and watched their retreating backs.
"Now," she spoke, turning around, "will you tell me what kept you wandering in the main villa at this hour?" Her gaze fixed on the person hiding in the dark corner. "Miss Eliza."
Leaves rustled behind the pillar. Eliza emerged in her sleepwear.
"J-Janin…"
"Madam Janin," Janin corrected.
"Pardon?" Eliza replied as if she hadn't understood.
"I understand Miss Eliza is a valued guest here. However, I would appreciate it if we maintained proper honorifics between us."
"Is it because I am a commoner? Is that why I cannot call you by your name?" Eliza's voice shifted from its usual sweetness to something annoyed—almost hurt.
Janin's stern face did not flinch. "It is nothing of the sort. It is simply… hm, how shall I put it? Uncomfortable. Given we share no history—unlike the young lady and young masters of this villa, whom I have watched grow up—sudden familiarity is rather uncomfortable. Please do not misunderstand."
Eliza bit her lip, suppressing her annoyance. "I am so sick of people repeating that word—relationship," she murmured.
"I see. Then forgive me, Madam Janin. I only wish for us to become closer, as we are living together now." Eliza's voice had already shifted back to sweetness.
"I understand. And I feel the same."
What a liar, Eliza thought.
"Let me repeat my forgotten question: what is Miss Eliza doing here at the main villa at this hour?"
Eliza looked troubled. "I…" She hesitated. "I heard there was a liquor storage in the Unos-Annex, so I—"
"Miss Eliza, I am sure you were told already by the chamberlain of the West Villa—Edmund—that the liquor storage is off-limits. As is visiting Unos at an ungodly hour. Not only because it is full of men and you are a young maiden, but also to avoid unsavory rumors."
"It's just that I heard Lady Reise goes there too—to the liquor storage. I simply felt like drinking as well…"
Janin studied her for a moment. Hmm. It is about Lady Reise again. Leo told me and Alistair that she also complained about Lady Reise to the Queen's chamber. She is becoming more audacious than she should be.
"Please tell me or Chamberlain Edmund next time you need something. We will retrieve it for you. Edmund may appear to be Lady Reise's personal servant, but he is the chamberlain of the entire villa. It is his duty to serve every guest here."
Eliza's face soured—just briefly—before she looked up at Janin and smiled. "I understand. Thank you, Madam Janin."
"It is nothing. Please allow me to escort you back to your room."
"You don't have to—"
"I insist. Please lead the way, Miss Eliza."
Defeated, Eliza turned and walked, Janin following behind.
Eliza's nails dug into her palm as she walked in a calm manner.
Madam Janin? Tsk. Do not make me laugh. You are just a commoner like me. The nerve of this old woman.
I heard from the servants of Unos that Prince Dio often stays in the liquor storage these past few nights…
Everything was ruined because of this annoying servant.
The walk back to the Duo-Annex was silent.
When they arrived at Eliza's room, before entering, she looked back at Janin, who maintained a respectful distance. "Thank you for escorting me, Madam Janin."
Janin bowed. "Anything for a guest."
Eliza's smile nearly cracked at Janin's repeated use of the word guest. "I apologize again for sneaking out. I will rest now." She entered her room. The door shut.
Janin's stern look did not soften. Rather, her eyes grew sharper.
"She does not know her place, does she?"
'Jane! That child's affinity is somehow weak,' a voice coming from a ball of shimmering light who suddenly appeared.
"It is expected. Her magic is merely an affiliation of the Holy Kingdom's." Janin turned and walked away.
「U.M.D. — UTILITY MAGIC DEPT.」
—THE SAME HOUR—
Felicia unlocked the door to the private chamber. The U.M.D. had always been a strange place—officially under the Royal Collegium, yet seated within the main palace grounds. Officially neutral, yet staffed entirely by Worthon loyalists. No one asked why. No one wanted to know.
Since the U.M.D showed no sign of hostility or threat to other nobles, the question was left unanswered. But just because they showed no threat did not mean they were not mysterious.
And this seemingly silent and peaceful U.M.D had somehow become one of the dens of the threat—disguised in nobility.
For instance, somewhere on the second floor of the U.M.D, a large private chamber—almost an apartment—lay hidden, a box of secrecy.
Felicia opened the door. The private chamber was dark and empty. Her eyes landed on the adjoining room's door—the one used by G6, now empty. Then her gaze darted to the other side, the adjoining room used by Edmund and Zen.
On the corner of the common room stood a coat rack where the three cloaks hung, untouched for days. Not out of place—more like decorations fitting the room's ominous vibe.
"Do you need anything?" A voice came from Edmund and Zen's room.
Felicia bowed. "Greetings, my lord."
"Tell me what you need. I am quite busy, you see."
"I am merely asking if anything is the matter? You have been here for two days, and Lady Reise was supposed to—"
"You are one of the Worthons, are you not? Shouldn't you already know about the Veneration they hold every year?" Zen pressed.
Felicia went silent.
"The Captain's plans have shifted. You will be informed when she returns." Zen continued. "As for me, Lord Earl is too busy helping Prince Dio with something. I am taking advantage of my free time to create something that will help the Captain."
Felicia became attentive. "Is there anything I can help with?"
Zen looked at her—a blank stare, unreadable. "You have been making things for the sake of the Captain." His voice was low, calculated. "Are you prepared for the outcome if your family finds out you have been using your magic?"
Felicia's usually composed and dignified expression shifted into sudden anger. "Lord Zen. Do not cross the line."
Zen did not flinch. "Synthia," he said. "Your half-witted cousin is considered a genius at Omnia, yet the real one has just been laying around the U.M.D—"
"I SAID ENOUGH!" Felicia yelled, her hands trembling as if reminded of something she feared.
The long silence between them fed the tension.
Then Zen smiled.
"Apologies, Miss Felicia." He bowed.
Felicia composed herself — realizing her out of character outburst, but her face remained sour. "I… I apologize as well."
"I actually need your magic, Miss Felicia. You see, what I am making is a discarded artifact. With my materials and knowledge and your magic potency, I am sure we can make these abandoned babies usable."
"What is it?"
"Hmm. Something that our stoic and cold boss would be very happy about?"
Felicia considered. "Alright. As long as it helps Lady Reise."
Zen nodded and smiled.
Hmm. Does the Captain know that in her nest, there is a golden egg?
The night stretched between them—the U.M.D. and the West Villa, connected by nothing but darkness and waiting.
Zen returned to his work. G6 did not wake.
Morning came anyway.
-----
The morning moved swiftly. G6 was sent away with the same manner as if sending someone to the battlefield. Edmund and Lilia waited for her at the foyer—along with Alistair and Janin—as if she were not coming back. She left some advice disguised as insults to her servants and departed, avoiding anything dramatic, especially from Janin and Lilia.
G6 did not know exactly where the Estate of Worthon lay. She had only been told that it was seated not far from the Capital. Yet, G6 found herself in an annoying scenario. Right now, in the carriage—a cage where she needed more space—she was now packed in.
"Isn't it nice to travel back home together, Sister?" Ray said, smiling.
"Right. It's only four hours of journey, so don't worry," Ron assured.
G6 remained silent, staring at her two older brothers sitting across from her.
I'm supposed to be trapped with these vermin for four hours?
"Lady Reise, luckily Chef Alistair gave us a pack of sandwiches," Tina chimed in, sitting beside her.
G6 turned to her. "Since when did you learn to address that old man with his title?"
"I don't know. My manners just came back to me when you started spending half your time at the U.M.D." Tina's tone was almost innocent, but it was obvious she was trying to jab at G6.
G6 smirked. "Look at you, talking back to me. The Palace must be treating you well."
"Why are you ignoring us, Sister?" Ray asked, almost hurt.
"I have nothing to say to you."
"Cold as always, huh." Ron murmured. "Anyway, aren't you too focused on Bastion? After all, you have a free pass to be a staff in three major departments."
"What could I possibly learn from Sanctum?" G6's question struck like an insult.
"Oh my! Hold it right there, Reise Worthon!" Ron pointed a finger at her. "Just because those bullheaded knights also use spells in their combat doesn't mean they are all that. The Five Angels? Pft. Those five mage-combatants are not all that good—that's why they became knights. They can only strengthen their stupid magic if they coat it with amplified artifacts. A.k.a. swords."
"I agree." Ray nodded. "Reise, you are aware that Sanctum is not merely a department for making potions, incantations, or spells, right? You can only be a pure mage-combatant if you have high mana reserves. And well, our department has the most oddball staff too."
"What do you mean by that?" G6 asked.
"That is a department where you can directly interact with mana flow. Unlike Omnia, which focuses more on making artifacts and ancient artifacts, and Bastion, which focuses on physical combat. Sanctum is the real field of experimentation." Ray's voice dropped. "Why do you think the head of it is the Crown Prince? It is to ensure that no mage would dare plan something treacherous."
"Does Prince Dio being the head of Bastion also have something to do with that?" G6 said. "Not only that, as far as I know, Lord Jester Nocturne is the head of Omnia as well."
"Well, they are just the heads who physically interact with the staff, but the Directors of the three departments are unknown—"
"The Three Pillars, no?" G6 cut off her brother Ray.
The two brothers went silent.
"Did the Queen tell you that?" Ron asked, his tone somehow becoming serious.
G6 crossed her arms and leaned back. "Well, it's obvious. It doesn't make sense otherwise. The Crown Prince as head of Sanctum, the Second Prince of Bastion, and Jester Nocturne of Omnia. It's too much power play." She paused. "Isn't this to keep track of Marquess Vinesthorne's movements? After all, his three children are scattered across the three departments."
G6's sudden deduction of the political situation made her two brothers fall silent.
"I mean, looking back at the recent incident with the artificial mage—wasn't it supposed to be handed to Marquess Vinesthorne? Yet oddly, it was assassinated on the day of judgment. Not only that, the young heirs of the Three Pillars are all situated on the West Palace grounds, along with the Queen's. I mean, why would the young heirs and the Queen live in the remote grounds of the Palace? Then it turns out the barrier door of Royal Collegium was located behind the West Villa. Isn't that convenient?"
She tilted her head. "I doubt Marquess Vinesthorne can breathe well. He is practically being cornered by lions and tigers both adults and cubs. Every move he makes is being watched."
Her expression was playful, trying to prick something within her two brothers.
Ron was the first to break the tension. "Looks like we underestimated our little sister. You seem more perceptive than you appear. You are right. Because the Royal Family couldn't do anything about Marquess Vinesthorne. His influence in the three Court Houses is wide and massive. But… it's not our problem. It's for the adults to deal with."
"R-right." Ray agreed quickly. "Don't get involved with them, Reise, alright? The political structure of this kingdom is much messier than you think."
G6's facial expression did not move or flinch. She looked out the window. Their carriage was already outside the Capital, pivoting onto a different path—not leading toward the five villages, but the opposite.
She watched the wide greenery as the carriage galloped into the canopy of the forest path. The long silence was broken again when she spoke.
"Isn't it a bit naive of you, Brothers, to say it is not our problem?" G6's gaze remained fixed outside the window. "After all, every decision the adults make affects us."
She turned to them. "You seem smart and competent. However, you lack principle. No wonder this world is rotten. Because there are people like you who like to play safe without trying to exercise your suffrage."
Ron and Ray flinched—not just at G6's words, but at her stare. It was nothing much, just her grey eyes looking at them. A predator's disappointment directed at its kin.
"Silence doesn't mean peace," G6 added. "It means toleration. And if you tolerate it, you are no different from being an accomplice."
Ron and Ray felt like they were choked of their own breath.
Was she always this cold? Ron thought. But she is right.
"Is Sister trying to say that her brothers are hiding behind the shadows of the house?" Ray asked.
"Your interpretation is beyond my concern." G6 shot back.
Because people like them exist, people like me are born. How long do we have to dirty our hands so these arrogant people can remain placid?
What a pathetic world.
"I am going to rest." A hint of anger edged G6's voice.
Tina handed her a sleep mask. G6 took it, put it on, leaned her head against the wall, and closed her eyes.
Her two brothers were left to their own troubled minds. They both stared outside the window on their side, thinking deeply about their sister's words.
Tina, left with this sudden awkward tension, simply grabbed her book and read her feelings away.
The carriage rolled on, deeper into the forest canopy. The sun climbed higher. The shadows shortened.
And in the back garden of the Worthon Estate, the Messenger of the Heavens stood waiting.
Its stone eyes, empty for centuries, seemed to follow the carriage as it wound through the trees.
The wind whispered around it. A voice—not heard, but felt.
"Finally, she returns."
— To Be Continued… —