After another half hour of searching and dozens of items scattered across the floor, Rouhuo pulled out a small pouch from among the mess.
"Think I've found it, my lady!" she said, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
"Excellent, Rouhuo! Now take one of the threads and hand me the other."
"Y-yes, Y-Your Highness," the maid replied nervously.
"And what about me?" asked Maldie.
"Just don't panic when we suddenly disappear."
"Huh?" Maldie blinked, confused.
Ayame thought of the Forbidden Library. Two more threads burned up, and in an instant, Rouhuo and Ayame vanished where they stood.
Maldie gasped in shock but tried to pull herself together, just as Shion's sister had advised. The maid sighed softly, then started cleaning up the trunks – putting things back inside, closing the lids, and sliding them under the desk.
*
That day, the heavens trembled.
Every god, no matter their status or strength, awoke filled with fear and obedience.
