Three days later, Lucien Vesper—known now simply as Vesper—stirred from his enchanted slumber. His eyelids fluttered open to the unfamiliar opulence of a vast chamber, silken sheets whispering against his skin as he sat up on the enormous bed. Both hands clamped his throbbing temples, a guttural groan escaping: "Ahhhh... what in the hells was that?"
He staggered to the full-length mirror, breath catching. Ancient royal armor gleamed from head to toe, engravings pulsing like veins of forgotten starlight. The shriveled sword hung at his hip, fool's mask dangling nearby. Heat flooded his cheeks—Did that river girl change my clothes?—then searing pain lanced his nape, the hidden rune flickering like awakened deceit. He sighed, slumping. "I wish Lily were here... hope she's alright."
Her sly voice rippled in his mind: "Think I'd die to that weakling ant? Hah! Kiddo, I'm the great Nine-Tailed Fox!"
Relief surged. "Thank the gods. Where am I? These clothes, sword, mask? Pain hit before blackout."
"Keep it down—I'm your spiritual guardian in your inner world," Lily snapped. "That struck when the fairy fished you out. She shattered the ancient curse sealing your root powers—your true form. I only broke chains. Hide the Fool's mark."
A sharp knock echoed. "Vesper? May I come in?" The door swung wide. The white-haired girl stood there—deep blue eyes widening, long curls framing snow-pale skin. She froze at his masked visage: long lashes, piercing emerald-brown eyes, tousled grayish hair. No recognition—just shock at this stranger.
"Vesper?" she breathed, cheeks flushing crimson.
"Ahem... miss?"
"S-sorry! I've never been alone with a boy my age." She steadied. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better."
"Good. Who are you? Where do you think you are?"
Vesper blinked. "Enlighten me."
"Royal Palace of the Human Kingdom. I'm Elissiya, daughter of the King."
His mind reeled—Human cage for Fool's blood? Lily urged: Probe her. Play lost wanderer. No slips.
"Aren't you curious about me?"
"Yes! Who are you?"
"Vesper. Not from around here."
"You're... different. Where from?"
Panic hit. Lily—?
Northern wastes. Bandits. Sell it sad, dumbass.
Elissiya waited eagerly. Vesper masked sorrow: "Far northern wastes. Hunting monsters with Father—bandits ambushed. Took him, left me dead." His nape rune pulsed hotter as her eyes softened with sympathy, the hook of deception set