"Who is this?"
"Viscount Astrea, this is Lady Vanessa, the Head Maid of the Imperial Palace."
Everything was coming together.
"And why are you bringing a maid to meet me?"
Karina remained silent for a moment. This run had gone so smoothly that she had almost forgotten something important.
This was the first time she was meeting with Vanitas Astrea of the past.
She cleared her throat. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Viscount Astrea."
The café was alive with noise. And yet, within that bustle, the three of them were inconspicuous enough to speak freely.
Vanitas eyed her without hiding his scrutiny. No matter how old he was, the Professor never changed. But for Karina, this was a breath of fresh air. She tried her best to keep her lips from curving into a smile.
After all, she had never spoken to him in nearly fifteen years.
"A Head Maid…" Vanitas began. "That's an unusual choice of escort, Doctor."
Zelliel smiled. "She's more involved than she looks."
