Earl did not lower the earthen wall. He kept it raised—a solid, dusty barrier of his profound annoyance—until the very last recruit's name had been called and they had been shuffled off toward the dormitories. The moment the arena was clear of commoners, he let the wall crumble back into the earth, revealing a scowling Prince Dio and a pouting Keith, both still glaring daggers at each other.
"Are you two quite finished?" Earl's voice was dangerously calm. "Or shall I have the Bastion's masons build a permanent cell for you both?"
Keith, ever the instigator, opened his mouth to retort, but Earl cut him off with a look sharp enough to slice stone. "I do not want to hear it. Either make yourselves useful or get out of my sight."
From across the arena, G6 watched the unfolding scolding with a faint, cold smirk.
What a bunch of kids.
G6 then looked at Tina and Lilia and gestured with her eyes toward the archway path leading back inside the Bastion building.
She walked off first without a word to the young nobles, leaving behind the fight that had started over their desperate bids for her attention.
Prince Dio's eyes followed her, and he attempted to follow when Earl spoke again. "Dio, you are not going anywhere. You will speak with the Adventurers' on-call knights alongside Zen and Eliza. The other two will come with me to the dormitories to attend to the full-time recruits," Earl said, taking control of the situation while the prince who should have been handling it remained one of the perpetrators of the childish fight.
"I am sorry, Earl, but I must go and finish some important paperwork," Zen said.
"Well, I suppose that cannot be helped. Then, Dio and Eliza will handle the on-calls. Now, let us get moving so we can return to what is left to be finished in our own offices," Earl declared.
Without another word, he led the way. Brenda followed him, and though Keith was not in the mood, he trailed after them as well.
Zen offered a bow to Prince Dio and also left, heading back inside the Bastion.
Now, only Prince Dio and Eliza remained. She was shy and unable to find the words to start a conversation with the Prince, who clearly had no interest in speaking with her. Dio's face and attitude had returned to their usual state: cold, silent, and intimidating.
"Y-Your Highness…" Eliza began, gathering her courage. "Shall we go and attend to the on-calls?"
Prince Dio was using a faint wisp of fire magic to dry his tunic, the last evidence of his childish fight with Keith. He didn't look at her. "Where are they now?"
"Sir Earl instructed them to wait in the main hall," Eliza answered, her tone soft. "They likely used the main entrance after the… commotion. To avoid the training arena."
Prince Dio, now dry and composed, finally glanced at Eliza. Their eyes met for a brief second, causing her to blush and quickly look down at her feet.
"Let's go. I have other matters to attend to," he said, his voice flat. He turned and walked toward the vaulted archway that led back inside the Bastion, not waiting to see if she followed.
Eliza hurried to fall into step beside him, the silence between them feeling heavy and awkward. She searched for something to say, something that might interest him.
"The on-call adventurers we are meeting… they seem quite remarkable," she ventured, clasping her hands. "I overheard that most are C-Rank or higher. Some party are even A-Rank. It's impressive that such skilled fighters have answered the crown's call."
"It is their duty," Dio replied, his gaze fixed straight ahead on the stone corridor. "And they are compensated."
"O-Of course," Eliza said, nodding quickly. "It's just… it makes sense. The knights who will be dorming here full-time need the most training. They are the ones without formal combat experience. But the on-calls… they are already proven. We are fortunate to have them on retainer."
Translation: We're hiring the freelancers because they already know how to fight, and babysitting the newbies who don't, a certain someone's dry, unimpressed voice commented in Dio's mind. The ghost of G6 modern bluntness made the entire conversation feel trivial.
A faint, entirely unconscious smile touched Dio's lips. It was small, a mere quirk at the corner of his mouth, but it was genuine.
"Their skill is why they are on-call and not in the dorms," he agreed, the smile softening his words just slightly.
Eliza, who had never seen anything but a scowl or a look of cold indifference on the Prince's face, stared in open shock. Her steps faltered for a moment, her own words dying in her throat. He… he smiled?
But the moment was over as quickly as it began. They turned a final corner and entered the wide, open-plan room where the on-call adventurers waited. The Prince's expression smoothed back into its usual mask of regal detachment, leaving Eliza flustered and confused, wondering what, or who, could have possibly prompted such a rare and beautiful reaction.
The adventurers, who had been murmuring, suddenly halted and offered a respectful bow to Prince Dio.
"I apologize for whatever you witnessed earlier. It was merely an exercise in honing our affinities," Prince Dio remarked, attempting to conceal the fact that it had been a childish spat with his cousin.
"There is no need for apology, Your Highness," an adventurer in his forties answered. "My name is Rodolph, captain of the Ravens Oath party. We are A-Rank adventurers, and we are glad to be of service to the Crown." He and his party knelt and bowed in a knightly fashion.
"I have heard much about your party, Mr. Rodolph. I understand you often take missions in the northern regions," Prince Dio said. "Please arise. We are also grateful for your service."
In the corner of the room, Sebastian's party stood observing. "Looks like Rodolph is eager to kiss the feet of the royals," Nick commented.
"Hush your voice, Nick. We are not here to pick a fight," Dante said, while Sebastian remained silent, observing the Prince and the others in the room.
Many adventurer parties introduced themselves to the Prince. When Sebastian saw Riza and her party moving forward, he decided to approach as well.
"Let us go, before Riza does anything foolish," Sebastian said, and moved with his party following behind him.
Riza, in her very short skirt and revealing top, stood confidently before the Prince.
The sight of Riza made Eliza look away in mild embarrassment, her own party members shifting uncomfortably behind her. "A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. My name is Riza, the captain of this party," she said, offering a courtly bow that accentuated her revealing attire. The Prince did not react, his composure unshaken.
"I see. Your party seems to be comprised of youthful members," Prince Dio commented.
"Of course. We started two years ago and reached C-Rank in no time. We are the Chain Dancers, and if you ever have need of my services, I will be there," Riza said, flaunting her body and offering a wink. The display made Rich and Mary furrow their brows in shared shame.
"Chain Dancers?" Prince Dio asked.
Not only are they young, but the party name is also juvenile. I wonder how Reise would react upon hearing this. His thoughts, as ever, lingered on G6.
"It refers to me, actually. I use chains as weapons, and I look as if I am dancing on the battlefield," Riza answered, full of confidence.
"Your Highness," Sebastian intervened, making Riza pout. "My name is Sebastian, captain of the Iron Shield party. We are A-Rank adventurers." He bowed, and the other three members of his party followed suit.
"Ah, the Iron Shield. You are the talk of the knights. You are around my age, I believe?" Prince Dio asked. "To be the captain of such a highly regarded party is truly commendable."
"Thank you for the kind words, Your Highness," Sebastian answered, offering another courtly bow. "I would not have achieved it without my wonderful team," he said, smiling.
"You are not only strong but also humble. Very well. I am grateful for your assistance," Prince Dio said.
Then, Sebastian's gaze settled on Eliza, who stood rigidly beside the Prince. "I suppose you are the one chosen by the affinity given by the god Eldrin. The Benedictio," Sebastian said.
Eliza offered a sweet smile. "Yes, I am flattered you recognize me."
"I actually remember you standing beside a beautiful lady yesterday," Sebastian said, smiling.
Nick and Xena glanced at each other, seeming to have a clue about which lady he meant.
"Are you referring to Lady Brenda?" Eliza asked, purposely avoiding mention of G6.
"I believe he is talking about the Worthon Lady," Rich intervened, his shyness in front of the Prince momentarily forgotten.
Prince Dio's eyebrow twitched.
"What is her name again? She is so beautiful. Just as everyone says, she is indeed like a goddess," Rich added.
"Oh, looks like our Captain is not only smitten with that cold and scary lady," Nick added, teasing Sebastian and Rich.
Prince Dio's face shifted into its usual cold mask. "That 'cold and scary lady' is my fiancée," he stated, making the adventurers remember in whose presence they stood.
"Oh. Forgive us, Your Highness," Sebastian said, bowing.
"I did not mean to say those… words," Nick added, also bowing.
"It is fine. My fiancée is indeed 'cold and scary'," Prince Dio said, and a flash of G6's face in his mind made him smile, which confused everyone. He shook the thought away and turned to Eliza. "I assume you know the next steps, as you are the one who wrote the rules and regulations. Can you handle the rest? I have done my part by greeting them."
"Are you leaving already, Your Highness?" Eliza asked.
"Yes, as I said. I have some matters to attend to," Prince Dio said, then faced the adventurers before him. "I look forward to working with all of you if the need arises in the future. Please continue to protect our kingdom with your abilities. Now, if you will excuse me."
After saying this, Prince Dio immediately left the room, leaving a flustered Eliza alone.
"Whoa. Seems like the relationship between the Prince and the 'scary lady' is not merely political," Nick commented as soon as the prince was gone.
"Why would you say that?" Riza asked, raising one brow.
"Did you not see him smile when he talked about her? He is in love," Nick said.
Strangely, Nick's comment made Eliza feel as if a dagger were being twisted in her heart. And, what was even stranger, Sebastian felt the same.
_____
[DORMITORY OF BASTION]
The occupants stood in the circular open space of the ground floor, while Earl, Keith, and Brenda looked down from the second-floor balcony.
"As you can see, some floors of this dormitory have not been used until now. It was built for future purposes, which have now arrived," Earl began. "Our noble knights do not typically reside here at the Bastion, if they are not on any expeditions or missions; they are here for training and return to their respective homes at night. The exception is for those who live on the outskirts of the capital, who occupy the ground and second floors. There is a table in front of you. Please come forward; each of you will take one copy of the rules and regulations you must follow." Earl then turned to Keith.
"You are next," Earl said.
"What?" Keith asked.
"I am tired of speaking. You do the rest of the talking. You have done nothing but linger around Reise like a leech and fight with your cousin," Earl said, sounding naggy. Brenda nodded in agreement.
"You are so whiny, you geek," Keith mused.
"Listen," Keith addressed the recruits. "This dormitory has ten floors. Every floor has its own transportation device. You simply step on the magic tool on the floor and select the number of the floor you want on the wall panel. It will transport you directly."
A hand went up. It was Pete. "Excuse me, Sir!"
"Yes, please speak," Keith said.
"I have heard that transportation or teleportation magic tools use a great deal of the user's mana," Pete stated.
"Need not to worry. The Collegium is rich with natural mana. The tool only requires you to supply half the needed energy to activate it. Besides, this specific tool does not require much, as it only moves you within a single, small area," Keith answered.
"Then, is it only for one person? Or can it carry more?" Pete asked again.
"Let me," Earl said, as magic tools were his field of expertise, being from the Omnia department.
"Actually, the teleportation tool itself has no maximum capacity for people. It can carry many. The limit lies with the person who activates it. For instance, the public devices that transport you between villages or towns can carry a maximum of ten people. The farther the distance, the more mana it requires. That is why such travel is only often used by nobles," Earl explained.
"What about the natural mana?" another man asked, also curious.
"Natural mana is a great help. However, the device can only ever absorb half the amount needed for activation. The other half must always come from the one who activates it. It is impossible to combine the mana of multiple people to power it; the inventors long ago tried, and it was futile. Only one person can activate the device. The fifteen-minute cooldown period is for the tool to reabsorb natural mana," Earl explained.
"Well, does that mean if there is no natural mana, it is impossible to use the teleportation tools?" Pete asked.
The question made Earl silent for a moment. To some, Pete's question might sound foolish, but to those who understood the nature of magic tools, it was a profound challenge.
"What is this kid talking about?" a teenage boy muttered.
"Right. It is impossible for natural mana to be gone. Look at your surroundings, kid," another said.
"Silence," Earl commanded. "If the natural mana were gone, it would not be impossible to activate the tool, but… it could kill the one who activates it. As I said, if the natural mana supplies half and it is gone, it will require the activator to provide the full amount." His words hung heavily in the air.
"That is the reason we have assigned one noble knight to every squad here," Keith added. "But you need not worry about that here. A commoner can activate the transportation device in this dormitory and it doesn't need time to cool down, as I said, because it only moves you within one place."
Then the crowd below murmured in understanding, curious questions, and more.
"Brother, is that why knights on expeditions cannot return here immediately?" Brenda asked Earl.
"Yes. Even supplying half the mana is tiring. Knights on missions must remain vigilant at all times. That is why they mostly walk back, using a teleportation device only after passing every two villages or one town," Earl added. He looked at Brenda, who was visibly worried by Pete's line of questioning. "Do not worry, Brenda. You know the disappearance of natural mana is not possible. Our kingdom is practically surrounded by forests." Brenda sighed in relief and smiled.
"Are there any more questions? If not, you may proceed to the third floor and above to find your rooms. Your names are posted outside the doors, and your roommates will be your squadmates," Keith said. "Ah, to answer your earlier question—the maximum capacity for the device here is ten people. As I said, it does not take a tremendous amount of mana. More like ten percent of one's reserves?" Keith looked to Earl for confirmation, and Earl nodded.
"So, we will be leaving now. Take the rest of your time to settle in and get ready for tomorrow. The cafeteria hours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are posted inside your rooms, along with other information about life inside the Bastion," Keith said, already eager to leave.
The crowd offered a courtly bow and began to murmur. Some moved to use the transportation device, their faces lighting up with excitement as they shimmered and vanished, which made others eager to try it, too.
"Well, it seems like a novel experience for them," Brenda commented, smiling at the innocent wonder on their faces.
"Because they can never activate a true long-distance teleportation device. It could kill them, even asking for only half the mana," Earl said.
His words served as a quiet reminder. Even in the measure of mana one possessed, status was everything. Without noble blood, the magic commoners could ever hope to wield was limited to Physical Enhancement and Utility Magic—forever grounded, even in a world of wonders.
And so, the new recruits scattered to their assigned floors, their voices echoing with a mixture of awe and trepidation. High above, the three young nobles departed, leaving the dormitory to hum with the nascent energy of its new inhabitants. Within those towering walls, hopes were being unpacked alongside meager belongings, each recruit unaware that the simple question of a street child had brushed against a fundamental and dangerous truth of their world.
_____
[G6'S OFFICE]
Edmund hummed a quiet tune as he walked down the hall toward G6's office, his mood noticeably light.
When he reached her door, he paused, his gaze drifting to the opposite door—Prince Dio's office. He then entered to find G6's desk empty. Lilia was sitting on the floor by the center table, absorbed in a book, while Tina was clearly sorting through the paperwork that was their Lady's responsibility.
"Where is Lady Reise?" Edmund asked as he entered, shutting the door behind him.
"In the adjoining room," Tina answered, not looking up from her work.
"You are in a remarkably good mood after rushing off earlier," Lilia commented, her head still bent over her book.
"Quiet, you brat. And why are you reading a romance novel at eight years old? Go and play," Edmund said, making Lilia glance up at him with an annoyed pout.
He walked to the wall where a lamp was attached—the discreet entrance to G6's private chamber. He knocked twice.
"Lady Reise, it is Edmund."
"Come in," G6 answered from within.
He turned the lamp, and the door swung open to reveal his mistress sitting on her bed, leaning against the headboard. One of her twin dagger-swords lay on the covers, the other in her hand, which she was meticulously wiping with a cloth.
The sight was clearly not for Tina or Lilia, and he quickly shut the door behind him.
"You know running off earlier was pointless, right? They did not get close to our area," G6 stated, her focus remaining on the blade in her hand.
"Well, I merely opted for the safer path," Edmund replied, standing at the foot of her bed.
"So? What has put you in such a good mood?" G6 asked.
"Was it that obvious? Well, Felicia sent a message that she has done something she believes will make us quite happy," Edmund said.
"You went to see her?" G6 asked.
"No, I managed to borrow Pete for a moment on his way to the dormitory. Felicia had instructed him to deliver the message if he saw me," Edmund explained.
"Hmm. I did not see him earlier at the training arena," G6 noted, setting her weapon down.
"He was at the back, he said. He seemed rather shy around those teenage boys who kept looking and laughing at him," Edmund explained.
"Is it because of his clothes?" G6 asked, crossing her arms.
"Not at all. It seems Felicia and the others enjoyed having a child in the Department last night. They made him several decent outfits. He was dressed quite well; no one would guess he was once a street child," Edmund said.
"Then why were those youngsters laughing at him?" G6's voice was flat, but a subtle sharpness lay beneath.
"Likely because of his age. They must have remembered he was the center of attention yesterday, and… you know how children can be," Edmund said, shaking his head.
"Well, Pete is tough enough to handle bullies. Keep an eye on him, and make sure he does not run his mouth," G6 ordered.
"By the way, I received a message from a royal messenger regarding the Queen's request for our attendance at tea this afternoon."
"It must be about her dog," G6 replied.
Her earring glowed, and her dimensional vault shimmered open. She stuffed her weapons back inside.
Activating tools and spells without a single chant. How can I ever express how much I admire the woman in front of me? Edmund thought, staring at his volatile mistress, who was so clearly unlike anyone else.
Outside the adjoining room, the peaceful quiet enveloping Tina and Lilia was shattered when the main office door opened to reveal four figures: Prince Dio, Keith, Earl, and Brenda.
"Your Highness, esteemed Pillars," Tina said, immediately standing and bowing. Lilia hurriedly did the same.
"Seriously? You are slacking off again?" Brenda asked, directing the question straight at Dio.
"I am finished with my duties. Why are the three of you here?" Prince Dio retorted.
"Obviously, we are also done. And I wish to speak with Reise," Keith said.
"I require something from Reise," Earl added.
"Well, I am merely taking advantage of the time before Lady Reise leaves for the Utility Magic Department again," Brenda finished.
"You are suffocating me," Prince Dio stated, taking two deliberate steps away from the group.
"Where is Reise?" Prince Dio asked. Just as Tina was about to answer, the door to the adjoining room opened, making all four nobles turn sharply.
G6 emerged, with Edmund following close behind her.
"What are you two doing there?" Prince Dio asked, his tone serious.
"I should be asking you that," G6 said, walking to her desk and sitting down. Edmund took his place standing a few steps behind her.
"I must say, you two are becoming closer than is perhaps proper," Keith remarked, casually settling onto the couch next to Lilia.
"Can you all explain why you are trespassing in my office? Do you not understand the concept of personal space?" G6 asked, her eyes locked on Keith, who was now casually peering at Lilia's book.
"Reise, I am here because I have something to discuss. It is about the book I lent you," Earl said.
Prince Dio sat on the central couch facing G6, and Brenda took a seat across from Keith and Lilia.
"Lent?" G6's voice was dangerously sweet. "Which one?"
"The one with the spells," Earl clarified.
G6 gestured to Edmund, who retrieved the book from the shelf. "This one? Is it not mine? You made a deal for it in exchange for intruding on my training session." The truth is, she never really read it yet.
"Well, what I meant was… uhm," Earl faltered, realizing G6 was not going to let him off easily.
"This should be entertaining," Prince Dio commented.
"I mean, will you lend it back to me for a short while?" Earl asked.
"Hmm." G6 played with the pages, which fell open to a section detailing a particular affinity that had always intrigued her: Spatial Weaving. She grabbed a piece of paper to mark the page.
"I might," she said, then closed the book with a definitive snap. "But I will not." She handed the book back to Edmund to return to the shelf. "I will burn this if you ask for it again."
Earl sighed, knowing deep down that G6 was not bluffing. "O-okay. I will not," he conceded, nudging Brenda to make her sit down properly.
"What did you need it for?" Brenda whispered.
"I wanted to look up a certain spell for a specific affinity," Earl whispered back.
"What is it?" Brenda pressed, still keeping her voice low.
"It is nothing," Earl insisted.
"Come on," Brenda urged.
"It is about… Spatial Weaving Affinity," Earl finally whispered.
Prince Dio's attention snapped to him, his stare sharp and warning. Earl and Brenda immediately looked down.
"Do not stick your nose into matters that do not concern you, Earl. You know what I mean," Prince Dio said, his voice low and dangerously calm.
"I know, all right?" Earl answered.
Little did they know, the predator seated at the desk could hear every word, her "Whisper of Gale" spell active throughout the room.
"Lilia, I did not know you were already looking for a prince charming at your age," Keith teased the child, who was reading silently on the floor.
Tina glanced over from her desk, secretly smiling. Lilia was surrounded by these high-profile nobles, yet they showed her no mockery or indifference. It seemed G6's neutrality regarding status was subtly influencing them all.
"Well, I am actually reading this for Lady Reise, Sir Keith!" Lilia answered brightly.
"Oh?" Keith said, smiling. "Really…"
"Why would you read such a thing for Reise?" Prince Dio asked. His cold demeanor made Lilia shrink back slightly.
"Well, Lady Reise is not the type to read romance. So I am doing it for her, to help her learn about it," Lilia explained.
"Why?" Keith asked.
"I figured that Lady Reise may need knowledge about it," Lilia innocently answered that made Keith scoffed.
"Are you not a sweet child," Brenda commented. "Though, a woman does not always need a prince charming."
"Shut it, you peculiar woman," Keith barked.
"You are the peculiar one here," Brenda shot back.
"Get out," G6 said from her chair, arms crossed. "Who said you could sit here?"
"We just want to spend time with you, Reise," Keith said.
"I arrived first. I merely bumped into them outside," Prince Dio said, trying to distance himself from the group.
Brenda threw him a sharp glance. "It is because if you are here in the morning, we cannot catch you before you leave for the Utility Department in the afternoon."
"Well, I have news for all of you," G6 announced, making the nobles in her office snap to attention. "I will not be going to the Utility Magic Department in the afternoons anymore."
"Really?" Brenda asked, delighted.
"Why?" Prince Dio asked.
"Because, ah, I cannot be bothered to explain," G6 said, turning her chair away to face her favorite view of the capital.
"Come on, tell us!" Keith insisted.
Edmund took the initiative to explain. "Lady Reise will be spending her time entirely here at the Collegium for three consecutive days, and will be similarly occupied at the Utility Magic Department for the next three. This is her new schedule."
"WHAT?" the four nobles exclaimed in unison.
"Okay, calm down," Earl said. "Am I hearing this correctly?"
"Yes. In fact, it was the Queen who arranged this schedule," Edmund declared boldly, perfectly presenting G6's plan as a royal decree.
G6 smirked, proud of her right-hand man for skillfully using their accomplice with the Queen as a shield.
"My mother?" Prince Dio asked, his brow furrowed. "I will go to her later."
"Right, ask Aunt why she keeps hogging Reise!" Keith added, dramatically whiny.
"This is the first I am hearing of this, Edmund," Tina interjected. Lilia also frowned. "Does this mean that for three days every week, Lady Reise will not return to the West Villa?"
Edmund and G6 exchanged a brief look. They had not considered that detail. Their plan was far more convenient if they stayed in her private chambers at the Utility Magic Department rather than returning home each night.
G6 gave a slight nod, and Edmund played along with Tina's assumption. "Yes," he stated simply.
The single word sent the room into an uproar.
"I do not agree with this! Three days without Lady Reise? It is like three days without reading a book!" Brenda lamented.
"Right, I cannot accept this sudden change! What is wrong with your mother?" Keith whined, equally dramatic turning to Prince Dio.
Earl remained silent, though his expression made it clear he too disapproved of Reise's planned absence.
Strangely, Prince Dio said nothing. He simply stood and walked toward the door.
"Where are you going? Oh, do not tell me you are fine with this, you cold fire-thing," Keith said.
Dio glanced over his shoulder, his displeasure evident. "I am going to speak with Mother," he stated, and left the office.
"Wait for me, I am coming with you!" Keith declared, scrambling to his feet and rushing after Dio.
Earl stood up more slowly, his expression thoughtful. "This is a rather significant change. I hope Her Majesty has a sound reason for it." He offered a slight bow to G6. "If you will excuse me, Lady Reise. I should return to my duties."
Brenda, however, remained seated, looking utterly dejected. "Three whole days…" she lamented. "What am I supposed to do without you here to observe?"
"Perhaps you could try doing your actual job," Edmund suggested dryly.
"You do not understand! Lady Reise is the most fascinating subject in the entire Collegium!" Brenda argued.
G6 finally spun her chair back to face the room, a look of profound annoyance on her face. "All of you are acting like I'm dying. It's three days. Get a grip. Now, get out. All of you. I have actual work to do."
Her tone left no room for argument. Brenda pouted but obeyed, shuffling out after Earl with a final, wistful glance.
As the door shut, silence descended once more upon the office. Tina let out a long sigh, while Lilia simply looked confused by the entire dramatic display.
G6 leaned back in her chair, a slow, calculated smile gracing her lips. Perfect. Their over-the-top reaction just sold the story. Now, no one will question where I am for those three days. They'll just assume I'm tucked away in another department, being 'hogged' by the Queen.
The stage was set. The breakout was a go.
With the nobles scattering in a flurry of disbelief and the door firmly closed, a deceptive calm returned to the office. To Tina and Lilia, it was the end of another bewildering encounter with their Lady's suitors. But for G6 and Edmund, it was the satisfying click of the first piece falling into place. Under the guise of a royal decree, the shadows of their true plans began to stretch, completely unnoticed by the world they were about to slip away from.
_____
Prince Dio and Keith marched toward the Queen's chambers, their frustration a tangible force between them.
"This makes no sense," Keith grumbled. "Three days a week in the Utility Magic Department? What could she possibly learn there that takes half of every week?"
"That is what we are here to uncover," Dio replied, his jaw tight. "A schedule this rigid is not about education. It is a pretext."
They arrived at the Queen's office. Dio offered a single, sharp knock before entering.
Leo glanced at the Queen. "It appears the news has reached them, Your Majesty."
The Queen set down her scroll, her expression one of mild expectation. "Sit," she commanded.
They took their seats.
"Leo, a chilled beverage for these gentlemen. They seems agitated," the Queen said. Leo bowed and exited.
"You are both away from your posts," the Queen noted coolly.
"Mother, this new schedule for Reise is absurd," Dio began, cutting to the chase. "Three days every week in the Utility Magic Department? If she requires tutoring in domestic affairs, then have a mentor assigned to her at the West Villa. Janin, for instance. She is the finest in such matters."
"Janin recently gave birth," the Queen countered smoothly. "She is occupied with her own child. The request is impossible."
"Then bring the head of the department, Felicia, to the Villa," Dio insisted, his voice rising. "If Reise must learn, let her learn at home."
"Felicia's duties are far too critical for her to be absent from her post for three days a week," the Queen replied, her tone final. "The resources and tools she requires are all within the Department itself. The arrangement is non-negotiable."
"The arrangement is too much!" Dio shot to his feet, his composure fraying. "Why must it be there? Why for so long? What is so important that she must be sequestered away from her own home?"
"Home? Dear, she is already away from her home to live here in the Palace… for you." The Queen said, her voice hinting something.
The Queen's eyes narrowed, her calm demeanor cracking to reveal steel beneath. "And why does it bother you so much, Dio?" Her voice was dangerously soft. "This sudden, intense concern for your fiancée's whereabouts is… new. Weren't you the one who, for years, could scarcely bear to be in the same room with her? The one who ignored her letters and publicly scorned her affections? Tell me, what has changed? Or is this not about her well-being at all, but about your wounded pride that she no longer chases you?"
The words struck Dio with the force of a physical blow. He stood frozen, the truth of her accusation hitting him squarely in the chest. His anger deflated, replaced by a cold, startling clarity. She is right. When did I start to care this much? When did her absence begin to feel like a loss?
He saw the knowing look in his mother's eyes and the surprise on Keith's face. He had no defense. His past indifference was a weapon she could always use against him.
Keith, seeing his cousin's retreat, opened his mouth to argue further, but a sharp look from his aunt silenced him. Arguing with the Queen when she was in this mood was futile.
Slowly, Dio sat back down, the fight gone out of him. "I… see," he said, his voice low. "My apologies for the disruption, Mother."
The Queen observed him for a long moment before giving a slight, satisfied nod. "The matter is settled. You may return to your duties."
As Leo re-entered with the drink, the two young men rose and bowed, their protest thoroughly dismantled. They had come to corner the Queen, but she had cornered Dio's own heart instead, leaving him with nothing but the unsettling realization of his own growing feelings.
Once the door had closed behind the princes, a faint, knowing smile touched Leo's lips. "It would seem the Prince has, perhaps unintentionally, turned the tables on himself," he commented, offering one glass to the Queen.
The Queen accepted the drink, taking a slow sip. "Indeed. A little introspection will do him good." She set the glass down with a soft click. "Tell me, did you instruct Zero to prepare to meet his new master?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The invitation for Edmund and Lady Reise has also been delivered," Leo confirmed.
"Very well," the Queen said, her smile deepening with a hint of private amusement. "I wonder how they will react upon meeting one another."
Time Check: 4:45 a.m.
G6 and Edmund departed first. Still in her training attire, G6 moved with a silent purpose directly toward the Queen's residence.
Upon entering the ground floor, a servant standing patiently at their post offered a swift, silent bow.
They ascended the stairs, their footsteps quiet on the polished stone. "It seems Prince Dio and Sir Keith's inquiry with the Queen earlier did not end well," Edmund murmured.
"Why do you think so?" G6 asked casually, her hands tucked into her pockets.
"I saw Prince Dio earlier. He seemed… deeply troubled," Edmund explained.
G6 just smirked. Of course he couldn't win against his cunning mother. Amateur.
When they reached the two ornate doors of the Queen's office, Edmund knocked twice before opening them.
The Queen was already seated on the central couch, facing a familiar man who sat on the adjacent sofa.
The moment the man's eyes lifted and landed on them, the shock that registered on his face was unmistakable. His usual composure shattered, his features freezing in pure, unguarded astonishment.
G6's expression remained a mask of cool indifference, but internally, her mind clicked into sharp focus. So. You're the 'dog.'
Edmund, too, was rooted to the spot, his own calm demeanor faltering for a crucial second as he processed the identity of their new companion.
The man stood up without seeming to realize it, his mouth opening slightly as if to speak, but no sound emerged. The perfectly poised noble heir was utterly speechless.
G6 let the silence stretch, her eyes locking with his. Then, a slow, knowing smirk curved her lips, her voice a low and dangerously calm whisper that cut through the tense quiet.
"So… you are the dog. Zen."
—To be continued...—