The Queen sat poised on the center couch, a cup of untouched tea cooling before her. She was anticipating a arrival, her senses attuned to the slightest shift in the room.
Then, a strong wind from the open window swept in, causing the heavy curtains to billow violently. In the space of a single breath, a man in formal attire stood silently before her, as if woven from the shadows themselves.
"Does something require my attention, Your Majesty? You have not called for me in a long time," the man said, his voice calm and measured.
"It seems your skills remain perfectly intact, Zero. Sit down," the Queen commanded.
The man—Zen—took a seat on the couch adjacent to hers.
"It has been two years since you last addressed me by that name, Your Majesty," Zen remarked.
"Has it truly been that long? Hmm. Do you believe the kingdom has been at peace in your absence?" the Queen asked.
"I doubt that. We have likely merely run out of suitable subjects to observe," Zen replied.
"Indeed. However, this time, your task is not to spy on someone. This person is far too dangerous to be our enemy," the Queen said, gesturing for Leo to bring the tea from the counter.
"Too dangerous? Who could it be?" Zen asked, his curiosity piqued.
"You may know her as… G6," the Queen revealed. "She is going to be your new master."
"G6? Her?" Zen's composed facade cracked for a fraction of a second. "Who is this person who deserves to be my 'master'? I must remind you, Your Majesty, I pledge my loyalty to no single master. I am merely in service to the Crown, out of gratitude for your kindness."
"This person," the Queen continued, her tone leaving no room for debate, "was the lead of the two-man party that eliminated the goblin horde and the new-type demon in Oak Village. She is vital to me, and to the kingdom. I need someone of your particular skills to remain by her side—someone who knows every corner of this kingdom, its secrets, and its ancient tools."
Zen absorbed her words, his mind clearly racing to connect the Queen's description to someone he knew. "The reports on that incident were... extraordinary. But to assign me as a mere shadow? This is not the work of a simple noble."
"It is not," the Queen confirmed. "You will understand soon enough. Your role is not that of a simple bodyguard. You are to be her guide and her shield in matters where even my knights would be blind. She operates in a world you are uniquely qualified to navigate."
"And if I find this 'master' unworthy of my cooperation?" Zen asked, a subtle challenge in his tone.
The Queen's gaze was unwavering. "Then you will have failed to perceive what is directly in front of you. Do not mistake her for anything you have encountered before. Your first task is to survive the introduction."
"Survive the introduction?" Zen scoffed. "How tough could this person really be?"
The Queen let out a slow laugh. "Tougher than her usual facade." She glanced at the window, still broken from a previous encounter. "This person would not hesitate to threaten the life of the Queen of this Kingdom."
Zen's eyes widened. This person threatened Her Majesty's life? Then why does the Queen want me to guide her? Who is this brazen individual? A heavy silence fell, broken by a firm knock on the door.
"It must be her," the Queen stated.
The door opened, and there she was. The woman the Queen had called dangerous.
A woman he never expected. A woman he had always known and respected.
L-Lady Reise? Zen's mind reeled as he stood up out of habit.
However, G6 didn't flinch. Instead, a slow smirk spread across her face. "So, you're the dog… Zen," she said.
She walked into the room with an air of utter ownership, casually taking the seat across from the Queen as if it were her own throne. Edmund followed, positioning himself behind her chair like a shadow.
The Queen took a slow sip of her tea, entirely unperturbed. "I see you've dispensed with the formalities as usual, Lady Reise."
"Formalities are for people who have something to hide," G6 replied, her gaze sliding to Zen, who was still standing rigidly. "Or for pets who need to remember their place. Sit down. You're blocking the light."
Zen slowly sank back into his chair. This wasn't the cold, distant Lady Reise he knew. This was something else entirely—sharp and venomous.
"Zen will be your new guide for your… external activities," the Queen explained calmly.
"We are not," G6 stated, her voice flat and final. She turned her head toward the Queen. "I don't need a minder. The deal was for my freedom, not for you to saddle me with a royal spy. The answer is no."
"This is not a request," the Queen replied, her tone leaving no room for argument. "It is a necessary amendment. The threat you encountered in the Dead Forest—the demonic script, the intelligent Hobgoblin—these are signs of something ancient. You stumble into shadows, but you are blind to the history that gives them shape."
The Queen gestured toward Zen. "He is a resource. His expertise is in ancient languages and forgotten lore. He can tell you what may that black paper was, not just that it existed. The information you bring me is only as valuable as your understanding of it."
G6's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Furthermore," the Queen continued, "he is a capable combatant. As a Nocturne, his Earth affinity is formidable. He ensures you return with the intelligence I require. Refuse him, and you diminish the value of our arrangement."
A tense silence filled the room. G6's jaw was tight. She's not entirely wrong. That Hobgoblin was an unknown variable. In my line of work, unknown variables get you killed. He's an intel asset, not a leash.
She let out a sharp breath and looked at Zen as if he were a piece of equipment. "Fine. But he's a consultant. He answers my questions. The moment he becomes a liability, he's gone. And I don't mean he ceases as a consultant. I mean he ceases." she then smile, not the sweet one but the one showing a warning.
The Queen gave a slow nod. "We are clear."
Then G6 looked at Zen, who had remained silent. "Look at me." He did, though hesitant. "Can I trust you not to point a blade at me?" Her eyes promised a single, lethal consequence for a wrong answer.
It feels like she's pointing a sword at my soul, Zen thought.
"I will not," he answered.
A smirk touched G6's lips. "That is the right answer. Not that you have a choice, Zero." She turned back to the Queen. "It's my turn to put a leash on him. I want him in the villa. You deal with the complaints from those good-for-nothing kids."
"You want Zero to move into the West Villa? I suppose the Annex-Unus has space."
"I want him in my building. Put him in Brenda's hall."
"Dear, that will agitate Prince Dio. The other young men will complain. Having a man under your roof who is not family is highly improper—" The Queen was cut off as G6 stood.
"I don't care. You deal with it. I want Zero in my building before dark. Edmund, make sure the dog gets to the villa."
"However, Reise—" the Queen tried.
"I'm not open for argument. I expect him before dinner so I can introduce him to my other pets. See ya." G6 turned with a mocking wave and left, leaving Edmund to secure Zen.
"Lady Reise will kill me if I return without Sir Zen, Your Majesty," Edmund said.
"I figured that much, Edmund," the Queen replied, holding her head as a headache began to form.
"It seems being her consultant will not be easy," Zen remarked.
"That was just a glimpse of it, Sir Zen," Leo commented from the shadows.
"It seems we have no choice," the Queen sighed. "Before I send you back with Edmund, we must lay a perfect alibi for your absence. One that will not make the young nobles suspicious."
As the Queen began to weave a cover story, Zen felt the walls of his old life crumbling. He was no longer just a knight in the Queen's service; he was now the designated "dog" of the most terrifying woman he had ever met, his fate tied to a leash he never saw coming. The game had changed, and he was now a piece on G6's board, whether he liked it or not.
_____
When G6 arrived at the main building—her den—she saw Tina just leaving her room.
"Lady Reise," Tina called upon seeing her.
"What are you doing?" G6 asked.
"I was just leaving your nightdress," Tina said. "I will draw your bath later. But the young nobles are already waiting for you in the dining hall."
"Is dinner ready?" G6 asked.
"Not quite. It seems their work concluded early. Would you prefer to stay here for a while, Lady Reise?" Tina asked.
"I will go downstairs," G6 answered.
"So, Lady Reise…" Tina began, seeming hesitant to continue.
"Ask me," G6 said.
"It is about your three-day leave every week," Tina said. "I am sorry. I know I promised not to ask questions. It is just… this is the first time you will be away from me, and I cannot stand still." Her voice was thick with worry.
G6 halted and looked at her. "I understand. And I appreciate you keeping your promise." She paused, her tone softening a fraction. "However, as I promised you, I will not do anything reckless, and I will return in one piece."
Tina offered a slow, bittersweet smile, but a single tear escaped, tracing a path down her cheek. G6 took a slight step back, unnerved by the display.
"I am sorry, Lady Reise," Tina said, beginning to sob as she wiped at the tears that would not stop. "It is just… seeing you slowly grow up and realize you will eventually have your own life, your own family, your own mind… that you will not need me as much anymore. It feels like watching my own daughter slip through my fingers."
G6 stared blankly, completely unable to process the emotional meltdown unfolding before her.
Then, a small voice piped up. "Miss Tina? W-why are you crying?" Lilia asked, her own voice cracking.
Tina immediately turned away from Lilia's sight, forcing herself to calm down.
Lilia came to G6 and took her hand. "Lady Reise, is something wrong?" Lilia asked.
Perhaps it was Lilia's small, warm hand—the only thing that could pierce G6's emotional ice. She looked from Tina to Lilia before speaking again.
"I am not slipping away from you, Tina," G6 stated flatly. "You will always be a part of Reise. You always will be. Enough with the crying; you are worrying the child over nothing."
Tina wiped away the last of her tears and managed a genuine smile. "Yes, my lady. I am glad to know I will always be a part of you."
G6 simply nodded and resumed walking, Lilia's hand still securely tucked in hers.
As they descended the stairs, servants on the ground floor offered courtly bows, though their eyes widened at the sight. Lilia, a servant, a commoner, was holding hands with their mistress—not just any noble, but the young heiress of the First Pillar, House Worthon.
G6, as usual, ignored her surroundings, and Lilia was too focused on the joy of walking hand-in-hand with her lady, smiling all the way to the dining hall with Tina following closely behind them.
When they reached the dining hall, one of its doors was already open. Upon G6's entrance, the scene within gave her pause. Prince Dio and Earl were speaking in low tones in one corner, while Keith and Brenda were, surprisingly, engaged in a calm conversation with Eliza.
This is different.
Prince Dio's head snapped toward G6 the moment she entered. He stared at her with an intensity she could not quite decipher—something different from his usual coldness or frustration.
Lilia, catching a subtle sign from Tina, reluctantly let go of G6's hand and followed the maid toward the kitchen.
G6 walked to her usual seat at the head of the table. Brenda promptly took the seat to her right, and Earl the one to her left. Prince Dio sat beside Earl, Keith beside him, and Eliza settled next to Brenda, completing the unusual assembly.
"So, you were summoned by the Queen. Again," Keith began, breaking the tense silence.
"Yeah. She informed me of something," G6 answered, her tone neutral.
She glanced around at their somber faces. "What's with the long faces?" she asked.
"It is nothing…" Brenda answered, her voice trailing off.
"Okay," G6 said immediately, accepting the answer without pushback.
"Oh, give me a break! Could you not at least pretend to care, Reise?" Keith snapped, irritated by her cool detachment.
"I tried to care. I just couldn't," G6 stated flatly, plucking a grape from the fruit bowl.
"Reise," Prince Dio interjected, his voice weary. "You can tell me if my mother is asking too much of you. You do not have to force yourself to endure these… domestic lessons if they displease you."
G6 looked at him, studying his drained expression. "I have no complaints. I kind of like it there," she said. A small, pained squeak escaped Brenda.
"Better than… here?" Brenda asked, her hands flying to cover her mouth.
"Uh-huh. It's quiet there. The people there have no particular motivation to live, so yeah, it's kind of refreshing," G6 said, a taunting smile playing on her lips.
Earl and Keith stared, their mouths agape at her words. "Reise, you are aware you sound like a bit of a psycho, are you not?" Earl asked, half in jest, half in genuine shock.
"Ah, so?" G6 retorted, tapping Earl's shoulder and gesturing for another grape.
Earl broke off a small branch of grapes and handed it to her.
"You know, I should be the one doing that," Prince Dio muttered under his breath.
"Quiet. She is not in the mood to tolerate another of our bantering sessions," Earl muttered back.
"Stop muttering in front of me," G6 said, her voice sharp with annoyance. The two young men immediately fell silent and straightened their postures.
"By the way, the festival for the god Eldrin is approaching," Eliza began, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "I wonder what the palace has planned for this year."
"That is right, it is in two weeks, is it not?" Brenda added, seeming to remember.
"Indeed. Though it seems the heads of the Pillar houses have not yet been summoned to discuss it with Their Majesties," Earl commented.
"Mother mentioned they are already outlining the plans. They will soon send invitations for a summons, and to select who will perform the ritual dance this year," Prince Dio said.
Festival? I don't remember that in the book. Hmm. I should ask Edmund about this later.
"What about you, Lady Reise? Will you be assisting with the palace preparations again?" Brenda asked.
"Again?" G6 questioned.
"Yes. You and Mrs. Worthon always help with the palace preparations," Brenda said, smiling. "We were not very close before, so I was too shy to approach you then."
"I am not helping this year. I assume Mrs. Worthon can manage it herself, along with the others," G6 stated. Hell no. That sounds like being stuck in a room full of noblewomen. Hard pass.
"Anyway, forget the festival; it is not for another two weeks," G6 continued, steering the conversation away. "I have someone to introduce to you all. The Queen made this arrangement, so do not complain to me."
"Someone? Who could it be?" Earl asked, intrigued.
"You will find out later," G6 said.
"Come on, just tell us now," Keith pressed. Dio at his side looked equally curious.
"Do not make me repeat myself," G6 said, her voice dropping to a low, warning tone.
At that moment, the dining hall doors opened. Tina and Lilia returned, pushing a cart laden with dishes, with Janin, following behind them to present the food.
"Ah, perfect timing," G6 remarked, effectively ending the previous conversation. "Let's eat."
The three servants carefully laid out the food before the seated nobles. When they reached G6, her portion was noticeably larger than the others—twice the size.
"What does Alistair think I am? A pig?" G6 asked, staring at the heaping mound of mashed potatoes and two large cuts of meat on her plate.
"Whoa, Alistair is truly spoiling you," Keith commented.
"Can you finish all that?" Prince Dio asked.
"If you cannot, I would be happy to help you, Lady Reise," Brenda offered with a smile.
"Nah, this is perfect. I am leaving tomorrow anyway," G6 said, and immediately began eating.
"You know, I could bring meals to you there, Lady Reise," Janin offered.
"No, thanks. These kids would just use it as an excuse to follow you," G6 said, gesturing with her fork toward the others. "And I do not like sudden visits. Give me some space; you are all so needy it makes me want to put you in a foster home."
"A foster home?" Earl asked, confused.
"Yeah. It's a place where you take care of dogs until someone adopts them."
"D-dogs?" Keith sputtered.
"Well, that is enough talking. Please focus on your food. I will excuse myself now," Janin said, offering a courtly bow to G6 and the others before leaving with her cart.
"Janin and Alistair are just terrifying," Keith muttered.
"Indeed. I recall the look on Dio's face during breakfast this morning," Earl added.
"Stop it, you two. I remember how Alistair used to force you two to eat from a giant jar, claiming it was 'training,'" Prince Dio retorted.
"Hey, that is not true!" Keith barked.
"No, it is true," Earl confirmed. "You even cried."
Brenda smiled at the three men's banter, and Eliza also watched them with an amused smile.
Yet, G6 could not care less.
Come to think of it, these fools rarely call Snow White 'Prince.' Seems their childhood bond is really strong. Tch. The only bonds I ever had were with different combat moves and weapons. Good old days.
Just as the thought crossed her mind, a firm knock sounded at the door. It opened to reveal Edmund, who stepped inside and offered a respectful bow.
"My Lady," he said, his gaze meeting G6's. "The individual you were expecting has arrived."
G6 set her fork down, the metal clicking softly against the plate. "Right on time," she said, her tone shifting from bored to purposefully calm. She looked around the table at the curious faces of the young nobles. "Good. Everyone's here. It saves me from having to repeat myself. You all wanted to know who I was introducing." She gestured toward the door. "Well, stop stuffing your faces and pay attention. Your new… associate is here."
"Let him in, Edmund," G6 said.
Edmund opened the door again, and Zen entered, bowing his head.
"Good evening, everyone," Zen said with a polite smile.
"Zen?" Brenda asked, confused.
"What are you doing here?" Earl asked.
"Oh god, we are being monopolized by the earth faction," Keith whined, making Brenda and Earl shoot him warning looks.
"So, the person you are introducing is Zen, Reise? Enlighten us," Prince Dio said.
"Take a seat first, Zen," G6 said. Zen took the seat next to Eliza, who offered him a slight nod.
G6 glanced at Edmund, signaling for him to take over the explanation. Edmund stepped forward to stand beside her.
"As per the discussion between Her Majesty and Lady Reise earlier, Sir Zen will be lodging at the West Villa for some time," Edmund began.
"Because?" Prince Dio pressed.
"The Royal Palace Library has requested assistance training a new librarian starting next week. As you know, the Palace Library contains many ancient texts. Her Majesty asked for Sir Zen's expertise, and to compensate for this added responsibility, she has granted him lodging here at the West Villa," Edmund explained.
"So, Zen, what will your new schedule be?" Prince Dio asked, taking control of the conversation since Zen fell under the Bastion's jurisdiction.
"I will follow the same schedule as Lady Reise, as Her Majesty instructed. Three days at the Collegium and three days at the Royal Palace," Zen answered.
"Isn't that convenient," Earl commented.
"Very well. I had indeed heard about the Royal Palace Library's request for assistance," Prince Dio said, accepting the alibi. "I will ask for your help in preparing a chamber for Zen at the Unus building," he added, addressing Edmund.
At this, Edmund's eyes twitched; the next part would be challenging. "Regarding that, Your Highness, Sir Zen will actually be staying here in the main building."
"No, that is not going to happen," Prince Dio stated, his tone turning cold and authoritative.
G6 remained silent. Everyone else stopped eating, but G6 simply continued with her meal. Edmund glanced at his mistress, who showed no intention of helping him argue with the Prince.
"It was the Queen's direct order, Your Highness. She instructed that he be placed in Lady Brenda's hall," Edmund added.
"And why is that?" Prince Dio demanded.
Keith sank lower in his seat, feeling the heat of his cousin's anger.
"Perhaps the Queen has her reasons, Dio," Earl said, trying to calm him.
"And what might those reasons be? Tell me, Edmund. Why would the Queen allow a man to live under the same roof as Reise, who is no relation to him, while I, her fiancé, am relegated to the Annex?" Prince Dio's voice was sharp.
Brenda and Eliza exchanged nervous glances. Zen remained silent. G6 showed no reaction, continuing to eat, while Edmund felt sweat trickle down his neck.
"I… I…" Edmund was at a complete loss for words.
The tension between him and the Prince consumed the room's atmosphere. At their corner table, Tina and Lilia found they could no longer eat.
Finally, a soft clink of utensils sounded. It was G6.
"Does it bother you?" G6 asked Prince Dio.
"What do you think? It does not just bother me; it is a complete disrespect to my position," Prince Dio retorted, his voice firm and unyielding.
G6 picked up a napkin and wiped the corner of her mouth before speaking. "Fine. You can move into my building. Pick a room. But not in my hall."
Her words were unexpectedly conciliatory, stunning everyone. They had anticipated an argument that would leave the Prince humiliated and frustrated once more.
"Am I hearing this right?" Keith asked, leaning forward over the table.
"Lady Reise?" Brenda echoed in disbelief.
Edmund stared at his mistress in bewilderment.
"Yes. That is the nicest option I can offer to shut him up. This main building has plenty of rooms on the second floor, with multiple halls. It is not so bad to host someone who enjoys breathing the same air," G6 stated.
"Are you certain?" Prince Dio asked, his stance softening.
"Yes. Do not make me change my mind," G6 said, returning to her food.
"Very well. I permit Zen to stay in the main building," Prince Dio told Edmund, his mood visibly improved as he also resumed eating.
"W-wait, what about me, Reise?" Keith interjected.
Earl snatched a napkin and threw it directly into Keith's face. "Shut up, you fool."
Earl seemed to understand the strategic reason behind G6 allowing Prince Dio to reside in her territory.
"Edmund, please bring Zen his meal, and then you may have your own," Earl said. Edmund nodded and moved to comply.
Edmund was quick to provide a plate for Zen, and the heavy tension in the room gradually dissipated, replaced by the quiet clinking of utensils.
"Well, this is certainly a new development," Brenda murmured, more to herself than anyone else.
Keith, having pulled the napkin from his face, slumped in his chair. "It is not fair. Why does he get to move in?" he grumbled, gesturing toward Dio.
"Because he is the Crown Prince and her official fiancé, you fool," Earl replied, keeping his voice low. "Be grateful she did not have us all removed for causing a disturbance."
Prince Dio ate his meal in silence, but a faint, self-satisfied air clung to him. He had secured a concession, however minor, and it was a clear victory.
Zen finally broke his cautious silence. "I thank you for your hospitality, Lady Reise. I shall endeavor to be as unobtrusive as possible."
G6 did not glance up from her plate. "You'd better," she stated flatly.
The remainder of the meal passed with subdued conversation, led mostly by Eliza and Brenda's discussion of the upcoming festival, while the men seemed preoccupied with their own thoughts. Before long, the plates were cleared, and the nobles began to make their excuses for the evening, offering polite bows to G6 before taking their leave.
As the final guest departed, the dining hall fell into a profound silence. The brief but sharp conflict had settled into an uneasy new order. The board had been reset with a new, unknown piece in play, and the prince had been granted a foothold in the lioness's den. In the quiet that followed, it was clear the game had not ended, but evolved into a far more intricate and dangerous level.
_____
[G6'S BEDROOM]
G6 stood by the balcony door of her room, leaning against the frame. She held a glass of whiskey in her hand. As usual, her room was consumed by absolute darkness, with only the moonlight streaming in from the balcony to pierce the gloom.
The sight of G6 in her light, satin, black nightdress, with her hair down and her face bare, was a vision of such divine beauty it seemed a sin for any unworthy soul to behold.
Yet, despite this goddess-like countenance, her grey eyes shone with a cold, sharp light in the moonlight as she took a slow sip of her whiskey.
"You seem to be in a rather good mood, Lady Reise," Edmund said, emerging from the balcony shadows with practiced silence.
"How could I not be?" G6 replied, her gaze fixed on the dark gardens below.
"Might I ask you a question, Lady Reise?" Edmund inquired.
"Go ahead."
"Why did you permit Prince Dio to reside here in the main building?"
"Snow White may not care for Reise, Edmund. But he is still a Prince. As long as you feed his ego, you can make him dance to your steps quite easily," G6 said, a smile touching her lips that did not reach her cold eyes.
"I see," Edmund said, turning to look at the gardens. "It feels as though the West Villa is your chessboard. And the world outside is your playground."
"Who knows?" G6 said, taking another sip.
"Tomorrow is Thursday. We will return by Sunday," Edmund stated, shifting to practical matters. "I have already informed Zero where to meet us."
"That is good. Zero, huh? So, tell me, what is this lad's story? How did he become that witch's dog?" G6 asked.
Edmund let out a sigh before he began. "Zero is the son of his father's concubine. However, since the legal wife bore no sons, Zero became the heir to the third branch of the Nocturne family."
"Ah. And? His fellow nobles mocked him for that luck?" G6 asked.
"Yes. In a world ruled by royalty and nobility, if they see you as beneath them, you become a target. Although the main Nocturne house and its primary branches did not make an issue of it, the lesser nobles and those from the lower court houses began to bully him. Zero was an exceptional child, they said. But when the legal wife grew to despise him and his mother, she demanded his mother be cast out." Edmund continued, "Zero's mother was not from a Pillar House; she belonged to a lower court house. After being cast out from the Nocturne estate, she was disowned by her own family and ended up in the slums of the capital."
"She fell ill, and Zero needed help. His father would not provide it, so the Queen offered her hand in exchange for his potential, and he agreed," G6 finished, her voice flat.
Edmund was taken aback. "How did you know, my lady?"
G6 let out a short, harsh laugh, holding her stomach as if it were the most pitiful story she had ever heard. "It is a predictable, sobbing tale. What an idiotic way to be used," she said, her laughter devoid of warmth.
Edmund looked at her with bewilderment from her mockery, a proof that G6 worldview is somehow so alien to a normal person "I rarely see you laugh, my lady. And it is for mockery."
"Potential, huh?" G6 mused, her laughter ceasing as quickly as it began. "I wonder what exactly about that kid piqued the interest of the old hag."
She returned to her usual fierce expression. "I cannot wait to see whether he is tamed or not," she said in a low, fascinated voice.
She then walked back into her room and placed the nearly empty whiskey glass on the tea table. "We leave early tomorrow, Edmund. I am not in the mood for breakfast with my toys," she declared, continuing toward her bed.
Edmund offered a silent court bow, closed the balcony's glass door behind him, and slipped away into the night to prepare for whatever awaited them.
The next day, 6:25 A.M.
G6, in her usual training gear, descended the stairs of the Main Building. The carriage to the Utility Magic Department waited in the front yard, her chariot to a temporary freedom.
As she reached the ground floor, her steps faltered. Her eyes twitched in a flicker of pure annoyance, though her face remained a deadpan mask. Lilia and Tina stood by the entrance, joined by Alistair and Janin, who was gently rocking her newborn.
What is this, a farewell committee? Why do I feel like they're sending a soldier off to war? G6's internal monologue was a dry counterpoint to the sentimental scene.
"What's with this bothersome gathering?" G6 asked, her voice flat as she reached them.
"We know you've had your fill of socializing with nobles," Alistair barked, crossing his arms with a feigned gruffness. "Figured you'd try to sneak out early without a proper send-off."
"Lady Reise, don't mind Alistair!" Lilia chimed in, her smile bright. "He was the one who insisted on waking up early to prepare something for you."
G6's gaze then fell upon the large basket in Tina's hands. "Here, Lady Reise," Tina said, offering it. "It contains breakfast, lunch, and some snacks."
G6 crossed her arms, refusing to take it. "I am not going on a picnic."
Edmund, entering from outside, smoothly intercepted the basket. "I'll take it ."
"The lunch is specially made by Alistair so it will not spoil easily," Janin added, her smile gentle as she rocked her child. "Edmund, you must reheat it. Understood?"
"Understood," Edmund replied with a nod.
"Let's go," G6 declared, turning to walk out the door.
"Keep safe," Tina called out, her voice laced with a worry she could not fully conceal. "We shall be waiting for your return on Sunday."
"Lady Reise, learn lots about Utility Magic, okay?" Lilia cheered. "Show them there is nothing you can't do!"
Without a backward glance or a word of farewell, G6 entered the carriage and shut the door, sealing herself in silence.
"She is as cold as ever," Janin remarked with a sigh.
"Well, that is more like her," Alistair countered, shaking his head. "It would be downright creepy if she suddenly started smiling and being nice."
"Edmund," Tina said, her voice dropping to a earnest plea. "Please, take care of her."
"You do not need to remind me, Tina," Edmund assured her. "We will be leaving now." He offered a final, brief bow before walking to the carriage. He opened the door to place the basket on the vacant seat, closed it firmly, and then climbed up to take the coachman's reins.
As the carriage pulled away, G6 caught a final glimpse through the window—the worried, earnest faces of the small group standing at the entrance, watching her departure.
Yet, to G6, their unsolicited care was nothing more than background noise. What truly mattered was the short-lived liberty that lay ahead, a freedom she understood far better than the baffling, unasked-for devotion they offered so freely.
And so the carriage rolled away from the gilded cage of the West Villa, carrying not a noble lady to a lesson, but a Reaper to her hunting grounds. Behind her, the bonds of a newfound loyalty tightened, woven from concern she neither understood nor desired. Ahead, the promise of shadows, secrets, and the cold, clean purpose of a mission awaited. The strings of attachment may have been spun, but she held the shears, ready to cut them the moment they threatened to snare her wings.
—To be continued...—