G6 stood frozen in the center of the dressing room, a stark, dark figure adrift in a sea of pastels and frills. The silk and satin mocked her. Her right hand twitched at her side, fingers spasming in a frantic search for a trigger that was not there.
A low, animalistic sound of revulsion rumbled in her throat. Her eyes, wide with horrified panic, scanned the endless racks as if they were a hostile army.
She turned to Tina. Her stare was deadly, filled with broken expectations and utter insult.
"Tina."
Her voice held a deadly, preternatural calm.
"Bring me a match."
She held Tina's gaze, eyes blazing with absolute, unhinged seriousness.
"I will burn all of this."
"Lady Reise, these are all your clothes. What is wrong this time?" Tina asked.
"What do you mean? You cannot see what is wrong here?" G6's expression was full of disbelief.
She stood in the middle of the room, surrounded by things she considered hideous.
"You had no problem wearing them before, my lady. And these are your own preference. You said it yourself—these kinds of clothes are what properly suit a noble lady soon to be Grand Duchess," Tina explained.
G6's brows curled into an irritated line. "Are you not a servant? You have got some nerve to keep talking back."
Tina frowned.
Reise always acts up. But at least her mood is predictable.
"I am sorry, Lady Reise. Please forgive my impertinence," Tina said, bowing her head.
But this gesture only irritated G6 more.
Fucking stupid.
She really does act like a doormat. Tsk. This world is sickening.
"Forget that. Starting from now on, I do not like these kinds of clothes." G6's cold aura and monotone voice shifted—as if, even though she did not mean to, she was trying to comfort Tina's disappointment.
"Then, if you want… I did bring something from the Estate that you told me to throw away last time. However, Duchess Worthon said to keep it, as it was a gift from your cousin in the North Kingdom," Tina said.
"Show me."
Tina walked to the corner of the room, where a large wardrobe stood. She opened it, and the dresses hanging inside were like a universe presented to G6.
Her eyes sparkled.
Not only were these dresses completely opposite to those displayed outside, but the colors themselves screamed G6.
Dark velvet. Black. Grey.
Not only that—the designs rebelled against the standard decorum of this kingdom. Strapless shoulders. Revealing chest cuts. Bodycon. High slits.
"Perfect. The first best thing that has happened to me ever since I woke up in this ridiculous place," she muttered. "Why hide such beautiful clothes? And you dared to throw this away?"
"First, you were the one who said to throw it away, Lady Reise," Tina said, defending herself. "And because you told me never to show them to you again, Lady Reise. You said you did not want to be like your cousin, who used her shoulders to gain attention. You said she had no self-respect, and you refused to be like her."
G6's eyebrows furrowed. A silent storm brewed. She stood straight, her posture rigid, and the air grew cold. "Who said I do not have self-respect?" The question was a sharp, dangerous challenge. A rejection of the past self Tina had invoked.
Tina's eyes held a weariness that went beyond the day. She was tired of the emotional whiplash. "You said those words, my lady."
A moment of silence. Then a spark of realization flashed in G6's eyes. She had asked the question not as Reise, but as Akira.
A slow, smug smirk spread across her face. She reached into the wardrobe, her hand brushing past black and grey gowns before settling on the blood-red one. She pulled it out—a flash of scarlet—and handed it to Tina.
"I will wear that," she said, her tone returning to its usual calm. As if the moment of vulnerability had never happened. She turned and walked away.
Tina took the dress, the fabric soft but heavy. She let out a deep, trembling sigh and closed her eyes against the sheer, stressful unpredictability. She looked down at the gown. A bold, scandalous red. The slit on the side ran dangerously high. It was not a dress. It was an act of defiance.
And G6 was going to wear it.
❈.❈.❈
Lilia skipped down the gilded hallway, her search for Edmund an urgent mission. She spotted a cluster of servants huddled in a shadowy alcove—a whisper factory. Perfect.
"Excuse me," she chirped, cutting through their chatter.
They flinched, turning as one. "What is it, Lilia?" one asked, annoyance etched on her face.
"Have you seen Sir Edmund?" The words tumbled out in a rush.
"Edmund?" Another frowned. "No. He has been missing for almost three days. Why?"
"Lady Reise needs him to escort her to the Queen."
The air stilled. Shock. "The… Lady? You mean, Lady Reise herself?"
Lilia felt a flicker of irritation. She is the only mistress in this villa. "If you do not know, I am leaving."
A servant grabbed her arm. "Wait. Did Miss Tina look for him?"
"No," Lilia said, lifting her chin with a small, defiant pride. "I offered it myself. To the Lady."
Stunned silence. "You? To the Lady herself? And she did not… yell?"
"I am in a hurry," Lilia insisted, pulling away. "And for your information, my lady did not yell. She gave me a whole lemon cake." A wide, victorious grin split her face.
She was about to leave when a wonderful, triumphant thought made her stop and turn back. She gave them a mischievous wink.
"And… I am her new assistant personal maid now."
She twirled on her heel and continued her walk, steps now a joyful dance. A peasant who had won the lottery.
The servants remained frozen, faces a mix of disbelief and sheer terror. They remembered a few days ago, when someone tried to wake Lady Reise and ended up pinned to the bed by a cold-eyed monster. Little did they know, it was already G6.
❈.❈.❈
Lilia stood at the back of Annex-Uno, a forgotten corner. She remembered the old layout. This was where Edmund hid to escape the bustle.
"I am pretty sure he is here," she muttered, peering through a crack into the liquor storage.
The air was cool, heavy with the scent of aged spirits. She stepped inside carefully, navigating a treacherous path between shelves of bottles more valuable than her life.
"Edmund…? Edmund, I know you are here."
She clicked her tongue in irritation, crossing her arms.
"What is the brat doing here? Did I not tell you this room is off-limits?" A voice boomed from behind her, full of dramatic flair.
Lilia turned, a slow smile spreading. "Edmund! Hurry, you need to get to the main building—"
She could not finish. Edmund took a step closer, his expression a theatrical mask of despair. "You are wasting your time. I was not needed there," he said, pressing the back of his hand to his forehead. "The Lady… she hates me."
Lilia cracked a wry grin. "You have not even talked to her since the greeting when she arrived."
"That is because I do not have a chance!" he protested, the theatricality fading into genuine distress. "I was so happy to be the butler of the youngest Worthon—just like her brothers. But after she went savage with the servants, she locked herself away… never wanting me."
Lilia sighed. The exhausting drama of dealing with Edmund. "Old man—"
"Watch your mouth, you brat!"
"Lady Reise is going to kill you with her gaze if you do not move. She was asking for your attendance."
"Be—"
"Let us go! Our lady is waiting!" he interrupted, already turning and pulling her along.
He practically dragged her out, his elegant gait replaced by a frantic scramble. This pain-in-the-neck, dramatic old man, Lilia thought, a sense of weary affection mixing with her frustration.
「ROYAL COLLEGIUM OF SORCERY & STEEL」
Prince Dio strode through the arched stone entrance. The air was cool. The only sound was the gentle trickle of water from a grand fountain, centered by a statue of the God Eldrin. Beside it, Eliza stood with her head bowed, as if in prayer.
He gave her a brief glance, planning to pass by.
"Good morning, Your Highness."
Her voice halted him. He offered a polite, practiced smile. "Likewise. Just Prince Dio will do."
She walked toward him, her movements fluid, two handmaidens trailing behind. "Are you headed to the Bastion now?"
"Yes. Now if you will excu—" His words were cut short.
"I heard there was a commotion at Lady Reise's villa last night," she said, tone casual.
Prince Dio's expression shifted. "How did you know that? Was it loud enough to reach your place?" Subtle sarcasm.
Eliza scoffed lightly. "Fortunately, no. My servant told me." She turned her head slightly to the two women behind her.
One stepped forward. "Excuse me, Your Highness. We accidentally overheard something on our way to the annex."
I was right, Prince Dio thought. It has not even been a week, and she is already back to her old ways.
The other chimed in. "It sounded like… she was looking for something. As if her room was being turned upside down."
Eliza's eyes narrowed slightly, a glimmer of satisfaction. "What do you mean?"
"She was not engaged with anyone. In fact, she had locked herself in. Perhaps that is why Miss Tina seemed distressed in the kitchen earlier."
A small spark of concern ignited in Prince Dio's eyes. "Is something going on with your lady?"
"We… do not know, Your Highness. Miss Tina never speaks of the Lady's private affairs. All we know is that she is distant… to everyone."
Prince Dio's gaze hardened, turning cold and sharp. "Next time, do not speak about the mistress of your villa. Especially not to a woman far higher in station than your employer." The command cut the air. "Now, excuse me."
He turned and continued, leaving Eliza and her servants in his wake. Her shoulders slumped. Determined, she sped up, her steps turning into a small run to catch him.
"Your Highness, I will walk with you. Since we have the same destination."
Prince Dio did not answer. He simply continued his silent, unhurried walk.
They reached the Bastion. At the entrance, Eliza began to speak, but Dio had already turned his back and ascended the grand staircase to the second floor.
He pushed open his office door. A man stood behind his desk, idly juggling droplets of water in the air, a lazy smile on his face.
"Get out," Prince Dio said, walking straight in.
The man turned, a teasing grin spreading. He popped the water droplets in a burst of mist. "Getting chummy with that commoner early in the morning?" He circled the desk as Prince Dio approached.
"As always, you are still as low-mannered as you are," Prince Dio said, collapsing into his chair.
"We share a damn house. Let us at least be strangers here."
"That is so mean!" Keith said, plopping onto the couch with a childlike pout.
"What do you want, Keith?"
"Give me a new toy. I do not want to be chummy with the Prince's girl," he teased.
"There is nothing going on between me and Miss Eliza."
"Really? Why can you not ignore her the way you ignore dear Reise?" A jab that hit its mark.
"She is a prospect for this kingdom. Her magic is the kingdom's signature."
"And Reise is not?" Keith laughed, mocking. "We both know we do not need that signature anymore."
"Do not be absurd. That magic is what this kingdom is made of. A direct blessing of God Eldrin."
"And? It has been lost for two centuries, and the kingdom did not fall. Thanks to what? The Three Pillars." Keith's voice grew offended, playfulness gone.
"Why are you being such a jerk this morning, Keith?" Prince Dio's irritation had an edge of confusion.
"I just do not want you hurting Reise with another woman," Keith said, completely serious. "Reise may be a handful, but we all grew up together. You did not even notice her when you got chummy with that peasant in the Annex-Duo garden."
Prince Dio's expression hardened. This was not the usual clown.
"What do you mean?"
"You were too distracted to notice. Reise was out on her balcony that night Miss Eliza arrived," Keith said, tone laced with pity. "That could be why she did not even bother with you at the tea party." He paused, a cruel truth hanging. "Maybe she finally realized you are not worth chasing."
He started for the door. He stopped, looked back. "I do not mind you ignoring Reise. But do not make her see you flirting with another woman. That is not manly." He walked out.
When the door shut, Prince Dio let out a long sigh. He turned his chair to the window. Keith, the jester, had been dead serious. Prince Dio was left speechless, the weight of his best friend's words settling in. Was he finally realizing he was the reason the glimmering rose had become so wicked?
「WEST VILLA — G6'S BEDROOM」
G6 stood before the gilded mirror, captivated. The dress was a masterpiece of rebellion. Thin straps, bare back, daring décolletage. It felt scandalous and exhilarating.
Behind her, Tina could only stare, caught between silent admiration and terror of what her lady's mother would say.
G6 turned, her face a mask of satisfaction that made the day's emotional whiplash all the more jarring. Tina had to admit it: the garment transformed her. A beautiful, living temptation. Her exposed skin was as untouchable as a museum masterpiece.
"What do you think, Tina? Do I look stunning?"
Tina was pulled from her thoughts. "I hate to admit it, but yes, my lady… truly stunning."
G6's smile widened, genuine. A cunning devil reveling in her new body and freedom.
A gentle knock. "Excuse me, I am coming in." Lilia's small, hesitant voice.
Lilia froze at the threshold, eyes wide in awe. All fear vanished, replaced by wonder. "You… You are so beautiful, Lady Reise!" she gasped, clasping her hands.
G6 smirked. "Tell me something I do not know."
A gasp from behind Lilia broke the moment. "It looks so… rebellious!" An older man's voice exclaimed. G6's face fell, waiting for the lecture. Boomer? "But you are like a goddess descended from heaven. A picture of pure elegance."
G6's smile returned, brighter. "You know your style. Who are you?" A playful glint.
He stood straight, hand on chest. "Let me reintroduce myself, my lady. I am Edmund Saiden, your butler." A perfect, graceful bow.
"I like you, Edmund," G6 said, turning back to the mirror. "Keep praising my style, and we will have no problems." She paused. "And drop the 'my.' I do not like the sound of it."
"As you wish, Lady Reise," he replied with a soft, warm smile. "Whenever you are ready, we will proceed to the Queen's chambers."
G6 turned, hand on hip. "I am ready. Let us go." She strode out with confidence, as if heading to a delightful negotiation rather than a tense meeting.
The three followed, a mix of awe and bewilderment. As she moved down the hall, servants froze, eyes widening at her new appearance. Struck by rebellious beauty.
Their old lady had been a creature of light pastels—a walking saint, wicked from within. This version was different. As if her true self had finally burst into the open.
The echo of G6's red heels was the only sound. She moved like a walking goddess. "Goddess Nyxoria," a servant whispered—the deity of temptation.
G6 paid them no mind. "Edmund, how far is the Queen's chamber?" she asked, calm as she walked.
Edmund quickened his pace to walk behind her. "Just past the garden in front of Annex-Uno. A ten-minute walk."
G6 gave him a quick glance of understanding. He fell back in line.
I cannot wait to see her and trick he—I mean, talk to her into giving me a professional card.
Her thoughts, mischievous.
Ah. Right, she is a queen. That is like dealing with the First Lady. I must play my cards right.
A ghost of a smile touched her lips.
G6's eyes swept through the villa. This is more like a palace than a villa.
A gentle breeze swept through, fluttering the hem of her dress. The slit swayed, exposing a daring length of leg. The three servants behind tensed, faces a mix of alarm and embarrassment.
G6 did not flinch. She did not look back or adjust. She kept walking as if it were the most natural thing. In her old life, G6 was a master of fashion, often called a "baddie" for her style. She hated anything suffocating. Here, in a world where such outfits were nonexistent in noble circles, she was a fashion crasher.
At the open space of the main building's second floor, a bridge connected to the next building—Annex-Uno.
They entered Annex-Uno. G6's eyes, like robot sensors, scanned the interior. Every detail, every corner, saved for later.
It was silent. Yet every detail and piece of furniture was obviously valuable, enough to convey that important figures resided there.
Then, a grand staircase leading to the ground met them.
Edmund stepped forward to offer his hand for the descent. "No need, Edmund," she said, voice clear. "A woman who cannot walk on her own is useless." She descended effortlessly.
Edmund looked at Tina, who gave a small, knowing nod. Do not argue. You will never win.
On the ground floor, G6's eyes continued scanning. They walked toward a hall leading to a path through a lush garden, the well-worn flagstones a common route. She glanced at Edmund; he gave an approving smile and nod.
"Why is this place full of greenery? It is like the whole palace is a garden."
"It produces natural mana, Lady Reise," Lilia answered, humming happily.
"Mana?" G6 asked, a curious cat's look.
"Yes, my lady," Edmund said. "The entire palace is encircled by gardens. It acts as an energizer for all mages here."
"Your body absorbs it unconsciously, as it recognizes mana," Tina added, voice full of pride.
"Ah… so that is why I feel a strange sensation when I am closer to nature?" G6 asked, confused.
"Sensation?" Edmund repeated, brow furrowed. He clasped his hands behind his back. "The only common effect is a general feeling of wellness. As if mana improves blood circulation. Soothes muscles. More a result than a specific feeling."
G6's eyebrows knit further.
"Perhaps it was simply hunger, Lady Reise," Tina suggested lightly.
G6's sharp, annoyed gaze snapped to her. Is she trying to be funny?
"Lady Reise, are you hungry?" Lilia asked, innocent concern.
"I am not," G6 stated flatly, eyes pinned on Tina. "And Tina, do not make it sound as if I am hearing or feeling things that are not there." A clear warning.
Tina looked away, feigning nonchalance. I would not be surprised if you really did.
"Lady Reise, did you know? I always find it fascinating," Lilia chirped, expertly diverting attention. "Only noble and royal families have an affinity for the four major magics!"
"Really?" G6 said, genuinely surprised. "I assumed everyone could use magic."
"But it was discussed in education, no?" Edmund asked.
Tina also looked confused by her questions.
"Is it not that everyone has mana? Then everyone can use magic." G6 tried to scapegoat her mistake.
"Oh! Lady Reise must be referring to the general magics—PhyEn and Utility Magic," Lilia said, falling into step beside her as if they were old friends. "Most commoners use Physical Enhancement or Utility Magic."
What is going on?
Why are such details not included in the book?
I am only aware of the four magics mentioned. And the signature one.
She looked up at the skies, covered with a vine-arched roof along their path.
It seems this world is much bigger than it seemed in the book.
"Commoners are only limited to those general magics, yet nobles could also have those two generals alongside their familial magic," G6 muttered, piecing things together.
What a way to distinguish class.
"Yes! You can learn it with physical training! I do not have it yet because I am only eight," Lilia explained. Suddenly, her eyes caught sight of something ahead, and she darted forward.
"Lilia—!" Tina began to reprimand, but G6 raised a hand to stop her.
"Let her be." G6 turned back to her other servants as they walked. "What about you two?"
"I am proficient in both PhyEn and Utility Magic," Edmund answered.
I could have guessed that. You move like someone who knows how to handle themselves.
"I only have Utility Magic," Tina added.
"Are not most adventurers commoners? How can they conquer monsters and such with sheer PhyEn?" G6 asked.
"You are right, Lady Reise. But it was never a problem," Edmund nodded. "PhyEn can become quite powerful with dedicated practice… like the Adventurers."
G6 halted as Lilia reappeared, gently tugging her dress. "Lady Reise," the girl beamed. "I wanted to thank you again for today."
She held out a single, pretty purple flower.
G6 accepted it with a faint smile, tucking it behind her ear. "Do you know what this flower is called, Lilia?"
Lilia shook her head, eyes wide.
G6 bent down to her level. She gently cupped Lilia's cheek. "This is Belladonna. Some call it Nightshade. In an old language, its name means 'beautiful lady'." She paused, her smile fading into seriousness as she stood. "But it is also highly poisonous. It could make you sick… or worse."
"Lilia! Why would you pick something dangerous for the lady!" Edmund scolded, stepping forward. Tina moved closer, face etched with worry.
"It is alright," G6 said, tone leaving no argument. "She did not know." She looked directly at Lilia, gaze firm but not unkind. "I told this to someone before: not everything beautiful or interesting is meant to be touched."
"I am sorry, Lady Reise," Lilia whispered, bowing her head.
"See that you are. Now, raise your head." G6 gave a small, reassuring nod before continuing.
As she led, she could hear frantic, hushed whispering and dramatic gestures behind her. Without breaking stride, G6 threw a single, sharp look over her shoulder.
The bickering ceased instantly. They straightened, falling back into line—perfect professionalism.
With G6 a few paces ahead of them, she turned again. This time, they could feel the cold wall between them.
"And take this as advice," G6 said with her usual cold monotone voice. "A thing could look so beautiful and tempting, but it could also… drive you to your death."
She said it and continued walking.
❈.❈.❈
The long, immaculate pavement led not to a chamber, but to an extravagant villa. Smaller than the western wing, but its sophisticated architecture—elegant arches, delicate spires—left no doubt: the private sanctuary of the highest authority.
"I thought we were going to a chamber?" G6 muttered, brow furrowed.
Edmund offered an awkward, resigned smile. "Well, Her Majesty refers to this residence as her 'chamber.'"
"What a fancy one," G6 said flatly.
As if on cue, the grand doors swung open, revealing a butler whose poised expectation collapsed into a visible jolt of surprise. His eyes widened, scanning G6's daring dress before he schooled his features.
G6 met his stare with cool indifference.
"N-nice to meet you, Lady Reise Worthon," he stammered, subtly adjusting his suddenly-too-tight collar. "The Queen has been expecting you."
G6 shot a glance at Tina. "I sent a letter ahead," Tina explained softly.
"The pleasure is mine," G6 replied, tone brisk. "Please, lead the way. I would not want to keep Her Majesty waiting." She did not wait for a response, her decisive stride forcing the flustered butler to scramble beside her.
They ascended a grand staircase to wide, ornate doors.
The butler knocked gently. "Lady Worthon has arrived, Your Majesty." He opened the door.
The room was tasteful opulence. And there, seated regally on a central couch, was the Queen. Pristine, sophisticated, beautiful. Her eyes swept over G6, a faint flicker of surprise before melting into a warm, practiced smile.
"My dear Reise. You have finally freed yourself from your bedchamber. A relief to see you."
So this is the Queen.
G6 approached and offered a perfectly measured, slight bow of her head. "Thank you for sparing the time for my sudden visit, Your Majesty."
"I was delighted to hear you wished to see me. Please, sit." The Queen gestured to the plush chair opposite.
G6 sat, gracefully crossing her legs. The slit fell away to reveal a long, elegant line.
The butler, Leo, found something of intense interest on the far wall.
Then, small hands appeared, deftly laying a soft, embroidered blanket across G6's lap. "To keep warm, Lady Reise," Lilia whispered with a quick, nervous smile before scurrying back.
Ah, right. Noble decorum. G6 almost smirked.
"So," the Queen began, gaze lingering on the dress, "I see you are in a… new stage of expression."
"I prefer to think of it as finding my comfort, Your Majesty. This feels more like me," G6 replied, smoothing the blanket with a grace that made rebellion look like high fashion.
"It is daring. The cut reminds me of your cousin from the Elora Kingdom, in the North."
Oh, the one Tina mentioned? I should visit the North—they have good fashion sense.
"A gift from her, years ago," G6 confirmed smoothly, layering her lie with nostalgia.
"It looks outrageous. However, at the same time… ridiculously good on you," the Queen conceded, seemingly disarmed by the audacity.
"You are too kind. I will delay no longer. I am here to request a Professional Card."
The Queen's expression shifted to genuine curiosity. "Well… that is unexpected. I was anticipating a question about Prince Dio."
Dio? Oh. Right. The Prince.
A new, thrillingly reckless idea shot into G6's mind. Why not?
"Would you allow me to dissolve the engagement, then?" she asked, casual as inquiring about the weather.
The air vanished. Tina's breath hitched. Edmund stiffened. Lilia looked ready to faint. The Queen's composure cracked for a full second.
"Oh, my dear," the Queen finally said, a light, uneasy laugh escaping. "You must be jesting. You have been promised to my dearest son for ten years. The official announcement is mere months away."
G6's eyes instantly lost their sparkle. Boring.
"Which is precisely why I am asking you, not him. You see… I am not really a fan of commitment," she stated bluntly.
A shadow passed over the Queen's face. "Have you grown tired of my son's… cold behavior?"
"This is about maturity, not pettiness. Ten years ago, I was eight with no right to object. I was vulnerable, made to believe I liked someone."
Heavy silence. The three servants stood rigid, awaiting the storm.
Then, the Queen smiled. Not warm. Sharp understanding. She stood and moved to sit beside G6, taking her hands. "I understand you, dear. Truly. It makes me happy to see you find your voice and purpose."
Her grip tightened suddenly, vicelike. G6's eyes widened at the surprising, painful strength in the Queen's delicate hands. "But," the Queen continued, voice dropping to a whisper, eyes flicking to the red dress, "I will not tolerate a scandal." The ring on her finger glowed faintly, and the pain vanished. "Your parents would never forgive me if I let their prized daughter 'run free.'"
Interesting.
But.
"I see what you are trying to say, but calling me a prized daughter is somehow degrading. Are you trying to put a certain value on me, Your Majesty?" G6 was smiling, but her controlled, natural voice vanished and turned back to her cold one.
The Queen's brow twitched. She smiled and released G6's hand. "Please forgive this old woman if I offended you. However, I only wish to say you are greatly cared for," she said, smiling.
"None taken," G6 replied.
The Queen released her and returned to her seat, signaling Leo for tea as if nothing had happened. "So, you wish to join the Royal Collegium?"
G6's eyes lit up, tension forgotten. "Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Hmm… very well. I can grant your card, but protocol demands an appraisal first. Leo, fetch the orb after we are done."
G6 had to consciously stop her foot from tapping with excitement.
"I heard about the tea party, by the way," the Queen added casually, sipping tea. "Keith came to see me that night. He would not stop talking about it."
G6 remembered what she had said to the Prince and awkwardly rubbed her neck. "I… may have woken on the wrong side of the bed."
The Queen let out a genuine, melodic laugh. "Oh, do not you dare apologize! Keith and I were in stitches. It was the most entertainment we have had in weeks."
Hmm. Her attitude is the same as that blue-haired fool.
But I can sense her being deceitful.
"If only the King's brother had an heir," the Queen sighed, sudden weariness in her voice. "Then Prince Dio would not need to be a Grand Duke, and you… you would perhaps be free." She set her cup down. "I am sorry, my dear, for placing you in a gilded room with no visible exit."
The King's brother? G6 filed that away. New information. Absent from the book and diary.
"The Three Pillars already balance so much power. To place another major title upon them… it is delicate." The Queen's face softened with a mother's worry. "Please try to understand Prince Dio. He is not cold. He is drowning under the weight of the Upper House's expectations."
Before G6 could process this, Leo returned, carefully carrying a luminous crystal orb on a velvet pillow.
"Ah, here we are." The Queen gestured. "Now, my dear, place your palms flat on the orb."
G6 obeyed. The orb responded instantly, glowing with soft, sparkling white light—the hue of her mana. But it did not stop. The light intensified, brighter and brighter, filling the room with blinding radiance. A searing heat built beneath her palms.
"Shit! That is fucking hot!" she yelped, yanking her hands back with a hiss of pain. Decorum shattered.
The three servants rushed forward. Tina dabbed at her reddening hands with a napkin. Edmund and Lilia hovered, faces etched with concern.
"Dear child, are you quite alright?" the Queen asked, genuine alarm in her voice.
"Do I look alright to you?" G6 asked back, giving her a glare as if the Queen had just asked the stupidest question.
The Queen quickly took G6's hands again. Her ring glowed, and a wave of cool relief washed over the burns, soothing them instantly.
"How very strange," the Queen murmured, staring at the now-dormant orb. "It has never reacted so violently before."
"Your Majesty…" Leo's voice was a hushed, awed whisper. He stared, transfixed, at runes shimmering on the orb's surface. "The appraisal… it reads: 'Mana Reserve: Immeasurable.'"
A dead silence swallowed the room. Every head turned to stare at Leo, then the orb, then their wide, disbelieving eyes landed on G6.
Shock and utter confusion hung heavy in the air.
—To Be Continued…—