Anastasia and Yae walked side by side through the mansion corridors, the small bag of rings swinging lightly from Anastasia's fingers. The city trip had been successful, but her mind was already far ahead — on the hot springs, on Julius and Rem alone together, on how she could watch without being seen.
She glanced at Yae. "Did you get the magic item I asked for?"
Yae nodded, a small, confident smile on her lips. She reached into her maid uniform and pulled out a delicate silver metia— a thin, almost invisible cloak-like artifact woven with faint glowing runes.
"Yes, my lady. This metia will allow you to communicate with me and see everything I see. You can watch them from the safety of the mansion, or from anywhere you wish. No one will notice you observing."
Anastasia took the metia, running her fingers over the cool metal. A spark of dark excitement lit in her eyes.
"Good. I want to make sure Julius and Rem have a... fun week at the hot springs."
She said the word "fun" with a bitter edge, her jealousy flaring at the thought of them alone in such a romantic place. She wanted to go. She needed to go. But Julius had already forbidden it, saying she needed rest and that her presence would only complicate things.
Yae noticed the shift in Anastasia's mood and chuckled softly, the sound friendly yet teasing, like two girls sharing secrets.
"You need to give them space, Lady Anastasia. Let Julius get a proper hold on Rem. Let the relationship develop naturally. Rem is playing super hard to get right now. Julius is going to have a hard time in the future once she divorces Subaru."
Anastasia's lips pressed into a thin line. "Sadly, Rem is a bit of a rude bitch," she muttered. "But I know Julius will melt her eventually."
She paused, then added with a hint of irritation, "She already stood up to me twice. That was incredibly rude after everything I've given her."
Yae let out a light, playful laugh — the kind of laugh between friends who understood each other's darkness. "You're getting a little possessive, my lady. It's cute."
Anastasia shot her a sharp look, but there was no real anger behind it. Yae's teasing had become strangely comforting in its honesty.
"Shut up," Anastasia said, though the corner of her mouth twitched upward. "Just make sure they enjoy themselves at the hot springs. And keep me updated. I want to see everything."
Yae bowed her head, still smiling. "As you wish. I'll make sure Julius and Rem have a very... memorable week."
Anastasia clutched the silver metia tighter as they continued walking. Her mind was already filling with images — Julius and Rem alone in the steaming waters, the private rooms, the long nights.
She was jealous.
She was furious.
But above all, she was determined.
The hot springs trip would be the turning point.
And she would be watching every single second of it.
The day of the trip finally arrived.
The morning sun bathed the mansion courtyard in a soft golden light as the carriage waited, horses already harnessed and stamping impatiently. Rem stood beside it, dressed in a simple yet elegant kimono — the same blue one she had worn to the festival, the fabric flowing gracefully over her curves. A small travel bag rested at her feet. She looked beautiful, composed, but her eyes carried a quiet tension.
Anastasia stepped out onto the steps, her bruised eye still faintly visible beneath a careful layer of powder. She frowned the moment she saw Rem.
"Why are you not in your maid uniform?" she asked, voice sharp with disapproval.
Before Rem could answer, Julius appeared from the mansion entrance, already dressed for travel. He placed a hand on Anastasia's shoulder, stopping her gently but firmly.
"It's a long trip," he said calmly. "I wanted Rem to wear something comfortable."
Anastasia's lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn't argue. Instead, she turned her gaze to Rem again.
"And Subaru? Does he not mind you going alone with Julius like this?"
Rem's expression remained neutral, though her fingers tightened slightly around the strap of her bag.
"I had to go," she replied evenly. "As you demanded. I would appreciate it if you didn't mention that I'm going alone with Julius."
Julius glanced at Anastasia, his eyes carrying a silent warning. Anastasia forced a pleasant smile, though it didn't reach her eyes.
"Of course," she said sweetly. "Have a safe trip."
She turned to Julius, tilting her head up. "Did you take everything?"
He nodded. "Yes. I took everything we need. It's going to be fine."
Anastasia stepped closer, her voice dropping to a soft, almost pleading tone. "Goodbye kiss?"
Julius leaned down and kissed her on the mouth — a brief but firm kiss. Anastasia made sure to linger just a second longer than necessary, turning her head slightly toward the carriage as if she wanted Rem to see it clearly. She wanted the image burned into Rem's mind: Julius kissing his wife goodbye while Rem stood there, waiting to travel alone with him.
But Rem ignored it completely. She didn't even glance their way. Her eyes stayed fixed on the carriage, her posture straight and distant, as if the kiss meant nothing to her.
Anastasia's stomach twisted with irritation and jealousy, but she kept the smile on her face as Julius pulled away.
"Take care of each other," she said lightly, though the words tasted bitter.
Julius gave her one last nod, then helped Rem into the carriage. The door closed behind them. The driver snapped the reins, and the carriage rolled forward, wheels crunching on the gravel as it began its journey toward the hot springs.
Anastasia stood on the steps, watching the carriage disappear down the long driveway. Her hands clenched at her sides.
She had won this round.
Rem was going with Julius.
Alone.
For two whole weeks.
And yet the victory felt hollow. Rem's cold indifference, the way she had completely ignored the kiss, the way she had stood there in that beautiful kimono like she already belonged at Julius's side... it all gnawed at her.
Anastasia turned and walked back into the mansion, her mind already spinning with plans for the days ahead.
Her steps echoed through the empty halls as she headed straight for her office. The moment the door clicked shut behind her, she locked it, then moved to the hidden drawer in her desk.
She pulled out the silver metia Yae had given her — the magic item that would let her see through Yae's eyes and hear through her ears. Anastasia draped the thin, almost weightless fabric over her shoulders, feeling the faint hum of magic settle against her skin. She closed her eyes, focused, and whispered the activation word Yae had taught her.
A soft glow appeared at the edges of her vision. Suddenly she could see the underside of the carriage, the road rushing past, and the faint outline of Yae's hidden form clinging expertly beneath the vehicle.
"Can you hear me?" Anastasia asked quietly.
Yae's voice came back clear and calm inside her head. "Yes, my lady. I'm right here, hidden below the carriage. They're both inside. Do you want me to move closer to the window?"
Anastasia's lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. "Yes. Stay quiet and listen."
Through Yae's eyes she saw the carriage interior come into view — the plush seats, the small window, and the two figures sitting across from each other.
Rem sat stiffly, still wearing the elegant blue kimono, her hands folded tightly in her lap. Julius sat opposite her, relaxed but watchful.
The conversation was already underway.
Rem's voice was tight with irritation. "I still can't believe I had to lie to Subaru about this trip. It felt so awkward. He kept asking questions and I... I just didn't tell him the full truth."
Julius shook his head gently. "You didn't lie to him. You just didn't tell him everything."
Rem shot him a sharp look. "That's the same thing. I hate it. This whole trip feels like one of Anastasia's setups. It's obvious she planned it."
Julius sighed. "Does the trip bother you that much? If it does, I can promise you right now — I won't touch you unless you want it. I swear."
Rem looked at him for a long moment, her expression conflicted. "I trust you not to cross the line. It's just... knowing that Anastasia planned all of this. It makes everything feel wrong. Like I'm being pushed into something I didn't choose."
Julius nodded slowly, his voice soft but sincere. "I understand. But I'm glad you came. I meant what I said last night. I don't want to pretend anymore."
Rem looked away, cheeks faintly pink, but she didn't argue.
Anastasia, listening through the metia, felt a sharp twist in her chest — part jealousy, part dark satisfaction. She whispered to Yae, "Keep watching. Don't miss anything."
She leaned back in her chair and smiled to herself.
The carriage rolled steadily along the road toward the hot springs, the wheels rattling softly over the packed earth. Anastasia saw everything Yae saw: the interior of the carriage, the passing scenery, and most importantly — Julius and Rem sitting across from each other.
Rem's voice was quiet but firm as she spoke, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
"Our relationship is wrong, Julius. We need to keep strong boundaries. I don't want to betray Subaru too much."
Julius nodded slowly, his expression serious. He leaned forward slightly, elbows on his knees.
"Of course. I won't cross any line you're uncomfortable with, Rem. But... I find you very attractive. So it's going to be hard for me."
Rem's cheeks flushed, but she didn't look away. Her voice grew more insistent.
"That's exactly what I mean. I understand you don't want to pretend anymore, but you need to understand how important my marriage to Subaru is to me. I can't destroy it."
She paused, then added with a hint of frustration, "I know I'm attracted to you too... and it's not okay for you to use that against me. Your situation is easier — Anastasia supports this. But Subaru would definitely not be okay with it."
Rem continued, her voice trembling slightly. "Even if I take your promise seriously... would you really be able to leave Anastasia? Divorce her? What then? Maybe we would end up doing bad things."
Julius stopped her gently, raising a hand. His voice was calm but heavy with emotion.
"I don't plan to destroy your marriage with Subaru. If you decide to leave him, that's your choice. But I promise I'll take care of you. If I have to leave Anastasia, or if she kicks me out... I would probably ask you and Subaru to let me stay the night or two before I find a different place. Depending on whether you go with me."
The carriage fell silent for a moment, only the sound of the horses and wheels filling the air.
Rem looked at him, her expression a storm of conflict — attraction, guilt, anger, and fear all mixed together.
Anastasia, listening through the mantle in her office, felt her heart twist painfully. She gripped the edge of the desk, breathing hard.
He's already planning for the possibility of leaving me...
Through Yae's eyes she saw Rem look away, cheeks still flushed, clearly shaken by Julius's honesty.
The trip had only just begun, and already the tension between them was thicker than ever.
Rem looked at Julius with clear disapproval, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.
Julius leaned back in his seat, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Come on, it's not like I expect you to come to me when I'm with Subaru and you're in your home."
Rem's cheeks flushed, but her voice stayed firm. "I know what you mean. And I would probably check on you then."
Julius's smirk widened, slipping fully into a playful mood. "That would be very naughty of you. We would need to be extra quiet because Subaru would be sleeping."
Rem rolled her eyes, though the blush on her face deepened. "Subaru is a heavy sleeper."
Julius chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "In that scenario, nothing would hold me back. I may ask you to stay with me for an hour or two."
Rem gave him a stern look. "I would stay maybe a minute or two, but I'd have to go back to Subaru so he doesn't wake up."
Julius tilted his head, still smiling. "Couldn't you give him something to help him sleep better?"
Rem sighed, clearly irritated but unable to fully hide her flustered state. "Maybe I could... but you would still have to be respectful. After all, Subaru would be showing you hospitality by letting you stay in our house."
Julius's voice dropped, becoming low and teasing. "I would show you great gratefulness on that night."
Rem's face turned even redder. She looked away, clearly fighting the mix of embarrassment and reluctant amusement.
In her office, Anastasia gripped the edge of her desk, breathing hard as she listened through the metia. Her heart pounded with a toxic blend of jealousy, shock, and dark arousal. Julius was being so bold — so openly flirtatious — and Rem, despite her protests, was engaging with him.
He's pushing her... and she's not running, Anastasia thought, her good eye wide. This is happening faster than I expected.
Julius leaned closer to Rem, his voice low and teasing. "I would show you great hospitality in my bed, making sure Subaru's wife is in good hands. So... do you want to see what my hands can do?"
Rem's cheeks burned red. She shifted uncomfortably on the seat, but didn't pull away completely.
"We haven't even traveled far," she said, voice strained. "You need to hold yourself back, Julius. If we start now, the next days of travel may turn into something really bad."
Julius's eyes sparkled with mischief. "It wouldn't be bad for us."
Rem's irritation flared. "But for Subaru it would be."
Julius sighed, but his smile didn't fade. "Then I will wait."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. "Also... I got you a present."
He opened it, revealing a beautiful gold engagement ring — the one Anastasia had chosen herself. Rem's eyes widened.
"I told Anastasia to buy a ring to replace the one you lost," Julius explained softly. "I hope you'll accept it."
Rem stared at the ring for a long moment, her expression conflicted. "The ring isn't the real problem. It was my wedding ring. But... thank you."
Julius gently took her hand. Rem gave it reluctantly. He slipped the new ring onto her finger, his touch lingering.
"Look at that," he joked with a playful grin. "I'm putting a ring on you."
Rem pulled her hand back quickly, cheeks still red. "This ring doesn't count."
Julius chuckled. "Anastasia bought two rings. So if you want, I can wear the second one so it looks like we're married."
Rem took a deep breath, clearly trying to stay calm. "You shouldn't joke about marriage rings. They are very important." She looked at the ring on her finger and added with a hint of critique, "It's too golden. It seems Anastasia preferred to spend money on something typical."
In her office, Anastasia's face twisted with fury. She slammed her fist on the desk, the silver metia glowing around her shoulders.
"That bitch!" she hissed, voice shaking with rage. "Calling my choice 'typical'? After everything I've done for her?!"
Even though they couldn't hear her, she kept speaking, her words pouring out in a furious whisper.
"She dares to critique the ring I picked? The ring I bought with my own money so Julius could give it to her? Ungrateful whore!"
Her good eye burned with jealous fire as she watched Julius remove his own wedding ring and casually toss it out of the carriage window.
Julius looked at Rem with a playful smile. "Now we both lost our original marriage rings. Would you be willing to put the second one on my hand?"
Rem hesitated for a second, then reluctantly took the second ring and slipped it onto Julius's finger.
Julius looked at it, then joked, "It looks like you just put a wedding ring on my hand. How scandalous."
After the ring was on his finger, he admired it for a moment, then said softly, "I prefer if we put them on during our wedding."
Rem shook her head firmly. "It's not happening."
Anastasia's world went red.
She stared at the vision, her breath coming in short, angry gasps. Julius had just thrown their marriage ring out of the window like it was trash. Like it meant nothing.
Her hands shook. Tears of pure rage and heartbreak burned in her eyes.
He threw it away... our ring... like it was nothing...
The pain in her chest was worse than the bruise on her face. She had spent years with him, sacrificed everything, manipulated the world to keep him happy — and he had tossed their marriage symbol out the window without a second thought, all while flirting with Rem and talking about "their wedding."
Anastasia's voice came out in a broken, furious whisper.
"You bastard... you absolute bastard..."
She slammed her fist on the desk again.
The hot springs trip had only just begun, but Anastasia already felt like she was losing everything.
And the worst part?
Julius had just thrown their wedding ring out of the carriage window like it was worthless trash. The simple gold band — the one he had placed on her finger years ago with love and promises — was gone, lost somewhere in the dirt behind the moving carriage.
Anastasia's world shattered.
A raw, guttural sound tore from her throat — half sob, half scream — as she ripped the silver metia from her shoulders and hurled it across the room. The pain in her chest was unbearable, worse than any illness, worse than the bruise on her face.
She grabbed the nearest object — a heavy crystal vase — and smashed it against the window . The glass exploded in a shower of shards. She didn't stop. She swept her arm across the vanity, sending bottles, brushes, and jewelry flying. The mirror was next. Her fist crashed through the glass, the sharp edges slicing deep into her palm and fingers. Blood sprayed across the floor and walls as she kept striking, again and again, until the mirror frame hung in jagged pieces.
She moved to the bed, tearing at the sheets, ripping pillows apart until feathers filled the air like snow. Her hands were bleeding badly now, leaving red smears on everything she touched, but she couldn't feel the pain. The only thing she felt was the crushing, suffocating agony in her heart.
He threw it away... our ring... like it meant nothing...
Tears streamed down her face, mixing with the blood on her hands as she collapsed to her knees in the middle of the destroyed room, sobbing uncontrollably.
The door burst open.
Two maids rushed in, eyes wide with horror at the scene — broken glass everywhere, blood on the walls, feathers floating in the air, and their mistress on her knees in the center of it all, hands bleeding, face streaked with tears.
"Lady Anastasia!" one of them cried, rushing to her side.
The other maid turned and screamed down the corridor, voice frantic. "Medic! Someone get the medic! Lady Anastasia is hurt!"
They dropped to their knees beside her, trying to gently take her bleeding hands, but Anastasia didn't seem to notice them. She kept sobbing, shoulders shaking, repeating the same broken words under her breath.
"He threw it away... he threw our ring away..."
The maids exchanged terrified glances, one of them pressing a clean cloth to her bleeding palms while the other ran to fetch help.
Anastasia didn't fight them. She simply cried harder, the pain in her heart far greater than the pain in her hands.
For the first time in a long time, the woman who had orchestrated everything felt completely and utterly broken.
Anastasia's vision blurred as the world spun around her.
The pain in her chest was no longer just emotional — it had become a physical vise, crushing her lungs, squeezing her heart until every breath was a desperate, ragged gasp. Her bleeding hands clutched at her chest, nails digging into the fabric of her dress as if she could tear the agony out.
She couldn't breathe.
Her legs gave out beneath her. The room tilted violently, the broken glass and scattered feathers swirling in her sight like a nightmare. The maids' frantic voices sounded far away, distorted, as if underwater.
"Lady Anastasia!"
"Hold on — someone help!"
She felt hands grabbing her arms, trying to support her, but her body was too heavy, too weak. She collapsed forward, knees hitting the floor hard, then falling sideways into the mess of shattered glass and blood.
The pain in her heart was unbearable now — a white-hot spike that radiated through her entire body. Her lungs burned. Her vision darkened at the edges. She tried to speak, to call for Julius, but only a broken wheeze escaped her lips.
Julius...
He threw our ring away...
He's choosing her...
The last thing she saw was the maids' terrified faces hovering above her as they lifted her limp body from the floor, their voices overlapping in panic.
"Get the healer!"
"She's not breathing properly!"
"Lady Anastasia, stay with us!"
Her head lolled back as they carried her out of the destroyed room, blood from her hands dripping onto the hallway floor in a crimson trail.
The world went black.