The Queen sat poised on the center couch, a cup of untouched tea cooling before her. She was waiting.
A strong wind swept through the open window. The heavy curtains billowed. In the space of a single breath, a man in formal attire stood silently before her, woven from the shadows.
"Does something require my attention, Your Majesty?" he asked, voice calm. "You have not called for me in a long time."
"Your skills remain intact, Zero. Sit."
The man—Zen—took the adjacent couch.
"It has been two years since you last used that name," he remarked.
"Has it? Do you believe the kingdom has been at peace in your absence?"
"I doubt it. We have likely merely run out of suitable subjects."
"Indeed. However, this time your task is not to spy. This person is far too dangerous to be our enemy." The Queen gestured for Leo to bring the tea.
"Too dangerous? Who?"
"You may know her as… G6. She is going to be your new master."
"G6? Her?" Zen's composure cracked for a fraction of a second. "Are you implying you're my master? I pledge loyalty to no single master."
"Then you will have failed to perceive what is directly in front of you. Do not mistake her for anything you have encountered. Your first task is to survive the introduction."
"Survive?" Zen scoffed. "How tough could she be?"
The Queen let out a slow laugh. "Tougher than her 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. She threatened Her Majesty? Then why…? A heavy silence fell, broken by a firm knock.
"It must be her."
The door opened. There she was. The woman called dangerous.
A woman he never expected.
Lady Reise? His mind reeled. He stood out of habit.
G6 didn't flinch. A slow smirk spread across her face. "So, you're the dog… Zen."
She walked in with an air of utter ownership, casually taking the seat across from the Queen. Edmund followed, positioning himself behind her like a shadow.
The Queen sipped her tea, unperturbed. "Dispensed with the formalities, I see."
"Formalities are for people who have something to hide," G6 replied, her gaze sliding to Zen, who remained rigid. "Or for pets who need to remember their place. Sit. You're blocking the light."
Zen slowly sank back into his chair. This wasn't the cold, distant Lady Reise. This was something else—sharp and venomous.
"Zen will be your new guide for your… external activities," the Queen explained.
"We are not." G6's voice was flat and final. She turned to the Queen. "I don't need a minder. The deal was for my freedom, not a royal spy. The answer is no."
"This is not a request. It is a necessary amendment. The threat in the Dead Forest—the demonic script, the intelligent Hobgoblin—these are signs of something ancient. You stumble into shadows blind to the history that shapes them." The Queen gestured toward Zen. "He is a resource. Ancient languages, forgotten lore. He can tell you what 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.
"Furthermore, he is a capable combatant. A Nocturne with a formidable Earth affinity. 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 tightened. She's not entirely wrong. That Hobgoblin was an unknown variable. Unknown variables get you killed. He's an intel asset.
She let out a sharp breath and looked at Zen as if he were a tool. "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." Her smile was a warning.
The Queen gave a slow nod. "We are clear."
G6's eyes locked on Zen. "Look at me." He did, hesitant. "Can I trust you not to point a blade at me?" Her gaze promised a single, lethal consequence.
It feels like she's pointing a sword at my soul.
"I will not."
A smirk touched her lips. "That's the right answer. Not that you have a choice, Zero." She turned back to the Queen. "My turn for terms. He moves into the villa. You deal with the complaints."
"You want Zero in the West Villa? The Annex-Unus has space."
"I want him in my building. Brenda's hall."
"Dear, that will agitate Prince Dio. The other young men will complain. A man under your roof is highly improper—" The Queen cut off as G6 stood.
"I don't care. You deal with it. I want him there before dark. Edmund, make sure the dog gets to the villa."
"However, Reise—"
"I'm not open for argument. 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 him, Your Majesty," Edmund said.
"I figured," the Queen replied, holding her head as a headache formed.
"It seems being her consultant will not be easy," Zen remarked.
"That was just a glimpse," Leo commented from the shadows.
"We have no choice," the Queen sighed. "Before you go, we need a perfect alibi. One that won't make the young nobles suspicious."
As the Queen wove the cover story, Zen felt the walls of his old life crumbling. He was now the designated "dog" of the most terrifying woman he'd ever met, his fate tied to a leash he never saw coming.
❈.❈.❈
When G6 arrived at the main building, Tina was just leaving her room.
"Lady Reise."
"What are you doing?"
"Leaving your nightdress. I'll draw your bath later. The young nobles are waiting in the dining hall."
"Is dinner ready?"
"Not quite. Their work ended early. Would you prefer to stay here?"
"I'll go downstairs."
"Lady Reise…" Tina began, hesitant.
"Ask."
"It's about your three-day leave. I'm sorry. I promised not to ask. It's just… this is the first time you'll be away. I can't stand still." Her voice thickened.
G6 halted and looked at her. "I understand. And I appreciate you keeping your promise." Her tone softened a fraction. "As I promised, I will not do anything reckless. I will return in one piece."
Tina offered a slow, bittersweet smile, but a single tear escaped. G6 took a slight step back, unnerved.
"I'm sorry," Tina said, beginning to sob. "It's just… seeing you grow up, realizing you'll have your own life, your own family… that you won't need me as much. It feels like watching my own daughter slip away."
G6 stared blankly, unable to process the emotional meltdown.
"Miss Tina? W-why are you crying?" Lilia asked, her own voice cracking.
Tina immediately turned away, forcing composure.
Lilia came to G6 and took her hand. "Lady Reise, is something wrong?"
Perhaps it was Lilia's small, warm hand—the only thing that could pierce G6's emotional ice. She looked from Tina to Lilia.
"I am not slipping away, Tina," G6 stated flatly. "You will always be a part of Reise. Enough crying. You're worrying the child over nothing."
Tina wiped her tears and managed a genuine smile. "Yes, my lady."
G6 simply nodded and resumed walking, Lilia's hand still in hers.
As they descended, servants bowed, eyes wide at the sight: a commoner servant holding hands with the heiress of House Worthon.
G6 ignored them. Lilia was too focused on her joy.
❈.❈.❈
The dining hall door was open. Inside, Prince Dio and Earl spoke in low tones. Keith and Brenda were, surprisingly, in calm conversation with Eliza.
This is different.
Prince Dio's head snapped toward G6 the moment she entered. He stared with an intensity she couldn't decipher—different from his usual coldness.
Lilia, catching a sign from Tina, reluctantly let go and followed her toward the kitchen.
G6 walked to her seat at the head. Brenda took her right, Earl her left. Prince Dio sat beside Earl, Keith beside him, Eliza next to Brenda.
"You were summoned by the Queen. Again," Keith began.
"Yeah. She informed me of something," G6 answered, neutral.
She glanced at their somber faces. "What's with the long faces?"
"It is nothing…" Brenda trailed off.
"Okay," G6 said, immediately accepting it.
"Oh, give me a break! Could you not at least pretend to care?" Keith snapped.
"I tried. I just couldn't," G6 stated, plucking a grape.
"Reise," Prince Dio interjected, weary. "You can tell me if my mother is asking too much. You don't have to endure these domestic lessons if they displease you."
G6 studied his drained expression. "I have no complaints. I kind of like it there." A small, pained squeak escaped Brenda.
"Better than… here?" Brenda asked, hands covering her mouth.
"Uh-huh. It's quiet. The people there have no particular motivation to live. Refreshing." A taunting smile played on her lips.
Earl and Keith stared, mouths agape. "Reise, you are aware you sound like a psycho, aren't you?" Earl asked.
"Ah, so?" G6 retorted, tapping Earl's shoulder for another grape.
Earl broke off a branch and handed it to her.
"I should be the one doing that," Prince Dio muttered.
"Quiet. She is not in the mood for banter," Earl muttered back.
"Stop muttering in front of me," G6 said sharply. The two men fell silent.
"The festival for the god Eldrin is approaching," Eliza began, trying to lighten the mood. "I wonder what the palace has planned."
"That's right, in three weeks," Brenda added.
"Indeed. The Pillar heads haven't been summoned yet," Earl commented.
"Mother mentioned they are outlining plans. Invitations for the summons and to select the ritual dancer will be sent soon," Prince Dio said.
Festival? Not in the book. Ask Edmund later.
"Will you be assisting with palace preparations again, Lady Reise?" Brenda asked.
"Again?"
"Yes. You and Duchess Worthon always helped. We weren't close before, so I was too shy to approach you."
"I'm not helping this year. Duchess Worthon can manage." Hell no. Stuck in a room full of noblewomen. Hard pass.
"Anyway, forget the festival," G6 continued, steering away. "I have someone to introduce. The Queen made this arrangement, so don't complain to me."
"Who?" Earl asked.
"You'll find out later."
"Come on, tell us now," Keith pressed. Prince Dio looked equally curious.
"Do not make me repeat myself," G6 warned, her voice dropping.
The doors opened. Tina and Lilia returned with a food cart, Janin following to present the dishes.
"Perfect timing. Let's eat," G6 remarked, ending the conversation.
The servants laid out the food. G6's portion was noticeably larger—twice the size.
"What does Alistair think I am? A pig?" G6 stared at the heaping mound.
"Whoa, Alistair is spoiling you," Keith commented.
"Can you finish all that?" Prince Dio asked.
"If you cannot, I'd be happy to help," Brenda offered.
"Nah, this is perfect. I'm leaving tomorrow anyway." G6 began eating.
"I could bring meals to you there," Janin offered.
"No, thanks. These kids would use it as an excuse to follow you." G6 gestured with her fork. "Give me space; you're all so needy it makes me want to put you in a foster home."
"A foster home?" Earl asked.
"A place where you take care of dogs until someone adopts them."
"D-dogs?" Keith sputtered.
"That is enough talking. Please focus on your food. I'll excuse myself," Janin said, bowing before leaving.
"Janin and Alistair are terrifying," Keith muttered.
"I recall the look on Dio's face this morning," Earl added.
"Stop it. I remember how Alistair forced you two to eat from a giant jar for 'training,'" Prince Dio retorted.
"Hey, that's not true!" Keith barked.
"It is," Earl confirmed. "You cried."
Brenda smiled at the banter. Eliza watched, amused.
G6 didn't care.
These fools rarely call him 'Prince.' Strong childhood bond. Tsk. My only bonds were with combat moves. And those are good old days.
A firm knock sounded. Edmund entered and bowed.
"My Lady. The individual you were expecting has arrived."
G6 set her fork down. "Right on time." She looked around the table. "Good. Everyone's here. Saves a repeat." She gestured toward the door. "Stop stuffing your faces. Your new… associate is here."
"Let him in."
Edmund opened the door. Zen entered, bowing.
"Good evening."
"Zen?" Brenda asked, confused.
"What are you doing here?" Earl asked.
"Oh god, we're being monopolized by the earth faction," Keith whined, earning warning looks.
"So, the person is Zen, Reise? Enlighten us," Prince Dio said.
"Take a seat, Zen." Zen sat next to Eliza, who offered a slight nod.
G6 glanced at Edmund. He stepped forward beside her.
"As per the discussion between Her Majesty and Lady Reise, Lord Zen will be lodging at the West Villa," Edmund began.
"Because?" Prince Dio pressed.
"The Royal Palace Library requested assistance training a new librarian. It contains many ancient texts. Her Majesty asked for Lord Zen's expertise. In compensation to his addition work, she granted him lodging here."
"What will your new schedule be?" Prince Dio asked, taking control.
"I will follow the same schedule as Lady Reise. Three days at the Collegium, three at the Royal Palace."
"Isn't that convenient," Earl commented.
"Very well. I had heard of the Library's request." Prince Dio accepted the alibi. "I'll ask you to prepare a chamber for Zen at the Unus building," he told Edmund.
Edmund's eyes twitched. The next part was challenging. "Regarding that, Your Highness, Lord Zen will be staying in the main building."
"No. That is not happening," Prince Dio stated, his tone turning cold and authoritative.
G6 remained silent. Everyone stopped eating, but G6 simply continued her meal. Edmund glanced at his mistress, who showed no intention of helping.
"It was the Queen's direct order. She instructed him to be placed in Lady Brenda's hall."
"Why?"
"Perhaps the Queen has her reasons, Dio," Earl said, trying to calm him.
"What reasons? Tell me, Edmund. Why would the Queen allow a man to live under the same roof as Reise, while I, her fiancé, am in the Annex?" Prince Dio's voice was sharp.
Brenda and Eliza exchanged nervous glances. Zen remained silent. G6 showed no reaction. Edmund felt sweat trickle down his neck.
"I… I…" He was at a loss.
Finally, a soft clink of utensils. G6.
"Does it bother you?" she asked Prince Dio.
"What do you think? It is a complete disrespect to my position."
G6 wiped her mouth with a napkin. "Fine. You can move into my building. Pick a room. But not in my hall."
Her words stunned everyone. They'd anticipated an argument leaving the Prince humiliated.
"Am I hearing this right?" Keith asked, leaning forward.
"Lady Reise?" Brenda echoed.
Edmund stared in bewilderment.
"Yes. That's the nicest option to shut him up. This building has plenty of rooms. It's not so bad to host someone who enjoys breathing the same air."
"Are you certain?" Prince Dio asked, stance softening.
"Yes. Don't make me change my mind." G6 returned to her food.
"Very well. I permit Zen to stay." Prince Dio's mood visibly improved as he resumed eating.
"W-wait, what about me?" Keith interjected.
Earl snatched a napkin and threw it in Keith's face. "Shut up, fool." Earl seemed to understand G6's strategy.
"Edmund, bring Zen his meal, then have your own," Earl said. Edmund nodded.
The heavy tension dissipated, replaced by the clink of utensils.
"A new development," Brenda murmured.
Keith slumped. "Not fair. Why does he get to move in?"
"Because he is the Crown Prince and her official fiancé, you fool. Be grateful she didn't have us removed," Earl replied low.
Prince Dio ate in silence, a faint, self-satisfied air about him. A clear victory.
Zen broke his silence. "I thank you for your hospitality, Lady Reise. I shall endeavor to be unobtrusive."
G6 didn't glance up. "You'd better."
The meal ended with subdued conversation about the festival. Soon, the nobles made their excuses and left.
As the final guest departed, the dining hall fell into profound silence. The brief conflict had settled into an uneasy new order. The board was reset, the prince granted a foothold in the lioness's den. The game had evolved into a far more intricate and dangerous level.
「G6's BEDROOM」
G6 stood by the balcony door, leaning against the frame, a glass of whiskey in hand. Her room was consumed by darkness, pierced only by moonlight.
In her black satin nightdress, hair down, face bare, she was a vision of divine beauty. Yet her grey eyes shone with a cold, sharp light as she sipped her whiskey.
"You seem in a good mood, Lady Reise," Edmund said, emerging from the balcony shadows.
"How could I not be?" G6 replied, gaze on the dark gardens.
"May I ask a question?"
"Go ahead."
"Why did you permit Prince Dio to reside here?"
"Snow White may not care for Reise, but he is still a Prince. Feed his ego, and you can make him dance. Quite easily." A smile touched her lips, not reaching her eyes.
"Besides, the nobles are all about proper and decorum. His mother won't permit it." She added.
"I see. The West Villa is your chessboard. The world outside, your playground."
"Who knows?" G6 took another sip.
"Tomorrow is Thursday. We return Sunday. I've informed Zero where to meet us."
"Good. Zero. What's his story? How did he become that witch's dog?"
Edmund sighed. "Zero is the son of a concubine. The legal wife bore no sons, so he became heir to the third branch of the Nocturne family."
"Mocked for his luck?"
"Yes. In this world, if they see you as beneath, you become a target. The main house didn't make an issue, but lesser nobles and lower court houses bullied him. Zero was exceptional. When the legal wife grew to despise him and his mother, she demanded his mother be cast out." Edmund continued, "His mother was from a lower court house. After being cast out, she was disowned. Ended up in the capital slums."
"She fell ill. Zero needed help. His father refused. The Queen offered her hand in exchange for his potential. He agreed." G6's voice was flat.
Edmund was taken aback. "How did you know?"
G6 let out a short, harsh laugh, holding her stomach as if it were the most pitiful story. "Predictable, sobbing tale. What an idiotic way to be used." Her laughter held no warmth.
Edmund looked at her with bewilderment. "I rarely see you laugh. And it is for mockery."
"Potential, huh?" G6 mused, laughter ceasing. "I wonder what exactly piqued the old hag's interest."
She returned to her fierce expression. "Can't wait to see if he's tamed or not," she said in a low, fascinated voice.
She walked back, placed the nearly empty glass on the tea table. "We leave early tomorrow, Edmund. I'm not in the mood for breakfast with my toys."
Edmund offered a silent bow, closed the balcony door, and slipped away into the night.
「Time Check: 06:25 A.M」
G6, in training gear, descended the stairs. The carriage waited in the front yard.
Her steps faltered. Her eyes twitched in annoyance, though her face remained a deadpan mask. Lilia and Tina stood by the entrance, joined by Alistair and Janin, who rocked her newborn.
A farewell committee? Sending a soldier off to war?
"What's with this bothersome gathering?" G6 asked, voice flat.
"We know you've had your fill of socializing," Alistair barked, feigning gruffness. "Figured you'd try to sneak out."
"Lady Reise, don't mind him!" Lilia chimed in, smile bright. "He insisted on waking early to prepare something."
G6's gaze fell on the large basket in Tina's hands. "Here, Lady Reise. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks."
G6 crossed her arms. "I'm not going on a picnic."
Edmund smoothly intercepted the basket. "I'll take it."
"The lunch is specially made to not spoil easily," Janin added, smiling gently. "Edmund, reheat it."
"Understood."
"Let's go." G6 turned to leave.
"Keep safe," Tina called, worry unconcealed. "We'll be waiting Sunday."
"Learn lots about Utility Magic!" Lilia cheered.
Without a backward glance, G6 entered the carriage and shut the door.
"She is as cold as ever," Janin sighed.
"That's more like her," Alistair countered. "It'd be creepy if she suddenly started smiling."
"Edmund," Tina pleaded. "Please, take care of her."
"You don't need to remind me. We leave now." Edmund bowed, placed the basket inside, closed the door, and took the reins.
As the carriage pulled away, G6 caught a final glimpse—the worried, earnest faces watching her.
Their unsolicited care was background noise. What mattered was the short-lived liberty ahead, a freedom she understood far better than their baffling, unasked-for devotion.
The carriage rolled away from the gilded cage, carrying not a noble lady to a lesson, but a Reaper to her hunting grounds. Behind, bonds of loyalty tightened, woven from concern she neither understood nor desired. Ahead, shadows, secrets, and the cold, clean purpose of a mission awaited. The strings of attachment were spun, but she held the shears, ready to cut them the moment they threatened to snare her wings.
—To Be Continued…—