After the massive assassination failure, many members of the academy were put under the council's inspection. While some were accused of orchestrating the attempt and were publicly executed, I suspect the main culprits go scot-free, and there is most likely a co-conspirator within the council.

As for me, I return to a small mansion arranged by Julius as he settles the aftermath. He said there won't be any retaliation so soon from his siblings after such a messy incident. In addition, the forces of his older sister suffered, and the balance of power was shaking. None smart enough will make any big moves from such turbulence backlash.

Some of his retainers, whether from jealousy or concern, are worried about my identity to which Julius assured them I am his friend and closest aide. It's stuffy but I have to wear this mask wherever I go until I perfect my muscle contraction technique.

Now I'm stuck in this royal guest room, unlike the simple bare wood of my family's house. Here, the spacious high ceilings and plaster walls are adorned with rich tapestries, the colours so vivid they tell a thousand words. The grandeur and comfort of the furniture and enormous fireplace put me into a world not meant for commoners.

I stare at the ceiling lying on the large canopy bed draped in fine linens. The soft mattress sinks into my skin, cleansing my fatigue away but...it does not feel good.

I want my family to experience this comfort too...

The boy is out playing with the servants, exploring the capital and eating food with Julius' wealth. I've been practising my perception and the muscle contraction technique during the day and working on my shadow techniques at night. It's been a week since the incident.

I close my eyes and start my training. Thousands of sound waves enter my ears, my goal is to separate and identify one specified sound amidst the ocean. A soft breeze blows snowflakes and hits the window. A servant is chatting with another servant in the kitchen; they are talking about the gardener's peculiar obsession with flowers. In the garden of the backyard, several servants are shoving snow out of the garden pathway as the gardener tends to every nature like babies of his own. Lastly, I hear footsteps at the gate of the mansion, the guards bow at the person and allow entry without question. I lock my senses on this person. Countless information about him poured into my mind and the obscure but burning aura sealed the deal. Julius is finally back.

I put on my mask and head out of the room. A servant passing by notices and asks me if I require any assistance.

"It's alright, thank you."

I walk past the servant to the main hall where I come across Julius. Behind him is another retainer who is trying to report something to him. Julius stops his conversation and tells the retainer to direct each document to his office before tending to me.

"Loi? How have you been?"

"Hmm...good. Pardon me but I need to speak to you as soon as possible," I say.

Julius stares at my request and slowly nods. "Alright...I can spare some time. Let's...uh...go to the shed in the garden or the orangery. Have you had breakfast?"

"Not yet..."

"Alright," he walks to a servant by the door. "Miss Katherine, get the cook to whip up something and bring it to the shed."

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"Yes, my lord."

...

"What? Let's go."

We head to the shed as the gardener finishes his duty. I can see some strings of magic maintaining the flowers from the cold.

"You seem to have some talent for magic, want to learn some? It's convenient." Julius says.

"I'm fine. I would rather dig one well than die of thirst," I reply.

We approach a contrast to the white blanket, its darkened timber beams stood proudly with carvings of vines and leaves.

Julius sighs as he takes a seat behind a small table under the shed. "Loosen up, we are friends that went through life and death. And you saved my life, I don't mind some impudence."

"...Is that so." He is vaguely emphasizing the friends part.

Several servants bring a piping hot meal to us, presented meticulously for the eyes and taste buds. Some bread with honey and jam surrounded by cheese and butter and topped with some spiced wine.

"Julius, drop all your sweet talk. What do you think is the nature of our relationship?"

Julius lowers his gaze. "Nature?" He takes one bite of the bread. "...Partnership."

I nod. "I need your help in several matters."

"Name it," Julius says.

...I think carefully about my words.

"I want to establish a knightly lineage under your sponsorship. But I have no talent in managing subordinates or finding hidden gems, I need your help in that aspect."

!

"May I ask for the reason?" Julius asks.

"Power to protect my family and to face the coming storm."

Julius darts his attention to me. My gaze stays fixated and determined.

"In addition, whatever rumours you caught in icaris is probably true. This concerns the safety of the empire. Win-win."

"Well, I understand. I will see what I can do." Julius says and continues eating his meal. Despite his unfazed demeanour, I can sense anxiety in his words.

...I slightly lift the mask and take a bite of the bread.

...

"Hey, stop worrying so much."

Julius stops biting for a while and swallows. "W-What do you mean?"

"If I simply greed for power and such, I would have approached your siblings. I'm not simply siding with you for the benefits. I truly believe you are the most suitable to sit on the throne." I did not look at Julius as I said that. I simply munch on the goodness on my plate. But I could feel the surprise.

"What...why do you believe so?" He asks.

Because you showed your capabilities in the future, though I can't tell you that.

"From observation and my gut feeling," I reply.

...

He sighs and chuckles. "Hehe...fuck...what a corny line." He leans back onto the chair as if a huge load was taken off. "I'm sorry for what happened with Aiden. My methods were excessive."

I nod.

"Ugh fuck...how do you say that with a straight face?" Julius looks away, embarrassed.

"By the way, you have a female guest," I say. "Someone with similar...aura to you."

His expression instantly shifts to a frown. A few minutes later I know why.

A noble lady taller than us steps gracefully into the garden, dressed in a gown of deep emerald green that accentuates her slender figure. Similarly to Julius, her golden hair cascades in luscious waves down her back, gleaming from the winter but her eyes are that of azure blue and as captivating as the ocean.

She waves her hands, and the servants leave. She immediately drops her act and glares at Julius.

"What do you want?" Julius blurts, his tone threw aggression.

She ignores him and heads to me

Julius clicks his tongue as the princess gets closer. She inspects me from head to toe and stares silently, seemingly awaiting something.

...Ah.

I stand and bow to the princess. "Greetings, Your Highness," I say.

"Hm...fine, I will accept it." She steps closer to me, her gaze fixated on the mask. "I don't care if you are a criminal or hero. If you come to me, Charlene Vi Linux Orpheus, I can offer much more."

Without hesitation, I apologise to Charlene but she pretends not to hear it. "I will let you think about it. My doors are always open for someone like you." She takes a glance at Julius, who stays unfazed by her offer and leaves.

He sighs and covers his eyes with his arm. "Fucking hell...heartless bitch!"

"Must be tough," I say.

Julius nods.

Thinking about it, that situation might have happened in my past life, if so, who saved him?

It might be Mina.

"Anyways, Julius, any news on Mina?"

"Mina...Yeah. I know what happened to her and where she is; She's fine. Don't worry. But I reckon she doesn't seek any attention right now, so I can't tell you anything. I'm sorry."

"I see...how did you meet Mina?"

"It's a long story. Anyways, that bitch threw my appetite away, I'm going to get back to work." Julius gets up, avoiding my question. "Tomorrow, meet me in my office in the morning, I have someone to introduce."