1:40 P.M.

“Please leave the box in the kitchen. I will begin preparing dinner in a few hours,” Alys instructed Roy.

The two had arrived at the estate with no further incident, though it had continued in silence. For Alys, the walk was one of deep thought, trying to figure out just who the woman was and how she knew of Caeli. For Roy, the walk was simply awkward as he wanted to continue their casual banter, though he tried not to mention it.

“Until then,” she continued, “please assist Ila with preparing Yura’s afternoon tea.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Roy stood straight and saluted in affirmation.

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“…please don’t do that. That is unnecessary,” said Alys. She waved him away as she went on her way.

Alys checked the time, a simple feat that didn’t even require a clock.

1:45 in the afternoon… Time to meet the Master for the daily routine.

She made her way through the quiet halls of the estate until she came upon a heavy, modern metal sliding door that looked far too out of place among the traditional brick and wood aesthetic of the estate. The door was featureless, save for a small window at eye level.

Alys pressed a button on the intercom next to the door.

“Master, I have arrived,” she said curtly.

A loud crashing sound, the sound of something falling over that shouldn’t be, came in response, as well as a few shouts. Eventually, she got a proper reply.

“Oh, Alys, you scared me! Is it time already? I’ll open the door, just give me a second to- HEY YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO MOVE YET.” He was clearly yelling at someone or something on the other side of the door.

After a few moments, the door finally opened, and Alys went inside.