{Acknowledged, host. I will monitor the surroundings for any anomalies.}

"Thank you, System. Give me a moment to organize my thoughts."

'What the hell is going on with this family? I almost believed we were a loving family. If not for the skill, I might have believed it. And Ranel... she vanished without a trace. If she was using an illusion mask to keep her face a secret, just what is going on?'

{Writing things down might help, host.}

"Good idea!" Axis said aloud, breaking out of his inner turmoil thanks to the system's suggestion.

Sitting up, Axis went to a nearby drawer, picked out paper, a feather pen, and ink, and started writing down the information he had gathered.

{Ding}

{An area detection spell was activated for a split second.}

'Was it directed at us?'

{Cannot tell, host.}

{As the spell was likely area-wide, it's hard to analyze if it was meant to find a specific target.}

'I see.'

{Would the host like to analyze the spell?}

'Yes, do that, System, and keep me informed if there are any changes in the future.'

{Will do, host.}

With the reassurance from the system, Axis focused on recounting events and the information he knew. He wrote down every detail he could remember, from the strange behavior of his family to the mysterious disappearance of Ranel.

Each piece of information was another puzzle piece that might eventually form a clear picture of what was really happening.

...

Back in the Duchess's office, the atmosphere was tense. The Grand Duchess undid the area-wide search spell with a flick of her wrist, a frown marring her elegant features. The room, filled with intricate tapestries and ornate furniture, seemed to close in with the weight of her displeasure.

"He is in his room," she said, her voice cold and precise. The words hung in the air like a death knell. She turned her piercing gaze on Lilithra, her eyes sharp and unforgiving. "Explain, Lilithra. Did you not say he lost his memory and was on good terms with us now?"

Axis's ice-cold eyes were still vivid in Lilithra's mind. She shifted uncomfortably under her mother's scrutiny, feeling a cold sweat trickle down her back. "Yes, Mother. He did lose his memory. But it seems he's regaining bits and pieces faster than we anticipated. And... he might have some new abilities we weren't aware of."

The Duchess narrowed her eyes, the lines of her face deepening with concern. "New abilities? Like what?"

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"Yes, Mother. It seems he can detect lies. He questioned me about our relationship and about Ranel."

The Duchess's demeanor shifted, her presence growing more intense. The pressure in the atmosphere increased with each passing moment, making the air thick and stifling. "Is that when his behavior started to revert back?" she inquired, her voice low and dangerous.

"Yes," Lilithra confirmed, her voice barely above a whisper. The tension in the room was palpable, like a taut string ready to snap.

The Duchess's expression hardened, her eyes turning steely. "This changes things. We must be more cautious around him. Any slip-up could ruin everything we've planned."

Lilithra nodded, swallowing hard. "What should we do, Mother?"

"For now, we continue as if nothing is amiss. But we must keep a closer watch on him. Any sign that he remembers more than he lets on, we need to act swiftly." The Duchess's words were decisive, leaving no room for error or hesitation.

Lilithra bowed her head in agreement, her heart heavy. "Understood, Mother."

As the Grand Duchess dismissed her, Lilithra couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Axis was her brother, after all, but their family's secrets were too dangerous to be revealed. She would do whatever it took to protect those secrets, even if it meant deceiving him further. As she left the office, the echo of her mother's stern voice lingered in her mind, a constant reminder of the precarious path they were treading.

'It's for his own good,' she convinced herself, though the words felt hollow. The weight of their deception was a burden she carried alone, and with each passing day, it grew heavier.

...

Back in his room, Axis continued to jot down notes, oblivious to the conversation taking place elsewhere in the mansion. He was determined to uncover the truth, no matter what it took. He wrote about the strange occurrences, the inconsistencies in his family's behavior, and his suspicions about Ranel.

'System, can you analyze if there's any connection between Ranel's disappearance and the family's behavior?'

{Analyzing...}

Axis waited, tapping his pen impatiently against the paper.

{There is a high probability that Ranel's disappearance is linked to the family's secret activities. However, more data is required for a definitive conclusion.}

As Axis sat quietly in the dim light of his room, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

'Figures,' he thought bitterly. 'Nothing is ever straightforward in this place.'

He felt the weight of the tangled web of lies around him. Each revelation only deepened the mystery, and he knew he had to remain vigilant.

He decided to keep his guard up and trust no one fully.

His family's deceit was intricate and dangerous, and navigating it would require careful consideration.

Axis's determination solidified as he wrote his final thoughts for the night.

'No more blind trust,' he resolved. 'I will uncover the truth and protect myself from whatever game they're playing.'

His eyes glinted with resolve as he contemplated the next steps.

'Most of my answers are in the room she mentioned. Let's try to find it.' With this newfound determination, Axis took a few moments in the silence of the room to calm himself.

From what little information he had, he understood that he needed to act carefully.

Although he had little knowledge about the previous occupant of his body, the family's facade of affection was palpable, especially from the Duchess and his sister.

Axis meticulously outlined a tentative plan, though it remained rudimentary at best. The complexity of his situation made it clear that further investigation was crucial.

When he felt he had composed himself enough, he stood up from his spot and made his way to the door. As he reached for the handle, the door swung open by itself. Axis's heart skipped a beat, his pulse quickening in surprise.

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