A child spoiling their parents was a rare sight, but by the time the countess’ parents were done with their little tale, Gaius was half-convinced that the current state of affairs was her own doing. Countess Reinford, apparently, didn’t like how her parents were so distant from each other, so she forced them out on dates and whatnot, taking on their work and responsibilities in return.

If this were done once or twice, there wouldn’t have been a problem, but since the little Alice Reinford wasn’t content with how her parents weren’t all that lovey-dovey yet, she didn’t stop her efforts. Eventually, her parents got used to be spoiled, while the countess herself got used to doing work. The former didn’t want to work hard anymore, while the latter found some joy in administration.

Gaius didn’t quite know how that last bit was possible, but this was Orb.

Turning to the two, who were now feeding each other drinks, Gaius said, “I suppose you two got lucky, when you had little wee Alice Reinford. Who knew that she would patch up your marriage and free you two from your responsibilities? It’s like she’s the adult in those parts.”

“This does account for why she had delusions of grandeur a few years back,” Isabelle murmured.

“Say that again, I dare you.” A voice came from behind them. “Dad, mum, are you telling the old stories again? Don’t you ever get bored?”

“Now, now, dear. Why would we get bored?” said Reinford’s mother. “You are our pride and joy! The little weeniest darling of our family!”

“The only one, mum.” Reinford rubbed her head. “Right, I got some high-grade abalone. It’s sitting there.”

“Really?” Her parents glanced at each other.

Reinford’s mother cleared her throat. “Ahem. Well, we have some sensitive matters to discuss, so we shall take our leave now. Alice, dear, please take good care of your friends, okay? Friends that travel all the way to the West just for the sake of visits are to be treasured.”

“Yes, mum. Do you really need to teach me all that?”

“Well, your retainers—”

“Dad, mum, I think you should really, really go and discuss your sensitive topics. Go, go!” Pushing them away physically, Alice Reinford returned to Gaius a few moments later, a fatigued look on her face.

“By the looks of it,” said Isabelle, “Queen Hyperion must have summoned you for a more private audience after we left.”

The shiftiness that sprouted in the countess’ eyes was impossible to ignore. “Ahaha…well, there’s nothing much to it, really.”

“It’s about us,” Isabelle continued, her words pleasant. “What did she ask you to do?”

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Alice Reinford stared squarely at her. “Something that I’ll never do.”

Gaius contemplated on her reply for a moment, and then instinctively understood what she meant by that message. First, whatever Queen Hyperion wanted to do was detrimental to both him and Isabelle. Second, Alice herself was not willing to carry it out. Third, she didn’t want Gaius to turn his sights to the Western Holdings, and the only way she could have done that was to not let either of them know what the Queen wanted her to do.

“It must suck to be the middleman at times,” Gaius muttered. “So? What suggestion do you have for me? Alice?”

The countess rolled her eyes. “We all have things at stake here. You know how important you are to the Five Lands, but you don’t understand what you represent.”

“Quit speaking in riddles,” Gaius replied. “You’re not Queen Hyperion.”

Her next words were noticeably quieter. “It matters not. Unfortunately, given her instructions, staying here might be a problem. The queen has many agents all across the Western Holdings. Things can happen. Best if you leave.”

“I see.”

“My apologies,” said Reinford. “Do not hold it against the queen. She is acting for the sake of her people. The days where a single Demigod can hold the line are slipping past, what with the massive changes within the North, the Republic and Ark City. The era of individual power is almost over.”

“I understand. Then, with your blessing, we shall prepare to leave the Western Holdings,” said Gaius.

“Thank you inviting us to your home,” said Isabelle. “The Western Holdings is a pleasant tourist destination, and I would have liked to have stayed longer. Not as the Lost Star and his beloved, but as Gaius and Isabelle. However, this might be impossible for now.”

“Yes.” Reinford shook her head. “Are you two heading over to the Heaven-cleaving Fortress?”

“We are,” said Gaius. “We were intending to go there immediately, but there were a few more things we wanted to do.”

“Have you done all of them?” Reinford asked.

“In a way,” Gaius replied. “We shall take our leave first, then. Thank you for having us.”

“Let me walk you two out,” said the countess.

In silence, the trio left the huge compound that was the Reinford Palace, walking towards the gates. The decorations and sculptures that had been placed around the garden reflected the real sun, which was now a sunset orange.

The moon was already up, however. It wasn’t what Gaius would call an early-riser moon either; it was rather high up in the sky.

“What time is it?” Gaius asked, looking up at the moon and the setting sun.

“It’s already half past ten,” Reinford replied, after consulting a small hanging watch.

“That late?” Gaius stifled a yawn.

“Apparently so. You should go and rest first,” said the countess. “Queen Hyperion is unlikely to do anything for the first two days or so, which is more than enough time for you two to rest and everything.”

“We’ll do that, then.”

“Try not to go out where possible,” Reinford added. “Remember to be careful of anyone who approaches you or Isabelle. Don’t dally.”

“Relax,” said Isabelle. “He’s Gaius. We’ll still leave soon, though.”

“True.” Reinford took a deep breath. “I’ll see you at the Heaven-cleaving Fortress.”

“Very well. Be well, Alice Reinford.” Gaius inclined his head.

“Stay safe,” Isabelle added.

“We’ll meet again,” said the countess. “Now, you should really get going.”

Raising a hand in farewell, she returned into the depths of her palace. Her lonely silhouette was a rather evocative sight, and Gaius spent a few seconds watching her departing figure, before sighing.

“Let’s go get a place for the night.”

Isabelle nodded.

As they walked away from the palace gates, Gaius wondered when their next meeting would be.