The castle garden bathed in silent moonlight as Fubuki stood behind Renya, and Wavr behind Rikya. Rikya and Renya sat across from each other, both averting their eyes from the other. Renya wore a labcoat and glasses. She was gunked with black goo when Fubuki found her but with a maid's touch she was sparkling clean. Tea lined the table, both cups were poured with steaming tea but neither the sweating Renya nor the shaking Rikya.

Rikya's eyes moved to Fubuki, who nodded at her. Wavr guided her here, she had to talk to Renya, only, the discussion fell entirely flat for both of them. Neither wanted to make the first move. Since Renya came to the village two years ago Rikya hadn't talked to her even once.

Renya felt the same way. She avoided Rikya at all costs because of her reputation. The Burncastle family were famed manipulators in the Shadow Society. Although Renya herself had enjoyed playing manipulator at times in the past, she knew nothing of the depths of emotion into recently. Her merger with the stupid cat left her more irrational, more self-destructive, and easily swayed by her own impulses.

The last thing Renya wanted was to meet with someone who had actual intellect, not to mention a mysterious intent. Her talk with Ichi felt shameful to her as she replayed it in her mind. Even Ichi managed to best her in her current state, she couldn't put that thought down.

Between that and Fubuki's strict maid training and watchful eye she barely got any time to herself. Renya didn't regret melting down the imitation wolf sword to make Fubuki, Renya regarded Fubuki as her greatest masterpiece in her life. However, she was losing steam quickly.

Meanwhile Rikya had been reading all week and had severe information overload. The last thing she wanted to do was talk to Renya despite her curiosity about Avalon, but then Fubuki appeared and she got pulled into this situation.

When Rikya called out for Wavr to stop Fubuki from dragging her away, they suddenly started an incredible fight, and Rikya had to shout for Wavr to stop. Rikya couldn't believe that Wavr was so loyal to someone that she barely exchanged words with, and a glimpse at Wavr's extreme level of magical ability dazed her.

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Rikya didn't feel she'd win against either of the maids. The pressure layered on with their gazes over Renya and Rikya.

Eventually, Renya strangled something out for fear of Fubuki butting in.

"h-hey."

"h-hi."

And then silence prevailed. Fubuki butted in after all.

"The both of you, what are your desires with Master?"

Renya spoke without reserve.

"Make him suffer for my amusement. And then, meet some druids, maybe, if they come for him. Druids are interesting, too. Ichi's interesting. It's like love without love."

She knew Fubuki well enough that trying to hold something back from her only encouraged her to move closer. As she spoke Renya felt like she was blowing out hot air.

Rikya stared at Renya in surprise. Fubuki's gaze moved onto her, and she quickly imitated Renya.

"I want freedom. Ichi's helping, so that's... great." Fubuki's grey eyes zeroed in on Rikya further. Rikya continued as she felt Wavr move closer behind her.

"I'm grateful. Scared. But grateful."

"Afraid?" Fubuki said in a light tone.

Rikya nodded, and Wavr moved in front of Rikya silently. Rikya put a hand on Wavr pushing her to the side.

"Of Renya. And you."

Fubuki nodded, then bowed.

"I apologize. It seems I have made an error. My wishes are my Master's, and Master wishes for Rikya to be 'little happier' and for Renya to be 'calm'. I believed it might benefit everyone if you got to know each other better."

Rikya and Renya exchange eye contact for a moment before breaking again. Rikya went back to shaking more and Renya went back to sweating.

The silence maintained itself until Rikya struggled out "I'm tired" to Wavr, who nodded at Fubuki with an expressionless face. Renya let out a big sigh at Rikya words. Both of them made brief eye contact again and shared an embarassed chuckled before they departed.

Fubuki drifted behind Renya who made for her lab without reserve. She clutched Renya hand as soon as Wavr and Rikya were out of sight.

"Perhaps we might have a discussion as well?"