Clara frowned as she gazed at the broken desk and window. She walked forward, pausing to glance down with a disgruntled expression at the blood staining the wood floor. Dang, this is gonna be hard to clean. She bent down and produced a handkerchief from her dress pocket. She scrubbed lightly, but it didn't come up. I might have to shave off the wax and rewax it. She thought, standing up as she folded the handkerchief once more.

She passed the desk and approached the window, I'll have to get a whole new pane made for this huh.

Clara sighed, "I'm not quite ready for this I don't think." She mumbled as she thought back to what Maria had said the previous night.

Skarlet lay sprawled out on the floor, a rare peaceful expression on her face. Maria was getting to her feet when the doors to the office burst open and Clara leaped at Maria. The young noble caught her most loyal servant and friend, stumbling backwards as a smile wiped the pain from her face.

"Hey Clara, I did it, I'm now the Lord of Aguris." The words were good, but the emotion and way they were said left the impression of a loss. Clara looked up with concern in her trembling eyes. Maria's face hardened as she recognized the question she wanted to ask. "My father is dead, I killed him. Clara listen to me." Maria turned serious, "you're my most trusted servant, I am making you the head maid. And my personal advisor and confidant. Thank you for being an amazing friend." Tears trailed down Clara's cheeks.

"Maria, I didn't do all this because of something like that. I-I don't need power, just let me keep being close to my best friend." Clara sobbed softly as she hugged Maria tightly. "And don't do something so dangerous next time!"

Clara sighed again as a wry smile crawled up her face, in the end I accepted the position. But that doesn't magically make me good at the job and I have no one to train me.

"Got a concern, little sis?" A voice dragged Clara from her thoughts, she turned to see an unexpected face walking towards her. Orangish red hair cascading down a pretty young face, piercing golden eyes and a friendly smile.

"Um, Miss Lilly, why are you here. I. . . I'll defend my master with my life if I have to!" Clara prepared herself, but Lilly just laughed as she stopped right next to her. Raising her hand towards her, Clara flinched, but Lilly just flicked her forehead.

"You want to do a good job for your master right, I'll teach you. Don't be so wary, I have no real hostile intent for Maria. In fact I'm quite fond of her." Lilly explained, Clara looked confused though as she rubbed her forehead.

"Wait, what? But you're an assassin, and you tried to kill her."

"Ah, well, my master lent me to Seraph. So I was just following orders. However, with Seraph dead, Maria is now my Master till I'm ordered to pull out." Lilly clarified, Clara nodded with a frown.

"I, um. . . I'll have to run this by Maria. Though maybe you can help me with something?" Clara stepped past her and crouched down by the blood stain. "Since your offering, any Idea how to get this out without rewaxing it?"

"Ah, blood. . . No sorry. Blood doesn't come up easy, hmmm if you were a mage and could do water and wind magic there's a possibility you could get it up. But this dried over night so." She frowned and scratched her head, a little bit of an apologetic expression on her face.

At that moment there was a knock on the office door. "Come in." Clara called out, standing up to greet a maid, it was a familiar face the bunny girl always by Seraph's side. "Ah, Miss Fern. What can I do for you?"

Fern bowed lightly before revealing the platter she was carrying. It held two glasses of tea and some crackers. "Nothing miss Clara, just thought I'd bring you and um Miss Lilly some refreshments." Clara accepted the platter with a smile.

"I appreciate it, really but you didn't have to. I may be your superior now but we're both servants to Maria. You don't have to be so formal." Clara assured her, while Lilly grabbed a glass and took a sip. Her eyes flashed as she did, and a dangerous sharpness filled them.

"No, it's just that your gonna be so busy and you're the youngest maid in her service. It's my duty as a senior to look after my junior." She replied with a hesitant smile, she was glancing at Lilly who seemed to be sizing her up.

"Um. . . Is something wrong Lilly?" Clara asked, confused.

"Haha, no don't worry. Just I think you should get new tea leaves these taste like they've gone bad." Lilly replied, the sharpness evaporated, she was giving off a gentle atmosphere. She took the platter and stepped forward, wrapping her arm around Fern. Her lips got close to her trembling rabbit ears. "Poison is a dreadful taste to add to such delicious tea don't you think?"

Fern nodded vigorously, "Yes yes, I'll throw them out and get new ones. It won't happen again I promise!" She then escaped from the office while trembling.

"Huh? It's really not that big a deal though. You didn't have to scare her Lilly." Clara put her hands on her hips and pouted softly.

"Ha, you think. Maybe I was trained a little to strictly hm? Oh, please excuse me I will be back." Lilly smiled warmly before stepping out from the office, though the moment Clara couldn't see her anymore the smile fell from her face. She descended the stairs and stepped out of the front door. She slipped a bottle from her apron and downed it in a single gulp, and in reaction she immediately vomited.

"Ha, ha, ha, poison never tastes any better huh. Damn I guess they decided to move since Maxwell pulled out after Seraph's death." Lilly mumbled to herself while panting softly and wiping her mouth with a cloth. "I thought I'd be able to relax and teach that girl how to protect her friend. Guess I'll have to do work on top of that." Lilly leaned against the wall, dumping the rest of the tea out and tossing the crackers. But she couldn't resist the smile that formed. "It won't be too bad, they've become dogs who bit their master. I'll put them down for him." She stood up and headed back into the home.

When Maxwell first came to Aguris, he met with Cerberus. The group that led Kozak's underworld was made up of three heads who controlled different territories. Maxwell subdued them and became the Cerberus's leash holder. Since Maxwell was pulling out due to the wrench that arose recently, they were like guard dogs without a leash. They no longer knew where to stop. I'll have to greet Alastair, Aguris's head.

Maria awoke, sitting up with a yawn. She turned to glance at the mirror in the corner. The state of her wasn't great, the bags under her eyes from how long it took her to fall asleep. Her hair was a mess and her night gown was half falling off. She sighed as she started to climb out of bed, at that moment her door opened and Clara stepped inside while closing the door behind her.

"Mast-"

"Don't, just call me Maria please Clara." Maria sighed as she planted her face into the chest of her friend.

"Yes Maria, I have something to tell you but, let's get you cleaned up first." Clara softened as she ran her fingers through Maria's hair. Maria just nodded, she barely reacted as Clara helped her out of her clothes. With quick and skillful movements, she folded up the night gown and moved to the closet.

Clara pulled out a fancy white shirt that buttoned up the middle, a knee length pleated skirt with a lace trim. Within that lace were the cutouts of stars and planets.

Without any protest from Maria she was quickly dressed, a bow tie with a starry pattern mad it's way into her collar and a cloak with a similar space theme wrapped her shoulders.

Maria's hair was brushed and as she looked at Clara through her bangs, the white fox girl cliped them to the side with a moon shaped hair pin.

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Maria lifted each leg individually so Clara could put on her socks and shoes, lastly, a short sword adorned her hip. Since she started training with Cody she began to carry a sword he had bought her. Her sleepy eyes were made bright again with a little makeup.

"My dear Maria, you've taken the position as Lord of Aguris and I vow loyalty to you once more. I will live for you and, if need be, I'll die for you." Clara took Maria's hand and with her declaration of loyalty, she kissed the back of her hand. A blush crawled aggressively up Maria's neck as she pulled her hand back.

"Clara, get up. I don't need to hear such words. I would do the same for you." Maria responded without meeting her eyes. Clara laughed before opening the door to her bedroom. "Right well, why don't we go greet the guest?"

"I have a guest?" Maria questioned as she followed her out.

Maria pushed open her office door and paused, a familiar face sat in one of the chairs facing the hearth.

"Illia?" Maria was taken aback, confused.

"Please miss Maria, my friends call me Lilly." Lilly turned to smile at her, she got to her feet and bowed.

"Lilly, no last name, an assassin and thief at the level of an A rank adventurer. Born in the filthy streets of Blushai's gladiator scene, I now go by the name Illia and I'm a hired merc. At the moment, I'm employed by you." Lilly gave an introduction that was maybe a little too detailed then she looked up. "Things are gonna get dirty around here now that Seraph is dead, I'll protect you while you clean up after your dirty father."

Maria was speechless for a few moments before sighing. "Lilly huh? When I asked you before you said your master lent you to my father. Is this the same arrangement?" Maria asked, a deep frown on her face.

"Not at all, your father was given me as a tool. One he didn't effectively use. This however, wasn't ordered by my master. This is my will. For the time being, my schedule is rather clear. I want to protect the new heir with a love for my kind." Lilly explained, Maria paused to think, but it didn't last too long.

"Fine, do what you want." Maria eventually decided that if she was really A rank then there wasn't anything that could be done about what she wanted to do.

"Thank you Master." Lilly smiled before straightening, "I will start with a suggestion, from this point forward any food or drink made for you or miss Clara should be tested for poison." This caused Clara's eyes to widen as dots connected in her mind, she clamped her mouth shut though and only nodded as Maria looked at her.

"I agree with Miss Lilly." She finally spoke, her words trembled slightly. Maria sighed before stepping forward, she approached the bookcase across from the fireplace.

"I wanted to look here, while he was. . . Alive, he never let me near the books here." Maria spoke absently as she began browsing the covers. She noticed something odd, "Wait, none of these are books that Dad would read, these feel more like. . . like Mom."

As her thoughts lingered on her mother a specific book called to her, Maria slipped it from the shelf. It was heavy. Bound in old leather with what seemed to be vines instead of string. A green gem was embedded in the center of a design, the design of a tree.

"This feels, important." Maria carried the book over to her desk and reached out to open it.

". . ." She frowned.

"What's wrong Maria?"

"It won't open." She replied while looking frustrated, looking up as she heard footsteps. Lilly picked the book up and tried to open it, a frown settled in her face.

"Master, this is a grimoire. Hmm I'm not sure exactly but based on it's design it's either Earth magic, Nature magic, or . . . Hmm it's extremely unlikely, but it could be Fairy magic. Though, like I said, unlikely. Fairy magic is an elven royalty specialty, so for it to appear here is unlikely. But that's not really relevant if you can't open it." Lilly set the book back down with a frown, "Sadly, as great as a grimoire can be for a mage to grow in power. They're always locked with a magic key."

"Um what kind of key?" Maria asked, her eyes filled with interest.

"Well, what kind indeed, in reality I don't know. Pretty much all grimoires have different keys, though the most common is blood." Lilly explained, "Which is a problem cause we'd need the right bloodline to open it."

"Huh, it was among my mom's stuff right, so maybe. . ." Maria reached down and unsheathed her sword just enough to slice her thumb. Then she presses her bloody thumb against the gem in the center. The gem began to glow, and her blood disappeared. She waited expectantly, but as time passed and the gem lost it's light. Nothing happened.

"It seems to be connected to a bloodline, just not yours huh." Lilly sighed, "That's all the help I can be on this matter. I'm not a mage." Lilly then turned and left the room.

Maria sighed as she touched the book a bit more before lifting it and approaching the bookshelf. "I'll figure it out, these are all my mom's books. There must be something here to find, a clue at least." Maria hardened her face as she pushed the book back and grabbed a different one. Clara watched with interest as well, and eventually joined Maria in reading.

Time passed, the moon rose and owls greeted the night air with their voices. Lilly sighed as she closed the office door quietly behind her. Books were laying everywhere, a candle burned quietly. Light snores tickled the air as the two young girls slept amongst the books.

Lilly snapped her attention to the man who was standing in the corner. He held a little mirror and used the candle light to speak in code to her.

Maxwell's dog is still here? Why, did your master abandon you?

Lilly lifted her blade and used the same candle to respond.

A runt has crawled in, should I take your head to your master as a present? The man stiffened before replying.

You bitch, I was gonna offer to take you as my subordinate.

Ha, me bow to an amateur like you? Work for the three headed mutt who bit his own master.

How dare you! His hand was trembling as he responded, then he leaped forward.

Lilly also moved, for a moment she seemed weightless as her dress fluttered upwards and her hands swam amongst the ruffled folds. Seemingly out of nowhere four throwing knifes were launched at the man. When her dress settled she was holding two knives and pointing one at the man. He had barely dodged two of the sudden blades, one had grazed his arm and the other embedded itself in his leg.

Lilly flipped over Clara's sleeping form and brought her blade down, there was a flash and a clanging sound before a blade appeared buried next to Clara's head.

Lilly dashed forward, with a spin she tilted her center of gravity and dodged the man's blade, smiling as it passed in front of her face. She brought her leg up and before he could react, hooked it around his neck. Bringing her torso back up and swinging her leg to the side, sending the man tumbling to the ground. Though as they were both assassins nothing but light thuds and quiet sounds graced the air.

Lilly flipped over him and landed foot first onto his hand, smashing it into the ground and with a metallic sound, a throwing knife skittered away towards Maria. The young noble was sitting in front of her desk, slumped over a book. The knife tapped her foot but drew no blood.

Lilly twisted her knife around and plunged it into the man's chest, piercing his heart with one clear strike.

~

"You called, Master?" Lilly smiled happily, her skin kissed by moonlight.

"You ended it early, I didn't give you permission to do that." Maxwell spoke with a hint of chill as he approached. His shoes clicking rhythmicly on the cobblestone walkway.

"Yes, I suppose I did. Maybe the poison was too much she would have won anyways. But still I think he'd long proved that he wasn't of use to you master." Lilly replied, looking a little hurt.

"True, and I got my hands on the princess that's all that matters from this. Though we shall stick around for a bit more. The ritual sites set up around Aguris are still ready to be activated. Even with Griax messing around however he wants." Maxwell approached Lilly and patted her on the head.

"How's Gordon?" Lilly asked while looking up at him.

"Your brother has done a fine job in Gulress, it seems we'll have control there soon. It's paramount that we find the first demon king's tomb, beneath the seal is an extremely important artifact for the upcoming revival ceremony." Maxwell explained, "You won't be able to meet for a while yet it seems. After we finish in Aguris I'll be sending you to Madreachia. You'll be going with the princess to meet the Bishop of Deceit."

"Oh, ok Master." Lilly responded with a sad expression. "Could you let us work together after his mission in Gulress. I. . . Miss my brother." Lilly asked hesitantly.

"Sure, at that time, I think I can put you both together." Maxwell Laughed softly.

"Have you noticed that girl Clara, she isn't human. But she doesn't seem to know. I wonder what happened in the past of the Macuroll family for young Maria to be so close to a monster and have no recollection of her mother's species." Maxwell sighed, shrugging his shoulders. "Ah well, it's simply entertaining, nothing more. We're basically done in Aguris so they won't be a problem for us. Though Cerberus may struggle but, that's not my problem." He laughed again, happier this time. In fact it oozed joy.

"Really, what is she then?" Lilly asked out of curiosity.

"Like I said it's not important right now, oh that's right Durst will be staying it seems. He likes his lab where it is, so I will be working with him for a bit to construct an anchor point. Basically I need to spend a couple days making a door to his lab in Blushai." Maxwell sighed, "I asked him to help me with a pet project on the side, so I will be doing that while we wait."

"It's been awhile since we met Master, I feel like it was a good decision to follow you. Even if your methods can be. . . Questionable. We've managed to destroy almost every obstacle in the way of my dream, we're on the doorstep of freedom for my and many other races. It's just. . . The damn church standing in our way, this country is so full of rot that is hard to cut away." Lilly smiled as she reached towards the moon with hopeful eyes.

"Yes, I promise you that when my plan is complete all will be equal." Beneath the demon Lord all will be slave to his rule. An evil smile spread on his face. You've become such a beautiful pawn for me, and what payment did you ask for your life. "Save my brother!" How pathetic, I'm going to break that will and morality of yours, and remold you into an even more perfect pawn. A killing machine rivaling even the power of a Mythic rank adventure, and I hold the leash.