"So it's a relief when you said the test gotten easier." Master smiled, as if reminiscing over something only she found amusing.
I blinked, the words settling awkwardly in my ears.
Easier? My thoughts jolted through a maze of memories—strange scents, bitter tastes, and suspiciously frilly aprons.
"Mmm... Me too... But how come the tests are so weird?" I couldn't help but ask aloud, my brows furrowing. The unease that had been bubbling inside me finally found a voice.
"Weird? How? What do you mean?" Master tilted her head, curious—too curious. Her eyes twinkled with that unsettling spark again, the kind that spelled trouble.
I took a breath and listed them off, one by one. "Well... like planting flowers, smelling clothes, eating food and drinks, washing clothes, breathing weird substances, lying in the room, not moving, and so on."
The more I spoke, the more ridiculous it sounded. I cringed inwardly.
Now that I think about it… these tests are kinda... kinky?
"And?" Master shrugged, unfazed. "Those were your tests. Nothing wrong about it."
"Huh?" My brain did a double take.
How are those seemingly mundane tasks related to tests?
Seeing the pure confusion on my face, Master chuckled. "There are poisons in them."
My thoughts paused.
What?
The realization hit like a slow-moving but heavy stone. "Oh... I see now." I blinked. "So those seemingly ordinary tasks were actually designed to test my ability to detect and handle poisons."
"Exactly."
"But what about lying in the room without moving?" That one still made no sense. It felt more like torture than a test.
"I had Lady Nozomi release some poison gas inside your room to test your resilience and ability to withstand toxic environments," Master said casually, like she was discussing the weather.
My mouth dropped. "I could have died while sleeping!"
"A peaceful death, they say," she replied with a smirk.
I slumped in my chair, sighing deeply. "With a Master like you, no wonder all your previous disciples met unfortunate fates…"
Before I could continue, Master shoved the last piece of cake into my mouth, muffling my complaints.
"Let's stop talking about sobbing story and move on to the cheerful part." She leaned forward. "As a reward for your outstanding performance, I'll let you visit your friends."
"Really?! I can meet them? Really? Masta?!" The excitement shot through me like lightning. I bounced on my heels, practically vibrating with joy.
"Oh my," Lady Nozomi cooed, clearly entertained. "Look at how excited young lady Llyne is. I can practically see her tail wagging like a cute little puppy."
Master chuckled and pinched my nose affectionately. "Yes. Though you have to be careful. It's dangerous out there. There are many nasty people who might harm you."
"Ok, ok. I ain't a kid, you know?" I puffed up, pouting slightly.
Lady Nozomi laughed. "Well, I hope you remember your promise when you're out there causing mischief with your friends."
I flashed a toothy grin. "Oh, you know me too well, Lady Nozomi."
They exchanged glances, and in that moment, I felt it—the warmth of being cared for, even by two dangerously eccentric poison masters.
"I'll leave Lady Nozomi to tell you the rest of the details," Master said, leaning back.
"Wohoo! Thanks, Masta!" I beamed and skipped out of the room, ready for tomorrow's long-awaited reunion.
As Lady Nozomi closed the door behind her, she turned to me. "Are you going now, young lady Llyne?"
I glanced at the darkening sky. "Should I? Nah… Maybe tomorrow."
"Alright then." Lady Nozomi nodded. "See you tomorrow. Have a pleasant dream."
"Thanks. You too, Lady Nozomi."
She bowed gracefully and walked off.
Back in my room, I cracked the window open. Moonlight poured in, soft and silver. I curled up beside it, letting the quiet of the night wash over me like cool water. Stars scattered across the sky like flecks of crushed crystal. I breathed deeply.
Serenity was a rare luxury in the House of Aum.
But it didn't last long.
Hours passed. Sleep never came.
"I'm too excited for tomorrow that I can't sleep," I mumbled, flipping over.
Counting sheep? Classic method.
"One... two... three..." I imagined them hopping over a fence. But even the imaginary sheep were too bouncy, too joyful. Their energy matched mine. "Nothing works. Dang it!"
Then—
Growl~
My stomach voiced its disapproval loud and clear.
"Oui... I'm hungry again. I just ate a few hours ago…" I groaned and clutched my stomach. "Maybe Master is right... I am a shrew."
The beast in my gut wasn't taking no for an answer. I dragged myself down the quiet hallways, toward the kitchen.
"Only a few hours left, and I'll finally be able to meet Isaac, Rona, and Ronald..." I whispered to myself. The thought brought a smile to my face. They were waiting. Somewhere.
I scavenged the kitchen. Leftover snacks. Juice. Good enough.
Once fed, I returned to my room. The night felt lighter now. I tucked into bed again, letting the fullness settle and the daydreams lull me into a gentler rhythm.
Dreams came at last. Warm. Joyous. Full of old voices and laughter yet to be shared.
The Next Morning
The sunlight felt like a personal attack.
I stretched and yawned, dragging myself upright. "I'm utterly exhausted…" I mumbled. The mirror did not hold back—dark circles, red eyes, a mess of hair. "Look at those dark circles and red eyes. I might scare off all those chubby cheeks, kids…"
As I stepped out, Lady Nozomi greeted me with her usual calm. "Good morning, young lady Llyne. Don't forget to greet Master and eat your breakfast before heading out."
I rubbed my stomach. "I know. My stomach called me up early even though I wanted to sleep a bit more."
She chuckled, and I made my way toward Master's room.
I opened the door—
Whoosh.
A needle sliced past me. I barely dodged it. My neck stung. Warm blood trickled down and hit the floor with a soft pat.
My heart froze.
"Master, do you hate me that much? Hic!"
Master turned slowly, expression unreadable. "If you don't want that to happen to you, you should always knock before entering."
"Okay…" I muttered, hugging my wounded pride tighter than my neck.
Her lips twitched into a small smile. "I thought you were an assassin for a moment. Anyway, good job dodging."
"Why would I be an assassin?!"
"Assassins don't knock," she said, eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Assassins don't use doors, Master," I sighed, already too tired to keep up with her logic.