"Mi bambina! Good graces, there you are. Are you hurt? Tell me if you're hurt!"
Flavio immediately rushed to CK as soon as the doors to the living room opened. CK stood up from the couches and allowed Flavio to hug and assess her.
"I'm perfectly well, papa. I must've worried you and mama greatly. I'm sorry," CK said guiltily. She met Isabella's worried gaze.
"When the Duchess sent the letter, all sorts of things came to mind," she sighed and kissed CK's forehead, "I'm glad you're well."
"Why is the Lightmaster always involved whenever my baby gets into trouble? This is the second time something happened," Flavio said, upset.
"It could've been worse. Lightmaster Lumiere could've taken matters into his own hands," the Duchess said, "Take a seat."
The family of three complied and sat on the couches. The Duchess settled on her personally-tailored love seat and rested her elbow on the armrest. Her head leaned against her palm.
"The Lightmaster caught the young Lady trespassing an area in the Eastern Glade personally controlled by the Marchen. According to him, she also deliberately took down a few personnel standing guard over the place. Bold moves for a Count's daughter," the Duchess explained.
"She attacked the guards?" Isabella asked, astonished. "It wasn't that bad. There were only two of them," CK shrugged.
"Mi Esmeralda!" Isabella gasped. The Duchess sighed, "The Lightmaster has made it clear that he wants CK to be disciplined due to her... spontaneous behavior."
"I see," Flavio said. "I did not call the both of you to simply pick the girl up. She is your daughter and therefore, your responsibility. The both of you must punish her," Duchess dela Rouge stated bluntly.
"I understand. Her actions indirectly implicates us, doesn't it?" Flavio sighed and turned to CK pensively, "But firstly, my dear, what were you doing in the Eastern Glade?"
"Hm? Oh, right. I forgot to have her explain her side of the story," the Duchess yawned and waved a hand, "Very well. Go on."
"Alright," CK sighed. She smoothened the wrinkles on her skirt, contemplating on how to begin her narrative.
"I was looking for the Star Station," she said and looked at her parents, "I heard some concerning things during my visit to the Never Isles. They say there was no such thing as a Star Station. That it did not even exist in the first place."
CK saw the grimaces fall on Isabella's and Flavio's faces. Did they forget about it, too?
"The Star Station?" The Duchess said thoughtfully. "Yes, Your Grace. I reckon my parents and Your Grace have also forgotten that it existed. No information about it can be found in the books in Never Isles' libraries either. No one remembers," CK stated.
"You're right, I don't have any recollection of this place. What is this Star Station you speak of?" The Duchess asked.
"Putting it simply, it allows us to travel between worlds, Your Grace," CK answered. The Duchess' eyebrows rose but disinterest soon followed.
"Curious, but not so much. If even the books make no mention of this place, what makes you insist your claims so persistently?" The Duchess asked.
"Because I–" CK hesitated. She pursed her lips and answered carefully. No, she can't tell.
"Sasha Lochlainn... Do you know her, Your Grace? She was invited to study at a school beyond our world. She had to ride the train that stops at the Star Station in order to get there. There's no other way for us to leave otherwise," CK replied.
The Duchess narrowed her eyes at CK. "Sasha Lochlainn's whereabouts is confidential information. Only the Marchen knows where she has gone to," she said.
"What?" CK was surprised, "But it's widely known that Sasha has gone to a different school!"
"But there is no mention that it was a school beyond our world. Where did you learn this information?" Duchess dela Rouge asked CK icily.
"That's...That's not right," CK said in disbelief, gripping the fabrics of her skirt tightly. Flavio cleared his throat.
"Your Grace... My daughter and Sasha Lochlainn are close friends. Despite not seeing each other, they are inclined to send each other messages and know how the other is faring," Flavio intervened.
The Duchess' gaze darted towards Flavio next. "Is that so?" she asked. Flavio bowed his head respectfully.
"Our families share close bonds with one another. Perhaps CK knew because Sasha has been sending letters," Flavio said.
"Hmph. I would've believed your words, Count, but the fact that your own daughter has disappeared to who knows where makes me doubt the credibility of your words," the Duchess turned to CK.
"You have a dangerous tendency to meddle with private affairs, don't you, youngling?" The Duchess mused. CK said nothing.
The Duchess' suspicion is increasing. CK pursed her lips. If she's not careful...
"This Star Station, darling... Where do you believe it is?" Isabella intervened next. CK silently thanked her parents for cutting the tension and cleared her throat.
"It's at the same place the Candelabra Lightmaster found me; The outskirts of Glass City, at the Eastern Glade," CK answered.
"...Go on," the Duchess prompted, a little more attentive than earlier. CK was urged to continue.
"That's where it is...or rather, used to be. It used to be public knowledge despite access being unavailable to most. But when I visited the place, it was on lockdown, surrounded by barricades and this weird energy dome. But I'm certain that is where the Star Station stood," CK said.
"So in summary, you trespassed Marchen territory in search of a place that doesn't exist..." The Duchess smiled amusingly, "Who would believe such a tall tale?"
Silence. No one dared to utter a word. The Duchess spoke again.
"But still, it strangely makes sense when added to the bigger picture. Curious," she held her chin. She turned to the Lord and Lady Vincenzo.
"A word with you both," she said and walked towards the gallery. Flavio followed after while Isabella smiled soothingly at CK.
"Wait for us, okay?" she said. "I have nowhere else to go, mama," CK said wryly.
The Duchess and her parents disappeared from sight. CK immediately got up and paced around in pensive thought, hand on her hip.
'I didn't know Sasha's entry to the Nonaphrontistery was supposed to be confidential. That was a dangerous slip-up,' CK thought irritably, 'What other information am I supposed to refrain from speaking about here?'
'Stop reminding me of my current abilities. I'm already irritated as is,' CK snapped. She massaged her forehead.
'Whatever punishment the Duchess has in mind, it better not interfere with my plans. I have plenty of things to look into,' CK thought.
The disappearance of the Star Station and the wiped memory of the people must be related. It has to be. But the 'why' and 'how' are beginning to worm inside CK's head.
'I've only been away for four years. What the hell is going on with this place?' CK frowned. The uneven rhythms of footsteps made her turn to the source.
They returned. CK straightened her posture as her parents and the Duchess approached. CK observed their expressions discreetly.
'They came to an agreement,' CK concluded. She sighed.
"I'm ready for my punishment," she murmured. "Don't be so eager for punishment, youngling. There is something we need to discuss," the Duchess said, "Sit back down."
They returned back to sitting. But this time, the Duchess was seated more attentively, her attention sharpened. She linked her hands together.
"Upon assessing the situation, it is unlikely that you are lying. After all, why would you choose something so whimsical in order to spare yourself of a harsher punishment?" The Duchess said, "In fact, there might actually be some key information hidden in your narrative."
"Might I be so bold to ask what that might be?" CK asked carefully. "The Eastern Glade was closed off but no information has been disseminated on why it was closed off. Not even among us in the higher ranks. The Marchen has always behaved strangely so I didn't think too much about it. However, your story made me consider of a different angle," the Duchess said.
"Now that you mentioned it, my memory gets foggy whenever I try to remember anything related to Sasha Lochlainn's departure–and that says plenty. Cervitaurs of my strength are known for lasting memory. This unnatural memory loss means there is something wrong. I can't ascertain 'what' exactly," the Duchess said and turned to CK.
"I can't perceive how, but you know many things that are meant to be kept secret. You have access to information that is unavailable to us. Perhaps you are correct, and we forgot for unknown reasons. But if your words are truth, then it is imperative that you get involved," the Duchess stated.
CK blinked. "I'm sorry but involved in what?" she asked dubiously.
"The Marchen is trying to tamper with history," Flavio said seriously, "It used to be a guess, but this new information seems to prove we are right. The Duchess wants you to join the investigation."
"... Asking me to be involved is one thing. But the Marchen is what?" CK asked, bewildered. "Shh," Isabella raised a finger to her own lips, "Your voice, darling."
"Apologies, mama," CK muttered and turned to her father, "That can't be really happening, could it? What part of history would they even want to mess around with?"
"That's what we'd like to know. As a Count, I dislike involving myself with the Marchen and I won't unless there was an order. But historical records and even places are beginning to change. What I remember differs from what is written," Flavio said.
"So our cases are the same," CK said. "I think so, too, mi bambina," Flavio shook his head, "Unfortunately, I don't know how to prove these strange events. Even with Duchess dela Rouge's support, it is dangerous to meddle about recklessly."
"You mean...the Duchess...?" CK turned to the Duchess, trailing off hesitantly. "Yes, my sweet. The Red Faction is investigating these incidents," Isabella confirmed.
"Only few are involved, though. Some of these nobles can't be trusted with tasks outside of tea parties and balls," the Duchess harrumphed.
"Not to mention that this might be seen as insubordination by the authorities. Although we are simply trying to determine whether the Marchen's activities will be harmful or not, people might see things differently," Isabella said.
"I see... And you want me to help somehow," CK said.
"Correct. I wouldn't have told you anything, but the Count vouches for your capabilities. I decided to trust him and trust you," Duchess dela Rouge said seriously.
'How fortunate. Our goals are aligning. This is a good arrangement,' CK wanted to smile. Instead, she bowed her head.
"It'd be improper of me to turn down Your Grace's offer," she said. "With Lumiere's suspicions of you increasing and your lack of protection, you really have no choice," the Duchess shrugged.
"That is true," CK smiled wryly. "There's plenty of details that needs to be discussed, but there's not enough time today. Count Flavio, I trust you will brief your daughter as soon as her punishment concludes," the Duchess told Flavio.
"As soon as it ends, Your Grace," Flavio nodded. "Punishment? I thought you believe me," CK said hesitantly.
"Oh, you're still getting punished but for different reasons. If I let you off freely, Lumiere will be hovering like a moth searching for suspicions. We wouldn't want that, would we?" the Duchess yawned, "Think of it as your punishment for getting caught in the first place. If you're going to snoop around, be quick and be discreet."
"Y-Yes, Your Grace," CK murmured. "Oh, don't worry. It's a light sentence. You're simply under house arrest until suspicion on you decreases," the Duchess said and hummed, "Give it a week."
"And...after a week, I am allowed to investigate, right?" CK asked. "We'll discuss that after your punishment period ends," the Duchess answered.
CK suppressed a grimace. A week is too much wasted time. But she can't afford to assert her thoughts. Like the Duchess said, she has little options.
"If there's nothing else, this discussion is adjourned," the Duchess said. "Then we will return to our estate. Thank you for looking after CK," Isabella curtsied.
"Thank her for not causing any more trouble," the Duchess humphed. The family bid their farewell and left the Red Manor.
'I initially thought that this memory wipe affected everyone. Then today happened. For some reason, that youngling is an exemption to this collective memory wipe,' the Duchess tapped her fingers against the table.
"The thorns on a rose vine..." she hummed and left the living room. House Vincenzo has plenty of secrets and the child is the most intimate one of all.