Meanwhile.
On the Armand Private Island.
Alf stood near the window of the villa, one hand resting behind his back, the other holding a cup of tea. His mana talkie hummed softly in his ear, the voice on the other end crisp and formal. He listened in silence, his expression calm and unreadable, and nodded once.
"You're sure she's coming?"
He set the teacup down on the windowsill, then adjusted the cuff of his glove, smoothing the fabric back into place. Behind him, Erinette was adjusting the straps of her maid dress, smoothing the folds of the skirt and fixing the collar.
Alf tapped his mana talkie again, his voice calm and measured.
"Mm. I'll inform His Majesty personally."
He tapped the talkie, ending the call. Erinette stepped closer and helped adjust his collar, her fingers brushing the fabric into place.
"Dear?"
"Hmm? Yes, honey?"
"Another trouble?"
