"I'll be receiving the message with the mission scope by tomorrow," Tear said, turning toward Remy. "I know you jus—"
"It's okay," Remy interrupted quietly. "I understand. And… I think this mission will be good for me. I need the training anyway."
Tear nodded slowly. "Yeah. Just don't push yourself too hard."
"What's… the story about the girl who came with you?" Kat asked softly.
"Where did you find her?"
"Ha… It's a long story." Remy sighed, lifting his cup. "They saved our lives, her grandmother and her, I mean - when we were coming from August. She lost her caregiver, so I had no choice but to bring her with me."
"How awful…" Kat whispered, her eyes misting.
"I hope we can get along. I always wanted a little sister." Her voice cracked at the end.
Remy smiled. Kat was kind—genuinely kind—perhaps because of her exposition, but she was the sort of person who left a mark on everyone she met.
"Come now, Kat dear. I will tell you all about it. I'm sure Remy is a little tired," Tear said, sensing Remy's hesitation.
"Okay," Kat answered brightly.
Suddenly, Remy stood up—tea still untouched, something urgent pulling at him.
"Where are you going?" Tear asked, still seated.
"To the training barracks," Remy replied, waving him off. "I've come to understand something lately… and I want to try it out before I leave for the mission."
"Be careful," Kat said as Remy moved passed her.
He disappeared into the mansion's dark corridors.
Soon, he stepped into the training room. Glancing at the practice dolls, a memory of Charles flashed violently through his mind. He clenched his jaw and forced the thought away, beginning to put on his gear.
He walked to the centre of the room. His head tilted upward as he finally noticed the ceiling. Its grandeur struck him for the first time. Paintings of towering trees and twisting flora stretched across its surface.
On one side, a jester danced, cards floating around him. On the opposite side stood a king—his face blurred, erased almost like the paint had been washed out. His coat was deep, heavy, purple and black. On his head sat a golden crown, glittering with jewels: emeralds and sapphires catching the faint light.
He closed his eyes and drew a deep breath.
Da-dum… da-da-dum.
His heartbeat echoed through the room, causing the weapons on the walls to tremble in rhythm. Shadows stretched from every corner, every crack, every hidden crevice. They surged toward him.
Remy remained still. The darkness crawled over his skin, cold as winter water, sliding from his hands to his feet, wrapping around his chest and neck like a living ribbon.
"I see now… so that's how it is," he murmured to himself.
"Night, dearest of light… heed my command."
The shadows froze at his words.
"Shadow Liberation."
The phrase echoed like a thousand whispers layered perfectly in harmony. Darkness exploded outward, swallowing every source of light. Even the faint gleam of steel vanished. Candles extinguished one by one, leaving only a void.
Yet strangely… Remy could see everything. In this state, he saw more than ever. Strands of energy pulsed from the mansion walls, resisting, fighting against the darkness he commanded.
"Shadow Providence."
The shadows surged back toward him, enveloping his entire body. First, they twisted into a swirling mist… then into fabric. His attire transformed. A long dark coat unfurled over his shoulders, sweeping to his knees. His suit shifted into rich blacks and deep purples. Gloves formed around his hands, shoes around his feet. Finally, they shaped his face—an elegant, hunting plague mask, reminiscent of Raven's form. Black and gold, with gleaming purple glass where his eyes should see through. A tall, shadow-forged hat settled neatly atop his head.
"I can feel them… whispering, like they're alive," he murmured, staring at his hands.
"So, these are the shadows that cling to everything, holding them like this, I can feel the connection they have with everything." Remy's head tilted slightly as he inspected them.
The shadows bubbled, forming a reaper's scythe. He spun it in the air, then hacked at a nearby dummy. The cut was clean, and the dummy collapsed.
He lowered the scythe, spinning it once more until it softened into the shape of a cane.
"Mmm… the control feels more fluid now," he muttered.
Tapping it twice on the ground, the shadows peeled off and sank back into the cane, then they dispersed, all of them returning to their rightful places. Without another word, he left the room and headed for the library.
"My last trip made me realise one thing for sure… there's just so much I don't understand about this power I claim as mine."
He opened book after book, reading deep into the night, never returning to his room.
Meanwhile, Kat and Caroline spent the day together. Kat was unusually cheerful, taking the girl to bathe and even sharing her smaller dresses. Caroline hesitated, unwilling to part with her worn-out one, but Kat convinced her they could shelve it carefully. Caroline finally gave in and, for the first time in ages, smiled—giggling softly. Kat had that effect on everyone, bringing calm and peace.
Caroline looked at her new dress. It was big and round, with hints of purple and white, a large bow tied around her waist, completing the look. Kat had even styled her hair.
A tear slipped down Caroline's cheek as she looked into the mirror.
"You look like one of those princesses I read about in fairytales," Kat said, blushing a little.
"Read… I wish I could read," Caroline murmured, her voice barely audible.
"I can teach you," Kat said, eyes widening with joy.
As Remy continued reading, Tear entered the library quietly.
"Those books can only get you so far," Tear said, shuffling his deck. "You can only progress by understanding the contract you made."
"My contract is with the Path of the Jester," Remy murmured, thinking aloud. "During my awakening, I realised my body was strengthened, my balance enhanced. I trained with the sword, wasting years thinking it was enough." Tear paused and placed his deck in the air as it stayed there, levitating.
"I'm a Jester and jesters deceive to entertain. I must convince people that the impossible is possible. By understanding my path, I've found I can eventually do the impossible."
The cards ignited softly, shifting into the shape of an old, grey book. "This is my personal notebook. You might find something useful here… though with Raven by your side, you may not even need it."
Tear turned to leave. "Get some sleep, and make sure you see Chad before you go. I've received the mission scope."