G6 and Edmund arrived at the West Villa's main entrance to find a carriage waiting, its polished wood and brass fittings gleaming in the morning light.
"What's this?" G6 asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I calculated that a carriage would be the most efficient mode of transport. I will be acting as your coachman," Edmund explained, opening the carriage door with a flourish. "Please, Lady Reise," he said, gesturing for her to enter.
G6 stepped inside and settled into the plush velvet seats, the door closing with a solid thud. "Whoa, now I feel like I'm in a proper fantasy novel," she whispered to herself, a wry smile touching her lips.
She slid open the small window that connected the passenger compartment to the driver's perch.
"We shall depart now," Edmund called from outside before clicking his tongue to urge the horses forward.
As the carriage rolled through the villa's grand gates, it entered a long, tree-lined stone path flanked by meticulously maintained gardens.
"We are still within the palace grounds, my lady," Edmund's voice carried through the window, "though the West Villa is situated at a significant distance from the Main Palace, where the King and the immediate royal family reside."
"Why the hell is our villa so far from everything?" G6 asked, leaning her head against the window frame.
"It is a strategic placement. Even the journey from the Collegium's main gate to the capital takes a quarter of an hour by carriage. The palace complex is vast and its security is paramount, especially concerning its vital resources," Edmund explained.
"Yet I don't see many knights guarding the Collegium entrance, or even patrolling the villa grounds," G6 observed.
"The Collegium's entrance is protected by a powerful magical barrier, Lady Reise. And you must understand, the main palace gate is the sole, heavily fortified point of entry and exit for the entire complex. The security is concentrated there."
"Why don't they hire commoners as knights?" G6 pressed.
"There has been no perceived need. No foreign kingdom currently threatens Einston. Most commoners with combat aptitudes join the Adventurers' Guild, focusing on internal threats—demons, monsters, and the like. The noble houses and the Crown see this as a highly effective division of labor. The noble knights are reserved for military expeditions and policing territories too perilous for the Guild." Edmund clarified.
G6 fell silent. Well, I think this kingdom isn't really peaceful. It just feels that way because I haven't seen the full picture outside the palace walls yet.
After a fifteen-minute ride, they halted before a modest but well-kept building. Two women in simple but elegant uniforms waited by the entrance. Edmund hopped down and opened the carriage door, revealing G6's imposing presence.
The two women offered deep, respectful bows. "Welcome to the Utility Magic Department, Lady Reise," they greeted in unison.
"Let us proceed inside. Please have the stablehand attend to the carriage at the rear of the building," Edmund instructed.
"Understood, Sir Edmund," one of the women replied.
"Shall we, my lady?" Edmund said, turning to G6.
She nodded and strode inside, Edmund following closely behind.
Hmm. It's more utilitarian than I expected. And… there really are very few staff.
"We were informed of your visit by Sir Edmund, Lady Reise. My name is Felicia," the lead woman said with a warm, professional smile.
"A pleasure, Felicia. I am glad to have such capable assistance," G6 replied, her tone perfectly calibrated to be both regal and appreciative.
"You are too kind, my lady. If any issues arise, you may inform us immediately using these." Felicia presented a small, velvet-lined box.
Edmund accepted it and opened the lid. "Ah, excellent. These are precisely what I requested." He handed one of the items inside—a simple, silver ear cuff—to G6 and took its twin for himself.
"What's this for?" G6 asked, examining the piece.
"They are communication artifacts, my lady. One of the finest collaborative inventions from Sanctum and Omnia. They are powered by the user's ambient mana—a sliver of wind magic is trapped within the metal, allowing for clear communication over distance."
So, earpieces? This is quite convenient. Smart.
"Everything is prepared for you upstairs. Please remember to return before the Fifth Bell chimes," Felicia reminded them.
"Thank you, Felicia," G6 said. The woman's smile seemed to say, 'Anything for you.'
Edmund and G6 then ascended the stairs to the private preparation room that had been arranged. The first phase of their operation was underway.
They entered a spacious common room with two doors on opposite sides, indicating a suite with two private chambers. Without a word, G6 and Edmund moved to their respective rooms to prepare.
Inside her room, G6 found the garments she had explicitly designed laid out neatly on a small bed. She placed the box of jewelry from Brenda and the communication artifacts from Felicia on a nearby table, retrieving the black bucket hat and sunglasses from within.
She began to strip off her elegant black gown—the costume of Lady Reise. As the fabric pooled at her feet, it felt like shedding a skin, the weight of her noble pretense lifting with it. She tossed the gown onto the bed, followed by the impractical heels.
Standing in her undergarments, she assessed her reflection in the full-length mirror. With a focused whisper of wind magic, she altered her hair, transforming its slightly wavy texture into dead-straight strands that revealed its true, impressive length. She deftly braided the top half, securing it into a sleek bun while leaving the rest to fall down her back.
Next, she pulled on the black cargo pants she'd designed, their unique cut featuring a strategic open zipper that revealed a sliver of skin and a V-shaped waistline that accentuated her surprisingly petite yet powerful frame. She paired them with a black and grey long-sleeved cropped top. Her boots were next—sturdy, battle-efficient models far removed from her training gear.
She fastened a layered choker-necklace around her throat and slid several sleek silver rings onto her fingers, removing the ring Earl had given her. Then, with the clinical precision of a field medic, she pierced a new hole in her ear for the communication earring, not even flinching at the minor pain.
The final touches were the cap, pulled low, and the sunglasses, large enough to obscure her eyes completely.
A sharp, predatory smile graced her lips. "This turns me on," she murmured to her reflection.
She exited to find Edmund already waiting in the common area, his transformation equally complete.
"Wow. Who would guess you're a butler?" G6 remarked, genuinely impressed.
Gone was the impeccable steward. Edmund now looked every inch an adventurer. Multiple earrings adorned his ears. He wore a white button-down shirt with voluminous sleeves, its collar open, topped with a pair of bright blue suspenders. His black cargo pants had distinct blue accents and straps, complemented by black fingerless gloves and rugged combat boots. A simple black cap finished the look.
"As are you, Lady Reise," he replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"Let's go over the plan," G6 said, settling onto a couch.
Edmund sat opposite her and unrolled a detailed map of the entire palace complex.
"As I stated earlier, only one gate is operational. This would be… problematic," Edmund began, tracing the route, "if not for your particular set of skills."
G6's smirk returned, radiating cool confidence. "I've mastered Eclipse-Step. It doesn't just mask my presence; it renders me completely invisible. Transparent." Her tone was matter-of-fact. "But my body's still adjusting. I can only maintain it for two minutes without significant strain."
"That will suffice. Your horse is ready outside. You are certain you know how to ride?" Edmund verified.
"You doubt me?" G6 shot back, a glint of amusement in her eyes. Please. I've trained in everything from equestrianism to piloting jets and ships. All for the sake of a clean extraction.
"I am beginning to wonder if there is anything you cannot do," Edmund mused.
"You will ride with me," he continued. "Do not be concerned. I frequently use this route; the knights stationed there are accustomed to my comings and goings and will not be suspicious."
"I thought you said there were no knights," G6 countered.
"That was at the Collegium. This is the Main Palace gate, my lady. The security is… substantial."
"So, what's the plan?" G6 asked, getting to the point.
"There is no magical barrier at the main gate—its defense is the knights themselves. You will use your Eclipse-Step and walk out right beside me. They will see only me."
"That's it?"
"That's it."
"Let's go," G6 stated, rising to her feet.
As they descended the stairs, the UMD staff was waiting to see them off.
"Please, be careful, Lady Reise," Felicia said, her concern evident.
"Need not worry, Licia. I will see to her safety," Edmund assured her.
"Don't worry. If this goes sideways, I'll make sure you're not implicated," G6 added bluntly.
"We are willing to do anything for you, Lady Reise," Felicia replied with a deep bow.
G6's eye twitched slightly at the unwavering, blind loyalty. Such devotion is inefficient. And dangerous.
"Then, I'll see you later," G6 said, her tone final. She glanced at Edmund, and they moved toward the back of the building.
A stablehand stood waiting beside their carriage and a single, saddled horse. "Sir Edmund," the man said, handing over two long, hooded coats.
"Here, Lady Reise. Wear this until we reach the town outskirts," Edmund instructed, passing her a long, black-brown coat that fastened at the neck with a cord and featured a deep hood.
G6 threw it on; it was like a cape, designed to conceal her entirely. Edmund did the same, shrouding their new outfits.
"Take care of things here, Nel," Edmund said to the man.
"Understood. Please take care of the Lady," Nel replied with a bow.
Edmund gave a curt nod. Together, he and G6 walked to the horse. Edmund mounted first with practiced ease, then offered his hand to G6. She took it, swinging up behind him in one fluid motion. With a click of his tongue, Edmund urged the horse forward, and they set off toward the palace gates and the freedom of the city beyond.
___
The horse moved at a gentle trot along the secluded, tree-lined path leading to the main palace gate. After several minutes of riding, the imposing structure came into view.
Edmund guided the horse behind the cover of a large oak tree to observe. "Two mid-ranked knights at the gate. And two more on the ramparts above," he whispered over his shoulder to G6, who peered around him.
"Make it quick. You have two minutes. Starting now," G6 commanded.
<
< Total Concealment >
The moment Edmund felt her presence vanish from behind him; he nudged the horse back onto the main road and urged it into a brisk trot toward the gate.
He was promptly signaled to halt by the guards.
"Reveal yourself," one knight commanded.
Edmund pushed back his hood just enough for his face to be seen. "It is I, Edmund Saiden," he stated, producing his identification card for inspection.
"I see. You have been quite busy of late," the knight remarked, examining the credentials.
"Indeed, Sir. I am actually in something of a hurry, if you would be so kind," Edmund replied, his tone respectfully urgent.
"Very well. Proceed. Do not forget to return before the gate is sealed for the night," the knight instructed.
"Understood." Edmund made to move the horse forward when a voice called down from the ramparts above.
"Are you alone?" a knight stationed above inquired.
"What kind of question is that? Do you see a ghost?" another guard scoffed.
"I feel… a disturbance in the air. As if another presence is there," the first knight insisted, his voice tinged with confusion.
Crap. That one is from a branch family of House Worthon, Edmund thought, his grip on the reins tightening imperceptibly.
"Come now, Sir, there is nothing there. Please, Edmund, you may proceed," the knight at the gate said, waving him on.
Edmond offered a curt nod and urged the horse into a canter, putting distance between them and the gate as quickly as possible without appearing to flee.
"Edmund is strangely rushed today," one knight on the wall observed.
"Leave him be. His hands are likely full with errands for that new mistress of his," another replied dismissively.
Edmund didn't slow the horse until they were well out of sight of the gate.
"So, he was a Worthon?" G6 asked, her voice materializing as she deactivated her skill and became visible once more.
"A distant relative. His father married into a minor branch family," Edmund explained, pulling the horse to a stop beside a large tree where a second horse was tethered. "It is possible he inherited a minor wind affinity from his mother's line. Enough to sense a disruption, if not the source."
G6 swung down from Edmund's horse with practiced ease and moved to her own. She untied it, deftly coiling the rope before mounting in one fluid motion.
Once she was settled, they looked at each other. They were out.
"The capital is just ahead, my lady," Edmund said.
"Lead the way," G6 commanded.
Edmund nudged his horse forward, and G6 fell in behind him. Anyone observing would see not a delicate noblewoman, but a figure born for the saddle, riding with the grounded, efficient posture of a seasoned combatant.
The first and most formidable barrier was behind them. The pristine, ordered world of the palace gave way to the dusty, vibrant road leading into the beating heart of the capital. With the wind at their backs and their disguises firmly in place, the steward and the reaper rode toward their destination—the Adventurers' Guild, and the first real taste of freedom and answers that G6 desperately sought.
_____
[Queen's Chamber]
The Queen sat in the profound silence of her private study, her gaze fixed upon the ancient, leather-bound tome open on her desk. Its pages detailed the terrifying, near-mythical wonders of Cryomancy—the one-in-a-million magic she was certain her new protégé possessed.
I wonder what is taking my master so long to respond to my letter, she thought, leaning back in her ornate chair with a weary sigh. The silence from her own teacher was disconcerting.
Her eyes drifted to an elegant, ornate box on the corner of her desk. Within it lay the latest reports on G6's capabilities and progress. "What exactly are you?" she whispered into the quiet room, her voice barely a breath. "You are far too much… and yet not nearly enough… to be the Reise I knew."
A firm knock echoed at the door. "Your Majesty, it is Leo."
"Enter," the Queen commanded, her regal mask sliding seamlessly back into place.
Leo entered with his characteristic impeccable grace and offered a deep bow. "Your suspicion was correct, Your Majesty."
"So, she has broken out," the Queen stated, a slow, mischievous smile touching her lips. It was not a smile of anger, but of profound, calculating interest. "I wonder what will happen when an untamed lioness is finally set loose upon the world."
"What are your orders?" Leo asked, ever the pragmatist.
"Do nothing," the Queen replied, her tone leaving no room for debate. "She is too perceptive, too guarded. You only confirmed her departure when you inquired with the gate knights after Edmund had already left, correct?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"That proves that any attempt to tail them directly would have failed. It would only succeed in putting us on her bad side, and that is a place I would very much like to avoid," the Queen explained, her mind already several steps ahead. "Let her be, for now. Let us observe what kind of person she truly is when she believes no one of consequence is watching."
Her gaze returned to the open book, to a terrifying illustration of a blade forged entirely of glacial ice, violently sharp and radiating an aura of absolute zero. Her finger traced a line of text beneath it.
'Only one who kills can wield.'
She read the words aloud, their weight hanging heavy in the air. The ancient text was clear: the Vessel for Cryomancy—an affinity believed to be mere legend—could only be one who had died once and been reborn. And there was another, more chilling prerequisite: it demanded a killer's soul.
High in her secluded chamber, the Queen of Einston closed the ancient tome, a web of prophecy and suspicion tightening around her. The game had escalated far beyond mere political maneuvering. Her pawn was no longer on the board; she had become a wild card, moving of her own volition into a city teeming with danger and opportunity. As the sun climbed higher over the capital, two journeys were underway: one into the chaotic heart of the unknown, and the other into the even more treacherous depths of ancient magic and dark revelation. The hunt for the truth had begun, and the hunter, for the first time, was also the hunted.
Next Chapter: The Capital
— To be continued… —