Once again in the bath, I splash around, alright, so the reason he’s mostly killing us is because of the Late Queen, rather dull but revenge tastes sweet I guess.

This time at breakfast I ought to say something funnier, but nothing seems to really set the mood like accusing the Count of liking men.

Giggling I twirl about, ready for my day, and head to breakfast, once again he sat down, glimmering in all his beautiful splendor. 

What I wouldn’t give to be the chair beneath him, being caressed by those sweet buns. 

And thus the conversation spun its web again, of course the breakfast was to his liking, and no he’s not seeing any women, but to my enjoyment, Mother once again spoke. 

“Count Trixx, might I ask, are you seeing any young women as of late?” 

And then the show began, I had a few choices, I could continue my favorite joke or make it worse, and at the time I didn’t think I would regret this as much as I would. 

“Oh Mother, despite the rumors of him being enamored with men, I do believe I've fallen for him~” Sparkling, I turn to him and bat my eyelashes watching as he almost choked on breakfast. 

“Dear me, how bold my dear.” Mother flirted, but everyone knew that grin, this was the most interesting thing she had seen all week. 

And with that, we couldn’t help but scrunch our noses and giggle like the little devils we are. 

Count Trixx was of course stunned into silence, I don’t know what he was thinking, but judging by the look on his face he wasn’t sure if I was taunting or teasing, maybe both. 

Either way, he wasn’t pleased, but I certainly was as I put my elbow on the table, resting my chin in the palm of my hand. 

“Which leads me to ask, Count Trixx, care to take a stroll with me later?”

Judging by his face he was looking for a way to say no without seeming rude as we were showing him hospitality and he had to live in this manor for another few days. 

“Well…..I…” Looking to Wilkins for help, the old man simply gave a smile, finding this ordeal rather entertaining. 

Which only causes Count Trixx to anger even more, promptly turning to me, now he had a choice, deny me and let the rumors spread, or invite me and be miserable for a few hours. 

“It would be my pleasure.” Judging by how he put down his utensils, his appetite was ruined and mine was just beginning. 

“How wonderful, this afternoon then? Splendid.” Not giving him a chance to speak, I quickly took a bite of my food and enjoyed myself, as the rest of breakfast was spent in silence. 

Him being as hateful as he is, I knew he would do anything to get out of this, which is precisely why I went right to Wilkins. 

Standing in the hall, he greeted me with a kind voice. “Good day, Lady Alindell.”  

“Good day Wilkins, a splendid day isn’t it?” Smiling, I look to him, glee in my voice. 

“Indeed, you startled me quite a bit earlier, whatever were you thinking?” 

And here it is, Wilkins's inquisitive nature, I knew he’d ask, he can’t help but want to know. After all, I, a mere Baron’s daughter had just finished threatening a count to take a walk with me or be eaten by rumors. 

“It simply sounded like fun! And anyway, would you believe me if I said I wanted to obtain a partner.” Taking a deep breath, I stop and look out the window, and smirk. 

“I’m not looking for love, I’m thinking about finally debuting, I just need him for a bit, after that I’ll never bother the poor Count again.”  That should work, it’s not as if I’m supposed to know in five days I’ll die. 

But when I turned, I saw how Wilkins's face turned grim. “I see….I'm sure you’ll look beautiful if he agrees to help in your arrival into high society.”  

Wilkins don’t look so sad, it seems you’re more afraid of me dying than I am, you have such a kind soul you silly old man. 

“Oh, don’t fret Wilkins! I’m going to be a proper young lady, marry a lord, and live to protect my family like any lady should.” Smiling, I spit nonsense from my mouth, to marry? I can’t even seduce my killer, and I want to seduce a lord? What am I saying? 

Giggling, I spin on my heel, taking Wilkins by the arm. 

“After all Wilkins, life is short, if I don’t find love now when will I find it?”

With that, I walked forward, ignoring how he couldn’t move, I had always wondered if he regretted killing me after the scene, or if he was simply a blade for his master. 

A quarter after twelve I met Count Trixx in the garden, he looked distant, as if he were a flower in a garden of weeds. 

“Good Afternoon my count, look at you all spiffy, meeting your lover? You must introduce me~?” Giggling, I fully enjoy his scowl which he quickly turns into his usual closed-eye smile. 

“No, I’m here for you Lady Alindell.” Offering me his arm, I tucked my hand into the little crevice of his elbow and walked by his side. 

Looking to the sky, I saw the faint purple shine from the capital far away, the crystal having landed late this morning, but the news wouldn’t spread until the fourth day. 

“Might I ask count, why ever did you ask to stay here? Wasn’t there much finer estates to stay for the summer?” Looking to the gardens, I wonder, has he ever killed others? 

If I find out he’s choked another woman to death I will be upset, those hands are mine.

Taking a moment, he answered. “I simply enjoy the scenery in this area.”

“What a boorish answer, don’t lie to me now, tell me Count, what is it that you desire?”