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[04.1]
NASCENT SOUL
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Tina’s heart was still racing, but she had to be direct. “Because you told me never to show them to you again, Lady Reise. You said you didn’t want to be like your cousin, who used her shoulders to gain attention. You said she had no self-respect, and you refused to be like her.”

G6’s eyebrows furrowed. A silent storm brewed. She stood up straight, her posture rigid, and the air grew cold. “Who said I don’t have self-respect?” The question was a sharp, dangerous challenge. A rejection of the past self Tina had invoked.

Tina’s eyes held a weariness that went beyond the day. She was tired of the emotional whiplash. “You said those words, my lady.”

A moment of silence. Then a spark of realization flashed in G6’s eyes. She’d asked the question not as Reise, but as Akira.

A slow, smug smirk spread across her face. She reached into the wardrobe, her hand brushing past black and gray gowns before settling on the blood-red one. She pulled it out—a flash of scarlet—and handed it to Tina.

“I’ll wear that,” she said, her tone returning to its usual calm. As if the moment of vulnerability had never happened. She turned and walked away.

Tina took the dress, the fabric soft but heavy. She let out a deep, trembling sigh and closed her eyes against the sheer, stressful unpredictability. She looked down at the gown. A bold, scandalous red. The slit on the side ran dangerously high. It wasn’t a dress. It was an act of defiance.

And G6 was going to wear it.

❈.❈.❈

Lilia skipped down the gilded hallway, her search for Edmund an urgent mission. She spotted a cluster of servants huddled in a shadowy alcove—a whisper factory. Perfect.

“Excuse me,” she chirped, cutting through their chatter.

They flinched, turning as one. “What is it, Lilia?” one asked, annoyance etched on her face.

“Have you seen Sir Edmund?” The words tumbled out in a rush.

“Edmund?” Another frowned. “No. He’s been missing for almost three days. Why?”

“Lady Reise needs him to escort her to the Queen.”

The air stilled. Shock. “The… Lady? You mean, Lady Reise herself?”

Lilia felt a flicker of irritation. She’s the only mistress in this villa. “If you don’t know, I’m leaving.”

A servant grabbed her arm. “Wait. Did Miss Tina look for him?”
“No,” Lilia said, lifting her chin with a small, defiant pride. “I offered it myself. To the Lady.”

Stunned silence. “You? To the Lady herself? And she didn’t… yell?”

“I’m in a hurry,” Lilia insisted, pulling away. “And for your information, my lady did not yell. She gave me a whole lemon cake.” A wide, victorious grin split her face.

She was about to leave when a wonderful, triumphant thought made her stop and turn back. She gave them a mischievous wink.

“And… I’m her new assistant personal maid now.”

She twirled on her heel and continued her walk, steps now a joyful dance. A peasant who’d won the lottery.

The servants remained frozen, faces a mix of disbelief and sheer terror. They remembered a few days ago, when someone tried to wake Lady Reise and ended up pinned to the bed by a cold-eyed monster. Little did they know, it was already G6.

❈.❈.❈

Lilia stood at the back of Annex-Unus, a forgotten corner. She remembered the old layout. This was where Edmund hid to escape the bustle.

“I’m pretty sure he’s here,” she muttered, peering through a crack into the liquor storage.

The air was cool, heavy with the scent of aged spirits. She stepped inside carefully, navigating a treacherous path between shelves of bottles more valuable than her life.

“Edmund…? Edmund, I know you’re here.”

She clicked her tongue in irritation, crossing her arms.

“What is the brat doing here? Didn’t I tell you this room is off-limits?” A voice boomed from behind her, full of dramatic flair.

Lilia turned, a slow smile spreading. “Edmund! Hurry, you need to get to the main building—”

She couldn’t finish. Edmund took a step closer, his expression a theatrical mask of despair. “You’re wasting your time. I wasn’t needed there,” he said, pressing the back of his hand to his forehead. “The Lady… she hates me.”

Lilia cracked a wry grin. “You haven’t even talked to her since the greeting when she arrived.”

“That’s because I don’t have a chance!” he protested, the theatricality fading into genuine distress. “I was so happy to be the butler of the youngest Worthon—just like her brothers. But after she went savage with the servants, she locked herself away… never wanting me.”

Lilia sighed. The exhausting drama of dealing with Edmund. “Old man—”
“Watch your mouth, you brat!”

“Lady Reise is going to kill you with her gaze if you don’t move. She was asking for your attendance.”

“Be—”

“Let’s go! Our lady is waiting!” he interrupted, already turning and pulling her along.

He practically dragged her out, his elegant gait replaced by a frantic scramble. This pain-in-the-neck, dramatic old man, Lilia thought, a sense of weary affection mixing with her frustration.

「ROYAL COLLEGIUM OF SORCERY & STEEL」

Prince Dio strode through the arched stone entrance. The air was cool. The only sound was the gentle trickle of water from a grand fountain, centered by a statue of the God Eldrin. Beside it, Eliza stood with her head bowed, as if in prayer.

He gave her a brief glance, planning to pass by.
“Good morning, Your Highness.”

Her voice halted him. He offered a polite, practiced smile. “Likewise. Just Prince Dio will do.”

She walked toward him, her movements fluid, two handmaidens trailing behind. “Are you headed to the Bastion now?”

“Yes. Now if you’ll excu—” His words were cut short.

“I heard there was a commotion at Lady Reise’s villa last night,” she said, tone casual.

Prince Dio’s expression shifted. “How did you know that? Was it loud enough to reach your place?” Subtle sarcasm.

Eliza scoffed lightly. “Fortunately, no. My servant told me.” She turned her head slightly to the two women behind her.

One stepped forward. “Excuse me, Your Highness. We accidentally overheard something on our way to the annex.”

I was right, Prince Dio thought. It hasn’t even been a week, and she’s already back to her old ways.

The other chimed in. “It sounded like… she was looking for something. As if her room was being turned upside down.”

Eliza’s eyes narrowed slightly, a glimmer of satisfaction. “What do you mean?”
“She wasn’t engaged with anyone. In fact, she’d locked herself in. Perhaps that’s why Miss Tina seemed distressed in the kitchen earlier.”

A small spark of concern ignited in Prince Dio’s eyes. “Is something going on with your Lady?”
“We… don’t know, Your Highness. Miss Tina never speaks of the Lady’s private affairs. All we know is that she’s distant… to everyone.”

Prince Dio’s gaze hardened, turning cold and sharp. “Next time, do not speak about the mistress of your villa. Especially not to a woman far higher in station than your employer.” The command cut the air. “Now, excuse me.”

He turned and continued, leaving Eliza and her servants in his wake. Her shoulders slumped. Determined, she sped up, her steps turning into a small run to catch him.

“Your Highness, I’ll walk with you. Since we have the same destination.”

Prince Dio didn’t answer. He simply continued his silent, unhurried walk.

They reached the Bastion. At the entrance, Eliza began to speak, but Dio had already turned his back and ascended the grand staircase to the second floor.

He pushed open his office door. A man stood behind his desk, idly juggling droplets of water in the air. A lazy smile on his face.

“Get out,” Dio said, walking straight in.

The man turned, a teasing grin spreading. He popped the water droplets in a burst of mist. “Getting chummy with that commoner early in the morning?” He circled the desk as Dio approached.

“As always, you’re still as low-mannered as you are,” Prince Dio said, collapsing into his chair.

“We share a damn house. Let’s at least be strangers here.”

“That’s so mean!” Keith said, plopping onto the couch with a childlike pout.

“What do you want, Keith?”

“Give me a new toy. I don’t want to be chummy with the Prince’s girl,” he teased.

“There is nothing going on between me and Miss Eliza.”

“Really? Why can’t you ignore her the way you used to ignore dear Reise?” A jab that hit its mark.

“She’s a prospect for this kingdom. Her magic is the kingdom’s signature.”

“And Reise isn’t?” Keith laughed, mocking. “We both know we don’t need that signature anymore.”

“Don’t be absurd. That magic is what this kingdom is made of. A direct blessing of Eldrin.”

“And? It’s been lost for two centuries, and the kingdom didn’t fall. Thanks to what? The Three Pillars.” Keith’s voice grew offended, playfulness gone.

“Why are you being such a jerk this morning, Keith?” Prince Dio’s irritation had an edge of confusion.

“I just don’t want you hurting Reise with another woman,” Keith said, completely serious. “Reise may be a handful, but we all grew up together. You didn’t even notice her when you got chummy with that peasant in the Annex-Duo garden.”

Prince Dio’s expression hardened. This wasn’t the usual clown.

“What do you mean?”

“You were too distracted to notice. Reise was lurking in the bushes that night,” Keith said, tone laced with pity. “That could be why she didn’t even bother with you at the tea party.” He paused, a cruel truth hanging. “Maybe she finally realized you’re not worth chasing.”

He started for the door. He stopped, looked back. “I don’t mind you ignoring Reise. But don’t make her see you flirting with another woman. That’s not manly.” He walked out.

When the door shut, Prince Dio let out a long sigh. He turned his chair to the window. Keith, the jester, had been dead serious. Dio was left speechless, the weight of his best friend’s words settling in. Was he finally realizing he was the reason the glimmering rose had become so wicked?

「WEST VILLA’S—G6’S ROOM」

G6 stood before the gilded mirror, captivated. The dress was a masterpiece of rebellion. Thin straps, bare back, daring decolletage. It felt scandalous and exhilarating.

Behind her, Tina could only stare, caught between silent admiration and terror of what her lady’s mother would say.

G6 turned, her face a mask of joy that made the day’s emotional whiplash all the more jarring. Tina had to admit it: the garment transformed her. A beautiful, living temptation. Her exposed skin was as untouchable as a museum masterpiece.

“What do you think, Tina? Do I look stunning?”
Tina was pulled from her thoughts. “I hate to admit it, but yes, Lady… truly stunning.”

G6’s smile widened, genuine. A cunning devil reveling in her new body and freedom.

A gentle knock. “Excuse me, I’m coming in.” Lilia’s small, hesitant voice.

Lilia froze at the threshold, eyes wide in awe. All fear vanished, replaced by wonder. “You… You are so beautiful, Lady Reise!” she gasped, clasping her hands.

G6 then smirks. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

A gasp from behind Lilia broke the moment. “It looks so… rebellious!” An older man’s voice exclaimed. G6’s face fell, waiting for the lecture. Boomer? “But you’re like a goddess descended from heaven. A picture of pure elegance.”

G6’s smile returned, brighter. “You know your style. Who are you?” A playful glint.

He stood straight, hand on chest. “Let me reintroduce myself, my lady. I am Edmund Saiden, your butler.” A perfect, graceful bow.

“I like you, Edmund,” G6 said, turning back to the mirror. “Keep praising my style, and we’ll have no problems.” She paused. “And drop the ‘my’. I don’t like the sound of it.”

“As you wish, Lady Reise,” he replied with a soft, warm smile. “Whenever you are ready, we will proceed to the Queen’s chambers.”

G6 turned, hand on hip. “I’m ready. Let’s go.” She strode out with confidence, as if heading to a delightful negotiation rather than a tense meeting.

The three followed, a mix of awe and bewilderment. As she moved down the hall, servants froze, eyes widening at her new appearance. Struck by rebellious beauty.

Their old lady had been a creature of light pastels—a walking saint, wicked from within. This version was different. As if her true self had finally burst into the open.

The echo of G6’s red heels was the only sound. She moved like a walking goddess. “Goddess Nyxoria,” a servant whispered—the deity of temptation.

G6 paid them no mind. “Edmund, how far is the Queen’s chamber?” she asked, calm as she walked.

Edmund quickened to step behind her. “Just past the garden in front of Annex-Unus. A ten-minute walk.”
G6 gave him a quick glance of understanding. He fell back in line.

I can’t wait to see her, and trick he—I mean, talk to her into giving me a professional card.
Her thoughts, mischievous. Oh no, she’s a queen. That’s like dealing with the First Lady. I must play my cards right.
A ghost of a smile touched her lips.

Ugh. This villa is more like a mall. It’s so big.

A gentle breeze swept through, fluttering the hem of her dress. The slit swayed, exposing a daring length of leg. The three servants behind tensed, faces a mix of alarm and embarrassment.

G6 didn’t flinch. She didn’t look back or adjust. She kept walking as if it were the most natural thing. In her old life, G6 was a master of fashion, often called a “baddie” for her style. She hated anything suffocating. Here, in a world where such outfits were non-existent in noble circles, she was a fashion crasher.

(1/2)