The grand hallway of the palace echoed softly with each step Marysville took. High ceilings stretched above her like a cathedral's spine, adorned with golden moldings and crystal chandeliers that bathed the corridor in a soft, diffused light. Marble floors gleamed beneath her, reflecting the towering arched windows that ran along one side, allowing sunlight to pour in and illuminate the ornate portraits of past monarchs that lined the opposite wall. Velvet drapes rustled gently with the breeze, as if the palace itself whispered its secrets.
It had been a week since she found the true protagonist of this world—Caleb and Cate—and brought them into the heart of the empire. She had personally introduced them to the Emperor, her husband on paper, as a gesture of goodwill. Now, as always, Marysville played her role with quiet grace.
She moved through the palace dressed in her casual yet elegant attire: a fitted black long-sleeve top tucked neatly into loose white slacks, paired with polished brown leather shoes that clicked confidently against the stone. Her waist-length hair danced with each step, flowing like silk behind her. She reached up and gently brushed her bangs aside, parting them softly at the center.
"My bangs have gotten long... I need to trim them." The thought flickered in her mind like a breeze.
Descending the main staircase, she made her way toward the royal garden, where afternoon tea awaited—with Caleb and Cate, the very protagonists this world revolved around.
—
The greenhouse was a masterpiece of glass and wrought iron, domed high above and humming with life. Sunlight filtered through the stained glass canopy, casting kaleidoscopic patterns across the ground. Inside bloomed a wonderland of rare and majestic flowers—orchids glowing like moonlight, deep crimson roses, and shimmering silver lilies that only bloomed in royal soil. Lush vines curled along the iron framework, and the air smelled of jasmine and something ancient, something magic.
In the center of the greenhouse stood a circle of five Victorian-style tables arranged in a semi-formal tea setting. Delicate porcelain teacups shimmered on white lace runners, surrounded by intricately designed chairs with curved arms and velvet cushions.
Seated at one of the tables was Caleb, clad in a crisp oversized white button-up with wide sleeves, layered under a light gray knit sweater vest. Black trousers and matching sneakers completed his relaxed, refined look. Beside him sat his twin, Cate, dressed identically except her sweater vest was black, contrasting against the soft white of her shirt.
Across from Cate sat none other than the Emperor, Anastasious Fei Light. His golden eyes reflected the greenhouse light like sunlit metal. His grayish-blue hair, slicked back to reveal his strong features, cascaded to his shoulders. He wore a dark, tailored three-piece suit with a patterned blue tie, silver chains and pins glinting along his collar, and his gloved hands folded neatly before him.
Approaching from the entrance, Martinez Zen Grace, Marysville's third brother, followed behind the Emperor. He radiated a calm, soothing presence—blond hair tousled with gentle waves, and reddish-pink eyes that shimmered with subtle warmth. His black three-piece suit was accented with silver threads lining the lapels, his white dress shirt crisp beneath the layered coat, and gloves impeccably fitted.
He settled into the seat beside Caleb, leaving one chair empty—between Cate and Anastasious.
"We apologize for arriving late, dear guests from overseas," Anastasious spoke first, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of authority like silk covering steel.
"But it seems one seat remains untouched," Martinez added with a soft chuckle, his tone relaxed, the corners of his lips lifting into a gentle smile. "Marysville is not yet here. She never changes, does she?"
Just then, Caleb's eyes flicked toward the entrance at the back of Anastasious. There she was—Marysville, gliding toward them, every movement precise, every step filled with poise.
She finally reached the Emperor's side. Leaning in ever so slightly, her voice a velvet murmur against his ear, she whispered, "Apologies for being late, Your Majesty."
With that, she gracefully took her seat beside him, the last piece of the gathering now in place.
A quiet clink of porcelain against its saucer was the only sound for a moment, as Marysville settled into her chair. The afternoon light caught in her cyan eyes, golden and distant. Caleb glanced toward his twin, then cleared his throat softly, drawing the attention of the table.
"We're thankful for your hospitality, Your Majesty," he began, voice composed yet earnest. "But we didn't come just to enjoy tea and royal gardens."
Cate nodded, her fingers laced around her cup. "We're here to speak of what happened to Lumenus just 3 months ago."
Caleb's tone sharpened just slightly, "An organization was involved on it, an attempt to kill our god, licht… we found scattered clues tied to an organization known as Loose."
The name hung in the air like a blade.
"Loose…" Martinez repeated, his expression unreadable now, red-pink eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "That's not a name thrown around lightly."
Cate continued, "They're not just rebels or revolutionaries. They're an organization with a single purpose—"
"To kill a god," Caleb finished.
A hush fell over the table, heavy with implication. The gentle rustling of leaves in the greenhouse seemed too loud now. Anastasious leaned back, eyes steady and gold, a storm behind calm glass.
"And you believe their next target is the god of this continent… Paranei," he said quietly.
"Fifty-fifty, but not entirely—especially knowing that one of their high-ranking members was seen on this continent," Cate said.
Marysville's gaze remained soft, sipping her tea, lips barely curved in a polite smile. But behind her stillness, hides her knowledge about the storm that's coming. Yet she remains silent, unreadable, her fingers elegantly wrapping around her teacup.
Martinez said after a beat. "Rumor did reach in the capital that Loose was responsible for destroying the temple of the god of love."
"Also, the appearance of Lapin Noir," he continued calmly, glancing toward the twins. "A serial killer. They appeared two years ago. Their targets? Nobles. Highborns. Always executed cleanly. Left no trace behind but a black rabbit feather and a calling card soaked in blood of its own target."
Marysville's eyes glinted. Her fingers tightened for just a fraction of a second.
Martinez set his teacup down, looking at them all. "I've been following the case. So far, the Empire's guards failed. The Church failed. Even our nobles started to whisper that this killer… might be a ghost."
Before another word could be said, the greenhouse doors burst open with a gust of wind.
A man clad in formal attire, his breath heavy, a sealed document in hand. "Your Majesty—Lady Marysville—Lord Martinez," he said, bowing low but his urgency clear. "We have found a lead."
Everyone turned.
"On LapinNoir," the knight continued. "A man in an expensive black suit. He wears a white bunny mask. Witnesses spotted him fleeing a manor in the east district. He left something behind—a gold cufflink engraved with an insignia only nobles own."
Martinez stood slowly. "So, he's not just killing nobles…"
"He is one," Anastasious said grimly.
The knight nodded. "The investigation led by World Government envoy Asher Shihuyun has finally borne results. He's compiled a list of suspects. He'll be arriving shortly to present his findings."
Anastasious's face remained unreadable, like a painting too precise to interpret. "Let him come."
His gaze flicked to Marysville.
She smiled sweetly, placing her cup down, but her thoughts burned behind her eyes.
'Asher… you're getting too close.'