"Would you mind hurrying up? My arms are killing me...!"

"Well, then, hold me steady, dumbass! I'm gonna fall!"

"I am! You do know that you weigh a lot, do you not?"

"Quit bitching or I'll kick you in the face."

Zach grunted in displeasure, his eyes were shut and his head turned the other way. He could feel his arms protesting to be put to rest as the heat of the sun contributed to his sore muscles. He regretted his actions just a few moments before it went down to his current situation.

"Where are you going?"

Zach stood in front of the big mirror as he fixed his clothes to his liking when he heard the voice of his younger sister. He already knew that she was giving him a visit the moment she stepped inside the room, making her presence known along with another familiar one that belonged to their brother.

After the accident that happened during Lady Avy's stay in their mansion, Duke Harrington, their father, hired professionals to guide the beginning of Clion's magic training. The manifestation of his magic happened without them noticing signs; hence, it was a surprise to the whole household when the boy suffered from a rampant manifestation.

Zach was not present when the accident happened, having been called to the palace to assist his father for the upcoming summit. He thereafter found out that Lady Avy took every rampaging mana that Clion had manifested that day upon herself. Being manaless as she was, it must have been possible for someone with her condition to absorb the rampaging mana of a person. It did not mean that it did not hurt her in any way, however. He was informed by the butler that the lady suffered aftereffects because of what she did.

It could have been a lot worse for Clion had the lady not stepped in. Zach was genuinely thankful for that, and even though doubts crossed his mind that it was only one of her tricks to get his attention, he sincerely thanked her, setting aside everything he felt about her. He was relieved to hear that she no longer harbored feelings for him as it was for the best.

Clari's manifestation followed suit and unlike Clion, hers was normal. The professionals that their father hired helped to avoid another accident.

Months have passed since that day and he noticed big changes in the behavior of his twin siblings. They were brighter than before, with Clion being less kept to himself and Clari learning to be less aggressive. Zach reluctantly acknowledged that it was partly, or even mostly, thanks to Lady Avy. Hence, he was not surprised that in the course of those months, the twins formed a bond with the ducal princess and he found himself listening to stories of his siblings that included the raven-haired lady.

The twins visited the Arkwrights' mansion a couple of times to spend time with their 'teacher'—that's what they called her. The fact that they were allowed to step inside that place made Zach's brow raise in surprise when he first heard about it. Especially when even the highest-ranking nobles are declined entry as per the authority of the duke. However, he was informed that Lady Avy herself received the two kids in order to make them comfortable enough.

"Are you going to visit Teacher? Can we go with you?" Clari looked at him with expecting eyes, something that she does, well, she and Clion do, when they are asking for something they know they could get if they use it on him. Unfortunately, this time was not one of those cases in which he agreed.

He stopped what he was doing to face the twins before he knelt down to their level. He liked talking to them where they do not have to look up to him. They feel closer when he lowers himself in order to match their eye level.

"Sorry, Clari, but today is a cessation and it would be dangerous for the two of you if I took you outside. And... you need permission from Father, remember?" he told them, as gently as he could. Perhaps, it has become a reflex for him to talk softer in their presence, knowing that Clion cannot stand loud noises.

"Besides, I will be visiting her elder brother. We will most likely not be able to see each other." He gave them a reassuring smile although the expressions displayed on the two children's faces dropped nonetheless.

The twins did not have any choice other than to accept his excuse. They still sent him off at the manor's front gate with sad smiles drawn on their lips and stayed there until they were no longer visible through the carriage's window.

The ride was peaceful. Many citizens are still outside their houses performing their daily duties even though that day was a cessation. The Harrington Duchy took pride in their military that the people who resided in their territory felt secure enough not to close their businesses to hide inside their homes during cessation. It is widely known that the magicless days that the Goddess bestowed the world, although created to be a short rest to every inhabitant of the land, became a day that normal citizens feared.

People became unreasonably accustomed to using their magic that they did not know how to protect themselves without it, giving criminals the power to take advantage of the weak during these times. It is widely known that most territories declare it an official non-working day when cessation comes in order to protect the people. However, it is a different story when it comes to the places under the protection of the pillars who could vouch for the power of their knights and order.

The Harrington Knights Regiment is one of them. The Wolves, as they are known from the family's crest, are the ones who are tasked to patrol the waters belonging to the empire. They patrol alongside with the knights of Valentina who are composed of female mages personally hired by the Duchess of the Southern Lands—the Belladonnas. Such a beautiful name taken after a poisonous plant.

The Lions, knights of the Helion Duchy protected the borders with the help of the imperial knights. While the Arkwrights, or the Ravens, guarded the capital and other major cities who didn't have enough soldiers provided by the land's chief. Lastly, the aerial territories were managed by the Falcons, a knight regiment belonging to the house of Arden.

It did not take long before the carriage arrived at the Arkwright Manor where he was greeted by a couple of maids and a butler. The sun was already high up in the sky as it was in the middle of the day, the uncomfortable rays seeping through his clothes when he stepped out of the carriage, with the Arkwright servants tending to him as he did not bring any assistance.

"Young Master Ashton is yet to finish his conversation with a visitor, my lord. Would you like to stay in his study while you wait?" the butler politely explained. Zach almost scoffed, although he expected that the ruby-eyed mage would have his hands occupied by something the moment he arrived at his mansion.

Zach has known the Arkwright heir their whole life. All of the direct successors of their respective families were practically forced to form a connection with one another so as to not break the peaceful relationship of the pillars. The elders went as far as to make them be born in the same year as the crown prince to be able to aid him better.

Zach could say that, out of all of them, Ashton is the most hardworking and the most mature one. However, he was not as quiet as the crown prince or that bastard from Valentina Duchy. Perhaps, it was the reason why he could go as far as to call him his friend, although that guy might not feel the same. Zach knew Ashton felt the opposite. The man hated his guts, though it is fair since he did hate everyone's guts.

"Alright," he answered the servant who then gestured for him to walk first, knowing that he had visited the Arkwright mansion enough to be aware of which way he should go.

"I can go there on my own, you need not escort me." He stopped the servants from following him before he continued on his way.

The Arkwright Mansion was big. However, it was not as extravagant as the homes of other nobles, and most especially, it did not come close to how lavish the mansions of the other pillars were, Zach's own included. His mother was a fan of decorating their interior with the most beautiful artworks she could set her eyes on. He could remember her being a big fan of art, supporting artists here and there, buying art no matter how pricey they were. She was the reason why their walls were full of life. Duke Harrington, his father, did not dare to remove them even after she passed.

The Arkwright's abode, however, embodied the personality of its residents. Simple, plain, and cold. It did not feel like a house at all. Still, he understood the reason behind it. He grew up hearing rumors that no woman had ever lived as an Arkwright and stayed for a long time. The late duchess was a prime example of the rumor, who died after being poisoned. It was like the family was doomed to forever live without the presence of a woman in their family.

He did not bother to knock when he reached the front of Ashton's study. He entered the room with ease as if it was his own and was greeted by the smell of books. He was unsurprised because Ashton was a big bookworm, always had his nose buried in pages.

Zach looked around the study and was not surprised to find it tidy aside from a couple of papers sprawled across the study table. There was also a stack of books on the side and a single open book next to it, as if the owner intentionally left it as it was. The odd thing about Ashton was he would never let a single speck of dust linger on his belongings for too long, being the clean freak that he was. However, it was normal for his table to look as if it was being worked on by dozens of brains. It worked for him that way.

Zach made himself comfortable on the chair in front of the window after he picked a book from the bottom of the shelves where he knew Ashton kept all the books he had already finished. The fire mage did not like anyone touching the books that he was currently reading, or the books that he had yet to read, hence Zach's choice.

He plopped on the chair, opening the book with no enthusiasm, only focusing on it to get his mind off the time. He was distracted by a shiny reflection in the corner of his eyes. Following the glint, his eyes brought him to Ashton's study table where an envelope rested. It was adorned by tiny magic stones that replaced the wax that was supposed to seal the letter.

Taken over by his curiosity, he walked over to pick up the letter, abandoning the book that he was reading.

Addressed to: A. Arkwright

Zach scoffed to himself. The sender was basically writing to the whole Arkwright Household. It could be for the duke or the lord, it can even be addressed to Marquis Alistair. Heck, even Avy was on the list.

He took the letter and went back to his chair, examining it with the help of the sunlight coming from the window. As he was scanning it with his eyes, he saw in his peripheral vision a distorted image of black passed in the background. He was immediately brought to his feet. Ashton's study was on the second floor, right in front of the garden and he was certain that he saw a figure passing by.

Without second thoughts, he opened the window and jumped. He landed on the grass safely even without the help of his magic, not realizing that he brought the letter with him. He ran to the direction where he saw the figure go, which led him to the walls connected to the other side of the manor.

That was when he found a hooded person on the ground, looking as if he was doing something to the bushes. His brows knitted together and was about to apprehend the mysterious intruder when a gust of wind passed by, taking the hood off the head of the person.

Curly black hair that was all too familiar made itself known.

"WHAT IN THE WORLD-"

Lady Avy's whole body jumped in surprise as her head turned to him so fast. Her eyes were wide as if she had seen a ghost before immediately looking from left to right.

"Fuck-! Stop shouting...!" Lady Avy hissed, attempting to calm him down.

"Why the hell are you digging—hhmmp!" And just like that, the lady did not waste any second and quickly threw her weight on him, slapping her hand on his mouth as if it leaked poison. The both of them fell on the ground with a loud thud, with Zach, of course, being the cushion for Lady Avy.

The surprise made Zach's grip on the letter loosen and with them falling on the hard ground, another strong gust of wind blew, taking the letter along with it. He watched in horror as the piece of folded paper flew away from where they were. His eyes followed the glint of the tiny stones attached to it before he no longer could because he was still being held down by a certain ducal princess.

"Dang it. Why do you always have to show up when I'm up to something." Lady Avy broke away from him, clicking her tongue as she dusted down her dress. She was wearing something that only commoners would wear under the hooded robe. Her face displayed an expression that he had never seen her wear around him before. Displeased.

"It is your fault for acting... odd. I have mistaken you for an intruder," Zach retorted, gathering himself after being pushed to the ground.

The girl looked at him with irritation before once again opening her mouth to speak. "As far as I'm aware, this is my house. I'm allowed to be as weird as I want," she snarled, and although it was said calmly, it still made her present vexation known. "Why are you here, anyway?"

Zach stood up, brushing the dirt that stuck on his clothes before answering. "Ashton and I will be returning to the academy together. I did not expect to see his sister acting like a criminal downtown."

He did not bother to listen to the lady's clap back and started looking for the letter that was taken away by the wind.

"What are you doing?" he heard the girl question him as he looked behind the bushes nearby.

"My letter. It got flown away," he answered without looking back. He did not care if she left or the adventure she was planning to go to, he was just going to tell Ashton about it later.

"That thing stuck on the tree?"

His ears perked up and immediately turned his head to the girl. He saw her looking up at the tree a couple of meters away from them before following her gaze. True to the lady's words, the letter was, indeed, stuck on the tree's leaves, letting Zach heave a sigh of relief. The unfortunate thing was, it was too high for him to reach. Moreover, it was a cessation and he could not use his water magic to get it and it would only be a matter of time before Ashton came looking for him, or well, probably for the letter.

"Wait a minute..." Lady Avy's eyes squinted a bit, as though studying the appearance of the letter before her face showed signs of recognition.

"That's mine!" she exclaimed, her brows meeting in the middle of her forehead.

"What do you mean yours? I got it from Ashton's study," Zach shot her down. However, the raven-haired girl was already marching towards the tree, looking determined to get the letter herself.

"The servants must've thought it was for him, dumbass. I know the design of that letter. It's from a friend," she expounded, the insult rolling off her tongue smoothly like warm butter.

"You have a friend? What a surprise," he said, amusement dancing in the features of his face.

He heard the lady snicker under her breath, as though his statement was a joke. "You can mock the number of friends I have once you actually get people to like you other than your siblings," she mockingly told him, a smirk drawn on her face. She did not even bother to look at him as she spoke, busy thinking of ways to get the letter down.

"Since you're guilty of getting things from Ashton's study without permission, you gotta help me get it."

That was the reason why Zach ended up in this regretful situation.

He could feel his arms go numb as he held Lady Avy's lower body, hoisting her up to reach the letter stuck in the branches of the big tree. They, of course, tried to climb it first. However, it was impossible when they had nothing to hold onto. Apart from that, the letter was far from the trunk, resting on one of the smaller branches that would not be able to support a lot of weight.

"Hey, raise me higher. I can't grab it."

"This is the best I can do!"

"Do something about it then!"

Zach grumbled in protest, but nevertheless, following the girl's orders. He always thought that Lady Avy was spoiled. However, it was the first time that he was at the receiving end of her attitude. She was always nice to him before, now she was nothing but a slavedriver. Still, he preferred her being rude and honest than her being sweet yet deceitful.

"Hah... I got it!" the girl shouted in delight and Zach, of course, shared the same joy. However, it did not last long when he saw a centipede crawl on his left foot.

He jumped on his feet, causing Avy to lose her balance in the process, holding onto his hair to keep herself from falling.

"Hey!" she yelled, but it was too late. The minutes of holding such weight caught up to Zach and he failed to regain his balance. He staggered for a moment before finally falling to the ground.

"You numbskull!" Lady Avy screeched, closing her eyes as she was getting ready for impact.

Luckily, her fall was broken by a bush big enough to support her whole body. She also felt minimal sting from the little branches and leaves as it was the bush where she chose to put her robe earlier. However, she chose to stay still, allowing her heart to calm down from the sudden shock that the fall brought upon her. She laid her head at rest, her eyes still shut when she felt a couple of strong arms shake her awake.

"Are you alive?! Lady Avy!" Zach's heart thumped loudly while seeing the girl lay limp on the bushes like a corpse. Fortunately, the familiar frown graced her face as soon as he shook her body like a madman.

"Stop shaking me, asshole. I'm not dead," she groaned, glaring at him through her half-opened lids. Some leaves stuck in her hair that were all over her face due to the fall and Zach never imagined that he would feel relieved seeing her look ridiculous rather than unconscious.

After arguing for a few more minutes, they both decided to go back to the mansion. Of course, not without having an agreement to keep each other's secret. Zach will not snitch on Avy for attempting to sneak out in exchange for Avy not telling Ashton that the water mage put his hands on the things on his desk. Even if it was Lady Avy's letter, Zach knew that Ashton hated people who could not keep their hands to themselves.

"You should not wear an expensive robe if you are going downtown, Lady Avy. You will get robbed," Zach pointed out as they were walking back through the brick pathway in the garden.

"I take off the robe when I'm already there. And stop calling me lady. It sounds stupid coming from you," the girl replied in a way that made her annoyance palpable to him, her face even showing disgust as she did.

"Fair enough. You do not act like a lady anyway," he sneered, earning himself a punch on his arm. Right. Not only does Avy not act like a lady, but she also acts like a backstreet thug. Even his whole family, who were literally male ever since they were born, did not act as rough as her.

"Proves my point," Zach added under his breath, rubbing the place where Avy's knuckle made contact.

A small smile made its way on his lips, something he never expected Avy could bring out of him. Or anyone else aside from his siblings, really. He was simply used to the fakery he witnessed every day. Because even though Kriseon looks loyal to the crown, with all the pillars guarding the imperial family with their talent and strength, there were still opportunistic nobles who wanted to snag the title for themselves.

Zach is the perfect tool for them to do so.

It was not a secret that his mother was a woman of imperial blood, being the elder sister of the current emperor. That meant her child, Zach, could be the successor if the first two in line were to die. However, Zach never really eyed the throne with want, he was raised by his father better than that, although his father rarely spoke. Even less after Zach's mother, the duke's wife, died.

Due to his position, as a child that could be the key to a greedy noble's dream, he grew up seeing smiles too fake to his liking. Every face started to look the same, speaking the same words over and over again—and all to get close to him and make himself vulnerable for them to use.

Avy, then, was no different. She treated him kindly and he could feel that she needed something from him. Zach hated every second she spent next to him.

Their interaction that day felt like a breath of fresh air. It did not feel forced or fake with them trading barbs with one another every minute. Their exchange was not friendly, yes. However, it was not really hostile either.

Zach could say that Avy became less annoying. She was still a headache, though.

~~~

After she and Zach parted ways, Avy was, fortunately, able to go back to her room without being caught by Mariel and Clerivan. It was easy when she had a duplicate of herself lying on her bed in her stead.

"Aren't you enjoying my bed a little too much?" She stood in front of the figure cozily snuggled in her mattress hidden by her covers. A few moments later, Ares emerged, yawning as he did.

"Already back? That was fast," the curse stated, looking at her from head to toe. "And what is up with all those leaves?" he pointed out which Avy chose to ignore in favor of cleaning herself instead. She could see Ares being the audacious creature that he was, slumped back into the soft mattress to continue his sleep.

Sneaking out has become easier now that she can use Ares to be her substitute while she is gone. She had Andras protecting her, giving her the confidence to leave the mansion where she was protected by the walls and the authority of the Arkwrights, and freely wander downtown without being supervised by her knight. Moreover, she instructed not to be bothered the whole day, and Marie knew better than to enter her room with no permission.

Besides, if she did enter, she would simply see Avy sleeping on her bed covered by her blanket, although it was Ares pretending to be her. It was easy for the curse to do so as his shapeshifting extended to copying the image of his master.

Avy went back to her letter after changing into a clean maroon-colored dress, sitting in front of her vanity mirror as she had someone occupying the comfort of her bed. The paper was a little wrinkled from all the trouble it had gone through, but still, it was beautiful with the little rubies decorating the front.

She carefully opened the envelope, taking another piece of folded paper inside that read;

Dearest Lady Avana,

I trust this letter finds you in the most esteemed of health and spirits. It is with sincere delight that I express my gratitude for the gracious replies you have bestowed upon me regarding the literary offerings I have had the pleasure of presenting over the preceding two months. The revelation of your interest in Auxiviel's magical technology, especially given your father's distinguished prowess in the field, was a most pleasant surprise.

Nevertheless, it does give rise to a sense of concern regarding your inclination to eschew social gatherings, for it appears that you have inadvertently deprived yourself of the opportunity to cultivate new acquaintances and alleviate the pangs of solitude. It would afford me great pleasure to extend introductions to other ladies of our ilk; however, I am compelled to acknowledge my own limited network in this regard.

Furthermore, whispers of your impending birthday celebration have reached my ears, coincidentally coinciding with my impending visit to Kriseon for matters of business. Anticipation fills my being at the prospect of our paths crossing during that fortuitous time, and I earnestly hope that such an encounter may come to fruition.

Wishing you continued prosperity and looking forward with great anticipation to the possibility of our meeting in Kriseon.

Yours most sincerely,

Cartal Liev Deronos

Avy smiled to herself as she finished reading the last line of the letter, glancing at the books in the corner of her table that she had finished reading over the course of two months that King Cartal started to send her books from his homeland. Usually, the Arkwright Dukedom refused letters coming from anyone that did not concern business matters, however, after the action of the young ruler, King Cartal, that saved the lady's life, he was granted an exemption.

The events after the mana blackout were by no means pleasant as Avy was almost killed by an intruder who everyone thought was tightly tied. Had King Cartal not thrown himself to protect Avy, she would have been the one to receive the stab from the assailant.

During the two months that they exchanged letters, she saw his resemblance to her late friend. The same enthusiasm towards books that they shared and even the constant urging for her to go out and make friends. Lucy's favorite genres, her hobbies, her fears, everything about King Cartal mirrored Lucy's person. Avy recognized so many similarities that she could not help but look forward to his presence. The thought that, perhaps, it was Lucy's soul that was in that body even crossed her mind. However, for it to happen, Lucy must first die in their world. Avy did not want that.

In those two months, a few memories of the original owner of the body came back, giving Avy insights about her relationship with Marquis Rasheen Harrington who seemed to know her all too well. In those memories, she saw the original Avy waking up at midnight and waiting for a messenger bird that visited her balcony every week. When she woke up in her body, she never stayed up late to wait for the said bird. It must be the reason behind Lord Rasheen's statement.

"You no longer reply to my letters, my lady. It pains me."

The memories also showed where the original lady kept the letters that were sent to her. It was under her bed, inside a big jewelry box. Of course, Avy pulled it out and opened it. She was greeted by dozens of letters, all with the same handwriting and the same alias.

Her blood boiled reading every single letter.

I have heard that the lady's father has been looking for a marriage partner for the lady whilst knowing of your affection towards my dear nephew. It pains me that you cannot even marry the man that your heart desires, my lady. I deeply sympathize with your loneliness. His grace must really despise you for something that was not your fault.

Everything was full of nothing but lies, feeding the original lady's broken self.

Weep not, my lady, for I am always on your side. I apologize for Zach's behavior. I am certain that my nephew will soon warm up to your efforts. No one is more suitable for him than a perfect lady as you are. You both lost your mothers due to unfortunate circumstances. Perhaps, you will be the one to heal my nephew's bleeding wound. I trust you will not stop being such a sweet lady to him.

Her chest tightened in anger that she did not know where from. Perhaps, she started sympathizing with the original owner of the body she currently resided in. Although the novel did say that Avy was no more than a marionette for the main villain, it did not explicitly explain how she was manipulated.

A smile graced her lips. Now she knows why her body trembled whenever he heard the man's voice—the reason for the original lady's demise. He was the one who took advantage of her weak faith towards herself and her own blood. Marquis Rasheen Harrington was the one who made the monster that threw away her life like an idiot. The monster that died despising her existence without truly knowing how she was valued as a person.

It was him all along.

*** connect with me on Instagram!!

: @eliiskuuxen