Escalations and complications

Hot, wet, and steamy.

These three words perfectly encapsulated their situation.

Lucas's hand intertwined with Nimue's. He scooted closer, their lips never leaving one another's. He felt her tremble, not with fear or anxiety, but with the need she'd suppressed. Or was it his body that shook? They didn't let themselves ponder. It hardly mattered.

The black-haired elf shuffled, her other hand absent-mindedly whisking the box of bandages and medical supplies away. She responded to his movements, shifting closer on the soft mattress. Within seconds, they held one another tightly, their breaths still mixing as their tongues danced.

Finally, they dislodged. Their foreheads met.

Nimue's gaze, completely suffused with affection she'd always suppressed to show fully before, now was perfectly reflected in Lucas's. The emerald met the amethyst.

Then, her entire body trembled, the reality of what just happened catching up. Her already flushed skin seemed to flare up against his.

"W-We shouldn't..." she trailed off, her soft whisper tinged with uncertainty in her tone as she closed her eyes.

Lucas gently stroked her shoulder. "Yeah, we shouldn't."

But immediately after, they locked lips again.

Certainty, uncertainty, right or wrong - none of it mattered in that moment. The only thing of significance was the connection they shared, a bond they were eager to explore.

Nimue's free hand suddenly shot up. Gently, she massaged Lucas's shoulder, her fingers gingerly running down his toned chest, almost as though searching for an anchor point.

Lucas also explored Nimue's body. Tracing the material of her maid outfit gently, he applied gentle pressure below her shoulder blade, the motion languid and sensual as he tested the waters. He felt her muscles tense and relax in turn under his fingers.

Nimue let out a soft moan. Their breaths mixed as they stared at one another.

Lucas wasn't even sure when everything escalated. In the prolonged beats of their hearts, the last shreds of uncertainty melted into primal, carnal desire, which took over in a heartbeat.

Nimue acted first. Her hands instinctively reached for her outfit. Within seconds, she fumbled with a button or two before impatience got the best of her. Quiet pangs rang as she tore her shirt open, letting it flow down her alluring frame. Her large breasts, constrained by a plain, black bra, jostled as she moved, their pale surfaces flushed and beaming with heat. Visible nervousness crossed her face as Lucas drank in the image. Yet, seeing the man's body respond with vigor, she continued, reaching toward her skirt. Lucas, in turn, took off his pants, his erection now clearly straining against his underwear, throbbing with need.

Nimue could barely tell what was going on. She stepped out of her outfit, only her black underwear hiding her from his gaze. The only thing that permeated her mind, except for nervousness, was the layers of arousal washing over her. Her pale skin, flushed and hot, suddenly met his as she almost lunged at Lucas. Pressing him on the bed, she cupped his face, once again kissing him hungrily.

She felt the man suddenly raise his hands, exploring her body, tickling her stomach, and grasping at her breasts. She moaned, feeling the electrifying sensations running through her body in an immediate response. Her own hand found its way to Lucas's pelvis, feeling the hard, pulsing surface under the material. The heat of his tool nearly matched the fire of desire they both felt.

There was no rhythm. There was no experience. There were no questions or answers.

There was only the primal need and the instinct driven by it.

The curtain of her hair flailed as Lucas exerted some strength, lifting Nimue and turning her on her back. The blackness stirred, the elf's beauty like a rapturous painting.

Her breath hitched. No, it was their collective breath. It happened as they realized the position.

Lucas was perched above Nimue. The elf's big breasts dampened yet sharpened the impact of their contact. Her nipples, hard as diamonds, poked through the soft material of her bra, letting Lucas's chest know their position. But that wasn't the thing that made them pause. That came from below.

Nimue looked down briefly. Lucas's tool, now free of its constraints, stood strong, throbbing with need. However, he wasn't the only one. Her slit, the unused opening of her most carnal hole, was also naked, a sheen of her juices painting her inner thighs.

She trembled. Then, she looked back at the man. A blink, not even a nod, was enough to let him know she agreed.

Lucas lowered himself. His lips crashed against hers. And as the sensual desire consumed them anew, her hand traveled down. She touched his shaft, her small hand gingerly running along its head, trying out things she'd only ever read of or imagined. He responded in turn, gently rubbing her labia, the movements uncertain as though he could hurt her accidentally.

The zenith of their connection came.

Lucas slowly pushed in. The head of his hard, throbbing cock parted Nimue's pussy.

The black-haired woman let out a rasp, followed by a short moan. Her entire body shook as she took Lucas's length inside her most sacred hole, one bit after another. The initial pain of the penetration quickly faded away, replaced by the blissful pleasure. She felt his robust cock split her insides, her vagina responding by lubricating and massaging it feverishly.

She closed her eyes, exhaling shallowly, preparing herself to see this be a dream. However, as she opened them and looked up, Lucas's face came into view, slightly blurry.

"L-Lucas..." she spoke tenderly, a smile gracing her lips. Her body instinctively shuffled, inviting him to indulge in the carnal pleasure they were now both a part of.

Her heart beat as she felt the man respond. He pulled his hips back a little, his rigid shaft exiting her partway. Then, he pushed back in, with more fervor than before.

Then, he repeated the motion. Again, and again.

"Ah!" Nimue moaned, her body fully relaxing against his hold. Her hand brushed his hair, feeling the strands tickle her. A faint chuckle left her mouth, mixing with her sultry moans. "Yes! More!"

Her words visibly spurred the man to intensify his actions. Changing his position a little, he pressed to **** her legs apart. As Nimue listened, Lucas straightened, instinctively fixing the angle of his approach. Now distanced apart, the two watched each other. Nimue saw how the white-haired man's chest heaved, the muscles all over his body flexing to allow his movements as he pulled back and pistoned back in, his every thrust stronger and deeper than the last. His face gave away the deep pleasure he took in this.

Lucas, in turn, watched Nimue's body shake and tremble with every motion. Her skin was glistening with newfound sweat. Her large breasts swung with increasing vigor, threatening to jump out of the bra that still constricted them. Her beautifully chiseled face melted into the emotion of bliss. The situation from just now was long forgotten, only pleasure existing in its place.

Nimue's hands found their way to her breasts. Fondling the hefty masses, she moaned in tandem to his movements. She pinched her nipples briefly before moving grabbing the bra's edge. With a swift pull, she released her succulent orbs from their confinement. They sprung and jiggled lively, her small, pink nipples demanding attention which she provided as soon as she could.

Lucas looked, hypnotized, as the black-haired elf continued to fondle her bouncing girls, her expression showing the sensual affection and mounting need. Spurred by the sight, he redoubled his own efforts, bringing his hips back before slamming back in.

A short minute passed, punctuated by the methodical thrusts and resounding moans. The sounds of their skin meeting, the sensation of their sharp breaths, the still-increasing pleasure - all of it was crashing against them.

Suddenly, Nimue felt her release come closer.

"Lucas!" she exclaimed, her hands gripping him tightly, not wanting him to stop. "Yes!" her voice almost broke as her pussy gripped him strongly while he sheathed himself deep within.

She trembled, the **** of her orgasm rocking her. Her tits shook and wobbled lively with every spasm. Her legs clenched, locking behind the man's back, not letting him exit. An empty howl of pleasure left her lips, brief yet telling.

Nimue felt Lucas's cock flex and throb within her. She could swear it swelled slightly right before the man's own release came crashing down.

Lucas released a guttural moan of pleasure. His hips spasmed, trying to push even deeper. His cockhead exploded, spurting hot cum within Nimue's most carnal hole. This, combined with his residual movements, made the elf moan softly again, her mind half-present. She shuddered, feeling the undulated proof of their connection slowly spill.

A breath of air came next.

The hot air appeared to chill by the second. Nimue's glazed gaze cleared as she rubbed her eyes slowly. Her legs limped, letting Lucas exit her snatch. The man almost immediately did so, soon lying next to her.

His body ached. The aftermath of conflict with Illan, layered with the exertion of the connection with Nimue, made his body pain, his muscles protesting against any more action. He released a deep huff, feeling her black hair tickle his nose.

'This... really just happened...'

The realization hit him like a tidal wave.

He'd always viewed Nimue as attractive. There was no denying that; she was cute, springy, and warm. And now, this beauty lay next to him, naked as the day she was born, her breathing labored, her pussy slowly secreting the mix of their love juices. Her large, round breasts distended against her chest slightly, their perkiness letting her erect nipples point toward the ceiling. The realization that he was just as clothed as she was made his heart flutter.

Lucas's breathing slowed. His mind felt a little cloudy, the tiredness of the whole situation finally getting to him. Stirring in his position, he gently rubbed her shoulder.

Nimue's breath hitched momentarily, consciousness snapping right back into her emerald eyes.

Their gazes met. She smiled at him gently, reciprocating his gesture. He felt the warmth of her touch send shivers down his entire body. All of this felt surreal to him.

"...Nimue," he started, gently rubbing her skin. "I... it's--"

Suddenly, his words halted as he felt Nimue press a finger to his lips.

"Lucas," she reciprocated, her gaze full of affection. Then, her gaze shifted. "I..." she halted. Nimue slowly lifted herself in her position, only to stop halfway. "My hair."

Lucas gave her a quizzical answer for the faintest of beats before he felt something - Nimue's expansive hair, no doubt - shuffle under his back. He immediately lifted himself, sitting as well.

A moment of silence ensued as Nimue tucked her hair behind her. She undid the hairpin, holding it with quivering fingers before setting it aside on a small table beyond the bed's headrest. Her other hand lifted to cover her breasts as she turned slightly away. The flush on her face didn't wane one bit as she stared away in silence, visible bashfulness on her face.

"Um..." she started. "This was..."

"...yeah," Lucas nodded, pulling a cover to cover himself slightly. No matter what just happened, the thought of Nimue seeing him naked sent a clear signal in his gullet that told him to cover up his indecency.

They didn't speak for a long moment. The room's atmosphere sang a song of tension they both knew had to be broken.

"Nimue, I... you know, uh--"

"M-Me too."

"Huh?" Lucas made a surprised expression.

Nimue slowly looked at him. The numerous emotions in her earthy-green eyes told him her mind was as much a mess as his own. However, the underlying connection, the intimate link that held them together, was confirmed.

"I-I feel the same way," she said. Her ears perked up, which the man immediately read as a rush of happiness hormones swelling in her.

He lifted a hand. Reaching out to her shoulder, he felt her tense just before the contact, but her smile told him she agreed.

"I'm... sorry if I pushed too much," Lucas murmured, his voice heavy. "I just..."

"I know," Nimue answered. Her fingers interlaced his gently. "I'm not mad. I'm... more happy than anything... it's just... this whole situation is... all manners of fucked up."

The white-haired man flinched. Nimue didn't swear readily. Rather, she was the type to always constrain her tongue. But he did understand where she was coming from. In sincerity, he wanted to throw a few flowery words himself.

The black-haired woman broke him out of his momentary thought.

"What are you going to do now, Lucas?" Nimue watched him. "Your mother is... I've never seen her this furious before."

Lucas squeezed her hand. "I... I'll figure something out."

Nimue frowned. "No."

"What?"

"I said no," he noticed her expression turning upset. "This isn't something you can 'figure out', Lucas. She knows now. Do you even know what she'll do to you?"

"...no" he admitted. 'I've never broken Mother's orders before. That and just how dire the situation is makes this unpredictable. Knowing her, she might just **** me to harsh servitude for a year. My future at the Academy also is looking bleak.' he realized grimly.

Nimue's hand left his. The black curtain of her hair hid her face as she leaned forward slightly, a heavy sigh leaving her pretty lips.

"This is..."

Lucas slowly reached out, scooting closer to her. His hand picked some of the hair, tucking it behind her ear and exposing her sleek cheek.

"I don't care," he said, his voice certain. "As long as you're fine, I don't care about the details. I'll stand up to Mother if need be."

Nimue trembled. She leaned into him, letting the man hug her tightly.

"I just... I don't want to think about that..." she admitted, her voice a tiny whisper.

"I will be fine, Nimue. I'll make sure of it," he answered, pressing his forehead to her temple. "I promise."

She made a bit of space. Her other hand let go of her breasts, letting the two large orbs spring and bounce freely, their size and heft even more apparent than when she was on her back. Then, she got closer. Her lips met his. It was not a kiss made of only carnal desire. It was a soft and tender gesture that held an edge of her trust in him. The gentle brush of her tongue on his further solidified that.

Lucas responded instantly. His hands traced Nimue's figure. Ascending her stomach, he found her full breasts. Gently lifting and squeezing them, he felt the current running through the elf's body. Her nipples, already half-soft, hardened anew against his palms as he continued to fondle Nimue's tits with increasing fervor. His dick hardened under the covers.

The elf woman, however, suddenly pulled back. She looked at him, her breathing sharper than a second ago, her lips curved gently as half a moan escaped her mouth when Lucas squeezed her tits some more.

"...we should sleep," she whispered, slowly grasping his hands and pulling away from her mammaries. "You really shouldn't exert yourself for now. And I'm quite tired," she admitted, a soft yawn escaping her lips as though to punctuate her words.

Lucas relented. "Yeah," he nodded, feeling his muscles scream quietly against his every action. "As am I. May I stay for a little while?"

Nimue responded with a smiling nod. Shuffling in her position, she let Lucas make himself more comfortable on the bed. The elf woman almost immediately put her head on his shoulder, nesting herself against him. His arm was quickly put between her large bosoms, the erotic nature of the position almost enough to harden his dick further.

However, all he did was exhale deeper. Staring at the ceiling for a few more seconds, he pondered.

'What a troublesome resolution. But I couldn't care less if it means she's safe.' he thought, his gaze escaping to Nimue. The elf maid breathed against his chest softly. The sleepy haze seemed to take her under within seconds, her eyes closed as her hand was placed against his chest. Her heartbeat, synced with his, sent pulses against his skin that sent pangs of warmth down his gullet.

It was she whom he always looked forward to seeing, not his family. She was the one who helped him recuperate from the ordeals of every day. It had always been Nimue who welcomed him with a smile like the brightest star.

As Lucas's mind slowly drifted into the sleep's embrace, a new thought entered his consciousness.

'I wonder... what her Dreamscape looks like...'

Would it be a field of flowers she once saw in Riverut during travels with his grandfather, a place she described as 'the prettiest place in the world'? Or perhaps, it would be like Ophelia's, depicting the Stormrider manor, the place she's lived in for so long?

He shrugged, or at least thought he did, closing his eyes.

-Meanwhile-

Ismeria brought a hand to the bridge of her nose, fingers pinching as if to hold back the swell of irritation in her spirit. The silence held, taut and brittle. Then, a quiet scoff escaped her, dry and hollow, more breath than sound, steeped in simmering disbelief. underscored by a shallow exhale that disturbed the stillness of the Great Hall. The stained-glass mural behind her shimmered, casting a kaleidoscope of distorted colors across the vast floor.

The room was empty.

Ophelia had left to help Illan return to the Breshnaw Estate. Aveline was likely finishing her mission with Lucas and would return soon. Miri would arrive shortly as well. The elven guests had requested solitude, retreating to address the matter on their side.

Thus, the family's head brooded.

Her mind surged with thoughts of incredulity and confusion. Since when had Lucas known Princess Seraphina? No, rather, when had they even met? Why did she protect him? Ismeria didn’t understand the elven tongue, but the expression on the green-haired elf’s face was unmistakable: fear. Fear for Lucas. That fear had only intensified during their brief exchange.

'She knew she shouldn't have said that name.'

This much was obvious. This, in other words, meant that Lucas Stormrider and Seraphina Liveren had officially met, right under her nose no less.

Ismeria's fist clenched on her throne. A bitter sensation spread in her veins like a snake's venom. Her son, who'd never dared step out of line, suddenly defied her orders, in this important a setting at it.

'Come to think of it, something was off about him...' she realized. In her mind, she replayed the scene she'd arrived at, with Lucas beating down Illan Breshnaw. 'Arrogant as he is, Illan is a talented Mage. He wouldn't be defeated by Lucas, especially not in a frontal confrontation. And...' she halted the thought, replaying what had happened later. 'I didn't cancel the spell on him. It felt like it was dismantled from the inside... but that's something only a strong Mage or an Antimage could do. Lucas would not sit quietly about having classed, especially as a rare class... unless he didn know...?'

The silver-haired woman frowned deeply. Although it sounded like a viable explanation, something still nagged her about it. It was almost too convenient. Lucas classing as he fought Illan could happen, but there was no way he'd be able to decipher her magic immediately.

Ismeria sighed. This was why she sent Miri to gather the tool that would help her dispel any doubts. All she needed was someone to do it.

Almost on cue, the grand doors of the hall creaked open, their echo breaking the tense silence like a blade through still water. Ismeria’s head lifted slowly, her thoughts narrowing as footsteps entered her domain. Ismeria looked up as Aveline entered. Her snug tunic and pants accentuated her athletic form. Loose blonde hair was tied in a messy bun, with a few silver strands in the front swaying freely as she strode closer.

'Here she is.'

Aveline Stormrider. The middle child of the family. Ismeria watched her walk calmly, with a certain confidence in her gait. The gaze of her violet eyes was as brilliant as her father's. The strong posture that allowed her to wield a sword, her magic affinity, and her class - Magic Swordsman - was a testimony to her power. She wasn't nearly as intelligent or powerful as Ophelia, but she wasn't weak. Although Ismeria often felt as though only air flowed through Aveline's head, she couldn't deny that she always strived with all her might. Who could've thought she would try to do something as frivolous as her father did, and dabble in alchemy, even if only as a hobby?

Ismeria's ponders halted as her daughter stopped a few steps away.

"Lucas is delegated to," Aveline announced tersely. "After he's patched up, he will stay in his room."

Ismeria gave her half a nod. "Just to make sure, you'll watch him tomorrow. I don't want him even thinking about coming upstairs."

Aveline offered no verbal response, just a firm nod. But reading her face, Ismeria could notice something stir beneath the surface.

"Would you like to add something?"

Aveline twitched. "Well... Mother, I know Lucas went against an order, and I think he deserves to be punished, but... he is not the type to resort to **** first. He must've been pushed to that point."

"And that justifies what he did?" her brow raised dangerously.

"No, but..." the blonde woman trailed off briefly, visibly searching for words. "He acted in Nimue’s defense. That has to count for something."

"What it tells me," Ismeria countered coldly, "is that before attacking Illan, Lucas chose to ignore my order not to go upstairs. He met Princess Seraphina when I explicitly forbade it. Do you find that justifiable?"

Aveline didn't answer immediately. Taking a deeper breath, she shuffled a step back, her expression softening, her thoughts diverging in ways Ismeria could only contemplate. However, she couldn't help but notice the tiniest fraction of recognition flash on her face at the words.

Eventually, the blonde woman spoke, "I think he at least should have a chance to defend his case," Aveline voiced firmly, locking her eyes with Ismeria's blue. "For all we know, this could have been a coincidence."

'Of course, you would consider him innocent. Blunt as you are blind, child.' Ismeria scoffed inwardly, a tingly feeling running down her spine. Looking at Aveline, she could not help but see her husband reflected in that face. 'Valerian's prized daughter, this one.'

However, she deflated in her seat. There was no point in arguing. At the end of the day, perhaps she was a little too harsh in her judgment.

"...I will consider it," the silver-haired woman sighed lightly, prompting her daughter to nod and make a step backward, intent on going away. "Don't go. I want you to do something. Miri will return any second."

Aveline's face flashed a surprised expression. However, the robust blonde didn't inquire, instead walking over to the table and leaning against a chair, silent.

Ismeria watched her. Aveline’s posture was tight, arms crossed, shoulders drawn just slightly inward. The girl was brooding, perhaps about the situation just now, or maybe it was about the elf maid Lucas had supposedly been protecting.

...

'That maid had always been a strange one, too.' she mused silently. 'The only elf in the house, with unknown origins. Iwo had also been tightly protecting her past. Even Valerian had a quiet obsession with her...' Ismeria sighed.

A few minutes passed in silence before the door opened again.

However, both women were surprised to see that it wasn't just one but two maids who entered.

Miri - the shorter brunette - immediately skittered with a hasty gait, reaching the family's head. However, she momentarily paid her little mind, her gaze escaping to the other woman who entered.

She was considerably taller than the head maid, possibly even taller than Ismeria, although she didn't reach Aveline's height. Red hair flowed down to her shoulders, tied in a simple style that accentuated her sleek cheeks and the gray of her eyes. She held nothing in her lithe hands, her slender fingers intertwined as she walked with visible apprehension, further emphasized by how she nervously glanced at Aveline before halting. She dared not voice a word, waiting her turn, her gaze lowered to the ground as though she were a child about to be punished.

Ismeria looked at Miri. The brown-haired maid gently extended a hand, showing her the small, silver device snugly fitting in her palm. Tiny inscriptions and gleaming polish looked pleasantly dashing if Ismeria said so herself. It was a shame that a tool was all it was.

"Aveline, this is for you," Ismeria beckoned. As the towering woman approached, her mother took the device and showed it to her. "I believe you know what to do with this."

The blonde Stormrider accepted the item. Puzzlement was written over her face as she studied it in detail momentarily. A glint of realization sparked. As her amethyst eyes met her mother's stern stare, she nodded lightly. Taking a step back, she turned around, exchanging a glance with the red-haired maid before leaving the Great Hall.

A soft click echoed in the room, leaving the three alone.

Ismeria's attention immediately focused on the unknown person.

"And you are?" she asked, her voice cutting unlike it was with Aveline, letting the lithe woman know she was not in a mood for trifling matters.

"T-Theresa, Lady Ismeria," the red-haired woman didn't dare lift her head, her voice trembling as she felt the pressure emanating from Ismeria. "Though all call me Tessa."

'No family name... an orphan from Weydan. She must've served here for at least six years.'

However, she didn't voice her thoughts, instead nodding, letting the maid speak her mind.

"I'm here about the situation that just happened."

The voluptuous Stormrider studied her. The girl stood stiffly, arms pressed to her sides, and a slight tremor ran through her frame. Her eyes darted up only to lower again, lashes fluttering with anxiety. She was trembling, clearly afraid, and not just of being reprimanded. Ismeria felt the unease settle like a weight between them. That maid was like a lamb facing a predator, and she knew it.

"It was my fault!" the red-haired woman suddenly exclaimed, seemingly in a fit of courage.

'What?'

"What was your fault?" Ismeria inquired, her interest visibly piqued.

Tessa's gray eyes slowly lifted.

"I-It was my fault y-young master went u-upstairs," she explained, her voice quaking almost as much as her body did. "P-Please do not punish him. I-I am t-to blame for what's h-happened."

Ismeria squinted.

'A servant taking on responsibility for their master? Did Lucas order her to?'

Her gaze escaped to Miri for a terse moment, and the brown-haired maid reciprocated before both refocused on Tessa.

"Why was he upstairs, then?"

Tessa visibly jerked, several emotions flashing across her face in a split second.

"I... I have b-been observing t-the situation in the last d-days, L-Lady Ismeria," she bowed her head, unable to meet the crushing presence's gaze. "I-I... I had a feeling that s-something was wrong with the food we've served. I-I spoke about it to the young m-master, and he w-went to meet Lady Aveline."

The seated woman felt her heart skip a beat. However, she didn't let her reaction outward, instead slightly leaning in.

"Something wrong with the food?" she inquired carefully, squinting and studying Tessa's entire form.

"I... I j-just had a feeling, Lady Ismeria. A-And later, I saw Miri p-poke the food with something," the red-haired woman stated, her gaze lifting and landing on the head maid.

"Poke with something...?" Ismeria frowned, turning slightly in her seat.

Miri, without skipping a beat, nodded lightly. Her expression seemed a little condescending as she eyed Tessa with faint wariness. "I was checking if the food was properly cooked. That's what I always do when we have guests."

Tessa's eyes widened. Ismeria could immediately tell that regret surged in the woman's mind, her gaze skittering.

'What entanglement, this one is in.' she briefly pondered. 'Normally, I'd have just had her thrown out, but... this is a bit precarious a situation.'

"Is that everything?" she asked, deciding it was time to finish the audience. "You come in here, admit the situation upstairs was your doing, and accuse your superior of tainting the food?"

The words hung heavy in the air, and Tessa flinched. However, beneath her apprehension, the gray eyes showed a small flame of resolution.

"I-I'm not accusing Miri, my lady," she answered slowly, measuring her words. "I-I just sought to explain why the y-young master did what he did."

Ismeria didn't answer for prolonged seconds. Stirring in her seat, she pulled at her dress lightly, fixing its position. A creeping feeling crawled up her back, a stinging sensation nesting itself in her heart.

"...did you tell that to anyone else?"

"N-No, Lady Ismeria. Only to young master and you."

The woman on the throne deflated visibly. Studying the maid, she sought any signs of lies, but the nervousness in Tessa's face spoke of her sincerity. At the very least, she was smart enough to not hide the truth.

"I see," the Stormrider woman finally broke the silence Her voice sept with a commanding tone. "Once the guests leave, this will be taken under scrutiny, and proper consequences will be incurred. For now, because the situation remains unclear, you are dismissed."

Tessa's entire body shook like a brief electrical shock ran through her. Her gaze met Ismeria's and, noticing the stern expression, immediately faltered.

"Y-Yes, Lady Ismeria."

The red-haired maid bowed and left, her head never lifting from watching her own feet.

Ismeria felt her blood simmer as the door closed. Her attention turned to the head maid still standing next to her.

"My lady, I was sure to--"

"She saw you," the silver-haired woman cut her off, her voice cutting.

Miri didn't answer, understanding she was in no position to defend herself.

Ismeria continued, "I know you did what you could. But if this one saw that, it's possible someone else also knows. Find that out."

"Should I rid of her now?" Miri inquired.

"No, that'd draw suspicions," the voluptuous Stormrider answered. "When the situation zeniths, I'll have her thrown out. Then, you can rid of her."

"Yes, my lady."

With those short words, the small maid bowed her head and immediately trekked away.

Ismeria shifted in her seat, a sharp tightness blooming in her chest. Unease crept up her spine, borne of silent dread and tension. All of a sudden, she felt completely unaware of the situation in her own mansion.

She hissed lowly at nobody in particular.

'The fact that Lucas tried to get to Aveline instead of dismissing that maid is unnerving. He no doubt knows that Miri would check the food. It's almost as if he knew something... but how...?'

Her hand lifted. Within lay a small device she'd received some days ago. Its mechanical nature was beyond what her mind could comprehend, but the Stormrider woman couldn't care less. As long as it worked as advertised, that was all that mattered.

A faint whirr entered her ears.

"Egis," she started. "There has been a complication."

-Meanwhile-

'...what?'

Lucas's mind surged with incredulity. Shooting a glance sideways, he confirmed that he stood in a seemingly infinitely long corridor made of polished, metallic panels. The floor was nearly white. The walls, dull gray in color, were adorned with manalamps at regular intervals, a black door with small ornaments fitted between each pair.

However, it wasn't what his thought was aimed at.

Right in front of him stood a far larger entryway. Its delicate frame was outlined with crystal-blue material of unknown origins, but clearly neither metal nor wood. The intricate design atop reminded him of spikes of some sort, forming a captivating pattern he could not quite recognize as any uniform shape or form. The handle, as well, was made with outstanding detail and care. It was something he'd seen before, in his own Dreamscape.

But the strangest thing the young man noticed was, by far, what hung all over the doorway.

Visibly out of place, numerous metal chains dangled, seemingly circling it all around in a viper's hold. Their somewhat rusty but thick links looked like they would need an entire smithy to be broken.

At the sight, only one thought surged in Lucas's mind.

'What the hell am I looking at...?'

---

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