Miku tried not to sigh in frustration as her parents fussed over her. It had been two weeks since the fainting incident, and naturally Mr. and Mrs. Hatsune were contacted to be made aware of what happened and what could have happened to their daughter. They wasted no time packing their bags and taking a hover craft to the academy. As soon as they stepped foot inside the building, they ordered the first person they saw to direct them to Miku's suit. That was two days ago, and they still pestered their daughter despite seeing for themselves and hearing from Miku's lips that she was okay.

"For the millionth time," Miku began as her mother insisted Miku "looked dehydrated" and should drink more water, "I'm fine. I haven't had a single fainting spell since that day."

What she didn't tell them was the Alices who dressed her that day tied her corset too tight, but Miku did tell the girls to tie her corset looser to avoid her losing the ability to breathe again.

"Besides," Miku continued, "I outgrew my fainting spells a couple years ago. Remember?"

Mrs. Hatsune fell onto Miku's bed while Mr. Hatsune stood by the window. Miku sat at her art desk, but she made no move to continue working on the painting she started the night before. Despite knowing she should remain sitting tall, Miku hunched forward so she may rest her chin on her hand as her elbow sat on the desk. Her mother gave her a disapproving look, but Miku didn't care.

"Then why else would you have fainted that day?" her father challenged.

"I told you already," Miku replied, "my dress was too heavy for the weather and activity for that day. Almost all the other girls struggled as well. Only Campos Ona, who dressed in a simple sun gown, was fine."

Her mother shook her head as she flattened out her teal skirts. "Regardless, your physician never promised that your fainting spells would ever truly go away for good. You might have outgrown them, but that doesn't mean they can't return. Your father and I can never be sure of your safety."

"I'm safe, Mother."

"You nearly drowned," her father pointed out, sternly but not harshly. "Had it not been for that Juliet, you would not be here right now, my child. I fail to see how that makes you safe."

Now Miku did sigh. "I don't want to leave," she said softly.

"Nor do we want you to," Mrs. Hatsune replied. "However, we simply cannot leave without knowing for certain nothing of the sort will ever happen again."

"How do you plan to do that?"

"I think the answer is obvious." Mr. Hatsune stepped away from the window and approached his daughter. "A shadow shall be most beneficial to you until we have every reason to believe you won't make a habit of passing out again."

Furrowing her brows, Miku questioned, "A shadow?"

"Somebody to follow you around and to keep an eye on your health," Mr. Hatsune explained. "We won't pull you out of school, but we won't leave you unsupervised either. If there's always someone else around to watch out for you, I don't see why you can't return to the life you were living before."

Miku frowned, trying to decide how she felt about the idea. As much as she preferred to not be followed around all day, she understood where her father was coming from. Her parents had reason to be cautious, and it would be reckless for Miku to put herself in situations where fainting could cause her serious trouble. She truly would have drowned if not for that Juliet. Unless she could prove to her parents that there was nothing to worry about and that episode was a one-time occurrence, she would need to allow them to do whatever they deemed necessary so they wouldn't worry enough about her to pull her from school.

"Who would you want to follow me around?" Miku asked her father. "A nurse, or a guard?"

"Considering your fainting spells were never that bad," her father answered, "a nurse would be too much. A guard to lie you down and watch over you until you regain consciousness – and more importantly, pull you out of danger if you faint in an unforgiving situation – is all you shall need."

"No."

Looking at his wife, Mr. Hatsune asked, "Why not, my love?"

Mrs. Hatsune shook her head before she answered, "None of the guards jumped over the edge to go after Miku. I cannot trust any of them."

As she dropped her arm and sat upright, Miku questioned, "Then who would you suggest, Mother?"

Rin could not stop wringing her fingers. True to her word, Ms. Hatsune made sure that Rin was well taken care of when the two were checked up on at the beach. The clean dress given to Rin was the nicest thing she had ever worn – a simple cream-colored gown soft enough to sleep in but modest enough to wear around company. A doctor looked her over immediately after he saw Ms. Hatsune, and maybe it was only because the Cinderella was present as he checked on Rin, but he was as thorough examining her as he was with Ms. Hatsune. Rin would have lots of dark bruises due to the violence of the guards, but nothing was broken.

After they all returned to the academy, however, things mostly went back to normal. Rin wasn't asked to give the dress back, and when she tried, she was told to keep it. Other than that, life had resumed as if the incident never happened. Rin thought everyone else had forgotten about her saving a Cinderella's life. Truth be told, she was content to do the same as well.

Then Mistress Prima suddenly demanded Rin meet her in her office.

Wiping her sweaty palms on her dress, Rin entered the room. Her heart leapt into her throat when she saw Ms. Hatsune and two adults who must have been her parents sitting across from Mistress Prima. Ms. Hatsune smiled at Rin while her parents looked Rin up and down, examining and judging her. Mrs. Hatsune had turquoise hair like her daughter, and it was from Mr. Hatsune Miku got her blue-green eyes. If their fine clothes and flashy jewelry told Rin anything, it was that Ms. Hatsune came from a rich family.

"Is this the same Juliet who saved you?" Mistress Prima asked Ms. Hatsune as if she didn't know the answer herself.

"Yes," Ms. Hatsune answered, nodding. "Yes, she is."

Mistress Prima waved her hand in a way to tell Rin to sit on the last chair at her desk. The seat put her only a foot away from Ms. Hatsune. Rin avoided looking at the family as she sat down.

"Ms. Miku grew up suffering fainting spells," was how Mistress Prima began to explain the situation to Rin. "She was believed to have outgrown them, but her incident at the castle recently has convinced her parents that it's possible Ms. Miku's condition has returned."

Rin nodded, saying nothing. Mistress Prima continued, "Mr. and Mrs. Hatsune are worried for their daughter's safety, which is reasonable. That is why they requested for someone reliable to ghost Ms. Miku until we are certain if her spells have returned or if this was a one-time situation brought on by the circumstances of that day."

Narrowing her eyes, Mistress Prima blankly said, "They have chosen you personally to ghost Ms. Miku."

Rin's eyes widened as she struggled to process the words. Is she really going to pull me from my duties to follow Ms. Hatsune around all day? she wondered. Curling her fingers, Rin bit the inside of her cheek to keep from saying a word.

"I have already spoken to Head Juliet," Mistress Prima said as if she knew what Rin was thinking. Maybe Rin's thoughts were on full display for anyone who would look at her face long enough to read them. "Until further notice, your new task is to shadow Ms. Miku. Where she goes, you will go. Even at night, you shall sleep in her rooms instead of your old room. If you are seen away from her without a proper explanation, you shall be severely punished. Saving her life does not exempt you from punishments for crimes you commit, after all."

Believing she wasn't expected to reply, Rin said nothing. The way Mistress Prima glared at Rin was confirmation enough that the Lady dared Rin to speak, but Rin knew this was a test. Whether Rin accepted or refused this new task, it was hers no matter what. Speaking would be a waste of Rin's breath and a waste of everyone else's time. The only response Rin gave was a respectful bow of her head.

"Very well." Mistress Prima folded her hands together. "Ms. Miku, meet Juliet CV02. While she shadows you, she is under your command. However, she is still property of Cinderella Academy; commands to and treatments of Juliet CV02 will not be tolerated if they don't fall within reason."

To Rin, "Similarly, disrespect to Ms. Miku while she is almost but not quite your mistress will be unexcused. Failure to perform your duty and obey her commands will not be forgiven. Are we all at an understanding?"

Rin nodded as Ms. Hatsune responded, "Yes, ma'am."

"Good." To Mr. and Mrs. Hatsune. "Any questions for Juliet CV02?"

Now that the parents' attention was drawn to her, Rin knew she was expected to focus hers on them. She looked at them but kept her head down. It was at this time Rin realized she was squeezing her fingers so tightly for so long that she could no longer feel them.

"Where did you learn the first aid required to save my daughter?" Mrs. Hatsune asked. Rin didn't answer. They just looked at each other. That answer was too personal for these people. Between them, Ms. Hatsune looked back and forth at both faces while her father sat in silence.

All the while, Mistress Prima merely smiled.

You've seen one Cinderella Academy, you've seen them all, was Kaito's first thought as a green-haired Juliet lead him through the halls. There was no reason he couldn't find a wife in the academy of his own district on his continent, but Master Tonio operated on the Diane District in the Equinox Continent, and Kaito felt it necessary to reignite old ties. Besides, if anyone knew anything about the rumored rebellion, it would be Opera Tonio.

When they arrived at Master Tonio's office, Kaito thanked the Juliet. She inclined her head, the only communication she could offer without breaking the rules, and left. Not knowing what to do while he waited, Kaito looked around the office to take in what he could of this man.

I see he likes black, Kaito thought as he absorbed the ebony desk, the ink-colored chairs, and the dark gray curtains. The walls, however, were cream. No paintings or decorations adorned them.

"Ah," came a voice from the entrance. Master Tonio – a tall, thin man with a well-trimmed beard and a head full of dark hair despite his age – approached Kaito and offered his hand. As they greeted each other, Master Tonio said, "You have grown so much since I last saw you. Not a child anymore, huh?"

"Hard to feel that way when Mother acts otherwise," Kaito said, immediately feeling at ease with this man and his warm, wide smile.

"Yes. How is the lady? I couldn't pick up on much during our call save how desperate she is for you to leave here married."

"Fine. Impatient for a daughter, but fine."

"Women are never satisfied," Master Tonio said, walking to his liquor table. He began pouring two glasses without first asking Kaito what he would like to drink. "They dream of marriage, then motherhood, then their children's marriage, and then grandchildren. Their grandchildren's marriage if they live long enough. Women are such simple creatures with such simple desires. Amazing how they still manage to be hard to please as well."

Kaito laughed, if only because it was the polite thing to do. He accepted the glass Master Tonio offered him and sipped from it.

"So," Kaito began, getting straight to the point, "have you heard rumors of a rebellion?"

"Who hasn't?" Master Tonio waved a dismissive hand in the air. "I don't think we need to be completely ignorant of what may very well happen, but at the same time, we shouldn't give them so much power. Juliets are too stupid to be a real threat, anyway."

"I don't know," Kaito replied. "Stupid creatures can also be extremely dangerous."

"I'd rather face off a stupid creature than a clever one." Master Tonio moved to take a drink but stopped with the glass hovering below his lips. "What interest have you in the rebellion?"

"The Summer Continent, especially the Idun District, relies heavily on Juliet labor. If enough of them rise up, it will cause serious economic problems for my people. And if the other districts see how dependent we are on Juliets, then it won't be long before other Juliets begin to get ideas as well."

Master Tonio nodded, as if agreeing to what Kaito said. "So, you don't fear something you can't understand. You look into what could possibly happen and desire to prepare for the worst before it can come to be. I always knew you were a clever kid."

When Kaito didn't respond, Master Tonio continued, "I have always been fond of Juliets."

"I know." Kaito tried to chuckle, but it was obvious the action was forced. "I'm aware of the rumors."

Smiling, Master Tonio said, "Do me a favor and don't remind my wife of them. Anyway, that is not what I meant. Very few will say it aloud, but there are those of us who acknowledge that Juliets are people, too."

Kaito nodded, agreeing. "They are cursed; that's what sets them apart."

"Exactly." Master Tonio took a deep drink. "However, many severely underestimate a Juliet's ability to bring her curse upon them. That's how the first rebellion was able to start decades ago. The only way to keep it from growing was to convince the younger Juliets that they are no more than property."

"Except now this generation's Juliets have doubts." Kaito set his glass down. "I don't know how to keep these rumors from becoming more than rumors."

"That is why I have invited Lord Wil to visit the academy," Master Tonio said. "He brought his brothers under the guise that they, like their brother before them, are each searching for a wife. What only I and a select few know is we are working together to get a grip on our society before it can begin to fall apart."

"Then it sounds as if it's a great thing I came when I did."

"Yes, my lad. You did. However, don't neglect your promise to your mother to find a wife. These Cinderellas this year are stunning, gorgeous creatures. None of such beauty have graced these school halls since my own daughter Avanna studied here."

"Maybe I can find one amongst the crowd," Kaito said, doubtful but willing to at least try.

"Maybe you will," Master Tonio quickly agreed, grinning.

After bidding her parents a farewell and watching their hovercraft fade into the distance, Miku retreated to her rooms and ordered a small plate of brownies. While her parents were around, Miku had to do everything a certain way. With them gone again, Miku basked in the freedom her lack of supervision brought.

Gakuko stopped by just as Miku finished her dessert. "Binge eating?"

Despite it looking exactly how Gakuko guessed, Miku replied, "No," and set the plate aside. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to check up on you. That fall . . . it happened days ago, but I still see it in my nightmares. Miku, it was terrifying."

"I know. Sometimes I find it hard to believe it even happened. Perhaps my mind is trying to repress the memory."

Biting her lower lip, Gakuko said, "I heard you're having a Juliet assigned to follow you around."

"Not any Juliet," Miku corrected. "Juliet CV02. The Juliet who saved me."

Gakuko nodded. "I hope you know to be careful."

"Careful of what?" Miku furrowed her brows. "Not fainting off the top of castles again?"

"Of what having the constant companionship of a Juliet could mean. You have to be careful what you do and how things would look."

"I'm afraid I don't understand," Miku said with a frown.

"Well, I hope you figure it out," Gakuko replied. "For that Juliet's sake, I hope you learn to understand what I'm talking about."

Rin grimaced as the Alices began rubbing sea salt onto her skin. With the arrangement to ghost Ms. Hatsune came the requirement to receive basic beauty treatments so that Rin would appear presentable as she followed the Cinderella around. Her hair was washed with both shampoo and conditioner, not the bar soap Rin had been using during her weekly bath, and all the split ends were cut off. Now Rin's hair stopped at her chin. Her dirty, chipped nails were cut, filed, and buffed. The last thing that needed to be done was getting her skin exfoliated and moisturized, much to Rin's embarrassment.

Standing naked on a raised platform, Rin tried her best to ignore the Alices as they touched her all over with the sea salt. She held her breath when one Alice exfoliated her butt and bit her tongue so hard it started bleeding again when another Alice worked on Rin's breasts. Where her ribs were bruised hurt the worst, but there was nothing Rin could do save suffer through the pain. How the Cinderellas endured this every week, Rin didn't know. How she would endure it monthly until Ms. Hatsune no longer had need of Rin, she didn't want to find out.

"You are absolutely adorable," said a red-headed Alice as she gently rubbed the sea salt on Rin's face. How gray the Alice's hands were becoming revealed just how much dead skin the Alices were scraping off Rin.

"Uh, thanks?" There was no rule concerning a Juliet talking to an Alice, so Rin felt no need to keep quiet.

The Alice giggled. "I'm sorry, but your discomfort is kind of cute."

"Is it that obvious?"

"Yes, but it's not a bad thing. We don't see this kind of innocence often."

"So, you give Cinderellas this treatment all the time?"

"Yes, but we're so used to it that naked women don't phase us. However, we're always the first to know who's lost weight and who's gained it. One's already getting soft. We also notice bruises and the like, which we have to report."

"Teto," said an Alice with short, dark purple hair, "quit yakking and get to exfoliating. She still needs to be washed and moisturized."

"Yes, Mistress Defoko," Teto replied, rolling her eyes. Defoko shook her head, and Teto grinned. To Rin, "You have no idea how exciting this is for us."

Rin was too scared to ask Teto what she meant.