18th Red Ash Moon, 908

No matter how many times she woke up to it, Vanessa felt like she was dreaming whenever she looked upon her new environment.

She awkwardly left the vacant hut she was taking up residency in wearing a white dress shirt and blue skirt. She wrung her hands nervously through the skirt as she walked about the mostly quiet fort. It had downsized a lot since Foresters started quitting, leaving only the most stalwart of them left.

It got rowdy on some days, mostly with the impending threat of the Foresters disbanding from lack of funds, though they've preoccupied themselves through the worst of the troubling situation. She was certain she saw a Toxicroak and Hakamo-o engaging in some barbaric arm-wrestling competition the other day. She chose to stay in her hut for fear of her life.

It felt strange being in the company of thieves, especially the ones she framed for…her own murder attempt.

She paused and clenched her chest, feeling a quivering ache return. She had to take sleeping potions to get through the night and to dull any stray nightmares. The scars of being Darby's puppet were still fresh, and the mere mention or thought of the penguin could reduce her to tears.

She wiped her eyes. I don't want anyone seeing me like this. J-Just…remember what Percival said. Deep breaths. She inhaled deeply for three seconds and exhaled for three more. She breathed in and out through the rhythmic intervals until she returned to a relative calm.

I'm good. I'm fine. I-I'm fine. She sighed and looked around the fort. I'm not used to sleeping in and doing nothing for so long. I've gotten so acclimated to my chores back home that I never imagined lazing around for this long. I'm kind of anxious to do something. Cleaning, cooking, or anything to keep me busy. Just…something.

"Aaaaaa…CHOO!" The Indeedee jumped in surprise, spotting a Morgrem walking by. He sniffled as he held his weary head. "I hate the spring…"

Instincts kicking in, Vanessa approached the sickly goblin. "Are you okay?"

"Eh?" He faced her, sniffling lightly. "Oh, you're that…Indeedee is staying here with us. Hey. Yeah, I'm fine. Just…dealing with allergies." He turned his head away and sneezed into his sleeve. He groaned and held his forehead. "My many, many allergies."

Vanessa pulled a handkerchief out from her skirt's pocket and pressed it under his nose. "Blow into this."

His eyes widened. "Eh?"

"Just do it. You're going to cover yourself in snot if you keep blowing into your sleeve."

"…" He took the handkerchief and blew into it. "Ugh. Thanks. Uh, do you want this—"

She smiled awkwardly. "You can keep it. Um, I'm Vanessa, by the way." She held her hand out to him.

Klaus patted his free hand against his pants and carefully shook hers. "Klaus. Hey. I'm sorry if I look like a mess. Our doctor gave me some potions to help, but they aren't quite kicking in yet."

She shook her head. "No need to apologize. I've had to help babysit my younger siblings, so I'm not grossed out by snot or anything."

"Heh. No wonder you didn't hesitate shoving a tissue into my face."

She blushed sheepishly. "Y-Yeah, sorry about that."

"Nah, it's cool. I'm…kind of use to the treatment."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, my dad had a couple maids tend to my needs whenever I felt particularly under the weather."

She raised her brow. "You had maids?"

His eyes widened. "Oh, uh, well…" He sighed and leaned closer, whispering, "Don't tell anyone, especially a scary-looking Oshawott, but I'm from a noble house."

"Ooohhh. I see." She giggled. "So, you're used to being pampered."

"I do try to be independent when I can, though…I certainly didn't mind the attention." He sighed. "Too bad there was a strict no courting the help rule."

Vanessa smiled. "I suppose looking weak and helpless is one way to win a girl's heart."

He smirked. "Hey, watch it. I eventually passed my Forester training, so I'm not completely useless."

She looked away with a sad smile. "Well, at least you have some purpose around here."

Klaus frowned for a moment, sensing a familiar vibe he felt from a certain princess. As he recalled, Vanessa had a similar encounter with Prince Darby, though her situation was a tad problematic for the Foresters. She was the root cause for their financial situation and malicious public perception. A root cause she was, but not a willing one.

"So, uh…you've been going into psychic therapy with Percival, right? How's that going?" he asked.

"Oh, uh…fine. I'm still on medicine, but he says I'm recovering apace. I should be better in a couple more weeks." She frowned at the floor. "Well, at least from the mental triggers…"

"Ever think about going home?"

"I'm not sure I can ever go home. I-I'm a wanted criminal in my own kingdom. I…I tried to assassinate the—" She clutched her chest again, her eyes wide with panic. "I tried to k-kill Dimitri—"

Klaus gently grabbed her shoulders. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Okay, deep breaths. Deep breaths." She took a few stuttering breaths before going back to calm, rhythmic breathing. "There you go, you're fine." He sighed and pulled away. "Sorry, I didn't mean dredge up bad memories."

"N-No, you're…you're fine. I'm sorry." She wiped her eyes. "I know I've been a burden."

"You're not a burden. We're all just as worried for you. You're safe here, and we will clean your name."

"It doesn't change the fact I did it. I…I poisoned him." She raised and stared at her trembling hands. "Even if it wasn't of my own choice, these hands inflicted the deed. If he dies, I…I don't know what I'll do with myself. I'm scared no one will trust me. W-What if they think I'm just making it up? That D-Darby was manipulating me? That I'm just trying to get out of the blame? M-My own family must think I'm some kind of—"

Klaus wrapped his arms around her and stroked her back gently. "Deep breaths." He kept his hand on her back and felt for her breathing until it settled. He patted her back and nodded. "I know it's scary, but you have to stay strong. We're going to save Dimitri, and we are going to get your life back on track."

"…" She pressed her face into his shoulder and sniffled. "Of all the horrible things said about you Foresters, I never would've thought you were made up of angels."

He smiled. "Heh. We're not angels, but we're not devils either. We're just Pokémon getting through life together. All of us."

"…" She hugged him back. "Thank you, Klaus."

"My sorry keester may be useless for fighting, but I'm always here to lend an ear." He pulled away and held her hand. "How about you join me for lunch? Some food will cheer you up."

She wiped her eyes and smiled gratefully. "Th-Thank you."

"Of co…cou…aaaaa…" Klaus turned away and violently whipped his head forward with a sneeze. "GAH! Son of a—YOUR POTIONS ARE SHIT, SHADE!"

Vanessa, though startled, giggled through her tears. They are…really a strange bunch.

Klaus and Vanessa entered the mess hall, which was mostly vacant save for a couple Foresters seated alone. They walked up to the food station, where Lambert could be seen cooking in the back.

"Oi, Lambert! A round of your finest, my good man!" Klaus exclaimed.

The Grumpig snorted. "My finest is fruit slop today."

"Can I get some extra oran berries in mine? I need the extra vitamins."

"You know the rules. No one gets extra during the food shortage."

Klaus groaned. "Come on, mate, I'm practically dying over here."

"Then try not to die on my floor."

"Wow, harsh," he joked. "Alright, you drive a hard bargain. Two bowls of slop for the both of us."

Lambert glanced back and noticed Vanessa. "Oh, you're that Indeedee staying with us. Decided to eat out?"

She smiled nervously. "I've been cooped up in my hut for too long."

"Well, it ain't pretty or my best, but it's what you get while we're rationing food." He grabbed two bowls and opened a pot filled with the fresh fruit slop.

"Didn't House Freia provide us with funds?" Klaus asked.

"Yeah, but we can't go spending it on a whim. I'm going to go shopping sometime this week to spice up the meals. I think everyone deserves a small treat after eating the same foods for the last few weeks."

Vanessa tilted her head. "I wasn't aware the Foresters handled themselves with such organization. Everyone just assumed you stole food off the rich's plates."

Lambert snorted with a grin. "Lass, I ain't touching that vile filth with my refined tongue. No taste or flavor that can surprise me anymore."

"You've had luxury meals before?"

"Oh yeah. I wasn't a saint in my youth. My family and I were holding ourselves together on scraps and hard labor, so I took it upon myself to get our meals the unlawful way. When you're hungry, I suppose they did taste like heaven and nectar, but you lose your palette for the stuff once you expand your horizon." He scooped up some slop and deftly poured it into both bowls in one motion. "It ain't honest, but I'm glad I stole their food. The nutrients kept me alive when plague ran rampant."

Vanessa leaned over the counter and noticed the Grumpig's wooden leg. "Oh. Is…that how that happened?"

"Got into a scrap over some food and some blighter bit my leg. Come to find out the bastard had contracted something, and you end up having to get an amputation." He slid the bowls onto the counter. "That's why you got to be tough out here. I knew the Foresters needed someone like me to keep them fed and fit."

Vanessa looked down at her bowl. It was a mixed splash of colors with chunky bits of berries and other fruits floating at the top. It didn't look that bad, though it was certainly different to what she normally ate. Simple. Inelegant. Syrupy.

She scooped out a spoonful and sampled the dish. She smacked her lips together as the mixed fruits danced across her tongue. "Hmm…it's got a strong sweet taste with some sour for that extra punch. Is that wacan berry I taste?"

Lambert smirked. "A discerning tongue. Yes, you're correct. I grow my own batch of berries. They can get expensive, so always good to have a spare garden laying around."

"It's a lovely dish. Simple and unassuming, but it's packed full of flavor."

"Glad you like it."

"Is this what you normally make?"

"I do expand the dishes, but my signature is fruit slop. You make the most of what you have when you're getting by on scraps, though I don't just throw fruit together and call it a day. I taste all my meals to make sure the flavor balance is just right. I've got it down to a science."

She giggled. "I wouldn't mind sampling your dishes."

Klaus grinned. "Hey Lambert, maybe you can give Vanessa here a job."

Her eyes widened. "EH?!"

He held his hand dramatically to his forehead and proclaimed, "She has bemoaned from the lazy days, lacking in ambition and vocation. Wishing for something to busy herself lest she become one with her hammock, born of flesh and cloth—"

She shoved him. "Cut that out."

Lambert grinned. "Looking for work, eh? You cook?"

Her eyes widened, then she scuffed her heel into the floor shyly. "Oh, well…I do a bit of cooking, I guess. It's nothing special, though I do hope to become a chef one day. Those were my plans at least, but now—"

"Alright."

She gasped. "Say what?"

"You can help me with prepping tomorrow's meals. Starting now."

"O-Oh! I, uh…well, if you insist…" She curtsied, albeit with a nervous quiver. "Th-Thank you, Lambert, sir."

"You'll be calling me Head Chef, lass. I expect a hard worker out of you! Am I clear?"

"AH!" She hurried into a salute. "Yes, Head Chef Lambert, sir!"

"Aye. Grab an apron. We've got cooking to do!"

"Aye—I mean, yes, chef!" She marched and let herself through the kitchen door.

"…" Klaus picked up her bowl. "So, uh, you don't want your lunch anymore?"

"…" Vanessa sheepishly waddled out of the kitchen and took her bowl. "Uh, can you give me until after lunch?"

Lambert smirked. "Just don't waste a drop."

"Heh, right." She hung her head in embarrassment and headed to a table with Klaus chuckling behind her.

House Freia

Ceran, wearing safety glasses and a coat, peered through his magnifying lens hovering above the dish filled with a sample of Wraith. He held a dropper over the poison and squirted a tiny dose of his latest potion. Setting it aside, he pulled over his notebook and waited for changes.

After a couple minutes of observation, a reaction occurred. Poison burst out from the tiny elementium pieces and fizzled inside the dosage until turning it a watered-down purple. Steam hissed from the mixture.

Ceran took a quill in his tail, dabbed some ink onto it, and penned his findings. "Test Number 11: concoction displays caustic effects on the poison. Triggers an early release process from the elementium pieces. More testing required to determine potency of poison after exposure."

"Fascinating…" The Serperior glanced over at his right, whether their frequent visitor hunched over his own section of the workstation: Shade. With his magnification glasses, he flicked a couple lenses down and examined his own dish. "The tenth batch dulled the toxicity of the poison, but I fear the reaction could stimulate an adverse reaction to the nervous system. May cause paralysis depending on how much of the poison is nullified in one part of the body."

Shade had been making visits into the Verde capital to oversee progress in House Freia. Ceran was kind enough to lend his workspace to the Sableye so they could work together. Shade expressed his awe at the vastly superior equipment afforded by the noble house and relished in learning their secrets. The only reason he couldn't stay for more than a day was due to his responsibilities back at Fort Lucus.

Ceran nodded. "So, we're on the right path. The newest formulas are proving fruitful in exterminating the poison, but with the added risk of causing lesser, but problematic internal damage."

"Thus, we must look to finding a formula that can counteract the negative reactions of the formula. We are apace for nullifying the poison's lethal capabilities, but have yet to decipher its potential risks to a Pokémon's internal celery."

"…Their what now?"

"…" Shade covered his mouth and yawned. "S-Sorry, sleepy."

"Perhaps you should take a break. I can continue on."

"No. I vowed to find an antidote no matter how long it took." Shade yawned again. "Besides, I'm used to working half-asleep."

"If you say so. Don't push yourself too hard, young man. An alchemist is nothing without their mind."

"As I've been reminded during my brief slips into somnolence." Shade rested his fist to his cheek. "It's just…frustrating, I suppose."

Ceran pulled his goggles up and frowned. "You still think about that bounty hunter you failed to save?"

Shade sighed. "I'm not a doctor. I make potions to help people, sure, but I've never had to save a life before. When I saw him die on my watch, I…" He shook his head and looked away. "If I had better equipment and training, maybe I could've done something sooner. Your house has been instrumental in speeding our progress along. I couldn't have done this much work in a few weeks."

Ceran lifted his tail on the gem goblin's shoulder. "Shade, your notes are the reason I've been able to get so much work done. You are a talented alchemist in your own right. You just never been pushed outside your comfort zone. With your intelligence and the right resources, I bet you could become a talented alchemist in a few short years. It takes masters several years to master their craft."

Shade smiled a bit. "I suppose. Still, I wish I could've done more to save him…"

"It's in the past. All you can do now is work to prevent this tragedy from happening again. That's why you're still working, right?"

"…" Shade straightened up and slapped himself firmly on the cheeks. "Right. That's why."

"Good lad." Ceran picked up his quill and tapped it across his notebook. "Now, as for this confounded conundrum, we could search to more abstract methods to undo the harmful reactions. I've compiled a list of materials from various Pokémon that have beneficial effects when applied to the right mixtures. Perhaps utilizing Shiinotic spores to drain the poison."

"But without a proper test, we don't know the adverse effects it could have in the body, especially a warm-blooded mammalian." Shade drummed his fingers across the table. "Perhaps the enriching nutrients found in a Bulbasaur's plant could provide the body with adequate nourishment to stave off any unwanted side effects."

"Perhaps, but would it be enough? Something more potent would need to be added. A dash of Meganium breath to excite the growth of the nutrients?"

Shade hummed aloud. "A fitting idea, but it wouldn't do anything to neutralize the poison entirely. Killing it off like any other poison would prove difficult with the elementium particles. Perhaps finding an alternate way to both transfer and neutralize." He snapped his fingers. "Pyukumuku!"

"Pyukumuku?" Ceran tapped his chin and gasped. "I see! The Pyukumuku are known for clearing away hindering ailments from other Pokémon. Confound it all, I don't know of many Pyukumuku who travel farther than the oceanside. I've heard tales of some being in the employment of doctors. I may have to look into my contacts."

"Still, it's not a great solution since it limits availability. Pyukumuku don't make up much of Virdis' population. However, what if we were to utilize samples from internal organs to replicate the purifying process? Perhaps we could make our own version of Wraith—"

"But without the additional toxin to neutralize. Thus, if we inject our own variant with elementium, it could trigger the toxins to release AND be absorbed into our formula. We would need a surefire way the process runs accordingly, as we wouldn't want the antidote to release the toxins and not be absorbed."

"What if that's the base for the antidote? We create a secondary antidote that not only prematurely releases the poison, but retains it within itself until it can be absorbed by the elementium. A formula that can naturally dissolve without any harmful side effects."

"Perhaps we can run tests with Sliggoo mucus. A refined variant of it could be made to dissolve only the poison."

"Ingenious. Perhaps we can even use the mucus as a base for the secondary antidote…provided with a swift sterilization, of course—"

"You two brainiacs should really learn to use your indoor voices." The two alchemists turned around and saw Noel leaning against the private lab's doorframe. She smirked. "Though, it's been forever since I've seen you get excited over work, Ceran."

He smiled. "I enjoy a good puzzle, my love. Making medicine has become so second nature that I miss the days of being flummoxed by a new study."

She sighed, laughing under her breath. "You are quite the card, Cer. Well, guess I know what to get you when our anniversary rolls around: a newly discovered disease. I think they sell that at the black market right next to the forgery house and illicit beverages of questionable origin."

"Perish the thought. All I need on such a splendid day is your wit and charm to serenade my ears."

"Don't go sweet talking just yet." She straightened up. "Anyway, I just came by to tell you that Seymour is making steak and asparagus for dinner. Any requests for sides?"

"Oh, I could go for some cooked potatoes. I like the way he cooks them. Soft inside, but a crispy edge."

"Very well." She smiled at Shade. "And you're more than welcome to join us for dinner."

Shade shook his head. "Oh, I couldn't—"

Noel sighed and turned away. "Oh well, I tried. And I even asked Seymour to make extra. All that food, losing its flavorful taste from the over to the process of storage into the morrow."

"…" Shade scratched his nape. "Well, I suppose it would be rude not to stay. Plus, honestly, I'm getting tired of eating Lambert's fruit slop three times a day."

She smirked to herself. "Sounds good. Carry on, boys." She closed the door behind her.

The two alchemists stared at the door in silence for a moment until Shade leaned over and whispered, "So, uh, just wondering: how did you end up taking on a barbarian as your wife?"

He laughed aloud. "I'm quite fond of her aggressive charms. It makes my heart dance aflutter."

"Out of love or fear?"

"That itself is the confounded conundrum."

Fort Lucus

Lambert tasked Vanessa with chopping up the berries while he got a pot of water boiling on the stove. She turned away every so often to watch the Grumpig running back and forth through the kitchen, going from one task to the other. Despite having a peg leg, he moved swiftly.

Along with making fruit slop for the morrow, he worked on another dish at his prep counter. They looked like little beige bricks with bits of green and orange scattered about. He stacked them within crates, wrapped the packed crated in cloth, and stored it under the counter before moving onto the next batch.

"What are you making, Head Chef Lambert?" Vanessa asked.

Lambert grinned. "My special emergency rations. They're packed full of nutrients to give a Forester an extra boost if they're feeling on the fatigue. I experimented with these about as long as my fruit slop, and they come in a pinch for missions."

"Oh. May I try one?"

He tossed one over his shoulder. "Knock yourself out."

She lurched forward and barely caught the brick. It was chalky to the touch. Scratching the surface lightly caused particles to flake off. She turned it around and examined every side of it before shrugging and taking a hearty bite.

Her entire face contorted on itself from the strong, bitter taste hitting her tongue. It tasted like gravel mixed with medicine and dried leaves. She wanted to spit it out, but reminded herself of the Grumpig's policy on wasting food. She forced herself to swallow the horrible taste down before collapsing against the counter.

"Oh…Oh my," she mumbled.

Lambert smirked. "Tasty?"

"Oh! Uh…" She forced a smile. "It has a unique and…rustic taste. It's unlike anything I've ever tasted. I dare say I'll never forget it."

"Well damn, I think they taste like ash and sadness."

"EH?!"

Lambert laughed. "Of course it tastes terrible! That's nothing but pure nutrients you're eating. It's supposed to vitalize you, not be your last good meal."

Vanessa groaned. "I-I see." She hesitantly lifted the brick to take another bite, but it changed into a wacan berry. "Huh?"

Lambert lifted the half-eaten brick and threw it into his mouth, chewing and swallowing without issue. "I'm not gonna force you to finish it. I make a point to prepare meals everyone will eat so no food gets wasted." He glared off to the side. "Believe me, I had to beat some sense into a certain Growlithe for wasting my bread."

"Heeeh. Right." Vanessa bit into the berry, feeling the bitter aftertaste of the rations washing away in a sea of sweet and sour. She set it aside and picked up the chopped berries. "I finished with the chopping."

"Great. Throw them into the pot."

She tilted the cutting board over the edge and scraped the chunks into the water. Lambert reached into a cupboard and pulled out a corked jug. He popped it open and dumped a syrupy juice into the pot.

"Now, grab some apples and start mashing them. The consistency will help give the slop that mushy texture. Make sure to remove the seeds."

She saluted and went for the basket of apples sitting on the prep station. She set them down and picked up a circular slicer with eight blades and a round blade at the center. She pressed it over an apple, instantly cutting it into eight slices and separating the core.

"Do we get rid of the seeds?" she asked.

"No, I stockpile half of them for myself to grow more apples."

"Half?"

He deadpanned. "Pandora begged me to give her the other half of them."

"She's the Growlithe that randomly bursts into maniacal laughter, right?"

"Yep."

"…Don't apple seeds have traces of poison in them?"

"Yeeeeep."

"…Why does she need—"

"The less questions I ask, the less she steals my bread."

"Oooookay." Vanessa set the apple core aside and went on to cut up more apples. "So, any special plans for tonight's dinner?"

"Haven't decided yet. Might just be fruit slop." Lambert groaned. "I know people are getting sick of it, but this is the best I can do with our resources. We used to get bulk loads of food every other week from our benefactors. House Freia is the only reason we have a steady income to buy food."

"So, just fruit slop?"

"I mostly have berries stockpiled. We've got some veggies and potatoes laying around, and I said I'd be hitting up nearby villages for a food run."

"Hmm…" Vanessa stopped chopping apples for a moment and pondered. "Potatoes, you say?" She smiled. "Actually, Head Chef Lambert?"

"Yeah?"

"If it's not a burden, I'd be happy to help with tonight's dinner. If you have the right ingredients, I do know a recipe I used to make back home."

He tilted his head. "Oh?"

"It's nothing special. Just a potato stew with some diced vegetables. My siblings would always tell me it's the best thing in the world, but I don't do anything amazing with it. Still, it would be a nice change of pace from the fruit slop, right?"

Lambert crossed his arms. "Well, I suppose we should start using up the potatoes. Think you can handle the responsibility? You're cooking for a lot more than your family."

She curtsied. "With your assistance, I believe I'll be fine."

He grinned. "Alright. We'll finish up with the slop and get started on dinner. I'm looking forward to trying your dish."

She smiled, feeling her heart race with pride. "Thank you, Head Chef Lambert!"

House Freia, Sunset

The Freias and Shade gathered at the dining table and partook in the delicious steak and sides provided by their butler. Noel took a bite of her steak and nodded in satisfaction. "Delicious as always, Seymour."

The Wobbuffet bowed. "Thank you, madame. Will there be anything else?"

She waved him off. "Nah. Why don't you take the night off early? I'll be keeping an eye on Ceran to make sure he doesn't work until midnight again."

Ceran rolled his eyes and laughed. "You truly are the reason my head stays on straight."

Seymour bowed. "Very good. Goodnight, Lord and Lady Freia." He sauntered out of the dining room.

Shade chuckled a bit. "How strange to have your own personal servant."

Noel shrugged. "Eh, not my style, but he comes with the house. I prefer catering to my own needs."

Ceran waved his fork around. "Everyone needs work, my dear, and he's more than willing to pick up the slack for both of us. Besides, between my medical research and tending to meetings with other houses, someone needs to be around to clean the house."

"I suppose. I just never cared for being waited on."

"Yes, you made that clear when we first met. I believe you called me a stuck-up, snooty-faced, noodle-limbed string bean."

She smirked. "Well, I clearly exaggerated those first two." She scratched her chin. "Then again, I suppose you can hold your own fairly well in a scuffle. Just…not with me~."

He laughed. "Yes, you are right."

Shade picked at his food. "So, that's your daily routine?"

Ceran shrugged. "For the most part. Houses Freia and Noir are in charge of seeing to medical research in Verde. Though, we work to develop medicine and study ailments while House Noir seeks out professional alchemists and physicians. I hold no ill-will to their hired staff as they do perform amazing work, but I do take slight issue with House Noir monopolizing on who gets the rights to medical treatment. We try our best to make medicines affordable even to the most low-income of families while still turning over a profit to continue our research.

"As for my daily routine, I typically spend the week consulting with my staff on our research and running tests with diseases and ailments we discover. We run monthly checks on villages to check the general health of the public. The rich typically seek out House Noir, but we provide our services to low class populations. I take weekends off to decompress."

Noel smirked. "Well, try to, but I catch him working in his free time because he made some grand breakthrough in his research."

"Science doesn't slow for anyone, my dear."

Shade nodded softly. "All seems so complicated. I just took up alchemy because it was fun." He tapped his fork against his plate. "That, and to get away from my father when he was in another of his big ventures."

"Conflicts in the homestead?"

"My father is a caring and loving man, but he can be a bit…much. I came from a somewhat low-class family. We didn't have much, but we weren't struggling either." Shade set his fork down. "My father is an opportunist. He jumps at the chance to climb the social ladder whenever he can. He once snuck into a private party full of nobles by faking his identity. Said he was some esteemed gentlemen from over yonder and just had to join the festivities."

Noel smirked. "I can't say no to crashing a party."

"Well, I admit, he got further than I expected. Managed to the table and work into the conversation. He ended up getting kicked out when he failed to identify the years of certain wines."

Ceran raised his brow. "Not exactly a requirement for a lord or count to know that."

"True, if you didn't break into a party exclusively for wine enthusiasts."

"Ah. I see."

Shade shook his head. "My father does not think things through, but you can't fault the man for his persistence as misguided it was. He tried getting me involved in politics, but I felt more comfortable working in a lab. In the dark. Alone." He rubbed his temples and groaned. "How my mother put up with him for as long as she did is beyond me."

"How is your mother?"

"She's fine. She and my father eventually got divorced due to his…eccentricities, we'll call them. She remarried a while ago. I occasionally stayed with her and my stepfather. It felt weird to have a father figure who wasn't slightly crazy." Shade paused a moment to yawn. "I think between having to babysit my father and learning all I could about alchemy, my internal clock has been thrown all over the place. Half the reason I needed assistants."

Noel chuckled. "Well, despite your father's faults, you still seem to care for him."

"Well, someone had to keep him out of the village jail. Got so bad that the sheriff reserved a cell for him. Had a plaque and everything. Highest honor I think he'll ever get."

Ceran chuckled. "It's a shame you had to spend your childhood being your own father's caretaker. I imagine if you were provided the proper resources, you could've become a grand alchemist."

Shade shrugged. "Perhaps, but I've gotten pretty far through self-teaching."

Ceran patted his shoulder. "What I mean to say, Shade, is that I would be honored to take you on as my own apprentice if you're interested."

Shade's crystal eyes flashed in shock. "R-Really? Are you sure?"

"I've greatly enjoyed our conversations, and you've sparked the joy of learning back into me with this little project of ours. Plus, Luna did express you were a fantastic alchemist even before she introduced us to you."

Noel snickered. "Not an easy feat considering she has plenty of dagger-laced words to say about Lordling Noir. Actually, would you be so kind as to sign marriage papers with Luna so we can get rid of him?"

Shade gasped. "W-What?!"

"HA! Kidding, kidding. Heh, Luna would probably throw me across the room if I did that behind her back."

Shade groaned and facepalmed. "And I thought my father was a handful…"

As they returned to their dinner, they heard a knock sounding from the front door. Ceran sighed and stood up. "Seems we sent Seymour off too soon. I'll get it." He slithered to the front door.

Noel rested her arms on the table and leaned forward. "So…do you really think you can save Prince Talbot?"

Shade frowned. "It seems to be our only means to redeem ourselves. Besides, even if it wasn't us, we still feel responsible. We'll save him no matter what."

She closed her eyes and laughed. "I can see why Luna was so adamant about helping you all. I'm glad we made the right choice."

Shade smiled back. "The Foresters owe a lot to House Freia. I just hope we find a way to get back on our feet."

"You will. In my line of work, the worst experiences draw out the toughest of us all. Rising up from adversity and all that."

Ceran reentered the dining room. "Well, seems we have a surprise visitor with us tonight." He pulled aside and made way for the royal Buneary.

Shade gasped. "Meli—I mean, JoJo?"

The shapeshifter morphed into an Azumarill and waved. "Hey-o, Shady. Thought I'd come by and see how things were going."

Fort Lucus

Silence dominated the mess hall since food started being rationed, but the hall was alive with activity as Foresters gathered to the smell of something fresh and different from the delicious, but gradually monotonous fruit slop they satiated themselves with for the past few weeks.

Lambert and Vanessa stood at the serving counter with freshly cooked pots of the latter's homemade potato stew. The brown broth bubbled lightly with potato chunks and cut vegetables skimming the surface. The aroma of garlic and rosemary wafted from the dish, drawing in a starving crowd.

Vanessa poured a bowl and handed it to Hedwig. "Hope you enjoy!"

Hedwig lowered her nose over the bowl and took a big whiff of it. She grinned. "Almost smells like meat! Yes!" Forgoing her spoon, she walked off while slurping directly from the bowl.

Sadie and Blitz walked in next, the former sighing at the delicious aroma. "I never thought I'd miss eating potatoes."

Blitz nodded. "It smells incredible, Lambert."

He laughed and hooked his arm around Vanessa. "Praise my new apprentice! She's the one with the recipe."

Vanessa blushed sheepishly. "It was nothing."

Sadie shook her head. "Don't be so modest. Honestly, you're saving us from substituting to tree bark out of desperation."

"Oi!" Lambert yelled.

"Kidding, Lambert!" She grabbed her and Blitz's bowls, and the couple walked off to their table.

"Well, looks like Klaus wasn't kidding after all." The two chefs turned to Marie, Adenine, and Klaus as they stepped into line next. Marie crossed her arms and smiled at the Indeedee. "Glad to see you back on your feet, hon. How are you feeling?"

Vanessa smiled. "Honestly, I'm feeling much better. I just needed something to preoccupy my time, and I've been feeling like my old self." She scratched her arm and looked away. "I'm still dealing with the nightmares, but…well, something tells me I might rest easier tonight."

Marie giggled. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear that."

Adenine sniffed the pot and smiled. "Speakin' of, that stew of yers smells just as good as Ma's homecookin'. Ah remember when she would make us her own potato stew. Delicious!"

Vanessa grinned. "Well, I hope it comes close to comparison." She scooped up some bowls and passed them over to the trio.

Klaus smiled. "Well, aren't you going to say thank you for pushing you into work?"

Vanessa rolled her eyes, but giggled. "I do owe you, Klaus. Thanks. Really, thanks. I appreciated your company today. I probably would've slunk back into my hut if you hadn't invited me out for lunch. I…feel much happier now that I can do what I love again."

He bowed. "Glad I could be of assistance, my lady."

Marie snickered. "And thus your debt of cleaning the allergy-infested goblin has been resolved." She and Adenine giggled as they walked to their seats.

Klaus glared and followed after them. "Wait, were you spying on us?!"

"Oh hon, I spy on everyone."

"You're a freak, you know that?"

"I take that as a compliment."

Vanessa giggled and shook her head. "The Foresters are surely…an interesting bunch."

Lambert nodded. "Nights like these were livelier when there were more of us. Somedays I wish we weren't bandits and just…had this. These little moments of everyone coming together and enjoying life. We need more of this. As long as we can, we should enjoy our time in bliss."

Vanessa scooped up another bowl of stew and smiled to herself. "I…would like that. Just enjoying the moment."

House Freia

JoJo finished her tea and set it back on the saucer. "So, you have a theory about how to craft the antidote?"

Shade nodded. "Lord Freia and I are coming up on a potential breakthrough. So far, we've made strides to nullify the lethality of the poison, but potential side effects could still lead to nerve damage or an assortment of other unfavorable outcomes."

JoJo leaned back into the couch, shifting into an Amaura. "Well, that's lovely. I'm sure Prince Talbot would appreciate trading his legs for the rest of his life." She rolled her eyes. "Then again, I don't want to incur the wrath of my new stalker."

Noel glared. "I take it you've been having issues with the visiting prince."

"I think he's catching on to me. His piercing glare staring at the back of my head, studying my every move. He's only known the real Melissa for a week or something, yet he seems to have more information on her than I do. That girl must've left a serious impression to be that recognizable."

Shade glared. "How's your deep dive into the king's past going?"

"Oh, wonderful. I've learned all I could about his favorite collection of books, his daily routines, and the intricate process of brushing his teeth! Anything else useful? Like his past or his secret dealings? Nothing!"

Ceran scratched his chin. "How peculiar. I must admit, King Penworth's appearance has always been a topic of mystery among the noble houses. No one seems to know where House Fletcher hails from. Queen Temperance didn't seem to make a big deal of it at the time."

"I have been given one potential lead," JoJo said. "According to Hilda, there's rumors of secret compartments and the like hidden among the castle, even those not known by the castle staff. So, if they do exist, that means only the king and even Melissa would know. Of course, I can't contact Melissa because she's in the middle of her heist."

"Hmm…" Ceran pondered for a moment before gasping. "Actually, I do know of what remedy to your conundrum."

Her eyes widened. "What? Tell me. Now!"

"I recall my grandfather traveling to the Arcania Kingdom back when it was a larger power and less wary of outsiders. He studied under their greatest alchemists and learned many of their secrets that have been kept within House Freia's walls. One of them was a potion developed by the Moonleaf Clan. It's said that if applied to a surface, it'll reveal the handprint of those who touched it."

JoJo gasped. "You're jesting!"

"I am not. Granted, it's not very useful in telling you who specifically unless you know the species the handprint belongs to. Still—"

"It'll narrow my search finding Roscoe's dirty secrets!" She lunged across the table and shook the Serperior by his suit. "Give me that potion now!"

"J-JoJo, take it easy!" Shade yelled, pushing the shapeshifter away.

Ceran sighed and adjusted his suit. "It will take some time to find the recipe, but I will inform you as soon as it's ready."

She groaned and threw herself back into the couch. "The sooner, the better. Then I can finally relax."

Noel raised her brow. "Actually, how did you sneak out of the castle? Wasn't Sir Nathaniel watching you?"

She smirked. "Oh, I took care of that."

"Woo! One hundred cool points for me!"

Nathaniel faceplanted into the dining table as Charlie celebrated his epic trick shot into the wine glass. "I don't understand the scoring mechanics of this game!"