Season 3, Chapter 5, Part 3.
A Party of Friends or Enemies?
It doesn't take long before the two blondes Millie is supposed to watch arrive especially Kyle Menercy. She immediately begins to familiarize herself with their voices, especially the one belonging to Kyle Menercy. She also notices Haze's sister entering the room with a tall man, handsome with dark brown hair and eyes. They seem to be staying quite close to one another.
Meanwhile, Haze sneaks into the library next door through the window, positioning himself to peer through the keyhole. (I'd use my mist magic to see what's going on, but they'd sense my mana if I did.) he thinks.
"Millie," he whispers as he sees her. "Tell me yes if you can hear me," he says, and she pats her belly twice. "Good. Keep going according to plan, got it?" She pats her belly twice again.
(Good. If she can focus on my voice even from here, this might actually work.) He smiles, keeping his watch.
Soon, the next three guests arrive, and Millie tries to pay close attention while serving drinks, staying as invisible as possible. It's surprisingly easy; no one seems to notice or care about the staff.
"Ah, Mimosa, you've arrived. Good, that means I'll be off," Fuegoleon says.
"Of course, no problem, and sorry if we were late," Mimosa replies.
"No, you're actually early. Oh, Asta, I see you've come as well," Fuegoleon adds.
"Yeah, Mimosa invited me, and I figured it might be fun," Asta says whit a bright smile scratching his cheek whit a finger.. Millie casts a quick glance in his direction. She makes note of him wearing a tuxedo, perfectly tailored to fit him—a rather unusual sight compared to his usual ragged and dirt-filled clothes.
(Damn, it's him. If he notices Millie, he might blow this whole thing...) Haze thinks, his expression tightening.
"Millie, whatever you do, make sure Asta doesn't notice or see you," he commands, and Millie silently nods, patting her belly twice again to confirm.
"Well, it was good to see you, both of you," Fuegoleon says.
"Yeah, you too," Asta replies, glancing around the room. (This Ki...)
"So, Asta, let's have a great evening, okay?" Mimosa says, pulling Asta from his thoughts.
"Sure, I will," he responds with a smile as the party officially begins. and the guests are chatting and having a great time, in each others company.
Meanwhile, Millie is doing what she is supposed to do. Smoothly and elegantly, she serves drinks, clears empty glasses, and gets new drinks, all while paying attention to the guests she was told to keep an eye on. (So far, Kyle hasn't mentioned anything suspicious. No signs of what he might be plotting...) Millie wonders, focusing intently on her task. As she continues to work, she notices Haze's sister sneaking off to the back with the man she came with.
(What could they be up to?) she ponders. (No need to follow them, though. Kyle and the rest are up here, and his sister seems more interested in herself tonight.) Millie shrugs the thought off and stays focused on her work, discreetly replacing empty glasses with freshly filled ones, all while avoiding Asta's gaze and attention.
(It's been a while now, and still no mention of anything about Kyle's side hustle. Come to think of it, from what I've gathered, even he might not fully realize the gravity of what he's involved in, but this lead is solid...) Millie muses as she keeps an ear on the conversations.
A fellow server approaches her. "Uh, Millie, could you go down and get more of the Revelty wine?" the woman asks.
"I believe I should stay—" Millie starts to protest, but the woman interrupts.
"Great, thanks!" she says, pushing Millie along. "It's right through there and down the stairs. Two bottles should do," she adds, ushering her into the kitchen.
(Looks like I have no choice...) Millie thinks to herself, confused as to why the lady was in such a rush to get her to fetch the wine bottles.
(I'll need to grab a new tray of wine anyway.) She concludes before she makes her way through the kitchen and down the stairs.
(Where did Haze's sister go anyways?) she wonders, reaching the bottom of the stairs and scanning the area. After checking a few signs, she spots the one labeled "Wine Cellar."
"Wine cellar," she whispers and walks over to the door.
(Wait, are those voices inside?) she pauses as she overhears a woman's voice.
"Oh, Niclas, I love your hands on me..."
(What are they doing? The wine's supposed to be in there...) Millie thinks and turns the door handle.
"Shh, someone's coming," she hears, followed by the sound of hurried shuffling. As she opens the door, she sees a dimly lit room with shelves lined with wine bottles, stacked closely together. Walking between the shelves, she searches for the correct label.
She grabs two bottles and locks eyes with Haze's sister, who signals for silence. "What? Did she see you?" a male voice whispers.
"Be quiet," the woman hisses.
Millie notices that Haze's sister isn't wearing a bra but pretends not to notice, quickly leaving the room with the bottles.
Back in the kitchen, Millie places the bottles on the table. "Here you go," she says.
"Thanks," the other server replies. "You can get back to your task. I'll handle this."
"Right," Millie nods, refilling her tray with fresh glasses of wine before heading back to the party.
Haze sighs in relief when he sees her return. (Good, she's back. Hopefully, nothing crucial was discussed in her absence.) He resumes his surveillance, keeping a close eye on the guests.
A while later, Haze notices his older sister returning to the party, immediately mingling with the other attendees, including one lady he recognizes as his sister's friend, Hanna. Millie also observes this and watches as Haze's sister talks with a few people before excusing herself and quietly slipping into the library.
Haze silently moves to the window, climbing out to hover below it on his broom. From outside, he listens as his sister moves around the library.
(I swore I felt him nearby...) she mutters to herself, before walking over to the window. Haze holds his breath as she looks outside, suspicious. But after a moment, she retreats, closing the door behind her.
Haze waits a moment longer to make sure his sister isn't trying to fake him out. After a brief pause, he floats up to the window, ready to peek inside. But just as he's about to lean in, he hears a voice behind him.
"Mist Magic: Thread."
Before he can react, misty tendrils wrap around him, yanking him towards the balcony, still restrained by the misty web.
"You're still too easy, little brother," his sister says, her voice dripping with amusement as he glares up at her.
"And you're still a slut," he retorts, breaking free from the mist as he stands up.
Her eyes narrow, "What did you just call me?"
"I bet you snuck off with Niclas again," Haze says, not holding back.
"Wait, how did—" She cuts herself off, realization dawning on her face. "That servant... She's your little spy, isn't she?"
"Who?" Haze feigns innocence. "No one told me anything. I just saw you sneaking out of the room with him."
"So, you're spying on the party now?" she asks, her tone accusatory. "Why?"
"You're not still chasing after Laura, are you?" she probes, eyes sharp with suspicion.
"So what if I am?" Haze snaps back, his voice filled with frustration.
"She's dead, Haze! How long will it take for you to accept that?" Her voice softens but remains firm.
"We both know that's a lie! You and the others are hiding the truth because of some deal," he says, his eyes blazing with anger.
"A deal?" she replies, her voice rising. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"You know exactly what I mean," Haze shoots back. "Her strange magic. A couple of noble families from the Diamond Kingdom were too interested in it. I know you're hiding something."
"Get that crap out of your head!" she shouts, her voice loud enough to make Haze wince.
Before he can respond, a woman's voice interrupts. "Ah, here you are! Come inside before you catch a cold," she says, opening the door wider. "Oh, Haze! Long time no see."
"Yeah, I'm here," Haze replies, adjusting his tuxedo to regain his composure.
"Come on inside," the woman insists again.
Haze's sister offers a strained smile. "I will, Hanna." She glances back at Haze, but before he can reply, they both head inside.
(Looks like I have to play along for now...) Haze thinks, weighing his options.
Inside, Millie notes the lingering presence of magic outside and overhears the exchange. (There's definitely tension between them... and Haze sounds more agitated than ever.) Concerned, she shifts her focus back to Kyle's voice, trying to stay sharp.
Meanwhile, Liebe, in his small form, flies over to Millie, landing on her tray.
"What are you doing here, Millie? And why are you avoiding us?" Liebe asks, curiosity piqued.
"Sir Liebe, Well, I am just—" Millie starts, but her attention is pulled as Haze's sister suddenly makes a beeline towards her as if she just discovered Millie's location.
"You!" she hisses, barely keeping her voice controlled. "I saw you downstairs." Her eyes are cold as she leans in close, her presence menacing. "I don't know who you are, but I will find out. And when I do, I'll destroy your life. Understand?" she threatens.
"Understood, ma'am," Millie responds softly, keeping her gaze steady and soft.
Haze's sister watches her carefully, ensuring she doesn't shy away. Satisfied, she adjusts her hair, stands up straight, and walks off as if nothing happened. (They're both so easily angered,) Millie thinks to herself, staying focused.
"What did you do?" Liebe asks, looking a bit unsure of what she might be up to.
"I wish I knew," Millie mutters, her eyes following Haze's sister as she disappears into the back.
Suddenly, a server claps her hands on Millie's, raising them to shoulder level. Millie stiffens, the glasses on her tray clinking as she tries to keep her composure. Liebe looks on, as Millie suppresses her pain.
"Thank you so much! If she had seen me instead of you, I'd have lost my job for sure," the woman says gratefully.
"Does she do that often?" Millie asks, voice low.
"Sadly, yes. Though why she chooses the wine cellar every time, I'll never understand, I mean she know that we need to use it" the woman responds with a sigh, while Millie surveys the room, her mind on high alert, noticing every detail.
Liebe keeps a close eye on Millie, to try and understand what is going on.
Millie spots Ulva leaning against a wall for a moment before heading into the kitchen.
"Ulva's in pain," Millie murmurs.
"Huh? Oh, her back must be bothering her again," the woman replies.
"She needs help," Millie mutters, determined, and heads into the kitchen after Ulva.
Inside, she finds Ulva leaning over a table, trying to relieve the pressure on her back.
Millie walks over and places a gentle hand on her back. "Are you all right?" Millie asks softly.
"Millie? Thank you. You didn't need to—"
"It looked like you needed some help. I apologize for my inability to do more. My healing spells are still far too weak..."
"Don't worry about it, I feel better already," Ulva says, turning to smile at her. But then her eyes widen in horror as she notices a streak of blood dripping from Millie's glove.
"Oh no, Millie, you're bleeding! What happened?" Ulva exclaims, rushing towards her.
"Huh? Oh... It must've happened earlier. I'm fine," Millie says, brushing it off.
"We need to wash it and make sure it's healed properly!" Ulva insists, grabbing Millie's wrist.
"No—" Millie protests weakly, but Ulva pulls the glove off before she can stop her.
The sight of Millie's hand makes Ulva gasp, stepping back in shock. Her hand is red and covered in white boils, with veins visibly damaged. Part of her skin is missing entirely.
"Millie, what—what happened to your hand?" Ulva stammers, trying not to look too long.
"It's fine," Millie replies softly. "I'm used to it."
"There's no way you're used to this!" Ulva exclaims. "I don't think any spell could fix that ether."
"You're right about that," Millie says quietly, casting a small healing spell to stop the bleeding. "Life Shield Magic: Shielded Healing."
Ulva, still shaken, asks again, "Tell me how it got this way."
"There's no need to worry—"
"Nonsense! Please, tell me what happened to your hands!" Ulva's voice is firm, her eyes pleading.
Millie takes a deep breath. "The noblewoman I worked for... She found my movements too rough. To make them softer, she had me dip my hands in acid every day until they became like this." She forces a smile. "I mean, it did work out in the end, right?"
Her voice is light as if recalling a fond memory, but the weight of her words hangs heavy in the air.
Ulva shakes her head slightly, her eyes filled with disbelief. "Your tone of voice, Millie... you can't possibly feel no resentment for that. I mean, you're scarred for life," Ulva tells her.
"Resentment? No, not at all. I could never resent her for anything," Millie utters.
"What? There's no way you feel that way after she did this to you," Ulva says, pointing at Millie's hand.
"Miss Ulva, I can assure you that my well-being is inconsequential," Millie says.
"Inconsequential? How can you...?" Ulva mutters.
"I can assure you I harbor no negative feelings towards that woman, not for a second. Besides, I'm the one who—" Millie goes quiet.
"The one who what?" Ulva asks.
"My job was to ensure her safety, and although I saved her and kept her safe numerous times, I failed where it counted. I couldn't save her heart from drowning," Millie explains, her tone and expression sinking into sadness.
"How can you say that and be fine with it? Any normal person would be angry for being put through that. At least, I know I would," Ulva says. "You must be seriously damaged if you're not."
Liebe looks at Millie's face.
Millie uses her white-tinted mana to put her glove back on. "I... just can't do that," Millie says softly. Ulva sees the certainty in her eyes.
"I guess I don't understand you after all," Ulva mutters with a sigh. "With your hands like that, you can't even hold a loved one's hand without it hurting like hell," Ulva says. Millie's expression softens, but it's hard to read beyond that, and Liebe watches her closely from the tray of wine that Millie is still holding. Liebe sees Millie's cheeks turn into a soft, warm smile.
"It's all right, and thank you for trying. It means a lot, truly," Millie tells her, and Ulva locks eyes with her.
"I will find a way to help you with your back, I promise," Millie says.
"What? You really don't need to," Ulva mutters.
"I know, but I want to, so if you'll accept my selfish request to aid you?" Millie asks.
"Well, I... I will accept it if you find a way, of course," Ulva says, looking at Millie. "But what about you?" Ulva asks.
"That is insignificant," Millie says.
"Millie, how can you live your life that way?" she asks. Liebe looks at Millie, waiting for an answer...
"It's just what I've been raised to do. I don't know any other way to be," Millie replies.
"Raised to be?... Millie, is this related to the scars I helped cover up?" Ulva asks, and Millie locks eyes with her again. "Don't tell me your self-worth was beaten out of you?" Ulva asks, and Millie shakes her head.
"That's not the case, at all," Millie says with conviction, her voice still soft. "It's more like..." Millie's voice falters, and Ulva looks at her.
She sees Millie's eyes glow, and Millie looks away. Crash!
"What was that?" Ulva asks. Millie shakes her head and follows Ulva outside.
"Such accusations are unheard of! Now, Haze, unless you want to make a bigger scene, I suggest we keep this as such," Kyle warns, and Haze looks reluctant to do much of anything.
Millie walks up to them and sees the broken glass on the floor. "I'll get a mop," she hears Ulva say.
"Tsk, fine. My apologies, Mr. Menercy," Haze says reluctantly. Both men take a step back before Haze spins away, storming toward the balcony and as he does he grabs Millies hand dragging her along. "Sir?" she asks, casting a glance behind her. She sees Ulva return and start picking up the shards of glass.
Liebe flies over to Asta, who is witnessing everything. "What's going on? Do you know?" Asta asks.
"I really don't. I figured you did," Liebe says. Asta watches as Haze storms to the balcony, dragging Millie along.
"I'll talk to a few of them and try to sort things out."
"Good idea, thanks, Mimosa," Asta says as he follows along with her.
With Millie, she sees that Haze abruptly stops once they get outside, and the door closes behind them.
"Why are you still out here?" Haze asks his sister, who is standing there with her arms crossed.
"Thanks to your shenanigans and crap, both Hanna and Nicolas are pulling away from me. Now, I'll say this one more time: give up," she says.
"What?" Her demand shocks him.
"Give up on Laura and this entire pursuit. I mean it. She's just a worthless commoner like all the rest of them."
"Take that back!" Haze warns, his voice growing with anger. Millie feels his grip crushing down on her hand, and she begins to hold her breath to cope with the pain.
"I don't know what Mother filled your head with before she got sick, but—"
"Don't say a thing about Mom!" he warns, his anger rising.
"You should get her teachings out of your head. All commoners are worthless, including Laura."
"How dare you say that after everything she and her family did for us? Laura practically grew up with us!" Haze reminds her, his anger building. "Or have you forgotten?"
"Tsk, don't be an idiot. They were just leeching off our money. Besides, it's not like they were worth much in the first place."
"What? No way! Not them, not her. Laura is—"
"Dead. Now get that through your skull. And good riddance—the fewer people like her, the better. Now keep your ass and your little spy out of my business," his sister orders.
"Why? What are you going to do?" he warns, barely keeping his anger in check.
"Do what? You haven't been able to beat me before," his sister adds, releasing some of her mana. Haze remains silent, thinking things over, his grip tightening.
"Sir?" Millie asks gently.
"Well, you've both been told. Now I'll go before you blow a fuse. I can't be seen with a family deserter anyway," she says and leaves Haze and Millie alone on the balcony.
"No, he just started accusing me out of nowhere," Kyle explains to Mimosa and Asta, who are asking what happened, a few guests standing around them. "Well, that kid has been acting weird for quite a while, such a shame," a lady comments as the guests begin to murmur among themselves, whispers of rumors about Haze's family spreading through the group.
Asta hears the door to the balcony open and close. He turns his head and sees Haze's sister storm away from the balcony, leaving the party with a man and a few other ladies.
Back on the balcony with Millie and Haze: "So, did you gather anything useful?" he asks, still strongly angered as he walks over to the balcony railing. Millie recounts all the conversations she had gathered throughout the evening.
"Damn it, so this was a freaking bust," he says, growing more annoyed and clearly rattled by his sister's words, which echo in his mind: "Get it through your head—they're worthless, even her. Forget what Mother told you, they're all worthless." Haze looks down at the ring on his finger, the two butterflies holding the sharp purple gem in place between them.
"How dare she say that!" Haze mutters through gritted teeth as he grips the balcony hard, and Millie can hear his pulse quicken, his anger rising with frustration.
"Traitorous bastards, the lot of them!" he mutters through gritted teeth, as his anger rises.
"Sir?" she gently asks.
"What is it, hag?" he snaps.
"Is there any other way I can help you get the information you seek?" she asks.
"There isn't anything, nothing at all!... DAMN IT ALL!" he shouts, slamming his fist into the railing.
Millie adjusts the tray in her hands, the glasses on it gathering fog from the chilly air. (How can I ease his pain?) she wonders to herself, her eyes filled with concern.
"This is such bullshit!" he complains, gripping the railing tightly.
"Sir, is your heart hurting? I can help," she offers.
"Don't even try it, BITCH!" he snaps, and spins around, striking her with his outer arm. and the balcony door opens.
"Ugly pest!" he spits as the tray falls from her hands, the glasses shattering upon colliding whit the balcony floor. The last bit of life seems to leave Millie's eyes as her walls go way up.
"Thank you for the correction, sir," Millie softly utters, giving a respectful bow, though Haze's searing gaze remains locked on her.
"The hell is going on here?!" Asta's voice cuts through the tension, causing Haze to freeze.
"Stay out of this," Haze orders looking to Asta.
"Like hell I will!" Asta exclaims, walking up to them.
"This doesn't concern you!" Haze snaps, watching as Asta approaches. Millie looks at the shattered glass on the floor, crouching down to pick up the pieces.
"I think it does. First, you make a scene in the middle of the party—which I still need an explanation for, by the way—and then I come out here and see you strike Millie. And for what, exactly?" Asta demands.
"Tsk, she just... she just..." Haze stutters, knowing he has no good answer.
"Just what?" Asta presses.
"She got on my freaking nerves!" Haze spits back.
"Got on your nerves? You've got to be kidding me. That's your reason for striking her?" Asta's anger continues to rise.
"If that's how you treat her, there's no way I'll lend her to you again," he exclaims.
(Wait, what? He's defending me? But why?) Millie looks up at the two guys, her body beginning to tremble as fear floods her mind. (This can't... this can't happen, or else...) Millie's mind races, images of Sara flashing through her thoughts, followed by Meir's death. Then, the image of Mal, the dark mage, appears—his wide smile fixed on her after killing Meir.
"Now, how about you apologize, and maybe we can sort this out," Asta tells Haze.
"No, Master, it's all right, Sir Asta. It's all right, I swear it," Millie says, her voice quivering as she looks up from her crouched position.
"Like hell it is," Asta replies, looking at her on the floor.
"Please, it really is, M-master," she says, her voice wavering.
"See? She's fine with it," Haze says, which causes Asta to look back at him.
"The blood on her face says otherwise," Asta says, and a cold shiver shoots through Millie as she touches her cheek. (His ring must have...) she thinks to herself.
"P-please drop it," Millie begs, looking down. Asta's gaze softens as he looks at her trembling form.
"But Millie..." Asta utters, looking at her shaking profusely on the floor now.
"Tsk, I'm off anyway," Haze says, jumping off the balcony. His broom rises to meet him as he flies away.
"Hey! Get back here!" Asta yells after him.
"Master, Please, stop," Millie begs, her voice shaking, and Asta pauses. He thinks it over, looking in the direction Haze flew off, while Liebe does the same.
"Asta, what happened?" Mimosa asks.
"That's what I'd like to know," Asta says, both he and Liebe looking at Millie as she continues to pick up the shards in silence. Mimosa notices the mess on the floor.
"I'll get a mop," she says in her usual soft and caring tone before leaving.
He lets out a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck before crouching down to her.
"Millie, what happened?" he asks her gently.
"I-I'm u-uncertain, Master Asta," she stutters.
"Unclear?" Asta questions. "I don't know, tonight is... it's confusing," Millie softly utters, trying to hide the shaking in her voice, though it's still bleeding through.
(Get it together already! His kindness means nothing; it only leads to bloodshed.) She bites her tongue, trying to center herself.
Asta begins helping her, and she flinches. (No, please don't...) her inner voice screams as her hand continues to shake while picking up the shards.
(Has your sense of self-worth been beaten out of you?) Ulva's words echo in her mind as she keeps collecting the pieces. (No, it's not that... something else has been beaten into me instead,) she thinks as memories flash of Mal, the dark mage who killed Meir, of Thomsen, and of Lady Leah. She remembers their deaths—Mal lying on a cave floor, Thomsen on the ground with his katana, and Lady Leah hanging from the ceiling of her bed room. (These images of blood won't stop flooding my mind... people usually end up hurt or worse if I ever...) Millie's thoughts race as she continues working.
Asta watches her hand tremble as she picks up the pieces. (This is just like back at the beach house... her ki is filled with so much fear and anticipation, like something horrible is about to happen,) Asta thinks to himself, noticing the hairs on his arm standing up.
(Is this really the same girl who went toe to toe with a devil without flinching, but now she's flinching whenever someone is kind to her... why?) He reflects on her demeanor. (She looked so calm when Haze struck her, like she trusts that situation more.) Liebe seems to be thinking the same.
"Hey, take it easy," Asta says, hearing the shards rattling in her hands as she places them on the tray.
"Right, s-sorry, M-master. I will go a-and dispose of the shards," she apologizes, gathering the last few pieces before standing up and walking away.
"What are you apologizing for?" he asks, puzzled.
Millie stops, gathering the courage to turn to Asta. "Forgive me for being short. I don't mean to be a bother, Master. Again, I must apologize for that. Besides, I can assure you that Haze is the one in pain right now, so please, reserve your concern for him instead," she says softly, offering a warm smile before turning back and walking through the door. She passes Mimosa on her way out, leaving before Asta's mind can catch up to her words.
Mimosa watches Millie as she approaches Asta. "Is she okay? Her mana just now..." Mimosa asks, concerned.
"Yeah, I know. She gets like that sometimes. Usually, it's just tiny flinches, but sometimes she gets really shaken, like tonight," Asta explains.
"Does it have to do with what just happened?" Mimosa asks.
"No, she was completely calm during that. It wasn't until I started defending and helping her that her ki shifted," he says. (It's one of the only times I get to sense her ki so clearly,) Asta thinks, still concerned.
(The idiot's right,) Liebe muses. (She handles threats and damage just fine, but...)
"I'm kind of surprised you didn't go after Haze just now," Mimosa comments. "It looked like you had more to say to him."
"Oh, don't worry, I'll still have a word with him. But Millie seemed so rattled that I figured it was best to respect her feelings for now," Asta says, looking up at the clouds in the sky.
(Aw, that's my Asta, he's so thoughtful,) Mimosa thinks with a smile.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Millie places the shards into an empty bucket and leans against the wall.
(Why do my walls come down so easily? They were so far up after the strike. But somehow, he pulled them down and I...) Milli's breath keeps shaking ("Please, stop being nice to me,") her mind begs, wanting to fall apart. But after taking a few deep breaths, she pulls herself together. (I'll need to calm down before trying to reach him again. I truly hope that Haze will be alright.) She finishes cleaning the tray, sets it aside, grabs a new one, and heads back out to serve in the ballroom.
Back on the balcony, Asta and Mimosa are still trying to piece things together.
"Right now, I just wish I had some clue as to what's going on," Asta says.
"Actually, I might have an idea, though I'm unsure how accurate the information is," Mimosa says.
"You do?" Asta asks, surprised.
"Well, yes. There's been some falling out between the houses, and it seems like Haze is at the center of it," Mimosa explains.
"Why is that?" Asta asks.
"Well, they're just rumors, but Haze seems to believe something is going on. He's been accusing some highly respected nobles, almost blaming them for his family's loss of financial grip and business over the past few years," she explains.
"Really? Is there any truth to his claims?" Asta asks.
"I'm sorry, I don't have any more details. I believe only Haze and a few others know the full story," Mimosa says, and Asta glances in the direction Haze flew.
"We should head inside, it's freezing," she says.
"Yeah, I can even see my breath," Asta replies, and they both head indoors.
They continue talking with the guests and thing moves on smoothly for the rest of the evening. and soon enough the party comes to an end. and Asta walks up watching Mimosa greet a few guests and thanking them for the evening.
She turns to Asta and smiles "Well, that was the last of them. Thank you for being with me today," Mimosa says.
"Hey, no problem, it was mostly fun," Asta says, his eyes drifting toward the kitchen door. He sees Millie walk through it, carrying trays filled with dirty glasses.
"So, what happens now?" Asta asks turning his eyes back to Mimosa.
"Well, my duty here is done, so I'll head to the castle. I need to speak with my family about tonight before heading back to the Golden Dawn residence," she says, and Asta follows her outside.
"What about this residence?" Asta asks.
"Minnie is in charge of making sure everything is tidied up and locked down once we're done," Mimosa explains.
"Got it," Asta says and soon they both walk together through the capital, chatting whit each other.
"Oh, by the way, have you heard? The spectral beasts are rising up again," Mimosa tells him.
"What? Seriously? It's like no matter what we do, we can't seem to get to the source of those things," Asta replies, sounding frustrated.
"I know, you're right, but some knights have been sent out to investigate," she says, looking a bit concerned.
"I will be fine; we can handle it," Asta says, trying to lift her spirits. "I know, it's just with the way things are and the rumors about the Diamond Kingdom and the research facilities," Mimosa utters. "I thought they said they stopped those."
"Yes, they did, or so we thought," Mimosa mentions.
"Huh?" Asta asks.
"It's probably too early to say, but on our last mission with Yuno and Klaus, we discovered a facility close to the border of the strong magic region and the Forbidden Forest that seemed to still be in use. But anyone in there ended their own life before we got a chance to capture or ask them anything," Mimosa mentions.
"What? Seriously?" Asta asks in horror and worry.
"Sadly, yes, and the information gathered hints at more facilities being mentioned, but their exact locations are still uncertain," Mimosa elaborates.
"You don't suppose that they are linked, do you? I mean, I heard mention of a guy controlling golems way beyond his power and means with the help of some crystal. I mean, the Diamond Kingdom used crystals in their human experiments, and if so, you don't think... well?"
"I don't know; it sounds like too many things are too uncertain by the sound of it," Asta says.
"You are absolutely right; it is still too early to draw any major conclusions as of yet," Mimosa replies.
"Brr, it is cold. It will definitely snow tonight," Mimosa mentions.
"You think so?" Asta asks, looking at the clouds forming in the distance.
"Well, there is a hint of frost hanging in the air," she adds.
"You are right; it does. But isn't it too early in the year?" Asta says.
"It is. On top of that, getting this cold in the royal capital, which lies so close to the shore, is especially weird," Mimosa adds.
"You are right. The warm mana currents usually keep the southern part of our kingdom at a decent temperature year-round," Asta mentions.
"Yes, but the mana..." Mimosa utters as her thoughts drift inside her mind.
"What is it?" Asta asks.
"I know you can't feel it, and it is quite subtle even for me, but the mana all over the kingdom feels way colder somehow," she adds.
''It does?'' he asks. ''yeah but it is probably nothing, you know nature'' Mimosa says brushing it off. ''Ye you are probably right'' Asta replies with a bright smile.
"Well, here we are, the royal gate. Thank you for walking me all the way," Mimosa says with a smile.
"Sure thing, it was actually pretty nice to catch up properly," Asta admits.
"Yes, it really was. Well, thank you again. I'll be seeing you," she says, waving at him, blushing slightly when he waves back.
She giggles as she turns to walk away and she soon disappear into the doors of the royal gates.
"Huh, did I do something weird?" Asta asks, scratching his head.
"No clue," Liebe mutters.
"Well, it's seriously late, time to head back," Asta says, turning to leave as he takes his hand on his grimoar.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Liebe teases.
"Huh? Forgetting what?" Asta asks, in surprise.
"A certain furball," Liebe hints and Astas face draws a blank for a moment...
"Oh... right! Millie! I totally forgot about her," Asta exclaims.
"How did you forget?" Liebe asks incredulously.
"Well, a lot just happened," Asta defends.
"Uh-huh," Liebe replies sarcastically.
"Hey, give me a break! I know you think that too," Asta protests.
"Yes, but I can still keep up, idiot," Liebe retorts.
"Oh, we're back to that again?" Asta says, before chuckling.
Liebe laughs, and Asta stops, smiling.
"Well, let's go get her; then we can head back. I still have a word to pick with Haze," he says, walking in the quiet evening as everything has settled down. No sound can be heard as the capital has gone to sleep for the night.
He takes in the serene view of the capital, bathed in moonlight. "Wow, I rarely walk around this late at night. It looks so peaceful," Asta mutters.
"If this gets any cheesier, I might puke," Liebe grumbles.
"Huh? Hey, I know you thought the same thing," Asta replies, heading into the residence.
"As if," Liebe says, blushing slightly.
"Ah, your face says otherwise," Asta teases.
"Huh? I think you're seeing things," Liebe pushes back.
"Nah," Asta says, opening the door to the ballroom. He stops in his tracks when he sees the room sparkling clean. Millie is scrubbing a sponge in a bucket of soapy water.
"Millie? Have you been working this whole time?" Asta asks, surprised.
"That I have, Master," she replies, standing up and picking up the bucket.
"But why?" he asks, puzzeled.
"I was never told to stop, so..." she says, her eyes widening. "I'm confused... was I not supposed to?" she asks, worry creeping into her voice.
"Well, I... don't know," Asta replies, scratching his head.
Millie raises an eyebrow, uncertain about what he means.
"I don't know what kind of orders Haze gave you, and you were following him when you were told to work here," Asta explains.
"Millie, are you done in there?" a voice calls from the kitchen.
"That I am, ma'am," Millie replies.
"Good. I've checked the other rooms, locked up, and everything else is finished. We're heading out now," the woman says as she walks in. "Oh, my apologies, I didn't realize we still had a guest."
"I'm not really a guest. I'm here to bring Millie with me," Asta clarifies.
"I see. Well, sir, if you don't mind, you can use the same exit as us," the woman offers.
"Sure thing," Asta says, walking with them. Millie empties the bucket into a sink, washes her hands, and joins the rest in the back of the manor.
"Right, that's everyone. Thank you all for your work today, you've done well," the lady says, and the staff nods, mounting their brooms before flying off.
"So, Millie, are you ready?" Asta asks, turning to her and offering his shoulder.
"Of course," Millie replies, transforming into her cat form and hopping onto his shoulder. Asta summons his sword from his grimoire, and they fly off.
Later, they land by the hideout, just as the light in the mess hall is being turned off. Asta puts his sword away.
"Looks like everyone's headed for bed," he says, walking inside. Millie jumps to the ground and returns to her human form.
"Oh, hey, Asta! I was just heading to bed," Magna says as they enter.
"Seriously? Guess it is really late," Asta replies, looking a bit surprised.
"I take it the party was a success, since you're back this late?" Magna asks.
"It was, mostly," Asta says.
"Mostly?" Magna questions.
"Yeah, I'll fill you in tomorrow," Asta promises.
"I see. Well, later then. It's freezing, and I'm heading to a warm bed," Magna says, walking into the hideout.
"Right," Asta says, turning back. "Oh, Millie, are you coming?" he asks.
"Well, I-..." Millie's eyes dart between Asta and Liebe.
"Not right now. I'll be doing some reading," she says.
"What? This late?" Asta asks, surprised. Millie simply nods.
"Well, alright," he says, letting it go, though Liebe's eyes narrows at her.
Asta heads to his room, undresses, and climbs into bed. "Good night, Liebe," he says.
"Good night," Liebe replies, and soon enough, the room grows quiet and It doesn't take long before Asta's snoring fills the room as falling asleep is never a problem for him.
In his small form, Liebe flies to the window and looks out. He sees Millie sitting on her branch in her cat form, with a book hovering close to her face while a small white flame hanging close to her head.
(I'm certain I've read about this somewhere,) Millie thinks to herself, flipping through the pages. Her mind drifts to memories of Haze's face earlier. (He's in pain. I have to find some way to help him,) she thinks, lost in thought. wanting nothing more than to find a solution for Hazes situation.
Liebe returns to the bed and lays there for quite a while, unable to sleep as thoughts of the day swirl in his mind, as memories of the day surface of them in the kitchen, when Millie was talking to Ulva. ... "Inconsequential, huh?" he mutters to himself, flying back to the window. He notices snow beginning to fall.
(Well, Mimosa called it,) he thinks, watching the flakes drift down. His gaze shifts to Millie, now in her cat form on the branch. He sees her sneeze before curling up and resting her head.
Liebe remembers back to the first night.
"I'll stay out of your way," she had said, flying down to the branch she's used ever since. "I don't usually get to sleep inside."
"Of course, I don't have any qualms about that. I know my place," Millie had said, her voice resigned.
Lying there in the quiet room, Liebe grits his teeth. "My well-being is insignificant. Besides, my physical pain could never compare to someone's heart hurting. I only wish that I was able to save her," he thinks, frustration boiling inside him.
"Damn it."
Unable to stay still any longer, Liebe gets out of bed and silently leaves the room through the window. He flies down to Millie's branch and turns to full size. Millie seems too preoccupied with the book in front of her to notice him. She lets out a small yelp as Liebe suddenly picks her up by the scruff of her neck.
"Sir? I'm confused. Is there anything I can do for you?" she asks, her voice steady but filled with confusion. Liebe says nothing, remaining silent as he leaps down from the branch, carrying her with him. She doesn't resist, simply accepting it.
(''Maybe after this my head can get some rest'') he thinks to him self.
Once back in Asta's room, Liebe tosses her onto the bed with little ceremony.
"Sir?" Millie asks softly, glancing at him as he shrinks back to his smaller form and settles down beside Asta.
"Just don't talk about it," he says, cutting her off before she can say more.
"Right... thank you," she replies, her words sincere—too sincere. It makes Liebe pause, and he turns his gaze to her as she lays down by the foot of the bed.
(So far, her words and actions match up...) he thinks, studying her, though the rest of the thought lingers in silence.