Author's Note: Hello! So this will be the first and only pre-chapter note. Before we start, a few warnings/disclaimers/things worth mentioning:

1) I started this story just as ZZZ version 1.1 launched, and I finished it as Burnice is about to land on the banner for 1.2. So this story has had to be modified a little. If you catch any inconsistencies, don't be shy and let me know. Also, all hail King Caesar.

2) This story assumes the reader is caught up through Chapter Four's "Tour de Inferno" arc. There are also references to specific trust events with Von Lycaon and his Agent story. Also a few other character specific story mentions. Qingyi is the one that comes to mind at the moment. I've lost track honestly. Just assume there will be spoilers if you're not caught up in the game as of Version 1.2. And may I offer my sincerest condolences if you play Zenless but are Lycaon-less. I can't even imagine.

3) We all know we pick our MC in the game, but this story works on a more divided work dynamic between Wise and Belle. And Belle is obviously the MC here.

4) This will be the "clean version" of this fic. There's only one explicit chapter, and it's way down there. If you want to read it, it'll be on AO3 under my pseud AffinityTheBard, and I'll mention it in advance. I tried to keep it non-plot focused, so you won't miss much if you don't read it.

Done rambling!

Chapter One: Unusual Request

"Belle, come down here!"

Belle cracked an eye open and felt around her pillow for her phone. Seven AM. Really? Really? Why was Wise bothering her at seven in the morning? Nevermind that she'd tossed and turned half the night, so she was sort of awake already. Her brother knew she'd closed the store at midnight, and just the night before she'd taken Proxy duty solo with Belebog so he could go video shopping with Billy and Anby at some black market place near Cretan Hollow.

Belle pulled the comforter back over her head. Wise could wait an hour.

Footsteps. Then three heavy knocks landed on her bedroom door. Or not.

"Go away," she moaned. "Whatever it is, do it without me."

"Come on, Belle," Wise's muffled voice followed. "I know it's early, but there's a commission we need to talk to you about."

Of course it was a commission. And thanks to their still lesser known proxy account and Fairy's gluttonous utility usage, they needed every denny they could get. Damn it.

Wait. Her brain fog cleared, just a little. "We? Who's the client?" Belle asked as she finally shoved her blanket down and stretched across her bed, yawning.

"Victoria Housekeeping."

Belle jolted up, suddenly very awake and aware of her baggy pajama onesie and phenomenal bedhead. She had done many commissions, both official and not so much, for members of New Eridu's most elusive specialized service company. Certain clients like Victoria Housekeeping also knew that, despite the new lower level account, Phaethon were still very much active Proxies, even if their old data was gone. Receiving a request wasn't surprising, really. But if this job was another official commission from Victoria Housekeeping, then that meant only their lead representative would be here at this ungodly hour to finalize the deal with Phaethon.

"Lycaon is here? Like…right now?"

"Yep, in all his glory." God, she hated the way Wise chuckled saying that. Like he knew.

It was too early for him to start teasing her about a schoolgirlish crush she absolutely did not have. Yet Belle had already crossed the room, shoved her hood down, and began arranging her wild locks in the mirror before she even realized what she was doing. Crap.

The real problem? Wise was sort of right. It had been a crush in the beginning. Belle's current dilemma was that somewhere along the way, the crush had made a silent exit and let the big girl feelings take over.

"Whatever. I'm coming down. Just give me a few minutes," Belle huffed as she moved into her closet. "And stop laughing!"

Wise laughed, the jerk. "We'll be waiting downstairs for you. Oh, he brought a whole coffee and pastry setup as a way to," Wise cleared his throat and tried to drop his voice an octave, "apologize for calling on you at such an early hour."

"Worst voice imitation ever," Belle snapped over her shoulder.

"Okay, okay. Just try to hurry up. You know how seriously Lycaon takes his coffee service. You wouldn't want it to get cold and disappoint him."

Belle answered that unnecessary comment by throwing her slipper at a mental image of Wise's face. Even over the loud thwap against her door, she heard Wise snicker again at his own joke before his footsteps padded away. Belle began rummaging through her clothes in double-time with one hand while she hand combed through her hair with the other hand.

Fifteen minutes of rushed effort to rejoin the realm of presentable humanity, and Belle finally trotted down the stairs into the small sales floor of Random Play. The main area, usually clear for customer traffic, had a silver rolling table set up against the sales counter covered with a pristine lace tablecloth. On it, at least a half-dozen single-serving foil pastry boxes, still tied closed with string and emblazoned with the logo of an elite local bakery across town. Beside those she saw a gleaming decanter that smelled like heaven in a coffee pot. Two smaller containers for the cream and sugar with serving utensils and petite stirring spoons. A matching set of porcelain cups and delicate saucers.

Yes, Belle stopped halfway down the stairs to admire the service. She didn't stop at all because of the handsome wolf thiren - he was objectively handsome, it was simply a fact and not an opinion, thank you very much - currently providing said service as he prepared one of the cups with coffee. Added a perfect dollop of cream and two sugar cubes, stirring it with practiced grace. Grace that, frankly, made zero sense considering Von Lycaon's body proportions. How anyone that stood six and a half feet tall with two battle-ready prosthetic legs and hands the size of her head could even use those spoons defied every natural law. Belle never would believe it possible if she hadn't seen the man up close and personal performing a few tangential attendant duties over the past several months. Especially compared to her brother, who was leaning on the sales counter with half a croissant stuffed in his cheeks. She'd always thought Wise was average height and build. Beside Lycaon, though, her brother just looked scrawny, even though Lycaon was hunched over at the moment.

Then Lycaon straightened his back and did a quick about-face towards her. Even on the fourth stair, Belle was eye to eye with him.

"Good morning, Madam Proxy," Lycaon said, bowing formally before coming back to full height. He frowned ever so slightly. "I already did so with Master Wise, but allow me to apologize once again. Please forgive me, that I did not message you in advance of such an early intrusion. I did not consider that you would still be at rest upon my arrival."

Yeah, Wise had nothing on that voice. That voice was worth getting up at seven in the morning for. Would she tell Wise that? Absolutely not. She also wouldn't mention that it bugged her a little (a lot), that Lycaon apparently contacted Wise instead of her.

She hid it with a smile and shrugged. "No worries. You always tell us you're available anytime if we need you, so the least we can do is return the favor, right?"

Lycaon dipped his head deferentially. "As always, you honor me with such sentiments, Madam Proxy." He motioned to the table. "I fear it is minimal, but please accept this small token of my gratitude, that you would allow me your attention at such an unsightly hour."

Right, the breakfast spread. Belle realized she was still standing on the stairs like an idiot, so she hopped down the rest of the way as Lycaon presented the prepared coffee to her. Belle took the cup and saucer carefully. Her eyes closed as she took in the aroma.

"This is amazing," Belle said after her first sip. "As always, you really do know your coffee."

"I am relieved it is to your liking. Please, have a pastry as well." Lycaon turned back to the table, considering the boxes. "I fear the selection was limited due to my hasty request at the bakery. I could only acquire strawberry tarts, palmiers with a light lemon glaze, and of course chocolate croissants for the young Master."

And again, if someone asked Belle what her dying meal would be, it would be loaded spicy pork ramen with a side of strawberry anything and lemon-glazed palmiers for dessert. Her brother, on the other hand, would die in a pile of chocolate. Lycaon's attention to detail remained unmatched. She wanted to ask how he could remember every little detail about his clients.

Instead she said, "Are you kidding? If you weren't here, I probably would have grabbed a stale danish from the convenience store or something."

Lycaon's head and tail snapped up simultaneously. "Would you prefer such an offering, Madam Proxy? If you'll wait but a moment, I will procure -"

"No, no, it's okay!" Belle knew how fast those prosthetic legs of his could move, so she rushed forward and grabbed Lycaon's sleeve with her free hand before she even realized the action. Unfortunately doing so also comprised her coffee balancing act - her balance in general really, thank you clumsy gene. The half filled cup teetered on its plate and tipped towards her chest.

So she was gonna have sticky burnt cleavage from coffee dripping down her shirt to start her day. All in front of Lycaon. Fantastic.

Before the embarrassing disaster could play out, Belle felt a gloved palm cover the back of her hand and right the cup, steadying it and pulling it away from her skin. He'd also rushed forward and, probably just to keep from jostling her even more, placed his other hand perfectly on her left hip to balance her. She and Lycaon practically had a routine to deal with her random acts of inelegance these days. Early on in their friendship, such an act would have left her a bumbling mess. Now Lycaon's careful touch felt safe and warm, even if the yearning it created hurt a little at the same time.

"Madam Proxy," Lycaon's concerned voice came from somewhere above her. Hard to tell when she was caught up in her own headspace. "You did not burn yourself, did you?"

Bella still didn't trust her own voice, didn't dare look up, so she just shook her head no at the floor.

Lycaon hadn't moved away yet, so the breath he released ruffled her hair a little. "I am relieved. It seems my impulsive actions have jeopardized your safety." Finally he retrieved the coffee and removed his other hand, taking a full step back and placing her cup on the table. "Please forgive me. It was an egregious error on my part."

Belle wasn't sure what to say to that. She'd also totally forgotten that her brother was at the counter watching the whole thing until he snickered.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about my sister, Lycaon," Wise piped up, every word just dripping with innuendo she prayed Lycaon wouldn't recognize. "Pretty sure she's okay. Besides," Wise smirked behind his own coffee cup, "you know Belle has two left feet and the grace of a bear thiren most days."

Belle's head snapped up and her mouth fell open. "Excuse you!" she shot back, craning her neck around Lycaon's thick chest. Oh, Wise was in for it. She wasn't the one who fell out of bed while watching his evening soap operas.

Lycaon's throaty hum interrupted her intended insult. Belle clamped her jaw shut and looked up. Lycaon rubbed his chin as he stared at, what? Was Lycaon looking at her socks?

"I see," Lycaon muttered. "I am embarrassed that my knowledge about Madam Proxy is so lacking. I was unaware that humans could be created with 'two left feet.' My apologies for making such assumptions."

"No no, sorry, Lycaon," Wise interjected quickly. "I forget that you - nevermind." Wise shook his head. "Belle's feet are normal. I just meant she's super clumsy all on her own."

"Ah, so it was a figure of speech?" Lycaon turned to get confirmation from Wise before turning back to Belle fully, nodding once. "Understood. Madam Proxy is clumsy despite having proper foot orientation. Thank you for clearing up this misunderstanding on my part."

Wise was practically wheezing, but Belle was too busy studying Lycaon's face now to bother with her brother. Lycaon, like most thirens who presented with more prominent animal characteristics, had facial expressions that could be nearly impossible to read to the unpracticed human eye. This particular thiren hid his reactions even better than most when he chose.

Yeah, this wasn't one of those times. The corners of Lycaon's mouth curved upward ever so slightly. The tuft of fur above his visible red eye seemed just a little higher than normal. His ears twitched, and his tail swooshed twice before settling back to rest behind him.

It was their first rooftop rendezvous all over again, when Lycaon ran into her when she was wandering around town because she couldn't sleep. The night she'd nearly face planted on that roof, and she'd caught Lycaon subtly making fun of her for it. He'd denied it before using the full moon as an excuse for his obvious amusement at her expense, but she knew.

Thank God she'd never told Wise about it, and since Lycaon had his back to her brother, he couldn't see the wolf thiren's face or the indication that there may be a private joke in there somewhere.

Knowing Lycaon's exceptional hearing would catch it, she muttered, "You bully, I think you enjoy teasing me."

Lycaon's ears twitched again as he leaned down just a little, probably not enough for Wise to even notice. His response rumbled low, soft, a strange cross between a growl and a purr to Belle's ears "Alas, my lady, I would never." And sure, he might have just blinked - especially with the eyepatch configuration that completely covered his right eye - but she knew better. Wow, Belle felt Lycaon's wink jolt through her system all the way to her toes. She didn't get those very often.

Lycaon returned to his more familiar stoic professionalism just as Belle managed to hide the shock on her face. He cleared his throat and smoothed his vest. "Pray forgive me, Master Proxies. It seems I've distracted us from the critical business for which I came. If you would allow me?"

Lycaon reached out and took Belle's arm lightly, guiding her to the table and orienting her so that she and Wise were both facing him directly and within easy reach to serve them properly. "Please enjoy the remaining offerings at your leisure while I trouble you with the details of my… somewhat unusual request."


Two hours later, the only evidence that anyone had come in prior to opening were the store's freshly cleaned surfaces. Wise had the presence of mind to text Heddy and ask her to help run the video rental operation, explaining that they had to deal with some stuff.

Yeah, stuff. Belle's head swam with all the stuff they were going to be dealing with.

According to Lycaon, the senior members of the TOPS Alliance had been invited to a private event, hosted by The White Star Institute. Which corresponded with a specific task Victoria Housekeeping received from "their primary benefactor" - Lycaon's exact words. Beyond that, the stoic thiren never revealed the name, but that hardly mattered to Belle or Wise. This benefactor had to be one of those TOPS members or an incredibly high-level government official, as Lycaon himself was charged with attending as his master's surrogate.

When Wise had asked why a powerful member of TOPS wouldn't attend such a secret and obviously important gathering in person, Lycaon had simply said, "They are indisposed presently," and made it clear just with his tone that no further explanation would follow. But Belle didn't need to know anything else. Everyone had their own agendas. Phaethon was no exception.

Belle knew she and Fairy had to be there, especially since Fairy's robust search for anything about the event or the players involved came up empty. Powerful organizations in New Eridu had plenty of shady dealings, sure, but rumors ran rampant along the Inter-Knot's information network. Any indication that someone in power was involved in something, legit or not, and the message boards would be covered in discussions and conspiracy theories. The fact such an event had remained completely quiet provided all the testimony Belle needed to know to the meeting's importance. One look at her brother's face as Lycaon spoke, and they were in agreement.

When Lycaon had stated the event would be held at a location within Hollow Zero, Belle understood why Lycaon had come to them with this job. Navigating Hollow Zero was tricky with standard carrot data, even with an AI assist. Sure, Victoria Housekeeping had its own resources, but Lycaon admitted that both Phaethon's navigation tools and information processing power had proven far superior to those he could access alone. Lycaon had no clue that their HDD as well as Eous, its companion bangboo, were one of a kind. Now that Fairy was fully integrated into that system...

Well, Fairy was not a standard AI assistant.

Lycaon had his secrets; they had theirs. It was something Belle desperately wanted to change.

Belle had immediately agreed to use Eous to escort Lycoan to the meeting. It made sense; she was the one directly linked with Fairy, after all. Wise had access, sure, but Belle held the contract with the AI under their ambiguous 'user agreement.' So when Lycaon had shuffled slightly and requested Wise to take on the task of controlling Eous instead, she'd almost exploded. Almost. Until Lycaon made his second request.

"Madam Proxy, please understand that I require your presence in another form. One that is most critical if I am to fulfill one of my master's specific requests."

"And what request is that?" Belle had huffed. So she'd sounded snappy. First he'd snubbed her on his last-minute visit and now this. Sue her.

If Belle didn't know better, she would have thought Lycaon looked mildly embarrassed in that moment. "You see, my master requested that I bring a trusted companion to this event. And as it seems some of our personal objectives are aligned…"

A trusted companion.

Lycaon had continued speaking, offering apologies of some long-winded sort or another and answering questions that Wise still had the mental capacity to form in order to finalize the commission details. Which was good, because Belle's brain had checked out, her metal cursor stuck on one thing.

Lycaon's mystery 'master' had basically ordered him to bring a plus-one. To a top secret meeting.

So she had kinda agreed to be Lycaon's date.

"Earth to Belle," Wise said, snapping his fingers in front of her face and forcing her back to the present. "Are you okay? You've been spaced out for a while. You're not sick from all those carbs you ate, are you?"

Belle rubbed her eyes and looked up at her brother. She'd curled up on the staff room sofa as soon as Lycaon left and hadn't moved in who knew how long. Their computer system whirred to life; Fairy's trademark icon lit up the main screen.

"Searching for symptoms of increased glucose levels due to high carbohydrate consumption," Fairy announced. "Results show a symptom called brain fog is a common indicator. Master, it is recommended that you eat more fiber and drink plenty of water. If symptoms persist, emergency services are advised. Should I initiate the request?"

Belle shook her head and sat up straighter. She didn't have time to remain shell shocked. "No, Fairy, I don't need you to call anyone. I'm okay."

"Then I will remain on standby," Fairy replied.

Her brother didn't look convinced, and even Fairy's digital tone sounded skeptical. The assumption that her computer's AI would cop an attitude might have seemed weird months ago. Now it was just another day.

"Really, guys, I'm fine," Belle assured them both. "I'm just thinking about this commission. I mean, this could be what we've been waiting for." Understatement of the year.

Wise plopped down beside her. "I thought we lucked out when the government started inviting private Hollow investigators to complete exploration missions and giving us access to bits and pieces of their carrot info. This, though?" Wise took a deep breath and let it out. "This is a whole different level. It's a once in a lifetime chance."

"Yeah," Belle replied off-handedly. Belle understood the massive opportunity in front of them.

"Listen, sis, I know you agreed to going in as Lycaon's partner, but you didn't exactly sound excited about it." She glanced over to be sure, but Wise wasn't teasing her this time. He was being the protective brother, because he'd misinterpreted her meltdown as indecision. "Are you sure you're up for this?"

Belle grinned, trying to lighten her brother's heavy mood. She used her shoulder to bump into his side, swaying him slightly. "You worried about me or something?"

"Of course I am," Wise confirmed. He looked at his lap and grimaced. "Hollow Zero is dangerous on a good day. We use Eous to go in there for a reason. Our job isn't to put our physical bodies in the path of ethereals and whatever else could kill or corrupt us inside there."

Belle took a deep breath. Everything he said was true, except…

"But we also agreed that if we ever got a concrete lead and a safe way to pursue it -"

"- that we would do whatever it took to see it through," Wise finished for her. "I remember."

"Now we have both," Belle replied. "There's no way I'd pass this up." Wise still didn't look convinced, so Belle pulled a leg up so she could face her brother fully and gave his knee a firm squeeze. "Look, I know you're used to working with Nicole's crew, so you haven't done many commissions with Victoria Housekeeping. Trust me, I'll be plenty safe with them nearby."

Wise searched her face for a moment before nodding. "As long as you're ok with all this."

"One hundred percent," Belle confirmed.

Wise paused, taking a deep breath. "And what about Lycaon?"

Belle tensed defensively. "What about him? I told you -"

"That you're safe with his people," Wise interrupted. "But I'm talking about him." Her brother apparently read the indignation on her face and held up his hands defensively. "Look, we're gonna ignore whatever feelings you've got for the guy. We hardly know anything about him personally, and according to Fairy, he's basically a ghost who popped into existence right as the old Capital fell ten years ago."

Belle rolled her eyes. "If that's all it takes, then half of the population of New Eridu is sus. Hell, Fairy said we don't have official public records that date pre-Capital either!"

Wise grimaced. "The rest of the population didn't just personally invite you to go with him to a secret supervillain meeting."

"What can I say? I guess I'm just lucky," Belle quipped.

Her brother leaned in just a little. "Sure, if you say so. Which is why I'm asking you, not if you like him or if you'll be safe with him in a Hollow. I'm asking you if you trust him?"

"I do." Belle didn't hesitate. "I trust him. Completely."

Wise studied her face for several tense minutes. Then, seemingly satisfied, his entire body relaxed beside her. A heartbeat later, there was that damn smirk again.

"Now that that's settled… Hey, Fairy," Wise called over his shoulder, "can you do a search for any tips that Belle's gonna need for going on a first date with a male wolf thiren?"

"Of course," Fairy immediately replied as the system whirred to life again.

Belle's jaw dropped and she shoved Wise hard into the armrest, even though she appreciated her brother's attempt at levity after a somewhat uncomfortable discussion. "It's not a date!"

"Processing. There is an excess of material related to thiren relationships. Refining search to include only entries related to fully-mature wolf thirens."

Wise snorted. "Lycaon is definitely that." Belle replied by smacking his arm again, harder this time.

"I have compiled two categories of material for review. Both have been uploaded to Master's private device."

Oh God, now Fairy was jumping on the train too.

"The first category contains links to pertinent documented medical and cultural data available on male wolf thirens," Fairy continued matter-of-factly. "The second category contains associated links to speculative mature relational material called fanfiction."

Wise burst out laughing. Yep, that was enough disrespect for one day.

"Also, Master, I sorted the selection of fanfiction to exclude items already bookmarked on your device," Fairy added. "You're welcome."

Belle picked up what dignity she had left and stood over her brother's stupid hunched form. "I hate both of you. Just for that, you," she shoved her finger into Wise's shoulder, which only made him laugh harder, "can do the prep work by yourself. I'm going back to bed."

"Sure thing. I'd hate to interrupt your research," Wise snickered.


After doing some actual research - from Category One only - and taking a quick nap, Belle eyed the clock and decided there was no more delaying the inevitable. She wanted plenty of time to prepare. According to the plan, one of the ladies from Victoria Housekeeping would bring Belle everything she needed to accompany Lycaon into the hollow a couple hours before he would arrive to escort her. All she had to do was bathe and wait for them to do the rest.

Belle had just thrown on a bathrobe and was towel drying her hair when someone, way more considerate than her brother for sure, lightly knocked against her bedroom door that she'd left ajar.

Rina had her back turned politely. "Lady Belle? May we come in, dear?"

"Sure," Belle replied, hanging her towel up quickly. "I haven't dried my hair yet, though. Just give me a couple minutes…"

"Oh, that's perfect!" Rina exclaimed as she spun around, clasping her hands to her chest. "It will make styling it much easier!"

Before Belle could register the comment, Rina ordered her companion Bangboo pair to stay in the hallway while she glided into Belle's bedroom, followed by Corin. More accurately, the bottom half of Corin, because the rest of her was hidden behind an enormous black trunk in her arms. Except for her chainsaw of course, which strapped to her back, peeked above the lid. Belle had seen the petite teen carry similar loads multiple times, and it still shocked her. But not as much as the echoing THWUMP! the trunk made when it hit the floor.

"Corin, please be careful," Rina admonished gently. "We are already intruding so much upon our esteemed hosts."

Corin looked horrified at her own mistake. The girl jumped back and started bowing so low in Belle's direction it made Belle's own back ache. "I'm sorry, Madam Proxy!" Corin cried, her head almost at her knees. "I-I didn't mean to drop it. I'm so sorry!"

Belle forced her heart rate back down. Rina had said something, but Belle lost her train of thought. "It's fine, Corin. That had to be awful to carry up all those stairs!"

Corin shot up like a rocket. "Oh no, Madam Proxy, it was no trouble at all! And I-I hope it's okay that I came. When Master Lycaon told us about the event, I a-asked if I could come help! I-Is that all right?"

Belle rolled her eyes. The teen had to be the single sweetest (super)human being ever. "I told you, Corin, you're always welcome to come visit whenever you want. I'm glad you're here."

Corin's cheeks turned pink as she clutched her apron in her hands. "Th-thank you so much for having me! I'll do my best!" She bowed again.

"As expected of Lady Belle. Always so gracious," Rina cooed as she glanced around the room. She tapped one slim finger against her chin a few times. Then she nodded once. "It's decided then. Corin, if you would please, prepare both Lady Belle's bedroom and bathroom to be ready upon her return while I prepare her for the evening's activities."

"Oh! Ye-yes ma'am. I'll get started right away!" Corin chirped, heading for the trunk with a determined look on her young face.

Belle almost told Corin not to worry about cleaning until the pair of maids started unpacking. Instead she gaped like land trapped fish while Rina and Corin pulled out a plethora of cleaning supplies, which Corin collected in a single armload, stumbling into the hallway and presumably toward the bathroom. But then came garment bags, shoe boxes, makeup pallets, hair products, jewelry boxes…

Wait, what? "Uhhhh, Rina?"

"Yes, dear?"

Belle swallowed hard. Something didn't add up. Both her bed and sofa were quickly being covered with various and clearly expensive items. "What is all this stuff? This, um, this doesn't look like normal hollow gear."

Rina cocked her head slightly as she smoothed out another bag. "Really?" Rina looked genuinely perplexed. Belle felt that on a spiritual level. "Well, I can assure you that every item Sir Lycaon requested for tonight's event has an ether resistance rating that meets Victoria Housekeeping's highest client standards."

Belle eyed the spread one more time. Not that she didn't trust Rina, but was all this stuff really meant for going into a Hollow?

Rina clapped her hands and then took Belle by the shoulders, guiding her to one of the only empty chairs left which, notably, faced away from any possible reflective surface and adjacent to what could only be called a hair and makeup station. Once she seated Belle down, Rina stood over Belle with a cordless hair dryer. A slim tendril of electricity shot from Rina's pointer finger to the base of it, turning it on. With a kind smile, Rina pushed a damp lock of hair from Belle's face.

"I'm so confused right now," Belle muttered under her breath.

"Please, do relax, Lady Belle," Rina requested kindly. "We should begin if we are to stay on schedule. We wouldn't want to be late for Sir Lycaon's arrival."

What in the world had she gotten herself into?