After I said those words, his demeanor shifted. He became sharper — his movements more calculated, more refined.

  But it still wasn't enough.

  At least he'd dropped the permanent scowl.

  My internal clock told me it was lunchtime.

  "Let's take a break."

  "…" He nodded. Of course he didn't speak — he couldn't.

  There was a shaded spot with a bench near the training grounds. I settled there naturally, working through the bologna sandwiches Jane had packed for me.

  I glanced down at my hands. This body — strengthened by divine power and the Philosopher's Stone — could tear a rift in the earth if I wanted it to.

  In the distance, Peter stood staring at me. I gestured for him to come over. He jogged across like an eager puppy, eyes big and earnest, which made things awkward since he couldn't speak and had been standing in full sun.

  "Sit," I said.

  He immediately sat down on the ground.

  "Not there — on the bench." I patted the seat. He shot up and planted himself beside me. A little too beside me, if I'm being honest — practically pressed against my side, head lowered.

  I handed him a sandwich and smirked. "Cheer up, Bozo."

  He didn't look anything like the "Bloody Prince" people talked about.

  He looked like someone experiencing kindness for the first time. He took the sandwich with reluctant hands and then devoured it like a chipmunk.

  I couldn't help but chuckle watching him. He caught my amusement and glanced sideways at me, wary — which only made me laugh harder.

  It's fun teasing him, I thought, tilting my head back toward the sky.

  "Lady Nephi!" Jane came bounding across the grounds, waving, bright and cheerful as ever.

  Are you an angel? I thought, smiling.

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  "I've prepared your dessert—! And stay away from her!" she said, pressing a small pudding into my hands and immediately rounding on Peter with a glare.

  "You think I've forgotten what you've done to the Lady? You have some nerve showing up here asking for her help."

  I extended one hand toward her. "My pudding."

  Peter's eyes cut to Jane, sharp enough to draw blood.

  "I don't care what you do to me," he said, his voice low and cold. "But lay your hands on the Lady and you'll regret it."

  He stood — mana flaring to life around him, the air crackling. Jane didn't flinch. Her own mana rose to meet his. The ground trembled beneath us, winds whipping violently as their energies collided.

  My pudding hit the ground.

  That was it.

  Whatever patience I had left evaporated in an instant. I released a shockwave of wind — sharp, clean, absolute — that swept the training grounds flat. Grass bent sideways, trees shuddered, and both of their clashing energies snuffed out like candle flames.

  Peter and Jane stared at me.

  "…Lady!"

  "My pudding," I said.

  Jane immediately produced another pudding from her pocket. Peter stared at me blankly for a moment, then pouted like a child. I ate happily while Jane sat herself firmly between us, smiling with the satisfaction of a completed mission.

  Peter looked put out. I ignored him — he wasn't my priority.

  After lunch, we trained until late afternoon. I sent his sword flying one last time and rested mine on my shoulder.

  Pretty good, honestly. He was picking up speed now, compared to before.

  "We're done for today." He nodded.

  I turned back toward the mansion — and heard footsteps behind me. I stopped and faced him. "What is your deal?"

  I genuinely didn't understand.

  [Eros laughs at your question.]

  Peter smiled — faintly, briefly. Something I hadn't seen from him before. He looked so diminished like this. I recognized those eyes — that flat, glassy look. The eyes of someone who had already quietly given up on things getting better.

  I knew I shouldn't judge him on prejudice alone. But still.

  [Xipe asks you to calm down.]

  Am I supposed to pity them? Give them a chance? But what about me? Has anyone stopped to wonder what I had to go through?

  Something in Josephine stirred — and then she surfaced all at once, resonating with me so completely I couldn't hold the line between us.

  "What have I done to deserve any of this?" The words came out raw, not entirely mine. "I only took you in because I wanted revenge. So why do you look at me like you're the one who's suffered more?"

  Josephine's tears ran down my face and I couldn't stop them.

  "I hate you. I hate all of you more than you'll ever know."

  Peter stepped forward. Jane's foot connected with his face before he got close.

  "How dare you make my Lady cry!"

  He stood back up. Didn't retreat. Didn't flinch. Just — stood there, like he was ready to absorb whatever came next.

  "Stop," I said. I wiped my face.

  [Hecatia asks if you're okay.]

  I'm fine. Josephine just synced with me too strongly. I lost control for a moment.

  "But Lady—"

  "It's enough." Jane fell quiet.

  "Take him inside. Feed him dinner." I paused. "I'll retire for tonight."

  I walked into the mansion.

  "Lady?… Lady!" Jane tried to follow — but I'd already locked the door to my room behind me. I dropped onto my bed and lay there, staring at the ceiling.

  I had to sleep. I couldn't manage my emotions tonight — not properly, not cleanly.

  It was going to be a lonely night.