They say that the western continents House of Miltan has changed.


    Nabel froze at Rynes words. She was looking at Rone and Rone was lifting her tea cup, so neither of them noticed.


    Wasnt it not that long ago that the House of Miltan came into power? After overthrowing the House of Iver.


    That was already a well-known story. Ryne nodded her head. Thats right, my Lady. But they say that the Emperor was killed in an uprising and his younger brother has ascended to the throne in his ce.


    So there was yet another uprising Rone nodded her head. It was not as uplifting a conversation topic for her young mistress as Ryne had hoped, but she was limited to such stories as she was able to overhear in the household. The other maids did not view Ryne, who served Rone, favorably, either.


    Yes. They say that divisions keep forming within the House of Miltan itself.


    Having finished arranging the tea leaves, Ryne next bent down to examine Rones hemline. She cut off the part that was burnt ck and trimmed it with the practiced hand of one who had carried out the same task more than once before.


    Rone left her to it with an apologetic look. Nabel watched them, locked deep in thought.


    But since there is no one with a mind to overthrow the Miltans, its already decided that it will be one of their family who will rule over the western continent. Rynes fingers were nimble, and she continued talking while she worked.


    She went on with stories about the legendary forest at the edge of the western continent and the rippling ocean at the edge of their own continent. As people who lived far ind, neither Ryne nor Rone had ever seen such ces.


    Well, thats trimmed nicely.


    She finished adjusting Rones hemline just as the conversation reached its natural end.


    Dont you follow us, now.


    Nabels expression had remained unchanged the whole time. Of course he had no intention of following Rone while she went to change her clothes. He took a step back to show that he would not follow them.


    Ryne tilted her head thoughtfully as she guided Rone over to the small room they used as her dressing room.


    She had been a maid in service to the nobility for her entire life  as had her mother  so she was well ustomed to the nobilitys tendencies.


    It seemed to her experienced eyes that Nabels mannerisms and movements were nothing like those of a ve at all. If anything, they were rather those of an aristocrat.


    *


    That night was as bright as if it were daytime. Nabel was staring out of the window through which the moonlight was streaming, quietly gazing up at the clouds.


    Shall we go outside? Rone suddenly asked. Nabel shook his head, but then stopped and opened his mouth. Ah, if you want to.


    Rone realized he had misunderstood her. Not me, you. You keep staring out the window. I was wondering if you wanted to go outside.


    Ah Nabels heart, which until then had been pounding as though he was nervous, quickly settled down at Rones words. Then, shall we go out?


    It was night-time, anyway. Even all of the servants should have been sleeping by then.


    Okay. I was also just starting to feel like some fresh air, too, Rone replied.


    Ryne, who had been listening to the conversation, hurried to prepare for the night-time excursion. She fetched an oilmp with a little me burning in it and wrapped a cardigan around Rones shoulders. Its still cold out these days, my Lady.


    Rone nodded. It was the time of year right before spring turned into summer. She also gave Nabel some appropriate over-clothes. They were old and ragged, but Rones room now had a pile of young boys clothes for Nabel. It was a small change that his stay there had brought.


    Click. Ryne opened the door.


    Crunch.The sound of something catching in front of the door came. Ryne jumped and Rones eyes widened. At that moment, Nabel noticed Rones shadow darken again. Just as a pair of pointed ears started to form, her shadow fell still again, like a trick of the light.


    Nabel looked at Rone. Rone did not look as though she had ever, even in her dreams, seen strange things appearing in her shadow.


    This


    They shone themp light under the door and all three of their expressions stiffened.


    Thorn vines


    The thing blocking the door was a tangle of thorny vines. It filled the part of the hallway right in front of the door to Rones room.


    A thorny briar: the divine symbol of Thuna.


    Rone was so surprised, she could not speak. The briar filling the hallway sent only one message: Do not emerge from that room, ursed one.


    Ah Nabel moved in front of the speechless Rone. He grabbed a vine and tugged at it. It seemed like it would take a long time to clear the whole hallway.


    The vine which Nabel had grabbed was particrly thick and sturdy, and its thorns, too, were big and sharp. But Nabel ignored that and yanked it out of the way even though it pricked his skin.


    Dont touch it, Nabel. Rone covered his hand with hers. His hand was already covered in blood. At that moment, their eyes met. When their hands touched, her thoughts were passed on to him more deeply than ever before.


    Its fine. We dont have to go outside.


    Its okay to give up.


    That was how she had survived in that household. By giving up on her own desires. Nabel gripped the vine firmly. He did not want Rone to have to give up on the things she wanted anymore. A determined gleam glinted in his eyes.