"With what did you cure the lady with?" the doctor asked in astonishment. He lowered his instruments and packed them in his satchel, at a loss. "Just a few hours ago, her condition was steadily deteriorating. Now there are practically no signs of illness on her at all!"

Kaiser's mother laughed. "It is indeed a miracle," she said.

"Perhaps the treatment earlier was effective, and the effects were just delayed? I was losing hope it even worked at all..." Herrin casually commented. "Yet here we are."

I mentally flicked a thumbs up his way. This man was awesome. Cool, playing it so cool.

"Yes...yes...well, there can be no other explanation, so I suppose we should all take it as it is." The doctor nodded, seemingly convinced. "And it would seem I no longer serve any purpose in this household."

"Don't say that, doctor," Kaiser's mother said with laughter. "Feel free to stay another day as previously planned. My husband mentioned a feast tonight. Considering how well I feel, I may even join you."

"Oh...oh, I'm very tempted," he replied. "But I'm very old so feasts would only be shortening what little time I have in this world. I'm worried I might eat things I'm not allowed to, so I'll leave you here and spend time with my family instead."

"Understandable. We had to drag you away and ask you to come out of retirement for us. But do let us escort you back to your home. We're really grateful with what you've done for us so far," Pier said, clapping on the back of the doctor and guiding him out the door. "Would you like to stay for tea before you leave?"

"Tea. Is it your good ones?"

"Of course. None but the best."

"Then I'll oblige. But just a cup before I leave. I had indulged myself in the snacks you provided for me earlier in the room," the doctor replied good-naturedly.

After the doctor left with Sir Pier, Kaiser practically hopped over to his mother's side. He knelt by her bed and brightly clasped her now-warm hands, rubbing his cheeks against the back of it. "Mom, do you truly feel well?"

"Yes, son..." She lovingly ruffled his hair, smiling at him. "We'll be like before right after today."

"Evyionne, you..." Elion trailed off as he approached me hesitantly, lightly tugging on my sleeves. "Do you think we can talk later?" he asked. "I really have...a lot of questions."

I gazed into his dark eyes. They were usually very positive, but I could tell the sadness and desperation rimming them. Faced with such emotions, I could not bear to tell him no. I gave him a light nod and whispered, "Don't worry, I'll answer your questions later."

"Thank you...but today, I think I'm going to go home," he said. "I'm not feeling very well...and I promised to do some shopping to cook dinner tonight. Do you think you'll be able to make it back tonight?"

"Well, there's still the Temple's curfew to mind. I'm definitely going to go back tonight with Maun," I said.

"Should I prepare two more plates for you?"

"I doubt it," I said. "I don't have a very big stomach, and I plan to stay here for dinner to talk with everyone. Send my regards to your family."

"I understand...thank you."

"Please don't talk to anyone about what you saw today for now," I said, grasping his hand. "Can I trust you with this?"

"You didn't even have to ask," he replied with a soft smile. "Don't worry. I know. You have the power to help...I won't put you in danger until you're very strong."

"Thank you."

Elion went up to Sir Herrin to express his intent to return. Herrin asked him to stay, to which he refused. So, instead, he was sent off with similar hospitality to the old doctor from earlier. This time, however, it was Herrin who escorted him out. The rest of us stayed in the room. I was on the verge of feeling very awkward because I felt like an outsider in a family affair. Thankfully, Maun staying beside me drew out much of that discomfort. Maun, after all, was that really naïve and rather unaware type of person. Contrary to myself, who was very self-conscious.

"If you don't mind, we'll return to the guest lobby for now," I said, pulling Maun's hand with me.

"Will you be staying for the dinner tonight?" Kaiser asked, looking over his shoulder.

"Yes...there are some things I wish to speak to everyone about, if possible. However, I'll have to return before curfew hour hits for the Temple."

"No problem! I'm sure dad has already considered this. How about I lead you out?"

"No. Stay with your mom. I'm sure you want that more than anything right now," I said with a warm smile, trying to hide the pangs of jealousy rising in my chest.

I gripped Maun's hand, and he comfortingly squeezed back, perhaps sensing my discomfort and sadness.

Twice. Twice. I had to go through the same pain twice.

I might still have a third chance, though. Meeting my birth mother. Although the time we spent together was short, she seemed to have been a very lovely lady. At times like this, I would wonder if my parents ever pined for me—and if they would want me just the same even if I didn't grow up under their wings. I must admit that I wasn't as attached to them, considering how very soon I was taken away by Amber, but I couldn't help longing for that kind of familial love.

After all, in the previous life, I didn't exactly have a complete family. My mother in the previous life...well...I would suppose it was best to say she tried, but it just didn't work out the way we both probably wanted it to.

But I still had my mistresses. I couldn't say they were lacking. They've given me all the love I've ever wanted. My heart just couldn't help feeling greedy at times, I would suppose. If given the chance to meet my blood-relatives, I would jump at the chance.

I took advantage of the open door left by Herrin and Elion's departure to excuse ourselves out of the room. There was a servant waiting outside, so I asked for help in guiding us back to that particular place.

Once in the rather more solemn guest lobby, I felt more ease. I really didn't like wedging myself between familial affairs, especially since this moment didn't really include an outsider like myself. Also, I couldn't say I was only positively affected by all that show of love.

But it felt good helping and having made that all possible. Even if not for myself.

Pssh. What drama. Who was I kidding? Of course it was for me in the end! After all, this success in treatment made these guys owe me a favor. The escorting to the death valley was the renumeration for lending the harp, not me playing it! I had to be paid extra! This girl would not be taken advantage of!

I determinedly imagined the next steps to my plans. Maun, meanwhile, asked for another glass of watermelon juice. He seemed to have taken a particular liking to the ones they were serving in this household's kitchen. Unfortunately, I couldn't appreciate it. I didn't find it anything special so I could only helplessly gaze on in wonder as he indulged himself.

Anyway, watermelon juice wasn't that much of a rarity. And Maun was really adorable. That watermelon red really went well with his silver-violet hair and eyes. He also had that faint blush on his cheeks that bordered on the same color as his drink, which made him even more adorable.

I suppressed the squeal in my throat and resolved to simply pinching his cheeks. He had to put down his drink and glare at me as he eased the throbbing left behind by my fingers, but he didn't give me any sort of sign, nor did he tell me to bugger off. He just...tolerated my harassment.

I couldn't imagine Maun ever telling me to bugger off, though. He was such a soft-hearted kid. He would probably be much fiercer once he grew older, I guess. I could imagine puberty would bring out that rebellious streak in this guy. After all, teenagers tended to be very moody and unpredictable. Eren, who had already started on this stage, was a good example.

Now that I thought about this...Maun seemed to be aging in reverse? It felt like he'd been more sensitive as of late—like someone was always cutting onions around him. I made a mental note to watch out for his responses, but I felt it must be because of insecurities. Considering the kind of environment he must've come from...I still didn't know his experiences specifically. He must not yet be comfortable enough to talk about them.

With these quiet moments and my silent contemplations, half an hour passed.

Kaiser's family did not keep us waiting for very long.

"Miss Evyionne, Sir Pier and Sir Herrin wishes to speak with you in the study," a servant said.

They did not mention Maun, so that must mean they wanted to talk to me alone. Compared to before, Maun did not have as much resistance. Although he did still have that pout while sipping on his cup while watching me leave.

I could already pretty much guess what they wanted to talk to me about, and I had sorted out some answers in my head, with well-made excuses in order to smoothen out any hiccups along the way. I would most likely be unable to lie, but I still had to see just how much I can say.

When I arrived at the study, both men were already waiting. Kaiser was not around, and he should be with his mother still.

"Evyionne," Pier said, nodding amiably my way as I entered.

I bowed deeply and politely before following the gesture of his hand and sitting down on the chair before his desk. Herrin stood beside Pier like a vassal to his lord and watched me keenly as I moved.

"I have to give you my deep-hearted thanks today," Pier said. "Herrin has mentioned to me your plans and the favor you asked in return for lending the harp, but I assume we'll be talking separately regarding the help you've given today."

"I don't really need anything else other than being escorted like I already explained before," I said.

"What you did today should be closely related to that excursion in those sites filled with death energies," Herrin said. "Isn't it? I don't reckon you wished to simply collect death relics."

I gazed up at the man, remaining silent in reply. They stared back at me in return.

"We won't force you to say anything," Pier said. "Even children should have their own secrets, especially the only child raised in the arms of the nine courtesans of Oblivion."

Herrin's gaze snapped to his brother-in-law's, then mine. "This child?"

"Evyionne Lillien Lethe. When I heard your name from my son, I thought it was familiar. Your mistresses entrusted you to me in six years' time. Looking at the path you're taking, it would seem you intend to take the dangerous road."

"There maybe some things I hope I can ask your help with, in exchange for what happened today," I said.

"Speak."

"The sickness spreading in Vertvalden has come to Erindal," I said. "Which means pretty soon there will be others falling prey to this. Vertvalden has been driven into a state of war and chaos because of this sickness, and this is only the first wave of disaster that's due to come.

"Death relics should be effective in dealing with the coming problem in the future, so I'd like to go secure them in advance," I said.

"Why would you need weapons to fight off a sickness?" Pier asked.

"Because what brings the sickness is not a disease...but rather things that are not of this world which you cannot see. I think, in the mythology, they are called Veils. In Vertvalden, they had begun calling them En-diers or the Unseen. If you have access to information, I'd really appreciate it if I can be updated with the state of things regarding this."

"It should not be a problem," Pier said. "Do you remember Illuna?"

I remembered that long-haired, gentle-looking dude. However, I did not see how he could be relevant, so I waited for the follow-up.

"He's the owner of Illustranien, a news outlet. On the surface, they function as a publishing house of a sort, but they gather rare information you can exchange for a price. He has access to secrets and news that the common-folks are not privy to. If we enlist his help, it should not be trouble. I'll follow up with him occasionally for you, but inquiring too frequently may cause a rise in suspicions. And I cannot handle what you ask of me personally because the mercenary guild's reach regarding these things is quite limited."

An information place? Running a business based on secrets and selling information? Where have I heard that before?

"I understand," I said. "I don't need it too frequently. I just want to know if there's anything significant that may be of concern."

"That can be done," he told her. "As of the moment, it's not too safe to go around inquiring yourself."

"Thank you."

Herrin and Pier exchanged glances. "Then...shall we have some dinner?" Pier asked.