, Riftan said.

  Riftan beat his fist against his chest.

  His voice rose almost to a roar until he met Max’s white, tired gaze and he closed his mouth. His shoulders shook fiercely as he tried to pent his emotions.

  , he spat in a suppressed tone, as if someone were chocking him. He turned away from Max, picked up a shirt that had fallen to the floor and left, closing the door behind him.

  She kept her eyes on the closed door, confused. Riftan was often impatient and had a crass way of speaking, but this was the first time she had seen him this upset.

  Was he that shocked about her condition? Max began to worry. This was the second time he had gotten upset with her because she had fainted. Of course, he would be tired of her by now. Her heart was still racing from Riftan’s outburst as she tried to calm her heartbeat, when someone knocked on the door.

  After hearing Max’s confirmation, Rudis entered the room with a large tray.

  Max tried to smile when she saw she was worrying her maid.

  , the maid said carefully, before setting the tray by the bed.

  Max’s tense shoulders relaxed, and relief washed over her. She felt better knowing that he still didn’t seem to be completely uninterested in her.

  , Rudis said kindly, spreading the outfit she brought on the bed.

  With her help, Max changed into a new and soft dress before returning to bed and partaking in a clear soup. While she was busy, the maid lit a fire in the fireplace and prepared some tea. Max peeked at her and began to ask some questions.

  , Max said.

  Her words were faint as she remembered people flailing in the air with just a flutter of the monster’s wings. Rudis saw her Lady white and tired face and talked measuredly.

  , she smiled nicely and nodded.

  Max nodded again. She wasn’t sure she had the energy to leave the room anyway, even if Riftan hadn’t said anything. Rudis transferred the kettle from the fire to the shelf before taking her leave. Max set her bowl of soup aside and laid down to rest in the bed, recovering, until the maid knocked on the door a while later.

  Max said, surprised.

  She rose quickly out of bed before getting dizzy and fell back. She was underdressed, wearing only a thin linen dress. She could not welcome her Royal Highness in such simple attire, and yet, she couldn’t deny an audience with Agnes either. Max moved again to stand in front of a mirror. She brushed her hair that had gone poof like a cloud and pressed a wet towel to reduce the swelling around her eyes.

  Her efforts didn’t change her appearance much, but at least her hair had settled a bit. Max returned to bed.

  The door opened and Agnes and Rudis entered the room. Max gazed at Agnes outfit, disheartened.

  The princess was in high spirits and wore an elegant blue dress that highlighted the curves of her body, her long blond hair was braided and swayed nicely as she walked. It was a stark contrast to the pants and bulky clothing she usually wore.

  Agnes said……

  ” She sat in a chair Rudis had offered her and gave Max a half-smile.

  Agnes sighed. She fretted and moved a strand of her hair away from her forehead.

  Max was surprised that the princess was admitting her mistake. Agnes was the highest-ranking person currently at Calypse Castle, she did not have to apologize to anyone there and did not even have to assist them the day before. She quickly rose her hand to deny the princess’ claim.

  , Agnes laughed with her trademark, easygoing smile. .

  ”


  Max looked at her, dubiously. She didn’t know the exact worth of all the materials that Agnes had listed, but understood they were of high value.

  , the princess said sadly.

  Max asked.

  Max didn’t care much about the monsters’ fate or the spoils of war, she only wanted to know what happened to the people she treated.

  Agnes saw her anxious look and seemed to choose her words carefully, then she talked slowly.

  Despite the princess’ calm brief, Max turned white from shock. Her back became cold as she took in the news that someone she had seen yesterday, someone who was in the same time and place as her, was now dead. Did her healing magic save anybody? Max lowered her eyes and whispered softly.

  Agnes wrapped her hand around her fingers and gave her a probing, distinct look. Max was surprised by how warm her hand felt against her cold fingers.

  Max said, self-deprecating herself. Her eyes were still downcast.

  Max was annoyed with the princess’s words. It seemed that what Riftan said about the princess getting on people’s nerves was true. She muttered, a little resentful.

  For some reason, Agnes gripped her stomach and began laughing at her retort.

  Tears formed under her eyes and she gasped for breath.

  Max was confused. She did not find the situation funny and grew angry, believing she was being ridiculed. The princess noticed her change in demeanor and collected herself.

  When she recalled Riftan’s attitude, Max didn’t think Agnes opinion was very convincing, but she did not disagree out loud with her.

  Max’s cheeks glowed with shame. She hadn’t learned magic for such a noble cause as Agnes had thought, she had only been shrewd enough to believe that once Riftan grew tired of her, he might still keep her around if she was adept at magic, instead of throwing her away. She avoided the princess’ gaze and said uncomfortably.

  Agnes said casually.

  –

  : When Agnes says “Maximilian” a lot, she is saying that in place of “Lady Calypse,” which insinuates that she wants to have a close relationship with Max. Yay, best friends!

  – Still vibing with Agnes here B)