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At my answer, Gilles frowns. It seems that he was unable to comprehend my meaning.

Considering that Ive been telling him for so long how important it is to remain next to a good person like Liz-san in order to make my villainy stand out, I cant blame him. It would likely be bewildering to hear something so completely opposite to what I usually say.

Im saying that I dont just want my wickedness to stand out because its being compared to something good. I need to do something more, to do something myself, so that such a comparison isnt even necessary.

I think youre already doing plenty for that, Alicia.

This isnt enough. Those petty acts that Ive accomplished until now arent near the heights of villainy that I aspire to reach.

How much higher are you planning to go?

To the very top. As high as I possibly can.

Gilles freezes for a moment, but then he relaxes, a broad, meaningful smile stretching across his lips.

..No matter where that is, Ill be right there with you.

Id certainly be much more at ease with you there, but this time my plan needs to be carried out by me alone.

Huh? You dont need me? Gilles asks, staring at me wide-eyed.

Ah. For Gilles, who so desperately wants to be needed by me, to be useful for me, those words must have been like a slap to the face. Im the worst.

Gilles, I do need you. I need you here. I need someone to stay and continue monitoring Liz-san for me.

..Dont wanna.

Oh? That was unexpected. I think thats the first time hes ever expressed to me that he didnt want to do as I asked.

Well, he is still a child after all. Actually, I guess Im still a child as well. And this is something that Ive selfishly decided on without him. But, Im standing by my decision. It would be better for me to go to the Ravaal Kingdom alone. The difference between having one person acting suspiciously and two is like night and day. The level of danger will increase exponentially with more people.

Just what are you planning to do? Gilles asks solemnly, his eyes searching my face.

Im planning to get myself banished from Duelkis!

.Like I could say that to him. And since hes such a perceptive child, if I try to lie, hes sure to see right through me. I need to come up with a good explanation first. something that I can convince him to agree to..

Alicia? Gilles says, breaking me out of my thoughts. What is it that I can do for you? From the look on his face, I can tell that he genuinely just wants to help me. But what Gilles does isnt for me to decide.

Gilles, your goal isnt to just to be there for me. Werent you trying to become a leader? A person who stands far above the the rest of society?

I wanted to achieve that goal with you, Alicia.

I feel like, for the first time in a very long time, I reminded just how young Gilles actually is. Hes been acting so cheeky and un-cute as of late that I had somewhat forgotten. But right now, for once, hes acting his age. Hes still just a boy.

I can give you an opportunity. A chance. But thats it. After that, its up to you to capitalize on it, Gilles. You have to make the best of it, I say. When he still looks slightly hesitant I add, Dont worry. We wont be apart forever. That place that youre aiming for, Ill be right there with you.

Where?

At the top, I say simply, pointing my index finger towards the ceiling.

The two of us share a goal, so regardless of what progress we make, no matter how far our paths diverge, well meet each other again someday. Its not something to grieve over. We wont have lost each other. Im just going on a little trip for a while, thats all.

Well, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. Once Ive been banished from the country, theres really no guarantee that Ill be able to return..

But you can rest assured. Because no matter what path I take to reach my goals, you are an important part of it, I say, patting Gilless head comfortingly.

.What can I do with you, Alicia? Gilles murmurs, sighing. I really cant say no to you. And then, as if hes given up, he smiles. Its a huge grin that spreads across his whole face as he looks up at me.

T/N: Awww, I love their relationship T-T They are just so cute!! My little babies are growing up and scheming and most certainly making trouble!

It sounds like this whole banishment thing is a done deal in Alicias mind. Makes me wonder how shes planning to pull it off?

I feel like there have been three huge turning points in the plot that have really created a lot of controversy. The first was the king telling Alicia to act as a villain and monitor Liz. The second was when her father told her to shut herself away for two years in that cabin. And now here we are at the third. All were big in terms of the plots direction, and all seemed a little odd. But this one, at least, doesnt feel like a hole to me. It is completely the brainchild of our wonderfully eccentric main character, and its a decision Im not surprised she made. For all that everyone considers Alicia smart, I think shes very prone to making rash decisions, for better or for worse. She gave away her eye without a second thought. She cut her hair. She killed her kidnappers. And pretty much everything that comes out of her mouth in important situations doesnt feel like something she completely thought through. So for her, seizing an opportunity to investigate the Ravaal Kingdom as well as increase her infamy seems like a no brainer. There will, of course, be controversy over the fact that banishment is a rather permanent punishment, but that is a problem for later. Alicias confidence often seems to lead her to act first and worry about the consequences when they become an issue, so that is what I foresee her doing here too. Im sorry for those of you that dont want it, but I, personally, am excited for this new chapter and adventure! (Lol, now that Ive said all this, watch. Its not going to happen XD This is all just speculation, I honestly have no clue what will happen next!)

Sorry for the wall of text XD Im feeling philosophical today apparently haha. Hopefully Ill see you again in two days~