The promised dinner was held in a room a short distance from the banquet hall, a place reserved solely for the blood of the Agnus family.

Joshua approached the door and pulled it open before the old butler had a chance to say anything.

Yo-Young Master Joshua!

Joshua was too occupied to hear the old butler. The first thing he saw through the open door was a middle-aged beauty with piercing eyes and arched brows. And next to her:

Mother

Joshua? Lucia was startled by Joshuas sudden appearance. Vanessa, at the tables head, and Chiffon, next to her, didnt seem bothered.

Youre Joshua, right? Is this the first time youve seen something like this? Vanessa greeted him with a grin, but Joshua didnt reply.

Young Master Joshua, you stand before the lady of the Agnus family. Be courteous. Chiffon scowled at him.

Still, Joshua remained silent.

Young Master Joshua! Chiffon exclaimed.

Joshuas eyes snapped onto Chiffon for a moment, and his body quaked with shivers.

What kind of eyes does that boy have? Chiffons throat quivered. Before those eyes, all pretensions of etiquette were blown away; nothing was left but primordial instinct.

Shouldnt you say your greetings, Joshua? Lucia looked him up and down with a worried expression.

Joshua groaned.

I am Joshua von Agnus. I greet the Duchess.

Vanessa twitched. Was he disrespectful? No. She was bothered by the way he used the name Agnus. However, the Duchess recovered quickly.

I heard youre departing for the capital shortly. I was a little worried since I feel like Ive never properly gotten to know you.

Arcadia? Are you talking about Arcadia, Duchess? Lucias eyes flew wide open.

Just call me Sister, Vanessa said.

Oh my God, how dare I Lucia stuttered with a confused expression. Both were Duke Agnuss mistresses, but their standings were as different as heaven and earth. Vanessa, descended from the noblest blood in the Avalon Empire, and Lucia, nothing more than a maid; in any other situation, it would be unthinkable to even look each other in the eye.

Vanessas demeanor made Lucia feel ashamed. Shed never treated Lucia so well before.

You havent heard anything yet?

Yes?

The Duke said hed take my younger sister1 and Joshua with him when he returned to the capital.

Ah, what exactly do you mean?

Joshua is a Knight. Chiffon stepped up to fill in the holes.

Lucia stared blankly at Joshua.

This is a sore spot for me, because it looks like I never invited anyone to dinner Dont you think Id be such a jerk to leave you like this? Vanessa grinned.

My, Duchess, dont say that.

You called me that again. Vanessa furrowed her brows.

Sister sister.

Please accept my apologies for neglecting you. If there is any lingering ill will, it is my wish that those feelings be laid to rest.

There are no grudges! Youve been so gracious to extend this hospitality to us!

Thank you! Vanessa clapped her hands together with a bright smile. Please prepare the table as soon as possible.

The door opened, and platters poured in one by one.

Is your seat uncomfortable? Vanessa asked Joshua. You havent looked this nice in a long time.

Its quite inconvenient.

Vanessa was puzzled by Joshua's immediate answer.

Young Master Joshua! Chiffon couldnt hold it in any longer.

Do you want to die?

Chiffon flinched like hed been bitten. His hand instinctively dropped to his belt.

This! His cheeks flushed. The implications of being chastised by this youngster!

You disgraceful!

Alarm bells rang in Chiffons head as the energy around Joshuas body thickened. Chiffon prepared to draw his sword.

Swordsmanship isnt something you acquire just by growing up. Only the talented can learn it. So

Cold sweat trickled down Chiffons back like he was facing down a B-Class Knight.

Joshua seemed completely centered, like the emotions of other people meant nothing to him. It seemed as if he was in control of his life, somehow.

Seeing as youre ready to draw your blade, it appears Sir Chiffon has a short temper

Joshua!

Joshua ground to a halt when he realized who was there. Chiffon let out a long breath like hed been scrubbed clean. Vanessa grimaced, and Lucia looked annoyed.

If theyd been left alone

Stop it, Sir Chiffon, said the Duchess.

What impoliteness is this, Joshua? said Lucia.

Sir Chiffon, may we speak for a moment? Vanessa locked eyes with Chiffon.

I understand, Your Highness.

Vanessa rose gently and turned to Lucia.

Wait for just a moment, said the hostess. You can eat first.

Ah Lucia didnt have time to reply before they walked out the door.

Joshua, whats the matter with you? What do they mean when they say youre going to the capital? What about becoming a knight?

Im sorry.

Lucia came to an abrupt halt when she saw the genuine remorse on Joshuas face.

Should I wait until later to hear what happened?

Okay.

All right

However.

Lucia cocked her head curiously.

For the time being, I hope youll trust me.

Joshua? Lucia was confused by Joshuas stern expression.

His eyes were more frigid than theyd ever been.

Vanessa turned around once shed gone some distance from the dining room.

Sir Chiffon, what are we going to do?

That

Stop blaming others.

My apologies. Chiffon bowed.

Im not sure why youre acting so cruelly, Sir Chiffon. Vanessa glared at him with poisonous eyes. Youre fighting a small child.

I remember the first time I saw that boy. From the depths of his heart, rage swelled. Animosity, without reason. He didnt understand that emotion until now. Isnt this envy?

I dont want to admit it, but I couldnt help myself. Damn it. Chiffon chewed his lip. An unbelievable talent, superior to his beloved master, and a profound sense of dignity that draws people in.

Dont be influenced by irrational feelings, the Duchess said. If you wanted to see good things, you may be out of luck.

What do you mean?

Those things just arrived yesterday, replied the Duchess.

Chiffon stared wide-eyed at her.

Gari was a well-known poison among the knights. It was a pure white powder that was nearly tasteless and odorless, even to the highly developed senses of knights.

Gari might work.

Even for a mere best, the last road is a comfortable one, Vanessa said as she made her way slowly back to the dining room. Knight? Arcadia? Its not even funny. I dont think a bug could be better than him.

Vanessas smile was as cold as ice.

This time, dont make a mistake.

Have you been waiting for us Was I holding you back? Im ashamed we

Its just so cozy!

Vanessa flashed a bright smile at Lucias reply before looking at Joshua.

I offered Sir Chiffon some harsh advice; I hope youre satisfied by it as well.

Vanessa sat down and examined the food set on the table. Peculiarly, extra food was placed in front of Lucia and JoshuaVanessa's intentions were, of course, hidden within.

Sister Lucia, I hope your seats arent bothering you or your child?

Not at all! Were fine. Lucia spoke loudly, as if unsure of herself.

Im thrilled! Vanessa smiled. Thank god. I was afraid my sister would despise me.

Thats impossible, said Lucia. She leapt to her feet like a frightened rabbit.

Im serious. Vanessa covered her mouth bashfully. I want to get to know my younger sister a little better.

Although I wasnt criticized openly, I had to sleep with one eye open for years. Lucia was greatly moved. It was only natural she would feel reassured by the first warm words offered to her.

Shall we eat, then?

Lucia nodded brightly.

Then

Wait. The voice filled the dining room, instantly capturing the guests attention.

Joshuas lips curled into a tiny smile.

Before we eat, Id like to express my regret. I had no idea there was a deeper meaning, and I was oversensitive. He rose from his seat and bowed. Please accept my heartfelt apologies.

All is well. Vanessa seemed perplexed but smiled and nodded. Lucia, too, was smiling.

It appears my young mind has accumulated useless poisons, Joshua continued. I dont think my elder mother thinks like I do. If wed known ahead of time, we would have prepared something ourselves

Its not too late.

Joshua grinned widely at Vanessas reply.

I appreciate you saying that, but you reached out first Joshua pointed at the table. I cant accept this kind of treatment from you.

Hey, Joshua, what do you mean? Lucia shifted uncomfortably.

Mother, it appears my elder mother is overly concerned about us. She only receives a small portion of the food, while we have so much.

Ah!

Indeed, delicacies were piled high in front of them. Vanessas cheeks flushed with unease as Joshua continued to push her.

Joshua drew an angelic smile on his lips as he pressed the attack home.

Elder mother, I hope we can all enjoy our last dinner together.

For the first time, Vanessas perfect smile cracked.