As the night deepened, the sky darkened to a velvety black, dotted with faint stars that shimmered weakly behind drifting clouds. Robrecka remained seated in silence, her mind swirling with countless thoughts. The manor around her was quiet, the faint rustle of curtains and the distant sound of wind the only interruptions. Eventually, the silence broke as she spoke aloud.
"Ha, I need more information about that girl," Robrecka said, her lavender eyes narrowing slightly as she considered the unknown variables she was dealing with.
"Then why not befriend her? Ask her directly? It would be much easier, don't you think?" the blob teased, its red eyes glinting from the shadow beside her.
"Doing that would be far too dangerous," Robrecka replied, placing her hand against her temple. "We lack sufficient knowledge about her abilities. Those flames of hers… she might be hiding their true nature. And as a material infuser, she could possess mental capabilities—abilities for information extraction, like the hydro sovereign or others."
"Oh, I see. That's especially plausible given her connection with Julius Von Trinity," the blob noted, tilting its ethereal head.
"Exactly. That's why I need to maintain a strained relationship with her. If she has no reason to approach me, I can observe her from afar without risk," Robrecka said, her tone measured, calculated.
The blob's voice dripped with amusement. "Then why did you approach her during the examination?"
"That was… a mistake. My words slipped without thinking," Robrecka admitted, pressing a hand to her forehead.
"It's rare to see you make mistakes, HAHAHA! But couldn't you just interrogate her or something?" the blob pressed.
Robrecka shook her head, her expression unreadable. "Far too dangerous. If Julius Von Trinity truly planted her here suspecting something, any direct move against her would ruin my plans. The academy is neutral ground—no god, no ranker can step inside as long as peace is maintained. The instant something happens, rankers will swarm the place, investigating endlessly. We have only one chance. We cannot waste it interrogating a girl about what she might know. That opportunity must be reserved for our true goal: stealing the Gem of Restrain. Success first, and let the rankers come afterward. By then, we'll already have what we need."
The blob hummed in agreement. "Yes, that sounds much more strategic. Especially since the headmaster and professors are already observing you closely."
"Correct. The only reason they cannot disclose anything to the outside world is their oath to the three great gods, pledging to protect student information unless a student becomes a threat to the academy," Robrecka added coldly.
"Yes, better to observe the students than the headmaster or professors," the blob agreed.
Robrecka's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Exactly. I see no reason to worry about them. While my performance may draw suspicion, without evidence, they cannot act against me."
The blob tilted its head. "But isn't it better to hide your ability? Appear weak to avoid attention?"
"I could, if needed," Robrecka replied, a trace of annoyance in her voice. "But to secure honorary student privileges—a secondary goal necessary for our grand plan—I must perform well while remaining cautious of all variables."
"And you must be wary of that little girl—and Kael, too," the blob continued. "If he or his associates do anything within the academy, it could trigger an investigation."
"As long as he doesn't reveal my identity, I am fine. Otherwise, his organization and mine will bleed over this, ruining everything," Robrecka said coldly.
The blob chuckled. "That would be a sight to see, HAHAHA."
From the shadows behind Robrecka, a figure stepped forward. A woman, appearing around twenty-seven, leaned against the wall near the door. Her violet eyes glimmered beneath blunt bangs, and twin braids framed her face. She wore a dark, high-collared tunic dress, mid-thigh length, with a slim silhouette. Draped over her shoulders was a long purple scarf, flowing like ribbons around her. White thigh-high stockings contrasted against dark combat boots, and two silver daggers rested sheathed at her belt. She smiled softly, exuding both elegance and quiet menace.
Robrecka's gaze shifted to her. "You really do enjoy appearing behind people, don't you?"
"Oh my~, it seems my lady has finally noticed me," the woman replied, her voice teasing.
"Didn't I tell you to knock before entering instead of appearing out of nowhere?" Robrecka said, a slight irritation in her tone.
"But it's much more convenient this way, my lady~~. Oh dear~~, what should I do now?" the woman said, utterly unapologetic.
"Ha, if you weren't skilled, I would have erased your existence by now," Robrecka replied, voice sharp.
"My dear lady, how could you hurt a fragile woman like me~~?" the woman said, fake tears glimmering in her violet eyes.
"Fragile, hmm? With that foxlike personality, you're anything but fragile," the blob remarked dryly.
"Tsk, so you came out of the fan, huh, blobsy? Better if you'd stayed there forever," the woman teased, flicking her gaze at the creature.
The two stared at each other, tension coiling like a spring, until Robrecka raised her hand.
"Enough. Kasophea, your report," Robrecka demanded.
"Fu fu fu, my lady, so impatient," Kasophea teased, her tone laced with playfulness.
"YOU! Don't make me repeat myself," Robrecka said, clearly annoyed.
"O-Okay, my lady, just joking~~" Kasophea said, a hint of sweat forming on her brow.
Robrecka ignored her, crossing her arms. Kasophea handed over three reports.
"Here, my lady," Kasophea said, presenting them carefully.
Robrecka scanned the contents quickly. "So, operations are running smoothly. What of the high-ranking operatives?"
"Hmm, the doctor remains in his lab, locked away, conducting experiments and research," Kasophea said, her expression slightly disgusted.
"His methods may unsettle some, but his skills are invaluable when needed. That makes him a crucial asset. What of the others?" Robrecka asked, smirking slightly.
"The two young masters maintain appearances as normal lords in their territories, avoiding rankers and the divine shades, while advancing operations in the shadows. The two madams are preparing for post-academy tasks, after your graduation in three years," Kasophea replied, perched atop a table with casual elegance.
"All seems well, then. Smooth operations," Robrecka said approvingly.
Kasophea leaned forward, curiosity sparkling in her violet eyes. "My lady, when do we act? To steal the Gem of Restrain in the academy~?"
"That is our primary goal. We must secure it at all costs for the future plan. I cannot intervene without risking exposure. You and the other operatives will infiltrate later," Robrecka said, her voice calm but commanding.
"Oh, ensure my actions don't raise suspicion," Robrecka added, a faint smirk touching her lips.
"Fu fu fu, understood, my lady. They will never doubt you," Kasophea said, bowing lightly.
Robrecka's gaze drifted to the blue moon, mesmerized briefly before turning to Kasophea. "If your report is complete, leave. I wish to rest."
"Understood, my lady," Kasophea said, bowing before transforming into a small, dark shadow that slid across the floor, passing through the closed door with ease.
Robrecka leaned back, a faint smile on her lips. "Her ability is fascinating, even after witnessing it countless times."
"HAHAHA, impressive, though her personality is problematic—unserious, deceitful," the blob added.
"Hm, both your personalities are problematic," Robrecka said, walking toward her bed.
"Come on, don't compare me to her. I'm far superior!" the blob protested, irritated.
"I don't care. Quiet now. I am going to sleep," Robrecka said, her tone final.
The camera pulls back, leaving the luxurious manor in darkness. The only sound is the wind rustling the grass outside, and the pale, unwavering light of the blue moon casting its glow over the estate, silent witness to the schemes within.