Livvi stood in front of the mirror in the washroom of the quarters provided for her, giving herself a final once-over. She had styled her light-brown hair in a bow hanging over her shoulder, like her mother often did, and wore a light white dress with blue patterns. For once, she chose to forgo her glasses. There was no need for them when she was only meeting other people, and they would only further accentuate her already bloodshot eyes.

She had not gotten much sleep.

The previous night had been a horrible ordeal. The chaos, the screams, the blood — it was her first experience being in such close proximity to fighting and death, and the sights still lingered in the recesses of her mind. What had occurred was a tragedy and a disaster, not only for the Windgrove duchy and the Tyndalls but for the entire empire. She didn’t know how many of the attendees had lost their lives, but even if it was just one person, it was one too many.

And yet, the duke and the rest had decided to proceed with the gathering for the nobles this morning.

She disagreed with that choice. There was nothing wrong with canceling such an event under these circumstances. It felt disrespectful to the victims of the attack to simply pretend nothing had happened. She understood the reasoning behind Duke Tyndall’s insistence on proceeding and her father’s resolve to attend, but she didn’t like it.

Unfortunately, there was little she could do to change the situation.

Releasing a tired sigh, she left the washroom and completed her final preparations before departing from her quarters to meet her family. They were waiting for her in one of the foyers, and together they exited into the courtyard, making their way towards their carriage. As she climbed inside the vehicle and it set into motion, her father’s intense gaze studied her from across the cabin. The healers had tended to his injured nose the night before, but it still had a redder hue than usual, making him appear either annoyed or sick. It wasn’t an unfitting look on him.

She met his eyes. “Is there something you want to say, father?”

“…You don’t have to accompany us, buttercup,” the large man answered in his booming voice. “These gatherings are often pointless, and it would be better for you to remain in your quarters and get more rest.”

“But both you and Garrin are still attending, aren’t you?”

“Yes, but—”

“Then I’m joining as well.” She fixed him with a determined look. “I didn’t suffer through what happened yesterday alone. If our family has chosen to attend despite the circumstances, so will I.”

Her father grumbled softly in response, but offered no further protest.

Their carriage continued moving across the grounds of Grovefort Castle, and soon, they arrived at a spacious, enclosed area nestled in the heart of a sprawling garden that stretched along the banks of Stockder Lake. The serene ambiance was reinforced by the presence of enchanted pillars dispersed throughout the area, emitting a soft, snug glow that bathed the surroundings in a comforting warmth that defied the season’s chill. Tables and patios were meticulously arranged around the garden, eagerly awaiting the arrival of more guests.

As the carriage came to a halt, Livvi stepped out of it, her eyes scanning the scene before her. A decent number of people were already mingling around the tables, engrossed in animated conversations. She recognized several faces, but couldn’t spot the one person she was hoping to find.

Would Scarlett not be attending the event after all? The woman’s absence felt out of character, considering Scarlett’s usual enthusiasm for such affairs. The Tyndall Ball was renowned for attracting influential individuals from across the empire, transcending social castes and barriers while enabling new connections and relationships to flourish. Livvi herself appreciated the occasion for the many positive bonds she knew it had nurtured in the past. That said, not everyone had the same view of it as she did. And there was also a difference between the ball and today’s gathering.

Where the ball had people from all walks of life present, this morning’s venue catered exclusively to the empire’s aristocracy. It served as a gathering for the nation’s privileged elite to convene, forging and negotiating new deals that favored their own interests and ensured they were the ones who benefited the most from whatever agreements had been struck the night before. Livvi was unlikely to find many of her Guild colleagues here, and while she had acquaintances within the noble circles, true friendships were scarce.

Guided by the Duke’s staff, she and her family made their way through the garden, joining the assembly of nobles. They quickly headed towards one of the first patios they spotted, where some of her father’s associates had assembled. Despite the man’s reputation as somewhat of a brute uninterested in socialising with most other high nobles—Livvi was well aware of his stubbornness in doing things he disliked—people were often surprised by how sociable he could be when he made the effort.

It was just that he usually didn’t.

Livvi spent a while with her brother and father, engaging in conversation and mingling with the other nobles as she acquainted herself with ongoing matters. Every so often, she shifted her gaze towards the area where new carriages arrived, noting any newcomers.

Eventually, she spotted the familiar Hartford crest adorning one of the approaching carriages, and soon Scarlett and her sister emerged from the vehicle after it had stopped. She observed as the two walked through the garden, heading in the direction where most of the attendees were gathered. They then paused for a moment, seemingly discussing something between themselves.

Livvi turned to her father. “I will take my leave for now,” she told him.

Her father’s gaze followed the direction she had been looking, spotting Scarlett. His expression furrowed as a short scoff left him, but he still gestured that it was okay.

Livvi couldn’t help the small smile that wormed its way onto her face. Her father could be adorable at times.

She began walking over towards Scarlett and Evelyne. Both noticed her before she reached them, stopping in their conversation.

“Livvi, I see that you are well,” Scarlett greeted her with the woman’s usual cool demeanor.

“I am, yes. It’s good to see that the two of you seem to be fine as well. Hello, Evelyne.” Livvi offered a warm smile to both sisters.

Evelyne returned the smile, although weariness was evident on her face, mirroring Livvi’s own tiredness. “Glad to see you’re not injured,” the woman replied.

Livvi studied the two of them for a moment. On closer inspection, she was surprised to detect traces of exhaustion even on Scarlett’s face. Throughout the years they had known each other, since childhood, Livvi could probably count on one hand the instances where she had witnessed Scarlett vulnerable in any way.

“Are the two of you really okay after what happened yesterday?” she asked, the concern bleeding through into her voice. “I was stuck helping my father and brother after it was over, so I never had the chance to find you.”

Although she had been fortunate enough to escape unscathed because of her family’s protection, she had been worried about the well-being of those she knew. The Duke had ensured that everyone who attended the ball received treatment from healers, so most minor injuries were as if they had never happened, but that didn’t mean one would remain unaffected by the events.

“We exerted some effort during the attack, but we were not seriously injured, if that is what you are concerned about,” Scarlett answered. “A good night of full rest is most likely all it will take to fully recover once we return to Freybrook.”

“That’s a relief.” Livvi nodded her head. “I have been spending most of the time since the attack worried about the safety of those I know, but most won’t even be attending today, so I won’t have the opportunity to check on them until later. It relieves me to be able to see you are safe, at the very least.”

Scarlett regarded her with a thoughtful expression, and Livvi couldn’t help but wonder what went through her friend’s mind.

“…I believe I understand your concern,” the woman finally said. “If it puts you at ease, I saw Father Abraham after the incident. He appeared mostly unharmed.”

Livvi smiled. “That is reassuring to hear.”

“Pardon me, but Baroness Hartford, was it?” Just then, an older voice interrupted their conversation, drawing their attention to a white-haired gentleman in a black suit who was approaching, gently supporting himself on a damaged cane. Walking beside him was a middle-aged man with black hair, bearing a resemblance to the older gentleman.

Scarlett turned towards them, her brow slightly creased. “…Mister Halewell, if I recall correctly.”

The elderly man smiled. “Quite right, my lady. And this is my son, Laurenz. He is the current holder of the title of Baron Halewell.”

While the older gentleman radiated warmth and sincerity on his face, his son’s expression was less cordial. The man still offered a respectful nod to Scarlett, though. “Baroness Hartford.”

Scarlett greeted him with a nod in return. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Baron Halewell.”

Livvi exchanged a look with Evelyne. Judging by the younger woman’s expression, it seemed neither of them knew how Scarlett was familiar with this man.

“I said much the same yesterday, but upon seeing you just now, I felt compelled to express my gratitude for your assistance once more, my lady,” the older Halewell said. “I imagine my son feels the same.”

His son didn’t look as enthusiastic about it. In fact, he seemed to already know who Scarlett was and did not appear eager to engage in conversation with her.

A pang of annoyance stirred within Livvi. She had heard from some of her associates that Scarlett had been shunned in noble circles lately, even by people who were supposed to be her friends. While Livvi could understand why people acted that way—she herself still struggled to fully comprehend the reason behind Scarlett’s actions during the Proclamation—she felt it was all a bit excessive. But she was also well aware of how prideful people could be.

“Thank you, Baroness, for saving my son and father,” Baron Halewell eventually said. “My father may have already conveyed this to you, but our family does not forget its debts. If there is anything we can assist you with, I believe we can come to an agreement.”

“I am certain that we can,” Scarlett replied.

The elder Halewell then turned his attention to Livvi and Evelyne. “And who are these fine young ladies?”

“I am Scarlett’s younger sister, Evelyne Hartford.”

“And I am Livvi Knottley.”

The man’s eyebrows rose. “Knottley? Are you perhaps related to Count Knottley?”

“Yes,” Livvi answered. “I am his daughter. Do you know him?”

The old man leaned on his cane and stroked his white beard. “I see. I have had the occasional conversation with him, but I would not say that we are acquainted.”

“My father is over there, if you are interested in speaking with him.” She pointed in the direction of where she had been earlier.

Her father disliked most meetings like this, but this man seemed pleasant enough. He was respectful towards her and Scarlett at least, and it appeared that Scarlett had helped him the previous night.

The man looked over towards where she pointed. “No, that will be quite all right. I should return to my dear wife instead. I was the one that pulled her along today despite her protests, so the very least I can do is keep her company.”

He turned back to Scarlett, giving the woman and Evelyne a respectful nod. “My son and I won’t keep you any longer. I hope we have another opportunity to meet in the future. Until then, I wish you all the best.”

With that, the man and his son took their leave.

Following that, Evelyne observed Livvi and Scarlett for a couple of seconds, appearing to contemplate something. After exchanging a glance with her sister, she eventually spoke. “I think I will go and mingle for a bit. I’ll leave the two of you alone.”

She quickly departed, suddenly leaving Livvi alone with Scarlett.

The two of them locked eyes.

For some reason, Livvi found herself at a loss for what to say. Previously, her thoughts had been occupied with worries about her friend’s well-being, but now that she knew Scarlett was safe, her mind seemed to come to a halt.

“…Should we head over there?” she asked, gesturing towards a nearby area adorned with tables and a beautiful display of flowers arranged in various patterns.

“Very well,” Scarlett replied.

They made their way over, each picking up a glass of chilled wine from a passing servant’s tray as they did. When they came to a halt, Livvi stole a glance at her friend.

“...I’m sorry if I am not the most talkative right now,” she said after a moment. “I think I’m still a bit shaken after what happened.”

Scarlett calmly regarded her and took a sip of wine. “That is understandable.”

"It still feels like my mind hasn’t quite processed it all,” Livvi confessed, her gaze fixed on the deep red liquid in her own glass. “That something so…terrible would just happen out of nowhere. I was talking with an old friend, and then suddenly all of those black portals opened up all around us, and the Tribe of Sin appeared.”

A shiver ran down her spine as she recalled the memory. Some people, like her father, had reacted almost immediately, but she had still witnessed someone losing their arm only moments after the chaos unfolded.

“It was indeed a terrible event,” Scarlett said, though the woman didn’t display any particular emotion on her face.

Livvi studied her, finding it difficult to imagine her friend appearing truly fazed under any circumstances. “Where were you when it happened?”

“I was outside on one of the balconies. At the time, I was conversing with Dame Iyana Webb when we heard the commotion from inside. It was not as sudden of an experience for us as it was for you.”

“But you took part in the fighting, didn’t you? Considering what Baron Halewell and his father said…”

“I did, yes. There were many Tribe members in the room where I encountered those two, and I helped to distract them so that those directly engaged in combat could deal with them. My particular brand of magic lends itself well to providing support against a large group of adversaries in such a fashion.”

“That’s…amazing.” Livvi didn’t know how else to respond to that. She had always known Scarlett as someone who avoided fights, so hearing this was strange.

“Did you also take part in it?” her friend asked.

Livvi blinked, meeting her gaze before shifting her eyes in the direction of her father. “You know I’ve never been good at those things. If it weren’t for my brother and father protecting me, I’m not sure I would still be standing here…”

“Then it is fortunate that they were there for you.”

She looked back at Scarlett. “Were you worried?”

There was a pause as the woman considered her in silence, and Livvi was starting to regret asking, but then Scarlett finally responded.

“I am not sure.”

Livvi’s eyes widened.

“It seems that I am always somewhat uncertain about these matters when they are related to you,” her friend continued.

Livvi stared at her, momentarily opening her mouth before closing it. Her thoughts wandered.

There had been something weighing on her mind for a while now. Whenever she met Scarlett lately, she would notice these changes. Differences from the old Scarlett she used to know. They both delighted and saddened her at the same time, for some reason.

She imagined that most were probably surprised by the big changes, those that were most obvious. But Livvi found herself not being able to ignore the minor shifts. The way Scarlett would look at her now sometimes, or how the woman would seem just slightly more conscious of the sentiments of those around her than before. It made Livvi wonder what had caused this change. What had made her old friend transform like this?

It was difficult to reconcile the image of the Scarlett she used to know with the one in front of her, openly making an admission like this.

Suddenly, Livvi found herself with the urge to ask something completely unrelated. “Scarlett… Do you remember what you told me when we were younger? After your mother passed away…?”

The question hung in the air as Scarlett stood there, watching her quietly for a while, as if she could deduce the answer from her face. “I do not,” she eventually replied.

Livvi wasn’t even surprised.

That was strange. She should be shocked. Even with all the other changes, Scarlett should never have forgotten about that moment. It was the one memory Livvi believed would forever remain with her friend. Yet somehow, it hadn’t, and that felt oddly natural.

Was this the cause of that peculiar feeling Livvi had experienced every time she interacted with Scarlett lately? The unspoken weight behind their interactions? What did it mean? Was it bad…or was it good?

“…Is there a problem?” Scarlett’s voice broke through her contemplation, bringing her back to the present.

“Oh… Never mind. I’m sorry, I was lost in thought about something… It might not be that important, so please disregard it,” Livvi replied.

Scarlett eyed her closely for another moment. “Are you certain?”

Livvi hesitated. “Actually…”

Suddenly, her attention was drawn to a figure approaching from another part of the garden. The person, dressed in an elegant gown and wearing a stony expression on her face, looked like she was staring directly at Scarlett.

She pointed towards the person. “W-We can discuss that some other time. I think there is something else we need to address first.”

That was Marchioness Edita Delmon, Scarlett’s future mother-in-law.