"You ought to be careful about your little brother." Anasthasia grabbed a hanger for her newly made dress. Then she reached the clothing rack and hung the dress.
Nevertheless, Michael replied with confidence found in his voice. "I'm well aware that Daniel can be irascible at times."
She turned around and went to the table that was in a hot mess. "Indeed. He's somewhat cranky for a prince—"
"He's like that when it comes to Father, the King." His interjection and unfaltering voice resounded a thud in her heart, which stopped her movements.
'Maybe I judged too soon? Well, I'll see it for myself.'
She hummed for a while, cleaning up the last group of clutters. "You seem to think too highly of him."
Michael stood upright, never to lean against the wall, and then drew close to her.
"I do." He then leaned over and checked her fingers with scrutiny. "I was skeptical about your passion, but it turned out great."
Anasthasia was taken aback. Retracting her arm, she clasped her hands close to her chest. "Of course, I know that. Many Thanks."
"But at the expense of—Look at your fingers."
"This is nothing. I'd say it's pretty normal; it's been a long time since I started doing this."
Michael nodded, moving several inches away from her. He leaned against the edge of the table, this time, and watched her do her thing.
"Do you want to be a prominent couturier?"
To his surprise, Anasthasia shook her head gently. "Full-time? I already had my time with that. I don't have to at this point. I got an offer for teaching, big incentives at that." She smiled, glancing by the window, as soon as she reminisced about the career she enjoyed a lot.
"I see."
She let out a hearty giggle. "I don't mind doing this for a sideline, though."
"I'm not sure, Tasha."
With his vague reply, she eyed him with skepticism. She couldn't help but think to herself, 'I wonder what made him feel so hesitant.'
From her reaction, he quipped his voice right away, "That dress shows too much skin."
"You think it won't blend well with society?" She crossed his arms, imitating his gesture, although firm compared how lax he was.
"Touché."
She pressed her lips while she hunched her shoulders. "But, I'm wearing this for myself."
"Fashion is all about finding that comfort feeling in the clothes you wear. Being able to express who you are by wearing the outfits you like. Not just wearing any but to look for a match of color palette for your tone and finding your silhouette."
Anasthasia, right now, grazed lightly against the satin fabric of the dress she made. Thinking about it, it gave a small flutter in her heart.
"Fashion is an art; thus, subjected to different preferences. But even knowing and putting everything together, some people don't condone—the bold and daring fashion style—as certain elements of it wouldn't appeal to many people out there. While I concur about you on that note, I still believe each Fashion is good in its way."
Michael was all ears, listening to her prattles about her passion for Fashion. His eyebrows rose with much concern; despite that, he remained a curt smile. He looked surprised when she finally made eye contact once more.
"Though I don't mind showing them. They'd know once they get to wear it as well."
"You're stubborn and reckless."
She twisted her heel, clasping her hands on the back. "I know what nobles want, Michael. Three important things I would have to do: Sprinkle much luxury, glamour, and placebo effect. It's just a matter of time; it'll tick."
"Nobles want opulence." Michael narrowed his eyes. "Indeed."
The ticking of the clock caught her attention. "It seemed like it took longer for me to finish than I expected."
"And your food, right here, ran cold." Michael overextended his arm, tapping his finger over the food trolley.
"My, I even forget about that." She hurried over and glanced at the stew Lucy made for her. "I'd eat first, do you want to wait here or head over there with them?"
"I can do the latter if you want."
"That's fine by me." With Anasthasia's cue, Michael strolled his way out of the room.
"My old habit is resurfacing." Anasthasia slapped her cheeks, annoyed by her sudden murmurs. "I'm sure Lucy would be upset if I didn't finish this." She hovered her hand and let out such warmth.
She took her time eating the delicious stew. Even after she finished the bowl clean, her mouth longed for every savory taste that was in it.
'That food was bloody delicious.' She smacked her lips from the thought of it.
Without further delay, Anasthasia strutted her way—out to the tailor room and welcomed the living room, where she sensed the heavy tension that loomed over them.
Noticing her presence, they all shot up with astonishment. Meanwhile, Anasthasia discerned how Lucy's eyes turned so puffy, and she was stuck in between her two brothers, who held grim faces. To the other side of the couch, Michael shut his eyes, but his forehead broke a sweat.
'Something isn't good.'
"May someone recapitulate what got talked about?"
As always, her eyes darted over to Levi, who leaned forward, propping his elbow unto his thighs, and crossed his fingers.
"Ana, it seems like we are called for different matters as well."
"So you can't escort her, I presume." Anasthasia got to the nearest sofa, crossing her ankles as she glanced at them. "I figured that out."
"Then—"
Anasthasia rose her palm. "Please finish what you started."
Levi gave a firm nod before he uttered back, "We are ordered to prepare for something else while a knight escorts her from the manor. A knight will arrive a few minutes from now. Though I have such suspicions."
"About the knight?"
Liam, this time, croaked out his voice, "...I hope you understand, Ana."
"Don't worry, I'll be right by her side," Ana said unperturbed.
Both Levi and Liam lit up their faces from her response; but, overshadowed as Lucy stood up, she was gleaming from all the twinkles around her.
"You really will, sister Ana?"
Anasthasia bobbed her head slightly. Lucy, on the other hand, pumped up her fists as she squealed out of joy.
"Though I should think of some countermeasures, I'm sure you know, both of you, all too well," she said.
Liam agreed from her claims but still heaved a sigh. "I'm sure there are loopholes we can exploit. It's not entirely foolproof."
"I'm just going to test it with my powers and not just mere invisibility, lest things could go south at some point of the trip." Anasthasia made a steeple on her fingertips.
"Ana, please take care of her in our stead."
"I will, Liam. Even if you don't say so."
Levi nudged his glasses and quipped his talk, "We already had a plan, Ana. All we needed was your approval. In this matter, we can execute our plan, and you can do yours."
"But the Archduke's intentions remained unknown." Michael joined in the conversation, sizing their reaction in caution. "The two of you shouldn't make him wait any longer."
"I agree with Michael. You two better get going."
The twins stood up, and both of them ruffled her hair, and at the same time, she gave both of them a tight hug.
"We will be waiting over there, Lucy. Be strong okay?"
"Yes, brother Liam. I will. The same goes for two of you."
Both of them chuckled and started to move out—not to the living room but by the dining area.
"What about me?"
"Michael, I think you should stay here and entertain Fried."
"What! But—"
"No, buts."
They stopped their banters when Lucy tittered from her seat, but Anasthasia could see how her legs trembled indiscretion. It was the perfect time for her to sit by her side and clasped her hand with a tender grip.
"I'm here, Lucy. You can rely on me."
Anasthasia saw how her tears welled up. She patted her head and cooed in a soft tone, "I'd encourage you to cry, but it might ruin your pretty face. We don't want them to see you in such a pitiful state, right?"
"I agree."
"Then, let's show them what we're made of and not some pushovers." She gestured with a thumb forward.
Not long enough, they heard the clops outside. They were no stranger from it as it was time for them to depart.
"Let's get ready." They both stood up. "Michael, please take care of Fried, for real."
"Fine." Michael kneaded his forehead, unable to decline her sincerity.
"Keep an eye on Daniel."
"...As you wish."
Anasthasia's hands propped on Lucy's shoulders, giving her the courage to move onward. Her trudge got worse, but she was patient enough to guide her and, perhaps, soothe her anxieties.
But before Lucy could open, she cast.
'Concealment!'
'Refraction!'