The sound of glass breaking made Natalie turn around quickly, she thought Lilith had gotten hurt, but Lilith was standing awkwardly, her eyes wide and lips pressed together. "I kissed him…" she thought, she grabbed his collar and kissed him, and all he did was take it like it was the only appropriate response. He even seemed happy about it. Her eye twitched as she brought up her hands to cover her face, Natalies eye wide with panic. "My lady!? Are you alright!?" She asked, looking at Lilith's body, lifting her arms and inspecting her for any cuts. "I'm okay…I just remembered something embarrassing…." She said, light blush covering her cheeks. Natalie sighed in relief, reaching for her hand brush and dust pan to pick up the glass before Tatsu touched it. Tatsu was happily chewing on a bone as he laid in a fluffy blanket Lilith put on the floor. "Natalie, why did you become a maid?" Lilith asked. She seemed to be surprised that Lilith asked her that, since no other noble ladies ever asked the help anything about themselves, since most saw commoners as dispensable. "Well….as a baby my parents died, a maid friend of theirs raised me at a royal maid academy, I was trained from a young age to be respectful, observant, to be the hands and feet of my master, and to always put them before myself. When I was 15…I was assigned to be the duchess personal maid, a year later Lady Thalia came along and I was assigned to her as well." Natalie said. Lilith felt for Natalie. "Do you ever wish you had a choice?" Lilith asked. "I had a choice, if I did not wish to be here I could leave no problem, if I wanted a different life I could do that as well." Natalie said. "Why haven't you?" Lilith asked. "I'm happy to be here, the duchess was a kind gentle master, Lady Thalia I was only with for a couple months, and now that I am assigned only to you, i'm very content, it is an honor for me to be by your side." Natalie said with her stoic face. Lilith smiled, finding Natalie a funny person with how blank her face always was. "You mentioned Thalia…tell me more about when she came here?" Lilith asked, glad that she finally had an opportunity to ask about Thalia without it looking suspicious. Natalie hummed, trying to remember everything she could. "Well…she was only 9 years old when she first came here, since she was treated as a maid by her family she seemed to be more mature, almost like an adult, a lot of the maids liked her since she was so sweet and innocent. They felt for her since they thought she was an unlucky girl." Natalie said. "You didn't think she was unlucky?" Lilith asked. Natalie seemed to catch what she said and bowed her head. "I promise I am not badmouthing lady Thalia." Natalie said a little nervously. Lilith smiled. "I know, i'm just curious of what you think.." Lilith said. She got up from the stool and sat on her bed, pointing at the stool so Natalie would sit. She sighed as she followed Lilith's order, sitting on the stool. "Well, many maids talked about how unlucky she was, but in my opinion…she is a very fortunate girl, yes, she was forced to clean but was still being fed, and she was saved from that situation by a loving couple, who showered her with gifts, master Vincent and master Cyrus also always doted on her to make sure she was comfortable and happy. She is a very lucky girl…but you my lady….the reason why I care for you so much is because you treat me and the girls like people, Thalia has always been kind but there was always a line she wouldn't cross, she still acted like a noble." Natalie said. Lilith stayed quiet, waiting to see if Natalie said anything else. "You my lady, you look out for us, you built a bond a with us, seeing how you were raised and things you still continue to go through, you are truly an unlucky person, I live in constant fear of what is coming next for you…" Natalie said. "I see…but I don't think im that unfortunate…after all I got to meet you and the girls…" Lilith said happily. Natalie smiled softly, no other noble would have ever said that to her. "Alright. It is time for dinner, come my lady." Natalie said abruptly. Lilith groaned as Natalie made her stand by pulling on her wrists. Her stomach was churning inside, and the anxiety coursing through her veins made her hands a little clammy. As she approached the dining room she could hear soft laughter, she stood with Natalie outside the cracked open doors listening to them. Lilith smiled at the bittersweet feeling. "They sound like a happy family…" she thought. Natalie pushed open the door and the chatter immediately stopped, they were watching her as Lilith stepped up to her seat, next to Vincent. Natalie pulling the chair for her as she sat down. "Good evening everyone…" Lilith said a little awkward. "Good evening sweetie, how was your day today?" The duchess asked. "It was a good day, Vincent gave me a puppy as a present." Lilith said. Vincent smiled a little awkwardly as he sipped some of his wine, since he knew he was going to get teased. "Is that so?" The duchess said with a wide smile, looking at her son as she raised her eyebrows in a teasing way. "Finally…some progress…" the duchess thought. His ears burned as he took a deep breath, but he didn't say anything, he already knew how much his mother loved to tease. The duke ate in silence, he was still uncomfortable around, but when she looked at him she noticed his gaze wasn't as aggressive as it used be. "I thought I could train Tatsu, for hunting and searching." Lilith said. Running away would be so convenient with Tatsu, he would he a great help. "That's…not a bad idea.." Cyrus said, surprised she wasn't going to keep Tatsu a lap dog, but thinking back on her personality they should have seen it coming. When Vincent first got Tatsu, Cyrus thought he would gift him to Thalia, but was surprised when Vincent said Lilith needed a companion. "Why don't you become her companion?" Cyrus teased as Vincent started putting the lid on the box, if Vincent became Liliths companion it would be easier to keep Thalia for himself. Cyrus thought Vincent would glare at him, but was shocked to instead see him turn red. "Oh?" Cyrus thought. His eyes gleaming with mischief, watching his brother blush. Thalia cleared her throat. "Lilith I hope you can join us in the charity event coming up.." She said, her eyes shining. "What charity event?" Lilith asked. "Noble ladies are going to make embroidery pieces that will be sold at the charity event, the money will be given to the orphanage, it would be amazing if you could join us." The duchess said as she Raised her fork to her mouth. "I don't see why not, I could meet the other ladies as well.." Lilith said. She side eyed Vincent, who she noticed had been staring at her plate. She raised an eyebrow at him, he looked away and kept eating. "It's probably cause I haven't touched my food much.."she thought, he was used to see her eat a lot and found it strange to see her picking at her food. "Wonderful! I heard from Natalie you were very talented in your embroidery technique." The duchess said happily. The duke seemed to approve of her decision since he nodded discreetly. Lilith reached over for her wine, and her eyes widened, it was sweet and fruity, the alcohol wasn't too strong in it either. "Is it good?" Vincent whispered. She looked at him sheepishly. "Yes…I like sweet things.." she said. "Lilith, have you tried the blueberry pie from the cherry blossom cafe?" Thalia asked abruptly. "Oh…no I haven't been there before.." Lilith said. "I think you'll like it very much, it's my favorite pie from there.." Thalia said clasping her hands together as she remembered trying it for the first time. "Vincent and I go there often together.." Thalia said smiling. "I see…i'll definitely try that next…" Lilith said. "We go together often to the boutique, but he buys me unnecessary things, now I have a lot of jewelry and shoes I haven't had a chance to wear…" Thalia said embarrassed. Lilith held back from making a face, forcing a gentle smile. "Well that's because you deserve the world.." Cyrus said, reaching out place her hair behind her ear. Thalia looked a little uncomfortable, it seemed like she didn't like his touch. "Huh…strange…in the novel, she was leaning more towards Cyrus at this point…" Lilith thought. Thalia looked at Vincent shyly, as if expecting him to say something similar, but he stayed quiet. Thalia felt a little disappointed but didn't push anymore, instead she kept eating. The duchess cleared her throat awkwardly. "Lilith dear, what other hobbies do you enjoy besides hunting?" The duchess asked. "I like to read, paint, and sew…" Lilith said. Natalie refilled her wine glass and Lilith watched excitedly. "That's her third glass.." Vincent thought. "Oh, is there anything else?" The duchess asked, curious about what other things Lilith liked. "She likes walking in the garden a lot, I have seen her pick out medicinal herbs and flowers…in the library I saw her reading a book on plant medicine." Vincent said. "Oh like an apothecary?" Thalia asked, her eyes wide as she smiled fully intrigued. "Why does that excite her?…" Lilith thought, Thalia didn't seem like the kind of person to care about that. "I heard people who like plants are very patient and caring, since they have to work hard to maintain their garden." Thalia said, reading a book on farming once before. "Well…I do know a lot about medicinal plants..but it's not exactly a hobby I spend too much time on since I don't have my own garden area…" Lilith said, it was true that in her free time she like reading books on medicine and drugs made from raw materials since it would be convenient information to know in this world, considering the lack of modern technology. "Maybe we could make you some room?" The duchess said. "Oh no…that won't be necessary, there is so much raw material in the forest and garden, if I ever truly need anything I know where to find it.." she said. Natalie refilled her glass again, it seemed like Liliths alcohol tolerance was pretty high, which she was happy about. "That is pretty impressive…" the duke said. His eyes focused on her. She smiled, looking around the table they all seemed to be paying close attention to her. "I prefer being physically active…" Lilith said as she gulped. Vincent could see how uncomfortable she was from all the questioning, and he stood up. "Well, I think she's feeling a little tired, I will go ahead and take her to her room.." he said as he pulled her chair out. Lilith reached out for her wine glass and took it with her, sipping on it as she wished them a good night. She was feeling relaxed and in a good mood, as Estella she was a good heavy drinker, so she was happy she could still keep up in Lilith's body. They bid her a good night, Natalie decided to let them go on their own, for now she was going to ask Sebastian if he could accompany them to the cafe Thalia mentioned before. He led her to her room, she seemed to be in a good mood. "You seem happy.." Vincent said. "Yeah, dinner with your family wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, and that wine really loosened me up." She said, taking a deep breath. "So it's because of the wine?" He said in a teasing tone. "Yes, I just love drinking." She licking her lips. He scoffed. "I didn't know you were a good drinker?" He said surprised, not many people were able to handle their alcohol very well. "Well then, good night." She said as she opened her bedroom door. He reached out to grab her wrist, when she looked back at him surprised he cleared his throat. "Yeah?" She asked, waiting for him to say something. "I just…wanted to tell you that recently I haven't gone anywhere with Thalia alone…I know you probably don't care but I just…thought I should tell you…" he said. When Thalia mentioned going with him alone and him buying her things, the duchess looked at him sternly, as if telling him to make sure Lilith didn't misunderstand. Her soft chuckle caught him off guard. "Yeah, don't worry about it, I don't have feelings for you, but I guess…now you're more of my friend than before….so even if we don't love each other…we can at least be friends." Lilith said as she pulled her hand free. He seemed to relax a bit, but he looked a little conflicted with what she said. "Alright…friends.." he stated, smiling as she walked into her room, she turned to face him as she closed her door. "Good night.." she said. After the door clicked he sighed. "Good night…" he whispered. He sat on his chaise, staring at the unopened bottle of wine, he thought of sharing it with Lilith but he figured she would be sleeping since it was midnight. A soft knock at his door caught his attention, his heart racing as he ran over to the door. "Is it Lilith?" He thought almost tripping over himself. He stood at the door for a few seconds catching his breath and fixing up his clothes a little, before opening it slowly. It was Thalia, he felt some disappointment when it wasn't Lilith. "I'm disappointed?…" he thought, his own track of thought catching him off guard. "Hi Vincent…can we talk?" Thalia said sweetly. He didn't open the door further, instead he stepped out and closed the door. "Yes..what's wrong?" He asked, he noticed that once again she was wearing a thin nightgown with a lace robe, colors and styles that only Lilith had worn ever since she has lived here. "I just….I miss you…I feel like we haven't been able to be together in a while…" Thalia said. He furrowed his brows. "Well, I haven't gone anywhere, if you had told me to meet you for tea or something I would have gone…" he said, although he seemed to realize anytime they went together anywhere, he was always the one that hap approached her. "Yes…Vincent…I love you…" she said, her sad eyes looking up at him, her small hand reaching out for his sleeve. "What?" He said taken aback, a cold chill going up his spine. "I love you…" she said again sadly. Just a month ago, if she had told him this, he would have been ecstatic, he might have even run away with her. However, at this moment his head started hurting as he imagined what that would have sounded like coming from Lilith. "Why…why are you telling me this? Before I married Lilith I told you how I felt…if you had told me I would have run away with you and eloped…we had our chance…why are you telling me this now?" He said completely confused. "I know, i'm sorry…I was just conflicted back then…but seeing you grow closer with her made me realize how much I love you.." Thalia said. "I never could read your mind…I never knew what you were thinking, if I had known back then I would have been so happy, but Thalia, you're not my homeland anymore, I used to find peace in your eyes, your scent alone was enough to make feel happy…." He said. The air thick with tension. She sighed deeply, looking at the floor. "So you fell in love with her?" She asked sadly. "No, but I consider her a close friend, and out of respect for her, I will devote myself to our marriage, after all marriage is about commitment and compromise." He said, although he loved Thalia he was confused as to why she would wait so long to try and fight for a relationship with him. It didn't make any sense, he sighed as he rubbed his face with his hands. She teared up a little but nodded, he reached out to pull the sleeves of her robe up and cover her shoulders. "This style really doesn't suit her…" he thought, it was a style used for women with more…developed..bodies, and Thalia was smaller than that. "I'll forget about what happened tonight, you should go back to sleep…" he said as he crossed his arms. She nodded sadly and walked away, going back into his room his headache got stronger. He sat on his chaise conflicted, opening the wine bottle and drinking straight from it. Sometimes if he drank enough the headache would ease up, he kept thinking of what Thalia asked. "Do you love her?" As he kept thinking, he admitted to himself he found her attractive, she was a beautiful woman. On their wedding day he found himself watching her a couple times since she looked so beautiful, even though the dress was too revealing he thought it really suited her. Now that they had been married for four months, he's gotten to know her a little more and so far she has gone against every speculation he had of her. Turning out to be kind, generous, and brave, all things he never thought she would be. She had a strong heart to be able to deal with Vanessa and other things she had gone through in her childhood. "Maybe I do like her…" he thought, the alcohol getting to him, he stood up clumsily and started walking to the door. Lilith sat at the window bench, breathing in the sweet warm night air. "The sight is so beautiful…" she thought. Fireflies were flying around the fountain that could be seen from where she was, an octagon gazebo decorated with hanging vines and blooming flowers, what looked like lanterns emitting golden light. "This place is so romantic.." she thought, which was only natural for a romance novel, she just wished Miyano was here. Her door started to open slowly and she turned quickly, thinking Vanessa might have snuck in. Instead, Vincent poked his head and smiled when he saw her. "He's drunk." She thought as he closed the door behind him, wine bottle in hand and stumbling a little as he walked towards her. She faced her body towards him as she smiled. "He looks like a toddler." She thought. He got on his knees when he reached her, and rested his chin on her lap as he looked up at her. "What's with you?" She asked, running her fingers through his hair. He chuckled softly, like a little kid. "Oh he's out…" she thought, his eyes looked in a daze, he was unable to respond to her question. He leaned his cheek on her lap, looking up at her sweetly. A slight blush was covering his cheeks but she was sure it was because he was drunk. Chuckling again his hand reached out to her face. "You're pretty…" he slurred as he poked her nose. "You're prettier." She said in a teasing tone. He rubbed his face affectionately on her hand. "No…" he slurred, looking at her content. She smirked, grabbing the bottle of wine she put it on her desk. Helping him up he chuckled, his limp body drooping on her as she dragged him to the bed. Using all her strength she picked him up and threw him in the bed, he sniffed her pillows and hummed happily. "What the hell?" She thought, trying to hold back her laughter. She climbed in and covered herself with the blankets, Tatsu jumping on to sleep next to her. "He's gonna freak out in the morning.." she thought as a mischievous smile crossed her face. Vincent smelled something sweet, taking a deep breath he inhaled the scent happily. It was relaxing, something softer than a pillow warming him up. He felt like he had the best sleep of his life last night, fully rested and headache gone. As he slowly opened his eyes he realized he was looking at skin, and the reason why he was so warm was because there were arms and legs wrapped around him. He backed his head up a little with wide eyes and saw that he had been shoving his face into breasts. Looking up slowly he saw Liliths sleeping face, and Tatsu sleeping with his head on the pillow next to hers. The nightgown Lilith was wearing was cut low and made of a very thin fabric. He started to remember how he acted like last night and his face burned a bright red. "I can't believe I did that…" he said embarrassed, acting like a child in front of her. He tried to discreetly move away from her but she had a strong grip on him. She grunted a little as she held him tighter, he cleared his throat hoping to wake her but she didn't budge. Since he couldn't get out of her snake like grip, instead he just watched her sleeping face. It was the only time she looked calm, her normal expression made her look upset, and even when she smiled it took him a while to get used to since it was so sinister. "She's so warm.." he thought, she was like a little heater. He was so used to his hands and feet always being cold, waking up cozy was a nice change. The door began to open and his heart dropped, Natalie came in with the girls and when she saw Vincents head next to Liliths she dropped the tray she was carrying. All three of them staring in shock, Lilith let go of him and sat up. "We're sorry we'll come right back!" Natalie exclaimed and pulled the girls out with her, shutting the door. Lilith laughed as she got out of bed, Tatsu stretching happily as he followed. "What….did…did I do something to you last night?" He asked, scared of the answer. "No, you fell asleep, you're quite adorable when you're drunk." She said. He blushed as he got out of bed, seeing her brushing her hair without a care in the world made him feel a little better since she didn't seem uncomfortable. "You didn't feel uncomfortable with me sleeping on your bed?" He asked. "Nah i'm used to sleeping with someone." She said. "What? What do you mean?" He asked, fearing her response. "Oh…I meant the girls, sometimes they come sleep with me to keep me company, but Tatsu keeps me company now." She said looking at Tatsu lovingly. He sighed, he was thinking she meant another man. "I'm gonna go…i'll see you for lunch.." he said and he left. Lilith smiled, she had been awake the whole time, even before he woke up, but she liked cuddling him and didn't want it to end so she pretended to be asleep. "My lady?" Natalie said as she walked in with the girls. "Good morning girls, don't worry nothing happened last night." Lilith said trying to comfort them, but Natalie instead looked disappointed. The first thing Lilith wanted to do was go hunting, she wanted to start training Tatsu as soon as possible. Richard the knight was passing by her when she was on her way to the hunting grounds. "Lady Lilith! It's been a long time, how are you?" He asked. "I'm doing alright, i'm headed over for the hunting grounds now, how have you been?" She asked. "I have been well my lady, you don't mind if we join you right?" He asked. "No…the more the merrier." She said happily, when Cyrus walked up to them her smile almost dropped, but she didn't want to be rude so she just kept her smile. "So you wouldn't mind me joining as well?" Cyrus asked. "No….I wouldn't mind…" she said. "You hesitated." He said. "No…I didn't." She responded, looking at Richard with a smile. "You did it again." Cyrus said. She sighed in defeat, there was no point in continuing this silly conversation. "I would be happy if you joined, most of my catch will be to feed Tatsu anyway." She said, Tatsu followed after loyally and she loved it, his adorable little face watching her every move was endearing to her. "Very well, I will get my weapons, I will see you there." He said. "Alright…" she said bowing her head as he walked past. "That was very awkward." Richard said. She frowned at him, making him look away pretending like he just saw an interesting bird. When Cyrus caught up they went a little further in, Natalie stayed outside the forest since she didn't want to get in the way. Cyrus shot a squirrel with his bow, hitting it dead in the eye. He looked over at Lilith to see if she was watching but she was too busy grabbing some plants to notice. "You really are like an apothecary…"Cyrus said. "Are you a witch!" Richard exclaimed in a teasing tone. She looked up at them lamely, putting the herbs in a small pouch pouch. Tatsu grabbed the squirrel and brought it over to Lilith with his tail wagging. "You've only had him a day and he already likes you so much." Cyrus said, watching Tatsu show Lilith his belly. The soft humming began echoing in her head again, pressure building in her head. When she rubbed her temples Richard knelt down to pat her back. "Are you alright my lady?" Richard asked concern. "No…i'm…putting a spell on you!" She said as she moved her hands like if she was trying to use magic. The two started giggling like Idiots and Cyrus rolled his eyes, some of the accompanying guards watching them as if they were fools. They started making whooshing sounds and using sticks to pretend they were wands. "Idiots…their both Idiots…" Cyrus mumbled under his breath. They heard him and started making more sounds as they poked him with their sticks. "Woooo…you're a chicken!" Lilith exclaimed as she poked his cheek with the end of the stick. Cyrus eyebrow twitched in annoyance, Richard poked his belly and made an inflation noise. "Get fat!" He said, and they started laughing again, snorting and all. The guards watching them like were fools and started looking around for more game. Since Cyrus ignored them she poked Richard. "Turn into a frog!" She said, he immediately went into character and knelt down to leap like a frog. She was about to follow his lead when something appeared out of nowhere at full speed. They all fumbled to get their weapons and shoot, but Lilith had already shot it. Her eyes fierce and kneeling in perfect position, her breaths harsh. She was on edge about Vanessa appearing, but luckily it was just a deer. "What is a deer doing this close to the outlines?" Cyrus said, amazed at how quick Lilith reacted, and seeing she shot it once again, straight through the eyes. "It was being chased…we should go.." Lilith said as they picked up their things. They tied the deer to take it back, and the guards dragged it along with them. On their way back Lilith bumped into Thalia by a corner, Thalia almost falling backwards but Lilith reached out and grabbed her, holding her like if they were dancing. "Are you alright?" Lilith asked. Thalia nodded shyly as she was pulled back up, Lilith noticed she looked very sad. "Hey what's wrong?" Lilith asked softly, putting her hand on Thalias shoulder. "Nothing, i'm okay Lilith…." Thalia said, looking down at the floor. "I'm not gonna pry." Lilith thought patting her shoulder. It was almost lunch time and she wanted to eat with Vincent, so she ended their conversation. "I have to go, have a good day Thalia." Lilith said walking away. "She looked really sad…maybe just for this time I could give her a gift….it would be nice to be on her good side just in case." She thought. Tatsu was jumping up at her, begging to be carried, she giggled as she picked him up. "You are the cutest!" She said as she hugged him tightly, feeling how fast and hard he wagged his tail. Rushing back to her room, Natalie was struggling to catch up on the stairs, Lilith was very agile and had good stamina so she didn't struggle, but Natalie wasn't used to running upstairs so she struggled after her. "I'm so hungry!" Lilith exclaimed, happily imagining the different ways they would cook the deer she shot. "My lady! Wait for me!" Natalie said as she weakly followed. Lilith's laughter giving her a warm feeling in her heart.