Ramune walked down the majestic alleyway, the grand arches towering above her like giants. Yet, somehow, the alley felt larger than it should—vast and empty, as though it were swallowing her whole. The bright sunlight streaming in from the windows didn't ease the heaviness. It felt dark, oppressive, as if the shadows themselves carried a weight that pressed against her shoulders.
But she didn't falter. Her strides remained steady as her mind wandered. Damian's words echoed relentlessly in her head.
...Remove Dame Ramune from her position within the knights...
It repeated like a haunting melody, relentless and sharp. Sure, her actions might stir trouble for the royal family—even His Majesty—but she was willing to take that risk. Giving her life was a small price to pay. The thought of being removed from her position, however, gnawed at her in a different way.
"I don't really care about being kicked out," she muttered under her breath, her voice cold and detached. "But it would complicate things. As a knight, my actions are limitless. No one dares to stand in my way. But if I'm removed..." Her eyes darkened. "I'd have to deal with anyone who disrupts my plans—whether they're comrades or enemies. That would be such a... pain."
Damian's face flashed in her mind—the same old man with those piercing, judgmental eyes. He hadn't changed a bit over the years.
"Ah... should I get rid of him?" she mused darkly.
Her thoughts were abruptly cut off as she collided with someone. She stumbled slightly, but before she could fall, a hand caught her waist, steadying her.
Ramune looked up, startled. The person before her was tall and imposing, an unfamiliar figure. She straightened herself quickly, nodding in thanks.
"My apologies. Thank you," she said curtly, bowing slightly before taking a better look at the individual.
The figure was striking. Their outfit was classic yet elegant: black slacks, a black collared shirt adorned with gold accents, and a crimson vest that gleamed subtly under the light. The accessories they wore—golden cuffs and a brooch shaped like a hawk—added a regal flair. Their face was equally captivating: sharp features, neatly tied hair, and eyes that seemed to hold a secret.
Ramune's gaze lingered, her mind sharp as she took in the details.
This person...
The figure chuckled, their voice smooth and amused. "Why are you staring at me like that? Is this your new way of flirting?" They extended a hand for a shake, their grin teasing.
Ramune met the gesture hesitantly, shaking their hand with a firm grip. "It's nice to meet you, Miss."
The figure froze for a moment, startled, before bursting into laughter. "Wow! You've got a sharp eye, don't you? Most people just call me 'sir.' You caught me quicker than I expected."
Ramune tilted her head, unamused. "It wasn't hard."
The woman—because she clearly was—smirked, leaning her hand slightly closer. "You're no ordinary person, are you?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Ramune pushed the woman's hand aside gently but firmly, her expression stoic. "Excuse me for asking, but who might you be? Judging by your appearance, you're not ordinary yourself."
The woman seemed delighted by the retort. She smirked, nodding in acknowledgment.
"Let me help you," Ramune continued. "Are you His Majesty's guest? If so, I'll lead you to him."
The woman tapped her chin thoughtfully, as though considering something important. "Oh no," she replied with a sly smile. "I'm not here for His Majesty. Rather..."
Ramune narrowed her eyes slightly.
"I'm here to meet the rumored head of the royal knights!" the woman exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.
Ramune blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
"The bloodlust maniac," the woman continued dramatically, "who doesn't flinch when cutting down her enemies. The one who drags prisoners back, no matter how broken they are, just to extract every ounce of information she wants. A workaholic genius with an intimidating presence so powerful it makes grown men cry!"
Ramune's expression didn't change, but internally, she was baffled.
That's... a little much, isn't it? she thought, trying to process the embellished description. Half of it's true, but the rest? Did they base this off a fantasy novel or something? Do they even know who I actually am?
The woman finally stopped her dramatic rambling and looked at Ramune expectantly. "So, do you know where I might find her?"
Ramune, unwilling to expose herself, kept her gaze cold. "Perhaps. I may know where she is."
The woman's eyes lit up, and Ramune turned without another word, motioning for her to follow.
As they made their way to the knights' lounge, Ramune couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was more than it seemed. This stranger wasn't just here for idle curiosity. Her elegance, her confidence, and the way she carried herself—all of it hinted at a purpose she wasn't revealing.
"Who are you, really?" Ramune thought as she glanced over her shoulder.
The woman met her gaze with a knowing smile, and for a brief moment, Ramune felt as though she were the one being sized up.
Hm, seems I got careless. Now I've fallen into her trap. Ramune thought, her expression remaining calm despite the realization. She took a deep breath—not out of fear, but anticipation. A challenge.
She turned her head slightly, her sharp gaze locking onto the figure behind her. "What's your name, Miss?"
The woman tapped her chin theatrically, as if considering how much to reveal. Then she smiled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You can call me Lyric. That's how I like to be addressed, though most people aren't supportive of it." She crossed her arms, her tone shifting to a mock pout. "Honestly, it's rude, don't you think?"
Ramune raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by the theatrics. "Lyric, then. We're about to arrive."
She pushed the doors open, and the two stepped inside. As usual, the lounge was buzzing with conversation and activity—knights lounging on chairs, chatting, or polishing their weapons. But the second Ramune entered, the room quieted.
The knights immediately stiffened, their eyes snapping to her. Even in casual settings, Ramune's presence carried a weight that demanded respect—or fear. Lyric, on the other hand, not bothered to the sudden shift in atmosphere.
"Oho, lively crowd!" Lyric exclaimed, clapping her hands together as if she'd just walked into a festival.
Ramune sighed inwardly and stepped aside, allowing Lyric to wander freely. "If the person you're looking for is here, find them yourself," she said curtly, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall.
Lyric grinned, undeterred. "Well, well, time to find the elusive head knight!" She scanned the room, her gaze landing on the first knight within reach—a young man with a kind face who seemed a little too relaxed given the circumstances.
"Excuse me," Lyric said, approaching him. "I'm looking for someone. The head knight, actually. You know, the infamous one? Bloodlust, intimidating, possibly terrifying—ring any bells?"
Lionel blinked, clearly taken aback. His lips twitched as he fought to suppress a grin. "Ah, you mean Dame Ramune?"
Lyric lit up. "That's the one! Dame Ramune! Where is she? I've been dying to meet her!"
Lionel glanced over Lyric's shoulder, his eyes meeting Ramune's flat, unimpressed stare. A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes as he turned back to Lyric.
"Oh, Dame Ramune?" he said, stroking his chin as if deep in thought. "She's... uh, around here somewhere. I could help you find her, if you'd like?"
"Really?" Lyric's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You're the best!"
Lionel chuckled, waving off the compliment. "No problem at all. Let's go." He gestured for her to follow, and the two began weaving through the room.
"Is she really as terrifying as people say?" Lyric asked, her voice bubbling with curiosity.
Lionel nodded solemnly. "Oh, absolutely. A force of nature. You never know when she'll strike. One minute, she's calm; the next, heads are rolling."
Lyric gasped, looking genuinely impressed. "That's amazing. She sounds like a legend."
"She is," Lionel agreed, shooting a glance back at Ramune, who was now watching the scene unfold with mild exasperation.
As they approached a random corner of the lounge, Lionel gestured dramatically to an empty chair. "Here we are!"
Lyric tilted her head. "Uh... this is a chair."
Lionel shrugged. "Well, Dame Ramune is known for her unpredictability. Maybe she's disguised as furniture today?"
Lyric squinted at the chair, suspicious. "Hmm. Clever. But I don't think this is her."
"No?" Lionel feigned disappointment. "Oh well. Let's keep looking."
The two continued their 'search', Lionel clearly enjoying the game while Lyric remained oblivious. Meanwhile, the other knights watched the spectacle, barely suppressing their laughter.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of theatrics, Ramune decided she'd had enough. She pushed off the wall and strode over to them, her presence immediately silencing the growing snickers around the room.
"Lyric," she said, her voice sharp.
Lyric turned, her expression brightening. "Oh, you're back! Did you see—" She froze mid-sentence, her eyes narrowing as realization dawned.
Ramune stared at her, arms crossed, her cold gaze unyielding.
Lyric blinked. Once. Twice. Then she pointed a finger at Ramune, her mouth dropping open. "Wait. You're Dame Ramune?! "
Ramune's lips twitched, but she maintained her stoic expression. "Is that a problem?"
Lyric's face broke into a sheepish grin. "Ahaha, nope! No problem at all. I just, uh, didn't expect you to be so... quiet."
Lionel burst out laughing, earning a glare from Ramune. "Well, at least you finally found her," he teased, clapping Lyric on the back.
Ramune sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This is why I avoid people."
Lyric grinned, completely unbothered. "Well, Dame Ramune, it's an honor to meet you! You're even cooler than I imagined."
Ramune didn't respond, her patience already wearing thin. This was going to be a long day.
---
"By the way, this is Lyric. She's my guest," Ramune said flatly, introducing the woman standing beside her.
Lionel, who had been leaning casually against a table, nodded at first, but then froze mid-motion. His amused expression quickly morphed into one of pure shock as her words registered.
"Wait. Her?!" he exclaimed, his eyes widening as he scanned Lyric from head to toe. His gaze lingered, clearly trying to process what he was seeing.
"You... you're so... manly-looking!" Lionel blurted out, his tone more impressed than insulting.
Lyric, far from offended, threw her head back in laughter. "Ahaha! I get that a lot!" she said, waving him off like it was the most normal thing in the world.
"Seriously, though," Lionel said, still eyeing her. "You've got this... uh, aura about you. Like a warrior prince or something!"
Lyric smirked, brushing imaginary dust off her crimson vest. "Why, thank you! I do try to keep an air of elegance and mystery. It's hard work, you know?"
Ramune sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as Lionel and Lyric immediately launched into a lively conversation, trading stories and jokes like old friends.
"So," Lionel began, leaning in conspiratorially, "what brings you to the knights' lounge? Looking for adventure? Or just here to see our very own head knight?"
"Oh, definitely the head knight," Lyric replied with a grin. "The stories I've heard about her are wild. I just had to meet her in person."
Lionel chuckled, shooting a glance at Ramune. "Wild stories, huh? Yeah, she's definitely something. Did you know she once took down five enemy knights alone? Barehanded."
Lyric's eyes widened in amazement. "No way!"
Ramune groaned audibly, her patience thinning. "Lionel, stop exaggerating," she muttered.
"But it's true!" Lionel insisted, clearly enjoying himself. "Well, mostly true. I mean, the part about her glaring them into submission might've been embellished a bit..."
Lyric clapped her hands together. "Amazing! A glare that can defeat enemies? That's legendary!"
"Legendary, sure," Ramune muttered under her breath, crossing her arms.
The two continued their animated banter, oblivious to the slight twitch in Ramune's brow. As much as she wanted to intervene, part of her was tempted to let them tire each other out.
"Anyway," Lionel said, leaning back with a grin, "welcome to the knights' lounge, Lyric. You've definitely spiced things up around here."
Lyric chuckled, striking a mock pose. "Happy to entertain!"
Ramune sighed again, wondering how she'd gotten herself into this mess. If this was what hosting a guest meant, it was going to be a very long day.