Camilla du Nova.

As the carriage slowed to a halt, he rose from his mother's lap to peer out the window.

Just outside stood a quaint café that looked plucked straight from a movie set, its large windows revealing an interior bustling with high-class patrons.

Alexander wasn't an idiot when it came to spots like this.

It was the kind of place where people went to gossip or flaunt their wealth over overpriced, half-assed drinks.

Ah, just like on Earth—though I guess these folks actually have money, unlike the posers back home.

Ben hopped down from the driver's bench and circled around to help them exit.

Antoinette followed, her eyes scanning the area like she was hunting for someone.

Ben opened the door, extending a hand to Alexander with a giddy grin he couldn't quite hide.

Reel it in, man—you look too eager!

"Thank you, my good man," Alexander said, placing his small hand in Ben's.

Ben chuckled as he helped Alexander onto the sidewalk, then turned to his mother. "My lady, if you will."

With everyone out, Ben closed the door and led them to the café entrance, holding it open.

Antoinette entered first, guiding the group inside.

The air was rich with the scent of fresh pastries and coffee.

Soft murmurs of conversation filled the space around round tables, bathed in warm light from the large windows.

Antoinette strode past the tables, her commanding presence turning heads among the finely dressed clientele.

Alexander and his mother followed closely, with Ben at the rear.

She stopped at a secluded table near the back wall and bowed briefly to a woman and a young girl about Alexander's age.

The woman—dressed in long black boots, white trousers, and a flowing red coat—rose gracefully.

"Ah, Dame Antoinette, I see you've returned," she said with a smile, her gaze shifting to the newcomers.

"And you've brought guests."

Alexander smirked, taking in her long, luscious brown hair and bright, luminous eyes.

God, I love a woman in uniform.

"Yes, Lady Camilla," Antoinette replied courteously.

"This is Lady Erica, her son Lord Alexander, and Sir Ben, Pathfinder of House Daname."

Camilla smiled warmly. "House Daname—now that's a name I've heard often lately."

She chuckled softly.

"You must be proud of your Pathfinders' work in the field, Lady Erica, especially for such a small, emerging house."

Alexander's mother returned the smile. "Oh, I am. My husband has poured everything into building what we have."

She tilted her head. "Though I assume that's something you have little experience with, being born into yours."

Oh boy…

Camilla laughed, gesturing to the young girl beside her.

"If you think I'm pampered, you should meet my sister Louise. I merely adopted this life—but Louise? She was molded by it."

Alexander turned his attention to Louise, a pint-sized version of Camilla.

She wore an elegant dress patterned in white and gray, with puffed shoulders, long sleeves, white socks, and gray fur-lined slippers.

Her red eyes narrowed as they met his. "What gives you the nerve to gawk at me?" she snapped.

Alexander raised an eyebrow and slowly looked away.

Alright, big nope on that one…

He could tell she was trouble from the jump, but he hadn't expected that level of bite.

His mother looked aghast, clearly taken aback by Louise's bluntness.

Camilla chuckled, reaching for her seat. "Louise can be quite direct, but I assure you, she's as sweet as candy."

Yeah, the kind that loses its flavor if you look at it wrong…

As Camilla sat, she motioned for them to join. "I'm sure you didn't come just to escort my Pathfinder. Please, have a seat—we'll talk."

Alexander's mother nodded toward Ben, who quickly pulled out chairs for them.

While Ben helped them settle, Camilla leaned toward Antoinette.

"Did you get the information I requested?" she whispered.

"Yes, my lady. I've secured transport to the front lines and a ship to return Louise home," Antoinette replied.

Louise, who'd been glaring at Alexander (now seated beside her), perked up. "Did you say home?" she asked, baffled. "I refuse."

"Louise, we've been over this," Camilla sighed, rubbing her temples. "I'm not bringing you to a war front."

"Says whom?" Louise demanded, crossing her arms. "I don't recall agreeing to such madness."

"Says me." Camilla pointed to her chest. "You could be killed—or worse, captured."

Louise scoffed. "I fear no soldier of the Western Empire. Besides, Father is there to protect me."

She leaned back. "Though none of this would be an issue if the Fallen Kingdom could fend for itself." Her glare flicked to Alexander and his mother.

His mother raised a hand to her mouth in shock.

Alexander barely stifled a laugh—she had a point. If their kingdom wasn't so reliant on Ambur, Louise wouldn't even be here.

But it sparked his curiosity.

He'd caught snippets about the war against the Western Empire from his radio, but what was it really about? Conquest? Defense? Resources?

"Louise, how dare you say that about our ally?"

Camilla hissed, keeping her voice low—though futile, as the café had fallen silent, all eyes on their table.

I guess calling your ally a leech in their own kingdom ruffles a few feathers. Who knew?

Louise rolled her eyes. "An ally? Their dependence is so great, I'd mistaken them for a vassal."

Alexander nearly snorted.

Louise was bold—too bold. He pictured her telling off a lion without flinching.

Camilla sighed, shaking her head.

"I refuse to deal with this," she mumbled, glancing upward.

Taking a deep breath, she turned to Alexander's mother.

"So, Lady Erica—Alexander seems quite the observer. He hasn't said a word since we arrived."

Alexander raised an eyebrow.

His mother shifted her gaze to him, smiling. "That's a fair point. Alexander, anything to add?" she asked warmly.

Thinking back, he didn't have much to say. Louise was a prick, Antoinette and Ben were sneaking glances like teenagers,

Camilla was way out of his league (for now), and he'd already chatted with his mother.

But there was one thing.

He turned to Camilla with a smile. "Ma'am, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on." He winked, widening his grin.

Camilla's cheeks flushed pink, her eyes widening.

Alexander wasn't being nice—he was laying groundwork.

He was only six now, but if Mrs. Dellwich was any indication, Camilla would still look this young when he grew up.

Oh yeah, it's all coming together.

"Oh, Alex," his mother laughed softly, pulling him into a hug. "You really are your father's son."

Camilla smiled warmly, leaning back.

"My, you have a way with words, Lord Alexander. Unfortunately, your age hinders our wedding plans."

Ben, ever the opportunist, nudged Antoinette. "I taught him that," he whispered, pointing subtly.

She shook her head with a smile.

Remembering Camilla was from Ambur, Alexander had questions. "Lady Camilla," he said casually, "may I ask a few things?"

She nodded, leaning forward. "Of course."

"Queen Charlotte—who is she?"

"She's the Queen of Ambur and the second ruler of the new golden age," Camilla replied.

"Golden age—what's that?"

"It's the era of exploration and innovation—trains, expansions into the demon continent, all signs of progress."

Alexander nodded. "If Queen Charlotte is the second ruler, who was the first?"

"King Lucas the Sixth, her father. He ended the civil war on the isle, unified Ambur, bolstered the navy, and boosted trade with other Hakshi nations."

Camilla's expression dipped. "Unfortunately, there wasn't much trade to be had—our people have been pushed to the continent's edges."

"What do you mean?"

Camilla sighed. "There aren't many Hakshi kingdoms left. Ambur, Fallen, and Tora are the last major ones. And of those, Ambur foots the bill to protect the others."

So that's why Louise called us a vassal.

Camilla placed a hand on her chest. "But I'm honored to aid Queen Charlotte and Ambur in safeguarding our siblings.

It's my dream that Fallen and Tora will one day stand equal with us." Her voice brimmed with pride and resolve.

Alexander absorbed it thoughtfully, then pressed on. "You're here to check on your father, fighting the Western Empire with our kingdom—but why the war?"

And why drag on? Ambur's tech edge should steamroll them.

Camilla lowered her gaze.

"The Western Empire wants the Fallen Kingdom's coast to stage an invasion of Ambur's isle."

She smiled faintly.

"But rest assured—the front is stable, and with our combined might, victory is assured."

Something felt off, but Alexander couldn't pinpoint it.

Eh, maybe I'm overthinking.

If Camilla was confident and Ambur was backing them, it had to be fine.

His mother, who'd been listening quietly, chimed in.

"Your father says the same, dear. Every time he returns, he reassures Olivia and me of victory. Don't look so worried."

Alexander shrugged. "I'm not." He sighed softly, leaning back and crossing his arms.

After a brief silence, Camilla lightened the mood. "So, has anyone tried the puff pastries here?"