She Stays!

Alexander froze midstep, slowly turning to greet Camilla with a sheepish grin.

"Hey," he said casually. "You come here often?"

He joked—a nervous habit from his previous life.

Camilla chuckled softly before composing herself.

"May you lead us downstairs for breakfast?" she asked in a casual yet respectful tone.

Uh, what?

Alexander was certain she'd grill him for eavesdropping—so for her to ask something so mundane was… strange.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" He turned his ear toward her, cupping a hand behind it.

"Are you a fool?"

Louise stomped. "Take us to breakfast—I'm not in the mood for your games."

Alexander nodded nervously.

"Of course—that's what I thought you said."

He stepped aside, gesturing down the stairs. "A-after you," he stammered.

Look at me, a noble, waiting hand and foot for two women I barely know… damn you, Ben!

As Camilla and Louise passed and descended, Alexander shook his head.

"Alexander Von Daname," he muttered. "More like Alexander the fucked."

Entering the dining room, the trio found Marcus quietly enjoying fruit and porridge.

Olivia poked at her bowl with a bored frown.

"Lady Olivia, Marcus—good to see you both up early," Camilla said warmly, sitting beside her.

Olivia flashed a quick smile before returning to her porridge.

Marcus stayed silent, averting his gaze from Alexander—who stared daggers.

Look at you, acting all casual… vengeance will be mine!

"Alex, darling…" Olivia said softly.

Alexander looked at her, surprised. "Yes, Mother?"

"Come here."

He blinked in disbelief—Olivia had never wanted anything from him.

"Uh…" He stood frozen, processing.

Camilla eyed him curiously. "Alexander, did you not hear your mother?"

"Sorry," he said softly, walking over. "Yes, Mother?" He stood beside her.

Olivia smiled.

"Do you want this?" She pushed the bowl toward him.

Alexander eyed it—the tan, sticky porridge looked unappealing, especially since she'd clearly been eating it.

Ugh, no fruits or spices? What are we… poor?

He forced a smile up at her.

Though he didn't want it, something nagged him to accept.

To most, this was just a woman offloading unwanted food on a kid.

But Alexander sensed Olivia saw it differently.

"Is something wrong with it?" he asked.

She shook her head.

"No, it's just…" She paused, glancing down. Grabbing the spoon, she scooped some.

"Here, try it." She extended it toward his mouth.

Alexander hesitantly opened up, expecting horror.

But it never came.

Instead, warm, gooey goodness hit—tasting of cinnamon and sugar. His eyes widened in delight.

"Mhmm, this is good," he said with a muffled laugh.

Olivia smiled. "I thought so too—so I had three bowls this morning." She giggled.

Oh… that makes sense—she couldn't finish.

"Look, between you and me, I never doubted you for a second," he said with a nod, sitting beside her to dig in.

Olivia looked confused. "Doubt?" She leaned closer. "What was doubted?"

Alexander froze mid-spoonful, sweat beading.

Me and my big mouth!

Fortunately, Camilla drew her attention. "Lady Olivia, may I speak with you and Lady Erica? It pertains to you both."

"Erica's in the kitchen with the servants," Olivia replied. "But I'm sure she'd agree with me—so go ahead."

Camilla sighed, tightening her fist. She glanced at Louise beside her.

"I understand, Lady Olivia." Taking a deep breath, she continued. "My sister wishes to stay here during my time at the front."

A frown tugged her lips. "This isn't a request I make lightly—and I understand if the answer is n—"

"Oh, she can absolutely stay," Olivia said warmly. "Alex could use someone his age around the mansion."

Camilla blinked in disbelief; Louise smiled smugly.

"I-I see…" Camilla nodded.

"Excellent," Louise said, crossing her arms.

"Was there anything else?" Olivia asked.

"Well, Antoinette will be staying with h—"

"YES!!!" A shout of pure joy echoed from the entrance.

Ben stood there with Antoinette.

He dropped to his knees, hands in the air; she covered her face.

My man.

Alexander smirked, nodding supportively.

Olivia and Camilla chuckled at Ben's antics.

Camilla sighed.

"Well, I suppose that's all."

She stood.

"I'll be on my way—the faster I leave, the better." Turning to Louise: "Write Mother about staying—and stress you're not at the front, understand?"

Louise nodded. "I understand."

Camilla headed out, pausing to nod at Antoinette—who saluted, fist to chest, heels clicking.

With Camilla gone, a brief silence fell—until Louise broke it.

"I wish for toast and jam, with honey mead."

She crossed her arms, leaning back.

Antoinette nodded, turning to Olivia.

"Excuse me, Lady Olivia—do you have those?"

"Of course," Olivia smiled. "Though our mead is fresher."

"I'm sure Lady Louise has no complaints, right, my lady?"

Louise waved dismissively. "Fresh is fine."

As Antoinette left for the kitchen, Alexander eyed Louise.

Since he'd planted the idea to stay, he figured he should chat.

"So…" he began casually. "Always into mead, or do you dabble in liquor?"

Louise turned, confounded. "What?"

"I'm more a water person myself—though I boil it personally, you know." He smiled.

"…" Her face scrunched.

Marcus burst into laughter, turning to the wall and pounding the table gently.

Olivia chuckled, hand to mouth, averting her gaze.

What? Alcohol is alcohol…

"A-are you deranged?" Louise asked. "I want a drink—not a death wish."

Alexander shrugged.

You know… I just asked a seven-year-old if she drinks liquor.

He sighed, eyeing his empty bowl. "I see…"

Olivia placed a hand on his head.

"So, Alex—what are you doing after practice?" Her tone was soft and gentle.

Sleep, like always.

"I don't know," he answered. "Haven't thought about it."

He lied.

Olivia smiled warmly. "Well, maybe we can explore town—with Louise and Marcus."

Marcus perked up. "Oh, can we visit the tinker's store? I want that wrist blade Camilla mentioned yesterday!"

Olivia's eyes widened. "What in the goddess's name would you need that for?"

Marcus's eyes twinkled.

"To try a new weapon! She said people skip it for the inconvenience, but it sounded cool—right, Alex?"

Alexander glanced annoyed—he hadn't forgotten earlier; it still irked him.

But that hidden blade was intriguing.

Though pointless as a weapon: too close-range, major disadvantage, plus finger-losing risks from premature extension.

More novelty than practical.

An idea sparked: If Marcus got it and a finger "happened" to fly off…

"I agree!" Alexander flushed with excitement. "We should definitely get you one!"

"Absolutely not," Olivia said sternly, killing the mood.

"Camilla said it's dangerous—even for experienced Pathfinders. I won't allow it in this house."

Both boys groaned—for different reasons.

"Perhaps the clothing retailer instead," Louise chimed. "Since I'm staying, I need to expand my wardrobe."

Olivia's eyes lit with excitement. "Wonderful!"

Aw, fuck—not this. Anything but a shopping spree with loaded women!

"I think I'm sick…" Alexander fake-coughed, rising to escape Olivia.

"M-me too!" Marcus echoed.

She chuckled, sitting him back. "Oh, come on, boys."

She laughed.

"There are clothes for you too— it'll be in and out, no detours."

Alexander eyed her skeptically.

We both know that's a lie.

He sighed, relaxing. "Fine—20 minutes, in and out?"

Olivia nodded, smiling widely as she massaged his shoulder. "Absolutely—maybe 15 if you're good."

We aren't coming home till noon…

After their usual training with Elise, the group prepared a carriage for town.

Elise drove; Liz pulled.

Inside, Marcus sat across from Alexander, next to Olivia.

Alexander sat beside Louise, across from Olivia.

Dressed to impress and settled, their journey began.