Rising tides.

In an impeccably designed office environment, the serene atmosphere was occasionally disrupted by the soft rustling of pages. Earl Eiji was deeply engrossed in his work at his desk, his countenance exhibiting a solemnity that belied his youthful forties.

"Where could it be," he quietly mused, methodically retracing his steps through the document, intent on identifying a potentially overlooked yet vital detail. The urgency to locate the elusive 'it' had intensified following the previous meeting, as its retrieval was critical for the successful fulfillment of his strategic objectives.

"Or has Reggie discarded it?" he speculated aloud, seemingly addressing the empty room. "That old fool! Why doesn't he simply retire?" His frustration peaked as he struck his fist against the desk, sending papers tumbling away.

The abrupt sound of the door being flung open further aggravated his exasperation, compelling him to brace himself for potential verbal reprimands or worse. However, his impending retort faltered as his attention was captivated by the slender, striking figure framed in the doorway.

"I thought I heard a disturbance, Dad," Pearl remarked with an upbeat demeanor as she approached and took a seat, her mesmerizing onyx eyes fixed intently on him.

Earl looked up, his irritation increased slightly, and he managed a smile. "Pearl, what brings you here?" he inquired, concealing the annoyance brewing within. "How have you been, my dear daughter?"

"What should I say; should I claim I am well or not?" She pursed her lips, scrutinizing him. "I cannot deceive, can I? My ears crave the truth."

Her penetrating gaze demanded a response, and Eiji met her stare with a stoic expression. "Oh! I just recalled your request," he sighed, retrieving one of the alabaster scrolls. "The Prince has no intention of ascending the throne," he provided succinctly and then he delved into the towering mountain of papers.

A silence ensued, stretching into an uncomfortable lull until Eiji lifted his gaze from the mountain of paperwork to find Pearl visibly agitated, her breaths deep and her veins pronounced.

"I thought I explicitly instructed you to provide a detailed report!" she retorted, her chest rising and falling rhythmically in sync with her escalating wrath.

"And I provided you with everything I had gathered," Eiji replied nonchalantly, flipping through the pages without regards to her outburst.

Suddenly, a loud thud on his desk interrupted his focus.

"Did you dine with the devil today?" he shouted, his eyes fixed on her.

"I did, indeed! And guess what we feasted upon? We consumed you!" she shot back, equally incensed.

Eiji's expression darkened, his hands clenching into fists. "I dare you to repeat that, and you shall not see another day!"

The tension in the room escalated, and Pearl erupted into a dry, mocking laugh. "Do your worst; you can do to me what you did to mother or whatever you desire."

"Is that your way of giving consent?" he inquired, a malevolent grin spreading across his face.

"Is that even a word in your dictionary? But remember, when a rabbit is cornered, it reveals its fangs." With that, she stormed out, slamming the door with such force that the reverberations lingered.

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Ely and Philip arrived at the palace. After a refreshing shower, the siblings embarked on a nocturnal promenade. The moon hung solitary in the frigid sky, casting a bitter gaze upon them, it was the only source of illumination unaccompanied by any celestial companions. Despite its sharp bitterness, it exuded an oddly sadistic beauty that captivated their attention.

The royal siblings strolled silently through the garden, finding solace in the harmonious symphony provided by countless crickets and frogs. Positioned on a plateau, the palace offered them a panoramic view of the entire kingdom. As they leaned over the rampart, Ely thoughtfully inquired, "What do you believe you would have become had you not been born into royalty?"

Philip paused, turning to face her. "I would still be your brother, regardless," he asserted firmly.

Ely chuckled, gazing at him. "I understand, but what do you envision regarding your character?"

Bathed in the moon's gentle glow, Philip's face reflected deep contemplation. What would he have become? A farmer perhaps—after all, plants possess no capacity for deceit. However, he recognized his own inability to embody honesty and patience. A politician? Absolutely not; he lacked the ability to propagate gospels of lies to the masses, preferring to convey only what he deemed necessary. An assassin might have suited him, given his tendency to protect what he cherished—potentially eliminating any male who dared to approach his sister.

"I don't know; perhaps I would have wished to be a god," he mused, gazing affectionately at her. "To eradicate all men and ensure none would dare come near you."

Ely narrowed her eyes, a smile dancing on her lips. "So, you do not wish for me to marry?" she asked, her gaze drifting to the twinkling town lights.

Philip cast a sideways glance, his jaw tightening. "I would never allow you to marry. You are not leaving my side," he muttered, his brows furrowing.

Feeling a hand on his shoulder, he turned to find Ely regarding him with concern. "Are you alright?"

He smiled and waved his hand dismissively. "I am fine; what could possibly trouble me with you by my side?"

Ely wasn't convinced but she did not persist, letting go to admire the lights.

That evening, the siblings gazed down upon the slumbering town, each lost in their own thoughts, contemplating ways to enjoy their cake while still having it.