Masks Beneath Masks

Michelle wasn't the kind of person to extend blind trust. But after confronting Lily and hearing the truth — or at least part of it — something had shifted between them. They spent the following days exchanging cautious conversation, testing each other's boundaries, dancing on the edge of a tentative friendship.

A week later, Michelle offered to take Lily somewhere.

"Where are we going?" Lily asked as they boarded a discreet carriage just past dawn.

"You'll see." Michelle's smirk was unreadable.

They traveled through quiet cobblestone streets, passing bakeries opening their shutters and sleepy-eyed merchants setting up stalls. Eventually, the carriage stopped in front of a tall iron gate flanked by carved stone lions.

Lily blinked. The manor beyond it was elegant and well-guarded, with a manicured garden that suggested serious wealth.

"Wait... this is your home?" Lily asked.

Michelle grinned. "Welcome to House Virellion."

A footman opened the door, and Michelle stepped out like she belonged there, which, of course, she did.

Inside, the atmosphere was warm but stately. Paintings of past Virellion lords lined the hallways. Servants nodded respectfully. A younger girl, no older than ten, sprinted down the grand staircase and tackled Michelle in a hug.

"Mimi! You're back!"

"Hi, brat." Michelle ruffled her little sister's hair affectionately. "Where's Aiden?"

"In the library," the girl said, peering curiously at Lily.

Michelle led Lily through the manor to a sunlit library with high-arched windows and bookcases lining every wall. A man stood at a central table, poring over a series of documents — tall, sharp-featured, dressed in imperial black and gold.

"Aiden," Michelle said. "We need to talk."

He looked up. His gaze landed on Lily, immediately assessing.

Michelle stepped beside her brother. "This is Lily. She's... incredibly talented. And she needs help."

"Help with what?" he asked flatly.

"Starting a business," Michelle said. "Legitimate one. She needs space, protection, permits, and registration. And she can't go through the usual channels."

Aiden's brow furrowed slightly. "You know what this kind of request implies, Michelle."

"I do," she said. "And I trust her."

Aiden studied Lily with a piercing gaze. "Who are you?"

"I'm someone who lost everything," Lily said quietly. "And I intend to rebuild it — under a new name. I don't need charity. I just need a foundation. A place to stand."

Aiden didn't respond immediately. He turned back to the documents, then scribbled something and rang a small silver bell. A steward entered.

"Send word to the Guild Registry and clear a space in the 4th Circle district. Also, draft a business license under the alias we'll be providing."

The steward bowed and left.

Aiden turned back to Lily.

"You'll have what you need in three days. But know this — my help comes with eyes. I won't tolerate any scandals under my seal."

Lily nodded. "Understood."

Michelle grinned. "Told you he was efficient."

Lily allowed herself a small smile. "Thank you."

As they walked back through the halls, Michelle leaned close.

"Now you know why I hide who I am. People act differently the moment they hear the name Virellion. I wanted at least one friendship that wasn't based on titles."

Lily looked at her. "Then you've got it."

They exited the manor as quiet conspirators — a hidden princess and a noble in disguise — laying the groundwork for a future that would soon shake the empire to its core.