Sevatlana walked to the door, slipped on her heels, tapped the polished marble floor, and looked at Romalin with a mixture of command and affectionate firmness.

"Romalin! I need a cup of tea downstairs with medium sugar. Now, COME ON."

Romalin's eyes widened in surprise and a touch of nervous twitching.

"Yes, yes, YOUR GRACE!"

She stammered as she searched for her clothes, her hands visibly nervous. She was still wearing her nightgown and pajamas, her hair a mess from sleeping.

"Ah, yes, Your Grace, the Duchess. Tea will be ready in just five minutes."

Sevatlana glanced at Romalin and gave her a small smile, then left the room through the door as there was a knock.

Romalin jumped up suddenly, startled.

"Oh my GOD! The Duchess asked for tea, and I told her I'd get it done in minutes! My CLOTHES? Where are my CLOTHES?!"

Awai jumped up and began searching through the drawers. Quickly and anxiously, she found her clothes were still dirty, but there were other clothes in the bag. She quickly dressed.

"I have to finish in record time!! Hurry up now!"

Sevatlana paced the vast palace hall, her hesitant steps echoing. She placed her hands behind her back in a dignified, regal posture, contemplating her next move... What would she do now? The merchant would arrive any moment.

She closed her eyes briefly and opened them again. Suddenly, Allen leaped from the ceiling like a bat. Sevatlana didn't turn to face him and said in a monotone, calm voice:

"Ready for this, Allen!"

The boy licked his small, sharp teeth and whispered mischievously,

"Fully PREPARED, MOTHER I mean, Your Grace, the Duchess!" He pulled out a bottle of strange crimson juice, the color of which resembled a very bloody berry.

Sevatlana smiled slowly, a hint of malice in her expression as she walked close to the window. She looked towards the horizon, then the passageway, and beyond, a shadow reflected in her eyes, like harsh iron chains...

And the gentle merchant began to take shape.