“... Wow,” Ria murmured, her eyes wandering around Deculein’s study. “It really does look just like they described.”0

Deculein’s study was the epitome of refinement, with every piece of furniture—from the grand bookshelves to the velvet curtains—radiating luxury, not a speck of dust found anywhere, not even along the window frames or the tops of the shelves, the tiled floor gleaming, the books perfectly aligned, and the air itself feeling purer than in a sterile lab.0

“Hmm? What, did he already clear it out?” Yeriel muttered, scratching the back of her neck as she rummaged through his desk drawer.0

Ria moved over to where Yeriel stood.0

“Anyway, you just need to know that you really do look like her… and you two will be seeing each other a lot from now on,” Yeriel continued, straightening the drawer in order.0

Yeriel is putting everything back just the way it was. Deculein really remembers even the smallest details, doesn’t he? Ria thought.0

“Here, take this,” Yeriel added, handing Ria a sheet of paper inked with densely written lines. “It’s a list of etiquette reminders. You’re a guest, so you won’t have any duties, but there are a few rules to follow.”1

As Ria read through the list of etiquette rules, her mouth fell open as the instructions ranged from walking slightly to the right side of the hallway to observing strict table manners and avoiding coarse language in conversation.0

“But hey—you were at the Imperial Palace for a few weeks, right? You’ll be fine.”0

“Oh… okay,” Ria replied with a nod.0

“Just stick to what’s on the list—and if you can, don’t draw his attention during the day. He’s rather particular about it,” Yeriel said with a chuckle.0

"What, exactly, do you find particular about?"0

As a sudden cold voice rang out from behind, Yeriel and Ria flinched before turning toward the entrance of the study.0

“... You’re awake...0