Until now, Lady (Y/n) wasn't sure what to feel about the King of Hearts.
When they met after the sword incident, she believed he was simply being a gentleman and a good host. But with how often he would chuckle at her words, she suspected him to also thought of her as 'entertaining', like most of the nobility did at the time. During the hunt, the met again, but it was because circumstances brought them together, it wasn't because either of them wanted to. His and Frank's declaration after that did shock her, but she didn't know whose idea it actually was. Every time they were talking – alone, or within a group – there was always some doubt in her mind about his intensions and the way he regarded her.

However, right now, she didn't really care.
Ever since she became a member of the High Council of Spades, she has been doing research on potential government/social/economic/etc programs, only a handful of people knew about them and only a couple of them would keep up with her rambling (at least within the first hour). The King of Hearts was different however, never averting his gaze, nodding along, even asking questions from time to time, so she knew he was indeed paying attention. She kept going from pitch to pitch. And for the first time in two years, the passing of time felt pleasant, since she couldn't feel it anymore.

There was a knock at the door.
"Lady (L/n)?"
"(L/n)?! (L/n)'s in there?!"
Said lady looked back to see the King of Diamonds and the Queen of Clubs, looking at her with big eyes.
"Frank, Julie." Wally leaned to the side since the black board blocked his view of the doorway. "Good morning."
"It's past lunchtime."
"What?!" (Y/n) exclaimed. "Oh no! I'm so sorry for taking so much of your time, my King!" she bowed to Wally, blushing. "I shall leave you to your meeting."
"Well that's the thing." Frank folded his arms as him and Julie walked in. "Today's meeting was supposed to include you."
"Huh?" she looked at him with big eyes.

"But his Majesty Mr. Insomniac over here." he glared at Wally, who just kept smiling. "Seems to be too impatient to follow an agreed upon schedule!"
Wally just kept smiling, carefree.
"All three of you...?" (Y/n) pointed at them, then at herself. "A meeting with me?"
"Yeah!" Julie enthusiastically nodded. "The weekend is where business happens! And I wanna know in which order that art passing thing is gonna be!"
"You have... More than one business plan with you." Frank flipped through the documents on the desk.
"Um... I don't mind starting from the beginning but..." (Y/n) looked at Wally.
"You can just move on to your next proposition." he gestured her to go ahead.
"Hey! What about us?!" Julie whined.
"I can see you already went halfway too!" Frank gestured to the two piles of documents.
"I don't want Lady (L/n) to repeat herself." he leaned back in his seat with an 'innocent' smile.

Frank huffed, frowning.
"Either way, we should all go get lunch before starting this meeting." he said.
"But, didn't you say it was past lunchtime?" (Y/n) asked.
"We were waiting for Wally." Julie said. "But he never showed up, that's why we came here."
"Awww." she let out and quickly regretted it.
But Julie giggled.
"Yeaaaah we're best frieeeends!" she shook her hands.

"You will join us, I hope." Wally said as he stood up.
"O-Oh, it's okay." she shook her head. "I had a big breakfast, I'm not that hung-"
Her stomach rumbled. As Julie laughed and Wally chuckled, she covered her red face with her hands. Frank sighed.
"Come on guys." he said and walked out, the others following him.
(Y/n) stayed at the back of the group, still embarrassed. As they walked through the castle, she could feel people's stare on her back.
"(Y/n)!" Julie suddenly linked her arm with hers.
"Aaah!" she let out, surprised.
"We're finally having lunch together!" she beamed, leaning towards her. "Happened way sooner than expected! Isn't it cool?"
"Y-Yeah. It is." she leaned back.

"Julie." Frank spoke. "Remember what we said about personal space?"
"Right!" she stood straight. "Sorry (Y/n)." she smiled, her eyebrows furrowed.
"I-It's alright." she nodded.
She heard Wally chuckle beside her and she realized. The four of them were walking side by side. Everyone could see them. And it made her conflicted.
She trusted that the three royals wanted to be friends with her. The thing was however that, with her being from the Spades Kingdom, from an outside point of view, it could only be seen as four representatives of the Four Kingdoms. Even she had a hard time not regarding the situation as such.
She wanted to relax. She wanted to have fun. But being with people of such titles and responsibilities, it was very difficult. Especially when she had responsibilities of her own in this moment. She was this close to her goal – her Kingdom's goal – she must make a good impression on them. After all, if they didn't want to be friends with her, would they have even bothered to hear her out?
That question made her stomach twist.

"What do you wanna eat?" Julie asked.
"Um, anything is fine. Thank you."
"Oh come oooon!" she tugged on her arm. "Surely there must be some Spades dish from home that you really like?"
(Y/n) hesitated for a moment before saying a name in the old language of Spades. The three royals looked at her, surprised to hear this language coming from her.
"What did you say?" Frank asked.
"It's a vegetable and meat stew." she smiled. "It's very popular back at home."
"I've never heard of it before..." Wally tilted his head, searching hard in his memory.
"That may be because it's popular in the way that... The majority of the population eats it."
"Ooooh!" Julie nodded. "A peasant dish!"
"Yes... That's right." she nodded too, ignoring the sting in her heart from that comment. "It's very good and easy to make."

"If you remember the recipe, you can ask my cooks to make it for you." Wally offered.
"It's okay, thank you." she shook her head. "I'm in the Hearts Kingdom, I want to enjoy its culture."
That made him smile. He ordered the same thing for him and her, and the four of them sat at a long table in a dining room. Wally and (Y/n) were given a mixed salad, which on this sunny day would refresh them greatly. Not to mention it was delicious, and (Y/n) didn't miss to give out her compliments to the chef. Frank and Julie had two very different meals, each of the dishes from their own kingdoms. Frank had a dish of rice and green beans, with herbs and small blocks of bacon and cheese mixed with it. Julie had a big bowl of soup. (Y/n) wasn't sure what was inside but she could smell the spices from across the table, and felt hot just from the smell. Which only made it more shocking to her when the Queen started chugging the soup like she found water in a desert.
"So (Y/n)!" she looked at her. "What's up with you?"
"Uh... I'm having lunch...?" she said, confused. "A bit late for that I suppose but-"
"Nooooo I mean tell us a bit more about yourself!"

"Oh, another series of questions." she readjusted herself in her seat. "Will they be as vague as last time?"
"Not this time!"
"...If it is not too much to ask, could they be not as one-sided either?"
Julie gasped.
"You wanna know about me?" she placed a hand on her chest, touched.
"W-Well, of course."
'That, and also, that way it won't feel like an interrogation...'
And just like that, the two women began to ask questions for them to answer both. Once the subject of their shared interest came up: exploring the outdoors – Julie with the Enchanted Forest above her kingdom; (Y/n) with the woods near her house – the conversation then turned into them sharing their excitement over such an unconventional hobby.
Meanwhile, Frank as been quiet, pensive.

"I apologize, I know one shouldn't talk of such things at the table but..." he finally spoke, looking at (Y/n). "How long have these projects been on the back burner? As far as I've heard, no new program have been applied to the Spades Kingdom."
(Y/n) glanced to the side.
"The... There was a lack of funds and sometimes resources- Most of the ones I've brought are for the long run, it would take time to get results. Um... And we just couldn't afford that."
In that moment, an obvious question rose: Why didn't the High Council simply contacted the other three kingdoms before? If it was for a business meeting, it would be safe to ask. But the question was never spoken, for all four of them had an answer. (Y/n) had hers, the three royals had theirs.

"What did you do instead then?" Frank spoke again.
"Well," she exhaled, her gaze wandering. "after the Grand Departure, the High Council has agreed that, for the time being, it would be best to go the opposite approach: Quick solutions for a limited amount of time. Which allowed some sort of stability, but of course it was anything but perfect." she gulped. "I suggested we take example from... His Majesty the King of Hearts."
Julie and Wally gasped.
"Me?" said man pointed at himself, surprised.
She nodded, her cheeks dusted with pink.

"I've read of your management tactics and tried to apply them to my small region, as a test. I'm not as experienced as you however..." she looked down.
"Well it's only because the books give me all the credits." he smiled with furrowed eyebrows. "I've had a lot of advisors and friends helping me."
"Not only that, but of course the Kingdom of Hearts and the Kingdom of Spades are completely different." Frank added. "The Sun and Moon comparison is there for a reason you know. Their resources, economy, geography, the very rules are different."
"Right, I see that now." (Y/n) nodded. "I've never left home before, you see."
"Not to worry." Wally smiled. "Today, we shall help you."
(Y/n)'s heart jumped. She unknowingly placed both of her hands over her heart, looking at them with big glassy eyes.
"Right." Julie nodded. "If you've worked this hard, pumping out ideas all this time without being able to make them a reality. Then of course we'll help!" she sniffed, acting emotional. "You're like the new guy, and we're about to put you under our experienced wing."
"I uh..." she cleared her throat. "To be clear," she raised her hands. "this isn't just my doing, it's the High Council's. If anything, I am simply just a relayer of information here."

"You're too modest." Wally bluntly said. "You know too much about these projects to not have come up with them yourself."
"That's... Not all of them are from me." she looked down. "The other members of the Council had brilliant ideas as well, and we worked together on them."
"Whoever came up with these, you'll be the one telling us about them." Frank gave her a stern look. "And just so you know, just because we're friends, that doesn't mean we won't tell you our honest opinion. If we think your plan is bad, we'll say it."
"Right!" Julie nodded.
To Wally's surprise, this seem to make Lady (Y/n) very happy, her face lit up.
"I hope you will." she smiled with a nod. "I'm sorry." she cleared her throat. "Could you excuse me? I'd like to review some documents before we get to the meeting."
This time, Wally learned his lesson.
"You are excused." he nodded.
"Thank you, my King." she bowed her head and stood up. "And thank you for the meal, it was truly delicious."
"I'm glad." he smiled.

"See ya later (Y/n)!" Julie waved.
(Y/n) waved back and left the room. When she closed the door behind her however, she took a moment to just stand there. She clenched her shaky fists, trying to contain herself. But she started to jump up and down, giggling.
"Let's goooo!" she did her best not to shout before running back to the King's office.
The three royals all chuckled when the heard her behind the closed door. But after that, they looked at each-other with a more serious expression. Except for Wally, who kept eating normally.
"So. We're really doing this?" Frank asked, his arms folded.
"I want to. She's cool! If she says her people are cool and in need of help then I trust her." Julie said.
"But, are we doing it for her people, or for-"
"In the end, does that really matter?"
The two of them looked at Wally.

"In this line of work, actions are more important that intensions."
"...And behind closed doors, it's the opposite, right?" Frank said.
The two kings looked at each-other. And for once, Julie looked uncomfortable.
"Guys, come on." she said. "I don't wanna talk about that. We have a new friend! And she'll share a bunch of ideas with us!"
"I agree." Wally smiled. "Let's focus on the now."

While (Y/n) was readjusting the color coordinated arrows on her map, Barnaby came by.
"Knock knock."
"Oh! Hello Barnaby." she smiled at him.
"Well, someone is jolly today." he leaned on the doorway.
"I have- Well, I am experiencing the opportunity of a lifetime here!" she said, shaking her hands in excitement.
"Yeah?" he raised an eyebrow.
"The three royals have allowed a meeting with me! Where I could pitch them all my ideas!" she squealed. "I can hardly contain myself!"
"I see, so that's why they asked me to fetch you."
"Ah-" she froze. "What?"

"Yep. I'll be escorting you to the meeting room my Lady." he bowed dramatically.
"So you knew why I was happy!" she pointed an accusatory finger at him.
"Well who knows," he shrugged with a carefree smile. "maybe you've received better news in the meantime."
"No news could be better than this!" she quickly gathered her documents. "Could you help me with the board please?"
"Sure thing." he effortlessly picked it up and the two of them walked out of the room.
"I thought it would happen in the office."
"Meetings are for meeting rooms, milady, it's in the name." he chuckled.

"I suppose so..." she thought for a moment. "It's a big room, right?"
He nodded with a hum.
"How... How many people will be there?"
"Not a lot. Just the three royals and Wally's trusted royal advisor."
"The royal advisor? I don't think I've ever seen them."
"Yeah, they're a sneaky lad."
She gulped and clutched the documents in her hands.
"You're suddenly so nervous!" Barnaby laughed.
"I'm just... I hope I can make a good impression on them."
"Oh don't you worry. I'm sure you already have." he smiled.

The two of them entered a large room with an even longer table in the middle of it, towards one end were seated the three royals. (Y/n) glanced around. There was nobody else here.
"I brought the Lady for ya, my King." Barnaby said.
"Thank you Barnaby." Wally nodded.
"Thanks Barns!" Julie beamed.
The dog man helped (Y/n) set up the board at the end of the table in front of the small audience. After that, she wanted to thank him, but then watched as he went to stand by Wally's side. She stared at him for a moment while he gave her a big grin.
"Oh you really are sneaky!" she pointed at him, making him and Julie burst out laughing. "You are a sneaky fellow! You're the royal advisor?!"
"I'm sorry I kept it a secret from you." he said, wiping away a tear.
"I'm sorry I treated you like a mere jester!"

"I don't mind at all. Royal advisor's a boring title anyway." he shrugged. "'sides, the only people who are supposed to take me seriously are in this very room."
(Y/n) slowly shook her head, smiling.
"I knew there was more to you that meets the eyes."
"Funny you say that, those were my thoughts exactly." he smiled and winked.
"Now, Lady (L/n)?" Wally spoke, gesturing her to go ahead. "Please proceed."
"R-Right!" she nodded and took a deep breath. "So I have here with me potential partnership deals and projects for a variety of combinations of the Four Kingdoms, which one would you like to hear firs-"
"Me!" Julie immediately raised her hand, shaking it around. "Me me me me me me!"

"Very well! Um..." she quickly flipped through her documents, looking for one in particular. "Aha!" she took it out and held it to read her notes. "So! What separates the Clubs and Spades Kingdoms is the Zandari Mountain, right? Within the territory of the Kingdom of Clubs." she pointed at it on the map with her ruler, the Zandari Mountain was the biggest one of all. "However – and please correct me if I'm wrong – with the Kingdom of Clubs being underground, there is little to no habitations on the surface."
"That's right!" Julie nodded. "Just a few towns, one city and mostly the Enchanted Forest."
"And!" she took out another paper. "I have here a map of the cave systems of the Kingdom of Clubs. If we refer to both..." she put one on top of the other. "There are no caves underneath the mountain."
"Okay, so?" Frank asked.
"So! The last recorded expedition to the mountain predates the Eclipse!" she gestured towards it. "This could be a hidden treasure of resources!"
"So you're suggesting to launch another expedition...?" Wally asked, leaning back in his chair.
"The Zandari Mountain isn't a friendly place. You can hardly find any horizontal lines." Barnaby said. "That's why no settlements were settled up there."
"Why going necessarily up there?" she asked.

That questions made her audience's eyes go big.
"If there were caves in that mountain, we would know about it." Julie pointed at herself with her thumb, puffing up her chest. "We know caves."
"Why would we have to find caves, when we could make our own?" (Y/n) then pinned a messy sketch up on the board.
On it was the mountain with a tunnel going through it, along with infrastructures to hold it together. Once again, her audience was shocked.
"Your plan is to make a cave through the Zandari Mountain?!" Frank looked at Wally. "Have all her previous ideas been this unorthodox?!"
"It does bring up a good question." Barnaby said. "Isn't drilling a whole through an ancient mountain...against your people's beliefs?"
(Y/n) sighed through her nose. She expected such a question, but not from them.
"It is true. I am myself a firm believer in the spirits of nature," she placed a hand over her heart. "and I have been raised to respect nature and everything it can hold. Just like any child of the Kingdom of Spades. However, in my heart of heart, I am most importantly a woman of the people." she nodded. "If it is for the sake of their benefit, safety and happiness, then I am willing to suffer the backlash I shall undoubtedly receive with this project. But I will say that... If some good comes out of it, then I'm sure the spirits wouldn't mind." she smiled. "And besides, even if we don't find anything of 'value', then this could still be a way to link the Spades and Clubs Kingdoms. It would make travelling between the two greatly easier."

"I do like that!" Julie pointed. "An easier access to both our Kingdoms, let's do that! And if, along the way, we find some neat stuff in there, like I dunno some new magic crystals, we flip a coin and see who keeps it! All in favor say aye! Aye!" she raised her hand.
"This isn't that kind of meeting Julie," Frank said. "we're just brainstorming right no-"
"Nope! We're doing this!"
"Your enthusiasm makes me overjoyed, your Highness." (Y/n) smiled with furrowed eyebrows. "But I have other ideas I would like to pitch."
"Oh! Okay okay! Go on then!"
"Well before I move on, I do have a question: Does your kingdom have a mining system or...?"
"Nope! All of our caves have been untouched since the dawn of time."
"Really?" she blinked twice.
"We have plenty of space so we never needed to expand. With most of the population eventually leaving to live in the Sun and whatnot. If anything, some of our caves are empty." she laughed.

"I see..." (Y/n) looked down, frowning while thinking.
"Why? Will that be a problem?!" she panicked.
"No no no! Not a problem at all!" she quickly shook her head. "It will just be...Less easy."
"Doesn't the Spades Kingdom have its own mines and its own mining system?" Frank tilted his head.
"Yes... That brings me to a good news and a bad news."
Julie gasped while Wally let out a little 'ooo'.
"A good-news-bad-news declaration upon her very first pitch meeting?!" Julie audibly sighed. "Oh! They grow up so fast."
"Can we get the good news first?" Wally asked. "Those are our favorites."
(Y/n) inhaled through her teeth.
"Sadly, the good news doesn't make a lot of sense without the context the bad news brings."
"Well try it anyway!" Frank said. "Surely we can pick up what you mean later on."

"O-Okay..." she said while Barnaby contained a laugh.
She flipped through her documents and took out a sketch portrait of a man that she then pinned on the board.
"This man," she pointed at him with her ruler. "is Leopold Casterham."
"Is he our target?" Julie smirked.
Frank glanced at her, not liking her choice of words.
"Yes." she nodded with a smile, making Frank look at her with big eyes. "I've been trying to have an audience with him, but I could never find any way to contact him. Then I heard yesterday that he is attending a dinner party tonight. Which would be a golden opportunity."
"I know of Casterham." Wally said, a hand to his chin. "I didn't formally invite him, he was brought here by his business partners and friends."
"Right." she nodded. "He has no more noble title but he is still a business man. He still has ownership of all of his assets, so all of the money still goes to him." she paused. "Including all of the mines of the Kingdom of Spades and their related businesses."
"What?!" Frank and Julie exclaimed.

"How can that be?" the King of Diamonds asked.
"Because, before he left during the Grand Departure, he was formerly known as Lord Leopold Casterham, Viscount of Spades." she paused. "He took all of his documents with him when he left to assure his financial security."
"Oh. The nerve of that man!" he huffed.
"He is making the most of his situation. He still seem to be appreciated by his peers...despite his utter brass-necked cowardice." she glanced down and to the side.
Julie gasped.
"Ohmygosh. Did (Y/n) just say something bad about someone?" she covered her mouth with the tips of her fingers and giggled.
"I have little sympathy for people who run away from responsibilities." she bluntly said.
"...Is that all?" Wally asked.

"Ah." she cleared her throat. "That is all the information I could gather, yes."
He started to clap.
"You did iiiit," he cheered, though his tone was the same as usual. "you went backwards!"
Julie and Barnaby quickly joined him in the cheering, even Frank clapped as well. Flustered, (Y/n) thanked them and curtsied.
"And so." she said. "If I can get in that dinner party with-"
"'I'?" Julie's eyebrows furrowed. "Wouldn't it be better if we worked together?"
"Ah- Y-Yes of course. I just wasn't sure if you..."
"(Y/n)." Frank leaned over a bit. "We will get those mines back to your kingdom. Casterham will have no choice but to accept an audience with us."
"Yeah!" Julie exclaimed. "We'll make him wish he stayed home!"
Barnaby and Wally chuckled.

"I know this is a project between just the Clubs and Spades Kingdoms." the latter one said. "But if I can be of help, I will gladly lend it."
"...Thank you, your Majesties." she bowed to them.
"Now." Frank readjusted himself in his seat. "If we are done with this matter, I would like it to be my kingdom's turn now." he leaned over with interest. "What do you have for me?"
Her face lit up and she began to rapidly flip through her documents yet again. Once again, she went from pitch to pitch, and indeed Frank, Julie and Barnaby were honest in their opinion (Wally didn't say much though, only compliments). At some point, Frank disagreed on a point she made and stood up with her so he could rearrange the papers pinned on the board so that she could see his point of view on the matter. The two of them went into a heated debate, which for Julie was a joy to watch.
"Look at them bantering." she whispered to Wally. "They're frieeeends."
Such a sight made the two of them smile. Throughout the afternoon, multiple partnerships and business deals were approved, put aside to be discussed further later on another day. For now, our "team friendship-business" – as Julie called themselves – focused on tonight's dinner party. As royals, the three of them could easily go in uninvited without consequences, but Wally had to pull a few strings for (Y/n) to get an invitation. He said it was no bother.

The guests were shocked to see all three royals attending the dinner party, its host was overjoyed and didn't dare to ask any questions. The three of them and (Y/n) each came in at different times so as to not appear suspicious. And they then all acted surprised that they were coincidentally attending the same party.
"Okay. To recap," (Y/n) quietly told them. "after dinner, we corner him and convince him to give the mines to the Council of Spades."
"Shall we leave you to take care of that?" Wally asked.
"No." she quickly said. "Just one of you would hold more authority over him than me, I remind you."
"What do you mean? He's not a noble anymore. You outrank him now." Frank said.
"Just trust me. Has any of you seen him yet?"
"Not yet, but I'm on the lookout." Julie said, who has been looking behind her friends instead of at them this whole time.
"Surely, we'll see him when dinner comes." Wally smiled. "For now, we can just enjoy the fact that we're at a party together."
Julie gasped, finally looking directly at Wally.
"You're right Wally!" she jumped up and down. "Okay guys, let's have fun!"

Julie then made them – along with anyone who was willing – play some fun games of her own concoction. Some were too much for (Y/n) to go through, so she had to excuse herself at some point. She went to get herself a drink and saw all of the bottles of alcohol there was in stock.
'It is the week-end after all.' she took a sip of her water. 'But I'm pretty sure that with the three royals here, they won't go all out now. If they're smart that is.'
While Julie kept having fun with her unlimited energy, Lady (Y/n) and the other two kings partook in conversations. One they had with a group of nobles where they talked about an up-and-coming trumpet player. Not knowing much about the subject of art outside of her own culture's, (Y/n) kept quiet.
"They have gotten quite popular lately." someone commented.
"Ah. I know of them." Wally pointed out. "I was their first patron."
"Oh really? That's wonderful, your Highness!" a Duchess said. "I'm sure they owe their success to you."

"Could you imagine if they haven't gotten the King's attention?" a Count asked. "What if that musician was born in the..." he glanced at (Y/n) (she pretending to not have noticed). "The Forgotten Islands, for example."
(Y/n) did her best not to roll her eyes while the nobles said that he made a good point.
"That is true." a Baroness said. "They were very lucky to be born in the greatest kingdom of the four."
"...I think a more interesting question would be:" (Y/n) spoke. "How many greatly talented musicians are born in the Forgotten Islands?"
Everyone's eyes went big, an 'ooo' echoed through the group. Even Frank had to think about that for a second. But the conversation quickly went back on topic.
"Were you there during that concert that was arguably the turning point in their career?" a Lady asked Wally.
"No. But I funded it."

"Oh you should've been there! It was truly beautiful!" she thought for a moment. "This one trumpet song they did really wowed the crowd. What was its name...?"
"...Trumpets can't sing."
"Oh yes they can." a Lord nodded, thinking he was joking.
"No they cannot." Frank shook his head. "To sing is to make musical noises with your voice."
"Right." Wally nodded, along with (Y/n). "Trumpets don't have that."
This made the other nobles shift awkwardly.
"If you've heard a trumpet song, then you must've found a talking trumpet."
"That is true." (Y/n) nodded. "In which case, what are we doing here when there is a talking trumpet on the loose?"
The whole group laughed. (Y/n) was glad the three royals were here with her. Things were easier with them indeed.

"(Y/n) (Y/n) (Y/n) (Y/n) (Y/n)!" Julie harshly whispered as she shook her shoulder.
"What is it Julie?" Wally asked.
"Locked on target." she discreetly pointed.
All four of them looked over to see Casterham on the other side of the room. He has just left a conversation and was now on his way to get himself a drink. (Y/n) gasped softly.
"That is him."
"Great. Imma go get him!"
"Julie don't- and she's gone." Frank sighed.
"I guess the plan is going quicker than expected." Wally chuckled.
"Oh boy." (Y/n) mumbled.
"Let's go quickly before she makes a scene." Frank said as the three of them quickly followed the Queen.

Julie sneaked up from behind the former Viscount. She tapped him on the left shoulder then stood on his right side as he looked over, but saw no one. She snickered.
"Heeeeey!"
The man jumped with a yelp.
"Casterham, right?" she pointed at him.
"Y-Your Highness!" he quickly bowed. "I am honored to be known by you!"
"Of course I know who you are. You're the one standing in the way of the tunnel of friendship!"
"Excuse me?" he gave her a confused look.
"You'll have to pardon my friend, Mr. Casterham." Frank said as him, Wally and (Y/n) joined them, the latter of which was making herself small. "She is quick to get to the point with no care for context."

"King of Diamonds, King of Hearts!" he cleared his throat and stood to attention. "To... To what point are you referring to?"
"You still own the mines of the Spades Kingdom, correct?"
"That is correct, yes." he nodded, smiling.
"Well, we have this project to mine a cave through the Zandari Mountain, creating an easy access between the Kingdom of Spades and the Kingdom of Clubs. We need the help of the miners of Spades for that."
Casterham's eyes widened in delight.
"I would be more than happy to partner with you for such a project."
"Ah." Wally said. "But this would be a partnership between the two kingdoms. And you don't even live there anymore." he tilted his head.
"Despite resigning from Spades nobility, I indeed still own the mining business there."

"But the High Council made that proposal to us."
"They pitched you a mining project without even owning the mining?" he puffed a smile. "You'll have to admit that this is funny in the silliest way possible."
"Why even keep a business you can't properly manage anymore?" Frank asked, folding his arms. "You've fled the Spades Kingdom."
"I have invested a lot into these businesses and intend to keep them."
(Y/n) couldn't help but scoff.
"How can you say that?!"

He looked at her, confused. He glanced at the three royals, then back at her.
"I'm sorry, who are you?"
"This is Lady (Y/n) (L/n), member of the High Council of Spades." Frank sternly said.
"Yeah!" Julie glared. "And you will show her some respect."
Casterham's eyes widened.
"(L/n)... Really...?" he looked back at her, still in disbelief.
(Y/n) gulped. Don't let him go there, she thought.
"You left your mines knowing your poor employees would have to keep working to make a living. Meanwhile, most of the money they would get out of it would still go in your pockets since your name is still on the property acts." she pointed at him.
"Honestly?" Julie said, still glaring at the man. "The fact that a mine – a place that harvests the Earth's resources – is privately owned sickens me. And you own all of them? While living in an entirely different land?"
Casterham gulped, getting nervous. It was then that he realized that the four of them have subtly escorted him to a corner of the room, out of earshot.

"Monopolies can never be a good thing." Frank shook his head. "How did this even happen?"
"I have an idea." (Y/n) said. "He didn't own all of them before, then after the Great Departure, he owned them all. Maybe there's another reason why he can't go back to the Spades Kingdom: because he knows what would happen if he did."
"Wha-What are you accusing me of exactly?!" he glared at her. "To steal?!"
"It would take a quick investigation to find that out." Wally said, his eyes never leaving him. "But that doesn't need to happen."
"Yeah." Julie said, leaning a bit closer. "Just give the mines back to the Kingdom they belong in and we'll bid you adieu."
He became paler and raised his hands in a useless act of self-defense.
"L-Look I-" he stuttered. "The mines aren't just mine anymore, they haven't been for a while."
"What?" (Y/n) frowned.

"I-I've given half of them to my friends, as payment for living with them after I left."
"Oh my stars." she sighed and held the bridge of her nose.
"That won't be a problem." Wally smiled. "Let's just all meet together and you will give out the property acts. I'm sure tomorrow will be fine, won't it?"
"T-Tomorrow?! I-" he sighed, looking down, and nodded. "I'll talk to them, your Highness."
"Wonderful." he patted his shoulder. "I'll have my people send you a time and place."
And with that, the three royals walked away. (Y/n) curtsied.
"Have a good evening, si-"
"You have a lot of nerve. I hope you're happy with yourself."
The two of them looked at each-other with cold gazes. With pursued lips, (Y/n) quickly joined the three royals before he could say any more. Once the four of them were far enough from him, she exhaled heavily with a hand over her heart.

"That was scary." she said under her breath.
"We did so well (Y/n)!" Julie wrapped an arm around her shoulders and shook her. "We're locked in!"
"We may have utilized the intimidation factor a bit too much..." Frank mumbled. "But that man really irritated me."
"'Uh I'm sorry who are you'?" Julie mimicked the man's voice but made it more ridiculous. "Can you believe that?"
"The disrespect." he shook his head.
"That's okay." (Y/n) said. "To be fair, I've never seen him before either." she chuckled.
"Oooooh snap!" Julie laughed too.

"I'm glad it was quickly settled." Wally smiled.
"Well it's not over yet." (Y/n) said. "Now we have to meet up tomorrow with him and his friends."
"It's basically done though." Julie waved a hand. "As if anyone could say no to team friendship-business!"
"I'm still against that name." Frank sighed. "It could be more sophisticated."
"Like what?" Wally asked.
"Like... The team-of-friends-who-make-business-decisions-together."
"Gazoontight!" Julie told him.
"Bless you." (Y/n) told her.
"That's what I said."
"No you didn't." Frank shook his head while (Y/n) gave her a look that said 'are you sure about that?'.

"Oh come on, yes I did!" she whined, her hands on her hips.
"Were you speaking the old language of Clubs perhaps?" (Y/n) scratched her head.
"The old language of Clubs mostly consists of mouth noises." Frank pointed out.
"...As do most languages." she puffed out a laugh.
"I meant it as onomatopoeias."
"Oh, I see." she nodded.
"Mh-hmm!" Julie nodded. "'Cause back then there were no lights, so they used echolocation to spot others."
"Oh wow, and it developed into a language? That's so interesting!"
"Yepyepyepyep!" she nodded, puffing up her chest. "Then they found a way out of the caves and into the forest and the rest is history!"
Wally smiled. He was glad that Lady (Y/n) and his best friends were getting along. Things were going smoothly. This was perfect.
But he should know that perfect never lasts...

During dinner, (Y/n) had a feeling that something would be going wrong. Was it maybe because the guests were seated by order of rank? Was it because she was now of her own, with her new friends on the opposite side of the long table? The answer was yes. Her shields were now gone and she was back to being an easy target for ridicule.
These ladies a few seats ahead of her were being really quiet amongst themselves, glancing at her and giving each-other a look that only friends could understand.
'Would we have that kind of look?' she wondered. 'Would we be able to understand each-other just by a glance...? That sounds nice.'
She's ignored them all this time, she was used to it by now, but now she began to be lost in thoughts. One of the ladies cleared her throat.

"Lady (L/n), please satisfy our curiosity." she said. "The court of Spades is such a mystery to us all."
"I shall do my best to enlighten you, my Lady." she smiled politely.
"Is it hard for the high council to fill the shoes of the late king?"
"Our King had a lot of work, as any one in charge of a kingdom would be. In his passing, he left it all to us. It is no small feat and my deepest respect goes out to anyone who has as much responsibilities to carry." she looked over at the three royals and bowed her head.
All three smiled at her.
"Oh, but such a big and sudden change for you, who has such a low rank, it must not be easy... Tell me, who do you think killed the King of Spades?"

The background noise of clicking silverware against plates stopped. Only the crackling of the fire in the large fireplace could be heard now. Casterham glanced at Lady (Y/n), and in this moment, he was glad to not be Spades nobility anymore, lest he would have to answer as well.
"I'm just asking since maybe you would like to know who is responsible for turning your life upside down." the lady added with a 'concerned' look.
The three royals looked at (Y/n), worried. It was as if she was frozen into place. After a moment, she put down her fork.
"I'm sure the King could tell who killed him." she spoke, showing no expression on her face nor in her voice. "I'm sure a majority of people that died could tell you the reason for their death. But if the Council says that life simply caught up to him, then I believe life simply caught up to him."
Wally felt a chill. The way she spoke reminded him of the first letter she ever wrote to him. Now everyone at this table was experiencing it.

"And if it was life that got to him, then it was life that got my parents just a few days ago. And so it was life that got the King's father, and his father before him, and so on and so forth." she was clearly trying not to shout. "Life comes for every one of us for it does not care for ranks or titles. And if one thinks they are safe, they are not, and life will come for them when they least expect it."
She took a moment to catch her breath. Nobody talked, but most averted their eyes. She continued.
"And when that happens, and those who are left must pick up the pieces, then it is simply foolish to try and point fingers at others. How is your ex-husband, by the way?" she tilted her head. "Is it true that he left you all of his gambling debts? He said it was because of your heavy shopping spendings that he got into gambling, correct?"
The lady scoffed.
"How dare you ask such an intrusive question?!"
"Careful Elvira." one of the lady's friends spoke. "Brave-Bloody-Bare-Hands over here might grab the blade of a butter knife in your direction!"
Some people laughed. (Y/n) clenched her fists.

"I believe an apology is in order."
Everyone looked over to the King of Hearts.
"Thank you so much your Highne-"
"Apologize to Lady (L/n), please." he smiled. "For referring to an event that never occurred." despite his friendly tone, he sounded pushy, his piercing stare didn't help either. "Murder is a grave thing and should not be taken lightly."
(Y/n) was shocked, but she tried to not show it in front of the other guests, who themselves didn't hide their emotions as well as her.
"I...I apologize, Lady (L/n)." the lady bowed her head. "I shouldn't have asked such a question, even with harmless intensions."
"It's all right, my Lady." she bowed her head back. "I also apologize for bringing up a personal matter. I just hope that your curiosity is now satisfied."
"Quite..."

And just like that, dinner went on. But then, a short while after that, Leopold Casterham excused himself and left the dinner party in a rush. (Y/n) started to internally panic and she shared a glance with Julie, who was ready to stand up and go after him but Frank held her arm and gently put her back on her seat while Wally asked a servant to keep an eye on him.
Being on the other side of the table, (Y/n) had no idea of what they were whispering about. Suddenly, she wasn't that hungry any more. She wasn't one for alcohol, but she would allowed herself one glass of wine. She took a sip then looked at her glass, surprised.
"...Huh?"
"Is something the matter, Lady (L/n)?" an old man seated across from her asked.
"Oh nothing." she smiled and put the glass down. "This wine just doesn't taste how I thought it would be- It's very good, please don't misunderstand." she raised her hands. "It's just very different. The wine we have back home is really strong."
"Ah yes." he nodded. "The wine of the Hearts Kingdom has a certain sweetness to it, doesn't it?"
"Oh, I knew I tasted an aftertaste of raspberries."

"I've had wine from the Spades Kingdom a few times. It really is for experienced drinkers. They say that if you can handle one glass of Spades wine, you can handle any alcohol." the two of them chuckled. "It's because the method used to make it hasn't changed at all ever since the invention of wine itself."
"That is true." she nodded. "It's all made by hand, I didn't realize that was the reason. Although, it might also be because the grapes and berries that grow there are very different as well. They're more sour than sweet."
"I'm curious." he leaned a bit closer, and she did the same. "Has the High Council ever considered upgrading its production of wine? You know, some wine businesses these days use machines and magic to make their products more quickly."
"Well..." she leaned back. "The subject did come up, and we are not against expanding our wine market past our own kingdom. But we agreed to not change the means of production. Just like the old language of Spades, we believe that wine-making is a practice that shouldn't be lost. Besides, making wine is a great bonding-experience." she smiled. "It's almost a tradition now for every family in the Spades Kingdom to make their own wine."
"Oh please never change it. I may have only had a few opportunities to drink it, and that was decades ago, but trust me when I say: your wine is special. I feel like I'm drinking a piece of nature itself."

She smiled softly, a hand over her heart.
"Your words are touching my heart, my good sir. I could have a bottle sent to you if you want."
"Really?!" his eyes widened.
"Of course. We didn't bring any with us, but just send me your name and in the morning I shall ask the High Council to send to you one of the bottle we keep in the castle'."
"Oh, my Lady. What a gift you are giving to this old soul."
"You're not old at all, sir." she tilted her head. "You've just lived a long time."
"You are too kind." he cleared his throat and straightened his old back. "My name is Owen Vin-Vandle. Apologies for not introducing myself earlier."
(Y/n) gasped loudly, catching the attention to some people at the table. One of them being...
"Worldwide famous renown chef, mister Vin-Vandle! It is an honor, sir!" she bowed her head.

"Oh my." he chuckled. "I'm surprised a young lady like you would know of me."
"My grandmother – may she rest in peace – loved your cuisine catalogue. Whatever new recipe you'd come up with, she would try it and make me her guinea pig."
They both laughed. Being on the other side of the table, Wally could hear what they were talking about. Still, he chuckled.
"What'cha laughing about, Wally?" Julie asked, her mouth full.
"Nothing." he went back to his food.
She followed his previous line of sight and saw (Y/n), having a lively conversation with an old man. She looked back at her best friend, a big smile forming on her face with a raised eyebrow. But she didn't say anything, not now...

After that, the servant Wally sent out came back. (Y/n) had almost forgotten about that. They whispered something to Wally who then, with a satisfied smile, whispered something to his two best friends. They both seemed relieved and Julie made an okay sign to (Y/n), her tongue sticking out and winking.
'Okay... That must mean something good.' she thought.
Although not knowing where the former Viscount was made her nervous, she continued her talk with her new acquaintance.
She would receive clarification after the dinner party. Her and the three royals had gathered for a quick debrief when Casterham walked up to them. He was holding some papers, shaking under his nervous grip.
"S-So. I've discussed with my friends and business partners." he said, avoiding eye contact. "As it turns out, they're very busy tomorrow and won't be able to book-"
"On a weekend day?" Frank raised an eyebrow.
"Can't make an exception for lil ol' us?" Julie blinked, her eyes sparkling and she pressed the tip of her finger on her cheek.

"I-I'm sure they would've, your Highnesses! But I thought it best – since I'm sure you yourselves have more important matters to attend to – to just bring the documents to you right now."
Lady (Y/n) could hardly hide her shock, her mouth agape and her eyes wide open. The three royals didn't react much to it however, they might've already known he would do that when the servant came back. He handed the documents to them, but none of the royals lifted a finger. A moment passed, long enough for him and (Y/n) to feel awkward. She hesitated, then took them herself.
"Thank you, sir." she quietly said with a small nod.
The three royals then smiled.
"Your consideration is appreciated, Mr. Casterham." Frank said. "I can say with certainly that your mines will now be in good hands."
"To thank you for your donation, we'll name a rock after you." Julie smiled and waved. "Goodniiiight!"
"I hope your sleep will be lighter now." Wally smiled before the four of them left the party.

(Y/n) kept looking at the property acts as they walked out of the party. Once they were in the castle's corridor. She yelled out in joy while still keeping her lips tightly shut, shaking her hands in excitement. Julie wrapped her arms around her, lifting her up with little to no difficulty, which made her yelp out in surprise.
"We did it! The tunnel of friendship is happening!"
"J-Julie please! Put me down!"
She gasped and did as told.
"And now she's calling me by my name! Ah!" she leaned against Frank. "I could cry."
"Oh my gosh!" she covered her mouth. "I-I'm so sorry your Highness! I didn't realize-"
"Noooo!" she whined, her fists in the air. "We were making so much progreeeess!"
"It's proper custom, it's understandable." Frank said. "As long as she is of lower rank, she has to call us that."
Julie sighed, her shoulders dropping.
"(Y/n) are you sure you don't want to be Queen of Spades?"
(Y/n) felt a shiver at the thought.
"I... I really don't. I like my life just the way that it is now."

Wally glanced at her. He was about to say something, but then Julie spoke.
"Oh well, okay then! We did it, tofwambedet did it!"
"What did you call me?" she frowned, shocked.
She giggled.
"No, silly! It's the anagram for team-of-friends-who-make-business-decisions-together!"
"T, O, F..." Frank mumbled while (Y/n) sighed, relieved. "You did put some extra vowels in there, but I suppose that checks out."
"When translating, you have to make creative decisions Frank."
"It's not as elegant when you don't say the full thing however."
"That probably means we should find a new name entirely then." Wally smiled.
"We can workshop it later." (Y/n) said. "Me, I'm just happy about this!" she raised the documents with a big smile and spun around. "We got our biggest source of resources back!" she then held them close to her chest. "I'm so happy! Oh when the others will hear of this!"
Julie giggled and joined her in her cheers, jumping and spinning around.

"Oh my gosh! And when you shut that lady up? That speech was so cool!"
"Oh." she scratched the back of her neck with a bashful smile. "Thank you."
"When they called you Brave-Bloody-Bare-Hands, I knew there were out of things to say!"
"I never liked that nickname." Frank shook his head. "Sounds too barbaric."
'I believe that's the point...' (Y/n) didn't dare to say.
"Too much of a mouthful too, try saying it ten times fast!"
"I will not."
"I'm not...very fond of nicknames either." (Y/n) smiled, her eyebrows furrowed. "Not when it comes to people I don't know. To me, it's something for very close friends to call each-other."
Julie's eyes went big. Wally and Frank recognized that look and the two of them mumbled an 'oh boy'. She placed her hands firmly on (Y/n)'s shoulders and looked at her in the eyes with an intense stare, face-to-face.

"(Y/n). Listen to me."
Said lady nodded, scared.
"I have in my drawers a notebook filled with potential nicknames to give to all of my lady friends."
"Not the male ones?"
"I don't care for them."
Feeling bad for them, (Y/n) looked at her two best friends. They didn't seem offended. They knew she was just saying this in the moment.
"When you are ready, tell me right away and I will give you a selected list of possible bestie-nicknames to choose from. Okay?"
"Yes ma'am!"
"Yeepeee!" she jumped up and down and went ahead of everyone.
"Did she scare you?" Frank quietly asked. "I'm sorry about that."
"N-no no." she shook her head. "If anything I'm... I'm looking forward to it." she chuckled and covered her mouth, her eyebrows furrowed.
That made Wally smile.

After a while, Julie and Frank had to go down a different corridor. The two pairs said goodnight to each-other and went their separate ways.
"Since when do you have a nickname-notebook?" Frank asked her as they walked away. "Since when do you write in your notebooks?"
"I shall write in the one I will get myself first thing in the morning." she tapped the tips of her fingers together with a big smirk.
Frank sighed, shaking his head, smiling. He will help her pick out the best notebook possible.

Despite being alone with the King of Hearts yet again, (Y/n) was feeling less nervous than she did the first time this happened. She didn't know if it was because she was getting used to it – which she doubted – or if all the great things that happened today made her heart forget all about being nervous at all. Either way, the two of them had to separate soon after.
"I bid you goodnight, my Lady." he bowed, a hand over his heart.
"I hope you have a good night as well, my King." she bowed back.
"I must admit, I've had my expectations when I sent you that letter. I didn't expect to spend the whole day with you." he chuckled.
She gulped, blushing. Only now did she realize it: the whole entire day! In the personal and friendly presence of royalty!
"But you've exceeded all of them." he smiled.
"Th-Thank you, your Highness." she curtsied. "It really... It really means a lot coming from you." she tucked her hair behind her ear, looking away, her cheeks still dusted with pink.
Wally looked at her for a moment before he spoke again.

"You said you don't want to become Queen, but you're really fit for the job." he tilted his head.
"Pardon?"
"You're very intelligent, you clearly enjoy kingdom-managing-"
"Y-You're flattering me again, my King. I-"
"-You know how to command a room if need be."
"Sure, but-"
"And everyone saw how brave you are."
Wally would've elaborated on all of those things, but he stopped when he saw what his words did to her. She looked down, trying to hide her frown, gripping the documents in her hands. She took a deep breath.

"My King." she looked at him, her eyebrows no furrowed. "I have nothing but the upmost respect for you, so I shall ask only you for this favor. If you would allow me..."
He nodded.
"Please, do not call me brave. I recent it."
He blinked twice, confused. He knew from Barnaby that she didn't like the nickname given to her, but he didn't know it was more than that.
"May I ask why?"
"It's..." she sighed. "My parents, they..."
"Your parents? Did they convince you of the contrary?"
"No..."
"Do you perhaps...blame yourself for-"
"No!" she gasped. "I'm sorry I raised my voice." she bowed her head. "It's just...it's complicated." she ran a hand through her hair. "It's a whole other can of worms, it would take too long to..." she sighed and looked down.

"...I have time."
She looked back at him with big eyes. He smiled and took a few step to a direction, different than the one he said he would go to.
"Can I show you something?"
(Y/n) opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She looked behind her, to the direction of the Spades quarters, then back at him, his face lighted by the rays of colorful moonlight going through the stained glass windows. She pursued her lips.
"Okay..."
He smiled. The walk was quiet and she felt awkward, fidgeting with the pages' corners. He led her up some stairs, then a few more...
"Are we going to the top of the tallest tower?"
"It's a surprise." he smiled.
She gave her a weird look which made him chuckle.

Finale, they've reached what may have been the top floor. The ceiling was much lower now, there were fewer simpler decorations. (Y/n) began to look around, even more confused. Finally, they stopped in front of a metal ladder that went up to a trap door on the ceiling. After putting the documents somewhere they knew they could find it. Wally asked (Y/n) to closer her eyes.
"The surprise will be much better if you do."
"Closing my eyes...as I go up there?" she pointed at the ladder.
"I'll go first to pull you up." he smiled.
Her face twisted in her uncertainty. Once again, her expressiveness made him chuckle.
"Lady (L/n)," he leaned a bit closer to speak more quietly. "trust me. It'll be neat."
She was taken aback for a moment. But then she realized something: he once said that he wanted her to call him by his first name, but she couldn't recall a time when he did the same for her...
'Well maybe he's just a gentleman.' she thought.

"Alright," she nodded. "after you."
He pushed his cape out of the way of his arms and started to go up the ladder. Before he opened the trap door, he looked down at her.
"Close your eyes now."
She sighed and closed them. She heard him open the door and felt a gust of wind as he spoke again, telling her to go ahead. She grabbed the ladder and slowly climbed up, her long dress making it difficult for her. She gasped when she suddenly felt the King's hands on her wrists.
"I'll help you up now, alright?"
"Okay... Don't let go before I open my eyes please."
"I would never."
She let go of the ladder and he gently pulled her up with him. She felt a cold breeze on her face.

"Okay. Open your eyes now."
She did and gasped. The two of them were on the castle's roof, looking at the entirety of the estate, the forest, the city in the distance, the mountains on the horizon. And of course, the open night sky. They both took a moment, her to take in the scenery, him to look at her.
"Let's sit down." he finally said.
They sat next to each-other, he let go of her hands once they did.
"I like coming up here." he looked up. "When I look up, I can only see the sky. It makes me feel small."
She looked up too, indeed, they were at the highest point of the castle so their field of vision was nothing but stars. Except of course for the person sitting right next to them. (Y/n) looked back to the city. Despite it being night time, there were still plenty of lights there.
'The Kingdom of Hearts really is different.' she thought with a sigh.
"I come up here whenever I need space from things." he spoke again. "No one can hear you here. Except maybe the...spirits of the wind?"

"...Why did you take me up here?" she asked, looking at him.
"I know about mourning, Lady (L/n). I know it is easier to deal with it by sharing it with others who understand. And I brought you here because..." he looked at the horizon, his gaze growing distant. "My mother used to take me here to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve."
(Y/n)'s eyes widened a little bit.
"That's...another reason why I like coming here." he smiled, but there was a bittersweetness to his eyes. "Whenever I miss her, I just..."
He raised a hand in between them, palm facing up. Small strings of colorful lights appeared, making small knots with each-other before breaking off, the knots turning into small orbs that then flew up and at a safe distance before exploding into small silent fireworks. (Y/n) gasped and looked in awe. Wally chuckled and brought his knees closer to his chest. The two of them enjoyed the small light show for a while. At some point, her smile faded and she looked down.
"The truth is... My parents didn't just die." her voice made him look at her. "They were killed."

His eyes widened, he felt a chill.
"I'm so sorry. Who could've done such a thing?"
"...I don't know." she shook her head. "But I have an idea as to why. And..." she sighed deeply. "Because of that, I feel like I'm not as sad as I should be. I love my parents, I love them with all of my heart. But every day I feel...frustrated, and bitter." she kept her eyes on the horizon. "Because I know that they...they didn't work hard, they chose the easy way out and they didn't think much about it." she shook her head with a small frown. "But I'm no better. And when they knew their time had come, they hid me away to protect me and they are dead and I'm still here."
In the light of the small fireworks, Wally could see the tears in her eyes she refused to let out. He felt his heart tightening. He couldn't find anything to say.
He promised her to never call her brave. She thanked him. Just then, the wind blew and she rubbed her arms.

"Are you cold?" he asked, ready to give her his cape.
"Not that much. But we should go back inside." she shifted, looked down, then back at him. "Could you...help me up please?"
"Ah. Of course." he stood up with no problem and offered her a hand.
She took it. As she stood up, a roof tile broke under her foot and she slipped with a loud gasp. Wally quickly grabbed her arms and pulled her close as she watched the roof tile fall off. A few seconds later, they heard it crash on the ground. In the silence, Wally could hear her quick breath and heartbeat.
"Are you okay?" he asked, quickly checking for injuries.
"Y-yes." she gulped. "I'm alright, I got more scared than hurt."
"Go on." he led her to the ladder.
She thanked him and carefully went down the ladder. As she did, Wally looked back to where the roof tile previously was, a grave expression on his face. This never happened before, and for whatever reason, this left a bitter taste in his mouth.
But he was used to it. He ignored it for now, thinking he could take care of that later.

The two of them went back down the castle floors, this time, he accompanied her back to her quarters.
"Oh and..." she said before she went inside. "Please, don't tell the others."
She looked embarrassed, that didn't sit right with him.
"I would never."
"Thank you." she smiled.
She thanked him for not telling others about a deeply personal side of herself. That didn't sit right with him either.
"No." he said, gently taking her hand in his and bowing. "Thank you for telling me. I'm honored."
Her heart skipped a beat. This felt different.
"Y-You're very welcome!" she said, louder than she wanted to be, as he let go of her hand and stood back up. "A-And also, I'm sure it was nothing for you with the amount of mana you have but..." she smiled softly. "I thought your fireworks were breath-taking."
Wally blinked twice, caught off guard. He smiled in a similar manner.
"The most powerful spells aren't always the most important."

(Y/n) tilted her head with a hum.
"What comforting wisdom to sleep on tonight. Have a good night, my King." she nodded.
"A good night to you too, my Lady." he nodded back. "I trust we'll see each-other tomorrow for another meeting?"
"Of course we will!" the spark in her eyes was back and she raised the documents in her hands. "Now that we have the mines, we can take on this project seriously!"
"I can hardly wait." he smiled, then bowed his head. "My Lady."
"My King." she bowed her head too before opening the door to the Spades quarters.
She cast him one last glance before closing the door behind her. Wally sighed through his nose before walking away.

The King of Hearts didn't sleep well that night. Well...worse than usual.
Today had been such a good day. Yet at the very end, those few things that happened weighted heavy on his heart. Lady (L/n) was still sad, he wasn't able to cheer her up... But from what she said, she's been like this ever since her parents' death. So...A whole year...
Although he could relate, to a certain degree, he realized that the two of them were still widely different. But he wanted to understand, he wanted to help her...

The next morning, the three royals, Lady (Y/n) and Barnaby had another meeting. This time they focused on a business trading system between the Diamonds and the Spades Kingdoms. Frank had brought old documents from his Kingdom's royal archives (which yesterday he asked to be sent to him) which was a great help in figuring out the most efficient way to organize such a thing. According to Frank's research, the Diamonds' business had to stop trading with the Spades' because of 'a consistant inconsistency in shipments'.
"Basically the Spades would always give less products that they were ordered and paid to ship." Frank explained.
"Um... Well, it's weird that your reports say that." (Y/n) showed her own documents. "Because in the reports found in ourroyal archives, it is said that the Diamonds were consistently unreasonable with their requests, and would even sometimes change them after the shipment was made."
There was a moment of silence, the two of them looked at each-other with big eyes. Julie slowly inhaled through her teeth.

"Well then." Frank sighed, tossing the reports back on the table. "The people who wrote these are very likely retired by now, so it would be useless to try and find out who lied."
"Lied?" (Y/n) frowned. "Maybe it was a simple misunderstanding."
"It might have been before my ruling, but I can assure you that the royalty of the Kingdom of Diamonds put particular efforts into their business branches. As simple a mistake as a misunderstanding would never happen."
"So you're saying we lied?!" her frown deepened.
"Not you. These guys." he gestured towards her papers.
"Guys, guys!" Barnaby waved his hands up and down. "Let's not fight someone else's battle."
"Barnaby's right." Wally nodded. "We are doing this so arguments like this don't happen."
"You two are so patriotic!" Julie chuckled.
"I wouldn't be a King if I wasn't." Frank cleared his throat.

"I apologize, your Highness." (Y/n) bowed her head.
"It's all right (L/n)." he nodded. "If anything, this proves that one thing we should prioritize in this partnership is good communication. We don't want things to fall into discord, now do we?"
"Of course not." she shook her head.
"I don't like that word!" Julie exclaimed. "Sounds too fun for what it actually is!"
"The only times I even say discord is when people ask me which cord I'll be using."
Everyone looked at Barnaby as the Queen started to giggle and Wally chuckled.
"Discord..." (Y/n) mumbled.
Then, she bursted out laughing, which only made Julie laugh harder, hitting the table multiple times. While Frank tried to get them back on topic, Wally glanced at Barnaby, he looked proud of himself for yet another successful joke.

It was then that something clicked in Wally's mind. Lady (L/n) would laugh sometimes and it was always a joy to see. But, replaying in his head the time they spent together, he realized that she's never laughed at something he said. He's never made her laugh...
He wasn't sure how to feel about that.
Maybe he'll ask Barnaby for help later.

[Fun fact! The dish Frank ate for lunch is actually a Brasilian dish called baião de dois.
Also, I know it's spelled gesundheit, but y'know, Julie doesn't speak German, I don't think x)
Also ALSO! Overwatch343434 on here made this lovely fanart of MC 🥰]