The next day, the three royals had tea together in the Eastern gardens.
"Wow Wally, you sure are jolly today!" Julie smiled, looking at her best friend from across the table.
"Is he?" Frank asked, worried. "He seems exhausted to the point of death to me."
"You look like a jolly grand-grand-grandpa!"
"Thank you Julie." Wally said, very slowly blinking.
Who would've thought that one could get this exhausted just by reading. Wally came to their little tea party with piles of paper and hasn't looked away from them.
"How far are you into these papers?" Frank asked.
"Um... Maybe halfway through?"
"Oh my." he blinked twice. "That's actually quite impressive."
"I was given these papers and I have not stopped reading ever since."

"Wally!" Julie frowned. "Did you not sleep at all?!"
"Why is that surprising?" Frank raised an eyebrow. "Wally never sleeps." he turned to his other friend. "Well, I do hope that you can now see how much effort has been put into this project, and that you will give it the respect it deserves."
"I do. I will."
"Good." he leaned back in his seat. "You can stop now, (Y/n) told me she will give you an overall summary during your meeting."
"It will just be a summary though. I must finish this."
Frank sighed while Julie covered her mouth with the tips of her fingers.
"Wally." Frank spoke. "You don't have to make yourself suffer for the sake of this little revenge."
"Let him be, Frank." Julie tapped his arm. "Wally must really respect (Y/n)'s hard work."

"He's going to dry his eyes out if he keeps reading any longer! They're already unsettling enough!"
"I'm fine." Wally said, not looking up.
"How many fingers am I holding up?"
He looked up.
"Two."
"I'm not even raising my hand."
He leaned closer, his eyes narrowed.
"...Ah. Indeed. I was counting the two wonderful friends I have." he smiled.
"He is a grandpa!" Julie giggled. "Old Papa Darling!"
Frank sighed again.

"That's enough reading for today." he took the document Wally was holding. "It won't be any good if you can't even tell who's talking during the meeting. I'm certain (Y/n) won't mind it if you put your health first for a change."
"...Alright Poppy." he smiled.
"Poppy's not even here!" he looked around.
Wally's head dropped onto the table, knocking over some plates and snacks.
"Oh gosh! The lil cakes!" Julie exclaimed.
"Wally, are you alright?! Have you collapsed from exhaustion?"
"I'm not sleeping." Wally said, his face hidden from them. "I am simply resting my eyes. I can still see words, even when I close them. How eerie."
Frank leaned back, relieved. He asked a servant to get Wally a fresh drink while Julie did her best to salvage what was left of the cakes.

While this was happening, Lady (Y/n) paid a visit to Howdy. She took this opportunity to try his vienna coffee and she was delighted by it!
"You are as talented a barista as you are a blacksmith, Mr. Pillar!" she beamed.
"Oh, you are too kind, my Lady!" he waved one of his hands. "Of all the things I'm good at, a businessman I am at heart!"
She chuckled.
"So!" he stood on the other side of the table, facing her. "What can I do for ya today?"
"I actually wanted your professional opinion."
"Did you now? Well, I'm all ears, antennas and every other sensory receptors that intercept sound!"
"You see, I was wondering... A magic-user can input their magic into their weapons, correct?"
"Why yes."
"And the weapon itself can be magical, correct?"

He raised an eyebrow, wondering where she was going with this.
"I... I was wondering, because we are working on making magical items for non magic-users."
"You want to make magical weapons? Gotta tell ya, I didn't expect that from you."
"No! No no no!" she quickly shook her head. "I'm using weapons as an example! If weapons can be magical, then surely other objects can be."
"I see." he nodded, relieved. "Scared me there for a second!"
"There are magical weapons, aren't there? The one from legends."
"Legendary Weapons, yes." he nodded. "Though half of these so-called legends are simply just stories. But they're made from ancient magic, they're nothing like the weapons we wield today. Queen Ambrosia had one of those, you know. Gave it to her son when she died. Bless her soul."
"Bless her soul... Would it be possible- If I bring you a legendary sword made of steel, would it be possible to melt it down and rebuilt it as a... I don't know, a key that can't unlock a door if its owner isn't holding it."
"Wowserz!" his face lit up. "What an idea! That would sell like hot cakes!"
"It would also help with all the key-theft." she smiled with her eyebrows furrowed.

He cleared his throat.
"Well, I did have to reshape the Queen's sword under the King's request. But that didn't change anything about its magical abilities. Ancient magic isn't the kind anybody can manipulate into carrying out a spell. This isn't your grandma's magic!" he thought for a moment. "Actually, in your case, it might as well be! Since the only kind of magic that taps into that ancient stuff is dark magic. And we all know how that went out during the Eclipse War!"
"Right..." she awkwardly glanced away. "So this is out of the question."
She sighed and rested her head on the table with a defeated look.
"Hey now." Howdy walked around the table to pat her on the back. "No need to be so down about this."
"I'm starting to have doubts Mr. Pillar. What if this cannot be done?"
"You're a visionary, Lady (L/n). No one can deny that." he smiled, tilting his head to be within her sight. "Who knows, maybe the technology of today just isn't up to speed, just give it a few more years!"

"What if it cannot be done at all?" she sadly looked down. "Are non magic-users doomed to never enjoy the benefits that magic can provide to their daily lives?"
Howdy looked up, thinking for a moment.
"You know what's neat about magic?"
She looked up at him.
"It's magic! You can do anything with magic, even things that seem impossible!"
"Yes, if you're a magic-user that is." she looked down again.
"Ah, but your forgetting something." he placed a hand on her shoulder, raising an index with the other, and put his other pair of hands on his hips. "Magic comes from the soul, and magic comes from nature as well. The one thing they have in common? Change! Things change, all the time! We discover new things everyday! Heck, you wouldn't believe how many times my grandma changes her stand on which kind of pie is the best kind!" he chuckled. "Surely something like magic for non magic-users can become a thing one day. Who knows? One thing we Pillars know, is that you'll never find out by giving up."

(Y/n) sat up and sniffed, her eyes glassy.
"Now blow away those grey clouds in your heart, so that the world may be blessed by your smile."
She smiled softly.
"Thank you, Mr. Pillar."
"Anytime, ma'am." he bowed his head.
"How much is it, for the coffee?"
"Only ten silver pieces!"
"...Would you accept a joke?"
"You have a joke?" his eyes widened. "If so, joke away! But I must tell you – 'cause some not-so-funny-flimflam-fellas already tried to pull that trick on me – any joke you've heard from Barnaby, I was the first to hear 'em."
(Y/n) had opened her mouth to say the joke before Howdy made his little disclaimer. Now that he said it, she closed her mouth tight and began to think. The look of intensity in her face made Howdy laugh.

"You know what milady? You get the discount."
"Really? But I didn't say anything."
"It's your charms Lady, your charms!"
"O-Oh!" she chuckled, her cheeks dusted with pink. "To be perfectly honest, I don't mind paying full price."
"Really? Then why did you...?"
"I just... I just wanted to make someone laugh willingly for once." she spoke in a small voice, blushing in embarrassment.
He burst out laughing, she laughed with him.
"Ooo boy!" he ran a hand though his hair. "The businessman in me wants to let you do it, but the friend in me wants to give it away for free!"
She softly gasped. A new friend?
"No it's okay it's okay!" she waved her hands. "I'll pay full price! I would feel bad otherwise. And it's only ten silver pieces!"
"Well thanks for sparing me the dilemma!"

Lady (Y/n) let out a long sigh on her way back from Mr. Pillar's workshop.
'I should take one last look at those books in the library then. And maybe write a letter to the people at home...'
She began to be lost in thought, wandering around the gardens, alone. It was tea time after all, everyone was busy.
Suddenly, something flew by her, it startled her and she flinched. She turned over to look. It landed on a bush nearby. Curious, she walked up to it and leaned closer to get a better look. She gasped and quickly ran away.

Frank and Wally were walking back from their little tea party, holding the documents the latter one of which brought with him.
"Thank you Frank. I feel refreshed now." he smiled.
"It's no bother, Wally."
"My king!!!"
The two men turned around to see Lady (Y/n) running over to them. Wally's face lit up. She looked so excited!
"Oh my, Lady (L/n)." he smiled, facing her. "What a lovely surprise to see-"
"I'm so happy I found you!" she walked up to Frank.
"Ah." Wally glanced at his friend, his eyes wide open.
"I know you enjoy things like this so I looked for you right away!"
"Well what is it, (L/n)? Come on, out with it." Frank gestured her to go ahead.

"I found...a butterfly..." she raised her two indexes. "Of which the pattern on its wings move!"
Frank gasped loudly.
"Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!" he jumped lightly, shaking his hands. "What are we still doing here?! Lead the way at once!" he pointed forward.
"Okay!"
The two of them rushed away, leaving Wally alone.
"But...I'm 'my King'." he mumbled to himself.
He'd always hear Lady (Y/n) call him that. Having her use his 'nickname' to someone else ticked him off a little bit. He followed them, in no rush however.

"Oh I do hope it didn't fly away while I was gone!" (Y/n) said.
"Sadly, it's very likely that it happened." Frank said.
"Oh wait." her eyes narrowed when she saw the bush. "It's still there!"
"My, what luck!"
The two of them walked up to the bush and leaned closer. Frank quickly took out a small magnifying glass. The butterfly was bigger than most, long antennas curling at the tips, the curves of its wings were pointy instead of round, its hindwing had long tails. But what really made this butterfly incredible was the white spots on its all black wings. If one would look for long enough, they would notice how the edges would move slightly, as if it threatened to expand but never doing do.
The butterfly itself stayed motionless.
"That is...the spookiest specimen of butterfly I have ever seen." Frank beamed. "It is beautiful! Thank you (Y/n)!"
He quickly took out his notebook and began to sketch it. By that point, Wally has joined them. His blood ran cold when he saw the butterfly.

"It's so still, how polite." (Y/n) reached a hand for it.
"Don't."
Both her and Frank looked at Wally, the graveness in his voice startling them.
"That is no butterfly." he said. "That's made of magic."
"Really?!" Frank looked back at it, frowning. "It looks so real... And usually, things like this disappear within a minute."
"Maybe... Maybe whoever made this wants to show us how strong their magic is?" (Y/n) suggested.
"Maybe." Wally placed a hand on (Y/n)'s shoulder. "In any case, we best not touch it, we don't know what kind of spell it could carry out."
Just then, the butterfly took off, despite not even going in their direction, Wally stood in front of (Y/n) and Frank and blew air at the butterfly, pushing it away.

"Hey now, don't be rude!" Frank exclaimed.
"They may have good intensions." (Y/n)'s eyebrows furrowed.
Wally kept staring at the bug, waiting for it to be out of sights before facing them again and smiling.
"Hello, Lady (L/n)."
"Huh? Oh!" she blushed, covering her mouth. "I-I was so excited I didn't greet you- I didn't greet any of you!" she took a step back and bowed to him then to Frank. "Good day to you, my King! Good day to you too, your Highness."
Suddenly, Wally looked a lot happier.
"I hope you've accepted Frank's invitation to his pre-dinner party tonight."
"I have, yes." she nodded.
"I told you she had." Frank raised an eyebrow.
"Wonderful." he smiled. "Then we will see you there."
"You will." she smiled back.
Frank rolled his eyes.

When the King of Hearts went back to the castle, he went straight to Miss Partridge and gave her a simple order:
"There is a black butterfly somewhere in the estate. Find it and destroy it, use whatever means necessary. Make sure no one else sees it. I want it gone, before it does whatever it is here to do."

Frank's pre-dinner party was lovely. Lady (Y/n) did feel out of place, considering the high-standing nobles here tonight. But everyone assured her that she wasn't.
"You've gotten quite the name for yourself over the past...three weeks now!" a Grand Duchess told her.
"Oh my, it has been three weeks now, hasn't it?" she realized. "It feels like we've been here forever."
"Who knows!" a Marquis exclaimed. "Maybe you've found your rightful place!"
They all laughed. Because she was as popular as ever, she found little opportunities to speak to her three royal friends, and they themselves were busy with their own conversations. They would however catch each-other's eyes from across the room and they'd smile and give each-other discreet greetings that only they could understand. The joy (Y/n) felt from such a secret display of friendship was indescribable.
It did not last however. And this time, Wally saw it coming...

The Duchess of Tarock and the Count of Rummoli's mother (who was the Duchess' plus-one) kept staring at Lady (Y/n) from across the room. He heard from Barnaby that the two of them held a grudge against her, but he didn't expect them to team up. It could just be that these two found solidarity and support in their mutual disdain for the poor woman... But Wally had a feeling that they were plotting something. He's learned from past mistake. When the two ladies looked at each-other and nodded, he readied himself to stand up to Lady (Y/n).
He could not have predicted what followed next...

The Duchess took a spoon and tapped her glass with it. The room felt silent and looked at her.
"Esteemed guests of the Shuffling, your Highnesses." she curtsied to the people of royalty in the room. "I would like to apologize in advance, for I'm about to ruin tonight's good mood..."
The guests muttered to each-other, confused, as she continued, looking at Wally.
"Especially to the three royals of the Land of the Four Kingdoms here, since this concerns their new friend from the Kingdom of Spades."
"What is the meaning of this, Duchess?" Frank asked. "If you have something to say, say it now, in front of everybody, since you wish to put on a show."
"Trust me, your Highness." the Countess stepped forward. "We've discussed this and we would've much rather keep this matter private. However we judged that it is important for the truth to be known by everyone, especially today."
"Speak." Wally said with a calm yet clear voice.

"Everyone, raise your hand if you have ever heard of the name (L/n) prior to the Shuffling."
A moment passed, everyone looked around. (Y/n)'s blood ran cold, she knew where this was going. But how in the world did they come to know?! Who told them?!
"No one?"
No one raised their hands, no matter how hard they searched their memories.
"Exactly!" the Duchess exclaimed. "We've asked numerous other people as well, they weren't even aware that a (L/n) family existed! Isn't that strange? We have royalty, nobility, businessmen and other influential figures from all over the world. Yet no one here has heard of any (L/n)s. No business dealings outside of her homeland, no history, no military titles, a small noble of no consequences – as she'd call herself mind you! That does beg the question," she looked at (Y/n), who was as pale as a sheet now. "how did your family end up having a noble title and an estate, when you have nothing to support such things?"
"Let's not beat around the bush here." the Countess shook her head. "The exact question would be: where do you get the money for that? You could say taxes, you do own the town that is within your estate. However we all know here that you only get a small percentage of that, the rest goes to the King. Surely the King of Spades, in all his greed and paranoia, would notice if any fraud was in the works here."
There were whispers, acknowledging their point. (Y/n)'s hands began to shake, though she closed them into tight fists.
'No no no no no no no no no no no-'

"We knew we couldn't ask any of the High Council members for answers." the Duchess said. "After all, they were closely associated. So we've turned to none other than Sir Casterham, former Viscount of Spades."
"Oh come on!" Julie rolled her eyes. "Casterham's a greedy shady man and we all know it!"
"That's what we believed too, your Majesty." she nodded. "But one thing history has taught us is that a Spades' pride is unlike any other. Even if they were to flee their kingdom, they would still stand up for each-other, through thick and thin. Which is why it was very shocking to us...when he exposed you!" she pointed at (Y/n).
Gasps filled the room. Frank and Sally grew worried, Wally narrowed his eyes. Lady (Y/n) was unable to speak, her mind was racing. She felt a cold sweat on her forehead.
'Calm down. Calm down. Calm down. Calm down.'
"You, esteemed guests of the Shuffling, wonder about the origin of the (L/n)s' wealth? Well, the people of Spades are wondering the exact same thing. Apparently, as far back as anyone can remember, the (L/n) family has done nothing but live a life of quiet luxury in their estate, secluded from the rest of the world. Rarely has anyone ever seen them outside of their home. They've even earned a nickname: the Nothing Nobles."
(Y/n)'s eyes widened. She did her very best to appear calm and composed. Just how much did he tell them?! When did this happen?!

"Still, the question remains," the Countess said. "how did the (L/n)s retained their lifestyle if they didn't have any income? Well, apparently, they had a benefactor."
(Y/n)'s heart dropped. No way...
"The (L/n) family would receive a yearly allowance. Quite the sum of money." she slowly spoke, relishing this moment and the chaos that would soon ensue. "Sent from none other than the King of Spades himself!"
Once again, loud gasps filled the room, followed by shocked whispers. (Y/n) was horrified. She didn't know Casterham (or anyone for that matter) also knew about that. In her head, she shouted insults at him in the old Spades language.
"But why?" she continued. "Could it be because their estate is the closest to the infamous Dark Forest? After all, the King of Spades was known for his love of the occult." she paused. "But let's be realistic here, there has to be some kind of transaction to this. Now, could it be that these Nothing Nobles were never actual nobles, but people in the employ of the King. What kind of work? Well, what kind of work would pay this much and be kept secret?" she pretended to think. "Something dangerous surely, if it can get them killed."

"What in the...?" (Y/n) frowned. "Are you suggesting that my family had some kind of affiliation with organized crime?!"
"We did not say anything of the sort!" the Countess placed a hand over her chest in shock. "We're simply pointing out what doesn't make sense here."
"Realistically speaking," the Duchess said. "how else would you explain where your fortune comes from?"
"I don't know. I never asked. Because frankly, it wasn't any of my business, just like it's none of your business!" she glared. "If you weren't outranking me, I would be slapping the both of you right now!"
Gasps of shock once again.
"And even if the work of my parents wasn't the most ethical one, that wouldn't even matter anymore, because they are dead! And the King is dead! So all you have done here is make a spectacle of my family's situation, all based on rumors, hearsay and with no tangible evidence whatsoever! I would've never believed prior to tonight that two respectable ladies such as yourselves would be this classless!"
There were scoffs of shock. That didn't stop her however.
"The only thing you've proven tonight is how far you would jump to make such leaps in logic. You have embarrassed me and my family. I shall not stay here and argue about things that do not matter." she started to make her way out. "My only wish here," she looked back to the crowd. "is that everyone here can see the immaturity of your methods. I wish you all a good night." she curtsied before exiting the room.

As soon as the door closed behind her, the guests began talking out loud about what in the world just happened. The Duchess scoffed with a smile.
"How agressive! I supposed that's just the Spades in her." she laughed.
"Duchess, Countess," Frank spoke. "please leave my party at once."
"Huh?!" she looked at him with big eyes.
"Are we to be punished for simply raising our concerns?" the Countess asked, staying calm. "The Duchess did apologize in advance, and you yourself invited us to speak."
"That is only because I wasn't aware of what would come out of your mouths." he sternly said. "The people of Spades are known for their superstitions, yet (L/n) was the most logical person here tonight."
"You accused our friend of being in the mafia!" Julie pointed. "That's plenty enough reasons to ask you to leave! You're both bullies!"
The Countess looked over at Wally, he seemed lost in thoughts. She smiled.
"But your Highness," the Duchess panicked. "just a few years ago, you yourselves would-"
"We understand." the Countess bowed her head. "We will take our leave."

The Duchess looked at her partner in crime as if to silently ask if that was really okay.
"It's our mistake, your Highness. We couldn't keep up with the program."
Frank and Julie glared at them while Wally was still deep in thought.
"Good night to you all."
The two ladies curtsied and left.
"That was a disaster!" the Duchess held her head, whispering harshly. "The three royals didn't believe us!"
"Of course they didn't. They're too attached to her."
"Yeah right, that was their own guilt talking there!"
"We did achieve the most important part." the Countess smiled. "We planted seeds of doubt. Trust me, Duchess, this is the beginning of the end for the Lady of Spades."

After a short while, the two ladies parted ways. The Sun had set by now, the Countess walked through the castle's hallways, thinking of what her and her dear son will have for dinner.
'I should also think of an excuse as to why I'm back so early.'
As she pondered over that, something flew by and caught her eye. She looked over to see a black butterfly landing on the nearby windowsill. At first, she thought nothing of it, though black butterflies were very unusual in the Kingdom of Hearts, but then she noticed something. Were the white spots on its wings...moving? She leaned a bit closer, with narrowed eyes. Maybe she needed some glasses after all.
Just as she did, the butterfly flew towards her.

Whatever anyone was doing anywhere at this moment, they all stopped when they heard a piercing scream. They could tell by the sound, that wasn't just fear, that was someone's last breath on this Earth. Whoever didn't come running, to see what was going on, called it a night and went to bed in ignorance and fear.
At that moment, Lady (Y/n) was walking through the gardens to let out some steam.
'I thought I could intimidate him by using my reputation, that completely backfired! I should've known he wouldn't leave without inserting one more splinter up my foot!' she groaned. 'Stupid! I'm so stupid!'
She stopped and turned towards the castle when she heard it. She had no clue what happened, but she recognized the Countess' voice, although she would've never guessed it could be this loud. It sent a shiver down her spine.
Whatever happened, it was very, very bad, and after what happened at the party, there was a huge chance that people would blame her for it.
She went to bed and didn't sleep much. As much as she tried not to, she could only imagine what horrific thing was done to that poor women, for her to scream like that...
As Master of Ceremony however, the King of Hearts had to be there. Wally ran to where the scream came from, he was the first to arrive on the scene. Soon after, a crowd of people came as well. Everybody kept their distance from the lady on the floor as they witnessed the state she was in.

Like a piece of meat on a grill, her skin looked to be sizzling from the inside. Patches of skin melting off her body, revealing not blood, but a thick black liquid underneath, sipping through her clothes and creating a puddle on the carpet. The Countess' eyes were all white as she vomited that same black liquid, on her hands and knees. She couldn't scream anymore, drowning on what was now her blood, going through her veins and slowly burning every part of her. And the worst part of it all, she was still trying to speak, to call for... Either help or mercy.
One more terrifying thing to top it all, the magic-users could feel the dark energy emanating from her. Some bad bad magic was used here.
"Dark magic!" panic naturally ensued.
The Countess passed out, the spell was over. It should be okay to touch her now. Wally quickly went up to her. He turned her over and checked if she was still breathing.
"Careful your Highness!" someone said. "What if it's the Spades Plague?!"
"If it was the Spades Plague, I would've reacted very differently." he stood up and looked at the guards that were here. "Take this poor woman to Miss Partridge quickly! There might still be a chance."

The guards hesitated. Wally sighed quietly before rubbing his black stained gloved-hands on his face. Some people gasped.
"See? It's fine, now go."
The guards obeyed and left with the Countess. Wally calmed everyone down and told them they could go to sleep without worry.
"Without worry?!" an old man exclaimed. "There is a witch in this castle who murdered that poor woman!"
"She's not dead. You're forgetting something sir, any magic-user can use dark magic. We will go through a thorough investigation to get to the bottom of this, rest assured. You have my word, you can all sleep in peace."
Reassured by the King of Hearts' words, the crowd left the scene, casting one last look at the black trail on the floor. Wally and Frank exchanged a look, they both had an idea on what caused this. But by who? For what? Why the Countess, why now?
Wally felt a headache coming. Tonight has brought more unanswered questions. He worried for Lady (L/n)...

The next day, after she heard of what happened from the servants, Lady (L/n) did not want to leave her quarters.
"They think I did it, don't they?"
"Um... We're... We're not sure my Lady." the maid looked down.
(Y/n) rubbed her face and sinked into the couch with a long groan.
"W-Well, it's like you said!" Catherine said, sitting beside her. "Magic-users can tell that you can't use magic."
"It was a powerful spell right?" she looked at her. "All this hard work, gone out the window. People were finally starting to like us!"
"People can believe whatever they want," Gwendolyn said, sitting on the couch opposite of them, reading a book. "the King of Hearts will find the real culprit for sure and any rumor will be put to rest."
"...I don't want to go to the lunch party."
There was indeed a big lunch party that's been on the calendar from the very beginning, open to everyone, to celebrate the beginning of the final full week of the Shuffling. It wasn't an official event, but the King himself organized it. Although, with the investigation going on, he will not be attending the party. Which was in an hour or so.

"If only I could just stay in my room and cancel all of my plans, like Arnold."
"Actually," the maid spoke again. "his Lordship was the first one to leave this morning."
"What?!" the three ladies exclaimed, looking at her with big eyes.
(Y/n) immediately stood up.
"We have to go. If he tries to save my honor or something, we will be in even bigger trouble and this will be an even bigger mess!"
The three ladies rushed to their rooms to get ready. After she got dressed, (Y/n) looked at her reflection in the mirror. Seeing the worry on her face, she covered it and took a deep breath in, and removed her hands as she slowly exhaled. She leaned closer to look into her own eyes.
"Remember, everything is under control, and we have no emotions." she told herself, knowing that wasn't true.
She nodded and left.
Despite her effort to convince herself that she could, she could not help but be anxious, a little more with every step she took on her way to the gardens where the lunch party was held. She didn't approach anyone, instead she looked for Arnold. But there weren't any signs of any scenes happening.

"Lady (L/n)!"
She flinched when she heard someone call out for her. She looked over to see a group of nobles she'd previously discussed with.
"Whatever are you doing in your corner? Come here!"
She gulped and joined their group.
"Are you alright, dear?" a Baroness asked, concerned.
"I myself am alright, thank you very much." she nodded.
"Oh good. I just want to say, we are so sorry about what happened."
"Excuse me?" she blinked twice.
"Haven't you heard about the Count of Rommuli's mother? The poor boy has stayed by her bed side ever since."
"Thank the stars she's still conscious!" another one said.
"Sure, but at what cost...?"
(Y/n)'s heart twisted in pain thinking of the Count.

"I did hear about it, yes." she nodded. "Truly tragic."
"It must be so terrible for you, though." a Grand Duke placed a hand on her shoulder. "Having to work with someone who would do such a thing."
"...Who are you referring to?"
"Why, the Marquis of course!"
Lady (Y/n) expression fell, she couldn't hide her shock.
"Arn... The Marquis?" she said. "Did the King of Hearts say it was him? Is the investigation over?"
"Well, no..." he looked away, removing his hand.
"But it makes sense, doesn't it?" someone else said. "It was the work of some powerful dark magic, and the Marquis of Spades is a powerful magic-user."
"Well that's the thing about the Spades' isn't it?" another smile. "They don't have a lot of magic-users, but those that pop up do pack a punch!" they chuckled.

As the others agreed with them, (Y/n) was still baffled.
"Oww, it finally hit her." someone said.
"I..." she shook her head. "I'm sorry, I just... To be perfectly honest, I thought I would be the number one suspect."
"That's certainly what the Duchess of Tarock tried to say." the Baroness rolled her eyes.
"But any logical person would know that that is nonsense." someone added. "After all, you're not a magic user, correct? You said so yourself."
"Right. But..."
"Aww she's so sweet." they smiled at the rest of the group before looking back at her. "We know it wasn't you, dear."
"Right!" the rest of the group agreed. "You're not some evil witch. You're so gentle and nice!"
"You're one of the good ones, you're nothing like them!"

At that moment, time stopped for Lady (Y/n). Her heart sunk as realization hit her like a brick.
Yes, people finally started to be nice to her, to respect her. Her reputation was at an all time high. But she realized that she never asked how the others were treated. Catherine, Gwendolyn, Arnold... She stopped asking a long time ago...
Were they the butt of jokes? Were they asked insensitive questions? Was their very identity disrespected? How many times did they not do anything about it? Arnold tried to tell her, even told her she was blind. But Catherine and Gwendolyn...? They might have kept it to themselves for the greater good of the plan.
(Y/n) felt a deep sense of shame boiling in her stomach. Arnold was right, she has been blind. Blinded by her new friendships and the limelight that came with associating yourself with royalty.
Things were going well. For her. And even then, at what cost?
Replaying the conversations she's had with other nobles (other than her friends), she realized that things haven't actually changed much. The only difference was that now, the people approaching her were of higher ranks, and that they wouldn't make fun of her anymore. They showed interest in the shallowest way possible, asking questions but never remembering her answers, always calling her sweet and gentle as if she was a small animal. She was now the royals' new friend, and that of course brought a lot of attention to her.

In this moment, a question remained. She could not act on it, after all she was in contact with very powerful people now.
But would she really swallow her pride and leave her fellow council members at the bottom of the social ladder, while she climbed her way to the top for the sake of their plan...?

A short while later, elsewhere in the castle, Wally and Poppy and taken some of the black liquid off of the carpet to run some tests on it. They put it in a glass vial and mixed it with some potions, making it change color. Just when they thought they were going somewhere, the mixture boiled and the vial exploded. The liquid was no more, it turned into mist and dissipated into thin air. Wally groaned and Poppy tried to cheer him up.
Just then, a guard slammed the door opened.
"Your Highness! The culprit of the Butterfly Incident!"
"We're working of it." he said without looking as he patted his chest to wipe any liquid away.
"N-No I mean... The culprit just revealed themselves!"
Both him and Poppy looked at the guard with big eyes.
"Who?" Wally asked with a grave expression. "Who was it?"

[The dominoes I set up are being knocked down! 👏
I also want to thank the people who supported me on ko-fi, I would die for you guys 😌💖]