Evelyn

  ***

  After school, I found myself in the Regent’s personal carriage with both Lloyd and Lna. Luckily I had time to get changed, but unluckily I have neglected my wardrobe. Aside from out in the town clothes, I only have a handful of dresses that can be worn in such company. Three. I have three dresses that I can use for this situation. I was told that this would be a casual meeting, and that I shouldn’t worry about it. But this morning, 17 told me that I was going to meet with the Regents, so I can’t exactly dress casually. Hopefully my outfit is good enough.

  As opposed to my magical girl uniform, this dress was a light blue dress that was much longer to the point where not even my ankles were showing. It also had full sleeves that covered my arms along with white ce gloves over my hands. My hair was slightly different with a pair of long silver pins holding together a somewhat rge bun on the back of my head. Alongside them, I had my brass knuckles in my hand bag, and a knife hidden in my belt. Oh, and obviously my hair pins are weapons. I don’t think I’ll need them, but you can never be too careful.

  I gnced at the twins who were sitting opposite of me, but they just kind of sat there looking out the windows. I guess this will be a quiet trip. Looking out a window myself, I saw a guard stationed by the door, beyond him were the familiar streets of the city. You know, now that I think of it, this might be the first time I’ve visited them as Evelyn. Huh? Well, I guess I have to pretend like I don’t know the pce. Should be easy enough.

  …

  Arriving at the main entrance we exited and were greeted by a butler who guided us in. Given that this was my first time not entering through a window, I looked to see what every other person would see when entering. It looked nice, but it wasn’t anything compared to what I saw on Earth. Well, enough of that. Let’s just follow along and see why they really wanted to invite me here. I doubt they would do all of this for a simple missing invitation.

  As we walked down the halls, I gnced at the passing rooms and people. Aside from officials, there were patrolling guards along with 19 who walked behind us. If I remember correctly, they should have been told about her, so why keep her hidden? Well, maybe not everyone here knows about her, so let’s not bring it up.

  “So, Lady Eytell.” Lloyd said.

  “Yes?” I asked.

  “I take it that you’ve been doing well?” He asked.

  “Well enough.” I said.

  “Anything interesting going on?” He asked.

  “Nothing.” I said.

  Once again, I’m not going to disclose my activities. And aside from those activities, I don’t really have much going on.

  “…” He gnced at Lna. “Has studying been going well?”

  “Yes.” I said.

  What an odd line of questioning from him…

  “I like your dress, where did you get it?” Lna suddenly asked.

  “A traveling merchant.” I said.

  I bought it a while ago and kind of just kept it in the back of my closet, so I didn't really think about it. As such, it’s a shame that I forgot the merchant's name.

  “Do you have others like it?” She asked.

  “No.” I said.

  I didn’t want to waste money at the time, so I only got the one. I was right to do so since this is the first time I've actually worn it outside my house.

  ““…”” The two were quiet.

  Well, I guess that ends that conversation. Why is 19 looking at me like that? I answered all of their questions! We continued in silence into a smallish room. Well, I’m sure that to most anyone it would be a rge room, but since these are the Regents we’re talking about, let’s call it a small room. Anyway, inside was a pair of couches on either side of a table. Being offered, I took a seat. Ah? Lloyd and Lna took a seat on either side of me, as if to keep me from running. 19 too took up position behind me. I don't like this. I’m in trouble, aren’t I?

  Sitting in silence, I couldn’t help but become more and more nervous. I’m beginning to suspect that this may be a trap… Trying not to draw attention to it, I slowly opened my bag to make my brass knuckles avaible at any moment. If I’m quick I might be able to get one of them before 19 stops me. It would have to be Lloyd, he’s the more dangerous of the two. And if push comes to shove, I can probably bribe Lna with some cupcakes… No that'll take too long. I'll just knock her lights out.

  Eventually however, violence didn’t come to pass and the silence was broken by the sound of the door opening. Entering were Orson and Alyssa, along with a maid and 17. More importantly, the maid was pushing a cart of tea and various sweets. I wonder if they’re free for the taking?

  “Lady Evelyn.” Orson said.

  “Evelyn.” Alyssa gave a small bow.

  “Lord Regents.” I stood to give my own bow.

  “Let’s not worry about formalities.” Orson gave me a friendly smile.

  Gesturing for me to sit down, I did so as they took a seat on the couch opposite of us. As they made themselves comfortable, the maid served us tea and gave me a small strawberry cake. In fact, I was the only person who got any sweets. Are they about to tell me some bad news…?

  “Thank you for coming here on such short notice.” Orson said.

  “Of course.” I said.

  It’s not like anyone can refuse an invitation from the Regent’s family. But maybe I should have…

  “Firstly, and I would like to apologize for asking such a thing, but has something happened in your family?” Orson asked.

  “I don’t believe so…” I said. Is this about that invitation thing? Is that worthy of a meeting with the leaders of The Empire?

  “So, nothing has happened?” He asked.

  “No…” I shook my head.

  Hearing me say this, he looked a bit worried. Seeing his reaction I couldn't help but grow more worried.

  “Have you spoken with your family tely?” Alyssa asked.

  “Unfortunately I have not.” I said.

  “I see…” She frowned.

  I really don’t like where this is going… Trying to dispel my worries, I took a sip of the tea. Huh? This stuff is odd… And calming. Like really calming…

  “Is there anyone in your family you hate?” Lloyd asked.

  “I don’t hate anyone in my family.” I said, feeling at ease and taking another sip.

  “Is that so?” Orson seemed relieved.

  “Then, who do you like the most?” Lna asked from my side.

  “I don’t like anyone in my family.” I said.

  WHAT!? WHY DID I SAY THAT!? IT’S TRUE BUT I DIDN’T MEAN TO SAY IT! THE TEA! IT’S THE TEA! Wearing my best poker face I quickly bit my tongue. Tasting my own blood I forced my Magical Girl powers to heal me. Aside from the pain in my mouth, I felt whatever was in that tea fading away, I put it down and reached for the cake. I have my poker face on, so I don’t think that they noticed what I did… Trying to act normal, I took a small bit on my fork and took a bite. Luckily this seems like a normal cake. To try and sell the act, I took a bigger piece. Carefully looking up, I saw that they seemed shocked. Do they know?

  “What do you mean by that?” Alyssa asked.

  Okay, so what’s their pn? It seems like the tea is enchanted with some sort of spell to make me answer their questions truthfully. Not only that, but it didn’t react to my powers, so it isn’t cssified as a curse. I need to think of counter measures for this… But for now, how should I answer this? Well, the cat is already out of the bag, so I suppose telling them this much is fine.

  “I want to, but Aunty and Robbie don’t like me and I don’t talk to Uncle Aaron enough, so I don’t have much of an opinion on him.” I said.

  My friends already know this, so it’s not much of a secret anyways. Also I’m sure that the Shadows know this as well.

  “But they’re your family!” Lna said. “You’re supposed to like each other!”

  That’s not a question, so I don’t need to say anything!

  “?” I look at her and tilt my head in confusion.

  Be fooled by my cuteness!

  “Evelyn, did you receive an invitation to yesterday’s party?” Orson asked.

  “No.” I said.

  Okay, that’s good. Let’s keep going with this safe line of questioning.

  “Are you from Earth?” Lloyd asked.

  Seriously!? Why that question!? I shouldn’t even know what Ear- wait… When Angelica took over Charlotte’s body, she did bring up Earth in front of 38, so they probably know that much. Okay, so I do know of Earth, but let’s try to give away as little as possible.

  “No, I’m not.” I said.

  “Are you sure?” Lloyd asked.

  “I am.” I said.

  I took another bite of the cake, a piece with the strawberry and I felt that familiar sensation again. Once more I bit my tongue and healed myself. Is everything a trap!?

  “How much do you know about Earth?” Lna asked.

  “No before that, do you even know what Earth is?” Lloyd asked.

  “I only know of it by name.” I lied, answering both questions at once.

  “Wait, hang on.” Lna said. “How do you know what Earth is?”

  “Whatever tried taking over Charlotte’s body said that it was from there.” I said.

  38 was there for that too, so let’s py it safe and tell a limited version of the truth. When I said that, Everyone in the room, aside from myself and the Shadows of course, seemed shocked. Maybe they’re worried about the Saints being body snatched? You know it might be because the Saints could be body snatchers. Why am I feeling tired? It must be another spell. Still, it’s not like this is going to work on me. I’m the type of girl who can go a week without sleep!

  Closing my eyes, I began to fall forwards when I felt a familiar pair of hands grab hold of me. The hands were too big to be the twins, so it must have been 17 or 19. I also didn’t hear the cake fall to the floor, so someone must have taken it. Regardless, I still need to be careful.

  “I’ll take her to the guest room.” 17 said.

  “Please do.” Orson said with a troubled voice.

  Alright, looks like I got past that. Hopefully no one figured it out. Next I need to get out of here without raising suspicion. How do I do that? Well, I guess when I wake up I can just ask to be taken home. Surely they won’t openly keep me here, right?

  Being carried gently by 17, I was taken from the room. I’m not exactly sure where I’m being taken, but it shouldn’t be too hard if I need to make a break for it. After all, I can still transform. Although if I do, I can likely never come back here. At least not as Evelyn. You know, maybe I shouldn't come back at all given their traps… If I wasn’t pretending to be asleep, I would sigh. Why do things have to get complicated?

  Soon enough, I heard a door open and we entered what I assumed to be the guest room. Very gently I was pced in the bed… or not? Instead of being put on the bed as I expected, I was pced on some sort of recliner.

  “Don’t use the bed.” 17 whispered in my ear. “The pillows are enchanted to wipe your memories of the past hour.”

  “!?” I was armed, but regardless I still pretended to sleep.

  “The communication device has a tracking spell in it. You can disable it with dark magic.” She continued and then added. “They don’t know of your dark magic. The enchantment is made to wake you up in twenty minutes. Ring the bell and act as if you fell asleep waiting for the Regents.”

  Having said that, 17 left me in the chair and exited the room. Okay… Is she my ally or not? Is this some sort of trick? I don’t know what’s going on anymore… Waiting a moment after she left, I slowly opened my eyes…

  It looks like I’m alone here. Firstly, I really need to work on my acting. 17 immediately saw through me. 19 probably noticed as well. Yet they didn’t rat me out? Rather, they haven’t ratted me out yet. Secondly, I already knew about the tracker, so let's verify the thing with the pillow. Getting up, I carefully made my way to the bed, keeping an eye out for any spells or traps along the way… Looks like she wasn’t lying, there is some sort of spell here… Quickly summoning my staff, I pced it on the pillow and copied the enchantment. I’ll need a reference if I want to create countermeasures in the future.

  I’m sure that she won’t mind, but Orion, I know you're listening! I’ll need your help to deal with this. But first I need to figure something out. I’ve never slept here, have I? I don’t think I have, but given the memory wiping spells, I can’t say that I haven’t. Well, given the fact that Orion or Celestia haven’t told me, I’m going to assume that I’m safe. Although now I’m worried about sleeping at home… Surely no Shadows would pce traps in my room, right? 17 may have helped me now, but that doesn’t mean others will. And I don’t want to start doubting 38, but given that they all work for the Regents, I can’t say for certain that she’s my friend… No, she would never do that to me. That’s a fg, isn’t it? I hope not.

  Shaking my head, I decided that the best thing to do would be to pn appropriately. Firstly I need to finish my hideout. From the looks of things, I definitely need it. Hopefully not soon…

  Although now that I think that, according to Angelica and from what I overheard from the reincarnated Saints, I am the vilin and the goddesses did tell me that the world is trying to get me killed, so yeah… Okay, I might need to be a bit paranoid if I want to get through this alive…

  Twenty minutes ter, I messed up the bed a bit and nervously rang the bell. I had my hand bag close at hand, although it turned out to not be needed. Shortly after I rang it, the maid that entered with the sitting Regents, opened the door. Giving a very nervous, yet polite, bow I apologized.

  Okay, now let’s make some random excuse and leave!

  “Ah, Lady Eytell, you’re awake.” Lloyd peaked out from behind the maid.

  “Sorry our parents couldn’t come.” Lna apologized, doing the same. “Would you perhaps like to have a tour of this pce since you’re here?”

  WWHHHHYYYYY!?!?!?!?!?!

  Grayburne