The soft glow of the room's lights cast gentle shadows over the wooden furniture, while a faint scent of timber lingered in the air, bringing a sense of peace and comfort. Though the space was small, it was tidy and exuded a warmth that felt like home. On the table sat a basket of fresh groceries, suggesting that Elise had just returned from a trip outside. She hadn't even had time to start cooking before Alia and Emma's unexpected visit.
After inviting them to sit, Elise's calm demeanor did little to ease Alia's furrowed brows. She locked eyes with Elise, her gaze sharp with lingering suspicion. Slowly, she spoke, her voice laced with a gravity that demanded answers.
"Why haven't you been answering my calls? And why did you suddenly leave without a word? What exactly happened?"
Elise lowered her gaze, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her sleeve. After a moment of hesitation, she finally responded, her voice soft yet firm.
"I'm sorry, Livia… The signal here isn't great, so I might have missed your calls. As for leaving without notice… I just suddenly felt homesick and wanted to return as soon as possible. I'm sorry."
Her tone carried a trace of guilt, but there was no hesitation in her explanation.
Alia narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Elise's expression. Elise had always been attached to her home, so this explanation wasn't entirely unreasonable. And yet, something still felt off. But faced with Elise's sincere demeanor, Alia had no choice but to let it go—at least for now.
She sighed, her tone softening slightly.
"Well, you should have told me sooner. Do you think I wouldn't have approved your leave?" After a brief pause, she added nonchalantly, "Then I suppose I don't need to worry anymore. Otherwise, my dear little brother would've been concerned about you, too."
The moment those words left her lips, Alia caught the flicker of an emotion in Elise's eyes—a fleeting, complex mix of panic and something else… something hidden.
A knowing smile curled at the corner of Alia's lips, but she chose not to push further. She had already gotten the answer she was looking for.
Emma, who had been observing their exchange with amusement, leaned back with her arms crossed. A sly smile played on her lips, as if she was enjoying the little game unfolding before her.
Standing up, Alia patted Elise's shoulder lightly, her usual warmth returning to her voice.
"Alright, as long as you're safe. I sneaked out to come here, so I should get back before anyone notices. We'll see you when you return to the castle."
Elise opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something more, but in the end, she simply nodded.
"…Miss, take care on the way back."
Alia gave her a reassuring smile before turning to Emma, exchanging a silent look of understanding. The two walked out into the night, where the air was still, the wind carrying the quiet rustle of distant leaves.
Emma chuckled as she glanced at Alia.
"Looks like your little maid has fallen hard for your precious brother."
Alia scoffed, her lips curving into an enigmatic smile.
"That's their business, not mine. I have no interest in meddling." She paused briefly before murmuring, almost to herself, "Let's go."
Emma shrugged, her grin turning mischievous.
"Then we'll just wait until she 'returns' to the castle to dig out the truth."
With that, they climbed into the car. Emma started the engine with practiced ease, and the vehicle rumbled to life, rolling down the stone-paved road and vanishing into the tranquil countryside.
—
The night deepened, moonlight spilling over the empty rural path, casting broken shadows beneath the trees. Elise stood at her doorstep, watching Alia's car disappear into the distance, her expression unreadable. She exhaled softly, then turned back inside.
The room was spotless, everything neatly in place—except for the suitcase that had been sitting in the corner, revealing her true intentions.
After a brief moment of thought, she knew she couldn't stay here any longer. She moved toward the suitcase, zipped it up swiftly, her motions precise yet tense. One last check to ensure she had everything, then she took a deep breath, gripping the handle tightly before striding to the door.
Outside, silence reigned. Only the wind whispered through the fields, rustling the leaves far away. Elise scanned her surroundings cautiously. Once certain no one was around, she carefully wheeled her suitcase toward a car parked nearby.
She opened the door, stowed her luggage in the backseat, and slipped into the driver's seat. Her fingers trembled slightly against the steering wheel, but she steadied herself quickly before turning the key.
The car eased onto the deserted road. As she gained distance, she let out a small breath of relief. However—
SCREECH!
A pair of blinding headlights suddenly flared to life, and a sleek black sedan came to an abrupt stop right in front of her, blocking her path. Elise slammed the brakes, her heartbeat hammering wildly. Her grip on the steering wheel tightened.
The doors of the black sedan creaked open. Under the moon's silver glow, two familiar figures stepped out.
Emma stood with her arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips as though she had anticipated this all along. Meanwhile, Alia leaned casually against the car door, hands tucked into her pockets, an amused arch in her brow. Her gaze on Elise carried the same indulgent patience one might have for a misbehaving child.
"Well, well, Elise." Alia sighed, shaking her head with mock exasperation. "You really held it in, didn't you? Almost had me convinced. And yet, here you are, running off the moment I turn around?"
Emma chimed in, her voice laced with amusement.
"Good thing we arrived just in time. Otherwise, our 'little maid' might've really been gone for good."
Elise's fingers dug into the steering wheel, her pulse pounding in her ears.
She knew.
She had been caught.