5:00pm.

The sky was a palette of violet and deep orange.

Long shadows stretched across the quiet graveyard, reaching for the trio standing before a simple, dignified headstone.

Peter.

Kurt’s hand was a warm, steady anchor for Hope. The girl stood remarkably still, her small maid’s uniform slightly dusty at the hem. Her eyes were fixed on the stone, and her expression was one of heavy sadness.

"Are you ready to leave, Hope?" Kurt asked softly.

Hope took a shaky breath, nodding as she clutched the hem of her apron.

"Yes. I told him about my new family. And about me being a maid. And... and that I’m being a good girl. That’s everything’s going to be okay." She looked up at Kurt, her eyes shimmering but her chin held high. "We can go now."

They turned back toward the gravel path. As the iron gates of the cemetery creaked behind them, Kurt looked down at her.

"Listen, Hope. If you ever feel like the walls of the mansion are getting too close, or if you just want to talk to him, don’t ever be afraid to ask me. I’ll bring you here. Day or night, okay?"

"The offer extends to me as well." Yuna added. "Or any of the senior staff. You are not a prisoner, Hope. You are a member of this household."

Hope wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and offered a small, watery smile. "Okay. I will."

By the time they reached the carriage, the last sliver of the sun had dipped below the horizon. The interior of the coach was dim and cool. Kurt watched Hope as they began to ride along the road. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

The adrenaline of the city and the emotional weight of the graveyard were finally taking their toll. Hope’s head began to wobble, her eyelids drooping. She would jerk upright, blinking rapidly and knocking against Yuna’s arm, only to start drifting again seconds later.

Kurt exchanged a knowing look with Yuna. "I think that’s enough for one day," he whispered to the driver through the partition. "Take us home."

...

An hour passed in comfortable silence. When the carriage finally pulled into the smooth stone driveway of the mansion, Hope was fast asleep against Yuna’s shoulder. Yuna shifted, gently waking the girl as the door was opened.

"I will take her to her new room," Yuna said to Kurt as they stepped onto the porch. "She needs a bath and a bed."

Kurt crouched down, reaching out to pat Hope’s head. "Considering everything you went through today, I’d say you did pretty good."

Hope leaned into his hand, her voice thick with sleep. "It’s nothing... I’m a cool maid, remember? Cool maids don’t cry much."

"The coolest. Make sure you eat something before you crash, alright?"

Yuna nodded. "I will oversee her meal personally."

Hope looked at Yuna, then back at Kurt, her arms twitching as if she wanted to reach out. She looked at Yuna’s stern face and hesitated. Yuna let out a sharp click of her tongue, though her eyes were soft.

"Oh, for heaven’s sake," Yuna muttered. "Fine. But this is the last time. Maids must maintain professional boundaries."

Hope didn’t need a second confirmation. She lunged forward, nearly knocking Kurt over as she wrapped her arms around his neck in a fierce hug. "Goodnight, Kurt," she whispered. "And thank you for today."

"Anytime." Kurt squeezed her back. "Goodnight, Hope."

He watched them disappear down the path toward the maids’ dorms before turning to enter the main house.

The moment he stepped through the doors, he realised the atmosphere was... different.

A servant hurried past toward the kitchen, balancing a tray piled high with empty wine bottles. Another servant came jogging out of the pantry clutching a fresh bottle of expensive vintage and a bowl of seasoned snacks.

"Whoa, easy there," Kurt caught the man by the shoulder when he nearly tripped. "What’s the occasion? Is Diana home?"

"Oh! Master Rossana, thank you and welcome home! Yes, Ms. Valentine is home. She is at the pool area with Head Maid Wendy, her secretary, Ms. Mia, and... well, Madam Valentine is here as well."

"Madam Valentine? As in..."

"Ms. Valentine’s mother, yes."

"Really? Talk about unexpected... Here, let me take that," Kurt said, reaching for the tray. "Since I’m heading that way anyway."

"O-Oh! Here you go then." The servant handed the tray over to him.

As Kurt made his way through the house, the sound of feminine laughter grew louder as he approached the glass doors leading to the pool. He stepped out into the night air, which was warmed by the mana-heated water of the pool.

As he walked through the open glass panel door, he saw the group.

Mia was slouched in a chair, looking significantly more relaxed than her usual lively self.

Wendy sat nearby, her posture straight as she sipped from a glass.

Diana was also slouched on the lounge chair next to Mia as she waved around a wine bottle while laughing.

Finally, opposite all three of them was the woman he heard about. Madam Valentine. Even from where he’s standing, her posture was regal and her platinum hair shimmered like moonlight.

Isabel and Sadie were standing a few paces back, acting as attendants but clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Kurt caught Sadie’s eye. He pressed a finger to his lips, gesturing for them to stay quiet. He moved silently, stepping up to the low table and setting down the snacks and the wine with the practiced grace of a servant.

"Your snacks and beverages, ladies."

"Finally," Mia said, slightly slurred and cheerful. "Thank you, sweetie, just put it–"

She stopped, her eyes widening as she looked up.

Diana didn’t even need to look. The moment he stepped into her personal space, her head whipped around. "ROSIE!"

She jumped– no, launched herself at him. Kurt barely had time to set the bottle down before he was a face-full of her. Diana wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, peppering his face with hungry, wine-sweetened kisses.

"You’re back! You took too long! I missed you!" she chirped between kisses.

"D-Diana! Hey! People are watching!"

"Let them watch! I’m the principal of Future Academy! I make the rules! Hahaha!" She squeezed him tighter as she rubbed her cheek against his.

"Yeah! *Hik* Y-You’re the principal! Ahahaha!" Mia let out a drunken cheer as she hoisted her glass.

Wendy simply poured herself another drink with a stoic expression, though her eyes twinkled. Sadie let out a sharp, appreciative whistle, while Isabel covered her glowing face with her hands, peeking through her fingers.

And then there was Madam Valentine. She watched the display with a calculating smile, her crimson eyes scanning Kurt from head to toe.

"Diana, stop for a second," Kurt panted, gently peeling her back. "What’s the celebration? What did I miss? Or is this a lady’s night out?"

Diana beamed with sparkling eyes. "Mia! Tell him!"

Mia held up her left hand, wiggling her ring finger. A modest but beautiful diamond caught the light. "My Dommy finally did it! We’re engaged!"

"Huh?! Really?! That’s awesome, Mia. Congratulations. Dominik is a lucky guy."

"He really is!" Mia giggled, leaning back. She pointed a wobbly finger at Kurt. "So, when are you going to make an honest woman out of Diana, hmm~?

"Now, now, let’s not jump the gun," a melodic voice interrupted.

Kurt finally turned his full attention to Madam Valentine. Up close, the resemblance was staggering.

"You must be the "Rosie" I’ve heard so much about," she said, leaning back.

"Hey! Only I get to call him Rosie because he is MY Rosie!"

"Haha, yes yes. I’m sorry my baby. I’ll call him Kurt."

"Hmph!"

"I am," Kurt said, giving a polite bow. "And I have to say, Madam Valentine, you are incredibly beautiful. I can see exactly where Diana gets her looks."

"Oh my, he’s a charmer. Is this why my daughter is acting like a smitten schoolgirl? Thank you, Kurt. A rare compliment from a man of your... unique aura."

Diana immediately grabbed Kurt’s cheeks and turned his face back to her. Her lip was pouted. "Rosie! What are you saying about my mother? You’re supposed to be looking at me!"

"I am looking at you. I’m just saying it makes sense now. You– no, your mother takes after the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. You, Ana."

"Shouldn’t it be the other way around?" the Madam noted dryly, sipping her wine.

Diana completely ignored her mother. Kurt’s words had caused her heart to visibly melt. Her eyes turned glazed and adoring. "Oh, Rosie~!"

Without warning, she lunged for another kiss, but her momentum caught him off guard. Kurt stumbled back when his heel caught on the lip of the pool.

SPLASH!

The water exploded upward as they both went under. Mia shrieked with laughter, clutching her stomach. Wendy didn’t move an inch, except for hiding her glass to avoid a stray droplet.

Kurt surfaced a moment later, treading water. He was holding Diana in a bridal carry, her soaked dress clinging to her curves like a second skin.

Diana, meanwhile, was laughing hysterically as her arms were locked around his neck, completely unbothered by the fact that they were both completely drenched.

"Sadie! Isabel! A little help getting her out?"

"Nnnno! Stay back!" Diana commanded, pointing a wet finger at the maids while clinging on him. "I don’t want to be separated from Rosie!"

Kurt sighed, though he couldn’t stop smiling. "Diana, I love the enthusiasm, but how am I supposed to get us out of the pool like this? I can’t climb the ladder with my hands full."

"Hehehe~ I don’t know. Figure it out, Prince Charming."

’Oh my Lord... Well, here goes nothing.’

Kurt took a deep breath. He focused, drawing mana into his legs and core. The water around him began to hum. With a sudden, explosive burst of strengthening magic, he kicked off the bottom of the pool.

He launched out of the water like a whale, soaring through the air before landing safely on the stone tiles, still holding Diana perfectly.

"Ha! I’m glad that worked. Hooray for magic."

Mia, Wendy, and the Madam all clapped in genuine admiration.

"See~ I knew you had it~ *Mwah* Achoo!"

"And now look at you," Kurt shot a judgmental look. "You’re freezing."

Diana let out a soft, needy moan, nuzzling into his neck. "Take us to the room, Rosie... dry me off. Please~?"

Kurt looked toward the Madam, feeling a bit awkward about ditching her without having some sort of conversation. The Madam, however, simply waved a hand dismissively.

"It’s ok. You may go," she said, her eyes glinting with amusement. "She won’t give us a moment’s peace with the way she is now anyway."

"I’m sorry about this, Madam," Kurt said. He then turned to Mia before leaving. "Goodnight, Mia. Congrats again!"

Mia waved her glass, spilling half of it on her own shoe.

Kurt signaled for Sadie and Isabel to follow with some towels. He turned and carried the shivering, clinging Diana back into the warmth of the mansion.