(Or: How to Get Investigated for Dancing Too Much with Your Ex-Tyrant Boss)
The morning after the ball, Liora woke with a chill—not from magic or nightmares, but from that eerie feeling that someone, somewhere, was officially talking about her.
She stretched, shot a dramatic glare at the ceiling, and muttered,
"Great. I'm not just the 'Messenger of Light' anymore. I'm a full-blown investigation target."
Dragging herself to her desk, she spotted a crimson envelope sealed with the emblem of the Gold Scriptorium—and instantly regretted opening it.
"If this were a tea invitation, it'd come with scones. Nope—just a summons for judgment."
---
At the top of the Brilliant Cathedral, High Priest Aurelius IV wielded his quill like a general leading troops. His pristine robes didn't so much as ripple as he scribbled onto an endless parchment.
"Concerns about Liora Hallow:
• Suspicious smile during the sacred hymn
• Excessively elegant twirls
• Romantic entanglement with a shadowy figur—"
Beside him, apprentice Crispin scribbled furiously, as if placing bets on Liora's fate.
"Master, should I note when she raised an eyebrow?"
"Yes—classic demonic sarcasm. And make sure to record that brow arch."
Incense drifted through the air, turning the chamber into a mystical courtroom. Aurelius paused every few moments, stroked his chin, and released a solemn "hmm," as if orchestrating a symphony of accusations.
---
Seeking refuge, Liora snuck into the palace library—her official hiding spot for devouring sweet rolls under the guise of "research." With a slice of celestial cake in one hand and a hymnbook in the other, she was enjoying her peaceful morning…
Until Luziel appeared, dragging a scroll that unrolled across the floor like a curious serpent.
"Found this behind the altar. Someone recorded your every move at the ball."
"I—was I being watched?!"
"They even noted the exact moment your heel slipped and you pretended it was part of the choreography."
He unrolled the scroll and read aloud, wide-eyed:
"20:59 — Liora's triumphant entrance; abnormal radiance detected
21:15 — First glance at hooded figure (suspected: Master Morian)
21:42 — Sharp laugh, duration 2s. Possible heresy?
22:03 — Exaggerated smile
22:07 — Graceful twirl. Risk of celestial seduction
22:12 — Audible giggle. Danger of demonic contagion"
"Laughing is a crime against the Light now?"
"Depends on the tone. Yours is practically infernal."
Just then, Crispin scurried past, collecting loose notes.
"Should I log her blinking? That looked suspicious."
"If blinking is heresy, go ahead and light the pyre."
---
Determined to confront her "celestial mentor," Liora found Morian in the courtyard, reading Hymns of Healing with Marshmallows.
"Did you know they're investigating us?"
"I did. But it was too entertaining to stop."
"You laughed at this?!"
"Your twirling was so graceful, I thought, 'This is art, not heresy.'"
Hands on her hips, she stared at him.
"Unbelievable. Dancing at a ball is now subversive?"
Morian closed his book and peered over the top.
"To be fair, excessive laughter and charming the crowd do clash with the sacred doctrine.
But tell me—didn't you enjoy it?"
Liora sighed, folded her arms, and took a step back.
"Even this tyrant thinks I went overboard…"
---
Back in her room, Liora and Luziel gathered around a makeshift desk, surrounded by parchment, colorful inks, and an array of divine snacks.
"We need a response—with flair and sarcasm."
"Sarcasm is my native language."
Dipping her quill, Liora began to write:
To the ever-watchful Aurelius IV,
Yes, I danced—with grace, control, and flawless rehearsal.
Yes, I sang without summoning demons.
Yes, I smiled and laughed: proof of joy, not heresy.
P.S.: If twirling counts as witchcraft, consult the domestic magic manual—I'm quite proficient.
Luziel added an elegant flourish to her signature.
With respect and a subtle eyebrow arch,
Liora Hallow
Mission "Dispatch Sarcasm": complete.
---
That night, just as Liora was preparing for bed, a new note slid under her door:
Your smiles do not escape the eyes of darkness.
—An Old Acquaintance
Liora raised an eyebrow. Luziel peeked in, holding a cup of milk.
"Too poetic for a random spy."
"'Old acquaintance of darkness'? Sounds like someone who holds a grudge."
Outside, a shadow glided across the rooftops, watching the candlelight from her window. Liora drew the curtain with a sly grin.
"Season two of trouble begins. Bring it on."