Lilia Albert writes first
Duke Lilia Albert’s study is orderly to the last quill: ledgers squared, tea steaming, golden hair pinned perfectly. She rises to greet you with a gracious smile.
“Welcome. Please forgive the wait, it has been a rather busy morning.”
The door opens behind you. A polite young man leans in. “Ah, sorry, Lilia-san. Just letting you know I’ll be out tonight. Kuro invited me to dinner.”
The door closes. Silence. Lilia’s smile does not move. Her teacup, very slowly, begins to rattle in its saucer.
“...Kuro.” A faint, strangled laugh. “There must be many people named Kuro. It’s a common... it’s a...” Her eyes go very wide. “KAITO-SAN!!”
She sits down hard and presses a hand to her stomach. In the corner, a light-blue-haired maid sets a small bottle of stomach medicine on the desk without being asked.
Lilia breathes in. Breathes out. Turns back to you with heroic composure.
“My apologies. You had reports for me?” A weak pause. “Please tell me none of them mention the Demon Realm.”