When the plot-skips players into the game world

Aiwass slept unexpectedly soundly this time.

Although he had known that he might be attacked tonight, his mind was incredibly relaxed. It was not until five in the morning that he was finally woken up by Lily.

When he woke up in a daze, he realized he was sleeping in an unfamiliar bed.

Aiwass was momentarily startled, and then became slightly more alert. He looked around and realized that this was Princess Isabel's room.

Only then did he notice that Princess Isabel was curled up on the couch, sleeping soundly in a simple white dress. At first glance, she looked like a small white dog curled up.

Why is the princess sleeping on the couch today? Explore stories at empire

Aiwass thought to himself.

Oh right, it seems I'm sleeping in her bed... Did I push her away? I should be quite well-behaved in my sleep...

...Ah, now I remember. I was teleported here by Master Yanis.

As he continued to think, Aiwass's brain gradually booted up.

"Such smooth teleportation, I didn't feel a thing... As expected of Yanis..."

As Aiwass murmured, he was helped to sit up by Lily. She brought him a cup of warm honey water and fed it to him to drink slowly. After drinking the warm water, Aiwass started to wake up.

"Has Miss Meg come back?"

That was his first reaction. After all, he had agreed with Meg beforehand.

Otherwise, Lily wouldn't be waking him up at this time.

Upon hearing this, Lily nodded, "Yes, she's waiting in the next room."

"...Did they bring my clothes?"

Aiwass looked down at his clothes, a bit troubled.

It wasn't that his clothes weren't decent enough—unlike Princess Isabel's white pleated dress, which lacked complicated decorations, Aiwass was wearing a pure white fox fur nightgown. It was his favorite nightgown and also a New Year's gift from his foster father last year.

Not only was it expensive, but it was also very rare... After all, white foxes were scarce in Avalon. Many knights' formal attire wasn't as impressive as Aiwass's nightgown.

...Aiwass's main concern was whether, if he was seen emerging from Princess Isabel's boudoir wearing a nightgown, it might inadvertently spread rumors and negatively impact her reputation?

After all, such grand ceremonies should not be held in a side hall or in a bedroom—they always had special rooms for ceremonies. Although Moriarty Manor wasn't equipped with a specialized ceremonial room, the Hall of Silver and Tin had everything.

"Obviously not."

Lily shook her head.

Aiwass asked, "Would it be possible to ask Master Yanis to teleport me back so I can take a bath and change clothes before I return?"

Lily elaborated further, "I'm afraid there's no time for a bath now. The second floor at 14 Roning Street has been basically demolished and needs to be repaired. Our belongings and other items are likely to have been damaged as well... Someone reported the situation three hours ago, and the Supervisory Bureau is probably gathering evidence now, and they will list the inventory for us later."

The implication was, please don't add to the chaos by going back now.

"...With the walls reinforced by a Preserver, could the aftermath of the battle still damage the house?"

Aiwass was immediately alarmed.

From what Meg had suggested, at least Yanis and Meg were on guard yesterday. Maybe the Guardian was there too... that would be three level five Energy Levels. Who could demolish his house in the presence of three level five Energy Levels?

There aren't many hostile level five Energy Levels near Glass Island, right?

Did the leader of Noble Red come in person?

That's unlikely... Of course, if that were true, it would be excellent news.

Or was it that Bone Sculptor whose name he could never quite remember?

Aiwass remembered that Sherlock had looked into the person's identity. The report showed that it was another master of the Path of Beauty, a significant figure from the Iris Kingdom.

If it was him, Aiwass was sure he hadn't offended the man. However, if he was from the Iris Kingdom... could he be part of the Hawkeye Organization? Was he the superior to Miss Assassin?

Nevertheless, Aiwass accepted the situation.

He could only blame his lack of preparation and underestimating the enemy—if he had known it was such a powerful foe, he should have had Lily take the important items with her when she left.

But with 14 Roning Street under reconstruction... where would he live for the time being?

Maybe he should go to Mrs. Mina. Since Sherlock was also revived, he could just send him to "come back to life," and he himself could stay in that guest room...

As Aiwass pondered, Princess Isabel was awoken by the chatting between him and Lily.

Feeling someone's gaze, Aiwass turned around and saw Princess Isabel laying on the couch, quietly watching him.

Aiwass, not embarrassed or reserved, just smiled and greeted her, "Good morning, Isabel."

"...Good morning."

Princess Isabel's voice was hoarse, her spirit somewhat wilted, obviously, she didn't sleep well either. Although he wasn't sure when she went to bed, since she had been displaced by Aiwass, it must have been after he was teleported over.

Lily promptly handed her the honey water. Princess Isabel did not ring for her personal maid—In fact, before Aiwass came over, Princess Isabel's maid had already been sent to the next room by her.

"I'm sorry, Isabel. I took your bed."

Aiwass spoke softly.

"It's alright... I've already taken the day off."

Isabel merely shook her head gently—because she hadn't slept well the night before. If she shook her head vigorously, her temples would throb.

The excitement kept her up during the early part of the night, and later, she whispered with Lily. It wasn't until three in the morning that she finally went to sleep, and now she had only managed to get two hours of rest.

She looked at Lily somewhat puzzledly: "You didn't sleep well either, did you, Lily? But now you..."

"I'll find time to catch up on sleep."

Lily shook her head: "Personal attendants can't afford to sleep too deeply, in case the master encounters danger or needs to call us in an emergency, it would be troublesome if they couldn't reach us. So, we usually sleep less at night and catch up during the day."

"...But that's not good for your health."

Isabel looked at Lily with concern.

Lily merely smiled: "It's okay, I'm used to it."

Hearing Lily's words, she was reminded of her own personal maid.

She could tell that Aiwass and Lily had a close relationship; they were often together when going out or dining.

But Isabel's relationship with her maid wasn't as good... Her main duties were to tidy Isabel's bedroom and personal clothes, bring her breakfast, and help her dress and do miscellaneous tasks. You could say she was devoted and impeccably mannered.

However, Lily could become friends with Aiwass, whereas Isabel's maid was rational and distant, treating her more like a job.

But it was normal, after all. Aiwass had only one personal maid. But every year and a half, Isabel's personal maids and attendants were entirely changed... She didn't even know who the latest one was or what her surname was.

If I were nicer to my maid, would she want to be my friend?

The thought popped into Isabel's mind.

But it probably wouldn't work. That could get her fired.

Although Isabel wasn't very knowledgeable about politics, she was aware of this—it was to prevent royal family members from forming attachments to court servants, thereby preventing someone from indirectly controlling a royal through their servants. It was the Chamberlain's responsibility, and Lord Mycroft was diligent in his duty.

...But knowing was one thing, understanding was another, yet she couldn't help but feel envious of the candid relationship between Aiwass and Lily.

Lily had mentioned during their chat that Aiwass would tell her any secret. Some of these she couldn't even tell Isabel, as Aiwass had sworn her to secrecy.

This even stirred a tinge of jealousy in her—one aspect was jealousy that Aiwass had such a completely trustworthy friend, and another was envy of Lily for being so trusted by Aiwass.

"Don't get used to it."

Aiwass yawned, saying offhandedly, "Lack of sleep over a long period isn't good for your health... Come, let me touch your head. You lie down on the bed... Isabel, is that okay?"

"...Ah, yes, it's okay."

Isabel was momentarily stunned before she realized Aiwass was asking her, so she hurriedly agreed.

She watched intently as it unfolded before her.

Lily approached Aiwass, then lay down by the edge of the bed on her back, resting her head on Aiwass's lap.

"Close your eyes."

Aiwass said softly, his left hand gently placed on Lily's forehead, emitting a gentle light.

And his right hand glowed as well—Aiwass's fingertips traced a path from Lily's collarbone to her heart, and then to her stomach, liver, and kidneys, examining her physical condition. Finally, his right hand rested a second on Lily's chest.

The healing lasted less than ten seconds before the light dissipated.

Lily instantly looked revitalized, with a renewed brightness in her eyes.

"Your liver and kidney were in poor condition, but I've healed them. I've also replenished your energy... but you still shouldn't rely too much on the Illumination Art. How about I give you a day off tomorrow?"

"Half a day will suffice, young master. Who's going to take care of you for a whole day?"

Lily said, beaming with a smile.

Isabel's eyes widened on the side.

She wanted to ask, but was too embarrassed to say anything, and also a bit apprehensive.

—This looked far too intimate!

And Aiwass looked towards her, seemingly thoughtful.

He quickly read Isabel's thoughts and smiled, beckoning to her: "Want to give it a try? You'll feel refreshed in no time."

"...Miss Meg must be waiting, right?"

Isabel said hesitantly, but she rose from the sofa and made her way over languidly.

"It'll be quick."

Aiwass's smile was warm: "Trust my skill."

"Uhh..."

Isabel appeared somewhat shy and resistant. Yet without uttering a word, she cautiously climbed onto her bed and gently lay beside Aiwass's lap.