The corridor outside the palace was quiet except for the soft echo of footsteps. Liyi Yi hurried after Alina, her breath quickening as they rounded the last corner toward the study. The marble walls shimmered faintly in the lamplight, polished to a sheen that made her all too aware of her own scuffed boots.

At the threshold, she slowed, lowering her voice. "Lady Alina," she whispered, "why did the City Lord call for me?"

Alina shook her head, blonde strands brushing her cheek. "I don't know. He only said it was important."

That answer didn't help the knot in Liyi Yi's stomach. She had met Luciel only once before—from a distance, when he'd stood on the wall during the siege. Even then, the quiet authority around him was unmistakable. The thought of being summoned directly by him made her pulse quicken.

Alina rapped lightly on the door. A calm voice answered from within, and she pushed it open.

Inside, the air smelled faintly of parchment, candle wax, and freshly brewed tea. Shelves lined the walls, stacked with scrolls and animal-hide papers. At the desk sat Luciel, the City Lord of Black Tortoise, his expression as composed as the inked quill poised between his fingers. Across from him were Mirean Moon, serene as ever with her dark hair gathered neatly at her back, and Ariel, the alchemist with wild golden eyes and a mind that never seemed to rest.

"Master Luciel," Alina said softly, "Miss Liyi Yi is here."

Luciel looked up and gestured to a chair. "Sit down, please."

"Thank you." Liyi Yi's back was straight as a rod when she obeyed. Her palms felt clammy against the rough fabric of her skirt.

Mirean lifted her gaze briefly, studying her, then returned to the parchment spread before her. She looked exhausted—Liyi Yi could see the faint shadows beneath her eyes—but there was a quiet satisfaction in her expression as she read through the animal hides piled high.

"These," Mirean said, her voice low and even, "appear to be research notes. Possibly alchemical."

Ariel's head snapped up. "Alchemical? Let me see." She snatched a few pieces of hide, scanning the faded ink. Her expression brightened, then shifted to shock. "This—this looks like a formula. A secret medicine of some sort… but one I've never seen."

Luciel leaned forward. "What kind of medicine?"

"The text calls it a 'Catalyst of Aberration,'" Ariel said slowly. "It's meant to induce… transformation."

"Transformation?" Luciel frowned. "Do you mean mutation?"

"Not exactly. It's alchemy that stimulates the energy within a person, pushing their limits until something new awakens. In theory, it could grant abilities—like those of mutants, but without the instability."

That drew Luciel's full attention. "So it could strengthen our people."

"If it worked, yes." Ariel's brow furrowed. "But—wait." Her finger traced a line of faded text. "The formula's incomplete. The core reagent is missing."

Luciel exhaled softly, disappointment passing across his features. "A pity. Still, we can experiment. We have herbs enough to test possibilities."

Ariel's golden eyes lit up again. "Yes! Maybe this could even help me with the virtual ghost problem. If we can't cure them… perhaps we can preserve part of their ability instead."

Before anyone could reply, she gathered the scattered hides into her arms. "I'm taking these to the research institute."

"Be careful," Luciel said, half-amused.

"I always am," Ariel declared—right before catching her foot on the threshold.

There was a yelp, a thump, and the sound of parchment scattering across the floor outside.

Luciel pinched the bridge of his nose. "Alina, please go make sure she hasn't destroyed half the corridor. And bring her the rest of these notes."

"Yes, my lord." Alina's lips twitched as she bowed and slipped out, the sound of muffled laughter fading behind the door.

Moments later, the muffled exchange reached their ears:

"Don't pick them up one by one—your hair's in your face again."

"I can handle it! Lili, grab the ones near your feet!"

Luciel smiled despite himself. He could picture the chaos perfectly—Ariel kneeling among fluttering hides, golden hair falling like sunlight, arguing with the tiny maid who trailed after her.

The quiet returned soon after. The rabbit-eared maid, Mino, entered the study carrying a tray of tea. Her steps were soft as snow.

"Is Ariel hurt?" Luciel asked, though he already knew the answer.

Mino shook her head. "Just startled. The papers took most of the damage."

Luciel chuckled. "Good."

Sophia followed with two more cups, placing them gently before Mirean and Liyi Yi before stepping back with a graceful bow.

Luciel raised his cup toward Liyi Yi. "Try our Star Tea—a local blend from Black Tortoise fields."

The porcelain felt warm in Liyi Yi's trembling hands. She took a cautious sip, and her eyes widened as a mellow sweetness unfolded beneath the bitterness. "It's… wonderful," she murmured, almost forgetting her nerves.

Luciel watched her with a faint smile. "Mino, prepare a small bundle of Star Tea for Miss Liyi Yi to take with her."

"My lord, that's not necessary," Liyi Yi protested quickly, setting down her cup. "I can't accept gifts unearned."

"It isn't a gift," Luciel said calmly. "Think of it as courtesy between potential partners."

That word—partners—made her blink. "Then… you have something you want from me."

Luciel nodded once. "I heard that since arriving in Amestris City, you and your people have struggled."

The words hit harder than she expected. She looked down, ashamed. "It's true. We live near the outskirts now. The work is scarce. Food scarcer."

Luciel leaned back, studying her. "I have a proposition. If you can manage it, I will welcome you—and all of your people—into Black Tortoise City."

For a heartbeat, silence filled the room.

Then Liyi Yi rose so suddenly that her chair scraped against the floor. "All of us?" she asked, voice trembling. "You mean everyone under my care?"

"Yes," Luciel said simply. "Five hundred, if I recall correctly."

She swallowed. "A little more than that, actually."

"Then that's still fine. The city can hold a thousand comfortably."

Mirean looked up in surprise. "So many, all at once? Wouldn't that strain our resources?"

Luciel didn't answer her immediately. Instead, he turned back to Liyi Yi. "You've led your people faithfully. I respect that. In return, I need your cooperation on something."

He reached into the drawer and produced a folded parchment, sliding it across the desk.

Liyi Yi took it carefully and read. Her brows furrowed as she scanned the details—logistical work, record keeping, organizing temporary housing. Nothing unreasonable.

"This is all?" she asked.

Luciel nodded. "It may seem simple, but your leadership will make it work. Complete it well, and your people will have homes by tomorrow."

Emotion tightened in her throat. "My lord, I… I won't fail you."

Luciel smiled faintly. "I'm counting on that."

She clutched the parchment to her chest as if it were a lifeline. For the first time in months, the gnawing fear in her stomach began to ease.

"Come," Luciel said softly. "Eat something before you go. You'll need strength for what's coming."

He gestured to Sophia, who stepped forward with a quiet "Yes, my lord," and guided Liyi Yi toward the hall.

When the door closed behind them, the study felt still again. Mirean sipped her tea, her eyes thoughtful.

"Are you certain this is wise?" she asked at last. "Bringing in so many outsiders—half a thousand strangers? Even if they mean well, accidents happen. People get restless."

Luciel set down his cup, watching the steam curl upward. "I understand your concern. But it will be fine."

"You sound too sure," Mirean said, though there was no edge in her voice—only curiosity.

Luciel's gaze drifted toward the window, where the faint glow of the city lights shimmered beyond the glass. "Because," he said quietly, "I have measures in place. An invisible guarantee, you might say."

Mirean tilted her head. "The 'Queen Bee Contract,' isn't it?"

He smiled, not answering directly. The contract was a delicate matter—an oath woven with power itself. Those bound by it could not betray the city without consequence. He would not burden his council with the details unless necessary.

Instead, he said, "Trust, when guided wisely, is stronger than any chain."

Mirean studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Then I'll trust your judgment."

Luciel leaned back, letting the last of his tea cool on his tongue. "Good. Because once the commercial district begins operation, the city will grow faster than either of us imagined. We'll need every capable hand we can get."

Mirean's lips curved faintly. "You always think three steps ahead."

"Someone has to," he murmured, eyes half-closed.

Outside, the wind shifted. Through the window, the faint outline of the city walls shimmered under the moonlight—broad and steadfast, the heart of a living fortress.

Soon, he thought, even ten thousand could live here in safety.

And none would ever know the quiet, binding power that ensured their peace.

The invisible guarantee that was his alone to bear.

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