Joseph was walking with Eden through the halls of the palace. Both of them were assigned to clean the Noble Clan’s part of the palace today. After walking for a bit, Joeseph finally broke the silence.

"I’m worried for Prince Jacob."

"Why are you worried? You saw yourself how capable he can be."

"After hearing what happened between his friend and the king, I’m not sure the king will be so welcoming. Even if he somehow manages to retrieve the charm that was stolen."

"Why do you think that?"

"Well, it’s only logical, right? Our king, who is supposed to be the strongest in the kingdom, was injured by a commoner. Not only that, but his greatest soldier also came back from a battle injured for the first time ever. All of the higher ups look weak right now. And when the powerful people look weak..."

"Order collapses."

Eden finished his thought for him. Iron Kingdom, in the eyes of the public, did not seem strong at all right now. This made the civilians a lot more confident about things they normally wouldn’t be able to get away with.

"It looks like poor Mr. Katra has his work cut out for him. What terrible timing too after coming back in that state."

"How about this: I can clean the Rose Clan area, and you can clean the Katra Clan area. We can divide and conquer to finish our work quickly. Sound like a plan?"

Joseph smiled and patted Eden on the back.

"Sounds good. I’ll see you later."

Eden walked toward the Rose Clan door at a steady pace. However, before she opened it, she could hear yelling coming from inside. She propped her ear up against the door to listen. She could hear Lidia’s voice booming over all the others.

"... and why is that not possible again? Look at the state we’re in! Now is a better time than never!"

"Mom, I think you need to calm down and think. This is the king we’re talking about here."

"He’s right Miss Lidia. We have no idea how powerful he is and none of our abilities are suited well for combat."

"What about Maria? Where did she go?"

"Don’t tell me... did the king-"

"I heard she got sent away. She’s still alive, I know it."

"All I’m saying is we have a chance. I’m not sure how much we can trust the Katra Clan though. They are much more loyal to the king than us. Especially Zeke."

"Can we just wait a bit longer? Maybe an opportunity will arise soon."

"But if we wait too long, we lose our chance."

"Mom, please. I don’t want to lose another one of us."

The room went silent at this last remark. Even Eden could feel the tension seeping through the door.

"Fine. We can be patient. But if an opportunity never arises again, don’t say I didn’t tell you so."

Eden finally knocked on the door, feeling that it was a good time since everyone had settled down. Lidia yelled through the door before opening it.

"Who is it?"

"It’s Eden. I came here to clean your area, Miss Lidia."

Lidia flew open the door.

"Eden!"

"Don’t break my bones ple-"

Lidia grasped Eden in a big bear hug, squeezing the air out of her lungs. After Lidia put her down, she gave Eden a pat on the head.

"You look as healthy as ever! I was hoping you would be the one to clean our area next!"

Eden started fixing her messed up hair.

"Thank you Miss Lidia. I always appreciate the hospitality you show me."

"Please, come in and make yourself at home! Do you need any refreshments? Food? Ask and you shall receive!"

"I am perfectly content, thank you very much for the offer."

Eden slowly started doing her chores in peace. Lidia stuck around to keep her company and talk with her.

"So, how’s the servant life been treating yah? Got a boyfriend yet? Boyfriends? Let me tell you, boys are a real pain in the rear. They never know how to listen to you! And get this, apparently Prince Jacob is a perve! He asked me to try his meat, Eden!"

Eden didn’t know which question or comment to respond to first.

’Wait... did she just call the prince a perve and say he asked her to try his meat?’

"Eh, servant life is treating me as good as it can be under the King’s rule. And I’m too old for boyfriends. You should know that by now."

"It’s never too late to have some fun!"

Lidia nudged Eden while she said this then started laughing.

"I’m married to my work. I like being of help in the palace." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"But don’t you want something more? What if the king wasn’t in charge? Then you could go out and do whatever you wanted with whoever you wanted! That life sounds way more freeing, don’t you think?"

"Perhaps, but then I would have to find my own purpose. The king gives me a purpose by working for him. He’s saves me the journey of needing to find it myself."

"C’mon Eden, cut me some slack and loosen up a bit! At least think of the other people who want to do some fun things."

Eden smiled warmly and looked at Lidia like a proud mother.

"You ask a lot of people about boyfriends, Miss Lidia. Do you have such an interest yourself?"

Lidia seemed embarrassed for a moment, then looked away.

"I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea. There just haven’t been any boys recently who have caught my eye. That’s all. Besides, I already have a family with me at all times! I couldn’t be more thankful for that!"

She looked away wistfully and slouched over a chair.

"But I don’t think anyone’s going to want to marry the girl covered in dirt all day."

Eden smiled and focused on her work again.

"What about that Zeke boy? The head of the Katra clan?"

Lidia got off her chair and ran over to Eden.

"Wait, why? Did he say something about me? Something good? Something bad? Spill it, Eden!"

"Please calm down, Miss Lidia. He’s already married, remember?"

Eden started laughing while Lidia messed up her own hair.

"Why did you even bring him up then?!"

"Just to mess with you, my lady."

"Ugh, I take it back. I don’t miss having you here."