She dried her hair with a towel. Wringing out the freshwater from the blonde strands of her hair, she walked further into the cabin. The soft light of the candle’s flame burning at its wick was all she needed.

By all definitions of the word, Iris was superhuman. Despite the low lighting and the rain, she could still see perfectly well. Drops of water ran down her body, a mixture of sweat and rain.

“Could I make it from here to there in time?”

She closed her eyes and considered the distance. The capital was rather far away, distant enough to warrant a carriage ride when she first arrived at the cottage. But that was long ago. She must have improved since then. Furthermore, she had much more time for training and improvement.

“Doesn’t hurt to try,” she muttered.

A bolt of thunder struck somewhere within the forest. She turned her head, and pressed her face against the glass. With the cool rain pattering against the layer of glass, the cold tickled her cheek.

“Francis, are you free at the moment?”

“I-Iris..! Hm. What do you need?”

“Are you busy right now? You sound somewhat preoccupied.”

“I’m fine. What’s- What’s up?”

“Just wondering if you could prepare a place for me when I get back.”

“Y- Yeah. Su- Sure. Mm! Is that all?”

“You’re okay, right?”

“I am! I am. Just that I’m being handled by a prin-”

“So that’s the case. Enjoy your night.”

“Ah, hm, same to you.”

She shook her head as she severed the connection. To have the audacity to not pay attention to the things right in front of him. But that wasn’t the issue at hand. Iris changed out of her wet clothes and got on her bed. Her body ached from the rigorous exercise. She closed her eyes. The body she had grown used to dissolved into the sea of sleep.

It was late. Far too late, the sun was up high. She cursed under the breath, and rushed to change.

“Hey! Get a change of clothes for me too!”

“Sure, sure. I’ll lend you one of my spare dresses.”

“Thank you Francis.”

Iris pulled the sports bra down onto her body and slipped into a tight pair of leggings. She slammed the wooden door behind her as she left. The muddy ground would pose no issue to her. Every step she took caused a splash.

“Come on.”

She pushed herself even further than she ever did. The normal journey on a horse from the capital to her forest cabin would take a whole day at least. It had rained for two nights in a row, so the mud and wetness was expected. In conditions such as these, the horse ride would be extended by a considerable amount.

Iris panted as she ran. Her body was in great shape, she was confident of that. If the muscles all over her body weren't enough of an indicator, perhaps her running speed could prove something. After doing some basic stretches, she took off. The arrow swerved around the trees, her mind and eyes keeping up with her speed.

Soon enough, she lost track of the distance she ran for. Just trees, and trees. Sure, there was an occasional animal but those were just as forgettable as the foliage and plants. At twilight, she reached the outskirts of the capital. The dirty slums came into sight, the poor and starving begging for food.

The few of them had next to nothing to their name. Their clothes were like their living conditions. At least Alice was given grace.

“Hey you, what purpose are you here for? And what kind of attire is that?” a passing guard stopped her and asked.

“The coronation, and it’s for exercise. Custom made. Any problems?”

“You have to understand that we are on high alert.”

“I know. But you can see, I’m not carrying anything.”

“Certainly seems like it.” The guard eyed her all over.

“No problems then.”

“Hey hey hey. Did I ever say that? Maybe we ought to bring you in for an inspection.”

“I don’t think the soon to be emperor would be very happy about that.”

“As if a weirdo like you will know him. What kind of person dresses up like a whore and walks around? And you claim to know the lord? Please, what are you, his favourite prostitute?”

“Please don’t say anything else, or I will be forced to take action.”

“Hah! You heard that?”

“I’m just gonna walk away for your own safety. I don’t really know how much strength I have right now, but I probably still have enough to wrestle several bears.”

The guard cackled. With the light of the torch, she could make his features out. A few black strands of hair in place of a beard, failure was likely. A wrinkly face, and harsh eyes. It wouldn’t have surprised her if he abused his power with others too.

“I’m taking you in for questioning. Don’t resist and put your hands behind your head. If you scream out for help, your punishment will be far worse.”

“No. You’re going to turn around and walk away.”

Iris walked past him. The guard stood in stunned silence, but came to his senses soon enough. His light metal armour clanged as he chased, but Iris was always ten steps ahead. Even at a skipping pace, he failed to catch up.

“I’ve arrived, Francis~”

“Great. Come to the palace.”

“Alright. Sure thing.”

“You sound like you’re in a good mood. Something happen?”

“I’ll tell you when I get there.”

Iris hummed as she dodged the oncoming passersby. Her footsteps light, and it matched the atmosphere. Much of the capital and its citizens were making preparations for the coronation. The further in she got into the city, the more upper class the citizens became.

With the state of nature as it was, she slowed down to a stroll. Her body was coated with sweat, and a bead dripped down to her chin. All around her, the people stared. The ladies had the luxury of covering up the bottom half of their faces with elaborate paper fans. The gentlemen either gave her a pitiful look, disgust, or lechery.

Of course, the palace wasn’t much better. Far worse, in fact. The guards eyed her with suspicion, and treated her as such. Within moments, they had their spears at the ready.

“State your business, whore!”

“Your boss really won’t be happy if you keep this up.”

“I’m at the palace, and your guards are harassing me.”

“Good to know.”

“What? The hell do you mean by that?”

“I planned on reforming and reshuffling the troops. I’ve received many reports of corruption and harassment. But with your own experience, I actually have someone that I can interview to get an idea of how they’re doing it. And maybe who, as well. Anyway, I’m coming to get you. That should warn the guards.”

And indeed he did. In an ethereal white dress, Francis approached the gates. How did he not trip over in that dress?

“My Lord,” Iris shouted and waved.

“Iris, it's good to see you again. You lot, let her in.”

“Are you sure, milord? She’s probably just a lowly-”

“That was an order, not a suggestion.”

With a glare from Francis, the two guards let out an eep and pulled the gates open. The metal creaked and Iris walked in. The two headed into the palace.

“Did you run here? You’re covered in sweat.”

“I did. Thought you’d be more surprised though.”

“Oh please. You have all the characteristics of a mythological hero. It's easier to ask what you can’t do.”

“Hm... It’s tiring, you know. Having to live through the same thing over and over again. There’s no end.”

“Certainly sounds like it. I wouldn’t want to be in the same position as you.”

“But you’re similar, no? Fate has a stranglehold on you.”

“And we’re both making steps to get out of that stranglehold.”

He walked together with her upstairs. Of course, the looks did not improve. Passing maids and servants gazed upon the two of them like a pair of oddities. Her gut churned. It wasn’t good to attract this much attention. Her time of solitude gave her the much needed quiet in her life. Opportunities like those were rare. Trapped in the cycle of killing and returning, her mind needed the isolation. And it was due to the very person beside her, the cause of the cycle.

“Here you go.” He stopped outside of an ornate door. It was close to his own chambers, from what she could recall. Perhaps that was purposeful.

“Thank you, Francis.”

“There’s a bath inside, and a few dresses in the wardrobe. Though... I see you don’t have any luggage, and came in just your sports bra and leggings. You can ask the butler for a set of undergarments if you need.”

“Of course. Let’s continue our talk inside. I’m sure you don’t like the stares as well.”

“And risk starting a scandal?”

“As if you ever cared about that? And let’s be honest, the staff probably think that I’m a prostitute you hired anyway.”

“True. After you, then.”

With a chuckle, Iris pushed the door open. Francis followed after her, and sat on the bed. She closed the door behind her, and leaned on the thick heavy wood.

The room was far more luxurious than she expected. A large bed, potted flowers by the windows, and a metal lamp that caged a fire within. And the bathroom was nothing to scoff at either. Pristine white tiled the walls and floor. An exotic mirror with a framing of dark wood hung.

“So,” she tucked her hair behind her ears, “It's been quite a while, hasn’t it? How have you been?”

“I’ve been alright. Working towards reforming the entire government. Got evidence of corruption and human trafficking done by a few noble families. But I think that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

“What’s an iceberg?” She tilted her head.

“Just saying that there’s probably a lot more we don’t know about. How about your end?”

“Can’t you see?” She flexed her muscles as a response. “I remember when one of your maids said that I was ruining my body.”

“That doesn’t matter. Just live up to your own standards. Still, what are your plans for the future?”

“For now, I plan to keep you safe until you can change everything. I hope you don’t end up walking down the path of evil, but I don’t see that happening with you in charge.”

“I see.” Francis nodded. “Still, shouldn’t you take a bath first? I’ll leave you to it.”

“Why?”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t understand why we can’t continue talking.”

“Maybe the solitude affected your thinking. But you are a lady, and I am unfortunately still a man.”

“So? Just sit outside the door. I don’t want to lose my train of thought.”

“Hm. You really have changed.”

“I haven’t changed yet, that’s what the bath is for.”

“Ha. Well, get in. I’ll be waiting outside the bathroom. I think you’ll enjoy the new upgrades I did.”

“Oh? I’m looking forward to that.”

She stepped in without another word. Sweat drenched her body, and her clothes clinged to her skin. Iris twisted the golden faucet, and hot water poured out. A thin cloud of steam rose from the flowing water. Pulling her clothes off, she hummed a song as she stepped in.

The hot water seeped into her bones. She let out a long ‘ahh’ as water overflowed from her getting in. She soaked in the heat, and closed her eyes.

“This is nice,” she said.

“Yeah? Good to know. I’m working to get electricity, but that’s going nowhere.”

“Electricity? Is that one of your foreign things?”

“Yup. It can and will change life and society as we know it. How’s the bath?”

“It's great. Much better than the river.”

“And if you want, you can get a razor from the maids.”

“Hmm. You gave me dresses right? Similar to yours?”

“What do you mean?”

“As in, my legs will be covered right?”

“You can always wear tights, you know. You can ask the butler or a maid for pretty much everything.”

Iris lifted up her legs. Soap and water dropped from her skin. She contemplated her options, and her needs. She shot a glance at her sides, and stood up from the bath. In front of the mirror, she debated the work she had to do.

“Maybe I will. You can let me stay here for a while, right?”

“Once I become emperor, I can give you a stable job. Feel free to stay wherever you want.”

“Alright. But back to the story. How do you plan to improve?”

“Preferably with peace and reforms.”

“And if the empire gets attacked?”

“Then we’ll strike back. Wars are probably inevitable, but I have confidence in our capabilities. I’ve developed new weapons that I’d like to show you.”

“Oh? Do elaborate.”

“No, hang on. I get the feeling that something... Something is going on. Why am I here? We could have waited until you were done.”

“I’ve learnt first hand that a certain pair of gods like to see this sort of thing.”

“Ah, them.”

“So this is the least we can do without you directly cheating on the princess.”

“But it seems like they mostly mess with you.”

“Maybe, but they definitely have had a hand in all your relationships too. Ever wondered why you’re surrounded mostly by women?”

“Huh.”

“They like seeing things like this. And though I tried, tried, to discard all emotions like lust, they keep screwing around with me.”

“I really hope you’re not being affected by them right now.”

“Don’t think I am. But we’re going offtrack. How’s your relationship with the princess?”

“Good, good. We’re both doing what’s needed of us.”

“That’s nice. And your crew?”

“Been good. How about you? The solitude did anything for you?”

“Yeah, actually. Got a lot of time to think and work out. Should I give you some personal training?”

“Trust me, I’ve tried. But my muscle mass doesn’t ever seem to improve at a good enough rate, even if I configure my diet for it. Apparently it's a trait of the mixed blood.”

“Hmm. Makes sense. The full blooded Rayleighs have no problem getting stronger, and are strong by default. Guess the mixed blood is like a valley between two ends, huh?”

“To be honest, I don’t really understand why the mixed blood is so weird, despite being it myself. And apparently, I’m the only living one.”

“And what about your crew? Any improvements and changes? Last I heard, the mage was getting promoted really quickly.”

“She’s close to the top right now, but people everywhere want her. Oh right, would you like to work under me?”

“Hmm.”

Iris washed off the bubbles and dried herself off. The soft and thick towel was nice on her skin.

“Fuck.”

“I’d rather not. Not going to risk making a scandal even worse.”

“No, I mean, you need to help me out here.”

She looked around the bathroom. Indeed, she did screw up. But on one hand, she thanked the fact that she took into account the two gods of love. She breathed a sigh of relief as she saved herself the embarrassment of having to talk to a maid of butler with nothing under her dress. Iris made her request, and Francis chuckled. He got a set of fancy lace undergarments delivered, and promptly apologised for anything that that might imply.

“Don’t worry about it. After all, you had the audacity to talk to me whilst you had sex with the princess.”

“I’d prefer if you forgot about that.”

“Haha! We’ll see about that.”

Fully dressed, she opened the door. Steam rolled along the ceiling as she stepped out. Striking a pose, she showed off.

“What do you think?”

“That looks better on you than it does on me.”