"This room is empty, Princess. I do not believe there needs to be any concern, yes?" I say.

Aria sighs.

"You're right, Kaede."

She fidgets, warily watching the small necro-fire on the podium. It is so small that one would barely get a hand inside, never mind allow a skeleton out.

I have trained in a place like this before. There was a very small dungeon not far from master's house. It was a test for his children to sneak through it unscathed. I didn't pass the test, as I ended up resorting to combat in one instance, and somehow he knew. I got twenty lashes. But it was an educational experience. My young self… had a certain hubris to her, and this was the final stage of forging me into the weapon I am today.

"You are still worried, yes? I do believe Elijah is no longer quite as fragile as you believe. Or is this just your affection showing itself, like in the manor, I wonder?"

I blink. All of that came out my mouth!

Master always said 'a dam, once broken, is hard to stem.'

Alas, I think I am finally understanding the wisdom of this anecdote a little too late...

Aria's head snaps to me, and in an instant, she pins me to the wall. She seems a little mad.

"What do you mean... in the manor!" She cries out.

Oh right. I don't think she saw me. What a novice blunder.

Well... now the mistake is made...

"I mean when you were straddling Elijah and you said you wouldn't mind him having interco...mmmph"

Aria slams her palm over my mouth suddenly. She has taken on an exceptional shade of crimson, and has an amazingly expressive face. I envy her for this sometimes.

"Uuuu...you... were..." she stutters

"Guarding you whilst the two of you were vulnerable in your sleep, yes?" I mumble through her hand, matter of factly.

She reels backwards as if I punched her in the gut.

"K-k-kaede..." she stutters.

"Ah... but Nii-sama punished me for eavesdropping." I add, attempting a morose tone.

Aria blinks repeatedly. There is a beat or two...

"Hmmm... he did? Well... I suppose I shan't say anything else then... haahh..."

Well... he called it a punishment but... there are times when my lack of expression is useful. Is this a deception I should be practicing? Strange.

"The new attack pattern we practiced was adequate, was it not?" I change the subject.

"I don't know. It wasn't really enough, even with Kiku's assist." She shakes her head. "It reminds me, though... however did you come up with that?"

I ponder for a moment.

"I did not come up with it. It was simply a jutsu I failed to comprehend as a child. I could do the motions, but the spirits would not respond. But seeing that Crawler ablaze... I think perhaps that may have changed... well, this is all conjecture, yes?"

"Your ability is so mysterious... though I can't talk. I make Seria quite mad by skipping all the steps, teehee!" Aria taps her head with a balled fist and sticks out her tongue.

Perhaps if I could be as casually cute as her, Elijah might get atop me al... what am I even thinking!?

"Ah... Kaede... you blushed!"

I did? Ah...

Aria narrows her eyes and has a quirky smile.

"Elijah really has changed us all... hah... what an asshole." She curses as she pounds me on the shoulder. It's kinda painful.

‘A blade cannot choose to...’ resonates in my head, and I reactively clutch my face.

He's an asshole... yes... that is an adequate description. I was satisfied in my role before, but I am turning into a fluttering maiden. What kind of assassin cares for what others think... is concerned for her emotions... is corrupted by her interest... and even... even wishes to obtain a man's favour? I am being broken... and yet... and yet I do not wish to stop the process.

It is the most I have ever felt for anything. And the true tragedy is that... I am a fool that is joining a six horse pursuit. What madness.

Aria sighs audibly.

"Hah... What an asshole." She repeats, looking wistful.

"Indeed." I confirm.

She looks up in surprise, then starts laughing in a guffaw. I find myself infected.

Normally I am quiet when the others are jovial... but my facial muscles twitch, and a lyrical noise emits from me. More than just a snicker that I usually force out, it is a lost sound I had forgotten. It doesn't last long but...

"Huhuhuha... Nii-sama is such a son of a bitch. Even more than master. I hate him, yes! Hahuhuaah..."

Refuse and hubris spills off my tongue almost naturally. I can't say that! I must stop. I will get lashes until I die!

No... actually... I won't. I crouch, holding my sides.

Aria looks wide eyed at me, ruffling her own hair.

How embarrassing.

She sighs and mumbles something like 'what have I done...' to herself whilst face-palming.

Yes indeed.