"I'm so sorry princess Whiteblind," Kae giggled. "We do this everytime someone asks about Marko. It's an inside joke. We make him sound intimidating for laughs."

The next morning, I came back to the potion shop with Kianna and clued them in to the new information.

"Marko couldn't hurt a fly even if he tried. Honestly, if you don't have any dirt on you, he can't do much." Even Kianna could barely hold in her laughter, letting a small chuckle escape her lips.

"Plus he's short." Kae added. Which sent them both into hysteria.

...

..

.

Am I the only one who doesn't find this funny?

"Like I said, inside joke. We've been picking on him for years." I said that outloud.

"I haven't seen him lately. Everytime we talk, it feels like an investigation." Kianna sighed, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"Are you that suprised? You're a maid at the castle, and Charlotte does trust you a lot." Kae commented as she took a paper, likely with orders.

"True," Kianna agreed, and I nodded slightly. She was dressed in more casual clothes since her shift starts at 2 p.m.

"About the request that you made.. we can forge you invitations, but you might want to disguise yourself."

That sort of thing is second nature to me. Why is she bringing that up? She knows that I'm not really Paper.

As if she read my thoughts when she saw my blank expression she gave me gave me a glance at me and Kae. Oh.

She really didn't tell her sister anything.

"I understand, I knew I could always count on you Kianna." I said and bowed to the both of them, which earned a confused glare from Kae. I left the shop after that, being as much confused as she was.

"Did the princess hit her head or something?" Kae questioned Kianna when Paper left.

"She did change a lot after she returned. Maybe outside world influence?" Kianna laughed nervously.

"There is something I don't know here, isn't there?" Keas confusion only worsened as she said it.

"Sorry sister, I can't.."

"I know.. Let's just get to work. This totally legal work won't be done itself." Kianna replied and they both giggled a little.

.

As I stepped out to a windy weather, I couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Did I really lack the royal flair that much? I'm using the rebellious excuse for my behavior from now on.. Thankfully I haven't seen a certain individual since yesterday. I swear, I've never resented Queen Charlotte more for pairing me up with that blabbering idiot. Seven.. who names themselves after a number? Why is everyone here so weird?

I decided to go back to the castle and pick an outfit for the auction. 'Black and White' eh? I think some princessy girl has something like that in her closet.

As I was strolling through the town I could almost feel everyones eyes on me. I swear, I will never ever get used to everyone looking at me like that. I picked up the pace, hoping that I wouldn't hear any comments while I was on my way 'home'.

Once I entered the castle, I hurried to my room. I sighed in relief knowing that Charlotte wasn't anywhere in sight. Why did I accept this? I always find myself asking.

I was distracted from my thoughts by a strange detail.. Cold air crept from the window.. It was opened? I don't think I left it open? I approached the window curiously. Perhaps a maid opened it? However on closer inspection I found small scratches. They were faint and barely noticeable, however in a strange place. Right at the edge. I don't think it's much of a stretch to consider a break in as a possibility. I groaned in annoyance. I'm going to report this to her... But I'm having such a great luck of not seeing her, oh well. I'm not seeking her.

'A dress suited for a princess',or a rich person who really wants to bid. It took a bit of searching but I finally found a dress that looks passable, but isn't too fancy. It was a little bit above the knee with ruffles with a black and white colour scheme obviously.

What name does this dress deserve? I thought about it for a second and I don't know why but the identity 'Thea Pearl' had a certain ring to it. It was.. odd.

This was my favorite part of my whole job. Making up a whole fake person. It's not always needed but it comes so naturally to me.

I paired the dress with a white summer hat and black boots without heels. Just in case something goes wrong and I, we have to make a run for it.

I was a bit relieved when Seven didn't follow me around this morning like a bodyguard, but I seriously where is he? After seeing him going into a coughing fit yesterday I couldn't help but feel a bit worried..

I decided since I finished my part (which wasn't even much to begin with) I'm going to the library and hopefully find something, anything to answer my questions, at least some of them.

The library wasn't particularly crowded this time around. This library is open to the common folk around the afternoon, I better make the most of my time before I start to hear gossip from middle schoolers who came here to 'study'.

I waved good morning to the librarian when I came in. She was a nice lady however she opted not to chat during working hours. I directed myself to the history section. Primarily I was looking for a Snowfei royal history book or something like that. It took a bit of looking around the letter 'S' but I finally managed to find a some book titled:

The name did sound promising so I started reading.

It took about thirty minutes and twenty eight seconds and these were the key details.

King James Whiteblind was the ruler of Snowfei a few years back. He had a wife Queen Sara Whiteblind and they had two kids together. Charlotte and Paper.

It sure was something. I guess I was a little dissatisfied with the the lack of information. The book was published five years ago it looks like. And again the mothers portrait is cut out.

Why? Why does everyone withhold everything from me? What is going on?

This revelation only brought to light more questions than answers. I checked my watch.

1:55 p.m.

Kianna should arrive to her shift any minute now. I should probably ask how things are going on her end. I waited approximately two minutes and forty four minutes before Kianna shoved up with Seven, interesting..

"Oh Paper hi! I'm sorry I'm in a bit of hurry, I have to get changed asap! Oh I hope I won't be late I have so, so much dishes to clean!" She said frantically. To which I just nodded to and moved out of the way.

I didn't take long to turn my attention back to a certain mysterious man.

"Seven, you look... not sick." I added the remark reminding him if the state I last saw him in.

"I was never sick, I'm fine. I just, choked on air that's all." I just hummed suspiciously to that reply. Suree.. Not like I expected him to tell little me something. Seems like a trend since I got here. It's so annoying, I can't even do my job properly because of it.

"I'll see you at the auction then." I added as I started walking away.

"Remember. Fake identity." I almost laughed at that comment more like a fake fake identity.

"Already figured that one out. Go figure yours." I waved him goodbye.

Then a thought came onto my mind. Kianna needed to wash dishes. I could help her and ask her about her progress.

I entered the kitchen and saw her already working.

"Can I help you somehow?" I asked Kianna.

"Yes, it's much appreciated but don't tell anyone that I'm being helped by a 'princess' I don't want rumors to start spreading around." She answered and we both giggled.

"Trust me, I don't want that either.." I commented as I was putting on rubber gloves. We both started cleaning the huge pile of unwashed dishes as I asked her.

"Is it finished?"

"Kae only needs to add some finishing touches, that perfectionist. Come by her shop around 5 p.m. "

"Alright, will do." I laughed at her remark about her sister.

"Are you okay? You seem a little.. off." Kianna turned to me.

"I guess I am a little frustrated.. I've hit a wall." I confessed.

"Oh, the auction? Don't worry, I'm sure you and Seven can handle whatever it is." I don't really care about that as much.. "Can I ask you something about 'me' I guess?" I whispered as quietly as I could.

"Depends." Kianna responded in a skeptical manner.

"What happened to The Paper Whiteblind? You know the real one?" I inquired cautiously, not knowing what to expect. She stopped cleaning for a second, and then continued talking.

"I can't say anything about that. If the Queen didn't tell you, it's probably best if you don't know. Also as far as anyone is concerned you are the real deal. I'm sorry. You have to understand." She whispered in hushed tone.

I nodded in agreement. Because I did understand what it's like to have to keep someone in the dark. And I did not blame her. I blame someone else though.

When we finished cleaning the dishes one hour, twenty five minutes and sixty seconds passed.

I offered to help more, but Kianna shook her head and said I already did enough

So I spent the rest of my time investigating the castle but sadly I found nothing.

Around 5:05 I was back in the potion shop to collect to forged invitations .

"Here princess, we did the best we could with what we had." Kae said as she handed two invites to the auction.

"Thank you very much, these do look very authentic." She smiled and nodded.

"Do I owe you anything?" I asked.

"Money wise, no. This service is free, you two do owe me a favor next time though." She cackled like an evil witch as she waved me goodbye.

While I was concerned by her laugh.. I had not time to dwell on it. I went back and prepared myself and by 6:30 I was at the dock waiting for departure. The ones taking us to the land of Armia? The self proclaimed 'best pirates'. I was trying so hard just to ignore them. But it was impossible. I hate their buddy-buddy attitude, and I especially don't appreciate their on the nose bluntness and their unprofessional language.

"Thank you for helping us find the crate. Those items are apparently very important, I can't believe I could've lost it!" Someone broke me from my trance as he said those words. It was a guy with desaturated blue hair and light pinkish eyes. By the clothes I can guess that he is a part of the pirate crew.

"Who are you?" I didn't mean to come off as rude, I was just very irritated that a certain someone hasn't shown up yet.

"Oh I'm Charlie! I'm so sorry princess I was probably way too casual to a royalty such as yourself.!" The shy man introduced himself. I could barely hear him with how quiet he was.

"Please, just call me Paper. I'm not on royal duty right now." That sounded convincing.. right? "And it's not that.. it's just-" I just started to explain when someone cut me off."

"Eyy, where is that tall older bro of yours?" And here comes the person more annoying than Seven, Seven can you imagine crossing that line. Ace interrupted my exact explanation of his question.

"He's not my older brother, and that's what I'm irritated about.. he should be here right now. If he's late-"

"Woah there, calm down! He'll come eventually!" The captain interrupted me again..

"I'm sorry Paper, the Captain couldn't exactly keep up his good tongue for long.." Charlie laughed anxiously.

I can see that was the thing I almost said, but instead I just sighed. This is going to be a loong ride..

We waited twenty minutes and eleven seconds before a familiar black hair showed up.

"Took you long enough. And I thought you were the uptight one." I mocked with a devilish grin.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny." He rolled his eyes "I was just doing something and it took a while." Seven said as he crossed his arms in a stern manner. He just wore a normal black suit, black tie, black pants white hat. Classic. Even I made a better effort.

"What were you doing if you care to share?" I inquired.

"Queen business." And as he said it mouthed it in the same motion. Yes, I was not surprised in the slightest by this answer. "Again, not funny." Seven repeated as I turned my head away from him in annoyance.

Shortly after, about thirty seconds later we all boarded the ship.

I could hear a loud 'Ahoy' from the crew as we set sail.

"Oh princ- sorry Paper!" I turned my head towards Charlie, who came up to me "If you need anything, please ask me or Star. She's my amazing wife! She is the most professional here. She handles all the technological stuff around here. So if anyone is qualified to help you it's her!" He has a wife? He is way too energetic for his age.

"Thank you I will go talk to her. I have some things I would like to ask." We parted ways because he went to help with directing the ship. That didn't stop him from being disappointed that he didn't het to introduce me to her. How can someone be shy and so energetic?

I walked over to the other side of the deck and I saw the woman looking out to the sea with a spyglass.

"The waves look good captain, looks like we won't have much trouble with them this time around!"

She yelled out to Ace.

"Thank ya Star!" The captain yelled back.

"Excuse me, you're Miss Star right?" I asked as I approached her.

"Yes that's me princess! Do you need anything?" Star asked while she offered a handshake. I shook her hand as I started speaking.

"Your husband introduced you to me. I wanted to ask a few questions if you don't mind." I explained . I thought it wouldn't hurt to get more information if possible. She nodded slightly.

"Did you see anything unusual before the items were stolen?" I inquired. I was never told about anything suspicious, so I would like to affirm my questions.

"Before theft, no. It was a pretty normal procedure. However after we confirmed the missing crate we found.. strange dust? Pink Glitter, pink sparkles and stuff like that. No one on the crew possessed such things.. So the only person I can think of was the one who stole it."

Sparkles huh? I was working under Zack once in Armia, we were trying to catch an infamous thief by the name 'Light Spades'. Even though we got a good lead on them, in the end they got away. They always wore pink shiny things.

This might be a bit of a stretch but it's not entirely impossible. Could they also be in on it?

I talked a bit with Star after that. She was generally calmer than her husband, but also a bit in the quiet side.

The rest of the boat ride I slept, and I don't even know how I managed that while Ace and Seven were cracking nerdy and unfunny jokes.

When we arrived. I could already recognize that wretched place and all the bitter memories that with it.

"Seven what the- Are you okay." I almost yelled out. He looked pale and sick.

"Sea sick." Seven coughed. Were those feathers in his hand?

"Alright just, take it easy. Here, I'll give you a hand." I said as I put his arm around my shoulder and helped him until he could finally walk without tripping over.

"Thanks," he said as he looked at his watch. "Eight and thirty, we might have to hurry."

I agreed and we continued walking towards the auction.

Hotel Terra. Was the name of the hotel the auction was held at. We slowly walked in and headed down the stairs, to the basement. There was a door that read 'DO NOT ENTER'.

"This is it. You ready?" Seven asked turning towards me.

"Of course." Was the only thing I said before we entered.

As we stepped in we saw a man in a suit.

"Invitations?" The man asked.

I handed them and observed carefully.

This is a make it or break it moment.

After looking at it for five seconds he nodded slightly. "Names?" Kianna and Kae thank you.

"I'm Thea Pearl." I introduced myself.

"And you gentleman?" He turned towards Seven.

I saw the nervous look on his face and knew immediately that he forgot what he was going to say.

So I took initiative "This is my older brother Jade Pearl. Please do excuse his nervousness, we were just on a boat ride and he is extremely seasick.." I explained as Seven nodded frantically.

"Right... Please go ahead." I don't have the slightest idea if he believed me.

I lightly hit Seven as we passed the man. I would've insulted him too if I wasn't soo focused on getting the job done as soon as possible.

The place looked like a fancy theatre, whoever ran the auction really liked to put on a show.

Seven handed me a listening device.

"You sneak back, I'll observe the situation here." He whispered. I muttered an 'Okay' before we parted ways.

.

The moment Seven knew the coast was clear and no one caught a glimpse at what Paper was doing, he calmly headed towards his seat. His pain had eased a bit and he could actually keep his balance enough so that he doesn't fall. His lungs were still hurting, and he knew it will only worsen if he is forced to drink another potion. So Seven hoped that Paper is just as determined as he is to finish this as quickly as possible as he is.

He sat in the third row and waited for the auction to begin. Right before the show everyone got seated. Seven noticed a young lady approaching him.

"Excuse me Mr. Pearl was it?" The woman had short blond hair and blue eyes with glasses. The uniform she was wearing suggested that she worked there.

"Is there any problem?" Seven asked, trying hard not to sound nervous.

"Where is Mrs. Thea? She did come here but she's the only one who isn't seated." She inquired, pointing at the vacant seat.

"Oh yes, she's in the restroom. I'm sure she'll come soon." He said with a faint smile.

"Alright, if she doesn't show up when the show starts. I'll come and check on her."

He nodded slightly, not trusting himself to say anything.

Once he was sure she wasn't looking, he got up and went to a more private place.

"Paper, you copy?" He asked.

"Yes, is there a problem?" He heared Paper askimg from the other side of the line.

"Huge. Abort whatever it is you were-"

"I can't do that right now! I'm about to nab the crate!" Paper intterupted Seven, whispering loudly.

"You better grab it quick! You have three minutes until the get onto us. Go to the bathroom when the auction starts.." Seven explained and heard a 'Yes' on the other side of the line immediately.

He waited anxiously in the corner of the room for the auction to start.

.

I did it! Finally I got to the crate! I was enjoying my victory until I actually opened the crate. It was all fake. Made out of cardboard. I panicked and closed it. I sneaked back out and went to the bathroom.

Where is it then? What is going on?

I looked blankly in my reflection. My dull eyes stared right back at me. I can't fail again. I won't go back.

I almost jumped when I heard the door creak open.

I quickly changed my act when I realized that it was a worker.

"Mrs. Thea, what are you doing?" The lady asked.

"Fixing my makeup, it got messed up on the boat." I stated as I pulled out my lipstick.

"I double checked your invitations.. they are fake." She said in a monotone voice. I freezed up as I jeard those words, I almost dropped my lipstick.