But little did I know that back in my room.

Tiamat was waiting for me in the bathroom.

She was silent and patient.

As if time itself had decided to pause just for her.

I had no clue she was there.

And she would probably wait for a long time.

Then finally, she will make her way downstairs herself.

Because my thoughts were already moving forward.

They were already drifting away from that room.

I stepped out with Maria beside me, going downstairs.

As both me and Maria went downstairs.

Our footsteps were calm, almost casual.

And the sound of quiet voices reached us before we even saw the room.

When we finally turned the corner.

We saw everyone already gathered.

They were sitting around the table and having breakfast.

Like any normal morning.

Plates were filled, cups were steaming.

And for a brief moment, everything felt oddly peaceful.

We walked over and took seats next to each other.

We sat close enough that our shoulders almost touched.

I could feel Maria's presence beside me.

She was warm and steady.

That alone made the room feel a little less tense.

Just moments later.

The sound of slow steps came from upstairs.

Then it was followed by a long yawn that didn't bother to hide itself.

Lucy came down.

She looked half-awake, her eyes barely open.

Her movements are loose and lazy.

She was yawning without shame.

She wore a violet pajama that looked soft and worn in the best way.

The fabric was loose around her arms and legs.

It was wrinkled from sleep.

And the color was a gentle violet that made her look calmer than usual.

The top hung slightly off one shoulder.

And the sleeves were longer than her arms.

It covered part of her hands.

The pajama pants dragged a little as she walked.

Giving her that unmistakable just-woke-up look.

As if she hadn't fully returned to the world yet.

She walked toward the table without saying a word.

Her steps are slow and unbothered.

Reaching the table, she grabbed a cup.

Then she poured coffee for herself.

She didn't even bother sitting properly.

Instead, she sat lazily at the table.

She leaned forward slightly.

Then she picked up a cookie.

And without thinking twice.

She pushed it into her mouth.

For a second, everything was normal.

Then suddenly, her eyes snapped open wide.

She froze mid-bite.

Her body stiffening as if struck by lightning.

She quickly held her mouth with one hand.

Then shouted, loud and clear.

"Shoo good~"

The room went silent for half a second.

Then slowly, every head turned toward her.

Some looked confused, others amused.

Kalia shook her head slowly.

Her expression was calm but honest, and said.

"Sadly, I didn't make those cookies.

It was Maria."

Lucy blinked, still holding her mouth.

Then slowly lowered her hand.

With a surprised face, she repeated.

"Maria?"

Her eyes moved across the table until they landed on Maria sitting beside me.

Lucy stared at her for a long moment.

As if processing the new information.

Then she nodded slightly and said.

"You really cook well."

Maria smiled softly.

She nodded back.

Under the table, she reached for my hand and held it.

Her fingers wrapped around mine gently.

She grounded me in that moment.

Looking back at Lucy, Maria said,

"Thank you."

I felt awkward right away.

The way everyone was looking.

The casual praise, the quiet warmth of the moment.

It made me feel like a son-in-law sitting at a family table.

Not just someone passing through.

The thought hit me suddenly.

And I shifted slightly in my seat.

Shaking my head.

I pushed the feeling aside and looked back at Lucy.

Trying to sound focused, I said.

"We should make a plan for the infiltration."

Lucy nodded at me.

Her expression sharpened as she woke up a little more.

"True," she said.

Then, with a tone that mixed seriousness and blunt honesty, she added.

"Besides, I should take care of that old hag for you kids."

Before anyone could respond.

Maria suddenly clapped her hands together.

Her voice is light but confident.

"How about this," she said.

"I know a maid who worked under me when I was younger.

And she's still working there.

She may help us."

I looked at her, surprised but hopeful.

Then I nodded.

"That sounds like a good plan."

Standing up slowly.

I pushed my chair back and looked directly at Maria.

"So do you have a way to contact her, Maria?"

For a moment, she froze.

Her expression shifted, just slightly.

And then she looked at me and said,

"I can't… but you could infiltrate the castle alone and go to her.

Then show her my pendant and ask for her help."

She reached for the pendant and explained calmly.

"This was a special pendant that mother gave each of us one.

There are just two in existence."

Her voice softened as she continued.

"She will know for sure it was me who gave you the pendant.

And she will help you."

I nodded, understanding the weight of what she was asking.

One by one, I leaned in and kissed each of the girls goodbye.

The moment was quiet but heavy, filled with unspoken trust.

Lucy handed me a map for the Hydro Kingdom.

She pointed briefly before folding it and placing it in my hand.

Maria followed.

She gave me a map of the inner castle interior.

I took both carefully.

Then committing their weight and meaning to memory.

Then, without dragging it out.

I left Lucy's house.

Outside, the air felt cooler, sharper.

I pushed the pendant into my pocket.

Then making sure it was secure.

I finally started running toward the sea.

My steps were fast and steady.

My mind focused on what lay ahead.

But the moment I reached the shore, my pace slowed.

The calm sea suddenly stirred, huge waves formed.

The weather itself darkened. And it started raining.

I took a breath in my lungs.

Someone was already there.

Waiting for me.

Someone I wish I didn't meet now.

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