Vivia missed her life as Vivia - every single day only proving to her how difficult it was to live as Clairette. As the royal princess, her movements were under constant scrutiny, especially after the stunt she had pulled at the tea party. Had this been her old self, visiting Audreya would have barely qualified as a challenge. As a commoner, freedom was golden.
As a princess? Not so much.
After much contemplation, Vivia concluded that the best window to visit Audreya was during her study hours at the Fourfold Covenant - the only authorized time she was permitted outside. She had already arranged a meet-up with Erissa, who would guide her to where Audreya was hiding. The problem was Benjamin - whose sole duty was to keep a constant eye on her.
He has learned from his mistakes huh…
Vivia had come dangerously close to getting injured when Audreya had nearly slashed her at the bell tower during their first confrontation. Though quick to arrive at the scene, Benjamin was still a moment late in protecting his mistress. If not for Vivia's own presence of mind, the dagger would have found the princess's face without any doubt.
The harsh lesson had taught Benjamin, and since then, he trained himself with a nearly maniacal dedication. To fail in protecting his mistress was a stain upon his name and honor as a knight.
Vivia admired his zealous military spirit, but at the moment, it was nothing more than a massive roadblock standing between her and her plan. Benjamin stood still and alert akin to an immovable mountain, his gaze as sharp as ever.
Can he not drop asleep for just some time? She cried. Oh, wait. Yes, that's what I need!
She chirped. "Sir Benjamin, how about I brew some tea for us?"
"Thank you for the gracious offer, my lady, but I must humbly decline."
"Why not? You must be exhausted from standing all this time. Thanks to Annie, she has kept fresh tea leaves ready for a lovely tea break~"
"Please continue with your break, my lady."
Her brow twitched. "I meant for you to join me as well."
Benjamin's eyes held a stern glint. "We don't eat or drink while on duty, my lady."
She was dumbfounded. "Surely, you get hungry and thirsty, right?"
"Keeping my lady safe is of utmost importance. More than anything else. A moment's distraction, and it could all be over."
Ugh. Now I actually feel bad for him.
She coughed. "This is the Covenant, Sir Benjamin. I'm sure we're safe here."
"Regardless," he said in a deadpan voice.
So stubborn!
There was one only card left to play.
"This is my command, Sir Benjamin. You'll have some lovely tea with me. Will you disregard a princess's direct orders?"
The abuse of power clearly didn't sit well with Benjamin as he sent her a dirty glare. Almost.
"...If you order so, my lady."
"Perfect! Let me brew us some lovely tea~"
Vivia hopped over to the window side table where Annie had prepared a warm teapot and a bowl of fresh tea leaves. She took two cups and shifted slightly to one side, angling herself away from Benjamin's line of sight. She dropped in some tea leaves and noiselessly drew a small pouch from her dress's waistband. The thought of Doloros made her smile.
The pouch held small flower petals which reacted with poison in food. She always kept it close to her side if the situation called for such a test. But Doloros had cautioned her about one side-effect.
The petals were safe to use in detecting poison - provided she didn't leave them steeped too long. If their essence seeped too deeply, it would induce a sleeping effect upon consumption. It was, in fact, why the flower was also commonly used to help patients with insomnia.
Though it was a side-effect, it was precisely the effect Vivia was looking for. She steeped the petals in one cup a few seconds longer than necessary. Once satisfied that the intended effect was achieved, the pouch swiftly disappeared back into her waistband.
"It's ready!"
She hopped over to serve when Benjamin stopped her. "My lady, you're the princess. You mustn't serve a servant."
"You're not a servant but a proud soldier of Emberlain," she nodded.
And truly forgive me for tricking you like this!
Benjamin paused. His earlier resentment of her abuse of power nearly dissipated. He glanced at the tray and took the cup nearest to him. The fragrance of the tea leaves drifted a refreshing aroma to his nostrils.
Vivia returned to her seat and sipped her tea, keeping a careful eye on him without missing a single movement. He took a few sips and nodded in appreciation.
"It's delicious, my lady. Thank you very much."
"My pleasure! Doesn't it feel nice to take proper breaks like these?"
He was quick to return to his serious mode. "Breaks like such are enemies to our focus and concentration."
The corner of her lips twitched.
That focus and concentration is going to pass out soon-
Suddenly, a thump cut through the air and Benjamin's head dropped forward and bumped against his knees. The sound of slow, even breathing filled the air.
She gasped, bewildered.
He barely took a few sips and he's knocked out already?
She felt the little pouch on her waistband.
"Is the flower simply too potent or is Sir Benjamin simply too weak?"
She confirmed that he was indeed asleep and didn't waste a moment's time. Climbing down from the third floor was a challenge but hardly an impossible one for Vivia.
Okay, here we go!
—
"My lady, are you sure about this?" Erissa, showing her the way to the house, asked tensely. "If Sir Benjamin wakes up before your return then…"
"That's exactly why we're hurrying! I don't know how long the effect would last, so let's not waste any of it."
As their carriage pulled to a stop near a settlement, Vivia stepped down, wrapped in an oversized brown coat. Erissa led her way through the alleys until they reached a modest house a little farther away.
Erissa stepped forward and knocked, but there was no response.
Vivia leaned closer and whispered, "It's me, Clairette. You're safe. You can open the door."
Silence.
Still hearing no response, Erissa produced a spare key and opened the door.
The house was completely empty.