Harriet and Yulia were among the many who bombarded her with texts, all asking the same pressing question: [When are you coming back?] She always replied with the same reassuring word: [Soon!] After putting down her phone, Estelle slipped into her clothes and left her room. Descending into the subterranean level twelve, she found Bernard cozily nestled on the sofa with his lady, their lips locked in an endless kiss, lost in flirtation. Upon Estelle’s entrance, they didn’t bother to cease their intimate display. Fulfilling her role as a dutiful housekeeper, Estelle averted her gaze, her head bowed as she began tidying the room, avoiding intruding on her employer’s private moments. The underground was a dust-free sanctuary, leaving little for her to clean. Estelle made her way to the bedroom to gather the woman’s discarded clothing. By then, Bernard and his companion had grabbed some wine, ready to enjoy a leisurely afternoon fishing by the riverbank. Estelle moved on to the study to clean. The computer was on, its screensaver displaying the Big Dipper against the vast night sky, with the constellation shining brightest of all. She stared at the image, suspecting that a man like Bernard wouldn’t have chosen such a screensaver without reason. Was it perhaps a longing for the stars he couldn’t see from his subterranean

shot,” Amiee replied. Estelle’s thoughts raced. Not today, though. Bernard’s condition was off – he might have an explosive device implanted by Raiden as leverage, to ensure his own safety.

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