"Why does Baron Olbia keep provoking me? I can't understand why he’s putting himself through all this trouble. Don’t you agree, Chloe?" I asked.

Seated at the small desk beside me, Chloe paused her writing and answered, “It seems he doesn’t realize that nothing good ever comes from crossing you, young master. You never unsheathe your sword without a reason.”

It would be foolish to reveal family secrets to a mere maid, especially given the secrecy required in the life of a “shadow player.” But Chloe and Kris were exceptions. Chloe, after all, wasn’t just anyone—she was intensely devoted to …