âYou canât hide the truth forever, you know.â
  { â }â The blade shimmers in the light as the witch uses it to lift the otherâs chin. Her emerald eyes lock onto his amber orbs, and seem to convey her message without having her say a word.
  Do you really think anyone will find out about this? her gaze speaks as she pulls the knife away from his chin, I have my ways to keep things hidden. With the utmost confidence, chuckles and presses a kiss onto his cheek.
  âYouâre such a silly boy, Sly,â Espresso mocks, âI can keep doing this forever~.â She pulls the knife away, and makes a careless gesture towards his bonds. âI think you can sit there comfortably for another few years, donât you think?â
  He begins to babble about something incoherentâsomething about destroying and causing chaosâsomething sheâs learned to tune out weeks ago. She adapts easily, a great trait to have. Suddenly, a knock is heard. Sly goes silent, and Espresso turns to face the door.
  The noble lets out a small sigh as she looks at he blue-haired male before her. It would be too much work to untie his bonds and try toâŚcoax Aoba out of him. Shaking her head, she walks over to the table and slides everything but a gag into the drawer.
  Securing the gag over Slyâs mouth, she ruffles his hairârather aware of how sensitive it is. Using her snakes to transport him to another room, she shuts the door and locks it.Â
  Espresso approaches the door, and hesitates to open it for a moment.
  Did she regret what she had doneâand would continue to do?
  How ridiculous. Thinking such petty thoughts, she sighs, Only weaklings have suchâŚuncertain ideas. Her concerned expression changes into a smile as she opens the door.
  âAh Miss Nicolette! Does Jack have another task for me?â Espresso smiles widely like she usually does, and gestures for the girl to enter her home. âCome on in, mi casa su casa! Thatâs Spanish, many countries on Earth speak it hereâcorrect? I still have a lot to learn about your many places here.â They commence in small talk as she glances at the door with the boy behind it.
  He would have to wait for their game to continue.