Alice and Amon looked at Hazel together.
Hazel had clearly realized by now that she seemed to be the unnecessary one in this negotiation. She was frightened and confused, yet unexpectedly still standing where she was.
Will Auceptin did not seem inclined to respond. After staring at Hazel for two seconds, Alice blurted out something completely inappropriate:
"Why don't... you sit down first?"
As if those words were a switch, Hazel's legs gave out, and she collapsed onto the floor. Amon snickered, turning to Alice as he said:
"You're quite kind-hearted."
Alice blinked.
It was a gesture she often used when pretending to be stupid. Amon gave her a half-smiling glance, then stood up instead, walked forward a few steps, bent down, and held out a hand to Hazel.
"Need help?" he asked.
Hazel sat limp on the floor, her body shaking like a leaf, when a voice that did not belong to her suddenly sounded:
"No—!"
The voice was weak, but it was clearly using all its strength. Amon merely chuckled, bent down of his own accord, and supported Hazel.
Hazel had no power to resist. Alice said nothing, her gaze lingering on Amon for a moment before sliding out the door. Her spirituality rose, and she looked down upon the entire manor from above.
The servants... were disappearing...
She withdrew her gaze and looked at Amon again. After a brief moment of thought, she tentatively touched Amon's Fate.
Amon had already forcibly helped Hazel to her feet and pressed her onto the sofa. Then, he naturally turned his head, curled his lips at Alice, and looked at the still-trembling Hazel as he reminded her with a smile:
"Aren't you going to say thank you?"
Alice looked at Hazel. Will Auceptin, who had already spoken, no longer played dead.