Let's go our separate ways

Part 45

Most of the Castle's guards took the brunt of the invasion and are now resting in the infirmary for the injuries they got. The King's Knights and some of the Castle's guards follow the King out to chase the escaping variant beasts. The Queen's Knights are thus left behind to deal with the variant beasts that are still pestering the Castle.

Blue, as a part of the Queen's Knights, is now reporting to the Queen the result of his survey.

"The variant beasts on the East Gate have been eliminated whilst on the Main Gate and West Gate, there are still some beasts that are being dealt with," Blue reports, in his fully armoured garb that is wet by rain

"Is it not heavy?" Rhythm can't help but mutters in question, "Cold?"

"Probably yes, and sticky too," Flos murmurs whilst pulling on the dress she wears to not cling to her body too much. The dress is damp and chilly, uncomfortable.

Seeing Flos's movement, Scale goes to find a blanket and covers Flos. This can at least shield her from the icy wind.

Seeing Scale being so considerate towards Flos, Rhythm speaks up, "I also want a blanket too,"

Scale looks at the young man and smiles then goes to grab another blanket for Rhythm.

"Thank you~" Rhythm cheers in gratitude, causing  Flos to roll her eyes at him, which he takes no heed as he is busy wrapping himself to keep warm

Queen Viola listens to Blue's report and gives an instruction of her own, "Set the Knights to change shift to rest for lunch. No need to clear the road of the beasts' bodies as of now. After everyone has rested for lunch, go out to find the King and change shift with His Majesty's Knights,"

"As Her Majesty commands!" Blue receives the order and runs off quickly, just like how he shows up suddenly in front of them

Average has gone back to check on the patients, so it is now just back to the original team of the Queen and her 3 protectors. Instead of doing nothing, they are all working on packaging sachets of herbs, following Flos's instruction, to be given to the wounded. It is Queen Viola's hope the soldiers will be able to have a good rest after this ordeal.

Queen Viola takes a seat and exhales softly, having been standing up when listening to the report from her Knight. Rhythm sees that Her Majesty seems to be tired and suggests to his childhood friend, "Why don't you massage Her Majesty's shoulders, Flos?"

It is inconvenient for men to touch Her Majesty, after all.

Flos doesn't really want to, but this is the backer they are talking about. Seemingly reluctantly, Flos stands up but stops moving before she moves to the Queen's seat. Thinking of something, Flos asks the Queen, "Do you mind if Lashes is the 1 who gives you the massage, Your Majesty?"

"Do you have to be so lazy?!" Rhythm can't believe this childhood friend of his!

Lashes can give a massage? Queen Viola is quite curious, "I don't mind,"

Flos sits back down again, raising her left hand on the table so Lashes can slither to Queen Viola's side and starts massaging the Queen. After feeling the massage from Lashes, Queen Viola praises, "Has Lashes given you a massage before, Miss Flos? It is quite good at this,"

Lashes; knowing the anatomy of the human body well enough to give a good massage. Flos doesn't think Queen Viola needs to know the details, so she just smiles and nods. Rhythm is always cautious of Flos's companions, so he gives Flos an apprehensive look. Scale, sitting next to Flos, stops working to put a hand on the table to support his head as he stares at Flos with a faint smile.

"What?" Flos glances at the man with a flat inquiry

"Can you answer my question?" Scale asks, and continues after seeing Flos nod in agreement, "How exactly did the guest house explode like that when it's not supposed to be so damaged?"