""Spirits of nature and light hear my pleadings, [High Heal]!""
"Nng..."
"Gratitude be upon you..."
"Ah...thanks..."
"Beautiful..."
"Angels..."
Gabrielle and Bertia had rounded up all the escorts and provided first aid to them while everyone else was fighting.
But now that the battle ended, they could focus completely on healing them with their magic. It doesn't take too long to hear their words of gratitude and relief, besides some compliments of course, heh.
"Ehehe...no problem, it is our job as healers so..."
Bertia laughs awkwardly while healing her part of the elven escorts.
"Marry me...oh smiling maiden...for words are insufficient for these feelings to be conveyed in..."
"My, if you have strength to say such things, then you must be fine, right?"
"..."
Meanwhile, Gabrielle promptly shoots down the elf who has proposed to her via poetry with such words and he is now silent.
How cold...
How nice!
Nevertheless, I am currently walking towards my Maid-Knights while maintaining a dignified expression, one worthy of my waifu and my cover story.
"I should have restrained myself...I did not know that our power was this great..."
Says Erica still a bit shaken after pulverizing one of the S.Spriggans with that ultimate looking skill.
"No, it is my fault for desiring to test all of you in this combat. I needed to see if you had become accustomed to the power residing in your bodies while we were at the village with My Lord. That is why I did not ask any of you to hold back."
Erevain not only says that to Erica, but to all the Maid-Knights, as they are all standing in the usual horizontal formation, except for the healers and, obviously, her.
What a good sight.
It certainly gives off this knightly feel, but at the same time it also gives off this 'maid waiting for their master' feel.
"I mean, I trained as Master asked, but I was still surprised when I was able to keep my [Lightning Step] spell up for all the battle! It was awesome! Being able to move like that and without ending up like a log afterwards is amazing!! Although, I did think it was a bit strange for you to ask me to get their attention, Leader. So, I thought it was something like a test! How did I fare? Did I beat Mika?!"
Look at Lucy, she is all hyper after the battle. I guess it fits with her magic being lightning and all.
"It is not a competition, Lucy! Besides! I know I did better than you and you know it!"
Mika really doesn't like losing, huh.
Still, she looks quite cute when she makes that annoyed look.
"I have to say that this feeling of lightness that fills my body still surprises me, even after training. It is cool too."
Says Jules while moving the arm with which she was holding her bow and yeah, I agree with her. Seeing her easily do all those acrobatic movements to dodge the S.Spriggan's seeds made me think of her as one with the weight of a feather.
In my case, I was not as surprised. But that is because I have been studying my body in depth since Master asked us to train and get used to it. I can say that it is indeed a big leap from our past selves."
With what Allegra is saying, I can totally imagine her having an entire notebook filled with notes of herself and comparing that data with how she used to be.
It might be an interesting read for a nerd like me, so I will ask her if she can give me a copy.
"It is weird...really weird...but I think I will try to do my best from now on."
Nice Sophie, I am glad you said that because it also acts like a good prompt!
"That is what I wanted to hear Sophie; you did good despite your initial attitude. Keep working hard."
"...!"
She gets surprised by my praise but then she quickly makes an awkward smile and nods.
"Yes, Master. I'll really try..."
"Good. Also, your swordsmanship...it is somewhat different than everyone else's. Did you learn it in a particular place?"
"Ah...err...it's something my dad taught me when I was a kid...and...amm...yeah..."
"I see...in any case, I shall repeat myself and tell you that you did good. I am looking forward to your growth, Sophie."
"Yes!"
I don't need to describe the expression she was making as she was answering my question to tell you that she clearly didn't want to say anything more about that, so I decided to praise her one more time instead of pressing for more.
After all, this is a moment to congratulate! Not interrogate!
And holding that very thought, I turn to everyone and say this:
"Well done everyone. You did not disappoint and are more than worthy of praise. I am truly glad to have you with me."
With that, I smile, genuinely satisfied of their performance and they seem happy for the praise, some are even blushing.
"Now come, we cannot leave Gabrielle and Bertia waiting by the carriage."
""""Yes, Master!"""""
Ahhhh, this, this is heaven.
I love it when they do that.
We walk towards the carriage and there we find our healers, all while the elven escorts behind them are forming a wall in front of said carriage.
I must admit that they are really dedicated to their jobs, even after what happened to them. They just...got up after being healed and resumed their activities as normal.
"We are done, My Master. All of the escorts have been properly healed and their leader is speaking with the one in charge of them."
"Good work, Gabrielle, Bertia."
"It was nothing, My Master."
"No problem, that is our job as healers, Master!"
Bertia is blushing while giving me a thumbs up. She is so cute too.
Gabrielle, instead of cute she just looks gorgeous. Like wow...
Oh, someone is coming out of the carriage.
They are an elf wearing a similar armor than the one the escorts are wearing.
It screams 'elvish' armor with all that green and leaf patterns.
But this guy's looks slightly better with its golden hues. So, yeah, it is their leader.
He looks exactly as you would expect from an elf, pointy ears, clear skin and blond long hair. Although some of the other elves have chestnut hair and even red so there is some variety.
He stays silent for a bit while looking at me. As he does, his face begins to turn beet red and his legs are starting to shake, but he quickly tries to calm himself.
Man, my [Sublime Charisma] and [Royal Presence] skills are doing their job quite well.
"My name is Fen'Ru-el and...I am in charge of these people. I suppose you are the master of these maids?"
He asks with a respectful tone despite his choice of words. I guess he is just doing his job by being cautious.
"Indeed. You may know me as Auros."
I say so while I do a traditional noble greeting bow, just like the ones Erevain does.
Then he bows...deeply...like 90 degrees deep...and fast...
Is his neck alright?
"Then, you have my deepest gratitude, Lady Auros. Not only for risking your people's lives to save us, but also for healing my comrades."
"It was nothing, raise your head. Everyone is safe and sound, that is what matters."
I try to sound a bit gentle but at the same time as my besto waifu.
He does as I say and steps aside from the door.
"Very well then. My contractor also wishes to give his thanks personally."
A human man steps out of the carriage as Fen'Ru-el speaks.
He looks old with his white hair in both his head and mustache, but at the same time he has this other feel about him with his slick black formal suit, monocle and perfect posture.
Yes...like a butler.
""...!""
Hmm?
Erevain and Erica seem slightly surprised and agitated for some reason, but now that they have noticed me glancing at them and they have reigned themselves in.
"Let me introduce myself, Lady Auros. I am Charles Bastion. I saw everything from inside the carriage and I am truly grateful to you and your attendants for aiding us. Their strength is truly something to admire. How can I repay this incredible favor?"
Says Charles while doing a butler-like bow...wait...Charles? Where have I heard that name?
Nerinne?
"In Erevain's story, dear~~."
Yes! That was one of the attendants of her sister, right?!
"Fufu~~, yes."
And judging by Erevain's and Erica's reaction, then that means...
"That another flag that you set has come true, fufufufu~~~."
...
I REMEMBER I SAID 'OR' NOT ALL AT ONCE!!
Chotto a minute...that means that Erevain's sister might be in there.
Should I do something?
Instinct is in favor of that and I bet they could be useful in the now obvious part when Princess Euphemia does her homecoming event.
"We were just at the right place in the right time. As I told Mister Fen'Ru-el, all that it matters is that you are safe and sound."
He shakes his head at my words.
"I am afraid I cannot accept that. Please, let me repay you for the lives that you have saved."
Here I am trying to sound all heroic and selfless, but he is not going to back down, huh.
Ok then, let's go with a bit of alter cunning.
"If you insist, then I ask of you to return the favor when the situation calls for it. Because I have a feeling that we will be seeing each other again in the Capital, Mister Charles."
I give him an honest smile while he sharpens his gaze as if trying to guess my motives but...sumanai...you are not getting a thing.
I maintain my smile for a few moments and his expression changes to a respectful smile.
"If that is what Lady Auros wishes, then I shall comply."
"Excellent, then I hope that your master is satisfied with this too. Everyone has their own circumstances, so I can empathize with her for not greeting us. Please, give her my best regards. Have a good day."
"...!"
Erevain reacts to my words and I nod lightly, confirming her thoughts.
As I start walking away and pass just beside one of the windows of the carriage, I catch a glance of a teenage girl with black and white hair moving quickly towards its door.
I can hear the voice of Charles and Sistina, the other attendant, as they try to stop her but to no avail.
"Wait!"
A certain girl's voice makes Erevain stop in her tracks before I or anyone else does.
I turn around and there she is.
Euphemia, Erevain's little sister, now a beautiful teenager with the clear aura of a princess to her.
Erevain turns around too and I can see a faint smile on her face. She is trying her best to hold back her emotions.
"Even if I am not able to tell you my name, I swear upon it that I will return the favor. So please, can you tell me who she is?"
Oh, I didn't expect her to ask about Erevain so directly.
Then...what shall I do?
_________________________________________________
"Thank you, My Lord. For letting me take care of my sister...if only to talk to her for moment. Even if brief."
We are back in the carriage.
Everyone was surprised by the sudden appearance of Princess Euphemia, who was believed to be missing and even dead...
But obviously the person who was most affected was Erevain, her once elder sibling.
"There is no need to thank me. I put my trust in your good judgment, not only for the sake of the mission but yours."
Indeed, I decided to let Erevain answer her sister's question of 'who' was she. And Erevain managed to hold herself back and told her that she was my head-maid, born and raised in the same country 'I' come from. As in the 'me' of the cover story that we made up with Nerinne.
She seemed not too keen to accept that and wanted to push a little more though. I guess because of the Moonlight attribute magic that Erevain used, but in the end, she just said, 'I see...' and again promised to return the favor before saying her goodbyes.
As for why Erevain used that cover story, it is simple.
She came to the same conclusion as me after noticing the strange circumstances of her entourage and reappearance. Her sister had come in secret and with an objective in mind. She was probably risking her life doing so and revealing her identity to her might bring unexpected problems. So, she let her go without knowing she had just talked to her elder sibling.
Using my instinct, I had the feeling this was the safest choice too. One that gives Erevain and Euphemia the chance of truly meeting again soon.
"Even so...thank you, My Lord. Because if we had not met at that road, I would not have been able to see and talk to my little sister once again. And she has grown up to be such a beautiful young woman. But most importantly, she looked healthy and strong, and still with the same fire in her eyes. I am truly glad."
Says Erevain with a pure and joyful smile.
__________________________________________________
Meanwhile, in the carriage of Princess Euphemia...
"Princess, what you did back there was dangerous! If that person were to have spies stationed in the vicinity our plan of infiltrating the city would have been ruined!"
Exclaimed Charles in his usual scolding tone.
"Princess, you know we have been planning this for a year."
"I know, Charles, Sistina. And I am sorry, but...she...that woman...she just looks so much like mother and...she even has the same magic attribute as her, but most strange of all...she sounded just like Big Brother when she chanted her magic..."
""...""
Silence reigned in the carriage for a moment after that.
Even if her attendants tried to deny it, they couldn't, for they thought the same.
Furthermore, the meeting with that woman had brought to the surface many emotions sealed within Euphemia.
Emotions that caused the little girl in her heart to come out for a moment.
"Big Brother...I miss you..."
____________________________________________________
We are here.
As in, we are on the way towards one of the Capital's gates.
I can already see the line of carriages that we'll have to wait on though.
"Dear, are you ready? I will equip you with the outfit that I have prepared for your arrival in the capital."
Ah! Yes, the Gothic Lolita!
LET'S DO IT NERINNE! I CAN'T BE HAVING MY BESTO WAIFU'S BODY WITHOUT SOME NICE GOTHIC LOLITA!!
"Fufufu~~~, there it goes dear. I hope you like it."
Ooh my clothes are shining!
Heh, everyone is surprised.
Aaaaand...there!!
*poof*
Ooooh!! It is identical to the besto waifu's Gothic Lolita outfit!
It looks so cool!
It is mainly black with some white in the dress, black stockings, boots, frills near the wrists and I can also feel the black bow on the back of my head.
Aaaah...it feels so nice and soft to be using it, Nerinne. So comfortable too...
It doesn't even feel tight in the chest area at all, regardless if it looks like it with them being this big.
Also, this perfume smells quite nice even if it is a bit...familiar?
And I can feel the softness of the under dress with my nude buttche—
Wait...
WHY I AM WEARING A THONG?!!
To be continued...(cue fanservicey illustration of Auros in her new outfit! Pre-order now for the limited invisible poster version and get an invisible Auros mousepad!!!)