A once unfamiliar ceiling… But now, it’s the first that welcomes me every morning.

I slowly opened my eyes, eluminating every furnitures existing in my room. It’s been a while since I stopped sleeping at the library.

As I shift my view out the chandelier over me, I saw Elara back in her maid dress, sitting beside me as she hold my hand. When she noticed that I woke up, she quickly grasped her arms around my head.

After seven months, I can finally cling to her chest again. I’ve been missing these ever since she vanished from my sight.

“Princess Veniara, you idiot!” Elara cried like a kid. Her sweet voice came back as her ego vanished. “Why would you risk that much! Even though you’re cool back there, I didn’t know you would pass out.”

“I’m sorry, Elara. I’m fine now. I only ran out of mana,” I muttered through her clothes. “I really missed you.”

“I missed you too, Princess-sama!” She exclaimed more than I do. Her sob circulated around every corner of the room.

“Using such high-spec magic have drawbacks for age.”

She pulled her hug out to see my face and stopped sobbing. “Who taught you that? Is that the blabber-mouthed rival of Senior Ellyn? You aren’t fully capable yet. How dare she taught you that?”

“N—No, Elara. I’m the one who requested it. It’s my fault.”

“Hmm,” Elara pulled her head back and pinched her chin. “I shouldn’t have left that to a nine-year-old. You ruined your moment.”

“I’m not even looking for a montage!” I exclaimed. “By the way, what happened after?”

“What you did might’ve attracted monsters on the whole forest, but no other threats came. We have the time to dig up to the golem’s remains to search for clues about Elliot.”

“D—Did you find anything?”

“A crest… Senior Ellyn found it stuck in its foot part. It’s not just a simple crest. The royal family held a meeting with the knights for further investigation. I can’t say anything further beyond that.”

“Why? Don’t worry. I won’t involve myself further in that matter.”

“It was Queen Genivie who told me that. As your aide, I should be in charge of your well-being. As long as I’m here, you’re not going to tire yourself ever again.”

I sighed. “I know you’re worried, but… fine. I’ll let you manage my time—But for a condition!”

“Eh? What condition is that?” Elara asked with a tilted head.

“I’m still doing what I should do. You’re just the one who’ll schedule it. I will try to look upon myself more. I don’t want to overworry you again.”

“I’m fine with that, Princess Veniara. Do you want a pinky promise?”

“So childish… But I like you that way.”

She extends her pinky finger at me. As I extend mine too, we crossed each others pinky finger, swaying our hands in the air as she sings a song.

“Wait— Now that you’re the royal court maid again, where’s Ellyn?” I asked, breaking our little entertainment.

“Aren’t you the one who agreed in terms with her? You can see her later after meal. Your majesty asked first to eat a meal with you.”

“C—Can’t I just— skip that part?” I stuttered, hoping that I should stop hearing dad jokes again.

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

She smirked. “No can do.”

After preparing myself, I went to the dining room as my family waited me there. Dad is sitting in his seat. Mom obstructed me in the entrance and hugged me. Marina wasn’t here.

“Red Cat, how are you now? Are you doing fine? Are you eating properly? It’s been months since you came abnormal,” Mom cried, gripping my head with strength.

“Mom, you’re worrying too much. I’m fine,” I chuckled while my head sat in her bouncy chests.

“But you went through a rough journey, and I couldn’t be there. I’m a failure to watch over you.”

“Mom, don’t blame yourself. I longed to be strong in the first place. You see, I’m now capable of protecting Elara and the people of the kingdom.”

“Well done, my daughter… But now, you should take your time.”

“I will.”

I’ve been over-exerting myself these past few months, and I only have a few days to regain my sleep. I’m still anxious about my future, and that made me think that time is my only resource… but now, it wasn’t.

My family existed to protect me, including Elara, Ellyn, Brodveth… This kingdom is my whole family. It might be impossible to face the dark lord alone, but with my family here, I have nothing to fear.

These people are willing to catch a meteor falling towards me. I should be the one to reflect that meteor back.

Ten in the morning, the whole Ravelgrace family, including the maids and buttles, stood across the stairs of the entrance of the mansion.

Before us, Ellyn held her things with a smile. Marina’s maid, Gloria, held the Ciamera beside us, recording every moment of Ellyn’s farewell.

“Senior Ellyn, I hate to say this, but thank you very much for standing beside Princess Veniara,” Elara remarked, resting her hand over her heart. “I wish you in good health before you trip yourself in the street.”

“Oh, isn’t it your hobby, Elara? I wish you wouldn’t use your body as a shield again,” Ellyn chuckled.

“What!? Are you messing with me!?” Elara growled as she leaned towards Ellyn. Ellyn also leaned as their inch-away eyes sparkled in between.

In the middle of Elara and Ellyn’s heated moment, I stepped up. “Hey, stop, you two! We’re in the middle of a farewell here!”

Ellyn stepped back and smiled at me. “Don’t you have anything to say to me? For example, an explanation of how I was punished for something that ain’t my fault?”

What she said made my brow wink in guilt. I didn’t know all this time that she had a lingering anger about what I did seven months ago, forcing her to suddenly become the royal maid.

I bowed, bending my body to 45 degrees. “I’m sorry. I’m just shy to request for your help, and it’s the only way I could think of. I’ll never do it again.”

Ellyn suddenly rubbed my head. “My, my! What a deceiving young girl you are. Since I’m under you, I didn’t have the opportunity to punish you.”

“We’ll meet again soon, right?”

“Are you looking forward to see me in the Central Capital? There’s only one place that you could find me. If I’m not there, who knows?”

“I will enter the academy and visit you always.”

“I will expect that,” Ellyn replied with a smile.

I thought at first that Ellyn is a deceptive lady who’s doing things behind the scenes. I’m wrong about her. She’s a lovely mother who thinks of kids having greater importance than her own life.

She deserved the gift that she received from my family. Father’s the one who gave it to him. I didn’t enter their conversation, but that gift was the payment in the terms of protecting and watching over me.

That gift was an orphanage.

“We have eagerly awaited your gracious decision to lend your support to the orphanage and provide for the children without parents. The fate of these young souls rests in the hands of one who possesses a kind heart and noble spirit. Will you answer the call to serve those in need?” Father stated like an oath.

“Your graciousness knows no bounds, oh great majesty. This most generous gift is a treasure that I shall forever hold in the highest esteem,” Elara replied with a smile.

“Fret not, my dear Ellyn. By the way, do you want to hear another children’s joke—”

Bang! With a swift swing of her hand, Mother stopped Father from exposing his bad breath from his mouth. She repeatedly smacked Dad’s head while smiling at Ellyn.

“My dearest, we mustn't pay heed to his words. You are a valued member of our noble family, and we are pleased to have you amongst us. Your presence brings us joy and happiness, and we shall always stand by you, come what may,” Mom said.

“I humbly express my gratitude, my lady. The memory of having been a cherished member of a family of noble and virtuous souls shall forever hold a special place in my heart,” Ellyn replied with a bow.

As she turned her head back straight, her narrow eyelids suddenly widened, showing her glittering emerald eyes. She curved her lips, revealing her teeth.

That warm smile of hers revealed how true she was to us, the most lovely I’ve ever seen.

That ended my story with Ellyn. I hope I’ll see her again soon. I’m looking forward to glimpsing that warm smile of hers again.

For some reason, I felt jealous of the children who were soon to be under her care. They’ve found a charming and endearing mother capable of protecting their children.

I hope things go well on her side… and so as mine.

There are still things I need to prepare. Time’s falling apart, but now, I can ask Elara to help me deal with things.

For the next three months, the scenes in the novel will start running. I will be facing an engagement with Xenos Rutherford, the first prince of the Western Empire…

And the dark lord I need to avoid.