I'm getting more confused as time goes on. There's just some things that don't add up.

I'm well aware that this is not the world that I have lived in my previous life.

Still, it is at least adapted to it. In this world, humans exist. There's a king, there's a prince, people talk in a familiar, although otherworldly language. We have the same flora and the same fauna.

I paced back and forth, next to the desk illuminated by a candle.

Then there are those parts which differ from my old world. Why do the Countries have different names than in my world, why is there such an abundance of meat, even though we are in the medieval ages. Why has the potato already been discovered.

In short. Why are some things identical to my old world and why are some things different?

There has to be a reason, and not knowing it, is bothering me.

While feeling stifled by my lack of knowledge, a servant knocked at the door, and declared with an imperative tone, "young mistress. His highness is ready to meet you."

"Come in."

"Excuse me then."

The person who came in was a young girl. Her brown hair was neatly organized, but still had a touch of individuality. She was wearing a maid outfit and held a silver tray between her hands. Particularly her nails stood out to me, as they were neatly trimmed. Her serious demeanor was a stark contrast to her childish face. She gave a light bow as I stared at her.

The moment I meet a person, I intuitively categorize them into to types. The introverted and the extroverted. Usually this information only serves as an initial anchor for me to base more detailed information on. But she was a bit peculiar.

"Aren't you a weird one," I said.

The first impression anyone would get from her, is probably that she was a good servant. She was neatly dressed, had trim nails and a tidy haircut. This image is however betrayed, by the necklace she is wearing and the aggressive fragrance she is giving off. Clearly, those are not the givings of a good maid.

Turns out, she is not good at her job, but just pays particular attention to her outer appearance. Combined with how she carries her speech with confidence, it is save to assume, that she is accustomed to the external world of people and things.

Stunned by my statement, the maid almost let the tray fall on the ground.

At least, that is what I perceive from the subconscious level.

On a concious level, or only towards me, she acts closed off and serious, as she speaks with the least possible amount of words and tries to converse as little as possible. Also, to not break her facade, she stays unmoving, which creates a crafted feeling.

In other words, she is an extrovert pretending to be introverted.

Slowly, I approach her, while she still felt puzzled by my words.

There's only one reason that causes such behavior, that is to conceal their feelings.

Especially love and fear are the most prominent ones to be hidden.

Which of the two she was trying to hide, is not hard to find out. Fom all the emotions residing in the human mind, it is elation and annoyance that are the easiest to spot.

To find out her real feelings, I gave an ambiguous statement and observed how she reacts, when faced with an unexpected situation.

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"I have met a lot of people that feign romantic intent, even though they aren't interested. Most of the time, it's because they are pulling a scam or having an affair. Rarely do I meet people, who are wholeheartedly devoted, but pretend they aren't. I wonder what your story is."

From the loose grip of her tray, which almost fell down, I was able to tell, that even though she was shocked by what i said, she did not feel gripping fear towards me, as being afraid would cause her muscles to tense up, and leave a sinking feeling in the abdomen, making one feel petrified. Especially if their secret is to be found out.

So it had to be something like love.

The only conclusion left was that she was an extrovert trying to hide her feelings of attraction or interest, by being introverted. So I just went with it.

I see her face slowly turn aghast, and filled with guilt. It felt like I was watching a child who got busted for stealing candy. It looks like my assumption was right.

"I'm terribly sorry if this one had offended thee in any way." She uttered, while bowing in a perfect angle.

"No, I do not mind. That fragrance you are wearing, is it almond oil? It's a nice smell."

"Y-yes, it is, thank you."

As she stole a slight glance at me, I send her a warm smile, to indicate that she had done nothing bad. She heaved a sigh of relief, and only then did she rise up again.

Well, seems like she was feeling fear after I found out what she was trying to hide, though.

I walked towards her, and put my hands upon her chin. Gradually, I lifted her face up. As we stared at each other's eyes, our breathing started to synchronize. While we breathed in and out, I could see in her amber eyes, that she held some inexplicable expectations towards me.

"You, what is your name?" I said while putting my arm around her waist.

"It- it's Estella," she answered in a coy voice.

"I see, it's a beautiful name. Do you wish to serve by my side?"

"Yes, of course, but I'm not worthy of such honor."

"That is for me to decide. In the meanwhile, why don't you bring me something to drink?"

Estella nodded vigorously and walked towards the the exit. Well, it is more accurate to say that she hopped to the exit. It took her less than a minute to come back with a glass of ale, she was panting and looked visibly tired, she must have ran as fast as she could.

After handing me the ale, I swirled it around, before taking a sip. I drank only half of it, so I could give her the rest.

"Now, drink what's left of it."

"I couldn't possibly, I'm just a lowly servant," she replied while frantically waving her arms.

"No, I insist, it's my way of telling you that I will be relying upon you from today, and that you should rely on me. I hope that we could walk the future path as equals, so do not say that you are only a lowly servant to me."

Stunned by my declaration, she absentmindedly stared at the glass I gave her.

"What, are you dissatisfied with my decision?"

"No, it's, it's just," Estella paused for a moment, before looking at me, "I just can't stop smiling," and revealed a silly grin.

In the end, she gulped down the whole glass, with an elated face.

Afterwards, she kneeled on the ground and exclaimed, "this serv-' I mean, I, Estella, would like to follow you through life and death, serve as your boulder in needs of help and serve as your wind when stuck. I wish to become your light in the darkness, just as you had been the fire that stimulated mine."

"You don't have to be so formal. Come here."

I stretched my hands and gave her a big hug. She sunk into my side and I could feel her warm breath tickling my skin. The smell of almond invaded my nose and her heartbeat was rising.

"Thank you miss." She said, her head buried in my chest.

"I have a name, you know?"

"I, uh, thank you, Agnes," she corrected and I could feel her squeezing a fraction tighter.

And with this I've completed my conquest of Estella.

What is the most important aspect of a companion?

Is it talent? No, that's wrong. I do not need talented people. I have enough talent myself to fill the gaps, I'd rather have an honest idiot than a lazy genius.

Then is it loyalty? No, wrong again. Let me make this clear, there's no such thing as loyalty. There's only mutual benefit and temporary awe.

It's devotion, which is the most important.

Those who had fallen in love with someone, would know what I mean. Devotion, unlike friendship, is unconditional.

Friendship only exist because of certain factors. That person is funny, that person goes to the same school, that person has the same hobbies. It's these conditions that cause friendship. Consequently, if they disappear, so does the friendship.

The same goes for loyalty. Loyalty is based on giving and taking. Loyalty is something that can be traded for benefits. Loyalty can be given before and after the transaction.

Loyalty is only temporary. If the trader thinks he has given enough, or if anyone makes a better offer, that loyalty will disappear too.

Only devotion stays, because devotion is unconditional.

Even if that person changes hair colors, I will accept them.

Even if that person switches personalities, I will accept them.

Even if that person, became crazy, became disabled, became a plant, I will still accept them.

This is what devotion is.

But because devotion is unconditional, it is also irrational.

Feelings of devotion, appear as they like, but if handled carefully, will never disappear.

That is why such a rare gem as Estella should be kept around at all cost.

"I believe his highness is waiting," I said, while still holding her in my arms.

Following that, she snapped out of her trance and answered, "uh, yes, of course."

I observed her face and could see that tears had formed in her eyes. I wonder how long she had stifled these feelings.

"Lead the way, please."

"Naturally, just follow me."

We separated from each other and I began walking behind her.

It was only now that I had realized how big the palace was, how many rooms it had and how long the hallway reached.

"Do you know why I am headed to his highness, dear?"

"No, This o-, I do not."

"It's because I had annulled the engagement with the prince."

Suddenly she stopped walking. Not expecting her to halt, I rammed into her. Ouch, I'm just a delicate girl, warn me next time.

"Eh, what did you say? Isn't that a big deal, no this is definetly a big deal."

I laughed, "that's why I'm meeting the king."

"Why are you taking it so nonchalantly?" Estella shouted with a pouting face.

"What do you think will his highness do to me, after he found out?"

She pondered for a moment, "I believe he will not take this too kindly."

I nodded.

"So you also think so. Well, I wouldn't just march there without any plans. Estella, today, you'll get to witness something beautiful, so find a good seat."

"Well if you say so." She sighed, "ah also, I have a question."

"Oh feel free to ask."

"What were you doing in the guestroom, Agnes?"

Huh? That was a guest room I resided in? But it was so big.

While I was still pondering about the size of a guest room, we had already reached our destination.

No but, that was bigger than my old house. Guest room?