Mera was wearing a plain, yet formal, white and black dress instead of the usual maid outfit for today. For today was the royal burial for the queen. And along to be buried with her were a few of the elite knights, including Rogan. It was a sad day for the kingdom, even more so to know about the war they were currently under.

Even Mera was worried about how it would go on from here. However, for now, she should focus on the current event. The burial of the queen and Rogan was an extremely important event. Mera looked around the surroundings, the front yard of the palace was filled with people, nobles. All wearing the same color scheme as Mera’s.

On top of an extravagant carriage was the beautiful coffin of the queen of Wisteria. And behind it were multiple fancy coffins on their own carriages, one being Rogan’s. There was to be a procession, where they would pass the city streets, then to the green landscapes where the Sanctum of Noble Tranquility lay. The burial ground of the royals, and their most honorable and loyal subjects. Where they were surrounded by the beauty of nature and Wisteria itself.

Everyone in the palace was to join the burial procession, except for a few guards. But most would be coming. Even all the maids. Mera heaved a long and tired sigh. Things had been so depressing lately, and it had been so hard.

As Mera stood at the corner, two of her maid friends saw her and joined up with her. The two of them were wearing their formal white and black dress.

“How are you doing, Mera?” Macey asked with a concerned expression.

“... I told you already, I am fine.”

“Uh-huh, you say that, but it doesn't look like it.” Ellie placed her hands on her hips.

“... I’m just processing things, okay?”

Ever since Mera was grief stricken, every day, her friends would constantly ask how she was. Mera would always say that she was doing fine, which her friends didn’t seem to believe. Did she not look fine at all? She was trying to look the part. But it would seem her efforts were futile. Truth be told, she was not feeling completely fine. There were a lot of thoughts in her mind, countless swirling thoughts. But she didn’t tell them, she didn’t want them to worry.

“... Mm.” Ellie narrowed her eyes. “Alright…”

The three of them stared at the gathering crowd in the front yard.

“It’s finally the burial, huh?” Macey muttered. “After this… All our focus will be on the war.”

“Yeah. So fucked up…” Macey scoffed. “Why can’t the Empire just leave things be?”

“... You think we’ll survive…?” Macey placed a hand on her arm, a worried expression on her face.

“Why wouldn’t we?”

“I mean… the Empire is a big nation…”

Ellie sighed. “Have faith in your own kingdom. There’s no point in being pessimistic.”

Macey meekly nodded. “You’re right…”

“We’ll fight to the very end…”

Be that as it may, Mera was also afraid of the upcoming war. No, it was happening already. They just weren't experiencing it yet, as it was still occurring at the border. Mera feared what the future would hold. What if they lose and Wisteria was destroyed? What would it mean to the people? To the people in the palace? To the royals? To the princess?

“... By the way, Mera, will you ride the carriage with us?” Ellie asked.

Mera shook her head. “No. As the princess’s maid and a colleague of Sir Rogan, I will ride with Sir Vernon in one carriage at the front.”

“I thought so.” She turned towards the other maids already gathering in the front yard. “Everyone’s getting ready. Macey and I will be going ahead.”

“Okay.”

Macey gave Mera a smile before going along with Ellie. Mera was watching them go just as Vernon arrived, standing beside her.

“Mera.”

“Ah, Sir Vernon.” She bowed her head.

Vernon nodded back and pointed his eyes towards the two maids walking away. “... You have good friends, Mera. They’re always so worried about you.”

Mera lowered her head and formed a strained smile. “Yes. But… sometimes I think it’s just unnecessary to be so worried.”

“No one could help it when they care about you. That is something that must be valued.”

“...”

“At any rate, it’s time for us to go. Our carriage is ready.”

“Right.”

Together, they began heading for their carriage. On the way, Mera saw the two princes walking together. Both of them had sorrowful expressions. However, the younger brother, Estevan, appeared to be distraught the most. From what Mera knew, he had been working himself to the bone in searching for his sister, the princess. Mera appreciated his efforts. However, it would seem the princess was never found.

Mera glanced at the king, who was waiting for his sons to enter the carriage. He seemed more composed than his children. Perhaps as one might expect from a ruler, trying to show composure as much as possible. They climbed up their carriage; it was an open carriage, neither a door nor roof.

Knights on horses had also begun to line up and set a protective perimeter. The coffins at the very front of the procession seemed to be ready to go as well. The royals behind the late queen’s carriage, and behind them were the rest of the late knights to be buried along with her. And behind that was Mera and Vernon’s carriage. The two of them entered the enclosed carriage.

Vernon closed the door as he sat on the chair opposite of Mera. Mera leaned to the window. A short while later, the carriage began to move, shaking a little as it went. They went past the broken gate. Mera only stared through the window as they moved through the bridge going over the river. She glanced at the knight riding his steed close to their carriage. They were keeping an extremely tight security, considering that there were numerous important personnel here. Not just aristocrats from the capital, but from other territories as well.

There was no noise but the sounds of horse hooves stomping and carriage wheels rattling and moving. Eventually, they arrived in the city. As they went through the streets, the people had already gathered at the sides of the path, a lot of them. The street corners were filled to the brim, as if the entire city people came to participate and see the procession.

Even as they reached somewhere at the center of the city, there were no fewer people than the place before. Every one of them had sad and grief-stricken expressions on their faces.

“My queen!”

“No…!”

Some expressed their pain and sadness through their words. Some showed and expressed their sympathies to the king and the two princes. Many more cried at seeing the coffin of their queen, confirming that they had indeed lost a monarch they loved. Indeed, the people loved the monarchs. They were compassionate. Never abusive, always doing whatever they could for the nation and its people. Thus, they were sincerely hurt to see that their queen had passed away. And considering how she died only made it more tragic.

Seeing the people this way made Mera emotional as she quickly rubbed the tears coming out of her eyes.

“The princess really is missing.”

“Where could she be?”

“I hope she’s safe.”

Mera faintly heard some people talk as they only saw the king and the princes. The beautiful princess was nowhere in sight. When they officially announced the queen’s death, they also included the disappearance of the princess. It hit the populace hard. Wisteria was indeed going through a hard time. Add to it the announcement about the encroaching war.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

“Sir Vernon…”

“Hm?”

“... What… Once this day ends, what are we going to do from then on?”

Vernon looked outside as if contemplating. “We’ll do our job, I suppose.”

“Our job? But… we do not have our lady.”

Vernon stared at her and let out a brief sigh. “The palace still needs cleaning.”

“... And after that…?” Mera lowered her head.

“... What is it you want, Mera?”

“... It’s just… Would cleaning be all that we’ll be doing? Is that all?”

It just didn’t feel right to her. It felt like it wouldn’t be enough to do just that, especially after all that had been happening. She felt terrible just thinking about doing all the normal chores, as if nothing terrible was happening.

“What else would we be doing?”

“...” She didn’t know what to answer. She hadn't thought of what to do.

“There is nothing we can do to help, Mera. You want to search and save the princess? Let others that are much better than us do it.”

Mera lowered her head. She had nothing to say. Even so, she wanted to do more. For her lady. There must be something else she could do. So that she wouldn’t be completely useless in this time of crisis. Something truly meaningful.

She shifted her eyes back to the crowd outside.

***

The Sanctum of Noble Tranquility was among the most important places in the Wisteria Kingdom. It was a wide, almost circular area surrounded by the healthy green planes of the capital region. It had its own space, away from both the capital city and the palace. It was supposed to be a place for absolute peace.

A place where the people buried here would no longer be burdened by the troubles in the world. That was why they were placed away in a quiet and serene place.

The sanctum was absolutely beautiful, thick and healthy trees stood on several spots, giving shade from the sun above. Assorted types of bright and colorful flowers decorated the garden in multiple straight lines, curving all over. Different kinds of small insects jumped from one petal to the other. Healthy, short green blades of grasses filled the ground. And most of all, along the several paths of the sanctum, were trees of Wisteria blooming with their ever beautiful purple hue.

The paths exuded an air of elegance as the fragrant and gorgeous wisteria flowers cascaded from the pergolas. Imagine how truly beautiful it would be during the night, where these purple flowers would shine in a gentle glow under the moonlight. Truly a place where peace can be attained. A place of those buried here deserved.

And at the more open area, where the sun’s light showered over them, were the tombstones of the ones buried here. There were many of them, men and women who had served their masters to the end with shining and unbreakable love and loyalty. Dating back centuries. Indeed, it wouldn’t be strange for this sanctum to be expanded when needed. Each area was organized to each era of monarchs where they would be buried nearby with their most honorable and loyal subjects, ones who did the heavy sacrifices.

And in a particular area of the sanctum was where Mera and the others gathered. The maids, aristocratic families, knights, all gathered around the coffins. Mera and Vernon stood beside each other. In front of them was the remaining royal family, and with them was Marquis Teristro, his wife and his daughter. His red-haired daughter, Mizia, was crying subtly.

Standing by the queen’s coffin was an old man wearing a religious robe of white, gold, and purple. The high bishop. Currently, he was giving a prayer for those that had passed. He faced the queen’s coffin.

“Her Majesty, the Queen, Meliya Helvinia Wisteria, was a kind ruler, loved by all her subjects. But above all else, she was a loving and caring mother of three, and a dear wife to one. We are saddened by her departure, and yet we shall be happy, for she, along with these loyal servants of the kingdom, shall unite with the Lord and Lady.”

The bishop closed his eyes and clasped his hands together on his chest. Mera and the rest of the crowd followed suit.

“We pray to the Lord and Lady, guide their souls to the afterlife, where they shall have the greatest of peace. From which they will find their way to you, may your golden light shine upon their path.”

“““Amen.””” The crowd said in unison.

“In your hands, O Lord and Lady, we commend the souls of your faithful servants — the Queen, Meliya Helvinia Wisteria, the Princess’s Personal Knight, Rogan Dorien, the elite knights, Sebert Anderol, Calder Hollert, Warton Sawyer, and Sinan Kiroz. In your sight, may the queen and her knights pass into everlasting life. May the Lord’s guiding voice, and the Lady’s gentle embrace, lead them into Paradise, and have an eternity of peace and rest.”

“““Amen.”””

Everyone opened their eyes. Mera then watched as the high bishop held out his hand. A golden light shone on his palm, and a second later, they sprouted out into multiple golden droplets. The droplets fell on the coffins like in a calm and beautiful rain. The final blessing, the holy light.

Once the light had settled down, the high bishop lowered his hand.

“It is time,” he said.

The knights began moving the coffins into the holes that had already been dug for them. They placed ropes underneath the coffins, and with coordinated movements, they carefully positioned and slowly lowered them. Once all the coffins had settled in the bottom of the hole, they pulled and retrieved the ropes and the knights stepped away.

Baskets of flowers carried by maids were placed beside the hole of each grave. The king and his children were the first to move. They first walked over to one of the knights’ basket and picked up a flower. They then dropped it into the hole, landing atop the coffin. They then did the same to the others, one by one. Once they were done dropping a flower on Rogan’s coffin, they proceeded to stand in front of the queen’s grave.

They each slowly picked up a flower. The king closed his eyes as he began to shed tears, rubbing them with his sleeve. The composed king from earlier was gone.

“I will miss you so much, Meliya, my love. You're the best person I have ever met. I was the happiest when I was with you… Meeting you was the greatest moment of my life. And marrying you was the best decision I have ever made. I love you.” He dropped the flower, and it landed softly on the coffin.

“Mother,” Eleden said as he used his handkerchief to wipe his eyes. “I swear I will become a stronger person than I am now. I will make you proud. I love you.” He let go of the flower.

Estevan, meanwhile, didn’t make an attempt to wipe the tears coming out of his eyes. He had that firm look on his face, yet the sorrow was clear. “I love you, Mother. And I will miss you. How I wish things would have been different…” He lowered his head. “... I promise you… I’ll do everything I can to make things better. So you don’t have to worry about anything. Watch as we succeed.” With a solemn look, he held out his hand and dropped the flower into the grave.

Next to step beside the queen’s grave as the royals left was Meril and his family.

“Sister,” Meril said as he slowly picked up a flower. “I will surely miss you.” He forced a smile. “You’re the best and sweetest sister I could ask for. Have a peaceful rest, my dear sister.” A small tear came out of the corner of his eyes as he dropped the flower into the grave.

Next was Meril’s wife. “Your Majesty, my sister-in-law, I never really got to thank you for warning me about Meril.” She briefly chuckled. “Still, because of you, I am with him. I wished we could have spent more time together. I could have shown you more of my garden… Thank you for everything.” She dropped the flower.

Next was Mizia, who was crying and kept placing her handkerchief on her tearful eyes. She sniffed. “A-Aunt Meliya… You were so kind and caring to me. Thank you!” She lowered her head, as she could no longer hold out her tears. Both her father and mother gently patted her back. “... I never imagined this would happen… My time in the palace has always been so enjoyable, to be with your children, my cousins. I-I will miss you greatly… G-Goodbye…” With a trembling hand, she dropped the flower.

With that, the rest of the people that had personal connections with the departed approached their particular graves. Mera and Vernon approached Rogan’s.

Mera picked up a flower, taking a deep breath. As she briefly closed her eyes, its corners moistened. “Sir Rogan… I… Your presence was a joyful one… And when you’re with us, things become less boring. You were a good colleague and a dear friend. Thank you for everything. Thank you for fulfilling your duty until the very end.” She dropped the flower.

Vernon formed a small smile. “Indeed, you were a reliable colleague, a reliable knight. I felt confident when we fought together with the princess. You were a brave knight. And now, you can leave the rest to us. Once the princess returns, we will take good care of her and I will defend her with my life, as did you.” He held out his hand and let go of the floor. He watched closely as the flower touched the coffin.

When everyone was done, it was then that the graves started being covered. The knights gradually filled the holes with dirt, and eventually the coffins could no longer be seen. They placed the tombstones, with the queen’s being the most beautiful.

Mera then saw Mizia approach the king. They hugged tight as she cried.

“I… I am worried about Estelia, Uncle…” Mizia said. “Is there any news?”

The king had a sad look on his face. “I’m afraid there is none. But we’ll find her, don’t worry.”

“I hope so… I truly hope so. It’s a dangerous world out there…”

“Indeed, it is…”

Mera lowered her head as she contemplated again.

An hour later, everyone began to leave, returning to their carriages. Like last time, Mera and Vernon headed to their carriage together. When they were about to enter, Mera suddenly stopped in place. Vernon stared at her curiously.

“Mera? Is something wrong?”

“I finally know what I want to do.”

“Hm? What?”

“Your words to Sir Rogan… You fought together with the princess… And last time that happened, I was left in the palace.” She raised her head and looked Vernon in the eyes. “I don’t want that to happen anymore. I don’t want to be useless.”

“What are you trying to say?” Vernon raised an eyebrow.

“Sir Vernon, you said that I have a high affinity for Physical Enhancement.”

“I did.”

“Then please train me!”

Vernon blinked as he processed her words. “Are you serious about that?”

“Yes, I am. Train me, help me become strong. So that one day I can fight beside you and protect the princess. To fight for her.”

Vernon was silent for a second. “... Training is not easy, Mera. Not only will you practice the technique, but learn how to actually fight.”

“I don’t mind. I’ll learn everything that I have to!”

“If you want to fight for your mistress… You need not only to fight. Her enemies are great. We need to have a firm will. There will be times that we must do what is necessary. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”

Mera didn’t answer, for she didn’t know what it was.

Vernon pointed a stern gaze at her. “You must be willing to kill.”

Mera’s eyes widened.

“I am aware it is not in your nature to commit such an act. If you want to fight, you must do it. You must take a life, no matter how many.”

Mera clenched her fists, returning a powerful gaze at Vernon filled with clear conviction.

“If I must do it, then I will. For the princess that I serve, I will stain my hands with blood.”

Indeed, she would do everything. If she must suffer in training to get stronger, she would willingly go through it. Learn everything that she must. If she needed to kill one day, then she would. If it was for the princess, she would do everything. Even if her hands and soul were to be tainted with the blood of her enemies, then so be it. She didn’t care. As long as she gets to serve the princess, as long as she gets to protect her, as long as she wouldn’t be useless, she would do anything.

Vernon let out a short and subtle sigh. “Very well, Mera. I will train you.”