Title: 'Summary Report of the 3rd Stray Core to the 2nd Kundis Allied Army Strategic Staff, 2/2/457 - 3/2/457IC.'

Reads: 'Strategic staff. I acknowledge your request for a status report concerning the 3rd Stray Core, and I hereby comply. Regrettably, I must extend my apologies for the delayed response, attributed to the unfortunate fact your courier was shot down. It was only due to the findings of an unnamed soldier that your letter came into my possession merely an hour ago, and now commands my immediate attention. As I commit this report to writing, it bears the timestamp of 22:21, 3rd of the 2nd, Year 457 Imperial Calendar.

'Allow me to convey my findings in a brief and concise manner, or at least to the best of my abilities. It is imperative to note that some of the information presented herein may be unreliable in nature. The foundation for these accounts rests primarily upon eyewitness testimonies, prone to variances in perspective. Regrettably, this constitutes the entirety of my available resources.

'On the date of 2/2/457IC at 3:50, marked the cessation of the initial skirmish, characterized by an estimated casualty count between 3,000 and 3,300. This assessment derives from unit-specific casualty claims, coupled with omissions in injury reporting. Between the hours of 6:52 and 7:21, reports of a potential Imperial encirclement reached my command. Unfortunately, the precise moment of their visual confirmation eludes documentation. At 17:42, the Imperials achieved a successful encirclement, by method of the snake hold tactic. In anticipation of this encirclement, I opted to abandon the one-way elastic defense and the collapsing lines tactic, adopting a rigid circular defensive formation with the camp as its epicenter.

'Throughout the entirety of 3/2/457 IC, our forces have been engaged in heavy fighting on all fronts. The predominant mode of engagement has assumed a maverick-style by both sides due to the dense woodland terrain. Notably, save for the initial skirmish, encounters with the newly deployed Imperial weaponry remain conspicuously absent.

'Fortuitously, our forces have procured three muskets, a testament to the valorous sacrifice of 2nd Sergeant Mae Rose of the 3rd Knights Fireteam, who perished in combat while engaging an Imperial musket formation. Her sacrifice facilitated the acquisition of these weapons. It is our fervent hope that our rearguard endures sufficiently to permit their detailed study.

'To date, there has been no sighting of mages or knights of the purple, namely the grenadiers of the unidentified artform. This may signify an Imperial reluctance to assume undue risks during this early phase of the campaign. Of the original roughly 24,000 personnel assigned to this rearguard, our current strength stands at just under 9,000.

'Our commitment to holding our position in accordance with orders remains unwavering. Nonetheless, I respectfully require the order of relief at the earliest juncture, if the prospect of our continued existence is to be ensured.

'Should further details or clarifications be required, I remain at your disposal.

'Yours only in duty and honor, Vice-Captain Alice Rose Kolba-Kadalis, Commander of the 3rd Stray Core.'

Title: 'Acknowledgment of message from the 2nd Kundis Allied Army Strategic Staff.'

Reads: 'Dated 2:58, 4th of the 2nd, Year 457 Imperial Calendar.

'I hereby acknowledge the receipt of your message, which was successfully delivered at approximately 2:41. In accordance with the authority vested in me and on behalf of the 3rd Stray Core, we duly acknowledge and comply with your order for relief. Subsequently, we shall commence preparations for a retreat through a breakout.

'Yours only in duty and honor, Vice-Captain Alice Rose Kolba-Kadalis, Commander of the 3rd Stray Core.'

Nova leaned against the rough bark of an understory tree, her gaze fixated on the oppressive darkness that enveloped her, broken only by the silhouettes of countless other trees. The passage of time gnawed at her insides, waiting for any thread of information, all but certain that none would come. She peaked a glance at the messenger standing beside her, his rigid stance betraying his anxiety.

"I don't know if you've noticed," she began, her voice, a soothing melody in the midst of the forest's eerie silence. "But we've been here for over two hours, without so much as a whisper from the wind. Yet you're still here, stiff as a brick."

The messenger turned to her, somehow more nervous now than he had been just moments ago. "Forgive me, Lady Fable. This is my first time serving a knight and noble like yourself."

"Oh, so I was the reason. Forgo the lady and address me as officer, think of me as some tavern tender if that helps. If you forget my background I ain't that different from you. Relax; we'll be here for a while. You'd exhaust yourself before your job even starts."

"Do you think they will come? There's been no sight of them since yesterday afternoon."

"Better if they don't. I suspect the Imperial knights had caught onto us. It seems they finally realized we only move when they appear. Have you heard of the surge in Imperial infantry lately?"

"I've heard the rumors. Word has it our entire southern front may crumble soon, then we'll all be in trouble."

"Really? This is the first I'm hearing of it. What's your source?"

"The other runners, don't know for sure though. We always share everything we hear to each other, the goings on, what routes are safe, that sorta thing. It just happ—"

"Shhh, quiet," she whispered sharply, her acute hearing detecting faint yet distinct footsteps trailing far behind her. Nova's muscles tensed, and she enhanced her hearing further, her right hand hovering instinctively over the hilt of her blade. Regardless of who it was, it never harmed to be cautious.

Amidst the chaos of mounting casualties and a growing number of breaches in their defenses. Imperial forces had infiltrated their ranks in small, marauding groups. Nova had assumed that Imperial knights would pounce on such opportunities, but to her bewilderment, they had remained suspiciously absent from the fray since yesterday afternoon, a fact that troubled her deeply.

But as the footsteps drew nearer, a peculiar certainty settled in Nova's mind. They were too confident to belong to an enemy. It was one solitary individual, their deliberate steps echoing with purpose through the forest, a ghostly presence Nova guessed was unafraid of being discovered.

"Nevermind," she breathed, her voice barely louder than a sigh. "It's one of ours."

Moments later, Alice emerged from the inky shadows, her features shrouded in mystery. Nova strained to discern her figure against the night’s canvas, where darkness painted its own secrets. Alice, a fleeting apparition, briefly graced the moonlight before slipping away once more into the dark. In contrast to the brilliant full moon that graced the skies just two nights ago, the subsequent evenings had unfurled a gradual descent into a deeper darkness. The forest environment exacerbating the problem further.

Nova wore a puzzled expression. This place, though considered secure behind friendly lines, still hummed with the potential of imminent danger, being labeled as a combat zone. Why was the commander of the rearguard, entrusted with the safety of the entire core, present here?

With a soft rustle of a nearby bush, the messenger finally spotted the gradually approaching Alice. Despite her position as the core's commander, she remained a mystery to most, her presence seldom gracing the eyes of the soldiers she commanded. Rarely venturing beyond the sanctuary of her private quarters and the command tent. Brief and efficient, her meetings with fellow officers were devoid of pleasantries, fostering a distance that felt almost tangible. Her orders arrived mostly in written form, delivered by messengers, further severing the connection between her and her soldiers. This, in conjunction with her status, which elevated her above even the other nobles present, created an invisible barrier of sorts between her and her subordinates.

Interestingly, Alice's current uniform lacked an armband, concealing her rank. Within the diverse armies of the Sundahelm, armbands were crucial for distinguishing soldiers, where standards in uniforms and armor exhibit variation from clan to clan. Soldiers were taught never to remove their armbands. Although technically prohibited, some soldiers, particularly officers, occasionally granted themselves permission to remove it while still in service under specific circumstances. Alice, presently holding the highest rank within the core and wielding unchecked authority, meant that she could do so without facing any repercussions. Her presence here was undoubtedly covert. What intrigued Nova, however, was the absence of her renowned true silver eyes, replaced by a hue of brown.

The messenger found himself uncertain about Alice's background and rank, deciding to err on the side of caution, he saluted her. "I'm Colends Axel Rose, greetings comrade. What business bought you here?"

An uneasy silence lingered as Axel waited for Alice to reciprocate the introduction. Nova watched the exchange with quiet patience, noting the faint smile on Alice's face as she subtly signaled to Nova for assistance. It took a moment, but Nova finally recalled a crucial detail. Alice couldn't lie.

"Axel," Nova swiftly interjected, casting the silence aside, "may I present 2nd Sergeant Nina Rose, an officer I've been eagerly awaiting."

Axel, his confusion still etched on his face. Chose to place his trust in Nova's words, his respect for her clearly outweighing his doubts. "Sergeant, if I may inquire, where is your plate armor and armband?"

"I have no need for them," Alice replied with quiet confidence. "Now, Axel, apologies for the rudeness but if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to have a private conversation with Support Officer Fable here. Please, it would be appreciated if you could maintain some distance for a while."

"But Sergeant, my duty is to remain at Lady Fable's side. If combat were t—"

"If combat were to occur," Nova interjected again, her voice gentle but firm, "I will call for you. Imperial knights haven't been sighted since yesterday, and I don't foresee that changing anytime soon. Stay within earshot, I will shout, you will hear me. I'll take full responsibility for this decision. Now, if you would, unless you want me to order you specifically?"

Axel reluctantly nodded, his hesitation evident. "Understood, Ma'am," he finally conceded, "I spoke out of turn, I will do as you will." Departing in a direction that seemed most appropriate.

The tension in the air eased slightly as Axel walked away, leaving Nova and Alice to themselves.

"Alice," Nova said, her tone laced with concern, "a bit risky, don't you think? Speaking like that."

"Speaking like what?" Alice replied casually, feigning ignorance. A question Alice knew sided on the border of damnation, a question many in her same position wouldn't dare say.

"Didn't know you fancy being an oathbreaker," Nova warned, her voice almost stern. "Saying you have no need for items considered compulsory. Can I take your words as a lie? Plates are the minimum for officers, and armbands for everyone."

"I didn't lie. I have no need for either, in these circumstances at least. How many times are you going to scold me every time I speak this way?"

"You're treading a fine line and it irks me. I am just worried that one day you'll slip up."

"Do you have any idea how restricting it is, how it makes me feel to only speak the truth or near truth? To be unable to say what you want sometimes? Forgive me if what I do is the closest thing to freedom over my own tongue."

"I understand, I really do Alice," Nova said, her expression softening. "But you must realize that if someone who knows your oath was present and unaware of your circumstances. They would have accused you of broken oaths right then and there."

"I'm well aware," Alice replied with a heartfelt nod. "Thank you, for worrying."

Nova released a weary sigh, still clearly discontent. "Two questions. Where is your armor? Because if you aren't aware, this is a danger zone. And why are you here?"

"My, aren't you grumpy today Nova?"

"I am just a little concerned for your safety, and I am tired. A lot of standing around doing a whole lot of nothing here. I am sorry if I sounded a little harsh."

"It warms my heart to know someone cares enough to get a little emotional. But can we skip all this for now and get straight to why I'm here? I don't know how much time I have before I am gone for too long."

"That's what I just asked. Is this a matter so secretive that you need to hide and crawl here?"

"It is. I can't afford any risk, no matter how minor. I can never tell when a servant might be nearby. I need to be sure."

"Isn't this a risk in itself? They'll notice your absence. What will you say?"

"I won't say anything, they won't know who I talked to or where I was. I'll risk the suspicion that was bound to come, but I can't risk this. Nova, I have a personal request."

"About?"

"I want to become a highelder, and I want you to help me."

Nova's arms crossed, her expression immediately soured. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before responding. "Are you joking?"

"If I were, I wouldn't be here. I am serious."

"Is there a reason? Isn't the succession to the Kolba almost set in stone?"

"Even if it were set, they haven't taken the seat yet. Nova, I'm tired of being told around, with no purpose or goal but to listen. And I don't intend on meekly rotting away as a branch either."

"It isn't so bad. You might gain fewer chains, more autonomy, and be reduced to nothing more than a glorified commoner."

"But that's not what I want, is it? To be used like this, as if this were my purpose. I was born solely for convenient peace, and once it's over, I'll be discarded. Where was my say? Hm? Tell me, where was it?"

"So you want to go down kicking and screaming, is that it?"

"And what if I do? Is it really too much to ask for some form of compensation for myself? My father forced me to swear the 3rd, simply because he thinks it gives him more control over me. My mother sees me as a nuisance, more a stranger than her own daughter. Do you have any idea how crippling it is, to be unable to lie in higher society where they expect me to participate for their own benefit?"

"Of course I do," Nova replied softly, sympathetic. "I see it Alice, I really do. I am not blind to you. I guess we can never be sure of a noble's path downwards, I doubt your family would even allow you to merely rot away. They might just forcefully discard you more like."

"Then will you help me?"

"You know I don't like politics," Nova smiled. "But of course I will. Why wouldn't I? But I'd have you know, nothing would disgust me more than to start my contribution to the Kadalis. But I guess I am going to have to if I am going to help you."

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Are you content with your position? Do you really not want to advance at all? Our circumstances may be different but isn't our placement the same?"

"Well, I had no reason to contribute proper if I wasn't aiming to become the highelder. Why should I bother securing influence and power in a future I have no place in?"

"And you're okay with that?"

"Yeah, for the most part. I don't consider myself a Kadalis, nor do I feel any debts or obligations to them. They have reminded me more times than I remember of what I am. I still contribute to the family of course, but it's minimal, for formalities," Nova said, her tone a tad melancholic.

"Don't worry. If I succeed, I'll take care of you."

"You will, I'll help you get your little revenge. But what about Raid? Do we get him involved in this? Trying for the position of highelder isn't exactly easy by any means."

"That's a bit cruel, don't you think? He is happy where he is. Dragging him down with us wouldn't make me feel good. He isn't as cruel as us. You think he'll step on a child if he had to?"

"No… he wouldn't. We'll gladly do it for him though. Guess you're right, let's leave him out of this. Our hands are going to get quite dirty."

"Whoever said nobles are saints? I'm pursuing this for my own selfish reasons. With such competition, and only one position of power, I don't think it would be possible to keep my hands clean. It's all or nothing, right?"

"Right, danger by scarcity. But mind you, I won't be able to help you much being in the military, and I have little to no power outside of my service."

"If I'm honest, even if you can't lift a finger, just being by my side is enough. That's more important to me than anything. But if we're speaking practically, there'll be plenty of chances. You can always gain power here, somehow."

"That's true. Now, ignore me if I am getting a little distracted, but how did you change your eye color like that? I didn't even know that was possible, and you appear somewhat teary-eyed."

"I've noticed, you weren't exactly discreet about it. It's a herbal mix, two parts: one in the form of eye drops, the other is ingested. It's not safe, and the eye drops irritate your eyes the entire time they're in effect. I'll have you know I was crying like a maiden the first time I used it, I can deal with it a lot better now."

"That doesn't sound appealing at all. Is the irritation bad?"

"I can't say I'll ever get used to it. I slightly regret it every time I use it."

"How did you get your hands on this?"

"The servant staff. It took me months to convince them to let me use it, saying it was too dangerous and the like. Which I concede they have a point, but I am keeping within safe doses." Alice paused for a moment, noticing Nova's attention drifting further away, her face taking on a more serious shade. "Nova, What is it? Where are you looking?"

Nova's body suddenly tensed. Her gaze fixated on an inky patch. Alice, sensing Nova's unease, turned to gaze at the same obscure spot. It offered no visibility, the dense tree cover rendered the moonlight ineffectual.

"Do you see that?" Nova asked.

"I don't know what you're looking at, but it could just be Axel. He's been gone for a while," Alice reasoned.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"Doubt it, I would have known. I've heightened my hearing and eyesight, yet this certain someone managed to sneak up on us without so much as a sound. Look again Alice."

"I told you I don't see anything. If you're certain someone is there, then I'm just going to have to trust yo— oh... I see it."

Alice narrowed her eyes, and the faintest outline of a figure partially revealed itself from behind a tree. Unless one focused with utmost care, it would have been easy to miss. The figure stirred, as if attuned to their voices, before stepping out of its protective cover, revealing itself. Both Alice and Nova moved with a slow, deliberate grace, drawing their swords.

"Lady Kolba," the familiar voice called out, slowly approaching. "I am certain the madam was abundantly clear about what you can and can't do."

A faint sense of recognition stirred within Alice as she heard the low, distant voice. "Emily? Is that you?"

"Shit, you were followed Alice? So much for secrecy."

"I wasn't. I'm certain of it. She must have found us."

"Lady Fable, please abstain from intervening. While your involvement is evident, this is a Kolba matter. Lady Kolba, your current actions could be interpreted as an attempted conspiracy against the family, irrespective of your intentions. I am sure you're aware that the madam was insistent that a maid must accompany you at all times. It seems that wasn't clear enough. Come back with me and return to your duties. This matter will be reported to the madam at the earliest possible hour, provided you survive this military venture."

Emily gradually emerged into the moonlight for a fleeting moment, just long enough for Alice to discern her attire. Her uniform had undergone a subtle yet profound transformation. Only her coat, shirt, and the white ribbon pinned to her collar remained unchanged, everything else was different. Her armband was gone, its replacement being a single black glove on her left hand with the Kolba emblem decorating the back, a raven clasping a rose.

Her once plain black, ankle-length skirt now bore intricate silver and golden embroidery, a masterpiece of clouds, flowers, and mountains, seamlessly interwoven. Her dainty shoes had given way to robust boots, covering her ankles and fortified with hidden metals within for protection. Her sword, unlike her usual choice, boasted a longer, narrower blade, easily indicated by the scabbard that encased it. It lacked the customary crossguard and ornate engravings typically seen on maid's weaponry, implying its practicality. Hanging from behind her waist was a long box-like container, its opening protruding from her left side, resembling an arrow quiver but meant for storing blades instead. It was the combat attire of the maid staff, a sight Alice, and in extension Nova, had never before beheld. While combat was in the name, ignoring the boots, Emily wore notably no armor. Her confidence however, would almost certainly convince anyone that she wouldn't need it.

"What's the plan?" Nova asked. "She's in full gear; negotiating with a maid is pointless."

"There is no need for violence; we can talk. I am open to conversation," Emily said.

"Alice, what would happen to you if you went with her?"

"I don't know what will happen, this is the first time I've rebelled you can say. I can kiss goodbye to my compensation for sure though. My mother would see this as nothing but a betrayal, she can't be reasoned with."

"I'm killing her, it'll be quick. Maid or not she is still a human, I'm not."

"As I stated, we can talk," Emily said, her voice louder now.

"That's a lie, and you know it," Nova retorted.

"A lie?" Emily smiled softly, her eyes the epitome of calm. "Perhaps."

Without warning, Nova launched herself forward. She didn't even bother to link her sword, only using her aura for speed. She moved with such terrifying velocity that the maid should have met her demise before even realizing a blade was upon her, or at least, that was the plan. Yet, just as Nova was about to strike, having bridged the gap between them in an instant, the clash of metal interrupted the assault.

Time seemed to slow as Nova's eyes widened in disbelief. Emily had deflected her attack!? How was that possible? Nova then noticed Emily's cold, icy gaze, fixed on her. Emily was tracking her; she could see Nova's movements clearly. That shouldn't be possible let alone counter unless Emily was capable of aura, or magic? Nova suddenly pulled back in alarm, but the sudden 180-degree shift in momentum made her withdraw slower than anticipated. In a split second, Emily seized the opportunity and delivered a deft, lightning-quick kick to Nova's abdomen.

It was an ineffective kick. In fact, Nova's reserves didn't even lose a drop; it did no damage at all. Surprisingly, it appeared that Emily had instead absorbed the impact, limping on her left leg. She tapped into her reserves, heavily reinforcing her left ankle before firmly planting both feet on the ground once more. This was Emily's first time fighting against a knight. Not being one herself, she had never trained to kill any of their kind. Lacking crucial experience, it seemed she would need to improvise on the fly.

Emily's hand slid a small switch on her hilt with a satisfying click. The hilt released what remained of her shattered blade, which had splintered during the first exchange. She knew that attempting to parry would be unwise, but it appeared deflecting proved equally futile. Then again, her blades were known for their fragility. With practiced ease, she drew a spare blade from the quiver-like box behind her, seamlessly attaching it to the hilt. Her sword was reborn, gleaming anew.

Maids have a sort of one-hit-kill philosophy. They only struck when a guaranteed kill was all but certain. This preference found its way into their weaponry, their blades were water-thin, maximizing their sharpness at the expense of durability. Which wasn't much of a concern when an arsenal of spare blades was always within reach. That is, at least under normal circumstances. Fighting against knights, known for their speed and rapid pace fighting, would make finding time to replace said blades difficult. A type of opponent the weapon's designers never accounted or intended for. Such a weakness like weapon durability also wouldn't be an issue for any combat aura user in this era. But Emily had a severe weakness that would make this problem ever present, even if she could use aura herself.

"I've never heard of a maid who can use aura," Nova assumed, her surprise carefully concealed, her voice carrying a hint of unease that betrayed her caution. While there were still doubts. Emily had to be using aura right? The idea of a maid using magic in a land famous for its absence just seemed too unbelievable.

"For the last time there is no need for this," Emily replied. "Is this really the path you want to take? Even if you succeed here, my death would still cast suspicion on Lady Kolba. A maid doesn't just disappear."

"You can't accomplish much with mere suspicion," Nova retorted, linking her weapon. "If she goes with you, there will be definite proof. If you die here, there's suspicion, and suspicion still implies chance."

"I see… Lady Kolba, do you agree with this?"

Alice remained silent, drawing a second weapon from behind her waist with her left hand, a short sword. Emily regarded her warmly, although younger than Alice, Emily looked upon her like an older sister.

"Lady Kolba, while our time together has been to me, short. I sincerely enjoyed being under your service." Emily sank into a low, poised stance, her blade leveled at Alice. "Now kill me. Try."

Nova watched, perplexed, until Alice dispelled her puzzlement by linking both her weapons, causing her blades to radiate a profound, vibrant crimson red.

"Wh-what!? Since when?! You're a fucking knight Alice!?" Nova yelled. "Well that explains a lot. Why you said you didn't need that armor, thought you meant something else."

"Not the place or time Nova," Alice promptly replied. "Fight!"

Alice lunged forward, her blades glinting with anticipation, while Nova weaved around, readying herself for a lethal strike from behind. In contrast, Emily held her ground, an intense pressure emanating from her. The blades in Alice's hands gleamed brighter as she made a final push, unleashing a relentless flurry of attacks. Each strike swifter and more precise than the last. Emily's lithe form seemed to meld with the shadows, effortlessly dodging every thrust and swing with uncanny finesse, displaying a mastery over the art of evasion that left Alice astounded. There was no intention to retaliate or halt Alice's onslaught, instead, she observed, analyzing every move, studying her opponent's rhythm, and scrutinizing her environment. Her eyes darted ceaselessly, absorbing every detail, taking every shred of information available to her.

Then, from the boundary of her vision, Emily caught a glimmer of blue. Without hesitation, she dipped and spun. The large tree beside her, cleaved horizontally. The cut's height matched precisely where Emily's neck would have been if she hadn't ducked. She cast a brief glance as the top half of the tree crashed to the ground, its severed edge coated in frost. Nova followed up with a ferocious swing, her blade slicing through the air with a sharp hiss. But Emily was a phantom, a blur that defied Nova's precision, her sword meeting nothing but empty space.

With lightning reflexes, Emily countered, a sudden burst of speed that caught even Nova off guard. Emily's unlinked blade shattered upon impact with Nova's aura, the energy covering her like a protective shell. Nova's reserves flickered briefly, Emily's attack barely making a ripple. Emily sidestepped a thrust from behind, gracefully slipping away, with Alice in hot pursuit.

Nova and Alice shared a fleeting glance, a silent acknowledgment that they needed to adapt. In a spark of inspiration, Nova leaped onto a nearby tree trunk, her boots finding purchase on its rugged bark. She propelled herself toward Emily, her sword a glimmering blue arc cutting through the moonlit night. Emily detected the movement, but it was too late. Nova's blade descended with unstoppable force, cleaving into yet another tree trunk as Emily flew past it. Nova unleashed a flood of aura into the trunk as her blade cleaved it, without any concern for its form, rendering it a chaotic, unstable mess. Then, faster than thought, she harnessed her control, and compressed it. Bark and splinters exploded into a blinding cascade of debris. Emily staggered back, her left arm shielding her eyes from the shower of wood and shards. Lacking her own aura coverage, she felt the sting of every impact on her body, gritting her teeth.

Alice seized this moment, pouring all her focus into a single strike. Yet still, Emily's elusive form danced away, Alice's blade grazing nothing but her cheek, barely considered a cut. As the fight naturally settled. Nova couldn't help but wonder, what was going on? Emily wasn't linking her aura, and she lacked an aura coverage. Yet somehow, she held her own against Nova and Alice? If Nova's guess was correct, by the way Alice fought, she was a dancer, specializing in extreme close-quarters combat. It meant that, theoretically, Nova being a flanker and Alice a dancer should have made them an ideal duo, even if it was their first time fighting together. If they were tallying advantages, Emily was like a lone soldier facing two heavily armed cavalrymen with no weapon, no armor, one hand tied behind her back with nowhere to run.

If Nova allowed herself a moment of honesty, the entire situation was infuriating. Emily's effortless evasion of their every attack gnawed at her patience. While Nova didn't know much due to its secrecy. She was at least aware that maids endured an hellish training regimen that spanned eight grueling years. Additionally, they continued to undergo weekly training sessions even after graduating, although she was told this was mainly to maintain their skills, not to enhance them. However, what she was witnessing now far surpassed all her previous notions. If Emily's exceptional prowess was a reflection of all maids, it meant they were far more dangerous than initially thought. She could now fathom why the feuds between the great noble houses so often left such devastation in its wake.

Aura Linking. An indispensable skill in almost all combat artforms. Knights, for instance, and in extension all combat users, treated their weapons more like mediums than anything else. Their primary means of delivering damage was through aura, not the physical blade. They would link their weapons, like a sword, allowing aura to envelop it, enhancing its durability, sharpness, and strength. When knights engaged, their aura clashed not their weapons, rendering the concept of wear and tear almost nonexistent, and thus preserving their weapons in pristine condition.

In theory, a knight could wield a wooden practice sword and be able to cut through steel armor effortlessly, rendering extensive armor pointless. Aura, when separated from a user's body, became volatile, necessitating the use of a medium. This was why individuals like Mystics, capable of wielding their aura without a medium, were exceedingly rare. To say that Emily was at a disadvantage due to her inability to link was an understatement, it was tantamount to suicide. If Emily had attempted to parry Alice's initial attack, her fate would have been sealed, her body cleaved in two.

The three combatants stood in tense silence, locked in a fierce standoff. With a faint click rippling the quiet as Emily discarded her shattered blade again, a shred of casual calm gleaming in her eyes as she swiftly replaced it.

"And they call us monsters," Nova scoffed. "Should we consider ourselves lucky Emily? You would have wiped the floor with us if you had actually learned an artform designed for combat."

"A pity, truly," Emily replied. "I fear I never possessed the talent, but it brings me great joy to earn your praise. Is there still room for negotiation?"

"What is there to talk about?" Alice answered sharply. "You're bound by duty. Your kind didn't gain the reputation for being impossible to persuade for no reason. What are the chances you leave with your mouth shut?"

"None. I was hoping you would reconsider. I really do wish we could maintain our friendship, as false as it was, but it was there."

"How touching," Nova chimed, slowly reinforcing her body, stacking more and more aura into her blade. "I didn't know you maids understood such concepts like friendships."

"We are more human than you think, even if much is lost. Many of my sisters are kind-hearted. I know some that can genuinely smile, even cry. I, for one, cannot."

"Then drop your weapon," Alice asserted. "Drop it and join our cause. There is no need for this."

Emily expressed a weak smile, the most convincing one Alice had seen, and that spoke a lot considering the countless times Emily had done so by her side. Emily gave Alice no reply, instead turning to face Nova, who looked moments away from attacking.

"Are you not going to attack Lady Fable?"

Nova's eyes flickered with hesitation. "I am thinking of ways to kill you. Needless to say, your previous showing has made such planning difficult."

"They say if one can't think, just try. Fighting a user of the famous Water Spider, I never imagined I would have such an honor."

"You know about my artform? That's knowledge not easily attainable nowadays."

"You can call me an admirer. My studies required an in-depth exploration of various artforms. How can I not learn about the Anyi while doing so? The clan that produced the Sundahelm's strongest knights. A shame your clan fell in such a tragic way."

"Really?" Nova said. "Mayhaps in a different world, we could have been friends."

With a sudden, faint gust of wind, shortly followed by the cracking of a whip-like sound, Alice materialized behind Emily, her twin blades aglow in a sinister shade of blood-red. Emily pivoted, her eyes determined, this time showing no intention to evade. Alice attacked, Emily countered, hitting the flat of Alice's sword, and a flurry of exchanges began to Emily's disadvantage. Emily skillfully deflected each of Alice's strikes, her blade meeting Alice's at precise angles that leveraged her sword's inherent strength. She deftly danced on the edge, avoiding the risk of shattering her fragile weapon. Had Emily engaged in this game of counters against Nova, who was moderately stronger and fought with a completely different style, she would have already met a swift demise.

However, engaging in attrition with a dancer wasn't exactly ideal either. Attrition played to their strengths, compensating for their lack of raw power. They weren't deemed the best counters to flankers for no reason. A direct confrontation with a dancer, a contest of blows, was the very essence of a fool's errand. Emily's blade finally shattered under the pressure, forcing her to retreat to replace it. But Alice didn't pursue. In a blink, Nova emerged like a flash of lightning, her blades gleaming as brightly as a newborn star.

"Flare!"

Emily momentarily froze, anticipating her demise, but nothing followed Nova's command. It was a cunning ruse. And in that split second of distraction, Emily's left arm fell victim to Alice's relentless assault. Without delay, Nova delivered a swift but half-hearted kick, half expecting it to miss. Foreseeing Emily's elusiveness to prevail even as her arm fell. But somehow, to her surprise, it landed, shattering two of Emily's ribs, leaving her gasping for breath. Her internal organs felt like they had been forcefully moved to all the wrong places. Pain seared through her, her body flung backward, crashing against a sturdy tree trunk.

Nova sighed in relief as she sheathed her sword. The gamble had paid off. Emily, having expressed knowledge of her artform, Nova assumed, was aware of Flare. So, uncertain of its success, Nova decided to trick her. Even if her ploy failed, there was minimal risk involved, there was little harm Emily could do being unable to link. As Emily writhed in pain, Nova delicately flexed her hand, savoring the sensation that coursed through her fingertips. It had been two days since she last used Flare, still recovering from the self-inflicted injuries caused by her own technique. She needed to refrain from using it until her body fully healed, estimating another week before she could use it again. Using it now could condemn her temporary injuries to a lifetime of permanence. Nova harbored a deep aversion to relying on it, as the days of enduring irritating pain afterwards and the inherent risks involved in its use never persuaded her to favor it.

"You have a lot of explaining to do Alice," Nova declared, her voice carrying a weight of expectation.

Alice took a deep breath before responding, "And I will. It was a secret until just a few months ago, and you weren't around for me to inform you. And It didn't even cross my mind when we met at the command tent." Sheathing both of her weapons before grabbing a very well hidden identification tag from under her collar, dangling it in front of Nova.

"A secret? Even from me? I wonder what else you could be hiding," Nova grumbled. "At least that explains those calluses, you always wore gloves before."

"Nova, what are you doing?"

"I am clapping for you. Congratulations even if I am a bit late to the party but I am happy for you. I am, however, not happy you hid it from me though. Learning an artform should have taken you a few years and not a word to me?"

Alice's gaze dropped briefly. "Can we discuss this later please? It was the only thing I was concealing, and not for the reasons you might suspect. I didn't want to disappoint you. I was still learning then and was on the verge of giving up."

Amidst their conversation, a sudden, raspy cough interrupted them. Emily pressed herself harder against the tree, adjusting her own posture into a more comfortable sitting position, showing no indication of willingness to rise.

Nova tapped gently on Alice's shoulder. "Go back; I'll handle this."

"No, I'll help, dig up a grave."

"I said go. This isn't the time for this. Go back and see if you can find Axel and drag him with you. Figure out how to deal with the maids and servants, especially the servants."

"A bit difficult," Alice added with a hint of worry. "I can't lie, and if I don't say anything, it'll be obvious I'm somehow involved in Emily's disappearance."

"But they don't have proof. You'd just be under heavier watch, we can deal with that. For now, find Axel and head back to camp."

"The messenger is dead," Emily rasped, her voice now noticeably weaker. "A potential obstacle. Required removal."

"How convenient," Nova replied. "And you wonder why we call you dolls. Alice, leave, now."

With a reluctant nod, Alice gazed at Emily, her eyes filled with remorse, before turning away. "I'll see you soon Nova, when we can. Hopefully soon though. There will be a meeting, the order of relief arrived not long ago. Take care."

"Likewise," Nova replied before approaching Emily. Standing over the dying girl in silent contemplation for a moment, wrestling with numerous unanswered questions. "Now that I think about it, I don't quite understand your choice Emily. You knew you couldn't take on the both of us I am sure. Why didn't you run instead and deliver the news to your sisters? Given your speed, it rivals mine. At the very least, you would have had a chance then."

"Lady Fable," Emily whispered in a voice seeped with fragility, her gaze fixed on the bloodstained grass and fallen leaves beneath her feet. "We are only allowed to choose a set of actions within certain circumstances. I simply choose the most appropriate action."

"That was not appropriate action," Nova almost snapped. "If you were willing to help us, why not join our side completely?"

"If... I said I wanted to?" Emily forced herself to speak now. "With no rhyme or reason... but, I am still a maid."

Nova pressed her lips, resisting the temptation to bite it. Was this entire fight unnecessary? She thought. No, this was unavoidable; the confrontation was inevitable. Neither side showed any willingness to yield. Even if both sides harbored a desire to join hands they were too far apart. Nova clung to the hope that this conclusion was accurate, otherwise Emily's end might just stain her conscience a little going forward. Certain requirements had to be met for Nova to take a life and feel no hint of remorse, and this situation didn't quite fulfill them. At least that's how it felt.

Nova spoke slowly, outwardly calm but her words betrayed her intentions, laced with subtle boiling rage. "I'm struggling to comprehend. Have your kind forfeited their free will? It's as though you maids are trapped within the loose confines set by another's hand. You are conscious of your plight, the indoctrination and the erased memories. You recognize your masters' cruelty and the life you've been forced into, yet you remain unwilling to defy it. I can hardly label your actions as a protest Emily. Your actions, while wrong, were within standards: eliminate the threat. What I want to understand is why your kind doesn't rebel? Any enslaved soul would seize the opportunity, yet the idea doesn't even cross your mind when there is nothing stopping you but duty."

"Lady Fable… may I call you by your first name?" A question a maid would normally never dare ask.

"You may."

"Would you allow me to die as a maid should, one who has failed her duties?"

Nova paused for a moment, clearly unsure of what to say. She wasn't even vaguely aware of what Emily meant, but it seemed to be sincerely what she wanted. "You may."

Emily weakly tugged at her skirt with her remaining arm, lifting it just enough to reveal her pale skin and a concealed knife strapped to her right thigh. Her trembling hand fumbled with the blade's sheath, before her fingers eventually reached its handle, and she struggled to pull it free.

"Funny," Emily said. "I never thought that even one person would greet my death. Not even my sisters. We hold no value to anyone. Should I consider this a blessing, having you watch me die?"

Nova remained silent as Emily slowly lifted her knife, its blade eventually pressing against her neck.

"I thought you said you couldn't cry?" Nova finally said.

"Oh… is that what this is? I am… crying…"

They both went silent, and remained so for a short while, as quiet as one could. Emily wept soundlessly, though about what, no one knew. Blood flowed rapidly from her severed left arm, her skin paling. Nova watched.

"Nova," Emily slurred, her eyes unfocused. It was clear that she could no longer see, gazing in the general direction where she thought Nova would be. "Will you remember me? It would be nice to know that I've made an impact on somebody, even if it's just one person."

"I will," Nova lied. "I will remember you; your life wasn't in vain."

Emily forced a weak smile, one that Nova was certain was genuine. And with the last of her strength, pressed her blade and slit her own neck. Ending her short and painful life.

Nova knelt in solemn silence, her eyes fixed on Emily's lifeless form as it slowly descended to meet the unforgiving earth. Swiftly, Nova's hands intercepted Emily's head, cradling it with the utmost care before gently placing her down, as if setting a precious jewel on a velvet cushion. With a tender touch, she brushed the remaining tears from Emily's closed eyes.

Emily's white ribbon spoke of her status as a fresh-faced maid, fewer than four years of service. Nova, familiar with the age of the maids at her own household, understood that they typically graduated between the ages of 17 and 18. If the Kolba's criteria were similar, Emily couldn't have been more than 22, though Nova's heart ached with the suspicion that she might have been far younger.

"I had intended to bury you to conceal any evidence, but you got a pretty fine resting place right here," Nova whispered, her gaze shifting upward toward the ahasa tree under which Emily lay.

The Ahasa tree, native to Sundahelm, was the only tree that bloomed during winter. Flowers bearing seven pure white petals that harmonized with the snowy landscape. Nova knew that leaving Emily's body exposed here was fraught with risks. It was an open invitation to both nature's creatures and the prying eyes of potential investigators, most likely the servants. Yet, in this moment, Nova was indifferent to such concerns.

"I'm sorry that I lied to you Emily. But allow me to do you a favor if I am so selfish, pretend that I'm taking the place of the family you lost before you were taken. And as family should, they would let you go when you pass. Forgive me for assuming your life has been painful, but I do. So, I believe it's better if you’re forgotten to end your pain completely. This is my kindest act, even if it might not be what you want. It's what I want for you. Keeping you alive in my memories would only prolong your existence. Rest, Emily, you deserve it, and I won't taint it by dragging you along with me."

Nova stood, lingering in contemplation for a brief moment. "Pray that we meet again in hell after I die Emily. I'll share stories of a world you never got to witness." And with that, she turned and began to walk away.