4 Blood Is Thicker Than Water

I was getting more confused as time went on. There's just some things that didn't add up.

I was well aware that this was not the world that I had lived in my previous life.

Still, it was at least adapted to it. In this world, humans existed. There was a king, there was a prince, people talk in a familiar, although otherworldly language. We had the same flora and the same fauna.

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

Then there were those parts which differed from my old world. Why did the Countries have different names than in my world? Why was there such an abundance of meat, even though we were in the medieval ages? Why had the potato already been discovered?

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

There had to be a reason, and not knowing it, was 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 met a person, I intuitively categorized them into to types. The introverted and the extroverted. Usually this information only served as an initial anchor for me to base more detailed information on. However that girl was a bit peculiar.

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

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

Turns out, she was not good at her job, but just paid particular attention to her outer appearance. Combined with how she carried her speech with confidence, it was save to assume, that she was 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 was what I perceived from the subconscious level.

On a conscious level, or only towards me, she acted closed off and serious, as she spoke with the least possible amount of words and tried to converse as little as possible. Also, to not break her facade, she stayed immoving, which created a crafted feeling.

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

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

There was only one reason that caused such behavior, that was to conceal their feelings.

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

Which of the two she was trying to hide, was not hard to find out. From all the emotions residing in the human mind, elation and annoyance were the easiest to spot.

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

"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 saw her face slowly turn aghast, and filled with guilt. It felt like I was watching a child who got busted for stealing candy. It seemed 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, it seemed 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 was 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 knelt 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 completed my conquest of Estella.

Saz, what was the most important aspect of a companion?

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

Then was it loyalty? No, wrong again. There's no such thing as loyalty. There's only mutual benefit and temporary awe.

It's devotion, which was the most important.

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

Friendship only existed because of certain factors. That person was funny, that person went to the same school, that person has the same hobbies. It's these conditions that caused friendship. Consequently, if they disappeared, so does the friendship.

The same went for loyalty. Loyalty was based on giving and taking. Loyalty was something that could be traded for benefits. Loyalty could be given before and after the transaction.

Loyalty was only temporary. If the trader thought he had given enough, or if anyone made a better offer, that loyalty would disappear too.

Only devotion stayed, because devotion was 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 was what devotion was.

But because devotion was unconditional, it was also irrational.

Feelings of devotion, appeared as they wished, but if handled carefully, would never disappear.

That was 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. How long she had stifled these feelings, I wondered.

"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 was just a delicate girl, warn me next time.

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