Chapter 44: Not fully bound.

" Young master Axis it's Helga…" helga called out from outside.

" come in "

" my apologies for the late introduction young master, my name is helga , chief maid of this mansion and assistant of lady Hccede "

" my apologies for the sudden visit too, i'd hate to be bother "

" you are no bother at all, its good to have you here after spending my whole life serving lady Hccede i've never seen her entrust one of her familiars to anyone " helga pointed at the window where Lyra was sitting at a tree branch 

" seems i came at a wrong time seeing as you were almost asleep "

" well yes i was going to get some shut eye but, no you came at right time, i am hungry "

"Then let's get you something to eat, young master," Helga replied, a warm smile softening her usually stern expression. "Lady Hccede mentioned that you might enjoy a tour of the mansion as well, if you're feeling up to it."

Axis's eyes flicked to the window, where Lyra perched on a nearby branch, her sharp gaze fixed on him. "A tour sounds fine. Maybe I'll even find a good training spot."

Helga nodded, gesturing towards the hallway. "The mansion has plenty of space for training, young master, as Lady Hccede is quite particular about maintaining the facilities."

As they walked, Helga began pointing out various rooms and explaining their uses. "Here, to the left, is the study. Lady Hccede keeps most of her research books there, including rare tomes. She may allow you to use it, if you ask politely."

Axis nodded, mentally noting it for later. "I'll keep that in mind."

They continued down the hall, Helga pausing before a large dining room. "This is where you'll have most of your meals. Lady Hccede insists on a healthy diet, so don't be surprised if the kitchen staff tries to sneak in extra vegetables."

They walked on, passing by various wings of the mansion—an armory stocked with weapons and training gear, a courtyard with a lush garden, and even a small library filled with magic manuals and historical records.

"Lady Hccede maintains these sections herself," Helga said with quiet pride. "She's particular about the care of this place."

When they reached the back of the mansion, Helga gestured to a massive training field, complete with targets, dummies, and other equipment. "If you're interested in practicing, this field is available at any time."

Axis took it all in with wide eyes. "I didn't expect the place to be so... prepared."

"Lady Hccede believes in readiness," Helga said with a small chuckle. "Now, shall we head to the dining room for that meal?"

Arriving at the dining room, food was already prepared and served.

Nearing the table Helga slid the chair, picked Axis up and made him sit like a baby, tying a piece of cloth on, to make sure his clothes didn't get dirty.

Axis didn't mind as he somewhat expected it as it seemed Helga had some nursing experience.

There were dishes of different kinds, many meat dishes like steak to salads making him feel he won't be able to finish it and indeed it was too much for him.

Nearing the end helga said "Don't worry master these dishes were prepared for you and lady Hccede but it seems she is running late so you don't need to worry about finishing them"

Axis sighed in relief as he was reaching the limit of his already small appetite.

"Would you like to rest or should we continue our tour young master axis?"

"Let's continue, I am not tired."

"Very well."

As they continued with the tour, Helga led Axis through a hallway decorated with portraits of fierce-looking creatures. She stopped in front of a door adorned with an intricate carving of wings and scales.

"This," Helga began, "is where Lady Hccede's familiars reside when they aren't out in the field with her. She may have mentioned a few, but I'm sure you haven't met them all just yet." Helga opened the door, and they entered a spacious room that felt almost like an indoor sanctuary.

The room was filled with faint magical energy, and a few creatures watched them from various perches and nooks. A massive bird with feathers shimmering in shades of blue and silver glared down from a high perch—it was Lyra, back in her full-sized form.

"You've already met Lyra, of course," Helga said, nodding toward the bird. "She's Lady Hccede's Zephyris, known for her keen senses and loyalty. But Lyra isn't the only one."

A faint growling sound came from a shadowy corner, and as they looked, a large wolf-like creature with dark, star-speckled fur emerged. Its eyes glowed with a quiet, watchful intelligence.

"This is Nocturn," Helga explained. "He's a Twilight Fang. Nocturn is incredibly stealthy and can blend into shadows almost completely—Lady Hccede often relies on him for scouting. He's quite protective, so as long as you mean no harm, you're safe."

Axis raised an eyebrow. "He's... impressive." Nocturn sniffed the air, then gave a slight nod before melting back into the shadows.

A soft rumble, like distant thunder, echoed through the room. Axis turned to see a massive creature with scales that shimmered in green and bronze. It was a Drakescale Tiger, lounging lazily by a small fountain.

"This one's named Ember," Helga said with a fond smile. "She's a Drakescale Tiger, resilient and fearless in battle. Ember's scales are nearly impenetrable, which makes her a powerful defensive companion. Though, as you can see, she's not in a hurry to do much at the moment."

Ember raised her head, gave Axis an assessing glance, and then returned to her resting position, her tail flicking idly.

Axis couldn't help but feel impressed. "Rida's familiars are... something else."

Helga nodded. "Indeed. Lady Hccede has a strong bond with each of them. They're more than just companions; they're her trusted allies. And if you're around her enough, perhaps they'll warm up to you, too."

As they exited the room, Helga glanced down at him. "Now that you've been introduced, you'll see them from time to time around the mansion. They can be a bit... selective with their attention."

Axis grinned. "I think I'm up for the challenge."

As they exited the room, Helga glanced at Axis with a small smile. "Young master, there's something you should know. Lyra, the bird you met, is actually Lady Hccede's newest companion. She hasn't formed a true pact yet—she's just helping out and listening for now. You see, Lady Hccede saved her a while back, and ever since, Lyra has stuck around."

Axis's eyes brightened with interest. "So she's not fully bound to Rida yet?"

Helga nodded. "That's right. Lyra's free to come and go, and she hasn't made any formal pact. However, she seems quite attached to Lady Hccede, following her willingly and lending assistance where she can. But the real bond hasn't been made, which is rare. Usually, such familiars have long-established bonds or pacts with Lady Hccede."

"So, are the others like that, too?" Axis asked, curiosity coloring his tone.

Helga shook her head, a fond smile playing on her lips. "Not at all. Most of Lady Hccede's familiars are deeply bonded with her and live in the forest, where they can roam freely. They're independent, proud beings who prefer the outdoors and aren't particularly fond of confinement. They come to the mansion only when summoned or needed."

Axis was fascinated. "So Lyra's just the beginning? There are more of them, just... out there in the forest?"

"Indeed," Helga replied, a hint of pride in her voice. "You've only seen the tip of the iceberg. The familiars you'll meet here in the mansion—like Nocturn and Ember—are comfortable indoors and around strangers. But the others are deeply connected to the forest itself and rarely come near the mansion. Lady Hccede values their freedom, and they're allowed to remain untethered unless absolutely necessary."

Axis absorbed this, his admiration for Rida growing. "So each familiar has its own way of living, and Rida just... respects that?"

"Precisely," Helga answered, her expression warming. "They're not mere pets—they're wild beings with their own minds, and Lady Hccede honors that. The ones that live beyond the mansion only answer to her call because of the bond of respect she's earned."

Helga gestured down the hall, drawing Axis's attention back. "Now, come along. There's more of the mansion to see, and it may be a while before Lady Hccede returns from her duties. In the meantime, I'll ensure you're well-acquainted with your new surroundings."

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