Lanceworth Or Home

Arnacia was lying flat on the ground. She was unaware of the result and aftermath of the battle between Silver Knight Rose and Aciano Alucard. When she opened her eyes, she saw Isabelle and stared at her for a while.

Isabelle?

She suddenly remembered Aciano and the attack. She sat straight and her hand immediately inspected the injury on her throat. A bandage covered the cut and went around her neck. In her stupor, she didn't notice the people in the tent.

"It is absolutely amazing," a childish voice exclaimed in excitement.

The owner of the voice was a girl in big round glasses. No, no, no. She was wearing armor so she must be a Knight. Arnacia couldn't even get to recollect her thoughts as this girl closed in and pulled her cheeks.

"Say ahhhh." The girl put her face very close to Arnacia's mouth, then proceeded to inspect the maid's eyes.

Arnacia couldn't even react as the process went very smoothly. At first, she thought it was just a regular checkup. But then the girl plucked one of her hair without warning. If that was not enough, the girl also gently slapped(patted) her face a few times and then on her stomach.

"Get away-" Arnacia tried to push her away.

The girl took a step back, but then suddenly extended her hand. The movement came without warning. She pinched the white collar bandage on Arnacia's neck and stripped it away.

"Ow!"

"Not even a scratch!" The female Knight in glasses clapped merrily.

"This is wonderful, it is more fascinating to see it in person," Queen Afeefa's alluring voice sounded, it had excitement hidden all over it.

Arnacia closed her mouth on hearing it. She ignored the annoying female Knight in glasses and focused on the Queen. Her heart melted a little on seeing her favorite character again. (Alright, one of her favorites.)

"I am glad that you are safe," Isabelle's voice sounded from just beside her.

"Isabelle!" Ahh, everything was happening too fast. Arnacia visually inspected the maiden for any injuries, but her face was healthy and bright as ever. "Me too," she said after a while. Complicated feelings arose in her heart. The predicament was finally over, for now at least.

"Are you not going to thank her?" The Knight in glasses pouted, then pointed at different parts of Arnacia's body. "She healed you. With magic. Don't panic. Everything is under control. This is Queen Afeefa, by the way. I am Lulu. Also, it was Silver Knight Rose who really saved you. You are safe now."

"Shh Lulu," Queen Afeefa thought the information would be too much to process for Arnacia. "For now, just know that you are safe." She paused a bit before asking, "How are you feeling?"

"I-" Arnacia poked her throat again and looked at Isabelle. It felt like the sword slash by Aciano was a dream. But her frock had large spots of dried blood. "Isabelle, you are amazing," she said while drawing a deep breath. "Thank you."

So there was magic in the light novel, after all. Arnacia wished for a moment that she had caught up to the light novel. But on second thought, it would be no fun if she already knew everything.

"Would you like to join me in this study of magic?" Queen Afeefa proposed.

"Yes, I would love to." Arnacia quickly said. She was very delighted and couldn't help but grin. Wouldn't this mean to have Queen's protection while also exploring secrets of magic?

Originally, Queen Afeefa only had plans to protect Arnacia and keep her involved with magic at a minimum. It was only natural because it was Isabelle who possessed magic. But she changed her mind after she heard details of the battle from Rose. This little maid's performance had surprised her yet again.

"It would be for the best," Afeefa said. Her tone turned melancholy as she was about to dismiss the matter. "You both can go now. We will leave for Lanceworth tomorrow."

"Keep magic a secret from your friends," Lulu hushed and winked at Arnacia.

"Yes, I will follow the Queen." Arnacia said to Queen Afeefa and bowed.

"Don't ignore me," Lulu waved her hand to attract attention. But Arnacia only looked at her for a second and winked.

"Let's go," Arnacia extended her hand to Isabelle and led her towards the exit. They were backstage right now. And just before Arnacia left, she saw Rosalia walk towards the Queen.

'She was here the entire time?' Arnacia wasn't sure, but that was most likely the case. She looked back to get more clues about the situation. The Queen waved her hand and signaled Rosalia to take a seat.

Arnacia wanted to wait and pick up a few words or perhaps sentences from their conversation. But Lulu spotted her and moved to shoo her out along with Isabelle. She sighed and stepped out of the tent.

"Arnacia, what happened?" Isabelle asked.

"What is Miss Rosalia doing inside?"

"I don't know. She was inside even before me." Isabelle pondered. "I did not hear her speak," she added.

This development perplexed Arnacia. Perhaps it would have been better if I finished the light novel, she thought. But before she could think anymore, a girl crashed into her.

To be more accurate, a girl jumped at her. By the touch, she knew it was a girl. And by the smell, she knew it was Naomi.

"A-Arnacia," Naomi choked in her tears. "The Knights were here, and you were missing. I thought- I-"

"I am fine, nothing will happen to me." Arnacia couldn't help but feel guilty. She made Naomi cry for the second time today. It made her chest feel heavy. "Stop crying. I am perfectly fine."

Even Isabelle couldn't help but feel heavy. She could feel Naomi's sincere feelings for Arnacia. Probably, they were stronger than her own. She looked down. Her one hand was still in Arnacia's grip.

"Take this act somewhere else." It was Victoria who suddenly spoke in displeasure. Apparently, she had been waiting near the exit of the backstage with Naomi.

"Come with me," Arnacia said to Naomi. She was in no mood to confront Victoria and thus left the scene along with Isabelle and Naomi.

***

The maids were methodically undoing the tournament grounds. Surprisingly, they had two strong helpers. Silver Knight Rose was accompanied by a few maids, so was the other female Knight.

Apparently, this new Knight was more popular among the maids. She was taller and more muscular than Rose. Her body was covered in a black cloak but parts of a Golden armor were revealed when her body made moments. But more importantly, she had an honest and kind face. Further, her golden hair gave her a noble aura.

"Arnacia," Eleanor suddenly called out.

Maids were scattered all over the ground but all of them looked over for a moment. Many of them suspected that at least one of their fellow maids was harmed. The speculations led to believe that it was Arnacia. Thus, on seeing the completely shameless maid heading over with her harem washed them with relief.

"You better get to work," Georgia said aloud.

"Ester will make sure she works hard." Ester also said loudly.

The maids laughed and resumed their work. Suddenly, the atmosphere was a lot better than a few moments ago. Even Rose looked over with an encouraging smile. Arnacia secretly thanked her savior. The golden female Knight also smiled, showing off her big shiny teeth.

"Thank you for your hard work," Arnaica left her lovers. She joined to help in any way possible. Isabelle and Naomi looked at each other and smiled. They joined in, too.

"We are wrapping up finally." Iris stretched her hands and looked around. She was the first one to finish her work. Most of the things had been packed into baskets and boxes again.

"Aren't you too happy to go home early," Clementine teased. Both of the maids had woken up next to each other and instantly hit it off.

"Emma doesn't like it, though."

"It's a tough decision, but I would choose to spend time with you all rather than celebrating the Evernight festival with my family." Eleanore confessed in embarrassment.

"I still can't believe that we will leave tomorrow morning," Cecelia looked at Eleanore in longing.

"Let's go back home together," Naomi dropped a box from her hands and said at last. She looked towards Arnacia teasingly. Her cheerful and bold attitude was back again.

"…" Arnacia.