Thin Ice Puppeteer

(Lexia's POV)

The Blue Lotus Sect's garden, a sanctuary of serenity, was where I found him every dawn – Ryujin-sama. But today, he was not in the usual expanse of the communal gardens. Instead, he had secluded himself in his personal sanctuary, a space rarely graced by others.

The morning sun cast a golden hue, illuminating his form as he moved with an almost otherworldly fluidity. Sweat glistened on his brow, tracing a path along the contours of his muscular frame. Each drop was a testament to his dedication, which stirred something deep within me.

"You look like you wanna join in, Lexia! You seem super interested in my training!" Ryujin-sama's voice cut through the morning air, energetic and tinged with a hint of playfulness.

"No… it's not that..." I stammered, heat rising to my cheeks.

Busted. Ryujin-sama caught me staring, and embarrassment flooded me like a tidal wave. I felt like sinking into the ground. How could I have been so obvious?

"Don't be shy, come on over!" 

Caught in the crossfire of embarrassment and the irresistible pull of Ryujin-sama's invitation, I found myself with no choice but to yield. Stepping closer, I tried to compose myself, hoping to turn this unexpected interaction into an opportunity. This could be my chance to bridge the gap between us, to move beyond just being his maid. With nervousness and excitement, I approached Ryujin-sama, ready to embrace whatever the morning's training might bring.

As I approached Ryujin-sama, his query about his training methods intrigued me. It was something I had often wondered about myself.

"Ryujin... I wanted to ask... why do you always train with non-magical things? I mean, like those peculiar weights?" 

"Well, Lexia, it's a pretty epic quest. Imagine if I'm in a battle one day, and my mana just vanishes, poof! I need to be strong and independent of it. Think of it as preparing for an ultimate showdown where magic is just an illusion, and raw strength reigns supreme!" 

"I see..." 

"Besides, there's this... legend, a figure transcending all human boundaries. Someone stronger than anyone else, even my mother..."

He looked off into the distance, his gaze filled with determination and a hint of awe.

"But who could be stronger than Alexia-sama? That seems impossible. Even Kenshin-sama struggles to match her." 

Alexia-sama was the epitome of strength in our world, revered and feared equally.

"It's a legend from another world, beyond our realm. This person's strength is unparalleled. One day, when he returns, I want to be ready. He's not just ready but stronger, even though he's considered invincible. It's a lofty goal, but what's life without some impossible challenges, right?" Ryujin-sama chuckled softly.

(Ester's POV)

Fufufu. Everything is falling into place perfectly. Fufufufu. Even though that insufferable Pedro managed to slip away from my clutches this time, I'm biding my time. When we cross paths next, I'll ensure his downfall. I want him to suffer, to experience a torment that knows no bounds. I yearn to see him groveling, begging for mercy, just as I once did. The thought alone sends a wave of sinister satisfaction through me. Fufufu.

Suddenly, a voice shattered my musings, its sharpness cutting through the air. "Ester!" 

Alexia was the one person whose presence instilled a palpable fear in me. Perhaps it's because she was my mother in my previous life, and I carry the remnants of that fear even now. Or maybe it's because I understand her nature better than anyone else. Regardless of the reason, her very name sends shivers up and down my spine.

Alexia is formidable, a force to be reckoned with. Her power and authority are unmatched, and her wrath is something even I, with all my cunning and wit, dare not invoke.

I knew better than to keep her waiting.

◇

As soon as I entered the main room of the sect, the familiar sight of Alexia seated on her throne greeted me. The room, as always, was engulfed in a chilling coldness, a physical manifestation of Alexia's formidable presence.

Brrr... I shivered involuntarily, wrapping my arms around myself in a futile attempt to ward off the cold.

"Good to see that at least someone respects me here." Alexia's voice echoed authoritatively through the room.

"Yes, Alexia-sama." 

In truth, more fear than respect prompted my swift compliance. She was intimidating.

"I'll get straight to the point. Ryujin and Lexia are to attend a school. I want Ryujin to learn good manners and socialize more. You're going, too. I want you to ensure he doesn't just focus on training."

"But what about Amanda? Isn't she more suitable for this role?" 

"Amanda is grounded until further notice!" Alexia's response was sharp, brooking no argument.

"But —" I began, only to be cut off by her imposing tone.

"Are you questioning me?"

Gulp… 

I swallowed hard, feeling a wave of fear wash over me. Alexia's imposing demeanor left no room for dissent.

"No, never, Alexia-sama."

"Good, now, dismissed."