Chapter 57 Festival and Hilda's past

(A/N: I've decided that the next world will be Daimachi based on the vote results. Daimachi got 21 votes, while Honkai Impact got 19. The rest had significantly fewer votes. Anyway, so it'll be Daimachi! LOL. I forgot to ask about the Fate series and the Magi the labyrinth of magic anime. 🤣🤣)

In a modestly furnished room, a girl clad in a dirty maid's outfit voraciously devoured the spread before her, her actions betraying a desperation born of deprivation. Across from her sat another girl, sipping on juice, her gaze fixed upon the ravenous diner. This was Ange, accompanied by Lucia, who sat beside her, both observing the scene with a mixture of bemusement and amusement.

The girl indulging in her meal was none other than Momoka, Ange's maid. Momoka found herself unable to engage with Ange in a normal manner, her senses overwhelmed by the tantalizing aroma of Lucia's cooking. Having endured three days of starvation during her journey, Momoka surrendered to the irresistible allure of the food before her, consuming it with a fervor that bordered on desperation.

As Momoka finally satiated her hunger, a flush of embarrassment colored her cheeks. She dared not meet Ange's gaze, ashamed of her lack of restraint in the face of such culinary delight. The food she had just consumed transcended mere sustenance; it was a masterpiece worthy of royal acclaim, surpassing even the creations of the most esteemed chefs.

"Now, shall we converse?" Ange proposed, breaking the silence that had settled over the room. Momoka nodded eagerly, her earlier embarrassment momentarily forgotten.

"As I mentioned before, I am no longer a princess. You may simply call me Ange," she stated, her tone gentle yet firm.

"Understood, Ange-sama," Momoka replied, her voice tinged with respect.

"There's no need for formalities. So, what are your plans now?" Ange inquired.

"I'm going to serve Ange-sama, just like before," Momoka replied earnestly, her determination unwavering.

"I can manage things myself now. Moreover, why do you wish to continue serving me? You know I'm no longer a princess. There are plenty of opportunities for you in the capital," Ange reasoned, genuinely puzzled by Momoka's steadfast loyalty.

Ange's words were rooted in the reality of their world, where mana users could easily secure employment and lead comfortable lives. Unlike Lucia, who had chosen to remain by Ange's side as her girlfriend, Momoka had no obligation to subject herself to the dangers inherent in their current circumstances. Moreover, societal prejudices against Norma, ingrained from childhood, made Momoka's desire to serve Ange all the more perplexing.

"...Ange-sama is different. When I was young, you helped me and cared for me, even though I was just a maid," Momoka confessed, her voice tinged with emotion as she recalled a past incident.

Years ago, when Momoka was still a child serving as Ange's personal maid, she had accidentally broken a cherished doll belonging to Ange. Fearful of Ange's potential anger, Momoka had trembled as she presented the doll, blood staining her hands from a minor injury sustained during the accident. But instead of reprimanding her, Ange had shown compassion and understanding, comforting Momoka in her distress.

This act of kindness had left a profound impact on Momoka, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and loyalty toward Ange that transcended social norms and expectations. And now, in this moment of reunion, Momoka's devotion remained steadfast, a testament to the bond forged between maid and princess all those years ago.

Ange's actions that day had left an indelible mark on Momoka's heart. Instead of scolding or showing anger, Ange had demonstrated kindness and empathy, going so far as to tear her own dress to fashion a makeshift bandage for Momoka's injured hand. In that moment, Momoka's admiration for Ange had solidified into unwavering loyalty, and she harbored a deep-seated desire to serve her forever.

Unlike many other mana users, Momoka harbored no animosity toward Norma people. Her own master had been a Norma, and she had known Ange's true nature since childhood. Momoka had been the only one beside Ange who wielded mana, and the revelation of Ange's Norma status had only strengthened their bond in Momoka's eyes.

Ange, for her part, was taken aback by Momoka's continued admiration, especially in light of her revelation as a Norma. She fell into a contemplative silence, wrestling with the question of whether she should allow Momoka to stay and serve her in this secluded enclave, where only Norma resided and where humans were typically forbidden.

Suddenly, breaking the silence beside Ange, Lucia interjected, her voice cutting through the tension like a beacon of clarity.

"Well, she just wants to serve beside Ange. Why not let her stay here? You know I can't clean this room all by myself," Lucia quipped, her playful tone lightening the mood.

Ange couldn't help but smile, shaking her head in amusement at Lucia's remark. She was well aware that Lucia could effortlessly clean the room with magic, but she also understood the underlying sentiment behind Lucia's words. Momoka's presence was welcomed not only by Ange but also by Lucia, who regarded her as a cherished member of their makeshift family.

With Lucia's encouragement, Ange made the decision to let Momoka stay with them. As night fell, they prepared for bed, but the realization dawned that there was only one bed available, occupied by Ange and Lucia. Momoka was resigned to sleeping on the sofa for the night.

After bathing, Lucia provided Momoka with a nightgown, the length ensuring modesty and comfort. Momoka gratefully accepted, relieved to shed her dirty maid outfit for something clean and soft against her skin. Ange made a mental note to purchase another bed the following day, to make Momoka's accommodations more comfortable.

The day passed and a new day dawned. Lucia went to Jill with Momoka and had Momoka stay with Ange as a maid. Jill agreed right away, as Momoka would be killed as soon as she was sent back to the empire anyway.

Emma wanted to voice her disagreement, but Momoka seemed unfazed and even happier. Seeing Momoka's contentment, Emma reluctantly abandoned the idea of sending her back to the empire, understanding the perilous fate that awaited her there.

Initially, Momoka had intended to revamp the decorations and procure princess-like attire for Ange. However, unlike in the anime, Ange didn't provide Momoka with any funds, rendering such changes impossible. Nevertheless, Momoka found solace in her duties of cleaning and washing in the spacious confines of Lucia and Ange's abode.

Ange also explained that she had come to accept her Norma identity, so Momoka refrained from any dramatic gestures like those seen in the anime, such as demanding that Norma girls be excluded from the table for Ange's sake.

As the days passed, life settled into a peaceful rhythm, undisturbed by the threat of dragon attacks. Salia and Hilda grew increasingly close to Lucia, their bonds deepening with each passing day. While Salia and Hilda's affections for Lucia had naturally blossomed, Lucia's use of the system had expedited the process, marking their growing attachment with an affection meter that now stood at 78%. 

Finally, the long-awaited vacation day arrived, heralding the start of the festival. For Norma girls, this day was a rare opportunity to indulge in leisure activities, free from the constraints of their usual duties. The festival was set against the backdrop of the shore, nestled beneath the military base of the Arzenal Island.

Stalls and tents adorned the area, offering a plethora of delights for the Norma girls to enjoy. Clad in bikinis, they reveled in the festivities, their laughter and camaraderie filling the air. Theme parks and playgrounds had been erected, providing entertainment for the younger Norma girls, who delighted in riding carousel horses and exploring the attractions.

Observing the joyous scene before her, Lucia couldn't help but smile. Amidst the festivities, she noticed several Yuri couples enjoying themselves, their affectionate gestures adding to the festive atmosphere.

"It's quite lovely, isn't it?" a voice suddenly remarked, drawing Lucia's attention. She turned to see Salia approaching her.

"Yes, indeed. It's wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves like this," Lucia replied, sharing in Salia's sentiment as they watched the festivities unfold before them.

"Salia wore a blue bikini and walked to Lucia with a smile.

"Yes, every year, humans give us this one day off," Salia said, sounding happy.

"…" Lucia looked at Salia silently, noticing Salia's apparent gratitude towards the mana users who made this rule.

Having only one day of free time each year was terrible. Suddenly, Lucia thought, should she just go and destroy the empires and kill Embyro right away? Unfortunately, she couldn't go there now, but Lucia knew that soon she would meet Embyro.

'Let's be patient for now…' Lucia thought to herself.

Last night, Momoka received an emergency message from the capital, and most importantly, from Ange's little sister, Sylvia. Ange, who didn't want to go back and was accepted as a Norma, was shaken when she heard her little sister's distress call for help.

"Lucia!" Ange shouted and Lucia turn and look at Ange.

Ange, meanwhile, sought Lucia's opinion on her bikini, her demeanor surprisingly composed despite the distressing message they had just heard.

"It looks good on you," Lucia replied with a reassuring smile, offering her approval.

Satisfied with Lucia's response, Ange took Lucia's hand and led her towards a nearby food stall, with Momoka following closely behind. Salia walked beside Lucia, eager to share details about the various sports and races being held at the festival. As they strolled along, Salia, a fan of romance movies, attempted to persuade Lucia and Ange to visit a tent showcasing romantic films, hoping to indulge in a different kind of entertainment.

As the festivities unfolded outside, a short green-haired Norma girl remained inside the command room, her expression clouded with dissatisfaction. It was her duty to remain vigilant, ready to respond in case of emergency dragon attacks—a responsibility that left her feeling frustrated.

"This sucks," she muttered to herself, her thoughts consumed by the unfairness of her situation. While everyone else reveled in the one day of freedom granted to the Norma each year, she was confined to her post, unable to partake in the festivities and enjoy the rare opportunity for leisure.

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Away from the bustling shore, nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings, stood a magnificent mansion reserved for VIP guests visiting Arzenal. Inside, a young girl with pale brown hair sat gracefully on a sofa, engaged in conversation with Emma. Positioned behind her was her loyal maid, who had just finished placing a tray of tea on the table.

"Thank you for making the journey here, Princess Misty Rosenblum," Emma greeted the princess with genuine warmth.

"Arzenal administration is a duty entrusted to the Rosenblum family," Misty replied, her smile serene and dignified.

The two exchanged pleasantries for a while, the atmosphere suffused with congeniality. Suddenly, Misty broached a request, and Emma, ever accommodating, assured her that she could ask for anything.

"I have heard that Angelise-sama is here. The first princess of the Misurugi Empire, Angelise-sama," Misty inquired, her tone tinged with longing.

Emma hesitated, reluctant to acknowledge Ange's past as a princess, but ultimately replied, "T-there is no such person here..."

However, Misty's earnest desire to see Ange, fueled by admiration for her courageous and compassionate nature, softened Emma's resolve. Despite the complexities surrounding Ange's identity as a Norma, Misty harbored no ill will toward her, unlike many other mana users.

Moved by Misty's genuine sadness, Emma made a decision. She left the room and ventured out to the festival, determined to find Ange and fulfill Misty's heartfelt request.

The door closed behind her, and Misty turned her gaze toward the window, lost in thought as memories of the Iaria championship flooded her mind. Iaria, a sport akin to Lacrosse but played in the air aboard vehicles, had showcased Ange's remarkable bravery during the finale. Misty couldn't help but admire Ange's selfless act of sacrificing the winning point to save her teammate who had fallen from a great height.

Meanwhile, in the tent where a romance movie played, Salia sat beside Lucia and Ange, tears streaming down her cheeks as she watched the on-screen couple. Beside her, Lucia's expression remained blank, her thoughts drifting to more action-packed scenes.

"What's this... it's super boring. Wasn't there any action movie?" Lucia wondered aloud before turning her attention to Salia, who had invited them to watch the romance film.

Unlike Lucia and Ange, Salia's tears flowed freely, her happiness for the couple palpable. It seemed as though she was projecting herself into the romantic storyline, feeling the emotions as if they were her own. Even among the other Norma girls in the tent, Salia's reaction stood out.

Lucia sighed and glanced at Ange, noticing her distant gaze fixed on the movie. It was clear that Ange's mind was elsewhere, likely consumed by thoughts of her sister, Silvia.

Taking Ange's hand, Lucia gently brought her back to the present moment. Ange stumbled slightly before turning to face Lucia.

"Silvia?" Lucia inquired softly, prompting a nod from Ange.

"Yes... but there's no point in worrying about it. I can't do anything, anyway," Ange replied with a sad smile, resigned to the limitations of her current circumstances.

After Ange's brief recollection of her failed attempt to leave Arzenal, she redirected the conversation with a forced smile. "More than that. Isn't this movie suck?" she quipped, attempting to shift the focus away from her troubled thoughts.

"I think so too..." Lucia replied, joining in Ange's attempt to lighten the mood, though her amusement felt somewhat forced.

As they exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of how to address Salia's emotional reaction to the movie, Momoka's voice cut through the tension, summoning Ange with news of Princess Misty's request for a meeting.

"Misty Rosenblum?" Ange pondered, recalling the young girl whom she had rescued during the Iaria sport championship.

Momoka confirmed that Misty was visiting as a representative of the festival fleet and wished to meet with Ange. However, Ange couldn't shake the feeling that Misty's intentions might be less than sincere, fearing that she sought to mock Ange for her status as a Norma.

"Why not meet with her?" Lucia suggested, prompting Ange to turn and regard her with skepticism.

"Well, we might be able to leave from here and go back to the Misurugi Empire with her help," Lucia explained, her tone hopeful.

Ange considered Lucia's proposal for a moment before reluctantly agreeing. "Okay..." she relented, realizing the potential opportunity Misty's assistance could offer.

Exiting the tent, they encountered Emma, who had just arrived. Without delay, they made their way to the mansion, leaving Salia engrossed in the emotional movie.

As they walked, Lucia noticed Hilda trailing behind them, her presence a subtle reminder of her desire to return to her mother. Despite enjoying her conversations with Lucia, Hilda remained steadfast in her longing for home. Aware of Hilda's inner turmoil, Lucia resolved to address her concerns.

Urging Ange to proceed with her meeting with Misty, Lucia veered off to intercept Hilda, recognizing her intent to escape from Arzenal. Though tensions rose at the prospect of Hilda's attempted escape, Lucia remained calm, having already formulated a plan to apprehend her and ensure the safety of those involved.

"Boom..." Lucia's sudden appearance near Hilda's ear elicited a startled shriek from Hilda.

"Kyaaa!" Hilda cried out, her heart racing from the unexpected fright.

Turning to face Lucia, Hilda's panic and surprise were evident as she questioned, "L-Lucia! How did you appear here?" She struggled to comprehend how Lucia had seemingly teleported behind her after walking with Ange just moments before.

"Some magic trick," Lucia replied nonchalantly, her smile masking the true extent of her abilities.

Interrupting the momentary levity, Lucia got straight to the point. "By the way, are you trying to kidnap Momoka?" she inquired, catching Hilda off guard with her directness.

"N-no way. I won't do something like that," Hilda denied hastily, unable to meet Lucia's gaze as guilt gnawed at her conscience. She feared Lucia's judgment and hoped to avoid any confrontation until she could carry out her plan.

But Lucia saw through her facade. "Hilda... I know that you want to return. Don't lie," she stated firmly, her words penetrating Hilda's defenses.

The revelation left Hilda stunned, her expression a mix of disbelief and uncertainty. She struggled to find the right words to explain herself to Lucia, grappling with the realization that her secret desires had been uncovered. Hilda knew that she needed a mana user like Momoka to pilot the aircraft necessary for her escape, adding another layer of complexity to her predicament.

As Hilda poured out her pent-up emotions to Lucia, tears welled up in her eyes, betraying the facade of strength she had tried to maintain. She knew that Lucia must have seen through her pretense all along, aware of the selfish desires that drove her actions.

"That's right. I'm planning to go back to my mama. You can think of me as a selfish bitch or whatever!" Hilda's voice quivered with emotion as she unleashed her frustration at Lucia.

"I'm manipulating and pretending to be friendly with others was also fake. Even Chris and Rosalie don't know. Of course, Zola didn't even realize that I was pretending to be in love with her. How laughable, hahaha." Hilda's laughter was tinged with bitterness as tears streaked down her cheeks.

"My years of efforts were wasted because of that bitch! I hate her for that! That's why I tried to kill her, but she didn't die! However, with that bitch's maid, I could go back to my mother! Don't try to stop me!" Hilda's words spilled out in a torrent of anger and resentment, her breathing ragged as she spoke without pause.

Fortunately, they were alone, and Hilda's outburst went unnoticed by others. But the weight of her emotions hung heavy in the air, leaving an atmosphere charged with tension and desperation.

As Hilda's mind raced with insecurities and doubts, Lucia regarded her with a mixture of compassion and understanding. She had known all along that beneath Hilda's facade of strength lay a fragile soul, driven by a desperate longing to be reunited with her mother.

Without hesitation, Lucia gently pulled Hilda into a comforting embrace, offering solace in the midst of her turmoil. Hilda, overwhelmed by emotion, accepted the embrace, her tears mingling with Lucia's as they held each other tightly.

In that moment of shared vulnerability, words were unnecessary. They simply held onto each other, drawing strength from the warmth of their embrace.

As they stood there, Hilda's thoughts drifted back to the day she was discovered to be a Norma at the tender age of ten. She could still vividly recall the anguish on her mother's face as she was torn away, her pleas for mercy falling on deaf ears. It was a memory etched into her soul, a painful reminder of the sacrifices she had made in pursuit of her ultimate goal.

As Hilda grappled with the harsh reality of her new life at Arzenal, she found herself thrust into an unfamiliar and unforgiving environment. The filthy living conditions, unpalatable food, and the looming threat of battling terrifying creatures known as dragons left her feeling overwhelmed and powerless.

At first, Hilda's emotions mirrored Ange's defiance and resentment towards her Norma status. She despised her circumstances and longed to escape the confines of Arzenal. But as time passed, the harsh reality of her situation began to sink in.

Witnessing the gruesome aftermath of battles, with girls maimed and lives lost, shook Hilda to her core. The fear of meeting a similar fate drove her to reassess her mindset. She knew that stubbornly clinging to her hatred of Norma would only lead to her demise.

Instead, Hilda started to contemplate survival strategies. She understood that cooperation and alliances were essential for her continued existence in this hostile environment. It was during this pivotal moment of introspection that she noticed Zola, a formidable fighter who consistently emerged victorious in battles against dragons.

Recognizing Zola's prowess and resilience, Hilda saw an opportunity for survival. She realized that aligning herself with someone as capable as Zola could increase her chances of navigating the dangers of Arzenal and ultimately finding a way back to her mother's side. With determination and a newfound sense of pragmatism, Hilda resolved to seek out Zola and forge a partnership that could secure her future in this treacherous world.

Despite her initial reservations about Zola's tough demeanor, Hilda recognized the necessity of aligning herself with someone as formidable as Zola to ensure her survival at Arzenal. Reluctantly, she acquiesced to Zola's advances, playing the role of a devoted companion despite her discomfort with intimacy.

As time passed, Hilda covertly pursued her true objective: finding a way to return to her beloved mother. She knew that escaping from Arzenal during the festival offered her the best chance of freedom, and she meticulously prepared for this opportunity over the course of nearly five years.

Throughout her clandestine preparations, Hilda clung to the hope of reuniting with her mother and reclaiming the happiness she once knew. The thought of her mother's joyous reaction upon seeing her again served as a beacon of light in the darkness of her existence at Arzenal.

Driven by this singular desire, Hilda remained determined to seize her chance at freedom, knowing that her mother's love awaited her on the other side.

Amidst the harsh realities of Arzenal, Hilda found solace in cherished memories of her life before. She longed for the comforting taste of her mother's homemade apple pie, the gentle rustle of leaves from the apple tree near their home, and above all, the warmth of her mother's smile.

As she toiled away in preparation for her escape, thoughts of her mother weighed heavily on Hilda's mind. She couldn't shake the worry that her absence would leave her mother feeling lonely and bereft. Despite her determination to return home, Hilda couldn't help but wonder if her departure would only add to her mother's sorrow.

Yet, the hope of reuniting with her mother, of sharing once more in the simple joys of their life together, propelled Hilda forward. With each passing day, her resolve strengthened, fueled by the belief that her mother's love would guide her safely back home.

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