The sudden news surprised us all, especially me. I took a couple of steps back and opened my eyes wide. The Count was smiling calmly. It took me several seconds to react.
–Wha-What!?
I exclaimed. The man turned in my direction with a gesture of disbelief.
–Are you all right?
–What do you mean it belongs to me now?
Louise, who was holding Saito's healed head in her hands, watched expectantly. Meanwhile, Kirche and Tabitha had walked up to our position. The tristanian noble smiled.
–Of course. The deal was that if your squire delivered the Von Zerbst family treasure to me within a week, Siesta would return with you.
I could not believe my ears. "Wait a minute! I didn't agree to something like this." Siesta, visibly more relieved, had her eyes fixed on me. I raised my right hand as I tried to find an excuse.
–S-Sir, I don't need a personal servant…
I affirmed weakly. Count Mott, whose gesture became serious, called with a movement of his cane to one of the guards located next to the doors. The young man approached with alacrity.
–Siesta's contract is on the table in my office. Bring it immediately.
–Yes, my lord!
He placed his free hand on his chest and quickly left the hall. I regretted more and more that I had accompanied Saito in this madness. Then, the man turned to me, smiling again.
–Young Vincenzo, whether you need a maid or not, I made the deal with you, not with the Academy. That means that now the girl belongs to you. You are free to act as you please with her. Although, if you'll allow me a piece of advice, don't spank her too much. It would be a pity if that perfect skin ends up defective.
He mentioned the last sentences while looking up and down at Siesta with desire. The maid became uncomfortable and lowered her gaze. For an instant, I would have accepted without hesitation just to get her out of here and back to her old life. However, her life would never go back to the way it was. "What am I going to do now?" as I hesitated over what to answer; and sweat beaded on my uniform, Tabitha stepped forward and faced the noble respectfully.
–Academy students are not allowed to have personal servants.
She enunciated expressionlessly. Her words caused a sense of relief to sweep through my body. I could hardly contain a sigh. However, the count, though surprised, did not lose his smile.
–I understand. Things have certainly changed in the last few years.
He paused as soon as he heard the guard he had sent for Siesta's contract come down. He stood next to his lord and handed him the paper. In his hand he also carried a small object with the coat of arms of Count Mott and a wooden board. The man magically opened the contract and held it in the air.
–However, this matter has nothing to do with the Academy. We are on my land and what I say is done here, young lady. If the deal I made with your friend here contradicts the rules of your institution, of which, I remind you, I am a patron, it is your problem, not mine.
He sentenced. He opened the small object placed on the wood and inside was liquid sealing wax. As the ring rushed towards this one, ready to be immediately sealed into the contract, I began to tremble. "He's testing me again, but this is too much."
–Count Mott, I'm sure…
I muttered. Whether he hadn't heard me or chose to ignore me, he stamped his family's seal on the contract. The sound caused me to startle. I gritted my teeth and clenched my left fist, hidden under my cloak. "Damn my luck. As if it wasn't enough that this man can figure out the lies I've perpetrated, now I have to figure out what I'm going to do with a servant girl I barely know and have stuck my neck out for. All to help a young man I've been talking to for a week. Alessandro, you will never learn..."
As the seconds ticked by and silence reigned in the foyer of the mansion, I threw a sidelong glance at Siesta. She half-opened her mouth, waiting for an answer. Shortly after, my eyes met Louise's. She, as tired as I was of all this, begged me with her eyes to make a decision. The count held out the maid's contract.
–Here you are. It has been a pleasure doing business with you.
I hesitated about how to act. I looked at the nobleman's seal stamped on the paper. After weighing it one last time, I accepted my defeat, at least for now. "I am too tired to think clearly. And it would not do for my health to play tricks on me at this time. Tomorrow I will calmly reflect to find a way out of this mess." I sighed, picked up the contract and read it over. There was nothing special about it. "He has prepared the contract in one day. So he did trust that we would bring him the Von Zerbst family treasure." It only indicated that I must feed Siesta and give her a roof over her head. Finally, and thanks to the seal, Count Mott made it official that, as her former owner, she belongs to me from now on. "Well, not exactly me, but… I must fix this as soon as possible." I rolled it up.
–Perfect. Siesta, go get your things.
The Count demanded. She curtsied.
–Yes.
She answered relieved. The young woman set off without a moment's hesitation. The count began to walk up the stairs without warning. He stopped at the fourth step and gave us students a look of indifference. He was carrying the book that for generations belonged to the Von Zerbst family under his left arm.
–Now if you will excuse me, I have some reading to begin. It is late and I suppose you should return to the academy as soon as possible. Good night, young ones.
He didn't wait for us to say goodbye. He continued on his way humming a tune, much happier than before. I stood staring blankly in the middle of the hall, with the contract of a servant I don't need, can't feed and can't even own in my right hand. Tabitha approached Saito and Louise. The tristanian moved away from her familiar. After a slight movement of her cane, it rose a meter in the air. It didn't look like it was going to wake up any time soon. Louise picked up the golden sword with both hands.
When I decided to return to the real world, I felt next to me the presence of someone who had not moved since the contract was sealed. Kirche was watching me as if trying to read my thoughts. My eyes focused on hers. She averted her gaze to our colleagues, who were slowly approaching. Before anyone could say anything, I managed to utter a word.
–Siesta and I will catch up with you as soon as she returns.
Tabitha did not answer, but set off with Saito's levitating body. The guards were waiting on both sides of the gate for us to retreat. Louise, however, did remain in place. She stared at the floor trying to find the right words. As soon as she looked up and opened her mouth, I raised my left hand and shook my head.
–Not here.
I said softly. She, whose eyes still remained swollen from the tears shed earlier, instantly understood the situation and nodded. She headed for the front door of the mansion. Kirche imitated her.
Siesta returned a couple of minutes after the last two students had left the foyer. She was still wearing the certainly revealing maid's outfit that Count Mott forced her to wear. She carried a suitcase in both hands, the same one with which she had said goodbye that day in the academy courtyard. Her blue eyes stared at me. I sighed and waved for us to be on our way. At a brisk pace, we crossed the ostentatious front lawn, circling the marble fountain at its center. Siesta remained two steps behind me.
I spotted Sylphid over the wall that delimited the estate, near several trees. We joined the rest of the group. The guards watched us listlessly. The dragon crouched down as the first time we climbed on her back and Tabitha lifted Saito a little higher in the air, placing him carefully on top of her. Louise quickly moved to her familiar's side. Kirche followed her. Finally, Siesta and I stood behind them, sitting down carefully. I watched Saito with pity, but something inside me wanted to explode. "As soon as he wakes up, we will talk very seriously about his behavior. I just hope Louise won't mortify him before that. Who am I kidding..." I sighed. The blue-haired young girl climbed up right at the junction between the dragon's neck and back. She commanded her to rise without warning. Siesta shook violently. I placed a hand on her back to reassure her and help her keep her balance. She thanked me with a slight smile.
As we flew over the green spring fields of Tristain in the direction of the academy, the two moons illuminated a completely clear night sky. "It's cold. On the way out I hadn't noticed because of the rush of emotions I was feeling, especially when I found out Saito was armed." Siesta was shivering, while Louise and Kirche covered their bodies with their cloaks. In a hint of chivalry, I took off my cloak and wrapped it around Siesta. She was surprised and tried to refuse, but I forced the garment over her shoulders and smiled at her. A shiver ran down my back due to the change in temperature, but I didn't think anything of it. She held it and closed her eyes as she smiled in appreciation.
No one had said a word since we left Count Mott's residence. However, a series of glances of all kinds were directed at me as soon as we reached the ideal altitude. Louise wanted to say something, but the presence of Kiche, Tabitha and Siesta seemed to make her hesitate, as her eyes kept going in their direction; only to return quickly to me. The germanian woman, for her part, had put aside any concern for her rival's familiar to focus her attention on me, even if she tried to hide it. Siesta, who initially got a little excited as soon as we took flight, and knowing her place as a commoner, seemed to be waiting for us to start a conversation. Finally, tired of so many stares, I decided to speak.
–Saito will recover soon, Louise. Conte Mott's mastery of the Water element is enviable. The healing spell he used to close his wounds so quickly surpasses my abilities by far.
I affirmed trying to alleviate the situation a little. Then, my gesture turned into one of absolute seriousness.
–However, it is his attitude that worries me. Since you summoned him, he hasn't stopped getting into trouble. Not only that, but you and I have been continually involved in it. I can understand that this is not his world and he is not used to our society and its rules. But there is a limit to everything. As soon as he wakes up, you will make it clear to him that acting like a complete idiot is over, understood?
I waited for her response as I stared into her eyes. She was going to respond verbally, but ended up nodding several times. Then, after almost a minute where silence reigned again in which I thought well what to say next, I decided to dispel in the best possible way the doubts regarding myself that were created during the conversation with Count Mott. I turned my gaze towards a distant place. Towards some mountains whose peaks were snow-capped.
–My entire relationship with Count Mott is the result of a lie. A ruse. Due to Saito's insistence, I have barely had time to think of a more elaborate plan. The name by which he knows me is that of a romalian noble I dealt with years ago…
I paused. I closed my eyes. "Vincenzo... I never thought you could cause me more trouble because of your name than your actions. Much less years after our last conversation." I opened them again and continued.
–I was forced to give a false name for security. I also lied about Saito's identity. If the Count ever found out he was a familiar, he would have executed him as soon as he disrespected him the first time. We can only pray that he never discovers the truth.
I sentenced exhausted. No one said another word. I spent the rest of the way absorbed in my thoughts, my eyes fixed on the horizon. I did not dare to look back at my companions at any time.
Once we spotted the academy on the horizon, Tabitha ordered Sylphid to descend to the top of the tallest trees. The thick forest that stretched to the east of the building would make us practically invisible under cover of darkness. "We have broken curfew. If we are discovered now we could be severely punished." I regretted for the umpteenth time that I had accompanied Saito in the first place. The little blue-haired girl whispered an order to her familiar. Immediately, we landed somewhat abruptly.
Siesta returned the cloack to me and I put it on as best I could. Kirche, the maid and Louise carefully climbed down, leaving me and an unconscious Saito on the creature's back. Tabitha gave me an expressionless look, which she turned to the other boy shortly after. I quickly understood what she meant.
–I'll take care of it.
I stepped a little away from the familiar and unsheathed Storm Ruler. I conjured an Air spell and Saito's body rose slightly. The little girl got off the dragon as soon as I carefully deposited the boy on the grass. I slid down the right wing to stand next to the other three girls. Louise turned to me.
–Alessandro, could you...
–Yes.
I replied before she could become uncomfortable with her known inability to cast elemental spells. Tabitha ordered Sylphid in her ear to withdraw. The dragon obeyed, made a slight sound as a farewell and flew off in the opposite direction of the academy. Still with my sword-catalyst in hand, I repeated the Air incantation. Although fatigue and the flood of emotions I had experienced at the Count's residence had taken their toll on me, I had not conjured any spells all day, so I would not be in danger of suffering an ailment. Not at least not until I collapsed on the bed as had happened days before.
We said goodbye to Tabitha on the first floor of the tower where we second year students reside. That was the main reason why she asked me to take Saito to Louise's room, located on the top floor. Kirche, despite having her room on the second floor, a short distance from mine, accompanied us. "She will want to make sure that Saito will sleep where he belongs. Maybe she'll be looking to visit him first thing tomorrow morning. Although, come to think of it, ever since she and Tabitha decided to accompany us on this rescue mission, her eroticism-filled attitude had disappeared. It's as if a much more adult and noble part of her had taken over."
As we carefully climbed the stairs trying not to produce more noise than necessary, I realized that Siesta was following me very closely. So much so that my body tensed up, "That damn deal. You played me, Count Mott." We reached the top floor of the tower within seconds. Kirche and the maid waited outside while Louise and I entered her room, with Saito levitating between us. I pulled the door closed without closing it all the way. Although the only dim light in the room was from the two moons in the sky filtering through the window panes, I knew the layout of the tristanian's room well enough to know where each piece of furniture was. Louise stood by the desk and never looked at me.
–Leave it on the bed, please.
She indicated me in a tone of voice that mixed weariness and disdain. I placed the body of her familiar on the bed. I sheathed Storm Ruler and took a quick look at Saito's head. I felt the area where he had been hit. "The count has done a good job. The wound has been closed and will leave no after-effects." I turned my gaze to the young woman. Louise was watching us. Her face showed that she really had a hard time with all this. I decided to break the silence.
–He will probably wake up tomorrow with a slight headache. If he is still unconscious, let me know as soon as possible.
She took a few seconds to respond.
–I'm sorry we caused you so much trouble, Alessandro. That you had to lie for my familiar, sticking your neck out like this, it's too much. Kirche is right. I'm a lousy mage...
She sentenced. She lowered her head and clenched her fists. A part of me felt empathy for her. However, there was no lie in her words. I might lose my life because of Saito. "Damn it." Finally, I sighed and headed for the door.
–What's done is done. It's been a long day. See you tomorrow, Louise.
–Good night.
I went out into the hallway, where Siesta and Kirche awaited my return and possibly some information about the boy's condition and perhaps his master. I closed the door behind me and faced the girls. The first one, with her usual helpful gesture, watched me anxiously. The germanian girl, on the other hand, had one hand on her hip and her visible eye on me.
–Tomorrow he will be recovered and everything will be back to normal. At least for him.
Kirche nodded and Siesta let out a sigh of relief.
–I hope you're right. If you'll excuse me, I'll retire to my room. Good night.
Mentioned the redhead, who turned away before she finished speaking. She showed signs of tiredness on her face.
–See you tomorrow, Kirche.
–Good night, Miss Von Zerbst.
And she bowed. The commoner remained at my side, waiting for me to give her first order. Just thinking about the problems that having a personal maid would cause me from now on, something that goes against the rules of the institution in which I study magic, my body began to feel a huge discomfort. "I'll take advantage of the fact that most students are asleep to set the record straight." I cleared my throat and turned my gaze to her.
–Siesta, can we talk for a moment?
She smiled at my politeness.
–You don't have to be so respectful to me, my lord. You are my only master now. I will obey all your orders without complaint.
Her reply took me by surprise. I remained thoughtful for a few moments. "Legally, I am not your owner. Vincenzo is…" I answered the first thing that came to my mind.
–I… I didn't even imagine the possibility that everything could end this way. Count Mott has played a trick on me.
I sentenced while I averted my gaze. When I turned my eyes to the maid, she had her eyes fixed on the floor. Her gesture showed some distress.
–No, my lord. If there is a culprit, it is me. I'm sorry for putting you through all this. You and Saito. If something serious had happened to him, I would never have forgiven myself...
She paused. She was trying to hold back his tears. I half opened my mouth.
–An-And all because he was kind to me. If I had stayed away, or at least let him know that I was leaving of my own free will...
She said the last sentence as if she really felt guilty, but she knows her situation perfectly well: she's a commoner whose contract is tied to the Academy. If a noble wants to buy her or take her as a gift, he only has to let the principal know. That's what happened with Count Mott. I approached her, but I stayed far enough away to leave her personal space.
–Listen, Siesta. You are not to blame for anything. Mott abused his power and influence to take you as a decorative object. We both know his intentions were not entirely honorable.
I mentioned that after glancing at her revealing attire. There was no blush on my cheeks. A feeling of pity provoked by the little girl overwhelmed me. I continued my little speech.
–I agreed with Saito and wanted to support him. Maybe that's why I decided to embark on this mission. However, my common sense told me that it was not a good idea. I guess, if I had listened to it, we wouldn't be here.
I finished with an ironic tone and gave a small smile. She looked up and her eyes met mine. The commoner mimicked my gesture and perked up a bit. Her glassy eyes glittered in the glow of the candelabra. She bowed.
–Thank you very much for saving me. From now on I will serve you to the best of my ability in everything you need. I am very happy to have a new master as kind and good as you, my lord.
Her answer did not have the desired effect. I sighed in exhaustion, again. "You still don't seem to understand the situation I find myself in." I shook my head. I decided to approach the matter from another perspective.
–Your life at the academy... Do you like it? Are you comfortable serving the nobles here?
Siesta hesitated for a moment. She answered with another smile.
–I am. But don't worry about that. I will gladly accept to serve only you from now on.
–Siesta... I don't think it's going to work.
I stopped to think the situation through. I closed my eyes and crossed my arms. "I definitely have to act decisively. I don't possess the money to support her; I don't need her services personally either; and, finally, it does not even belong to me as such. What can I do?" I tossed around an idea that has been going around in my head since we were flying over Sylphid in the sky above. "Principal Osmond, of course! I must talk to him and calmly explain the situation, avoiding talking about more, of course. Me talking about more, something that never happens..." I grimaced disapprovingly. "Focus, Alessandro. For now I will order her to return to her daily chores." I snapped back to reality. The maid was waiting for me to give her a more concrete answer.
–Siesta, for the time being you will return to your old life. You will cook, clean and work as before. I wouldn't want to raise suspicions or make you change your routine because of this madness.
She nodded after taking it in, much more relieved than before. Then, in a display of unusual chivalry, I continued speaking.
–However, and at least for the moment, you will answer to me and only to me.
Siesta was again taken aback by this last. She cocked his head to one side.
–What do you mean?
Before giving any explanation, I paused to think about the words that had just come out of my mouth. "Why did I say that now? Is fatigue getting to me so much that I think I'm a gentleman? Perhaps Vittorio's teachings have permeated me more than I expected. 'Seek to please others through words to win them over,' he used to say. Of course, he was referring to romalian courtiers, not just any tristanian maid. After all, I will have little to interfere with what happens to her from now on if she returns to her old life once I speak to the principal tomorrow." I answered her question.
–You will continue to live as you have been, working for the academy, but on one condition: I am your new master by contract. So, and this is an order, you will only accept the tasks you want. You will take the breaks you need and you will not give explanations to any other noble or servant. In the event that anyone complains or tries to force you to do something you don't want to do, you will send them to me so we can talk about it, understood?
I asked calmly. The stupefied commoner took a few seconds to react. Finally, she bowed again. She was smiling from ear to ear.
–Thank you very much for everything, my lord. Knowing that I can count on your help is a relief… It's not that the other lords and ladies of the academy are bad people! It's just that… Thank you.
Siesta sentenced after expressing herself in a rushed manner. A small reddish tone could be glimpsed on her cheeks. I smiled so as not to make a big deal of it. "She's a lovely girl, no doubt about it. I guess that's why I want this whole episode of contracts and impromptu plans to be over as soon as possible for her… And for me. If I think about it, and in case I could keep her, I wouldn't mind her serving me personally. In Romalia, if a noble or institution cannot provide maintenance and a roof over the heads of each and every one of their servants, they are free to leave and break their contract by law."
–Easy now. I understand what you mean.
I added. Silence reigned between us for a moment. Then, the memory of the dinner that Count Mott and I shared came to mind. "Wait a minute... She was present." The conversation that transpired within those walls was heard by her innocent ears. I tensed suddenly. I looked her up and down. "I'm sorry, Siesta, but I have to make sure that my mother's name, my brother's name, and my old family's last name are not heard within these walls." I cleared my throat to get her attention. The maid looked me in the eye.
–Siesta, one last thing before we say goodbye for today.
–Yes?
–Everything that happened tonight, and especially the night Saito and I went in search of you, must be forgotten by you. You will pretend it never happened, understood? If anyone asks you, you have not been present at any time, have I made myself clear?
I asked in a much more serious and direct tone. The commoner raised her eyebrows, hesitating about how exactly to answer. She made a new bow, much stiffer than the previous one.
–Yes, my lord.
–It's an order.
I added, not quite accepting her answer and moved by fear, to my speech. Along with those three words, I cast an intimidating look. "This is the first time in a long time that I have acted like this with a servant. Desperate situations call for desperate measures." She flinched and lost her helpful posture for an instant, as if she didn't believe that I could behave this way after what happened. Seeing that Siesta did not know how to respond I continued, seeking to make my position clear.
–What I'm going to say next, don't see it as a threat, but if this matter comes to light and I find out that you had something to do with it, I will take drastic measures.
I brought my left hand to Storm Ruler's pommel, moving the cloak slightly so that she would instantly grasp what I was referring to. However, and despite the temperance of my words, my fingers trembled slightly. "What am I saying, I could never murder a person like her in cold blood. In fact, just thinking about murdering someone..." My line of thought was cut short by a sharp bow made by Siesta. The little girl looked truly frightened.
–I-I swear on my life that not a word will ever come out of my mouth about what happened these days.
The tone used made me feel like a tyrant. I relaxed my posture and sighed.
–Thank you for your understanding. Now go to sleep. Tomorrow we will meet and find a way to solve the matter of your contract with the principal.
The commoner breathed a sigh of relief and raised her head. She smiled faintly.
–Good night, my lord.
With a final, hasty bow, Siesta took her leave. She hurried out of the hallway, lit at this time of night by the chandeliers, who were all lit, in the direction of the lower floor. As I stood still in the same place where I had just threatened to kill a young woman I hardly knew, I yawned unceremoniously and took the opportunity to stretch a little.
–Founder, I beg you, on my way to my bed, do not put any more obstacles in the way.
With the thought of what had just happened in mind and a feeling of physical discomfort created from exhaustion, I descended the stairs connecting the third floor to the second. "For now it looks like everything ended well. Saito will recover soon; Count Mott has the book he wanted so much; Louise and I will not fall into disgrace because of Gandálfr; Siesta is safe, once again, at the Academy…" I smiled wistfully.
–Tomorrow is going to be a very hard day… Just thinking about the fact that we have class first thing in the morning with Professor Jean Paul makes the world come crashing down on me.
After mentioning this in a low voice, I crossed the corner. My eyes caught sight of the hallway and, to my surprise, it was not empty just like the one on the third floor. "What is she still doing here?"