Chapter 24
Eris Birthday Part 2
Everything went smoothly, I woke up in the wake of dawn, Changed my attire, and set the table and decorations. Other maids also get up early, especially those who care for Eris.
After we finished preparing the table everyone got to work on the food and preparing for the guest. I on the other hand have to stay with Eris and Ghislaine. I was with Ghislaine Standing guard outside of Eris's room While the other was dressing her up right now.
It is going to take a while, but Eris is being a good girl and not throwing a fit like she used to. Well, I take that as a sign of her growing up. We stood silently alongside each other waiting for her to finish dressing up. But then Ghislaine ear twitched and I picked up something too.
It was a distance footstep. I hold my hand out while Eris is getting a bit tense. And then out from the shadow is Rudy walking down the hallway. "Eh? What's wrong?"
Hearing his voice made me and Ghislaine relax our body. "Hey, you look surprisingly good in that attire," I said to him as he walked toward us.
"Ah! T-thank you." Rudy said shyly, Seeing him like this really reminded me that he was just a kid. He was getting embarrassed just because he got compliments. Or is it because he is a guy?
"Well, you l-look good too."
"Hm? Isn't this my usual attire?" What's different? Rudy just shut his mouth and kept silent as we waited for Eris. I want to ask him more but well, I will just drop it.
As we wait a while longer Eris finally comes out of the room. She looks absolutely stunning. As expected of the daughter of Lord Phillip and Lady Hilda, With just a bit of makeup and the right dress she turns out to be one stunning individual. Well, she is already beautiful, to begin with so this is a normal outcome.
"S-so! How do you think?" she stuttered a bit, Probably from how nervous she was.
"You look beautiful, Eris," I answer her and then nudge Rudy to say something too.
Rudy quickly got out of his daze and began complimenting Eris. "you look very lovely, Eris." With that comment, he earned a smack to the head from Eris. I don't know what going on with them but Eris somehow know which of Rudy's comment is genuine or not. But that blow was weaker than normal so I think he really meant it, She just smacked him out of embarrassment.
As for why she not hitting me? well, I either dodge it or give her back tenfold. I usually will dodge them. Ghislaine didn't say anything just nodded in acknowledgment.
"Now then, Shall we go?" I said out loud to gather their attention. Eris takes a deep breath and then nods. I smile lightly, She trying to get rid of her nervousness.
Guiding Eris to Lord Sauros only took a minute as he waited near the ballroom. After letting her inside the room I guide both Rudy and Ghislaine to their post. Well, only Ghislaine. As Rudy can do what he wants, I just guide him to the ballroom.
Standing near the door, I watch as the invitees come one by one. More sons and daughters of nobles and the parents themselves come in. This party is for Eris's birthday, But it is also a way for them to gain connection.
After around an hour or so he finally came. The one who ordered the kidnapped of Eris.
Darius Silva Ganius. or so his name is. He is a fat man with a disgusting smile. dress luxuriously and from his eyes, I even saw the mocking in them. Beside him is an old woman and a child. Both dress in knight armor and thick fur as their coat. While the child is wearing a helmet the old woman is not. her face is full of wringer and her eyes are scanning everything. Until it lands on me.
Badum!
Everything was silent. Everything around me feels like looming darkness. I can't see anything else besides the woman. My eye focuses on her and my chest is tightening.
BADUM! BADUM!
My lung feels like it is about to give out, Everything about that woman warns me of danger, her posture is full of opening but for some reason, I can't move. Her presence alone is enough to make me choke.
BADUM! BADUM! BADUM!
I feel like my heart is going to blow up just because she staring at me! God What is this! Who is she!? Why is she with Darius?! Someone this strong, stronger than Paul and even Ghislaine!
"My, my what a fine young woman here." Her voice is like a sweet scent of honey luring you to its trap. "Did you perhaps train in the art of sword?" She slowly walked toward me, My back was pouring with sweat like crazy, Her gesture threatened me that if I made the wrong move I would die.
RUN! RUN AWAY FROM HER!
Slowly her hand moved. And I saw the sword that was hiding in those thick coats of hers. Her hand slowly moved to my hand pressing them lightly. "Hm…Nice muscle but still enough fat to be flexible. Sword god perhaps? Or maybe you train at North god school? But from your gesture, you probably train in Water god School too. Maybe you train in all those?"
The woman's eye was on me checking everything about my body. Her hand never let go of my arm.
Gulping my saliva I look straight into her eyes. " I train in all the major Sword schools, ma'am." Trying not to be rude to her I slowly retract my arm, but her grip suddenly harder.
"Is that so? Then why not come to Ars with me? I can teach you in the art of Water god Further than anyone in this world." She said.
"M-my apologize, But I still have my contact to keep, but thank you for the offer." I reject her without thinking about it. Everything about this woman is screaming dangerously at me. the sound of my non-beating heart actually beating at the sight of her already scares me shitless.
"Hm? Then I can talk to the lord-"
"Reida! Enough of that already." Darius called her out before she could finish it. She let go of my arm and with a smile bid me farewell.
For the first time in my life. I felt like I was truly in danger. Not even when I almost died or when I was a weak baby going on an adventure. But just meeting her is giving every cell in my body screaming at me to run. My fight or flight instinct for once is giving up on fighting.
My lungs take on air that I desperately need after holding my breath without knowing. the woman and Darius already out of my sight when I knew it.
Calming down my rag breathing I start to kill every emotion I have right now. Just like the old time. I only need the blank state. Closing my eyes for a bit I open them again. Everything feels clear again. My breathing is stable and my hearing is also back to normal.
Letting the last of my emotions away with my breath, I look at the door where Eris will come through. hand in front and back to the maid etiquette I perfected over the years. Waiting patiently for the time she makes her entrance.
Right now Lord Sauros and lord Phillip are entertaining the guests. And even though I was a Maid I didn't need to go and serve the guests. I waited and waited, observing everything and everyone, taking even the slightest suspicious movement in my mind.
One of the guests is hitting on one of our maids, No he strength up harassing her. I move quickly and quietly through the crowd and stand behind him.
"Excuse me? Esteemed guest, do you need anything?" My hand grabs onto his arm and squeezes it lightly, he yelps out but his hand finally leaves the poor girl's hip alone. She bowed down lightly and then quickly walked away.
He turns to face me, I just smile blankly at him. He keeps that up as he tries to say something but backs off. I turn around only to see Ghislaine behind me.
"Thank for the help." I thank her. She just nods lightly and gestures to the door. So it's time already?
I make my way to the door waiting to open it up with one other maid. Lord Sauros makes a speech about how happy he was that everyone could come and so on. He finally stopped and then turned to the door where I and one other maid were waiting.
"Now then! Let's welcome Today star! Come Eris!"
At his word, We open the door, and out comes Eris walking gracefully. She walks forward with a gentle step, unlike her everyday behavior. She truly embraces what people call Noble elegance. Well, it was normal. She has been getting drilled about this for more than 6 months after all.
And she put a lot of effort during the last month too. Mostly because Rudy is training with her. But an effort is an effort.
Just as she finished walking down the stairs she started to make a speech she had been practicing all week.
As she began her little speech I kept my eye on Darius and everyone else. From my little research and eavesdropping from time to time I have a little bit of knowledge about the current politics of Asura kingdom.
There are 4 major factions. The first prince faction is the one Darius is from. While lord Sauros supports the second prince. These two are on different Faction but the reason Darius coming is probably unaccounted for. After all, I overheard that he was supposed to reject it.
The reason he can come is open to everyone who just watches a little. The old woman next to him. She is strong. Too strong to the point that even me and Ghislaine can't fight against her for sure. The way she presents herself is like a weak and kind old lady.
Her sword which I only got a glimpse of, was decorated slightly but still felt functional. She must be someone of great status. She mentions Asura…The only thing I can think about Asura is the Water god Style school that is supposed to be there.
Tch! This ruins one of the main purposes of this event! I knew that Lord Phillip wanted to announce the status of Ghislaine to the kingdom wire this event. That is why he invites Darius, But not only is that guy not intimidated, but He also bought someone far stronger than Ghislaine.
But that was his trouble, not mine. My problem is how to protect Eris and myself from that Bastard. Even now he still eyeing Eris without shame. Tch.
When Eris finished her speech, she got the applause from the crowd. I notice she sighs out in relive but that was a short live one.
"Then to move to the main Event! Everyone who wants to impress me step out and Dance with my Granddaughter!" Lord Sauros announces out. While pushing Eris forward. She steps out nervously. Fidgeting around with her hand.
Everything seems to quieten for a minute until one boy walks out. "Lady Eris, Would you allow me to have the Honour of dancing with you?" He put his hand out waiting for her to respond.
"S-sur- I mean Yes." She said. a bit nervously. Tooking his hand the two began to start dancing. but that didn't last long as the boy stepped on Eris's feet and the two of them fell.
The two of them get up and try again but they still fall over each other. looking closely I could see the problem, Eris was moving a tad too fast for the boy. he couldn't keep up and continuously stepped on Eris's feet.
After falling for the third time he gave up and walked back, Leaving Eris to herself under the constant stare of the noble. She must feel down right now.
"What's wrong Eris! Don't tell me that you can't dance!" lord Suaros yells out. I could tell that he was displeased by this. Not only will this bring disgrace to his household but it will be a dark past for Eris. From the past year that I've been here, I can say that he loves his house but treasures his children more. Even though the tradition of his house is brutal for his children.
From the silent crowd emerges a loud step. A boy I know very well. Rudy is walking toward Eris…Eh?! Rudy walking toward Eris!? isn't he supposed to lay low!? Ah, but maybe he feels like he needs to help Eris out.
Well, it is already too late to do anything. As Eris got up and took Rudy's hand, he whispered something to her and the two began to dance together. and it went well? Eh? Her footwork change? It…Still fast but it rhymes with Rudy's footwork. Rudy is not that fast, so the only way is for her to be slower. But no it like feint?
Her footwork changes every other second like a feint. Hm…Maybe it was the thing Rudy whispered to her. Watching the two of them dance together to the sound of music and seeing Eris going from the gloomy looking just now to the old cheerful smile fill me with happiness.
Maybe I'm proud to see them like this? I don't know. but the two of them smile like a child they should.
"Hm, the two of them make for a good couple won't you say?"
At that voice, everything around me seems darkened. The cheerful scene I saw before is no more and the only thing I know is to keep my head down as much as I can. the pressure she radiates behind is so heavy. Looking around I didn't see any of the guests react. But the beast-man maids with their instinct got their tail of hair standing up while looking around.
Naturally, Ghislaine must have felt that too as she slowly walked toward me. A hand lands on my shoulder. "We still haven't finished our talk, hm? Ah, I didn't even get to introduce myself right." Gulping the imaginary saliva that stuck in my throat I turn my face to her only to get stopped by her hand.
"You can watch them, Dear. Then, My name is Reida Reia. The current Water-God. And what is your name?" I knew it! I fracking know it!
"L-Lucelia."
"A nice name. Now, Lucelia. I happened to take a fancy to you. So why don't you come with me to Ars? I can train you to further improve yourself. And that contract of yours I can break them for you." Reida said.
I want to refuse her! NO, I NEED TO REFUSE HER! She is dangerous! Everything in my body says so. Even my heart says so!
We need to get away from her. She is dangerous, Lucy. I can feel a bit of his mana in her.
Wha- grandmother?! Why do you appear now! You did not even come out in these past months!
Not the point right now. Get away from her.
I try but her grab is stronger than I thought! It won't even move!
You too flustered. use Touki.
Oh…right.
Using what little remains of my sanity I use my Touki on my arm and successfully break away from her. She looks surprised and intrigued at the same time. Looking around I try to find an excuse to leave then see that Eris and Rudy already finished dancing, Ghislaine is making her way through the crowd with a very dark expression.
"M-my apologies. But I must go serving the guests now." with a light bow, I quickly make my way toward Ghislaine.
"What happened, Lucy? I feel intense bloodlust from your direction." Ghislaine said, Although she looked calm she was very panicky in her voice.
"Water-god. The person with Darius claims that she is the current Water-god. She asked me to come with her, but of course I refused the first time but she came just now and asked the same thing too." I said everything with just one breath. Clearly, I was holding my breath just now as I was using everything to suck in the air.
"I understand. Stay with me for the whole Party." I nod at her. and we go back to guard Eris after I calm down a bit.
I never felt anything like this before. Pure terror. grandmother came out to warn me too. And she didn't even come out from these past 9 months. She said something about his mana too. I don't know what she means but that is definitely dangerous.
"Ne Lucy! you see how I dance right!" Eris's voice startled me out of my thoughts. Yeah…I need to focus on what I need to do right now.
"Um, You did a very good job Eris. You did that beautiful." I praise her with my honest feelings. They did that beautifully. I hold my hand out going to pat Eris's head but stop it because I was working as a maid right now. Eris seemed puzzled at what I was doing but then her attention shifted toward where Rudy was.
She quickly moved to him and I was left behind with Ghislaine who was eyeing the fine dish that was present at the table. We can't eat anything as we are but mere servants.
patting her on the back I keep my eyes closed on Eris. I can still feel an occasional glance at me from Reida. But most of the time it's Darius eyeing Eris and me. And that sent a chill down my spine.
:/:
Everything went well, I cleaned the table with the other maid after the guests all went back to their inn. It went smoother than I expected to be honest. I thought that Darius going to do something but he didn't do anything.
He just came and spread his presence here and there. But his presence must be very annoying for Lord Phillip and Lord Sauros.
After finishing cleaning everything. I went to Ghislaine's room, That is where the others were and where I hid my Gift.
Walking inside I can see Eris and Ghislaine kneel at Rudy. Holding the staff that looks just like what he got from Roxy. After seeing me Eris looks at me with expectation. It is honestly cute how she acts like this.
making my way toward Ghislaine's Bed, I take the gift I prepared.
"Here Eris. Happy Birthday." I said while patting Eris on the head. What? I'm not on duty anymore I can pat her all I want!
She takes the gift without minding that I just made myself comfortable with her head. Open up the cloth warping and reveal a curved blade on its sheath.
"Can I really have this!? You won't take it back right!?" She asks enthusiastically. I nod at her while smiling myself.
She quickly got away from my hand and stood up. The sword is pulled from its sheath revealing a shiny silver underneath. She starts practicing swinging excitedly. She likes it.
"Thank you, Lucy! I really love this!" She said.
"No problem. I'm happy that you like it."
She was bobbing her head around after hearing that.
Ah, seriously. Today is too much of a day. Seeing her be happy like this makes me happy too. Well, after quite a bit more eating and celebrating Eris and Rudy are already falling asleep while I and Ghislaine are finishing what is left of the food.
While eating in silence, Ghislaine suddenly spoke up.
"Did the Water god threaten you?"
"No. But her pressure is insane. I even forgot I have Touki for a moment." I have to thank Grandmother for that one.
"I see." That was Ghislaine's last word before she went back to drinking her beer. I too finish what was left and then leave the room to go back to sleep.
I hope I don't get into any situation like that again.