Konosuba 500

by AitchBerry

500 years after the Demon King's defeat, the world faces ruin again! Papitas, a clumsy martial artist with ridiculous strength, teams up with Lalemana Dustiness, a hot-tempered noble, to fulfill a prophecy. From bickering to battling, their chaotic quest to recruit the elusive Sapphire Spirit spirals into absurd adventures, quirky allies, and over-the-top battles!

5. Chapter 4: A Captive Noble! – Part 2

Part 1

It's been days since the last of the snow melted, and Arcanletia basked in the warm glow of spring. The streets buzzed with activity now that it was easier to move, vibrant with people setting up market stalls, children playing, and colorful flowers blooming along the walkways.

In the garden of the Royal Residence, guards and gardeners busily moved about, doing their best to avert their eyes from a certain sunbathing figure.

Lalemana, dressed in a skimpy bikini, reclined on a pool chair, determined to banish her winter paleness. A drink sat on a table beside her, and she casually flipped through a book, a lit cigarette dangling lazily from her lips.

"Ahem," someone cleared their throat, casting an annoying shadow over her.

"Hi, Daisy," Lalemana muttered without looking up, eyes still on her book. "Want a sip?" she offered, gesturing toward her drink with no real intent to hand it over.

"Milady, must you really do this in the main garden?" Daisy asked, her forced smile barely concealing her exasperation.

"Yes."

"But surely, there's a more appropriate place for sunbathing. Like the garden within the Dustiness wing? You know, the one where people won't stare?" Daisy gestured toward the gawking onlookers who had gathered beyond the Royal Residence's fence, their whispers and murmurs barely concealed.

"Nah, I don't like it there," Lalemana said flatly.

Daisy sighed, her patience fraying. "Could you at least… cover yourself a bit more?"

Lalemana finally lifted her gaze, "Daisy, for people like us, beauty is power." She dramatically waved a hand over her body. "Modesty is for the weak."

Daisy pinched the bridge of her nose. "I tried to warn you." She gave a slight nod toward the residence's entrance, where a maid was quietly waiting.

"Huh?" Lalemana blinked in confusion, taking a big sip of her drink. "What do you mean?"

Before Daisy could answer, a voice roared across the garden. "LULÚ! HAVE YOU NO SHAME?!" Lalemana jumped in her seat, spilling her drink as her mother stormed into view, flanked by a few maids. The vein on her forehead threatened to burst. "I told you to be ready by now! And here you are, parading yourself like this for the entire town to see?!"

"M-Mom!?" Lalemana scrambled to use Daisy as a shield, but the traitorous knight deftly stepped aside, allowing her mother's wrath to land squarely on her.

"Are you betraying me—? Ack!" Lalemana yelped as her mother smacked her with a shoe, not once, but several times. "Waaaaah! I'm sorry!" She bolted toward the residence, her hands flailing as Lady Marcella chased after her with the determination of a mother who's had enough.

"Young lady, you have five minutes to get dressed properly!" Lady Marcella barked, brandishing the shoe like a weapon. "If you take a second longer, I'm confiscating that hairdresser!"

"Waaaaaaah!" Lalemana fled, vanishing into the residence, a couple of maids following after.

Daisy chuckled softly. In the months she'd been escorting Lalemana, she had come to realize that guarding her wasn't like protecting a high-value target—it was more like babysitting a bratty little sister.

A few minutes later, Lalemana reemerged, wearing a chic spring outfit. Her head was adorned with a black, wide-brimmed hat, and dark sunglasses covered her eyes, giving her the air of a celebrity ready for the spotlight.

Lady Marcella's eye twitched. "Are you seriously wearing those?" she pointed at the sunglasses.

Lalemana lifted them just enough to peer over the top. "The future is now, old lady. You wouldn't understand."

"Hmph!" Lady Marcella puffed her cheeks in indignation. "Well, new spring, new fashion! I suppose I could take a look at those myself." She waved for a nearby carriage. "Now that we're ready, let's go."

The Dustiness women, along with Daisy, a few maids and knights, headed to the city's wealthiest shopping district. They swept through clothing and jewelry stores, accumulating dresses, hats, shoes, and jewelry at a staggering rate. Hours passed, and the sheer amount of bags trailing behind them could outfit an entire family.

Daisy watched as Lalemana idly flipped through racks of scarves, occasionally glancing across wandering groups of girls her age. They giggled amongst themselves, pointing at trinkets and holding up new accessories, the sounds of their laughter blending into the busy streets.

The Dustiness women, however, were cordoned off from the rest of the city's bustling social life, surrounded by knights while the maids struggled carrying all their shopping. Daisy couldn't ignore the longing look in Lalemana's eyes, a gaze that lingered on other girls.

"What do you think of this scarf, Lulú?" her mother asked, draping a bright, colorful scarf around her neck.

Lalemana, half-heartedly watching from a distance, nodded without really looking. "Yeah, it suits you. Really brings out your eyes."

But Daisy noticed something off. Lalemana, usually so lively when out of the residence, looked distant. She wasn't her usual self, hardly engaging in her surroundings. Instead, she stared longingly at a group of girls, now sitting at a café across the street, laughing and gossiping.

That's when it hit Daisy—Lalemana had no friends. In the months she'd been guarding her, no one visited her. And excluding the rehabilitation clinic, she visited nobody.

"Milady, are you alright?" Daisy asked, approaching quietly.

"Huh?" Lalemana snapped out of her daze, her eyes still on the laughing girls. "Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry about it."

Before Daisy could press further, Lady Marcella called out again. "Lulú, come try this on!"

Lalemana stood up with a tired sigh and made her way over, but Daisy couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.

The next morning

Daisy leisurely polished her breastplate. There was no reason to rush her morning routine—Lalemana would spend at least two hours getting herself ready. If anything, Daisy appreciated the free time. It gave her a chance to catch up on her reading. After fastening her armor, she reached for a new copy of The Romance of the Dragon Knight, a retelling of one of her favorite stories. She had read it many times but was looking forward to this fresh version.

"Good morning, milady," Daisy announced as she entered Lalemana's bedroom, expecting to find her lounging in a nightgown in front of the hairdresser.

"Oh, hey, Daisy! Could you help me with this?" Lalemana emerged from behind a folding screen, her voice as casual as ever. But her appearance was anything but.

She was dressed like a knight, though with a flair only she could pull off. Her breastplate gleamed white and gold, polished to perfection, with an elegant shoulder pauldron on her left and a wing-like adornment draping over her right. A crimson red bow was fastened to her cuirass, which paired with a miniskirt alternating with yellow and white stripes that gave her a decidedly less formal air. Metallic boots rose to her knees, their steel finish sharp and clean. Her left gauntlet hung loose on her hand, and she pointed to it, "Tighten this please"

Daisy blinked in confusion but stepped forward. "Uh, sure..." She took hold of the gauntlet, feeling the cool material, her fingers tracing strange engravings across the surface. It was a magical alloy, a rare and expensive one.

"Nice," Lalemana said, as she grabbed her sword from its resting place and unsheathed it for a brief glance. With a satisfied nod, she strapped it to her waist. "Alright, I'm ready! Let's go!"

"M-milady, where are we going? And why are you dressed like that?" Daisy stammered, utterly baffled.

"What do you mean, didn't they tell you?" Lalemana asked, walking briskly past her. "Winter break is over. I'm part of the Royal Army too, you know! Time to get back to training—onward to the Royal Army Academy!"

Daisy expected Lady Marcella to stop her daughter to make anything stupid, but was shocked when the head of the house simply told her not to overexert herself.

They took the subway south to the academy. Lalemana could barely contain her excitement, practically bouncing in her seat. Daisy had a hundred questions, but she kept them to herself.

The Royal Army Academy sprawled across several city blocks in the southern district of Arcanletia. The complex was a towering bastion of stone and steel, its tall walls punctuated by high arches and expansive windows. Multiple floors housed various training centers for warriors, crusaders, wizards, priests, archers, and more. The surrounding fields were teeming with soldiers of every class, busy in rigorous training.

Daisy recognized several of the instructors, a few offering her nods of acknowledgment. She trained here herself and knew the grueling routines that awaited those serious about joining the Royal Army.

Lalemana approached the receptionist with her usual confidence. The young woman's eyes widened in recognition.

"Oh, hey, Miss—I mean, Lady Dustiness," she stammered, clearly unused to speaking with nobles. "Finally back after winter break, huh?"

"Yes! Finally!" Lalemana stretched dramatically. "Has Mireya arrived yet?"

"Colonel Duffy? She got here about an hour ago. She's waiting for you on your private training grounds," the receptionist said, rifling through some papers before finding a note. "She left you a message too—it says, 'If you make me wait too long, I'm going to beat your ass.'" The receptionist's tone turned awkward. "You, uh, should probably get going."

Lalemana didn't bat an eye and hurried off towards her instructor.

Her private training grounds were on the second floor, overlooking the academy's busy courtyard. The area was spacious, lined with practice dummies clad in armor and various racks filled with wooden weapons. As Daisy followed Lalemana in, she spotted a lone figure standing at the far end—a tall woman with free-flowing, fiery red hair that danced in the wind.

Lalemana skidded to a stop, gasping for air. "I-I'm here! Not late at all!"

The woman, turned to face them. Her piercing green eyes were framed by thick eyeliner, and her muscled frame was impossible to ignore. She wore her armor casually, with the midriff exposed, showing off toned abs and an intricate tattoo. Without a word, she marched over to Lalemana and grabbed her by the cheeks.

"Ah, you're still so cute," she cooed mockingly. "Tell me, how was the most valuable princess during her winter break?"

Lalemana started to respond with her usual confidence. "Well, of course—EEEEE!" she shrieked as Mireya yanked her cheeks harder.

"I told you not to waste my time," Mireya said, her voice ice-cold. She only released Lalemana when she noticed Daisy reaching for her weapon. "And this? Your new puppy?"

"She's my new escort," Lalemana muttered, rubbing her reddened cheeks. "Daisy, this is Colonel Mireya Duffy, my swordfighting instructor."

Daisy's eyes widened. The name 'Duffy' wasn't unfamiliar, and seeing the woman up close confirmed it. Colonel Mireya Duffy—better known by the nickname 'the beast'—was one of the most feared and respected swordfighters in the country. She only trained the best, and her methods were known to be brutal.

Mireya tossed a wooden sword to Lalemana. "Hope the winter didn't soften you up. Today we're training hard."

Lalemana grabbed the sword with both hands, excitement gleaming in her eyes. "I've been dying to wield a sword again!"

"One hand."

"Huh?"

"You'll be fighting one-handed from now on. It'll make more sense when you meet with Mildred," Mireya said nonchalantly, holding her own sword in one hand. "Come at me when you're ready."

Lalemana took a deep breath, carefully studying Mireya's posture. Every muscle in her body tensed as she dashed forward, aiming her first strike at Mireya's right side. The attack was fast and precise, but Mireya effortlessly parried it, her arm moving with the ease of someone who's done this countless times. Lalemana staggered but quickly recovered, launching into another assault, this time aiming for Mireya's torso.

Her strikes were fluid, each movement a display of grace and power. She pivoted on her heel, driving her sword down toward Mireya's shoulder, only to be met with another swift block. Lalemana pushed herself, attacking relentlessly from different angles, trying to catch Mireya off guard. But every strike, no matter how refined or fast, was met with an equally quick defense. Mireya's eyes never wavered, her reactions instinctual, as if she could predict every move.

Daisy, watching from the sidelines, could see it all too clearly. Lalemana was quick and skillful, but her lack of combat experience showed. Her movements were readable, and while her techniques were sharp, there was hesitation in her strikes. In contrast, Mireya fought like a seasoned warrior. Every movement was precise and purposeful, driven by instinct honed through countless battles.

An hour passed, and Lalemana was drenched in sweat, her breathing labored. Yet Mireya, still calm, hadn't lost her breath. Lalemana attacked again, her arm trembling from exhaustion, only to be met with the same, effortless parry.

"Not bad for a first try," Mireya said, casting the wooden sword aside. "But you've got a long way to go."

Lalemana dropped her sword, wiping her brow. "I'm exhausted... I need to drink something and take a big break…"

Mireya's expression hardened. "What makes you think we're done? You're not taking any breaks until you break my guard."

Lalemana's eyes widened in disbelief. "Haaaaaah!?"

Mireya pointed to the track in the main courtyard. "Now go down there and give me fifty laps. We'll continue once you're back."

The despair in Lalemana's eyes was palpable, but there was no use arguing. She sprinted past Daisy, heading toward the track, her legs already shaking from fatigue.

"You stay here, puppy," Mireya said, smirking, as Daisy was about to chase after Lalemana, "We need you well-rested to carry her back."

The grueling routine continued well into the evening. Lalemana was put through a relentless cycle of sword fighting, and a changing punishment of running, pushups and the like, with barely a moment to rest.

By sunset, Lalemana could barely hold the sword. Her legs buckled beneath her as she collapsed to the ground, unable to continue. Mireya stood over her, arms crossed, her face devoid of any sympathy.

"I expect her here on time tomorrow," Mireya said coldly to Daisy. "I forgave her today, but if she's late again, there'll be real punishment."

Daisy, too shocked to speak, simply nodded as she lifted Lalemana's unconscious body onto her back, carrying her back to the Royal Residence.

After a long bath to soothe her aching muscles, Lalemana devoured her dinner, eating like someone who hadn't seen food in days. Once finished, she collapsed onto her bed, the soft sheets welcoming her sore body. Daisy assumed she would stay in for the night, but late into the evening, Lalemana quietly slipped out of bed. Limping and using the walls for support, she made her way the same path as every other night.

The light in the familiar room was on, as if waiting for her arrival.

"Every fiber in my body is screaming in pain," Lalemana muttered, standing in the doorway. She gave a weary smile. "If I sit, I'm afraid I won't be able to get back up. But, anyway, how are you?" Her exhaustion seemed to melt away as she looked into door, her voice softening. "I hope the warm spring airs will make you feel better."

A week later.

Daisy and Lalemana made their way back to the academy. Lalemana had only taken the previous day off, recovering from a training regime that bordered on torture. Mireya hadn't let up for a moment, leaving Daisy to haul Lalemana back to the residence, utterly drained from the relentless sessions. Despite the exhaustion, Daisy couldn't deny that Lalemana's one-handed swordsmanship had improved significantly.

Still a thousand years away from landing a blow on Colonel Duffy, but progress is progress, Daisy thought.

After spending another day at the rehabilitation clinic, they returned, Lalemana still filled with determination. But today, she headed to a different room on the first floor.

"Milady, I don't think you should keep Colonel Duffy waiting," Daisy said, concerned.

Lalemana waved her off. "She's not here. Other poor souls will suffer with her today. We're doing something else."

She knocked on a sturdy wooden door adorned with a brass plaque reading [Shooting Range]. As the door creaked open, the sight of an Archwizard levitating midair, her legs crossed and a massive grimoire floating in front of her, greeted them. A staff hovered beside her like a loyal dog. Her wild, untamed hair parted in the center. She looked up from her book and smiled, "Ah, welcome!" lowering herself onto her bare feet and approaching Lalemana into a crushing hug. "It's been way too long! I've missed you!"

Lalemana wriggled free, her face squished between the woman's chest. "Yeah, nice to see you too, Mildred."

She grinned and turned to Daisy, who was blushing, wide-eyed. "Oh, so this is your new guardian? She's definitely looks nicer than the last ones," she teased.

"Daisy, this is Mildred Harcourt. She's my magic instructor." Mildred bowed after the introduction, and Daisy returned the gesture.

After a moment, Daisy raised her hand. "Excuse me, but magic? Milady isn't a wizard… what's she supposed to do?"

Lalemana and Mildred looked at each other before bursting into laughter.

"You haven't told her? That's cruel!" Mildred laughed, clutching her sides.

"It's her fault for not asking." Lalemana shrugged, then raised her left hand. "I'm a Rune Knight, Daisy. Not just a boring knight." At that, the runes on her gauntlet flared up, glowing a bright red as a flame appeared in her hand. "See? I can use magic, too."

Daisy's eyes widened. Rune Knight? she thought. A class that tries to merge the might of a knight with the spells of a wizard, but in reality, they're worse at both. They're slow learners, struggling to master the basics of swordplay or magic. Most knights swing a sword better, and wizards can cast stronger spells long before a Rune Knight even gets started. They're rare, because most people consider it a waste of time.

"Teaching her magic is almost a losing battle," Mildred, wiping away tears of laughter, smirked, "if only she weren't so dumb."

"Hey!"

Mildred chuckled and patted Lalemana's head. "Starting today, we're shifting your training. Mireya's got you working one-handed for a reason."

"She didn't explain anything," Lalemana sighed. "What's the plan?"

Mildred waved her hand, and a metallic briefcase floated over. "We're integrating sword and magic in a more… creative way." She flipped the case open, revealing a sleek revolver, its polished metal gleaming. "Meet the Manaflare, a prototype from the Royal Magic Research Institute."

"A gun?" Lalemana raised an eyebrow.

"This isn't a regular gun, silly." Mildred smirked. "It uses mana, not gunpowder. It's a catalyst, think of it as a wand or staff."

Mildred spun the Manaflare in her hand with expert precision, aimed at the range's target, and commanded, "Tinder!" The revolver's chambers glowed, firing a shot that exploded into a fiery burst upon impact with the target.

"Pretty neat, huh? It's still limited to basic and some intermediate spells, though. Anything too strong and it'll blow up in your face. But for your level, it's perfect." She handed the Manaflare to Lalemana, "One hand for the sword, the other for the Manaflare. It'll take time, but this is how we bridge the gap between swordplay and magic." Mildred grinned. "You barely know how to use catalysts, so this is going to be rough. Though I believe you didn't relent on those exercises I taught you during your break?"

Lalemana shut her mouth tight and looked away, sweating slightly.

"Ugh…" Mildred groaned, "Well, go on, give it a try."

Lalemana took aim at the target, her gauntlet's runes glowing a pale blue. "O Spirits of Water, heed my call! Create Water!" she yelled, a powerful jet of water shot from the Manaflare—and completely missed its target.

"No, no, no!" Mildred groaned. "Just mana, no runes. The spirits are getting real tired of you bothering them so often. Seal!" With a wave, all the runes on Lalemana's gauntlet darkened.

"No runes? But then—" Lalemana muttered, frowning.

"You rely too much on the runes," Mildred said, wagging her finger. "If they break or you run out of chalk, what then? You need to learn how to properly use your raw mana. Try again."

With a frustrated huff, Lalemana aimed again. "Create water!" This time, only a tiny splash sputtered out, barely reaching past the barrel.

Mildred leaned in, smirking. "See, what did I say?"

Lalemana scowled as Mildred floated back over to Daisy. "We'll keep at it until you can hit the target. After that, we'll work on using both sword and Manaflare at once. It'll be fun!"

As Lalemana continued struggling, Mildred sidled closer to Daisy. "So, what's she been up to since you joined her? I need to know everything."

Caught off guard, Daisy started recounting her days with Lalemana, the two exchanging laughs as Lalemana kept floundering with her training. Despite Mildred's playful attitude, Daisy remained on edge. She'd heard plenty about Mildred Harcourt—the Midnight Sage—a prodigious Archwizard, widely regarded as the country's top mage. She was known for being obsessed with magical research and for training the best mages, though rumors said she wasn't quite right in the head.

Mildred listened intently to Daisy's stories, her bright yellow eyes never leaving Lalemana as she struggled with the Manaflare.

The day's training passed in lighter spirits than Mireya's brutal sessions, with Lalemana getting short breaks. But by sunset, she was pale, her mana completely drained.

"This girl, she didn't listen to me at all," Mildred said, as she and Daisy help give the barely conscious Lalemana a health potion.

"If I may ask, what do you mean by that?" Daisy questioned, as she tried to hold Lalemana's head steady.

"Look at how weak she got, not even a novice Wizard would get this pale after training," Mildred finish pouring the potion on Lalemana's mouth, "It's called mana leakage, it happens when someone who doesn't have high enough Intelligence uses magic. She used way more than needed on each attack. Ugh, and I sent her work for winter break to try to solve this!"

Once again, Daisy had to carry her back. Before they could leave, Mildred stopped them with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I hope to hear more from you tomorrow, Daisy. You're quite observant…"She winked, her eyes gleaming with intrigue.

Daisy nodded quickly, all too eager to escape with the exhausted Lalemana in tow.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks stretched into months as Lalemana's grueling training continued. Her schedule alternated between Mireya one week and Mildred the next, leaving her with only one free day between their exhausting lessons.

Lalemana had gotten better, occasionally surprising even Mireya, and now the Manaflare reached halfway down the shooting range. Skilled? Absolutely. Hardworking? No doubt about it. But to Daisy, it felt like watching an incredibly sharp sword rust away, tucked in its scabbard, never drawn in a real fight.

And like that, two months passed.

On one of her free days, Lalemana walked alongside Daisy up a bustling street, having spent the better part of the morning getting herself ready. But instead of heading to the rehabilitation clinic or the ramen stall as usual, she had a different destination in mind—a place Daisy had grown to despise.

"Milady, why do you keep insisting we come here?" Daisy grumbled, licking an ice cream cone with little enthusiasm.

"What do you mean? I always have fun here," Lalemana said with a smile, casually licking her own cone. "Plus, I need some information."

"Fun at my expense!" Daisy shot back, nearly dropping her ice cream. Her eyes widened in horror. "W-wait, milady, you couldn't possibly mean—!"

"It's not that," Lalemana waved her hand dismissively. "We're almost there."

Daisy groaned as the Axis Cathedral came into view.

Despite her protests, Lalemana had insisted on visiting this place on some of her free days. The cathedral was the one place Daisy was forbidden to enter. And Lalemana enjoyed seeing the cultists mess with her.

But today, she was here for information, not amusement. Hopefully, the one Axis cultist she could sort of trust would finally be around.

As they approached the gates, Daisy noticed several large carriages full of cargo leaving the cathedral grounds. "What's going on with those?" she wondered aloud.

Before Lalemana could respond, Archbishop Auberon appeared out of nowhere. "Ah! If it isn't my favorite nobles!" he called, waving them down with a grin.

"Eeek!" Lalemana and Daisy recoiled in unison, Daisy instinctively stepping in front of Lalemana.

"What kind of reaction is that?" Archbishop Auberon frowned. "I offer you sanctuary, and this is my thanks? Outrageous! But... a kiss from the young lady, and all will be forgiven!" He puckered his lips, leaning dangerously close to Lalemana.

Before Daisy could draw her weapon, a nun stomped on Archbishop Auberon's robe, sending him sprawling face-first into the ground. "Archbishop Auberon!" she scolded, smacking him repeatedly with a broom. "How many times have the police warned you about that?!"

Lalemana gave Daisy a sidelong glance. "See? I told you it's always fun."

The nun sighed, stepping over the now-unconscious Archbishop Auberon. "You may go in," she grumbled to Lalemana before thrusting the broom into Daisy's hands. "And you, at least make yourself useful. This place doesn't clean itself!"

"B-but—" Daisy protested weakly, watching Lalemana disappear through the gates. "MILADY! NO MORE THAN THIRTY MINUTES, OR I'M TELLING YOUR MOTHER!"

Inside, Lalemana made a beeline for the dormitories. She nearly bumped into a priest along the way and asked, "Is Arthur back yet?"

"Yeah, they arrived last night," the priest said. "I saw him in the cafeteria."

She found Arthur there, eating lunch alone, dressed casually in just a shirt and boxers. Without warning, Lalemana swatted him in the back of the head.

"What the—!?" Arthur wiped soup off his face, staring up at her in confusion.

"Damn priest!" Lalemana fumed, keeping his head down. "Why didn't you tell me you'd be away for so long? I've needed to talk to you!"

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Why would I need to tell you? What are we, a couple or something?" He leaned in, making Lalemana blush. "If I was dating you, sure, maybe I'd tell you. But, nah, you're not my type. Too thin."

Lalemana punched him square in the cheek, sending him flying backward.

"Alright, alright!" Arthur laughed, rubbing his face. "I had to leave last minute, okay? I was sent to the Axis Monastery, and it was super sudden. Two days after we last talked."

"Please tell me that wasn't the pilgrimage," Lalemana muttered, her voice tense.

"Huh? No, that's still away," Arthur waved her off. "You hit me for that? Listen, buy me a good lunch, and we'll talk."

After buying Arthur a meal far fancier than he deserved, Lalemana pressed him again. "So, about the pilgrimage—"

"Relax, Lady Dustiness," Arthur said, taking a big bite of food. "You could've asked anyone in the church, you know. All you'd have to do is sign a simple form—"

"Cut the nonsense. I need to know more," Lalemana leaned in closer. "Daisy confiscated that paper you gave me."

Arthur chuckled, pushing his plate aside. "Alright, alright. But if you're unwilling to tell me why you want to know, there's only so much I'd be willing to tell you. Say, three questions, think carefully."

Lalemana bit her lip, aware of the time ticking away. "When are you leaving?"

"The date isn't fixed, but around a month before Autumn starts, say August 20-ish. We already sent call to Axis believers of nearby towns; we'll wait until most are in town."

"How will you get there?"

"Three-day train ride to Ilyora, then five days on foot to Verdant Heights, the nearest settlement to the spirit. Too risky to use Teleport with so many people. But we'll be back here before the leaves turn red."

"The Sapphire Spirit—what's the best offering?"

Arthur paused, tapping his fingers on the table. "Not fully understood, but high-grade alcohol almost always works. Cheap stuff won't cut it. Cakes are usually good too, but it's better to buy fresh ones in Verdant Heights."

Lalemana still had more questions, but a glance at her watch told her time was running out. "Thanks. I'll see you around," she said, standing up.

As she turned to leave, Arthur leaned back in his chair. "By the way, not that you'd ever be dumb enough to try, but if someone were planning to stow away, hiding in the luggage of a high-ranking church member would be the safest bet. Guards never check that." He winked.

Outside, Daisy was sweeping over a dirt-covered unconscious Archbishop Auberon. "Only a minute to spare, milady," she said, glancing at her watch.

Carriages continued leaving the cathedral grounds, Lalemana stared at them curiously. "That's a lot, what are they moving?"

"They're carrying holy water," Daisy replied. "The nun told me. It's headed for the Crimson Magic Islands, for their biannual open market."

"Oh," Lalemana said, gazing into the distance. "Maybe something interesting will come back with the merchant ships, you never know."

Then, with a sudden burst of energy, she bolted down the street. "Come on, Daisy! We can't be late to the clinic!"

Part 2

The summer sun was relentless, the air thick with heat that shimmered over the city. The streets were alive with people in light, breathable clothes, skirts and shorts becoming the norm. Nearly every corner hosted a vendor selling ice cream or shaved ice, the sweet, icy treats vanishing almost as fast as they were made. Fountains, usually majestic symbols of the city's beauty, were today playgrounds for children who splashed and giggled in the holy water, using it to cool off as the aqueducts shimmered in the sunlight.

Even under the relentless sun, Lalemana's training never stopped. Daisy and her approached the Royal Army Academy, already drenched in sweat from their walk. Daisy was lugging a box of cold energy drinks, hoping to convince Mireya to allow Lalemana to take a break. She'd already downed one herself during the ride over.

As they arrived at the special training grounds, they were greeted by the unmistakable sound of ice clinking. There, sitting comfortably, was Mireya, casually chugging a beer from a large bucket filled to the brim with icy bottles.

"Finally!" Mireya let out a loud belch, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

"N-No, we're early!" Lalemana stammered, pointing at her watch. She had learned from bitter experience to never, ever keep Mireya waiting.

"Relax, kiddo, I'm just messing with you," Mireya grinned, tossing the empty bottle to the side. "Let's get to work."

As Lalemana instinctively reached for a wooden training sword, Mireya's hand shot out to stop her. "No toys today. We're going full throttle. Real sword, real magic."

"Huh?" Lalemana blinked in disbelief, her hand hovering over the wooden weapon.

Mireya tossed something her way. Lalemana barely caught it, her eyes widening after realizing what it was—the Manaflare, "We're using everything you've got today. Sword, runes, magic. No half-measures."

"But how did you get this? Mildred said I wasn't ready to use this in tandem with my sword yet!"

"Don't worry about it," Mireya waved her hand dismissively, clearly hiding something with a terrible poker face. "Look, you've hit a plateau. You're fast, and you're clever, but your attacks—they're soft. You hesitate. And that makes you weak." Her gaze shifted to Daisy. "Ain't that right, puppy?"

Daisy, long resigned to Mireya's refusal to use her actual name, nodded silently. Much as she hated the nickname, Mireya wasn't wrong. Training without risk was just going through the motions.

"Use everything you got." Mireya leveled her wooden sword at Lalemana, her tone suddenly serious. "No holding back today. Fight me until you can't stand."

Lalemana steeled herself, unsheathing her sword. The blade gleamed under the sun, and as Daisy watched, she noticed the subtle runes that began to glow across the steel. Lalemana whispered something under her breath, and the sword crackled to life, arcs of electricity dancing along its length.

Mireya grinned. "Oh, nice. I hope you've got some ice magic in there, 'cause that's what I'll be needing in this heat."

Without a word, Lalemana squeezed the trigger of the Manaflare. The chambers lit up, and a magical bullet shot forth. Mireya attempted to deflect it, but it exploded into a cloud of smoke. Lalemana didn't waste a second, rushing through the cover, sword raised high.

But as the smoke cleared, Mireya was there, smiling, her wooden sword firmly blocking the electrified blade. "You're still hesitating, kid," she taunted, effortlessly pushing Lalemana back, she quickly recovered, her sword morphing in her hand as the blade split into segments, transforming into a whip.

Lalemana gritted her teeth, switching to fire runes. The blade ignited in a blaze of red and orange, the heat from it rivaling the sun overhead. She slashed and jabbed, firing bursts of magic from the Manaflare in between. For a moment, it looked like she had Mireya on the defensive. But no matter how hard she tried, each time Lalemana's attacks closed in, that split-second hesitation crept in, just enough for Mireya to dodge or block.

Each of Lalemana's attacks, no matter how creative or elemental, was parried with almost mocking ease. Mireya blocked the rune sword as if it were nothing, sidestepped flames, and smirked as frost formed around her wooden blade.

"You're trying to show off again, aren't you?" Mireya taunted, dodging a particularly wild slash. "Flashy, but what's the point if you're not committed?"

The battle raged on. Lalemana's movements were sharp, but there was always a split-second hesitation before her strikes. She would hesitate, reconsider, overthink, and then commit, but by then, it was too late. She gasped for breath, her mana running dangerously low.

Mireya was panting too, but it was hard to tell if it was from the fight or just the oppressive heat.

Just when it seemed like Lalemana was on the verge of collapsing, Mireya took a step back. "You're still too green," she said, tossing her wooden sword over her shoulder. But just as she did, something zipped past her—a shard of Lalemana's blade, expertly aimed, narrowly missed Mireya's cheek.

Finally caught off guard, it was all Lalemana needed. She closed the distance, her sword turned whip surrounding Mireya, trapping her. The Manaflare was pointed directly at her face, crackling with energy.

"Not so green," Lalemana panted, a tired but triumphant smile creeping onto her face. "Looks like I finally—"

Before she could finish, Mireya delivered a swift kick to her stomach, sending her flying. Daisy scrambled to catch her before she crashed into the walls.

"Way too green," Mireya sighed, walking over as Daisy helped Lalemana to her feet. "You had me. You could've won. But you hesitated again—this time to gloat." She shook her head. "If this were a real battle, you'd be dead."

"But," Mireya added, "you caught me off guard. Not many can claim that. Rest, we're done for today."

They made their way to the ice bucket with beers, Mireya immediately grabbing another, while Daisy handed Lalemana an energy drink, her brow furrowed in concern.

"Cheer up," Mireya said after downing her beer in one gulp. "I was gonna let you hit me, but, y'know… gotta keep up appearances." She winked, tossing the bottle aside. "Got a gig tonight."

Lalemana reached for a beer herself, but Daisy intercepted her hand. "Milady, your mother was clear. You can't drink without her supervision, not with after happened last time."

Lalemana groaned, "Ugh, Daisy! I'm not a child!"

"No, but your mother won't care for the distinction," Daisy replied firmly, handing her the energy drink instead.

Mireya laughed, standing up and stretching. "Hey, if you're free tonight, come to Sinners. Midnight show. My band's playing. Would be a great chance for you to blow off some steam."

Before Lalemana could agree, Daisy shook her head. "I'm afraid milady isn't allowed out after dark."

"Buzzkill," Mireya teased, playfully tapping Daisy's chin. "Alright, puppy. I'll be out of time for a few weeks. No training until I'm back. Take care, oh, and return the gun for me."

Late that night, Daisy remained awake. It had become routine by now, waiting for Lalemana to return from her nightly escapades. But tonight was different. Even after she slipped back into her room, Daisy remained awake. She got up, pulled on casual summer clothes, and marched straight to Lalemana's room, finding her perched on the bed, trying—and failing—to look innocent.

"D-Daisy?!" Lalemana stammered, eyes wide. "I just... uh... came back from the bathroom! No need to worry, everything's fine. Go back to bed, okay?"

Without a word, Daisy turned on the lights, yanked some fresh clothes from the wardrobe, and tossed them over, "Change into these, milady. We're going out."

The streets outside the Royal Residence buzzed with energy, even late at night Arcanletia was far from quiet. Carriages rattled by, laughter echoed from nearby taverns, and shops with brightly glowing signs advertised everything from late-night karaoke to street food stalls. The soft hum of conversations mixed with the occasional clink of glassware as the night owls of the city went about their lively routines.

At one the residence's rear entrance, servants bustled about, unloading crates of provisions—everything from fresh produce to packages of all kinds of meat. The large stone archway leading to the kitchens was wide enough to allow a wagon through, while a pair of royal guards stood nearby, ensuring everything went smoothly. Daisy appeared amidst the activity; a very large travel bag slung over her back.

"Lady Arlenfelt, shouldn't you be on duty?" one of the guards asked, eyeing Daisy's uncharacteristically casual attire with suspicion.

"I need to send these over to my parents," she gestured to the hefty bag on her back. "Can't do it any other time of day and asking a servant's out of the question. You know how unfriendly the Dustiness staff are with us royal guards."

The guard frowned, scratching his chin. "What about the MVP? Aren't you supposed to stay by her side?"

"Don't worry about that," Daisy said with an exaggerated wave, acting far more casual than usual. "She's out cold after today. I even bolted her door—she won't be wandering off anywhere."

The guard chuckled, amused. "You've done an exceptional job, you know? Might be the longest anyone's lasted as her escort. Fine, but I'll need to check your bag."

Daisy hefted the bag, her face expressionless. "If you really need to search through a girl's clothes..." She let the bag hit the ground with a loud thud, the weight of it clear.

The guard's face reddened as he took a step back, avoiding eye contact. "U-um... no need. I'm sure it's fine. Just don't take too long, alright?"

Daisy smirked, hoisting the bag back over her shoulder and strolling off into the city, blending into the night. Once she was far enough from the Royal Residence, she ducked into a quiet alley and dropped the bag again. This time, Lalemana unceremoniously emerged from it, her expression more than a little annoyed.

"Did you really need to drop me like that?" she grumbled, coughing as she dusted herself off.

"Consider it payback, milady." Daisy stretched, rubbing her back, clearly strained from lugging Lalemana around. "So... you wouldn't happen to know where the place Colonel Duffy mentioned is, would you?"

Lalemana barely heard her, instead, gazing around, wide-eyed, at the glowing signs and neon-lit storefronts. A giant, flashing karaoke sign caught her attention, followed by another advertising late-night fortune telling. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Milady, when was the last time you were out at night?" Daisy asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lalemana paused, placing a finger to her chin. "Hmm... it's been about a year, I think?" There was a soft melancholy in her voice, but it was fleeting. "Come on, Daisy, let's go explore!" She darted ahead, her mood instantly switching back to excitement.

They wandered through the bustling streets, passing shops filled with odd trinkets, food stalls selling sweet arcan buns, and taverns where rowdy patrons spilled out into the street. Lalemana, in an attempt to disguise herself, had donned dark sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. She pointed at nearly every neon sign they passed—karaoke, fortune tellers, even a shop offering something called 'magical piercings.'

An hour or so later, they were on a trolley moving through the busy streets, with Lalemana fighting to stay awake. By the time the conductor announced the next stop, Daisy had to nudge her awake.

"According to what the patrolman said, this is it, milady," Daisy signaled to get off, offering her arm to the sleepy Lalemana to help her stand.

Far away from the noble district, they found themselves walking through a bustling commoner street. Vendors called out, offering their goods as the smell of fried food and sweet treats filled the air. Lanterns illuminated the street, casting a warm glow through the steam rising from food stalls, while smoke from roasted meats curled up into the night sky. Crowds bustled between carts and small shops, everyone looking for a late-night snack or a drink.

Following directions, they made their way toward their destination. Lalemana was starting to grow impatient, "We're going to miss it, Daisy!" she whined.

"Wait, milady, I think it's here," Daisy stopped, pointing to a small wooden sign with the word [SINNERS] etched into it. It was hanging by the entrance to a narrow staircase leading underground. Unlike the lively shops around it, the bar was almost hidden, tucked away from sight as if it didn't want to be found.

Inside, the place was anything but what its modest entrance suggested. It was packed, dimly lit by colored lanterns hanging from the ceiling. A low stage took up one corner of the room, with a band already performing, their music thrumming through the crowd. The air was thick with excitement, and the smell of alcohol hung heavily. Wooden tables were scattered around, some closer to the stage where people stood cheering, while others nearer to the bar were quieter.

Lalemana's eyes lit up at the sight, she made a beeline to an open seat by the bar, positioning herself with a good view of the stage. "Hey, give me a pint!" she called to the bartender, who expertly slid a drink her way in an instant.

Daisy struggled to push through the crowd to get to her. "Wait, milady—" but by the time she made it over, Lalemana had already gulped down half her pint.

With a content sigh, Lalemana set the glass down. "Ahhh! Nothing quite hits like commoner beer!" She turned, smirking at Daisy, who was glaring at her. "What? If you rat me out for drinking, I'll tell them you let me out at night. We'll both lose." She gave a mischievous grin. "Come on, Daisy, loosen up a little. Hey, bartender, one for my friend too!"

Reluctantly, Daisy accepted the drink, although she knew she needed it just as much as Lalemana. She hadn't had a single day off in six months of escorting her, and the allure of a cold pint after all this time was too tempting to resist.

Moments later, the crowd hushed as Mireya and her band took onto the stage. Her voice rang out clear and confident, "Good night, Sinners!"

A few cheers echoed back, though most of the crowd remained focused on their drinks.

Mireya leaned into the mic, her playful smile widening. "I said, Good night, Sinners!" This time much louder.

This time a blonde girl on the bar counter yelled as she had just seen the most famous singer in the country, her outburst catching a few glances, but most laughed it off, including Mireya, who chuckled from the stage.

"We're Driven, and we call this piece 'I Wanna Go Back Home.' One, two, three!"

The music kicked off with a fast tempo, filling the room with energy.

"Leaving the house without saying a word,

I've made it all the way out here…"

Lalemana grabbed Daisy's hand, dragging her toward the crowd that had gathered near the stage. They pushed in between dancers, both of them laughing as Lalemana exaggeratedly acted out the song, pretending to be sneaking out of the royal residence once again.

"But once the sun goes down,

I turn into a hopeless, sniveling mess…"

Lalemana clutched Daisy dramatically, faking tears as she mimicked the 'hopeless, sniveling mess' in the song. Daisy, unable to keep a straight face, burst into laughter, her frustration melting away as the lively atmosphere swept her up.

"The sky above the city is stained red,

A crow cries as it passes on by…"

A man in a tattered jacket stumbled past them, looking every bit like someone who fit the song's description. He paused to give a nod of approval to the two girls before disappearing into the crowd.

Lalemana, beaming with excitement, grabbed a stranger and joined a growing circle, twirling around in time with the beat. Daisy hesitated at first, but eventually, she too was dragged into the fun, letting herself enjoy the night.

"My long shadow, stretching out along this path,

Pulls at my sleeve, urging me to head home…"

The lights of the bar flashed and pulsed with the music as the whole place seemed to come alive. People clapped, cheered, without a care in the world. Lalemana and Daisy spun in circles with a group of commoners, the atmosphere electric.

"The smell of grilled fish…

The wonderful smell of dinner…"

Someone handed Lalemana a roasted skewer from a vendor near the back, and without missing a beat, she took a bite, grinning ear to ear. Daisy gave her a mock scolding look, but soon found herself laughing too, taking a bite when Lalemana offered her the skewer.

"Even my stomach begins to cry out,

And I'm getting tired of being stubborn…"

Lalemana swung her arm around Daisy's shoulder, pulling her into a rough embrace as the two laughed together, swept up in the night. Both of them let go of any pretense, joining in with the crowd as the music flowed through the bar.

"I really should go apologize right away—

Ahh, I wanna go back home!"

The song ended, the crowd roaring in approval, but the band kept playing, launching into another upbeat number. Time seemed to melt away, Daisy and Lalemana, red-faced and breathless.

"Encore, come on!" Lalemana shouted, as the band made their leave after playing a full set, waving yet another empty pint in the air, her face flushed bright red from all the drinking. "Driven! Driven! Driven!" she chanted, trying to rally the crowd behind her, but before she could get carried away, Daisy—equally flustered but still managing to keep her wits about her—grabbed Lalemana by the arm and dragged her back to the counter.

"Please, help me sober her up a bit!" Daisy pleaded with the bartender, half-dragging, half-guiding Lalemana back onto a stool. She tugged at Lalemana's clothing, trying to cover her up a little more as she leaned over the bar. "A coffee, please!"

Just as the bartender was setting down a steaming mug, a voice that chilled Daisy to her core interrupted.

"My, my, I certainly wasn't expecting to find you two here," Mildred's voice floated over the noise, her figure levitating a few seats away. Her face, though flushed like the others, bore the same sharp gaze as always. She floated closer, grabbing Daisy firmly by the shoulders, her smile both friendly and terrifying. "I can't wait to hear this story in full."

Daisy's heart raced as her mind scrambled through a thousand disastrous outcomes. Before she could stammer out a reply, another voice cut, just as unsettling.

"I guess I misjudged you, puppy," Mireya slurred slightly, appearing from behind with a pint of her own, looking more exhausted than on any training session with Lalemana, "I've invited her dozens of times, but you're the first to actually bring her." She clapped hands with Mildred, a handshake so intense it was like watching two titans collide.

Lalemana, oblivious to all, threw herself onto Mireya, her mouth moving a mile a minute in a drunken, unintelligible stream of praise, "—Annnnd you're jusht soooo amazzzzing up there, with the thing and the... loud noises, I mean... the song! It wassss... wowww! Mireyaaaa... amazing... the bestshhh!"

"Y-yeah, thanks," Mireya awkwardly patted Lalemana on the back before nudging her over to Daisy, who had now resorted to trying to force-feed Lalemana the coffee. "Finally made time to show up, huh?" Mireya gave a sly glance toward Mildred, shaking her head.

"I had a premonition," Mildred said airily, "That something unusual would happen tonight, and lo and behold..." She gave a knowing smile. "I'd prefer to be invited to more intellectual events in the future, though," she added, eyeing the scene around them.

Daisy, desperate to shift attention from the embarrassment unfolding in front of her, suddenly asked, "How do you two know each other?" She was practically shoving the cup into Lalemana's mouth, who was still too far gone to resist.

"We're old party members," Mildred answered with a fond smile, pinching Mireya's cheek.

"We go way back," Mireya nodded, a little too proud of the cheek-pinching for Daisy's comfort. "Started off as childhood friends with big dreams. I'd love to bore you with our tragic backstory, but seeing as it's getting late..." She glanced meaningfully at the door, then at Daisy. "You might want to make your way back before someone notices."

Daisy snapped into action, bowing heavily in front of them, so quickly that she accidentally let Lalemana slip out of her grip and plop onto the floor with a thud. "P-please keep what happened tonight between us!" Her voice shook as she lifted Lalemana back onto her feet, clearly panicked.

Mireya and Mildred burst into laughter, nearly doubling over from the absurdity.

"Relax, puppy," Mireya said between giggles, wiping a tear from her eye. "Nothing happened tonight."

"Yeah," Mildred added with a wink. "I just saw an old friend here."

Daisy bowed repeatedly, almost forgetting to hold Lalemana upright as she did so. "Thank you! Th-thank you!" She grabbed Lalemana, half-carrying her toward the exit, as Mildred and Mireya continued to laugh.

On their way back through the darkened streets, Lalemana needed to stop not once, but twice to throw up into the nearest bush or alley, Daisy grimacing each time. "How do you even hold that much beer, milady...?" Daisy muttered, trying to keep her composure as they continued their not-so-graceful journey home.

Part 3

A few days later.

Arcanletia was bustling like never before. Axis followers from across the country—and even from neighboring lands—poured into the already crowded city. The streets, usually chaotic, were overflowing with excited pilgrims, their energy palpable.

Back at the Royal Residence, Daisy hurried behind a maid, still confused by the urgency of Lady Marcella's request. It was early morning, Lalemana should still be busy with her elaborate beauty routine. There was no real rush, or so she thought.

She noticed an unusual amount of activity. Maids were bustling around, arranging what seemed to be fancy dishes and decorations. "What's going on?" Daisy asked the maid leading her.

"The Lady will explain it all, Daisy," the maid replied with a cheerful smile. "Don't worry, it's a good thing. We just need your help."

Daisy barely had time to register the scene before Lady Marcella swept in, hugging her tightly. "Ah, Daisy! Good, you're here. We've got a big day ahead!"

"Good morning, ma'am," Daisy greeted, bowing politely. "What's happening today?"

Lady Marcella looked genuinely surprised. "She didn't tell you? Ugh, why is that girl like this?" Daisy waited, a bit awkwardly, as Lady Marcella rubbed her temples. After a moment, she clapped her hands. "It's Lulú's 18th birthday! She's officially an adult today!"

Daisy's eyes widened in surprise, finally understanding the commotion around her. The maids were preparing for a celebration—fancy food, decorations, and likely a cake as well.

"I need you to keep Lulú in her room until the surprise is ready," Lady Marcella continued. "Play dress-up with her or something—she loves that, and it'll keep her distracted for hours. Just don't let her out for a while, okay?"

"Yes, of course!" Daisy beamed. "I can't wait to see the look on her face. What's the surprise, if I may ask?"

"Not what, but who. Her father's coming from Axel," she said, placing a hand on her cheek with a fond smile. "Though who knows when he'll get here. That man is always busy."

Daisy nodded and made her way to Lalemana's bedroom, expecting to find her busy with her usual morning routine. But when she opened the door, she was met with an unexpected sight—Lalemana was still lying in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

"Milady, are you all right?" Daisy asked, concern creeping into her voice.

"Huh?" Lalemana responded distantly, barely registering Daisy's presence. "Yeah, all good."

Daisy was taken aback. Lalemana was usually vibrant, especially on important days. "Aren't you going to get ready?" she asked, trying to sound cheerful.

"No, I don't think so." Lalemana's tone was flat. "I want to be alone today. You can go back to your room. Just have a maid bring my meals."

Something was clearly off, but Daisy pressed on, determined to keep her busy. "How about a sparring match?" she offered. "I'll even stand in for Colonel Duffy if you'd like. Though I'm not sure I could keep up."

Lalemana groaned and finally sat up, rubbing her face. "Ugh," she muttered before dragging herself into the bathroom.

Left alone, Daisy's gaze wandered to a stack of books on the nightstand. Lalemana's odd collection of nursing manuals and sci-fi novels was expected, but one book caught her attention—Laws of the Kingdom of Belzerg? Why is she reading that? Daisy wondered.

She picked it up, flipping it open to the bookmarked page, only for her thoughts to be interrupted by a loud crash from the bathroom.

"Milady!?" Daisy rushed in, only to freeze in shock. There was a large hole in the stone wall, big enough for a person to crawl through.

Lalemana stood by the damage, trying in vain to cover it up. "H-Hey, uh, you want to help me get ready, right?" she stammered, clearly flustered. "Let's just, uh, start, yeah?"

Daisy's mind raced with questions, but she let herself be pulled back into the bedroom. Over the next hour, Lalemana went through her makeup routine, though without her usual precision or enthusiasm. Daisy did her best to make small talk, but her thoughts kept drifting back to that book and the mysterious hole in the wall.

A gentle knock on the door broke the tension. Lady Marcella stepped in with a wide smile. "Are you ready?" Lalemana barely had time to respond before being swept into a tight embrace. "Oh, Lulú, my precious little girl!" her mother cooed, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Morning, ma'am," Daisy greeted with a polite bow.

"Come, let's have breakfast," Lady Marcella said, linking arms with her daughter and leading her out.

In the main hall of the Dustiness wing, a group of maids stood in formation, smiling brightly. "Happy Birthday, Lady Lalemana!" they said in unison.

Lady Marcella wiped her eyes dramatically. "Oh, my little girl is finally a woman!" she exclaimed, hugging her again.

"Congratulations on your birthday, milady," Daisy said, bowing respectfully.

"Uh, yeah, thanks," Lalemana mumbled, awkwardly shifting. "Isn't Da—?"

"Ah, that stupid man!" Lady Marcella snapped. "Valerius, stop your dumb theatrics and come congratulate your daughter!"

Suddenly, a cloud of smoke appeared atop the grand staircase. A cloaked figure emerged, striking a dramatic pose. "Did you really need to ruin my entrance?" the figure groaned. "I had a whole thing planned—"

"Dad!" Lalemana beamed, running to him and pulling back the hood to reveal a middle-aged man with a blond mustache.

"Oh, Lally, since when did you get so big! I still remember when I was able to lift you—" he exclaimed, lifting her up by the hips—only for his knees to buckle, sending both of them crashing to the floor.

"Dad!?" Lalemana screamed in horror, her father knocked out cold.

A little later, the Dustiness family gathered for breakfast. The table was laden with fine food, but the mood was a little tense.

"So, Lally," her father asked, rubbing his still-sore knees. "How does it feel to turn eighteen?"

Lalemana, her mouth full of hotcakes, mumbled, "Same as yesterday. I'm still a prisoner here, my life hasn't changed."

Her father nearly spat out his tea, coughing in surprise. "Ohohoho! Uh, well—Lady Arlenfelt!" He turned to Daisy with an exaggerated grin, as though desperately trying to steer the conversation away from the awkwardness. "I've heard you've been doing a wonderful job looking after my daughter."

"Thank you, Archduke Dustiness," Daisy replied with a polite bow. "Guarding Lady Lalemana is… certainly stimulating."

Her father chuckled. "Yes, she's quite a handful, isn't she? Anyway, Lally, it's your day. Whatever you want, we'll make it happen!"

Lalemana finally paused, taking a sip of tea before answering flatly, "I want to leave the city."

Both her parents coughed in shock. "Well," her mother stammered, "I think that would be terrific Lulú—!" she stopped as her husband suddenly glared at her, "But I was thinking we could take a trip through the city, have lunch together… maybe do some shopping. How does that sound?"

"Yeah, sure," Lalemana replied, sounding utterly uninterested.

Her cold demeanor cast a shadow over the breakfast table, and everyone—her parents, Daisy, even the maids—exchanged nervous glances.

After taking a trip around the city, the Archduke suggested they head to one of Arcanletia's best restaurants for lunch. They chose a cozy spot near the city's famous hot springs; one the Dustiness family had frequented for years. As they walked, the Archduke tried to keep the conversation lively, bringing up stories from his travels and cracking the occasional joke, but Lalemana stayed distant. She'd smile once in a while, but the spark in her eyes was dim.

Lunch proceeded smoothly, with Lalemana eating in silence while her father tried to poke fun at her more than once, at one point challenging her to eat more dumplings than him, saying he could still 'out-eat his little Lally any day.' He dramatically fanned himself after just two helpings, which made Lalemana give a small chuckle.

From there, the group decided to take a walk through the bustling markets, which were packed with Axis pilgrims and street performers, adding even more color to the already vibrant streets of Arcanletia. Lalemana's father spotted a vendor selling unique gemstones and eagerly approached, pointing to a sapphire necklace.

Lalemana shook her head with a faint smile, "I'm not a little girl anymore, Dad."

"Oh, so you think you're too grown-up for presents now, huh?" He pretended to sulk, which finally elicited a smirk from her. But she still declined.

The day dragged on, each fleeting moment of connection between Lalemana and her parents interrupted by long silences. They visited an old bookshop that her father used to love, where he eagerly tried to get her interested in a rare volume of travel tales. Lalemana barely flipped through it before setting it down with a disinterested sigh.

Later, they wandered into a small amusement park. Her father, ever the optimist, insisted they try their hand at some of the games. Lalemana, thanks to her training with the Manaflare, had near-perfect aim, much to her father's dismay. She easily won a large stuffed one-punch bear and handed it over to Daisy with a half-hearted wave.

Throughout the day, Lady Marcella tried to talk with her husband, but he swiftly avoided her every time.

By sunset, the mood had settled into a strange mix of melancholy and nostalgia. Lalemana wasn't completely cold, but she was quieter than usual. Her father, sensing the mood, led them back to the Royal Residence with a final joke about how even though she was now an adult, she still couldn't keep up with his boundless energy.

They returned home just as the sky turned a deep orange, the day concluding with an unspoken tension hanging in the air, something was weighing heavily on the mind of both Dustiness women.

After a brief rest, the Dustiness family gathered around for a lavish dinner, punctuated by light conversation. The maids had already started cutting the large birthday cake, meticulously dividing slices.

Archduke Dustiness cleared his throat, trying to bring back some levity. He placed a hand on Lalemana's shoulder. "You still haven't made your birthday wish, right? Go on, let's hear it."

"I already told you," Lalemana said, as she took a sip from the herbal drink in the bulb shaped cup, just as her mother did, "I want to leave the city."

The atmosphere shifted again. Her parents exchanged uneasy glances, the light conversation from earlier completely gone. Her father sighed, as he covered his wife's mouth with his hand, "Lally, sweetheart, we've already discussed this. I just think it's a bit too early for—"

"I don't think you understand," Lalemana cut in, her voice eerily calm. "I am leaving. As per the Kingdom of Belzerg's Law, Chapter 14, Section 3, Subsection B, it states that, 'Any citizen over the age of eighteen is recognized as a legal adult, free to do as they please within the bounds of the law.'" She recited the text with precision, clearly practiced. "Which means, I don't have to obey you, or the Royal Guard, anymore."

Her father's face twitched, while her mother was ready to cheer.

"Don't get me wrong, I love you both," she continued, softening her tone just a little. "But I'm done living like this. I'm leaving with the Axis pilgrimage to Verdant Heights to meet the Sapphire Spirit."

"Axis?!" her parents echoed in unison, panic flaring in their voices.

She waved them off. "Relax, I'm not joining the Axis Church or anything. It's just the safest route. I'm supposed to be the chosen one, right? Well, I won't be wasting any more time in this gilded cage." Her voice turned quieter as she added, "I'll recruit the Sapphire Spirit and defeat the Demon Queen."

The last words hung heavy in the air. Her parents exchanged another glance, the weight of her decision sinking in. Lady Marcella tried to signal her husband to say something, but Lalemana cut her off again. "I'm doing this. With or without your support." She stood up abruptly, bowing her head slightly. "But I'd really like your support."

The tension was palpable as Archduke Dustiness scratched his chin, weighing his options. He placed his hand on his wife's shoulder, "Phew... I'll talk to the king. I'm sure we can work something out."

Lalemana clenched her jaw, clearly dissatisfied with his answer. Without another word, she picked up her two slices of cake and made for the door.

"Wait, Lally, we haven't—" her father called after her.

"I'm exhausted," she replied curtly, not stopping. "I'm going to bed." Daisy, ever dutiful, hurried after her.

Left in the dining room, Archduke Dustiness leaned back in his chair with a heavy sigh. His wife massaged her temples, clearly stressed.

Later that night, after a quick bath (Lalemana hastily covered a suspicious hole with a towel and shot Daisy a glare when she tried to peek), the two sat on the bed. It had become routine for Lalemana to brush Daisy's hair at night while recapping the day. But tonight, her strokes were rough—borderline aggressive.

"Ow!" Daisy yelped, grabbing at a chunk of her hair that had been yanked a bit too forcefully.

Lalemana paused. "Sorry… I'm in a bad mood."

Daisy tried to laugh it off, wincing as she touched the tangles. "I-it's fine, milady. Your father said he'd talk to the king. I'm sure everything will be—"

Lalemana let out a bitter laugh. "You don't know him. 'I'll talk to the king' is code for 'forget it, kiddo.' He's said that a thousand times since I was little, and the king's never once agreed to anything I asked."

She tossed the brush aside, ending the nightly ritual earlier than usual. "Sleep well, Daisy," Lalemana murmured as she slid under her blankets.

Hours later, Daisy lay awake, listening for the now-familiar sound of Lalemana sneaking out. When she finally heard the soft creak of footsteps, she slipped out of bed, moving to follow her.

Stepping lightly, she trailed Lalemana down the darkened halls until they reached a familiar door. The faint glow of light slipped out from beneath it. Lalemana placed a plate with a slice of cake in front of it, sitting silently.

"I brought you some cake," Lalemana whispered, her voice trembling. "It's been a very long time, I really thought by now…" Her fists clenched, nails biting into her skin until she suddenly slammed her hand onto the floor. "…that you'd be better."

Daisy held her breath as she watched. Tears shimmered in Lalemana's eyes, but she didn't let them fall. The silence that followed was almost suffocating.

Then, across the hallway, a faint whisper broke the tension. Two young women stood by another door, beckoning Lalemana over. Without a word, she stood up and followed.

Inside, the space was unexpectedly luxurious for what was supposed to be a servant's quarters. The two women hugged Lalemana tightly the moment she entered.

Lalemana's eyes lit up the moment she saw them. "Sherry! Snow!" she called out, her voice louder than it should have been.

Sherry, a tall and poised noblewoman with a shock of blonde hair streaked with blue, immediately hushed her, placing a firm hand over Lalemana's mouth. "Not so loud! Do you want to get us caught?"

Snow, the younger of the two with pale blond hair and a softer demeanor, hurried to the door, making sure it was securely closed. "She's right," Snow whispered. "If anyone finds out we're meeting you, we'll be in serious trouble."

"Sorry," Lalemana muttered, stepping back a little. Her heart raced—this was the first time she'd seen them in ages, and yet something about their faces told her this wasn't just a reunion.

"Happy birthday. We wanted to go see you, but… well, you know how things are." Snow said, resting a hand on Lalemana's shoulder.

"How is she?" Lalemana swallowed, her eyes darting between them. "Nobody tells me anything. I've been completely shut out."

The air in the room thickened, Sherry and Snow exchanged. "That's why we called you," Snow began, her tone serious but still gentle. "She's forbidden us from telling you… but we can't stay quiet anymore."

Sherry took over, her confident gaze faltering as she looked away. "She hasn't improved. If anything… she's worse. She can barely lift a sword these days."

Lalemana's heart sank. "But… they brought in the best priests, right? The healers? Someone must be able to help!"

Snow winced, her grip tightening on Lalemana's shoulder. "They've tried everything. The priests say there's nothing wrong with her body… nothing they can find, anyway. But she's fading. Every day, she gets weaker."

Sherry looked devastated. "She's losing time. If something isn't done soon…" Her voice trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Lalemana's hands trembled. She felt like the world had just collapsed around her, but she refused to let it show. Not in front of them. "Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?"

"She didn't want you to know," Snow said softly. "She thought… it would be easier for you not to see her like this."

Lalemana let out a bitter laugh. "Easier? How is any of this supposed to be easier? I've been running around wasting my time, and she's…" She couldn't finish. Her throat tightened, and tears pricked at her eyes.

Sherry stepped forward. "We couldn't stand by anymore. You deserve to know the truth. She wouldn't let us near you, but tonight… we couldn't stay silent."

Snow joined them, wrapping her arms around both of them. "I'm sorry. But you needed to hear it."

Lalemana closed her eyes, taking in the comfort of their embrace, but inside mind was racing. She couldn't stay idle. She pulled away after a moment, wiping her eyes and forcing a smile. "Thank you… for telling me."

Snow nodded, her face still drawn with concern. "We'll keep an eye on her. But…"

"You do what you need to do," Sherry added quietly. "We know you won't sit still after hearing this."

Lalemana's lips pressed into a thin line, determination steeling in her gaze. "No," she said quietly. "I won't."

The next morning.

Daisy hurried to Lalemana's room, her nerves on edge. The sounds coming from behind the door—a mix of clattering and thuds—had her worried, especially after the conversation the night before.

"Milady, is everything all right?" she called, pushing the door open.

Lalemana stood in the middle of the room, suited in full armor, her back turned to Daisy. She was furiously shoving clothes into a large travel bag with no sense of order.

"Just peachy, Daisy," Lalemana replied flatly, not even glancing over her shoulder.

"What are you doing—?" Daisy started, her eyes going wide as Lalemana thrust a sparkling golden collar in her face, "Do you think this is worth much? I've got a dozen of these lying around. Should fetch a good price, don't you think?"

Daisy blinked at the collar in disbelief. It was covered in intricate engravings and studded with precious stones, "M-Milady, of course it is, but what—"

Lalemana snapped her bag shut, cutting her off. "Well then, Daisy, goodbye."

"W-wait! Milady, where are you going?" Daisy rushed to catch up as Lalemana breezed past her.

"I'm leaving," Lalemana said, marching down the hallway without looking back. "I heard the Axis Church followers have flocked the city; the pilgrimage must be leaving soon. I'll meet up with Arthur, he'll give me a place to stay until they leave. I'm done with this house, with this life."

The determination in Lalemana's voice left no room for argument. Daisy knew there was no convincing her otherwise.

As they passed through the Dustiness wing, the maids, who would usually offer cheerful greetings, looked at Lalemana with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. Many averted their eyes as she strode past.

When they reached the main doors, a row of knights stood in her path. At their head was the captain who had first entered the Dustiness wing months ago, wearing an unreadable expression.

"Out of my way," Lalemana commanded, her voice barely contained.

"Good morning, Lady Dustiness," the captain said, bowing slightly. He held out a sealed scroll, the king's emblem visible on it. "I bring a message from His Majesty."

"I said, out of my way," Lalemana repeated, her tone sharpening. Some of the knights shifted uncomfortably, but the captain remained still, calm, and unwavering.

"I'm afraid I cannot do that," The captain unrolled a scroll, ignoring Lalemana's growing ire. "By decree of His Majesty, the King of Belzerg: 'To Lady Lalemana Silver-Blade Dustiness, by virtue of her importance to the kingdom and her exceptional lineage, it has been deemed necessary to adjust—'"

"I don't care about your royal decree!" Lalemana moved to push past him, but the captain held his ground, continuing to read.

"'—to adjust her legal status in accordance with the needs of the country. From this day forth, certain rights, privileges, and responsibilities—'"

"Lalemana. Go back to your room," came a cold voice from the stairs above.

Everyone, including the knights, turned to see Lady Marcella descending the main staircase with slow, deliberate steps. Her words carried an authority that made the air in the hall grow heavy.

"Mom, I'm lea—" Lalemana tried to speak, but her mother cut her off.

"Back. To. Your. Room," she repeated, each word landing like a hammer.

The maids and knights alike seemed to shrink under her gaze, frozen in place. The captain, who had continued reading, now stood silent, waiting for permission to speak.

"Lady Marcella, I must—" he began, but Lady Marcella, without missing a beat, marched over and slammed the door shut in his face. The sound echoed throughout the hall.

For a long, tense moment, Lalemana and her mother stood facing each other, an unspoken battle of wills playing out between them. But even as an adult, fully armored and ready to fight the world, Lalemana was no match for the steely authority of her mother. She clicked her tongue in frustration, relenting with a sharp look.

Daisy followed, heart pounding, as Lalemana stormed back to her room. Lalemana slammed the door so hard that Daisy had to leap back to avoid it.

"Milady, please open the door!" Daisy pleaded, hearing a loud crash from inside.

Before she could try again, Lady Marcella appeared behind her, towering, battle axe in hand. "Tear down the door," she said, voice cold and flat.

Daisy spun around, startled. "But ma'am—!"

"Tear down the door," she repeated, her tone leaving no room for argument. "If you don't, I'll do it myself."

Swallowing her fear, Daisy unsheathed her sword and carefully cracked open the lock. When she pushed the door open, the scene inside stopped her cold.

The room was in shambles. Lalemana stood in the center, sword in hand, surrounded by the wreckage of her furniture. Her hairdresser was broken into pieces, the once-pristine beauty products scattered and ruined. Her bed shredded.

And yet, Lalemana stood there, still armored, still with her bag on her back, her breathing heavy and ragged.

Daisy could only stare in stunned silence as Lalemana turned her eyes toward them—wild, defiant, but at the same time, lost.

Daisy cautiously stepped forward, her grip tightening on the hilt of her sword as she moved toward Lalemana, who spun around to face her with eyes blazing. Daisy's body reacted on instinct, leaping back, blocking the bathroom door. Her heart raced, and her mind flashed to when she'd fought monsters.

"Move," Lalemana commanded, pointing her sword directly at Daisy. The intensity in her voice, sharper than the blade itself, sent a shiver down Daisy's spine.

"M-milady, please calm do—" Daisy stammered, sweat trickling down her forehead as fear took root.

"I said, move," Lalemana's sword crackled with light as its runes began to glow ominously. "If you stand in my way, you're my enemy. And I will strike you down."

For a brief moment, Daisy glanced toward Lady Marcella, hoping for intervention. But she hadn't even stepped into the room. It was just the two of them, and Daisy had to make a decision. With a deep breath, she straightened her back, calm washing over her as she released the strap keeping her sword at her waist.

"You misunderstand me, milady," Daisy said quietly, holding her sheathed sword in both hands. Slowly, she approached Lalemana, keeping her movements deliberate and careful. "I'm not going to stop you."

Lalemana's gaze flickered in confusion, the runes on her sword dimming ever so slightly. The intensity in her eyes wavered, but she didn't lower her weapon.

Daisy slowly knelt before her, lowering her head and extending her sword as an offering. "From this moment on, I, Daisy Arlenfelt, swear my loyalty to you. Not as your servant, but as your sword—to strike down your enemies, to shield you from harm. Whatever you ask of me, I will do."

An awkward silence filled the room. Lalemana, completely taken aback, stared at Daisy, her face growing redder by the second. "...Eh?"

The tension dissolved like a popped balloon, leaving nothing but the stunned expressions of both girls.

"Well, well," Lady Marcella chimed in from the doorway, leaning casually against the frame. "I didn't think you'd steal the moment, Daisy."

"M-mom, don't try to stop me!" Lalemana stammered, trying and failing to sound tough. "I'm leaving and that's final!"

"That you are, Lulú," her mother replied, unfazed. She let go of the battle axe, the heavy weapon crashing to the floor with a thud. "But we're going to do this the smart way. If you try to fight your way through the Royal Guard alone, you'll only make things worse."

"Mom…?" Lalemana blinked, her fiery resolve faltering for the first time. Before she could say anything else, her mother grabbed her by the sides of her head and lightly smacked her, earning a surprised yelp.

"Don't go blaming your father for this," her mother said, shaking her head. "He and I always want what's best for you—we just disagree on the details. But, if you're going to run off anyway, we might as well make sure you don't end up a fugitive, and Daisy doesn't end up in chains for helping you."

Lalemana and Daisy stood there, dumbfounded as Lady Marcella calmly began formulating a plan.

"Here's what we'll do," she said, crossing her arms. "We need to time this perfectly, so you leave with the Axis pilgrimage, unnoticed. Daisy, you'll find out exactly when they're departing."

Daisy blinked, suddenly thrust into action. "M-me, ma'am? But if I'm seen wandering without milady, it might raise suspicion—"

"You'll use Lulú's secret exit, obviously. And drop the armor for something less... knightly. I doubt anybody'll recognize you."

"S-secret exit!? What are you talking about…?" Lalemana asked, eyes wide.

Lady Marcella flicked her forehead with a teasing grin. "Nothing happens in this house without me knowing, dummy. Now, get out of that armor before the staff starts asking questions. We'll raid the treasure room and find something suitable for the Sapphire Spirit to take as tribute."

Both girls, without further protest, hurried to change as Lady Marcella dictated, exchanging their battle gear for more casual clothes. Once ready, Lady Marcella led them to the bathroom. With the mighty battle axe in hand, she smashed through the hidden panel that Lalemana had tried so hard to conceal, turning it into a passage.

"Follow this," Lady Marcella instructed Daisy, "it'll take you to the sewer systems. From there, find a manhole to sneak out of. Be quick."

With a nervous nod, Daisy squeezed into the passage and disappeared.

"Now, Lulú," her mother said, gesturing for her to follow. Together, they made their way to her private quarters, where a hidden door led to the family's treasure room.

Inside was a vast collection of valuables. The room gleamed with gemstones, glittering jewelry, and antique weapons displayed with care. Ornate chandeliers cast golden light on everything, the walls lined up with all sorts of fine art.

"This should do," her mother finally said, selecting a large, ancient wine bottle from one of the shelves. "Over a hundred years old. Good enough I bet, but let's grab a couple more, just in case."

Lalemana, however, wasn't looking at the bottle. "Why are you doing this?" she asked, her voice small.

Her mother paused, then placed a hand gently on Lalemana's cheek. "Because, Lulú, I'll always support you. No matter what." Then, without warning, she pinched Lalemana's cheek so hard that she winced in pain. "You're my bratty, stubborn daughter who never thinks things through. But I know you're not doing this just for yourself. So, if I'm going to help, I'm going to help all the way."

Later, back in Lalemana's room, they waited for Daisy. Hours passed before the sound of shuffling from the bathroom caught their attention.

Covered in dust and panting, Daisy finally reappeared. "I-I met with Arthur," she gasped. "The pilgrimage leaves tomorrow morning, at noon. He's agreed to help us if we can meet him at the dormitories by dawn."

"Well done," Lady Marcella said with a nod. "Now, get your things ready. We still have some time to prepare."

Battle axe in hand, she started hacking away at the secret exit, widening it so they could move through more easily. By noon, the three women, covered in dust, sat among the wreckage of the room, catching their breath.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed down the hall. A maid appeared, breathless, at the door. "Lady Lalemana—what in Eris' name happened here?!"

"What's the matter, Emily?" Lady Marcella asked nonchalantly, wiping the dust from her face. "As you can see, we're quite busy."

"Y-yes," the maid stammered, trying to compose herself. "You've been summoned by the king immediately! Someone very important has arrived in the city!"

Daisy and Lalemana exchanged glances. "Someone important, huh?" Lalemana said with a smirk. "Wonder who that could be."