"Sis, make sure we haven't left anything behind."
"It's fine, Fleda. If we forgot something, we can always come back. This is still Alruna's home, after all."
"That's not how it works, Sis!"
"Ehehe."
After ten days at the Gustav residence, we were finally ready to head back to Aureo. With Richilda joining us, our little group swelled to four. It was a relief to have someone as capable as her along for the journey—someone whose strength could rival even the mightiest adventurers we'd met. Except for that time when a Vdelygma decimated us. Anyway, it meant Fleda wouldn't be stuck cooking for all of us by herself anymore.
Let's be honest: aside from Fleda, none of us could cook to save our lives. If Alruna or I tried, the result would be a blackened lump no living creature could stomach. Richilda's presence felt like a small victory, a promise of better meals and safer travels ahead.
Lady Fiora reached out, her hand trembling slightly as she cupped Alruna's cheek. "Leaving so soon, Alruna?"
Alruna leaned into the touch, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yes, Mother... I'll be going now."
With a gentle kiss on Alruna's cheek, Lady Fiora pulled back slowly, her voice soft and wavering. "Alright... Whatever path you choose, I'll support you. Take care, my dear Alruna."
I stood a few steps away. Lady Fiora's frail frame seemed to shrink with each breath, and I couldn't shake a flicker of worry. Irma had hinted at her fragile health, and I found myself clenching my fists, hoping she'd hold on long enough to see Alruna's wedding day-her daughter glowing in a bridal gown.
Alruna turned away, her hand brushing across her cheek as if to sweep away an invisible tear. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Let's go, everyone." Her voice carried a hint of sorrow, barely masked by resolve, as she stepped out of her mother's room, her shoulders tense with reluctance.
"Alright," I replied, my voice softening as I glanced at Fleda. "Fleda, let's say goodbye to Lady Fiora and Irma, then head downstairs."
Fleda nodded, her usual cheer muted as she shuffled closer. "Got it, Sis."
I stepped forward, meeting Lady Fiora's gaze. "Ma'am, we're leaving now."
Lady Fiora grabbed my hand, her grip surprisingly firm despite the tremor in her fingers. "Yes, yes.... Please take good care of Alruna. She's a kind and spirited girl." Her eyes shone with unshed tears, and her words tumbled out in a rush. "Oh, and I must tell you—Alruna loves mushrooms in any dish. Make sure to cook them often; you won't regret it. Also, she hates insects. Keep her away from them. And, and..."
She went on for a full ten minutes, her voice rising and falling like a melody of love and worry. I stood still, letting her clutch my hand as she poured out every detail—Alruna's hobbies, her favorite foods, the little quirks that defined her. Each word felt like a lifeline, tethering her heart to her daughter's safety.
I squeezed her hand gently, offering a steady smile. "Don't worry, ma'am. You can count on us. We'll look after Alruna, and when she comes back, you'll be proud you trusted us with her."
Lady Fiora's lips curved into a tremulous smile, her grip loosening slightly. "Fufu, that's good to hear. Safe travels, all of you."
"Thank you, ma'am. Goodbye." I gave a small nod before turning to Irma, who stood quietly by the door, her hands clasped in front of her.
"Goodbye to you too, Irma," I said, meeting her steady gaze.
Irma dipped into a slight bow, her expression solemn yet warm. "Take care of Miss Alruna—and yourself, miss." Her voice was soft but firm, carrying the weight of her loyalty.
I returned a small, reassuring smile, my hand resting briefly on her shoulder. "I will. I promise."
With that, Fleda and I left the room, our footsteps echoing faintly as we made our way across the hallway. The air was sharp with the bite of early cold this morning, so we adjusted our thick cloaks and pulled them tight against the chill. Bags were slung over our shoulders, packed with everything we'd need for the journey back to Aureo.
"Adele, Fleda! Over here!"
At the front gate, Alruna and Richilda stood poised to depart, their silhouettes sharp against the soft glow of dawn. Richilda, being an exceedingly tall and sturdy elf she is, exudes quiet strength. Her straight blonde hair was neatly braided, cascading down to her hips, while her well-built body was clad in a black maid's uniform with white vertical stripes. Her face was devoid of emotion, including a pair of blank blue eyes gazed at me intently with a silent sharpness.
Behind them waited Otto, Helmo, Sten, and a magnificent white horse—Richilda's, I assumed. It had been ages since I last saw our three horses. Most of my time at the Gustav residence had been spent confined to bed, too frail to even walk without effort, so I hadn't once made it to the stables to see them.
"Whoa!" I gasped, caught off guard.
To our left and right, servants, guards, and knights stood in neat rows, forming a human corridor for us to pass through. Every head was bowed low, not a single pair of eyes daring to meet ours. It reminded me of my first arrival here—an overwhelming mix of awe and unease that hadn't faded with time.
"Leaving already? You could've stayed longer if you wanted."
Karl's voice cut through the air behind us, startling me with its suddenness.
"...Yes, sir."
Karl's demeanor toward me had softened considerably. When I first arrived, he'd treated me like an intruder, his eyes icy and his words clipped. Now, though, he seemed to show concern for me and Fleda. It stirred memories of Claudia—her imposing figure and quiet kindness.
Ah, I couldn't wait to go home and reunite with the twin, to play and share laughter like we used to.
"Before you go, take this."
"...What's this? a pocket watch?" Karl tossed me a small, ornate pocket watch, its surface etched with a familiar emblem. It hit me after a moment—the Gustav family crest. I had seen it before in Alruna's carriage.
"That's a pocket watch bearing the Gustav emblem," he explained. "Carrying it means your journey is fully supported by the Gustavs of Gaede. If anyone demands proof of identity, show them this. It's worth more than any citizen's ID card. And if you're shopping at major stores in the capital or other big cities, flash it there too. You'll likely get discounts and special treatment."
"Thank you, sir!" I bowed slightly without giving it much thought.
Karl's trust in me was clear now. Although I never understood why he trusted me so much. All I did was get one-sidedly beaten during our spar to determine Alruna's fate. But whatever. I'd definitely use this for some bargain hunting on new gear.
"Alright then. Safe travels. I hope you'll visit again someday. Take good care of Alruna."
"Got it, sir!"
Sorry, but I have no intention of returning here anytime soon.
My time in this place had been anything but enjoyable. Still, I couldn't deny the food was delicious and the rooms luxurious. I'd rate my overall stay a grudging three out of ten stars.
"Hup!"
Neigh!
Our horses were saddled and ready, so we just had to load our bags and climb aboard. Simple enough, right?
"Safe travels to Miss Alruna, Miss Adele, and her companions! May your journey be blessed!" The servants' voices rose together in a loud, warm farewell.
"We're off now! Take care, all of you!" Alruna answered the servants wholeheartedly.
With that, we spurred our horses toward the city gates. The past week had dragged on endlessly, but now I was finally heading back to Aureo—to a life brimming with the excitement of guild adventures. Hooray!
***
As we passed through the gates, Gaede receded into the distance, its imposing walls melting into the morning haze. The air was sharp and frigid, each breath forming a misty cloud as the cold bit at our faces.
Alruna rode at the front with her back straight, as if she were still carrying the weight of her family's legacy. Richilda kept pace beside her, calm and collected, her white horse blending with the snowy tones of the road.
Fleda, riding alongside me, was already planning ahead.
"How about mushroom stew tonight? It's Alruna's favorite. I could toss in some herbs I grabbed at the market."
"Then I'll help prepare," Richilda said in a flat tone.
"Thanks, Richilda! Neither Sis nor Alruna ever helped me with cooking before!"
"Is that so? Rejoice, for tonight's mushroom stew will be the tastiest you have ever tasted."
"Hahaha! Unexpectedly, you know how to make a joke, Richilda."
Richilda let out a faint smile. "Since we'll be traveling and training together for a while, I thought I should open up a bit more."
"Y-you can smile?" I asked, my eyes wide open.
"Of course. I can do a grin too if you preferred it." Richilda said, her voice low and teasing.
Then, with a slow, deliberate twist, she stretched her mouth wide, baring her teeth in a horrifying grimace. It was a chilling blend of raw terror, seething anger, and hollow despair—each emotion carved perfectly into the sharp angles of her face. Meanwhile her eyes glinted with an unsettling intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. It is a spectacle I wish to never witness again.
I looked at Fleda and Alruna, then agreed instantly to change the topic.
"So, Richilda, you mentioned training together. What kind of training do you do?"
Richilda glanced back, her expression turning stoic again. "Combat and survival, mostly. Years in the royal army taught me how to navigate forests and mountains. The terrain of the kingdom demands it."
"You were in the army?" I asked, leaning forward on my horse.
It's no surprise that she exudes such a commanding aura.
Richilda nodded. "I served as an officer, leading troops, studying warfare, and assisting His Lordship during the past war between the Kingdom and the Empire. A lot has happened since then."
"Hmm..." I thought to myself for a moment. "Someone with your abilities must be well known."
"I'm not sure how well known I am. Back in the day, they called me the White Death. I think it's because I was so good at ambushing enemy forces on the frozen frontier."
"I-is that so..."
The name White Death hit me like a spark, pulling up tales I'd read of a renowned lieutenant under General Karl Gustav. She had overturned a losing battle, leading her cavalry through a brutal blizzard to outflank an empire's force three times their size.
Navigating cliffs no one thought passable, she struck their rear, torching supplies and vanishing before dawn, giving Karl the chance to rally and claim victory. And that living legend is walking beside me.
Fleda turned, her interest piqued. "And now, as Karl's aide, what do you do?"
"I assist him in many ways, primarily with secretarial duties. I also practice the Löwe martial art, a Gustav family tradition."
Fleda's eyes widened. "What's the Löwe martial art like? Is it the same that Alruna uses?"
"Indeed. All of Gustav's successors must have the ability to practice it," Richilda replied calmly. "Simply put, it's a discipline of strength and stability. Unyielding as a mountain, yet supple as a willow bending in the breeze. It covers swordsmanship, archery, spearmanship, and more—each technique rooted in resolve."
Coincidentally, I remembered Alruna's wild moves when we sparred. "I'd like to see you use that," I said.
Richilda gave a small nod. "Don't worry. You will learn it sooner or later."
"...What does that mean?"
"I mean exactly what I said. You two will be taught the Löwe martial art by me."
"D-did Karl order you to do that?"
Richilda closed her eyes briefly. "Precisely."
I blinked, caught off guard by Richilda's words. "Wait, Karl wants us to learn the Löwe martial art?"
"He believes it will strengthen you both—physically and mentally—for Miss Alruna's protection."
"Seriously? I didn't expect him to share our family's art so casually." Alruna glanced at me, dumbfounded. "What did you do to sway him? Either way, grab this chance—it'll do you both good."
Löwe martial art—they say its founder crafted it to take down dragons, the land's fiercest creature. Each strike is precise and deadly, with no wasted movement. At the same time, its stance is flexible yet unbreakable, like Richilda said. Alruna showed me how terrifying it is to face a Löwe martial artist without the proper preparation.
I nodded, still wrapping my head around it. "Alright, if Alruna says so."
Meanwhile, Fleda shifted in her saddle. "When do we start?"
Richilda's tone stayed calm, authoritative. "Once we reach our destination. I'll teach the basics on the road."
"...Is it hard?" I asked.
"Don't worry," Richilda replied, looking me in the eye. "You're capable. Managing to hold His Lordship for five minutes without getting your head rolled on the ground."
"Ugh, you don't have to remind me that."
Even though the wounds have healed perfectly, I still vividly remember how intensely they throbbed. Moreover, the thought of Bernefons only a hair breadth away from my neck still gives me goosebumps.
Suddenly, Fleda's bright demeanor vanished. "Hey, that's not funny, Richilda." Her voice was tight, laced with a protective edge. "I still don't forgive you and Karl for that one time."
"You're right." Richilda bowed on her horse, her hair falling like a waterfall. "I'm sorry. That was insensitive of me." Though her face remained stiff as as a rock.
Fleda crossed her arms, grumbling. "Fine, I forgive you. Karl better not pull that again. I'll knock him flat first."
"..." Richilda remained silent as she bowed. I think she's telling the truth when she says she'll open up to us. I still see the image of a stone-faced maid, but not as firm as before.
Alruna's rare laugh surfaced once again. "Hahahaha!" Perhaps because she hasn't been able to laugh freely since entering Gustav's estate, her laughter sounded like that of a drunken man. "In all my life, I've never seen that man's aide smile, let alone apologize. Oh, this is so funny! You two never cease to amaze me!"
"Uh... thanks, I guess?" Fleda replied, looking confused.
"Now, now. Don't be too harsh on her, Fleda. She has her own set of values. I personally don't mind too much."
"...Okay, Sis." Fleda turned her head toward Richilda. This time, however, her gaze softened. "Anyway, don't forget your promise tonight. The tastiest mushroom stew ever, you said."
"Understood." Richilda chuckled for the first time. It wasn't a laugh that spread raw terror; it was a gentle laughter, like that of a mother to her child. "I always fulfill my promises."
The air lightened, the earlier tension replaced by a fragile camaraderie. One by one, the secrets of this mysterious maid began to be revealed. The figure we initially thought was devoid of emotion, turns out to be an elf who can laugh and make jokes. However, her past as the White Death and her mastery of the Gustav family's martial art hinted at a depth that we had only begun to uncover.
The road to Aureo was still long, but the shared laughter and the promise of mushroom stew warmed us against the chill of the approaching evening. We urged our horses forward, the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves providing a steady beat against the backdrop of the frozen forest.
Hurray, indeed.
***