All the pieces are on the board
“Your Highness, may I…”
Anne timidly voices out. Mia shuts up for a moment and then gently turned her to her.
“I am sorry, Anne. I can’t take you.”
Of course, if Anne comes with her, she’ll take care of everything around her. She would be grateful. But still, she can’t bring Anne with her. The reason is very simple. It is because Anne can’t ride a horse!
For example. Suppose Mia takes Anne, and a danger appears. Supposing there were horses, the easiest way out would be to ride them. The strongest horse would be carrying two people. But that would still slow them down, or even worse, that horse will be used as a bait. If it was any other servant, Mia wouldn’t probably mind. But this was Anne. She was indebted to her. She doesn’t want nor does she choose to put her into any danger. Mia wants to return her loyalty sincerely.
“Anne, you can’t ride a horse. The place we are going is very dangerous. You will slow us down.”
“But Mia-sama…”
Anne was about to cry. She began sniffling and her voice started breaking. Mia had pushed her away. She made it clear that her inability to ride a horse would make her a burden to everyone. It was blunt. It was harsh. But, worst of all, it was very kind. She was not stupid. She knew Mia was doing this to ease her conscience. Her beloved mistress did not think twice about trading their friendship for her safety. She couldn’t do anything about it. She understood everything. But this does not ease the hurt she feels.
“Oh, don’t cry, Anne. It’s okay. I’ll definitely be back.”
Mia smiled softly to reassure Anne.
“So, you have to stay and do your job well. Okay?”
Mia was thinking that when she comes back to school, she’ll surely want a cup of tea. Or maybe she’s exhausted and want to dive into bed right away. Or she may want to take a bath to her heart’s content. For all of these, she needs Anne. It’s an important job to keep up with the demands of Mia once she comes back.
Mia looked at Anne in the eyes, trusting that she was able to convey this message. It was meant to comfort her. Unfortunately, even when Anne heard that, her expressions did not clear up.
Mia and her friends left one by one, saying that they must prepare for the infiltration. Anne watched them leave through the door; stunned.
Because I can’t ride a horse, I’ve become a stumbling block for Mia-sama. I don’t know if I can forgive myself for this.
Anne looked down and tears started spilling down from her eyes.
“Raise your face, Ms. Anne”
Anne was suddenly shocked upon hearing a dignified voice. She turned and saw Rafina observing her with a quiet expression.
“Rafina-sama …”
“Do you think this is the time and the place to be depressed?”
“But … I … I feel so worthless. If I can ride a horse, I’ll be with Mia-sama.”
“What are you, Mia?”
“Huh, I’m … Mia’s exclusive maid.”
Rafina shook her head in response.
“That shouldn’t only be the case. Did you forget how Mia introduced you to me before?”
Rafina stared straight at Anne and spoke.
“Mia said you were her confidante and right arm.”
The words shocked Anne as if she had been struck by lightning.
“Mia was telling you to do your job. Is that job standing there and being down?”
“What can I do …”
“Something only you can do as Mia’s confidante. What comes to your mind?”
For awhile, Anne said nothing. Then she bowed and left the room. Rafina watched as Anne walked out the door with her back straighter than it was few minutes ago.
Anne, the maid who was depressed, has started to move.
The day after Mia and his friends left, Anne also left the school. Within her heart was the resolve of something that only she can do. Her destination was the Tearmoon Empire. Anne’s loyalty would bear fruit. She would bring the strongest piece of the empire onto the board. But that’s a story a little further on.
Thus, all the pieces are in place on the board. With the Kingdom of Remno as the board. A conspiracy drama is about to unfold. With the White Queen and her friends gathered to attempt a rescue of the Knight at the Black Camp. Will they be able to rescue Prince Abel?
The game is in motion. It’s outcome still undecided. What the future holds is anyone’s guess.
TN: The author uses a lot of chess terminology at the end. Anyway, this marks the start of this new arc. This arc would cover at least the next 30 chapters. And this will be the arc that will end Volume 1.
So, time for a ride on the Mia train.
And yes, I guess, it’s obvious by now. The Mia x Abel is definitely sailing.
