Oath on a Winter Day
Winter in the Tearmoon Empire was cold. It often snows that fireplaces are in every home. Today was also a harsh day with snow.
“Uh, it’s cold…”
Anne was walking down the hallway. Her breaths leave faint puffs of white in the air. It was the last day of the year and it was the holidays. Outside, many (if not all) shops are closed. But in the castle, it was business as normal. Anne greeted her fellow maids as she passed them by. Finally, she arrived at Mia’s personal chamber.
“Excuse me, Mia-sama.”
“Ah, Anne. You’re here.” Seeing Anne, Mia put down her book and rose from her fireside chair. “You look very cold. Come over here and warm yourself up.”
With that said, she guided Anne to the side of the fireplace.
“Thank you, Mia-sama. This feels lovely.”
In the past, concerns over propriety and norms would have caused Anne to balk at such an offer. However she was reprimanded by Mia that her reservation was improper. So Anne just complied gratefully. In return, she made a solemn promise to herself that she would repay her master’s goodwill with loyalty.
Anne and Mia sat side by side near the fireplace in silence.
I wonder if she has grown taller…
A fond smile crept on Anne’s lips. She usually regarded Mia as her little sister.
“Say, Anne, I wonder if you have a moment…”
Mia breaks the silence. Anne notices that Mia was fidgeting. Knowing her behavior, Anne knows Mia only does this when she was about to ask a difficult favor.
“Yes, what is it, Mia-sama?” Anne replies, wondering.
“I’m going to school next spring.”
“Yes, I am aware of that. Congratulations on your enrollment.”
There was a rule that noble children are supposed to enroll in specialized institution of learning once they reach thirteen. There, they will learn various knowledge and competence required to effectively rule their respective domains.
Anne already considers Mia a saint. She looks forward as to what kind of lady her mistress would be after a formal education.
“Thank you, Anne. The thing is…” Mia smiled a little, but her face soon became cloudy. After a brief silence, Mia raised her face as if she had decided, “I want you to come with me as my personal attendant.”
“…Ehhh?” Anne was shocked at the offer, “You want me?”
Anne’s surprise was justified. School is a gathering place for noble children. It is there that future nobles mingle and develop connections for the future. Anyone who stepped foot into these hallowed institutions was expected to be on their best behavior. They were, after all, the future leaders.
Moreover, the school that Mia will be going is not even inside the Empire. Mia will be leaving the castle and will be staying in a school dormitory for the next few years. And she is only permitted to bring one attendant. She can no longer rely on the other veteran maids.
“That… Mia-sama, I’m very happy with your offer, but are you okay with me?”
Anne is by no means a capable maid. If anything, she’s clumsy. She knows that Mia trusts her deeply, of which she is grateful. But it also saddens her that her skills as a maid is not that great. She believes that Mia would be better off with a maid with more experience.
Anne’s hands are suddenly wrapped in warmth. Surprised, she looked down and saw her hands wrapped by Mia’s own.
“Um, Mia-sama, my hands are cold…”
“Anne, listen to what I am saying. I said that I want you.”
“Oh! Mia-sama…”
Anne’s chest was filled with overflowing emotions. Mia had believed in her, offered her unconditional trust, kindness, and friendship. She had given her so much. It was a debt that should, and must be repaid. Moved to the core, Anne kneeled down right there and then.
“I will try my absolute best, Your Highness. I will serve you with all my heart and soul.”
Phew. I am glad I got that sorted.
Mia exhaled with relief.
At the school where Mia is heading now, two of her lifelong nemesis were waiting. An Outland noble who led the revolution against the empire, Tiona Rudolvon. And the prince of Sunkland who helped her, Sion Sol Sunkland.
These two people were directly connected to Mia’s fate with he guillotine, and it also happens that these two will be her schoolmates.
It will be a nightmare if I don’t have someone that I can completely trust.
For the time being, with the minimum condition of having a trustworthy attendant in place, Mia welcomed the New Year with a lighter heart.
Author’s Note
Tomorrow is Saturday, so I plan to post a little more (4 episodes at 9:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 21:00).
I hope you enjoy it.
