The Maid and Her Princess

The Heartbroken Maiden (part 6)

VI. What Are You Going To Do, Violet Eyes?

When the two initially passed into the forest again, a ripple of shock stirred the adventurers who were still recovering. Eyes landed upon them in waves, holding them in a new light. Even a few Gold rankers moved out of their way, as if they were unconsciously making way for someone important. Madoka did not know if it was a good thing or not and felt no pleasure from the new treatment, but the attention seemed to redefine them as if they were entirely new people. Audrey ignored their stares, probably used to people looking at her.

Madoka, on the other hand, realized she suddenly felt a bit more uncomfortable. When they had a moment, she caught a glimpse of herself in the reflection of a small puddle. A woman she barely recognized stood beneath her boots. That reflection was woman with a larger frame with violent and violet eyes, slightly wild red hair, muscular, and vastly tougher version of herself that her past self at the Northern Estate could never have dreamed of being looked back at her. She quickly averted her gaze from herself, trying not to appear conceited. Drezgor had sent someone for them to meet with him. He no longer wore the shock over his own state, but still glared at them as if they were a new type of monster species. He initially questioned Audrey, but Madoka quickly corrected him.

"It was me, actually, sir," Madoka offered finally. Drezgor looked at the two with a profound sense of confusion. The kind of emotion that rings out a laugh, though no humor was found inside and outside the tent space they were in. "I did what you ordered, sir."

"You... Destroyed the settlement and the potential base we could have placed when the Cel'Row show up," Drezgor put his palm to his forehead with a sigh. Madoka shrugged. "You are correct. You did what I asked. Spectacularly so. The soldiers will be taking over, but the captain wishes to speak with House Dalion."

He nodded to a slightly more decorated soldier than the regular plain ones, who approached them as if he was facing a savage beast. In a way, he was. The only pitiful difference between this stout soldier and the others was the fact that he had a Tier 2 sword in addition to a spear. Madoka stood taller than him, purposely positioning herself between Audrey and his presence. Then he pulled out a letter wordlessly and extended his hand over with it for her to take.

"A summons," he blurted out nervously upon seeing the suspicious glare from Madoka. He mistook her disapproval of words on pieces of paper for her anger. "Our Godking Ceghinort, His Royal and Divine Majesty, is summoning you after the Cel'Row are contained."

"H-Hai," Madoka folded the scroll up and handed it to Audrey. The leather flap's snap from opening and closing hastily was all she needed to know that Her Highness also did not seem enthusiastic over the summons at all.

"Well, I guess we go home?" Audrey asked. Home, Madoka mused in her head. It sounded like a foreign concept to her. "To the inn, I guess. We're bums."

Night was settling upon them quickly. Madoka barely realized the day had past by them and the moons were up above.

"Yeah, you smell like a bum," Madoka replied dryly.

"Nae waah..." Audrey murmured, but after a quick sniff she instantly recoiled from her mistake. "Blegh! Alright, we're washing when we get home— er, back. Dunno why I keep mentioning that."

Madoka remained quiet, secretly knowing why. After feeling suspended in such turbulent times like these, it was only natural that the two of them would have desires to turn around and settle down, right? A place of quiet gentleness, where she could absentmindedly clean all day long without worry sounded like a heavenly dream. One day, she thought. They would have their own place to rest away from everyone. The forest was secure, quiet despite the earlier ruckus of soldiers bustling about. The ear decorations have been removed, which was a welcome relief. They were indeed efficient. Most of them were now inspecting the crater Madoka left out in the field.