The training grounds...
Sloane could see the knights were on the grounds as usual. They didn't have time to rest.
Sloane pitied them for running around like that for hours.
She looked around to find Nine and Jack.
Sir Lucas was in his usual strict behavior on the grounds.
"Milady, are you looking for something?"
Sloane looked back.
"Sir Elyas?Well...do you know where Jack and Nine are?"
"You mean the new soldiers?"
"Yes!"
He pointed at the resting area. A double story building at the corner which was used by the knights of the estate for equipment and resting.
"Thank you." She nodded and walked hurriedly towards the building.
She peeked inside from the entrance. Nine alone sat on the bench holding a wooden sword that was used for practice.
Jack stood beside him without a word looking out of the window.
"Milady! I apologize for coming late.Huff*huff*" Cecile came running carrying a basket.
"Slow down Cecile!" She whispered fearing she'd be discovered by them.
"My lady?" Jack came out alarmed.
"What brings you here?"
"I!Was looking for you!" She glanced at Nine who stood up after realizing her presence.
"Looking for me? What seems to be the problem?"
"Ah~!Nothing much. I was thinking of sending some provisions for your mother. Cecile will go in my stead. Give her my apologies for not visiting, please."
He stood speechless nodding his head.
"...Well then off you go. I've prepared horses for you."
"T-thank you for such generosity." He bowed deeply and left with Cecile.
Sloane watched them leave for a moment then turned to Nine who stared at the ground.
"..."
"Why are you zoned out?" She interrupted him.
"...." He picked up his bow and walked near her.
"Please grant me a day off milady."
"For what?" She rested her hand on her hip raising a brow. She was half certain what she would hear next.
"I need to make arrangements for my living and...see-"
"Twelve?" She cut in.
"..."
He flinched but kept his gaze low as to not make eye contact with her.
"Sigh*You can visit her any time at the necropolis but I have certain conditions. And as for your living expenses... Forget about them."
He winced aghast at her decision.
"You are going to stay at Nirvana's residence until I get you settled somewhere better."
"But I can't stay here like that-!"
"It's not my decision. It's the Lord's direct orders. Learn to be grateful for his benevolence." She patted his shoulder as he collapsed on the bench.
"I...understand.And I'm grateful for it."
"As for the terms and conditions for visiting the necropolis is that you sir shall inform me or the head butler before leaving. Second, Take at least one knight with you and the transportation arrangements will be carried out by the residence. Third, you will not stay there or visit at and after the sunsets. Do you agree with them?"
He earnestly nodded while his eyes gleamed with hopes of visiting his only known member of the family.
-"Phew!Glad he agreed to them."
She smiled.
"Then good luck with the practice."
He went out of the building relieved. Sloane looked around the room. Her eyes focused on the bow owned by Nine. Both tassels were tied at one end as beads gleamed under the sunlight.
-"He sure us a skilled archer." she smiled faintly.
"Ah! I almost forgot." She hurried out of the building where Lucas stood observing their training.
"Sir Lucas. Please give them a day off on the day of the banquet."
"Milady, I'm afraid they'll have to be on duty that day. It's the most important part of the event."
"Then give them a day off tomorrow. They are working nonstop."
"Milady~is the saintess's reincarnation!" Their internal voices screamed.
He was hesitant about it but gave in to her request as he saw the exhausted knights.
-"I can feel you." she looked at their pitiful eyes.
"Did Orion come here?"
"I presumed that you knew where he is. Since I was informed that he was carrying out an operation under the Lord's command?"
-"He's definitely there!"She began to sweat with guilt.
"Is everything alright milady?"
"Yes!" She hurried without a second thought.
"Jack, please get Ebony for me-" She realized Jack was not a stable keeper anymore. Another man in his mid-thirties came out.
"Greetings milady.Ah! Are you perhaps looking for your horse?"He asked humbly.
She nodded entering the stable.
" Father's amazing as ever. Preparing everything beforehand."
There were many horses of various types. She stopped where Azriel's mighty steed stood with pride. The fur was silky and pitch black.
Even hair well brushed was black and so were the eyes.
"Nightmare!Well suited name for a Demon Lord's steed."She smiled awkwardly.
She stroked his hair but retracted as the man brought her horse.
" She's all set for a ride milady."
"Thank you forge hard work," Sloane said holding her reeds as she got onto the mare.
He bowed in response while she rode off in a hurry.
"I wonder how she is?" Her thoughts were mixed up at this moment.
Riding through the meadows and the plain lands where small villages came in the way was the property of Nirvanas.
She reached there afternoon. The servants were delighted to see her and welcomed her back warmly.
The head maid escorted Sloane to the gardens.
The wavy blonde hair shone in the sunshine as she read a book sitting under the tree.
"I hope it's not the cold storms of both you enjoy."She said sarcastically standing in front of her.
" Gasp*!?"