As the curtain fell on the patrol duty, Deion, directing his squad, sheathed his sword, observing his squad disperse.
Enya approached him after dismissing her own squad, and commented, "Handling and ensuring the entire squad's duties is undoubtedly challenging, wouldn't you agree?"
Deion, glancing at her, responded, "You were the one eager to take charge, though. I thought you were quite interested."
Enya playfully slumped onto the nearby bench, "I am. But it's a new experience for me. I'm practically melting here." she chuckled.
Picking up his water bottle, Deion asked, "What brings you here?" Enya, taking a deep breath, replied, "Oh, nothing much. I'm heading for the library now."
"Well, with your evening hours reduced, don't you think you could use a break?" Deion inquired. Enya smirked, "It's no big deal. I already had one earlier."
"...I mentioned before, it's an opportunity to be chosen as an Imperial Knight. The night patrol shift assigned to you might be it—a test for your qualification. Best of luck," Deion spoke up, gazing at her.
Enya nodded, looking below, "I understand... But being an imperial Knight and squad leader simultaneously might be less likely. I think I shouldn't expect too much and carry on with this for now."
"...Strange...something is off about her..." Deion contemplated for a moment before agreeing, "...That's true. It is unlikely and also demanding. Don't neglect your health; take it easy."
Enya acknowledged with a thoughtful response, "Everything has been a massive learning for me, from being a squire to this point. Stepping into the role of a squad leader... I don't anticipate someone guiding me on the process or everyone to be in my favour. Well, I've just got to figure out those answers for myself - what sort of leader I want to be, what sort of leader, I suppose, my squad deserves."
"Like General Void has always said. Concentrate on what we can achieve, not on what we can't. Focus on the actions we are willing to take that others might not." Enya shared. Deion nodded, his expression serious.
"You know, if I could, I'd reach the sky. But everything takes time. I won't be hasty to grab all positions at once. Becoming an Imperial Knight or a squad leader is just a step; my ultimate goal is to command battalions. I believe, in time, everything will fall into place, one achievement at a time," Enya declared with a confident grin, clenching her fist.
Deion studied her, commenting, "You are... Interesting."
Enya furrowed her brows, grinning," Oh, me? No. Interesting is everything around us. I'm far from perfect. I will just go with the flow. And one day, I'll found myself as the commander of battalions alongside Noah and everyone. For everyone," she replied, adjusting her hair.
"...Is there something on your mind?" Deion inquired.
Enya paused, clasping her hands together before sighing. "Oh, maybe or maybe not. Yes. I think," she stifled a laugh.
However, Deion remained attentive, his expression serious. Enya nodded, "Alright, jokes aside. Those squad members are hard to deal with," she told, rolling her eyes. "They are annoying. If something displeases them, it's like having someone standing on your neck. I need to figure out how to please them because, frankly, only the junior knights are genuinely kind and friendly. But those seniors... they irritate me. They are disobedient."
"Have you informed General Void about this?" Deion asked, to which Enya shook her head. "No. I'd rather solve my problems on my own. Why show my vulnerabilities to General Void? And you, make sure not to tell him, got it?" she insisted, knitting her eyebrows.
Deion nodded, as a rare smile escaped his lips. "Alright. Let me tell you, everyone has different mindsets. But as a leader, you shouldn't be pleasing them. Instead, you need to demonstrate that you're worthy, strong, and capable, making them naturally look up to you. Your role is to guide them in a way that aligns with their mindset. It's about earning respect through actions. Don't stress about pleasing everyone; focus on leading. Since these positions are temporary, think of each step forward, be it your promotion or the squad leveling up, as success," he explained.
Enya nodded, steering the conversation in a different direction. "Alright, enough about me. Come on, tell me your ambition. What are you working for?"
Deion glanced below, "...Me?" he spoke, "I'm not certain if it's to your liking..., but my goal is to defeat General Void claim the 1st rank, and promote my squad to rank one. The rank they've always yearned, fought, and trained for."
Enya gazed at him for a moment, "It's a solid goal. You rest assured. I'll share some of General Void's weak points with you. Oh~ I can't help but imagine the headlines: 'Commander Deion Shatters General Void's Winning Streak'—you knocking him out in the Royal Cavalry competition. Pfft. Cool. Who knows?" she laughed.
Deion closed his eyes at her unusual cheering, and responded, "I appreciate your encouragement."
"Oh, silly me, I should better hurry to the library, or I would be late," Enya spoke all of a sudden, dusting off her clothes. Shoving her hair back, she smirked, "Later," and left.
__
Riding a wagon, Enya rested her head on the seat, enjoying the gentle swaying of the ride as she gazed at the passing roadside. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she soon drifted into a peaceful slumber.
As the wagon approached the bustling main street, the horse abruptly halted amid the commotion. The sudden jolt sent Enya bolting upright, her eyes wide with confusion. "Huh? What the...?" she muttered, still half-asleep.
Spotting the driver inspecting his agitated horse, Enya leaned down and inquired, "Sir, what happened?" A mix of concern and frustration lingered in her tone.
The man scratched his head, his expression troubled. "I don't know, miss. It seems the wagon won't budge. My horse appears to be quite bothered. I'm sorry," he replied.
Enya slapped her forehead in exasperation, "Ugh! Just when I finally managed to get some sleep, this had to happen. Oh, for goodness' sake!" she exclaimed, her frustration evident.
"Please move out, miss, because I'm afraid you won't be able to reach your destination with this wagon. The horse isn't even moving," the driver informed her, worriedly.
Miffed, Enya stood up as her brows furrowed in annoyance, "Tell me one thing, can't you examine your horse before hitting the road? See, the poor horse is stuck. Tsk. You wasted so much of my time, and because of you, I'll be late." She couldn't help but purse her lips, protesting. "God knows when I'll get to the library..."
"Miss, I would be very grateful if you continue this speech in another wagon. There are people all around. Please exit the wagon quickly," the driver retorted.
Exasperated to the extreme, Enya scruntised him with a cross look, stepping out. "Quickly. Please be quick," the driver urged.
As her patience waned, the driver repeated, "Quick, please."
Enya finally clambered down the carriage. "I am being quick. Stop dying." she stepped aside, vexed.
Sighing audibly, Enya began to trudge wearily along the busy street. "What rotten luck," she grumbled, shaking her head in disbelief.
And why not? If it isn't rotten luck, then what? She had no choice but to reach the library for her two-hour duty shift, a necessary step to earn her much-needed payment. Fatigue clung to her like a relentless shadow, but she couldn't afford to rest. Her determination to fulfill her responsibilities drove her forward, even in the face of exhaustion.
Mary, noticed Enya's worn-out appearance as she reached the library and inquired with a concerned blink, "Oh dear, what's with this miserable aura around you?"
Enya met Mary's gaze, her eyes reflecting her weariness, and replied, "Nothing."
"Are you...sure? You seem worn out. Was today really busy?"
"Not really... I haven't slept much, that's the story."
"Oh dear!"
Mary placed a hand over her mouth, concerned. "Dear. You're a young girl. How could you let yourself get like this? I mean, how could you neglect self-care? Look at you, your hair is all over the place, your eyes are barely open, and you've made a mess of yourself."
Enya, rubbing her hairs, spoke, "Ah, that's because of today's duel."
Mary smiled compassionately, "I can see that you are a knight, Enya. It's just that you're a bit too hard on yourself. Come on, sit down and rest. You need it." she told.
"Huh!? No way!" Enya protested, shaking her head vigorously.
Mary chuckled softly, "Lay down, Enya. I am serious." She gave a gentle order, and Enya couldn't resist as she laid her head on a table and settled into the seat.
Within a mere minute, Enya had drifted off to sleep. Mary took the opportunity to lovingly tidy her hair and neatly organize some scattered books.
With a glance at the scroll tucked in Enya's belt, Mary couldn't help but chuckle softly. "An Imperial decree, hmm? What a hardworking child she is... She truly deserves it," she whispered, her fingers gently caressing Enya's hair as she watched over her, lovingly.
The Imperial Palace
Raven strolled along the corridor, her fingers tracing the intricate lace walls. A gasp escaped her lips, her thoughts entangled and chaotic. Shaking her head, she muttered, "What do I do? It feels lonely... Am I really thinking too much? But why do thoughts keep repeating themselves...?"
With a faint smile, she pondered, "I'm sure anyone would take me for an idiot...But. This sadness just never leaves me. I wonder how he is..."
Raven closed her eyes, trying to shake her thoughts away. Her fingers brushed against the flower adorned in her hair, and she smiled, her cheeks tinted with a rosy hue, "...Thank goodness it has his energy in it, and now it won't ever die."
The flower glimmered with a delicate golden light as Raven clasped her hands behind her back.
Raphael, stepping along the corridor, approached her. "Um, Princess. Did you call for me?" he asked.
Turning to face him, Raven smiled, "Oh, Sir Raphael. Thank you for coming here. I wanted to talk with you."
Raphael nodded, "Of course, go ahead."
The two of them entered a grand chamber.
"Listen, Sir Raphael. Enya is my best friend. My knight friend, you know. I've always wished for her to attain some position, which would mean that she can step into the Imperial Palace. So, let me tell you, I want you to help me," Raven told with innocent eyes.
Raphael nodded blinking, "...Sure. As long as it's within my reach. How may I assist you?"
"Here's the idea I have about her schedule and duties from now on. Can you confirm if it's correct?" She handed him a parchment.
Raphael examined the parchment and said, "It seems correct. As a squad leader, she'll spend approximately seven hours on training and squad practice. Then, with interval breaks, about two hours on patrol duty, I assume."
Raven slumped her shoulders, "That's too much. Ugh. Add two hours of library duty after that," she added.
Raphael replied, "Hm...So roughly eleven hours in total."
Raven nodded and continued with the parchment, "Then there's a two-hour break. Yeah!" She cheered, as Raphael smiled in response.
Resting her fingers on her chin, she said, "But I heard her regular duty here is during the night. Ugh. How can I spend time with her during the night?" She pouted.
Raphael reassured her, "No need to worry."
Raven pursed her lips and moaned, "No way. It means I'm not benefitting at all. What should I do?"
Raphael gazed at her concerned, "Lady. You shouldn't fret. You may visit her during breaks?" he suggested.
Raven blinked, scrutinizing Raphael. "Breaks? ...Ah-ha! I got it! Overall, there are one-hour breaks after each training and duties. Which means I can seize that opportunity," she decided with a grin.
"Oh... But, Raphael, this schedule seems less busy compared to earlier. She was hardly available before. But hey, what's with this 'optional' here?" She pointed to a point on the parchment.
Raphael examined it and smiled, "Oh, it seems the daily morning patrol is optional considering shifts."
Raven beamed in delight, "Yes! This is the best! Somedays, I'll ask her to take some time out from her busy life and spend it with me!"
Raphael nodded and said, "...I see. I hope you don't escape much though."
"I won't. But still. Thank you," Raven expressed earnestly. Raphael shook his head and bowed, "No, it is my responsibility." he responded. "You will still help me. And make sure this meeting is a secret. Brother Abel shouldn't know." Raven continued serious. Raphael's smile widened as he assured, "Rest assured."
With a bright smile, Raven turned around and clasped her hands together, looking below.
"Enya... This is the least I can do for you... and for Brother Draven," she whispered inaudibly, her lips curving into a smile.
...
Upon waking up, Enya wasted no time, heading directly to home, her energy renewed.
"Ah~ thanks goodness I have two hours to spend at home now!" she gasped, relieved crossing the cobblestone street.
The surroundings bustled with life. Children played and cheered along the streets, and ladies busied themselves with purchasing fruits and vegetables. People sat in roadside eateries, relishing feasts, while Enya took a deep breath and strolled, swaying her hands.
A delicious aroma filled the air as she sniffed. Her gaze suddenly locked onto a shop owner selling delicious meat pies.
"Oh. Look at those hot meat pies..." Enya muttered, frantically searching her pockets for money.
The shop owner seemed preoccupied, adjusting his collar while glancing at a woman nearby.
As Enya fished her hands out of her pockets, she discovered two shiny silver coins. Furrowing her brows, she moaned, "Why do I never have enough money?"
Glancing back at the tantalizing meat pies, she held, "I am not that broke. At least I can get one. But then, there's Noah...Ameren."
Approaching the shop, Enya beamed, "Sir, give me a meat pie. Hot one. How much is it?" she inquired.
The shopkeeper, still engrossed in staring at the woman beside Enya, didn't even bother to respond.
"How much are these?" the woman asked this time.
The shopkeeper cleared his throat with a playful sneer. "Oh~ ma'am. This shop...Mine or yours. It's all the same. Take whatever you want. It's all free."
Enya's eyebrows drew together as her eyes widened. "Oh? Really? It's her shop?" she asked, pointing at the woman with exaggerated surprise. The woman, in turn, seemed clueless.
The shopkeeper grinned, frivolously, "That's right."
Enya nodded with a grin, "Mm...I see."
The woman beside her seemed to shiver slightly as she let go of the packs of her purchase on the counter. Enya glanced at her, smirking. She then observed a group of young boys playing nearby and called out, "Hey, kids. Listen up, gather around."
The shopkeeper watched in confusion as the children at once, assembled.
Facing the boys, Enya patted the woman's shoulder and declared, "So listen, from today onwards. This shop is hers. And she happens to be in a very good mood today, right?"
The woman blinked in response as Enya smiled at her, assuring.
The shopkeeper nodded boastfully, as Enya in turn, continued, "So, eat whatever you want, kids! It's her treat!"
The kids erupted in cheers and swarmed the shop, grabbing all the pieces of meatpies lined up on the counter. The bewildered shopkeeper shuddered in confusion. The woman's expression widened in unexpectedness as she gazed at Enya who snickered. An unexpected smile formed on her lips.
"Oh, miss. Please don't do this. What the? Stop!" the shopkeeper yelped, attempting to restrain the exuberant kids.
Enya grinned and turned around to leave. The shop keeper rushed out, pleading, "Oh, miss. What did you do? They- they took it all!"
The crowd and people stared at the scene, thoroughly entertained while Enya's grin remained intact.
"M-miss. Please stop them. They'll take everything. They'll raid my shop, please!" the shopkeeper begged frantically.
Taking the opportunity, the woman stepped away as Enya glanced at the shopkeeper, her smirk taking on an evil edge. "Listen up. You have made a grave mistake. Messing with someone, right under my watch. You've triggered the wrong person. Tsk, now, do make sure to inform everyone that you signed this shop off to her." she asserted, dangerously.
"Oh no miss, please. I didn't mean it. I am a poor man. I beg you. Oh, please forgive me," the man pleaded.
"That... you should have thought before flirting with her like that. You think women are toys?" Enya reprimanded. The shopkeeper pleaded, "I swear. I swear, I'd never repeat such a mistake."
Enya scoffed, "Remember this, I'm the future Chief Commander of this realm. Brace yourself for the day when I announce severe consequences for shameless acts like yours. Move aside." She walked past him, rolling her eyes in disdain.
"Oh, please..." the shopkeeper lamented, while the onlookers chatted and enjoyed the scene, thoroughly amused.