Rae walked into the principal's office with her usual air, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorframe. "This is the third time you've summoned me, Mr. Principal. I'm starting to think you've got a thing for me."
The principal chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Rae, I don't think anyone else could make a royal summons sound like a personal inconvenience."
"Royal summons?" Rae raised an eyebrow, moving forward now.
The Queen has requested an audience with you, Miss Vermont. I warned you this might happen. Have you forgotten?" the principal said his tone playful
Rae smirked, but her eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh, I remember. Clear as day. That's when you dumped a foreign princess and her bodyguard on me."
"We had no choice," he replied, folding his hands on the desk. "Speaking of which, how is she faring?"
"She's… good. More than good. She's great. Very energetic, that girl. At first, it was a chore, but now I actually enjoy her company. Though she can be a little clingy—annoyingly so at times."
The principal lips curled into a smile. "I'm glad to hear that things are working out. Now, back to the Queen's summons. Her Royal Highness, Queen Rose Wimberly, has requested your presence at the royal castle tomorrow."
Rae's smirk faded. "Tomorrow? That's sudden. What's this summons about?"
"I can't disclose that. You'll find out tomorrow. Your father will be joining you."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, Mr. Harold's in the capital? Where is he?"
"At the royal castle. You'll meet him there in the morning."
Rae's expression shifted to one of resignation. "Alright. Anything else, Mr. Principal?"
He hesitated before speaking. "This isn't official, but… do you know where they buried Merle?"
Her jaw clenched, and her eyes darkened. "Why did you have to remind me she's gone?"
"I'm sorry," he said softly. "Merle was dear to me too."
Rae's voice was cold. "They couldn't recover the body. Monsters devoured her until nothing remained."
The principal's shoulders slumped. "I see. That is all then, have a good day Miss Vermont."
"You too, Mr. Principal."
As Rae left the office, her thoughts swirled. What could the Queen want? She had an inkling, but nothing would be certain until tomorrow. Her musings were interrupted by a sharp ache in her upper back. The discomfort had become persistent, making wearing anything on her torso feel awkward. She decided it was time to seek help—a task that made her cringe inwardly. Reluctantly, she approached Eleanor.
Eleanor's eyes lit up with excitement, a reaction that Rae found mildly terrifying. "Lingerie shopping? This is going to be fun!"
Rae wasn't convinced. "I don't see what's so fun about it."
They made their way to a tailoring shop, where Rae was bombarded by sights that left her bewildered. The bras, made from cotton and silk, bore a surprising resemblance to modern designs. Rae marveled at the craftsmanship but couldn't shake her curiosity. How did they know how to make these without understanding modern technology or even basic farming techniques?
A tailor took her measurements using crude circular metal tools. The bras were not ready-made; each one was custom-crafted. Eleanor, ever the enthusiast, encouraged Rae to try on dresses in the shop. Rae, however, remained resolute. "I'm not wearing a dress. Not now, not ever."
The next morning, Rae prepared for her visit to the castle. Eleanor and Ivy insisted on accompanying her, and she reluctantly agreed. A carriage arrived to take them, and they were soon on their way.
At the castle gates, Mr. Harold was waiting. He greeted Rae warmly before they were escorted to the throne room. The Queen sat regally upon her throne, her presence commanding attention.
"You may all rise," Queen Rose announced, her voice effortlessly commanding attention.
Rae took a step forward, her posture straight but unbothered. "Your Majesty, may I ask why you summoned me?"
The Queen's piercing gaze didn't waver. "Miss Rae Vermont, I assume you're aware that our country is at war with the demon Raceland."
"I am, Your Grace," Rae replied, her tone calm but guarded.
"Then I'll get straight to the point," the Queen continued. "Despite being only twelve years old, your accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. I've heard that during the first attack on Carmine, you and another woman managed to defeat an army of monsters—high-level ones that would've been a challenge for even our best knights. For that, I thank you."
Rae didn't flinch. "I was protecting my home, nothing more."
The Queen nodded, though her expression didn't soften. "You also overpowered one of our top knights. Given your skills, I would like to request that you join our army as one of its leaders."
Rae's jaw tightened. "I'm afraid I can't do that, Your Grace."
"May I ask why?"
The edge in Rae's voice sharpened. "Because I can't join an army full of hypocrites."
"Rae, watch your tongue!" Mr. Harold hissed, his eyes wide with alarm. "You're speaking to the Queen."
Rae didn't even glance his way. "It's the truth. Where was the army when Carmine was attacked? They didn't show up because it wasn't just humans at risk. So we fought alone, and because of that, I lost my mother and my teacher."
A flicker of something—guilt, maybe—crossed the Queen's face. "I'm sorry for your loss," she said quietly. "I'll strive to do better."
"That's great for the kingdom," Rae said bluntly, "but it doesn't change anything for me. I won't join your army. I'll fight only to protect Carmine."
The Queen let out a quiet sigh. "And what about training the army?"
"You've got good teachers," Rae replied. "Use them. Silent casting is public knowledge now; that should help."
"Very well," the Queen said, her tone resigning itself to Rae's stubbornness. "As for a reward, you protected Carmine in my place, and I must acknowledge that. What would you like?"
Rae hesitated for a moment before answering. "I want full access to the dungeons in the kingdom. Any treasure I find is mine."
The Queen raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. "Granted. You have my permission to raid the dungeons."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. May I take my leave?"
"You may."
As Rae turned and walked out, Eleanor and Ivy hurried after her, their faces pale and brimming with worry.
"My lady," Eleanor whispered, barely keeping pace. "Why did you talk to the Queen like that? You're making enemies in the capital!"
Rae shrugged, her expression indifferent. "They can try to kill me if they want. I was just being honest. I can't forgive the Crown for letting my people die."
Ivy's voice was softer but tinged with concern. "Lady Rae, innocent lives are at stake. You have the power to protect them. Shouldn't you use it?"
Rae glanced at her but didn't stop walking. "I'm not a hero, Ivy. I'll protect the people I care about. Nothing more."
Ivy's shoulders sagged slightly, but she nodded. "I see. Then… will you allow me to stay? I want to fight for the kingdom."
Rae's answer was immediate. "Do whatever you want."
Ivy bowed her head. "Thank you, Lady Rae."
Eleanor, still flustered, shook her head. "Well, I'm sticking with you. Dungeon raids sound way better than politics anyway."
A faint smile tugged at Rae's lips, but she didn't respond. The trio continued down the corridor, their footsteps echoing through the marble halls.