I spent another few hour lying down in the bed. The simple fact that I had no responsibilities now melded into me creating a lazy tiredness that prevented me from rising. The morning sun turned to noon and I made no attempt to move, though I was getting hungry.
Just as I thought that, the door opened.
"Taylor you need to knock first, what if he's getting changed," Lara exclaimed.
Taylor walked in anyway, "All the better to get a good peek at him."
I sighed and faced their way, still under the blankets. A part of me wanted to pretend to keep sleeping however I was afraid of what Taylor may do to me. While Lara would stop the worst of it, though because she knew me as Jane she'd let through a certain amount of pranks.
"You should really knock," I got up.
Lara smiled to me warmly, "I'm glad you're okay. When you collapsed we all freaked out. Taylor couldn't stop crying your name."
"Shut it," Taylor said embarrassed. "I really thought you'd die."
"Luckily there were enough healers and together with Marley we brought you back from the brink."
"How's everyone else?" I asked. "Is Ardent alright?"
Lara answered, "Ardent woke up earlier this morning. Ronalt is writing his report. Marley is communicating with the Temple of the Goddess and Earnest is lazing about."
"I see," I stretched my muscles. "Let's get something to eat, I'm kind of hungry."
After waiting for them to leave the room so I could get changed we left for the palace's dining room. Last time I had come here I was treated little better than the staff, but now whenever we passed someone they bowed to us respectfully. As much as it felt wrong, I surprisingly got used to it quickly. Not long after we sat down the others arrived and behind Ronalt was an extra party. The Queen and from what I could tell the crown prince and 1st princess. They were several years older than Ronalt but looked younger. I guess that's what happens when you don't work in the military. We all stood up as they entered and bowed respectfully.
The Queen spoke, "There is no need for such formalities, please seat yourselves. We have just come to enjoy a meal with you." Aside from the occasional palace staff that came to serve us our food, the room was empty. I was thankful for Ardent who talked joyously about our journey without strain, the man didn't care at all with the royalty beside him.
Earnest who sat opposite of me pointed his fork at me, "Rain I didn't have the chance before, but your fight with the Demon Lord… it was truly impressive as you said it would be."
I felt my food get stuck in my throat as all eyes turned to me, "Well I was desperate."
"If desperation could do that we'd have many more master swordsmen," Earnest scoffed. "The first half of the fight you could barely dodge his blade but by the end you were able to hold yourself. I do look forward to our training later." It looked like Earnest was just taking it at face value, but more importantly.
I raised my hand at him, "Hold on, we took care of the Demon Lord. I no longer need to be your apprentice."
"The way of the sword doesn't end when your enemies are gone, it surpasses even life itself."
My eyes turned dull towards him, "We'll talk about this later." I managed to change the subject as the crown prince turned his attention to Lara. He was quiet interested with her talent. Thankfully that's where it ended.
As our lunch ended the Queen excused herself taking the prince and princess with her. The only ones left were us again.
Ronalt turned towards me, "Rain, I'd like to talk with you in private."
"Sure," I stood up as he did and followed him to a small room.
As he closed the door he looked at me seriously, "Who are you really?"
"Excuse me?"
"Are you an agent my mother placed among us? If so, you did not have to hide yourself."
"No way," I crossed my hands. "I'm just Rain Axel from Axel."
"So I've been led to believe but someone as multitalented as you cannot simply exist. Knowledge of magic on the same level as Ardent, and swordsmanship to go against the Demon Lord. Just those alone put you in the position of mass power."
I scratched the back of my head, "The knowledge came from the Goddess, about the Demon Lord, well… how do I explain it? As we fought I learnt, though without Earnest's training I'd be dead."
He folded his arms and stared down at me. Then he sighed, "It is a shame I cannot tell if you are lying. Though I at least know you are not telling the entire truth."
"We all have our secrets," I smiled. Telling him otherwise would only work against me.
"Although I am intrigued, it was those secrets that saved us. I will respect your privacy."
"Thank you," I bowed my head to him.
He spoke wryly "Perhaps I am just jealous. In the end I was useless against the Demon Lord."
I shook my head, "No, without you we never would have made it. You led us, and guided us. I am truly thankful to call you friend."
He returned a soft smile, the engraved lines in his face loosening, "Thank you Rain."
"No problem," I stepped back and gestured for the door. "Shall we?"
"Yes, the others are waiting."
*
As the sun set a small ceremony was being held with Lara and Taylor in the centre. A circuit of magic laid out beneath them and we watched close by.
"I Lara, Hero of the Kingdom, declare you Taylor a free women," Lara held out her hand to the kneeling Taylor.
"I gratefully accept," Taylor lifted her neck to her where the slave collar glowed.
"Then I must give you one last order," Lara smiled and her eyes passed mine. "From this day forth you will promise to continue to love Rain Axel and be his companion as long as he desires it. Can you do this?" I couldn't help not blush.
"I already planned to," Taylor laughed. Really as soon as the collar was dispelled any command was gone so there was no point other than a verbal promise. Although it did make me feel warm inside.
Lara's hand touched the collar and with a single spark it disintegrated to nothing.
Taylor jumped up happily, "Finally! It feels so refreshing to not be bound anymore. Not that you really abused me at all. Though banning me from touching Rain was a bit low."
"I told you not tell anyone!" Lara complained embarrassed.
"No collar no qualms," she laughed and stepped towards me. "You and me, a date in the city, tonight right now."
I squirmed as the others turned to me with smug smiles. Ronalt particularly as he nodded to us, "Our mission is complete, you two can do whatever you want. No need to hold back."
"Then let's go," Taylor took my hand. Her smile softened sweetly, "I've been looking forward to this."
"So have I," I gently squeezed her hand.
Ardent heaved a nostalgic smile, "Oh what it is to be young."
"Indeed," Earnest nodded. "Such purity is quite outstanding."
Taylor turned to them both with a glare, "I'm on the opposite end of pure. The only reason I'm like this is because of Rain."
"Right, right," I pulled her away. "Let's go before this becomes even more awkward. I'll see you all later." I caught Lara's warm gaze. "Lara… we'll talk soon."
She waved, "Bye, have fun."
"We will," Taylor grinned.
In the end we had a lovely evening together in the Kingdom's Capital. The Queen hearing about it had even prepared us reservations at a high class restaurant, though the message we received read, Dear Rain, from your caring Aunt Nera. P.s. Don't have too much fun. I managed to hide the note from Taylor as we were guided to our seats. The food was exceptional and without an agenda lurking behind our backs, the two of us could really enjoy each other's company. The memories we had made on the journey, our inner thoughts at the time and even the promises of things we wanted to do in the future. If it wasn't for Lara who was waiting for our return, I don't think Taylor would have let the date end there. We still had plenty of time together so it was okay.
A week passed by with a relaxing quickness. I continued to train with Earnest, though to his disappointment I couldn't perform as well as when I had fought the Demon Lord. The problem was he was convinced I could one day match him and wouldn't let up. Marley gave us a tour of the Temple she was raised in close to the Capital. It held the same peaceful atmosphere as the one in the Demon's territory. I had to wonder if Lady Tillia and Daryl were doing well. Ronalt showed us around the Palace and where the knights trained and together with Ardent the two of us spent quite a few hours in the library. Although it hadn't been that long, everything that had happened felt a lot further in the past. There was no great agenda and we were rewarded by a very cared for holiday.
Though of course things couldn't be easy forever. I opened the door to the palace roof. Lara was already sitting at its edge, her feet dangling. It was a nice view and we could see most the city. The night sky was illuminated with stars and below us displaying a beautiful tapestry were the lights of the Capital.
I sat down next to her, "Getting some fresh air?"
She nodded.
After a minute of silence I turned to her, "So about what I said the other day, how about it? Come with me and Taylor to Axel. Earnest wants to come as well and I'd really appreciate a way to get him off my back." She remained silent. "Lara?"
Her eyes stared out into the city, "I'm going to the Empire tomorrow."
"What?" I replied shocked. "Since when?"
"Just before. A messenger came and requested the Hero to grace them with her presence. I can't really refuse."
"But…."
"It's okay. Ronalt is already signed up to come with me plus a sizeable group of knights so I won't be alone. Also Ardent did promise to look into getting me a way back home and he's based in the Empire so…," she smiled at me, "you don't need to come."
I heaved a sigh, "The Empire… they're not entirely trustworthy, plus with the Imperium, it worries me."
Lara scoffed, "I took down the Demon Lord. I should be worried about you. Without Marley Earnest might actually kill you. Besides, your family miss you."
"You're my family as well," I said firmly.
"I'll be gone less than a month. Heck, why don't you meet me at the Magician's guild once you visit home for a few weeks. Ardent has given you a free pass."
"Ardent still wants to experiment on me and I'm still not sure how I feel about that," I grimaced. My hand reached out and patted her head, "But yes I'll meet you there. Once I check up on everyone in Axel I'll head right over, just don't do anything stupid."
"I should be saying that to you," she pushed me lightly and laughed. "You're still young. Don't blame me if you suddenly have a kid."
"We haven't-," I stopped myself short. "The age of marriage here is a lot lower than where we came from."
She looked at me in distaste, "You weren't meant to take me seriously."
I flicked her in the forehead, "Watch it you. Who knows maybe you'll be swept away by the Empire's prince. Unlike the Kingdom I heard there are quite a few of them."
Her eyes turned down, "Nah, I think I missed my chance."
"Hmm?"
"Never mind," she picked herself up and stood leaning over the roof with perfect balance. "Before coming here I would have been too scared to even get this close to the edge, but now, even if I fell and did nothing I'd survive without a scratch. Scary huh?"
"Well I'd still die at least," I stood up myself.
"Not unless I caught you."
"Don't tempt me," I smiled to her. "Well this conversation didn't go the way I thought it would but, who knows it might be for the better." I stretched my arms, "It's late, I'm going to bed. Don't leave before I say goodbye."
"You're going to bed alone right?"
"Like I said before, we're taking it slowly," I sighed at her.
"Good night Rain."
"Good night."
Like that we parted ways on the roof. I went down the stairs and she jumped.