We've just left the War Room and are making our way to the pantry. Camille's walking beside me, standing as close as possible without our clothing touching one another. She's been like this ever since we lost one another in the city and I can't quite say that I mind. It's nice to know she's always there when I need her.
Me: What did you think?
She looks my way but refrains from answering for a few seconds. I'm about to explain what exactly I'm referring to when she finally responds.
Camille: I feel we need more high-rank individuals.
Me: Oh?
Camille: While we're currently strong, it's also true that we can only be in one location at a time. This became clear to me as you dispatched the others. As it stands, the Royal Maids are the only true force protecting the capital and their role is to protect the palace itself.
Me: I'd like to think an army of over 270,000 men would still prove challenging for most opponents to overcome but I can't deny the fact that they are mere humans.
Camille: Of course, this is just my thought on the matter.
Me: And a very good observation at that, but what would you suggest? I can make another being but I'd prefer to save that for an emergency since I'm limited to only one every year.
Camille: Why not perform a summoning?
Me: How would that work?
Camille: Well, it depends on what you are summoning. You can summon a spirit and enter into a contract with it, thus binding it to you or you can summon a demon but you'll need to provide it with bodies.
Hmm. I remember Rosetta explaining this a while back. If I'm not mistaken, one can also summon other beings as well. Still, I don't think summoning a spirit would be a good idea right now. I've already technically speaking formed a bond with one, Rosetta. There's no telling how doing the same with another might affect us. A demon on the other hand only needs bodies that'll be used to create its own body for it to exist in this world. Now that sounds much more promising and since we are at war, bodies should be easy to gain.
Me: Camille, change of plans.
Camille: We're no longer going to the pantry?
Me: We're still going there but I won't stay there long. We're going on a trip.
Camille: A trip?
Me: Yes. We'll bring a small number of guards with us but I don't want anything that will draw too much attention.
Camille: You mean outside the city?
Me: Yes. We're going to do a summoning!
To my surprise, she doesn't counter this but instead resigns herself to simply staying by my side. I guess she's figured out from the little time we've spent together that when I make up my mind, that's it. As we continue walking towards the pantry, she makes plans for the trip by sending messages to the rest of the Royal Guard to have specific members prepare for departure.
I don't spend long once we've arrived at the pantry, instead choosing to just take a few bites as the maids pack food for the trip. Joanne, like Camille, was shocked at first when I mentioned that I wouldn't be staying. The other maids seemed to share their sentiments as well. It's as though everyone thinks I can't go without food or something. I mean, I know I've been in the pantry essentially every chance I get but that's just because as of late I'm always hungry...
Joanne: Would you like anything else, Lady Camille?
Looking up from my food, I notice that Camille has, for the first time, chosen to eat while I'm present. I still don't quite understand what the issue was with her doing it before but I guess it's a cultural thing in this world or something. Putting the thought aside, I quickly finish up the rest of the food placed before me. To my astonishment, however, by the time I stand up Camille has finished as well and is standing guard nearby.
Me: You never cease to amaze Camille.
She smiles as I turn to thank the maids for another great meal before we head out to meet our escort. Joanne and a few of the other maids walk behind with our packaged meals, handing them over to a few of the guards gathered at the entrance of the palace with some horses before excusing themselves and returning to their duties. The guards themselves seem rather pleased to be chosen by Camille to be our escort but I'm certain she only chose them because she's already tested their strength and found it adequate. Knowing her, she probably even began training them all to further improve their skills.
Once everyone's finished making preparations, we all mount our horses and begin making our way towards the palace gates. Quickly taking in our party, I notice that there are seven of us in total. It's a rather small group but it suits my purposes nicely. A larger group would simply attract too much attention.
Camille: Remember, we'll be away for a while. Have you all finished informing your families and made the necessary preparations?
Guards: Yes Ma'am!
Smiling, she turns to face me as we arrive at the gate.
Camille: Shall we?