-Arc 1-

  Chapter 4

  “Like Rain”

  *?*?*?*

  Eris held the boxed lunches close to her chest, stumbling down the hall. Dust still clung to the inside of her mouth and on the fringes of her uniform.

  It was natural to be untrustworthy, Eris felt. She gathered from context that her amnesia had arisen at an inconvenient time. She really had no idea what Caelia was intending to get from Eris, but it seemed that there was some sort of suspicion towards Carlos.

  Eris’s amnesia, though real, could easily be faked or exaggerated, or otherwise used for the advantage of any party.

  Someone with nothing to reference was a convenient malleable target for a side looking for devotees.

  The issue to Eris was that neither the belligerents nor the conflict were revealed to her, and if there even was a conflict or not. Being overly paranoid could cause issues with her employer and comrades, but being under cautious could easily drag her into something that is real.

  Eris: “Aghh… Why, ‘Eris?’”

  She curled over and squatted on her calves, clutching her head. She didn't know if she was blaming ‘Eris’ for forgetting, or herself for usurping ‘Eris’ instead of anyone else.

  Eris: “No…”

  She couldn't blame ‘Eris,’ who had no say in the matter of losing her memories.

  If anything, she wanted to leave. It was only her first day, but the pressure inside her felt bloating, and from the outside, it felt crushing.

  ???: “Eris… a-are you alright?”

  A soft, tentative voice called out to her, barely audible from Eris’s tight clamp around her own head.

  She shot up from her squat, straightening out her posture. Applying a smile to her face, she nodded.

  Eris: “Ah, yes! Sorry. I was just resting my legs for a bit. A lot of walking in this house.”

  The person she was face to face with was the violet haired maid with paralyzing eyes and small horns atop her head. Despite her mesmerizing gaze, the owner of such eyes hesitated to use them, and her pupils darted to the floor.

  She clutched her own sleeve with her hand, and as she spoke she gripped it harder. Despite her timidness, she was quite tall. Taller than Eris and perhaps Caelia as well.

  ???: “Ah… I see…”

  There was an awkward silence that hung over the two.

  “——”

  No, it was three.

  From behind the timid maid, a smaller figure stood quietly. Unnoticed until now, she remained completely silent.

  Pearing around, it revealed the small frame completely.

  The small black haired maid stared with crimson eyes much like Eris. She had horns on her head too, it was Eris’s assumption that these two maids stuck together on account of that shared feature.

  Eris: “Oh— right. Lunch.”

  Eris reached into the bag, which had collected dust in the storage room, and pulled out two boxed lunches.

  While Eris expected the black haired maid to be even more reserved than her taller companion, she was the one who took the lunch without issue or a second thought.

  The other took it with a reluctant hand, her starlike eyes never resting on one thing too long.

  Eris: “It probably isn't easy having me ask you this, but I’d like to know your names.”

  Eris figured the best way to speak with a shy person is to guide the conversation and take the burden of leading off them.

  Violet-Haired Maid: “M-My name? Oh… that’s right…”

  Eris: “I’m sorry that I… well, forgot.”

  “——”

  Saying that, Eris understood that apologizing as such would put the onus on the other party again.

  Black-Haired Maid: “Aíma.”

  As Eris heard the shorter maid speak for the first time, she felt goosebumps rise up her skin. Her blood ran cold and she felt her heart race in anxiety. Immediately, she cringed at herself. How rude was it to feel such fear when they’ve only said their name?

  She hadn't done anything threatening, and it wasn't her face or voice either. In fact, she felt Aíma was quite adorable. Her small silhouette, her short horns, her fragile look as if she would shatter if she was stared at too hard.

  But Eris’s muscles felt like they were in mercury while looking at her, yet all she wanted to do was pinch her cheeks.

  It wasn't her voice specifically either. It was just that she existed.

  Violet-Haired Maid: “I’m Mirra…”

  Gathering herself with a deep breath, though the sense of unease from Aíma hadn’t subsided, Eris returned with a smile.

  Eris: “It’s nice to meet you both, Mirra. Aíma.”

  Eris spoke with a bow.

  Mirra: “It’s nice to meet you too.”

  Mirra hid under her bangs.

  Eris: “I hate to ask, but… were we close? Before ‘Eris…’ —I forgot?”

  Neither of them reacted immediately. Mirra reluctantly began shaking her head.

  Mirra: “I, well… I only started working here a month ago, and we didn't really speak much.”

  Eris: “I see…”

  Aíma: “I don't think we were really close.”

  Eris: “I see…”

  She tried to stifle a shudder that came about from the coldness that Aíma’s presence caused.

  As the conversation lulled into silence, Eris searched for something to fend off the awkwardness with. The most notable thing that was shared between both of the maids for a mutual conversation, was their horns.

  Eris: “So, your horns. They are…”

  Mirra’s eyes widen as she twirls her violet hair between her fingers.

  Mirra: “——”

  Aíma: “They are for mana regulation…”

  Eris: “Ah?”

  Aíma said this in her quiet voice matter-a-factly. Mana regulation. The term itself made sense, but if horns were required for mana regulation, then why didn't Eris or the others have them?

  Knowledge on the topic was not written in the book that was Eris by the author of ‘Eris.’

  Eris: “Mana regulation, you say?”

  Aíma: “We demons draw in more mana, don’t we? If we intake too much, that wouldn't be good…”

  Aíma made a gesture with her small hand to the group.

  Eris: “You are demons?”

  Eris knew the term and of the race. Of the seven races, demons were the most detested and feared. She knew that demons had more mana, had acute senses, and were physically stronger than humans or elves, depending on the tribe.

  Both Aíma and Mirra gave a surprised eye-brow raise. Perhaps it was caused by the same thing that confused Eris herself. She recalled the race of demons, but not the fact of horns until informed of them now.

  Aíma: “Yes, we are.”

  Mirra nodded along.

  Eris: “Don't worry! I’m not prejudiced or anything. I haven't a reason to fear demons, so…”

  Mirra and Aíma exchange a brief glance.

  Eris hadn't a reason except for the natural aura of dread that seeped off Aíma.

  Eris: “It is surprising that Master Carlos employs demons though…”

  Mirra & Aíma: “——”

  Eris: “Of course, I don't have a problem with it! It’s just… unexpected.”

  Eris was truly a fool. Even if she had meant them honestly, her words could easily be interpreted as pure racism. And if they were, she could not blame it.

  Mirra: “I think it’s quite surprising as well…”

  Mirra’s fragile, hesitant voice soothed Eris's panic. The tall maid nodded with her words, which came out slowly and feebly.

  Eris: “Eh?”

  Mirra: “I was surprised when Master Carlos found me and took me in… I thought he may take me to be executed…”

  Eris: “Executed?! Things are that serious?”

  Aíma opened her mouth to reply, but she refrained.

  Instead, they both responded with a nod.

  Eris looked into her bag, still stocked with three lunches. One was for herself, so only two deliveries were yet to be made.

  Seraphine was going to make her own lunch after serving Master Carlos, and Caelia, Aíma, and Mirra, had already received their lunch.

  If her memory was to be relied on, and from her past experiences, it shouldn't be, the remaining two lunches excluding her own were for the blue-haired maid and Petra.

  Eris knew where she could find Petra easily, so delivering lunch to the green-haired gardener was her first priority.

  Eris: “Well, I should get going. I hope we can talk more later.”

  The two demons nodded, blank expressions on their faces. Mirra’s face hidden under her long bangs.

  Eris lowered herself into a bow, and waving, she set off.

  The Maids of

  Count Schwartzhardt's Manor

  Petra thanked her with a smile, and Eris, with a grace she hadn’t found in herself until now, glided back into the manor.

  Her priority now was delivering lunch to the blue-haired maid, the last of them whom she hadn't been introduced to.

  Petra, the kind and hardworking. Seraphine, the best cook, whom Eris had left behind. Mirra, the shy newcomer and Aíma, the adorable yet off-putting demon. Caelia, the troubled one who, despite her frustration, Eris could see the pain in her eyes. And ‘Eris,’ her diligent, selfless, clever and kind predecessor. These were the impressions she had gathered about the maids of Count Schwartzhardt's manor, not including herself.

  Who would the last, with the blue hair, be?

  Eris: “I hope she didn't know ‘Eris’ too well…”

  ???: “Who?”

  Finally, the last unfamiliar voice spoke to her. It was the most convenient and, frankly, most unexpected way it could have come, she believed.

  Eris: “Ah, sorry. I was talking to myself.”

  ???: “I guess that’s fine… But I didn't think ya would start talkin’ ‘boutcha self in the third person, though.”

  Eris pulled bashfully on her skirt. It was too monumental of a task to explain why she felt it was necessary to refer to ‘Eris’ as such.

  Eris: “A-Anyways, are you… Aqua, correct?”

  She had heard the name ‘Aqua’ passed by Petra about the greenhouse. Specifically, that she kept it wet. Combining the information that she kept the humidity in the greenhouse, her name, and her hair color, Eris came to the conclusion that she was a wielder of a blue rune. Of course with the domain of water, she didn't know much past that.

  ???: “Mhhhm, that is correct.”

  Aqua stifled a frown as she crossed her arms. She spoke in a strange dialect, with certain words in a drawl and others barely pronounced.

  Eris reached into the bag and removed the last boxed lunch excluding her own. Presenting it to Aqua, she bowed.

  Eris: “I’m sorry for having to ask you that. I would have liked to remember.”

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  As the weight shifted off her hands as Aqua took her lunch, Eris heard a bright laugh.

  Eris: “—Ah?—”

  Aqua stifled her laugh, waving her hands as if to physically brush away Eris’s confusion.

  Aqua: “It’s nothin’ you said… well, it is, but— O’ course, I won't blame ya for forgettin’ m’name.”

  Eris: “Huh?”

  Aqua: “It aint’cha fault.”

  Eris: “I see… thank you.”

  Eris responded with a bow.

  In all truthfulness, Eris found what Aqua was saying to be nonsensical. If not her fault, then who else? But, she didn't want to start a disagreement between them in their first minutes of meeting.

  Aqua, clutching her packed lunch, suddenly took Eris’s sleeve.

  Aqua: “Come, come now. Y’ should eat too. Ya still had your breakfast in liquid form, so I betcha’re hungry, aren'tcha?”

  —*—

  The two of them, who have just met, sat in a cylindrical room. Tall windows filtered in light from above, but were made unnecessary by the massive chandelier above.

  Perhaps the chandelier was the overshadowed one, as the largest windows were eye level, giving a great view of the garden and the rolling hills outside.

  The room itself was rather strange. Bookshelves lined the walls, and a piano was set up by the window. There were sofas, one of which the two were sitting on, and a table set up with an unfinished board game.

  Eris: “This seems like a lounge or parlor, isn't it?”

  Aqua, looking up from her lunch, nodded.

  Aqua: “Clever, clever.”

  She gave Eris a cheeky smile. Eris replied with a stare. Staring like that felt like a rude reply, but it was unintentional. She frankly, did not expect that kind of response from Aqua and as a result didn't know how to react to it.

  And without much in common to speak about, the conversation again lulled.

  In an attempt to combat this;

  Eris: “So you and Seraphine,”

  Aqua finally looked with all of her attention, not taking another bite as Eris spoke.

  Eris: “You must be close, I think.”

  Aqua didn't respond initially, inviting Eris to elaborate on her conjecture.

  Eris: “I guess, maybe I’m wrong, but you two seemed close in the grand hall when Master Carlos was informing you all about my amnesia.”

  Eris recalled Seraphine sobbing into Aqua’s chest. Thinking about it now, Aqua had hid her face from Eris at that time. Intentionally or unintentionally, she did not know. But now Aqua didn't seem apprehensive to do so anymore.

  Whether it was the shock of amnesia, or that Seraphine's emotions were contagious, Aqua appeared more emotional then than now.

  Of course, Eris was curious. But moreover, she was relieved that Aqua was not amongst the agonized faces hidden by a smile she had caused.

  Aqua: “Perceptive, aren'tcha? Well, it’s true. I think of Seraphine like a sista.”

  Eris: “A sister…”

  That had been the impression she had gathered from the two. In fact, the two shared an appearance as well. Physically different, it was obvious they weren't twins or probably even real siblings, but they shared opposite hair colors of blue and red, and opposite eye colors of red and blue. Such a coincidence that it could only feel like they were related.

  Aqua’s studious, scarlet colored eyes, watched Eris as she contemplated ‘sister.’

  Eris: “Oh, just to be clear, you guys aren't actually related, though?”

  Aqua: “Correct. No shared blood that I know’uv.”

  Eris: “I see.”

  Aqua was kicking her legs childishly as she ate. She didn't seem like she was taking the conversation too seriously. Though, maybe Eris was the one taking it too seriously.

  Aqua: “Hey, Eris.”

  Eris: “Hm?”

  Aqua: “When ya woke up… Did masta’ Carlos…”

  Eris: “Yeah?”

  Aqua: “Did ‘e ask ya anythin’? Like, for ya t’do somethin’ for ‘em?”

  Aqua’s line of questioning was noticeably similar to Caelia’s. But Aqua was asking in a much more relaxed manner, and wasn't physically restraining, nor threatening Eris. So in all, Eris felt much more willing to answer Aqua.

  That being said, she could not be any more honest with Aqua than Caelia. She hadn't been approached in private by the Count for any reason. Ultimately, her answer was the same.

  Eris: “No. I only spoke with Carlos when I was accompanied by Seraphine and Petra. And of course in the grand hall.”

  Aqua placed a finger over her chin, her scarlet eyes staring forwards.

  Aqua: “Of course. Yeah.”

  Eris: “Why?”

  That was the question she wanted answered the most at this moment. She had been interrogated, granted, in different ways, but for the same answer, by two different people. Whatever answers they were seeking, Eris was at the center. Regardless of if she had her memories or not.

  Aqua: “Ah, it’s nothin’. I was just curious y'know?”

  Aqua gave a smile in response. Eris couldn't, no matter how hard she tried, see it as anything but performative.

  It wasn't that she didn't trust Aqua. But her experience with this line of questioning had put her off significantly from the last time they had been posed to her.

  Eris: “I see.”

  Not bringing up Caelia would be easier here, Eris thought.

  Now that the two of them finished their lunches, Aqua sat up from the seat. Brushing off her skirt, she held out a hand for Eris.

  Aqua: “You’re done with your deliverin’, right? Why don’tcha help me with tha cleanin’?”

  Eris took her hand and allowed herself to be assisted to her feet. Subconsciously following Aqua’s movements, she brushes off her uniform’s skirt.

  Eris: “I guess I should get some experience in actually working around here, huh?”

  Aqua: “Y’can’t be a maid if ya can’t sweep after all.”

  —*—

  Eris pushed the mop head into the wet bucket, before slapping the now soaking head onto the tile floor.

  Eris: “Though my muscle memory was also forgotten, this seems to come naturally at least.”

  She said so, pushing the mop with her arms and the strength of her chest across the floor, leaving a slick trail behind.

  Aqua: “Not ta’ putcha down or anythin’, but isn't it only ‘cause you were watchin’ me do it?”

  Eris: “Maybe…”

  Pursing her lips at her exposure, she continues to work in silence. A cool breeze washes through the now open windows of the parlor. The same room they had finished their lunch in.

  Stopping midway through her mopping, Eris leaned on her mop. Turning to Aqua who was watching with a grin.

  Eris: “Forgive my presumptuousness, but that is a blue-rune, right?”

  Aqua: “Well, it is a rune, an’ it is blue… so you’re correct. Presumptuousness forgived.”

  Eris: “So wouldn't it be easier for you to clean the floors with your magic, rather than mopping?”

  Aqua placed a finger to her chin, smiling.

  Aqua: “We~ell, maybe. But it is a lot more entertainin’ watchin’ ya.”

  Aqua’s sadistic statement was only able to be replied with by an open jaw.

  Eris: “Is that really your reason?”

  Aqua: “Hehe! Not really. Well, kinda… but nah. I just think if we’re usin’ magic for e’ry lil’ thang, it just reflects poorly on our nature, dontcha think?”

  Eris adjusts her weight on the mop handle.

  Eris: “Hmm… I haven't thought about that. I can see some merit in it I guess… But if you have it, then why not use it? I guess it’s easy for me to say as a runeless, but…”

  Aqua: “I won't look poorly on ya if ya did so~, but I guess it’s more of a self imposed kinda thang than anythin’.”

  Eris: “I see.”

  She truly did ‘see.’ Eris was, though only a day old in her memory, well accustomed to self imposed pressure.

  Aqua: “In my opinion, if ya’re gonna do somethin’, you should putcha all innit. It’s fine if ya use magic, but I think it should be on somethin’ that really earns the use of it. Somethin’ mundane like moppin’ don't really need allat, dontcha think?”

  Eris: “So, mopping isn't anything worth putting magic into, huh?”

  Aqua giggles, finally taking out her own mop from the bucket.

  Aqua: “That don't mean it ain't worth doin’ though. Sometimes workin’ with your hands is just betta than magic.”

  Eris: “Right.”

  Aqua had elicited a real smile from Eris. She wasn't sure if it was her first real smile, unforced through awkwardness or shame, but it was a real smile. But Eris, under Aqua’s philosophy, saw that this smile was probably a worthwhile thing to have. It felt good to do, and if she had magic, she wouldn’t judge herself for putting it into this smile.

  The two of them, with combined mops, worked the tile floor of the parlor until literally glistening. Though the glistening came from the moisture.

  Pushing her mop up to a green sofa, Aqua beckons Eris over with a wave of her hand.

  Aqua: “Eris, can ya help me over ‘ere?”

  Eris: “What do you need?”

  Aqua: “Can ya lift this up? Under the furniture ‘re the dirtiest spots.”

  And so, being requested, Eris knelt over and curled her hands under the edge of the couch. Easily lifting up the sofa, Aqua gave a ‘fufu’ giggle as she mopped the floor where the sofa was.

  Eris: “Is there something I did wrong?”

  Aqua: “Ehe, nothin’ attall.”

  Skeptical, Eris tilts her head. Though being reassured, Eris assumed she was doing something off due to Aqua’s giggles. But she didn't want to press it too much.

  After also lifting the second sofa, she helped Aqua clean under the piano by lifting it up as well.

  All the while, Aqua continued to give Eris a cheeky look. Eris didn't want to hear any negative criticisms of herself out of fear of her own self-consciousness, but the curiosity was too much.

  Eris: “Okay, Aqua. It’s not nothing. What am I doing that’s so funny?”

  Aqua places her mop back into the bucket, stretching her short arms. Giving Eris a smile, she adjusts a stray cerulean bang.

  Aqua: “Well, it’s just that normal people can't lift pianos by ‘emselves is all.”

  —*—

  Aqua: “‘N this is the bathhouse. Basically my pride n’ joy.”

  Eris gazed around at the bathhouse. The room had its own staircase from the first floor, and its own hallway.

  Connected to the hallway was the sauna, laundry room, and changing rooms. The bathhouse was the main attraction, though. It was a huge, cylindrical room with multiple steaming baths. The largest one in the center had a statue in the middle that was of a busty woman with long hair which draped across the floor and became the waving patterns in the stone tiles. She carried in her carved, stone hands a golden string of yarn.

  Eris: “Your pride and joy? Did you make this room?”

  To that, Aqua gave a bright laugh which reverberated in the bathhouse.

  Aqua: “Haha! Nah, I didn't make it or anythin’ crazy like that. But I am the one who takes care of it.”

  Eris placed a finger on her chin, theorizing in her head.

  Eris: “Takes care of it… so, you clean it and keep it boiling?”

  Aqua: “Half of that was correct. I don't keep it boilin’, that’s Sera’s job.”

  Eris: “Ah…”

  Aqua skipped up to the edge of the largest bath and stuck her hand in the crystal clear water. Her sleeve was draped in as well, though Aqua seemed to be inconsiderate of keeping herself dry.

  Aqua: “We actually don't have any real hot springs ‘round ‘ere, so I keep the water purified all by m’self.”

  Eris: “Hot springs… so, you provide the minerals and everything as well?”

  Aqua: “Fufu~ well, y’could say that. Absolute-purified water has similar properties to somethin’ like natural hot springs.”

  Eris crouched down herself, and after rolling up her sleeve, also stuck her hand in the hot bath water.

  Aqua: “T’be precise, the healin’ effects of it… and since it’s magically purified, it makes ya extra clean as well.”

  Eris: “So you do use magic here? How is it different from mopping?”

  Aqua draws her hand from the bath, water dripping off her fingers. Her sleeve, nor her skin, were wet.

  Aqua: “Of course it’s different. Moppin’s ‘bout ya character ‘n valuin’ the work ya c’n do ya-self. But this is ‘bout not just the nice feelin’ of it, but it makes ya n’ others feel a lot better as well.”

  Eris nodded, pulling her fingers from the water. Unfortunately, she didn't have the ability to dry herself immediately as Aqua did.

  And with that, they were able to start cleaning. Mopping a bathhouse felt a little strange, since the humidity already made every surface wet.

  Wiping stone tiles repeatedly with a wet mop was idle-mind work, so naturally Eris’s thoughts wandered.

  Eris: “I don't know if she’d want me to tell you this, but me and Seraphine had a bit of a talk… well, I guess you could call it an argument of sorts.”

  Aqua looked up from her mop, tilting her head.

  Aqua: “A fight? Anotha’ argument over evenin’s dinner?”

  Eris shook her head immediately over that response. She wished it was over something trivial.

  Eris: “No, no, nothing like that… unfortunately. Seraphine… well, she really wants me to remember, I guess… For 'Eris' to return.”

  She had let her address of ‘Eris’ in the third person slip out, but she didn't try to correct it this time.

  Eris didn't know if it was the correct thing to do— to inform Aqua about her and Seraphine’s discussion in the hall. But Aqua admitted to being like ‘a sista’ to her, so if anyone ought to know, it was her.

  Aqua: “Hmm… I see… She really can be quite troublesome sometimes, huh?”

  Eris gave a weak smile. Indeed, Seraphine’s words had been troublesome. However, she felt it she was the truly troublesome one out of all of them.

  Eris: “I don't think so… But I haven't known her long.”

  Aqua giggles in response.

  Aqua: “Well, ya will think so soon. I guess I’ll apologize on ‘er behalf.”

  Eris: “It’s really okay! I mean, I understand her grief. I feel really bad about it, too.”

  Aqua: “That’s sweet n’ all, but thinkin’ like that won't end well.”

  Eris: “Eh? What do you mean?”

  Aqua, eyes on her mop, continues to speak in her drawl.

  Aqua: “Well, ya can't blame ya-self for forgettin’. Ain'tcha fault. I c’n only imagine that to you it feels like ya just woke up this mornin’ for the first time to a big mess n’ people you just met actin’ like they know ya.”

  Eris didn't know why, but for whatever reason, she felt her eyelids full up with water as she spoke.

  Eris: “It’s really… not like that. I mean, you’re not pretending to know me or anything. After all, ‘Eris’—”

  Aqua shook her head.

  Aqua: “Ya can’t put ‘Eris’ before yourself, y’know?”

  Eris: “Huh?”

  Aqua had spoken of ‘Eris’ as ‘Eris,’ not as Eris. Had she noticed the way she spoke of her in the third person, or had she simply naturally picked it up as Eris and the original were so different?

  Aqua: “We’all… Sera, Cae, Petra, Aíma, Mirra, me… we’re all affected by it… we’re all sad… but that don't mean we want’cha agonizing ‘bout bein’ ‘Eris,’ either, y’know?”

  Eris felt the water in her eyelids consume her vision. Now working blindly, vision entirely a blur, she put complete attention to not facing Aqua.

  She felt salty drops of water drip from her eyes like rain, and for a second her vision cleared from the blur, only to be consumed by it again.

  Aqua: “We care ‘bout ‘Eris’ a lot of course. We’re all sad she’s gone…”

  Eris brought up her sleeve, wiping her eyes desperately to hide them.

  Aqua: “... but we care about Eris too, so…”

  Looking up from her soaked sleeve, she saw a blue figure before her, obscured by the blur which relentlessly returned no matter how much effort was spent trying to dispel it.

  Aqua: “Don't feel bad for anythin’, m’kay?”

  Eris’s vision was cleared again, water removed from her vision.

  Her tears had disintegrated, flowing to mist like clouds. Before her, the clear vision of a maid with flowing, blue hair like rain named Aqua stood before her. Eris, wiping the damp corners of her eyes with her palms, nodded. Helpless as the corners of her lips curled into a small smile.

  Eris: “Okay… Okay…”