-Arc 1-

  Chapter 20

  “Hero”

  *?*?*?*

  The beast snarled, reeling back its claws. The red-headed man with the spear— Mister Tiek— Rory's father, let out another war cry.

  Eris: “Wait!”

  The average built man, armed with a pointy stick, stood no chance against this monster. Eris's feet began to move without instructions, racing over to intercept Mister Tiek’s trajectory.

  The demon-beast roared, charging forwards towards him, but Eris managed to get a grip on Mister Tiek's tunic. Without stopping, she yanked him along until she was carrying him.

  Mister Tiek: “Miss Eris! You rescued my son, I couldn't let you fight alone!”

  Eris: “I appreciate the sentiment, Mister Tiek, but if you help me, you’re only endangering yourself!”

  Finally setting Mister Tiek back down on the ground, the square-faced man gripped his spear.

  Mister Tiek: “Please, Miss Eris, just call me Tiek. Anyway, I have to repay you, so please let me help!”

  Eris: “Okay, Tiek. Then, just call me Eris. Anyway, please don't feel the need to get yourself killed over me! Your son is safe with my friend Petra, so try and find them by the gate.”

  Tiek: “But Eris, I don't like being indebted—”

  Eris shook her head, looking behind to check on the demon-beast. It was rapidly charging towards them, and it there was only a few seconds to act.

  Eris: “If you die here, you won't have any debts to pay! Your son wants you to return alive, so go to him!”

  Surprising herself by giving Tiek a shove to the side, she herself dives across the street to avoid the beast which came barreling through.

  Eris: “Agh…”

  She had landed on her wounded side, sending sharp aches up her torso. Drawing the blade from her sheath anyway, she faced down the bear-like monster.

  She had faced demon-beasts before. Twice, actually. Granted, one time she was not conscious of it. In any case, she had gotten somewhat familiar with their behavior. She of course was terrified, but she would not let that get the better of her and have it kill her and rampage throughout the village.

  Eris didn't know where this pseudo-courage was coming from, but she was going to take advantage of it.

  She was doing better than the first time she fought one. She had a sword now, she had experience, and she didn't have to worry about children so close.

  Eris: “Even so—”

  Suddenly, the beast charged at her, and she had to abandon her thoughts to desperately sprint out of the way.

  Eris: “—This one is much more powerful than the other one!”

  She couldn't think of a way to get a hit on it. A sword was a close-range weapon, and getting close to this monster would result in Eris becoming filet.

  The beast roared in response to her, lowering its massive head to bare its horns. There was only a split second window to react. Eris was not a trained warrior, but she at least knew she had to move.

  As the beast stampeded at her, her heart skipping a beat, she jumped aside. It was just enough that she avoided being impaled by the horn and crushed by its head.

  She stuck out her blade, and the sword began to push against her hand as it began to slice something.

  Bright scarlet blood, shimmering in the light of raging fires, splattered across the ground. She had managed to cut across the beast’s head, wounding its eye, but it was not a lethal wound.

  Completely caught off guard by the pain, the bear-like monster screamed and rolled on its side. But it recovered immediately, throwing itself on its feet. Eris had taken the opportunity to create distance between them. She had succeeded in inflicting the first wound, but it did little to her opponent other than enraging it. There was the matter of the demon-beast’s natural regenerative abilities, but its wound did not heal so quickly like the other.

  Combined with making the beast angry, she had also noticed signs of her own exhaustion. Her body was moving sluggishly. Her arms began to burn as she swung the sword. Her lungs brought in what felt like increasingly smaller amounts of air.

  With sweat dripping down her face, her wound throbbing at her side, terror in her veins, she brought her sword up again into a fighting stance.

  As she took a deep breath, the demon-beast stood up on its massive hind legs, showing off its muscular body. The claws on its feet swung violently at the air, and when it came crashing back down onto all-fours, the entire world seemed to shake.

  As it began to charge once more, Eris prepared herself to run. However, she was suddenly distracted by something impacting the side of the monster’s white fur.

  Both Eris and the demon-beast snapped its attention to a group of militia in makeshift armor. Among those with swords, axes, and spears, standing behind them was a pink-haired woman with a large bow.

  Indeed, looking back at the monster, the thing sticking out of its side was an arrow. A huge arrow for a large bow.

  Swordsman: "There's no need to fight alone, lady!”

  Spearman: “Velna is our village!”

  Axeman: “RAAAGHH!”

  Simultaneously shouting these things, the militia with melee weapons clashed bravely with the beast. They rammed their blades into its flesh, drawing blood, and nimbly avoiding its counter attacks.

  Eris: “Look out!”

  Renewed with resolve, Eris charged in herself. Her goal was not to inflict damage on the beast herself, but to prevent the deaths of those recklessly throwing their lives at the demon-beast.

  An enormous claw came down towards the spearman, and Eris made it just in time to kick him out of the way.

  Both Eris and the spearman were surprised by Eris's powerful kick. It was not her full power, but he was launched back a considerable distance, safely out of range of the incoming attack.

  Spearman: “What are you—?!”

  Cutting off his angry reply when he watched a claw shred apart the air where he once was— and would've been had it not been for that kick— the man gulped and nodded appreciatively.

  Another arrow slams into the beast, penetrating its forehead. However, it did not keel over and die. It only shook its head violently from side to side, blood trickling down its white fur.

  Swordsman: “I don't know who you are, girl, but thanks for your help!”

  Axeman: “RAAAAGH!”

  Eris: “Please, don't get distracted by me!”

  With no choice but to sweep the legs of the swordsman, Eris herself dropped her body on the ground simultaneously.

  Both of them hit the ground with a thud, the impact rattling her wound, but it was better than the alternative. Her bloodstained white hair flew freely in the wind, created by the massive claw that swept directly over her and the swordsman’s head.

  Swordsman: “——”

  Both of them threw themselves onto their feet, and the swordsman immediately charged back into the beast, slashing at it skillfully.

  Another arrow collided with the beast, this time in the shoulder, and it screamed so loudly that Eris's ears began to ring over all other sounds.

  Glancing over at the pink-haired archer, her face seemed a bit familiar. But she had never met this woman before.

  Either way, Eris wouldn't let herself get distracted. Wiping her blade off from blood and dirt, she prepared to make her own strike. However—

  Eris: “Look out!”

  For a third time, she had to save a reckless person from being killed by this beast. Pulling the Axeman out of the way of an incoming claw, she winced. It was too late. Even Eris could tell that.

  Crimson arced in the air, and the Axeman let out a guttural noise.

  Axeman: “RAAAAA-AAUURGH!”

  Still, that noise relieved Eris. It told her that he was alive.

  Practically carrying the large Axeman, she rested him against a charred house. His wound wasn't as bad as she was expecting. Eris figured that the man's insides were going to be hanging out, but it seemed both Eris and his armor’s efforts saved the man's life. The claw marks were pretty shallow, and though bleeding, didn't seem to affect his insides.

  Eris: “Stay here! Don't get up and get yourself killed, okay?!”

  Axeman: “Uraagh!”

  Noticing a weaker cry from the man, Eris immediately felt concern well up in her. But there was nothing she could do at the moment, so she slammed her eyes shut and faced away from him.

  Opening them, she was immediately faced with the demon-beast only meters away.

  Eris: “——”

  Here she was, telling the others not to get distracted, and she had gotten distracted. Now, she was going to die a death she had tried to prevent the others from facing.

  An arrow struck the temple of the bear-like demon-beast, and in the nick of time, the beast flinched its head, and the massive horn narrowly avoided impaling Eris.

  However, she was not spared. She felt the beast's enormous skull collide with her body, and she was sent flying backwards.

  The feeling of weightlessness— having no solid ground to stand on— her vision being deprived of her as she spun rapidly midair, it almost came with a sense of relief for her. She had lost grip on her sword, and it was almost an excuse to not have to fight. She wasn't sure how she felt about fighting anyway. On one hand, it was terrifying and she hated killing. On the other, it was necessary to prevent the deaths of others.

  Either way, the ground was approaching now. She hit something with her back first, and the air in her lungs disappeared as she hit the floor next. She had landed in a destroyed building. That was all she could tell between her fading consciousness.

  She had only blacked out for a few seconds, but waking up moments later, her mind was completely blank. None of the incoming signals from her eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and nerves made any sense to her. It was all nonsense.

  But the blur began to fade, and in the blur, she saw a man with an axe rising to his feet. No, it was the Axeman who got wounded by the claws.

  Eris: “W-Wait…”

  He was injured. He wasn't supposed to be fighting.

  As an arrow struck the beast again, the spearman, the swordsman, and the axeman all were charging the beast.

  She had to stop them. They were going to die like this. She could already see the beast’s claw raising into the air and preparing to strike them. She had to prevent it— save them.

  She thought she was blacking out again. Losing consciousness to her rune. But it didn't happen. This time, she was aware of it and needed it to take control, but it wouldn't. An anger built inside of her at her uselessness. She had gotten distracted and now she was too helpless to save them.

  She tried to move, but every part of her body was screaming. She was going too slowly. She couldn't make it—

  ???: “Holy Blade of Light!”

  The Maids of

  Count Schwartzhardt's Manor

  Eris’s vision immediately turned to white. Even closing her eyes, it was blinding. Her hearing, already ringing, seemed to disappear. The pressure of the air shifted, and for a moment, both swallowing and breathing were difficult.

  Then, suddenly, the blinding light was gone. The ringing in her ears was gone. The air settled to normal. It was still silent. Not due to the blast, but because the attention of the entire village had been shifted to the source of the light.

  As her vision returned to normal, Eris gazed at the white, bear-like demon-beast. It seemed to be smoking. It didn't seem to be wounded, but something was coming off of it and blowing away in the wind.

  It wasn't smoke, that soon became clear. It was the very essence of the demon-beast itself. It had been sliced apart, and from the wound, instead of flowing blood, the beast was literally dissolving and turning into a weightless dust that flew off into the wind.

  It wasn't long before the last pieces, the hind legs, were ash. Revealed by the absence of the beast were the silhouettes of a large group of men in black uniforms. They weren't the ragged robes of the Red Right Hand. They were orderly and collected. Immediately after the dissolution of the demon-beast, they spread out throughout the village.

  Due to their black robes, Eris of course was concerned with them possibly being a more organized group of the Red Right Hand. But that seemed to not be the case as they began to crash with the robes. The Red Right Hand, disorganized and mostly unskilled, with their only strength being in numbers, were cut down with ease. Before Eris could recover fully from the pain of being thrown by the demon-beast, she could see robed, masked corpses being piled up.

  Rushing back to the spot where she did battle with the beast and grabbing her sword, she looked around for the militia she had fought alongside, but there was no sign of them.

  Eris: “——”

  Down the road where the militia was doing battle with the Red Right Hand, there was nothing but slain robes.

  In the center of town, people had begun to gather. She wasn't sure if she was relieved or angered by this, but she also saw a large group of Red Right Hand leap over the walls of Velna and retreat into the forest.

  As much as she was glad they were gone, they did not deserve to leave without punishment.

  Still, Eris felt a wave of relief crash over her as she limped into the remains of the town center.

  Eris: “Petra?! Eitz?! Alexander?!”

  She called out over the crowd, but her voice was drowned out. It had all happened so fast. From being thrown to suddenly the Red Right Hand completely retreating.

  ???: “We, the Holy Knights, have rescued your village! The Red Right Hand have retreated, so remain calm and orderly!”

  An unknown voice called that out from the middle of the square. Squeezing through the crowd, she saw one of those men in black uniforms. All of them had different colored cloaks. His was green.

  His words: “We, the Holy Knights, have rescued your village” made Eris clench her teeth. They rescued the village? They just showed up here. They didn't do anything.

  She couldn't be too mad, since they did kill the demon-beast and many Red Right Hand, but they were not the only ones to help.

  Villager: “Hey, that ain't right!”

  Militia: “Yeah! We defended the village!”

  Villager 2: “You guys only showed up at the last second!”

  As if hearing Eris’s thoughts, the crowd erupted into protests. The knight in the center crossed his arms, visible anger growing on his face.

  A tall man with purple hair tied back in a ponytail with dark eyes and a golden cloak placed his hand on the knight’s shoulder, saying something quietly in his ears.

  Swordsman: “And the maids! This one especially!”

  Realizing she had been addressed by ‘maid,’ Eris glanced around at the crowd who were now all looking at her. Suddenly, she felt a hand push her out into the center of attention even further.

  The knight with purple hair raised his eyebrows, meeting eyes with Eris. She recognized him as the one who was leading the knights when they first arrived. Probably also the one who killed the demon-beast.

  Knight: “You? If you have protected this village, then on behalf of the Holy Knights, I thank you.”

  Lowering himself into a bow with a hand on his chest, the man thanked her.

  Green-Cloaked Knight: “Sir, this is—”

  Ignoring his subordinate, the purple-haired knight raised his head and held out his hand to Eris.

  Eris: “Ah, me? I didn't…”

  Spearman: “You saved my life!”

  Swordsman: “You were fightin’ that demon-beast by yourself!”

  Axeman: “Uraagh!”

  Eris bowed herself, before realizing she had to take the knight’s hand. She awkwardly shook it, and he smiled softly.

  Eris: “But I really didn't do much…”

  The knight shook his head.

  Knight: “There is no need to be humble. I understand how you feel. But if the village chooses you as their hero, you must accept that.”

  Eris: “Hero…?”

  Knight: “Will you tell me your name, young lady?”

  Looking around at the crowd surrounding them, Eris gathered her breath to look back at the knight.

  Eris: “My name is Eris…”

  Knight: “Eris… I will remember that.”

  Releasing her hand, the knight smiled at the confused and bashful Eris.

  Knight: “I am Themis Pious Incarta, Captain of the Holy Knights. Emissary of the God of Light, the Goddess of Magic, and the God of the Sword.”

  Eris: “——”

  A long name with a powerful position in a group she had never heard of. She had heard of the title of ‘Emissary’ before in books, one who forges a contract with a god, receiving their strength to enact their will, but she didn't think one could form a contract with multiple. Of course, since she had amnesia, it made sense she had never heard of them.

  Eris: “It’s nice to meet you, Themis Pious Incarta.”

  Themis seemed surprised by Eris’s response, but he let out a bright laugh.

  Themis: “Please, just call me Themis.”

  Eris: “Ah, okay. Themis, then.”

  Holy Knight: “Sir, isn't that quite—”

  Themis: “There's no need for titles here, Clavus. Besides, this woman has protected this village, so we should also show respect to her as well.”

  Clavus: “Err, yes sir…”

  Watching the two knights converse, Eris suddenly remembered her own comrades.

  Eris: “Sorry if this is sudden, but I should make sure my friends are okay.”

  Themis: “Of course. Take care, Eris.”

  Making her way through the crowd, receiving praise and pats on the back as she does, she slips out of the square.

  Eris: “I should make sure Tiek has found Rory first. But I also wonder how Aqua and Caelia are.”

  They had also come to Velna with Petra and Eris. Caelia was assisting the militia with her magic, and she also thought Aqua was doing the same. However, as she passed a small field of grass, she saw people lying on the ground. Injured, Eris figured.

  Under a small tent, Eris caught a glimpse of blue hair that cascaded like rain.

  Eris: “Aqua…?”

  She was bent over a man with grievous wounds. Blood was scattered all over the tent, but this man was the largest source of it. Aqua herself was also covered in blood from treating the wounded.

  Trying to bear the agonized screams of the wounded man, Eris debated speaking with Aqua.

  On one hand, she hated Aqua. For the Red Room, for the pain, for her betrayal, for the argument they had and what she said to her. On the other, she knew Aqua was right. She knew she had her reasons for doing what she said. She also still remembered her first day, where Aqua comforted her. She wondered if even a part of how Aqua acted then was real.

  Still, thinking about how the entire time, Aqua was stroking Eris's hair, giving her advice, and pretending to be her friend, while secretly planning her torture— it enraged her.

  She would never forgive Aqua, that was off the table. The sight of her still brought back phantom pain and terror. But she figured she could at least try to make amends, even without forgiveness.

  As soon as she took a step forward, she was met with a voice.

  Aqua: “Get out of ‘ere, Eris.”

  Eris: “——”

  Aqua: “I said leave!”

  The gentle glow of her healing magic began to waver as Aqua raised her voice. The memory of the tingling sensation as Aqua healed her wounds from the demon-beast came back to her.

  Eris: “But I—”

  Aqua: “I don't wanna speak with you ever again! I don't care if you’re angry at me! I don't care if ya think I’m evil, I don't care if ya want me to kill ya, I’m not gonna talk about it!”

  Eris: “——”

  Aqua: “Not respondin’, huh? Typical!”

  Eris: “What am I supposed to—?”

  Aqua: “What are ya ‘pposed to do?! Somethin’! Anythin’! You were the only person with Sera! You didn't bring ‘er to me! Why? Is it ‘cause you’re scared? Ya let that get in tha’ way? Ya own feelin’s? You’re pathetic!”

  Eris remained silent, her gaze cast at the screaming man’s open wounds. They gushed blood profusely, and Aqua seemed to be struggling to seal them.

  Aqua: “And ya still won't say anythin’! Ya can't do nothin’ but shut ya self off! You think you can just be sad and everyone’s gonna take care of ya?!”

  Eris: “Then… What have you done? You didn't save Sera, either.”

  Aqua: “I coulda! If ya brought her to me!”

  Screaming louder than the bleeding man, with tears streaking her eyes, Aqua’s magic no longer even flowed to heal him.

  Eris: “Aqua, your magic…”

  Aqua: “Don't put the blame on me! It's your fault she died! You were with her! You coulda—”

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  Eris: “I couldn't! I couldn't do anything!”

  Aqua: “There it is again! Ya shut yaself off and act like you’re so pathetic and everyone else should feel bad for ya!”

  Eris: “I couldn't do anything! Sera begged me not to leave!”

  Aqua: “——”

  Now, her own tears were falling. Aqua didn't evaporate them this time.

  Eris: “She told me I couldn't leave! I couldn't leave her behind! How can I just run off to get you when she’s saying that?!”

  Aqua: “It’s a life or death situation—”

  Eris: “I couldn't! She was begging and crying and she was bleeding! I couldn't leave her! How could I leave her?! She would have died before you got to her anyway! It’s not my fault! Don't act like it's my fault! I’m not just shutting myself away! You don't know anything! Stop acting like you know better than all the rest of us!”

  Aqua: “Then… carry her! You should’ve… Why didn't you do anything…”

  Saying the same arguments, Aqua's voice began to die down. She stared at Eris, still with a furious expression, but now she was just shaking her head.

  Aqua: “Sera… Ya aren't even thinkin’ about Sera… only about how you were feelin’.”

  Eris: “That’s not fair… That's not fair at all. You told me that I should have done—”

  Aqua: “See?! You're talkin’ ‘bout you again! Think about it! When she died, were ya thinkin’ bout her? Or were ya thinkin’ bout how sad ya were?!”

  Eris: “——”

  Even if it was an unfair argument, it forced her to wonder. She knew it was Aqua’s last ditch effort to win the argument, but it still forced her to think back when Sera died in her arms. Her blood was still on her hands and dress.

  Eris: “I don't know.”

  Aqua: “Ya don't know…”

  The man let out another scream, and Aqua’s magic immediately began to flow into him.

  Eris: “——”

  Staring at the two, watching him bleed, it of course reminded her of Sera. Even though she was furious at her, she wondered if Aqua was right? It felt like things were different than when they argued about the same thing in the manor, but were they?

  ???: “Eris!”

  Suddenly addressed by a somewhat familiar voice, she was embraced around her hips by a small figure.

  Eris: “Ah, Rory? And Mister— I mean, just Tiek.”

  Rory: “You found him! You found him, Miss Eris!”

  Nuzzling his face into Eris, Rory’s red hair swished from side to side.

  Eris: “Rory…”

  Patting him on the head, she looked up at Tiek who was wearing a relieved expression.

  Tiek: “Thank you for protecting my son again… I heard about our shop. I’m so thankful that you got him out.”

  Eris: “It's nothing… You should be thanking Eitz, if anyone.”

  Tiek: “Not nothing, no. I spoke with Eitz, and he told me that it was all you. Thank you so much, Eris.”

  Rory: “Thanks so much… But, you two screaming at each other over here is really loud. Are you okay?”

  Glancing at Aqua, she didn't even raise her head.

  Eris: “I’m—”

  ???: “Miss Eris!”

  The youthful voice of Eitz, the pink-haired heroic boy, suddenly arrived.

  Eitz: “I kept Miss Petra safe, just like you asked!”

  Eris: “Ah, thank you, Eitz.”

  Eitz was accompanied by a tall woman with pink hair. With a bow in her hand and a quiver behind her back, Eris immediately recognized her as the archer that was shooting at the demon-beast.

  Eris: “You? You were a lot of help with the demon-beast! Thank you, miss!”

  Pink-Haired Woman: “No. I’ve come to thank you, Eris. I hear from that Petra girl that you have forgotten everyone, but despite that, you have kept my son safe.”

  Eris: “Oh, you’re Eitz's mother?”

  She felt stupid for not realizing it sooner, but the resemblance was uncanny.

  Eris: “It’s true that I have forgotten, but I’d like to rekindle any relationship we may have had.”

  Eitz’s Mother: “Rest assured, this is the first time I remember speaking to you as well. Though, my son talks about you a lot.”

  Eris: “Is that… so?”

  Eitz's Mother: “It is. He says you are his hero.”

  Eitz: “Mom!”

  Eris: “Ah-Eh? His hero? Eitz, isn't it supposed to be the other way around?”

  According to what Eitz said himself, he was going to be her hero, and she his lady. Of course, Eris was a bit too old for him.

  Eitz: “Uh, well… can't it be both?”

  With a mischievous smile, Eitz opened a path Eris hadn't considered. It was true that Eitz already was a hero in Eris’s eyes as well. To Eris, Eitz was the one who had really saved Rory. He had no hesitation to help in the forest either.

  Eris: “I don't see why not.”

  Patting Eitz’s head and ruffling up his pink hair, they both smiled at each other.

  Aqua: “——”

  Eris: “Speaking of, Eitz, where is Petra?”

  Eitz: “She was with Mister Alexander looking for his wife…”

  Eris: “Ah, he still hasn't found her?”

  Thinking about Petra, which gave her a bit of excitement and boosted her mood, Eris felt a timid presence behind her.

  Turning to face it, there were two blonde girls before her.

  Eris: “Lui and Nellie?”

  Both of them were looking bashful, but Lui took a step forward.

  Lui: “Miss Eris… We were worried about you…”

  Nellie: “And I wanted to thank you!”

  Lui: “Yes! Thank you… but, your cut…”

  Eris: “Thank you for your concern… it actually doesn't hurt too bad…”

  So she said, but her wound had soaked through the makeshift bandage and was still burning with pain. But she did not want to make a fuss and concern anybody.

  Lui: “That's good… if it starts to hurt—”

  Nellie: “I know healing magic!”

  Eris’s eyes widened at Nellie’s claim. She figured the two were only around eight years old, so for them to have any magic was surprising. From what she heard, healing magic was a difficult thing to master.

  Nellie rolled up her sleeve, and revealed a shimmering blue rune on her wrist.

  Eris: “That's amazing… if you want to try it, I wouldn't object to a healing.”

  Nellie's face lit up and she immediately went to action. She extended out her hands, closing her eyes. For a moment, nothing happened. Eris was disappointed but understood that Nellie was but a child, not an expert water mage. However, she suddenly felt that tingling sensation, and the pain from her body seemed to be sucked out of her. Shivering from the suddenness, Eris let out a small sigh.

  Nellie: “Did it work?”

  Eris: “It did! I feel much better, Nellie. Thank you.”

  Lui: “No, we’re supposed to be thanking you!”

  Eris: “Don't worry about that. I’m just happy you two are okay.”

  She hadn't met these girls before today, but that did not mean she was not glad they were safe. Her words seemed to have pleased them, and Eris gave them both pats on the head as she had with the other children.

  ???: “You seem to have done more for this village than I thought, Eris.”

  Jumping at that voice, Eris saw Themis approaching from the corner of her vision. With his golden cape fluttering in the wind, he carried a regal aura.

  Eris: “Ah, it’s nothing, really.”

  Themis: “You already have the personality of a true hero, Eris. Humility.”

  Humility. She hadn't thought of herself that way. She wasn't trying to be humble, just honest. But it also made her wonder: if she did do something truly heroic, how would she act? With that question, she wondered what a truly heroic act was to her.

  Eris: “Is that… so? Thank you very much, Themis.”

  Bowing at him, Themis waved his hand to stop her.

  Themis: “There’s no need to bow. Even though I'm the Captain of the Holy Knights, I see us as equals.”

  Eris: “Holy Knights… Sorry if it’s a strange question, but can you please tell me what that exactly means?”

  Themis’s dark eyes widened, but his expression did not turn to anger or offense. Thinking for a moment, Themis nodded.

  Themis: “You haven't heard of the Holy Knights? Are you perhaps from the Western Continent, Eris?”

  Eris: “Western Continent? Ah, no. I actually…”

  Looking around at the children, especially Lui and Nellie who were nearby, Eris hesitated to tell the truth. She did not want to upset them by revealing her memory loss. Even though she figured they’d have to know eventually. Lowering her voice to a whisper, Eris leaned in to respond.

  Eris: “I’ve actually lost all my memories… But I don't know how.”

  Again, Themis looked surprised. Placing a finger over his chin, he became lost in thought.

  Themis: “Amnesia, huh? That is worrisome. It seems that the Red Right Hand soldiers here have been afflicted with the same condition. You’re lucky you did not join their ranks.”

  Eris: “Huh?”

  Thinking on it, the robes did not seem to have a personality or identity other than killing and destroying. If they were also amnesiacs, Eris could relate to the feeling.

  They were not monsters. Maybe they weren't even killers. They were just like her. Their memories disappeared, their lives starting over from zero. Having no identity and personality.

  What had driven them to kill? To join the Red Right Hand and burn homes? Could she have become one of them, being in the same amnesia boat?

  Eris: “They’re all amnesiacs? How is that happening?”

  Themis: “It’s best you don't worry about it too much. I’m sorry for your amnesia, that must be very difficult.”

  Eris: “Ah… Thank you, Themis.”

  Themis: “If you’d like, I can get you awarded in the capitol. Your heroic actions will not be forgotten by Velna, at the very least.”

  Eris widened her eyes, shaking her head.

  Eris: “That's not necessary! I didn't really do anything. The militia and you guys were the ones to fight off the Red Right Hand, after all.”

  Themis placed a hand on her shoulder, closing one of his dark eyes, and smiled at her.

  Themis: “I understand how you feel, Eris. As a Holy Knight, especially as a Captain, I am expected to protect everyone I possibly can. It’s my duty as a Knight.”

  Eris: “——”

  Themis: “Even so, I feel the same as you. Regardless of what people tell me, no matter my actions, I feel it wasn't enough.”

  Eris: “But—”

  Themis: “But as an observer to your case, may I give you a bit of advice, Eris?”

  Eris stared into Themis’s open eye, unsure of what she was about to receive. Did she want the advice? Did she want praise? Was it right to receive it?

  Eris: “If it’s no trouble to you…”

  Themis: “Of course not.”

  Themis pulled his hand from her shoulder to motion to Eitz and his mother. Rory and his father. Nellie and Lui.

  Themis: “Look at these faces, Eris. Would they be alive if you did not come to Velna today?”

  Eris: “...I don't know…”

  She didn't know. Any number of circumstances could have happened. Someone else could have saved them. They could have protected their own lives.

  Themis: “Of course, anything could have happened. But what did happen was that you saved them. You were there to protect them, right?”

  She looked down at the children and their parents who were watching them speak.

  Lui: “Miss Eris, why are you looking so sad? You saved us…”

  Nellie: “Does your cut still hurt?”

  Rory: “Thank you so much, Miss Eris.”

  Eitz: “You’re my hero, Miss Eris!”

  Tiek: “Thank you again, Eris.”

  Eitz’s Mother: “You have my gratitude.”

  Even looking at them, she realized there were people still missing. Petra, Mirra, and Alexander should be among them. The Swordsman, Axeman, Spearman as well.

  Themis: “Regardless of how you may feel about it or if you think you could have done better, these people aren't wishing you did anything else. They are alive because of you, aren't they?”

  Eris: “But what about the people I didn't…?”

  Standing by the makeshift medical tent, there were injured people lying everywhere. In the village, people picked through debris and sobbed for those they lost.

  Themis: “However you may feel, however many mistakes you may have made, people lost, regrets you may have; you have the people that you have saved. You still tried your best to do everything you could. In my eyes, that makes you one of us. A hero.”

  Eitz: “I’ll be like you one day, Miss Eris!”

  Eris: “I’ll… try to keep that in mind.”

  Themis gave Eris another pat on the shoulder as another Holy Knight arrived at his side.

  Knight: “Sir, you are needed by the gate.”

  Themis: “Understood. Eris, I hope to see you again.”

  Eris: “Ah, y-yes. I hope to see you again as well, Themis.”

  Watching the two knights disappear, Eris was left speechless. She tried to do some reflecting, but she was not given the opportunity.

  Eitz: “I can't believe we actually got to talk to the real Themis Pious Incarta!”

  Eris: “He's famous?”

  Eitz: “Super famous! He’s like, the strongest guy ever!”

  Eris watched the man with long purple hair as he walked away, wondering if that was true or just hyperbole. He claimed to be the Emissary of multiple gods, and he was the Captain of the Holy Knights, so she wasn't going to doubt it.

  Her curiosity was interrupted by a sudden voice.

  ???: “Eris!”

  The Maids of Count Schwartzhardt's Manor

  She slipped through the small crowd that had formed around her. This time, Eris was the one running up to someone and hugging them.

  Eris: “Petra! There you are…”

  Fighting, grieving, running, getting wounded, these were all exhausting things. But most of all, being confronted with her own actions, positive or negative, was the most exhausting thing of all. Feeling completely drained, the sight of Petra reinvigorated her a little.

  Eris: “Petra…”

  Even though it had probably only been around an hour since she last saw her when she dropped Lui and Nellie off with her, it felt like it had been years.

  Petra: “You’re not hurt anywhere, right? You’re all bloody…”

  Feeling her side, Eris shook her head. Nellie’s healing magic was surprisingly thorough.

  ???: “Ah, Miss Eris! How are you? Are you going to help us with the search for my wonderful wife?”

  Facing that theatrical voice, she saw Alexander with his hands on his slim hips.

  Eris: “Alexander… you seem well, considering you haven't been able to find her. I’m sorry I couldn't—”

  Alexander: “Ah! I seem well?! That’s a relief, but I'm really not doing okay at all-at all!”

  Glancing at Petra's emerald eyes, Eris raised her eyebrows.

  Eris: “Is that… so?”

  Alexander pressed his hands into his face and shook his head violently.

  Alexander: “I’m absolutely freaking out! But my wife always says to have a positive attitude, so I’m not going to get sad!”

  Petra: “Your wife sounds wonderful, Alexander.”

  Alexander: “Oh, oh, oh— oh my! You get it, you get it!”

  Suddenly Alexander stopped himself, pulling his hands from his eyes.

  Alexander: “Actually, you don't! You see my wife is not one that can be described by mere words! Her presence cannot be imagined by those who have not observed her!”

  Eris: “I feel like I’ve heard this before…”

  Overcome with a sense of déjà vu, Eris leaned against Petra.

  Petra: “Anyway, Eris.”

  Eris: “Hm?”

  Petra: “I’m really, really… ehh… what's the word?”

  Eris looked up at Petra, who seemed to be seriously debating the right word choice in her head.

  Petra: “Proud? Yeah, proud of you.”

  Eris felt heat rush to her face. Taking a step back from her, she witnessed Petra's soft smile with widened eyes.

  Eris: “P-Proud? What do you mean?”

  Petra: “You’re the hero of Velna now, aren't you? Of course I’m proud.”

  Eris: “That’s a big title…”

  Eitz: “It’s true! That's what Themis said!”

  Alexander: “I’m not sure what you did, but I’m sure it’s super great. You know, my wife—”

  Eris: “Petra, you haven't seen Caelia for a while, right?”

  Not that she wanted to see her, but Eris was at least concerned for her safety. If Caelia was dead, not only would she probably blame herself for that as well, Aqua’s condition would probably worsen even more. If that happened, she doubted Aqua would act reasonably.

  Suddenly, there was a voice behind her.

  ???: “Uhaha~, seeing the comradery between my maids warms my heart! It’s splendid, seeing you so worried for each other.”

  ???: “Eris, do not speak my name with such disdain.”

  —*—

  Jumping at the sudden voices behind her, she spun around to see a slender man with golden eyes smiling at her with thin lips.

  Eris: “Eh?! Master Carlos, you’ve returned already?”

  Accompanying him was Caelia. The silver-haired maid was splattered with blood, her dress torn in places, though she seemed uninjured.

  Carlos: “Yes~ I have returned indeed! I heard about the attack on my manor~... I wouldn't be a good Count if I did not rush~ back when his domain was in peril~ correct?”

  Eris: “——”

  She wondered if that was really the case. That he ‘heard’ about the attack. News must travel fast for him. Not to mention, he returned very quickly. Wasn't he supposed to be accompanying a friend?

  Carlos clasped his gloved hands together, calling out to the maids in the village who were now all collected in one space. Even Aqua reluctantly stood up and gathered around him.

  Carlos: “Ah, I see we are missing some? Where is Dear Aíma, Mirra and Seraphine~?”

  For a moment, none of the maids responded to him. Carlos raised a sharp eyebrow and tilted his head, still with his hands together.

  Caelia: “Aíma and Mirra are still at the manor.”

  Carlos: “Splendid~! Yes, it wouldn't be ideal for them to be seen amongst these humans, right~? But there is the matter of Dear Seraphine~.”

  Carlos nodded as he said this, seeing the shift in the maids’ expressions. Even Caelia averted her eyes from Carlos.

  Carlos: “Is it how I’m understanding~ it? Have we lost~—”

  Aqua: “She’s dead.”

  This time, Carlos also joined in on the silence. Nodding with understanding, he closed his eyes.

  Carlos: “I see… I see~. Well, that is truly a tragedy. Horrible~…”

  From what Eris could tell, Carlos did not seem saddened by this news. He slowed his words and lowered his voice, but she didn't notice any change in his expression other than his eyes closing. Even his theatrical way of speaking remained.

  Carlos: “Of course~ we will hold proper honors for our lost Seraphine~… However, there is another matter.”

  Aqua: “——”

  Carlos extended a finger, pointing towards the sky, and let his grin reform on his lips.

  Carlos: “My dearest maids~, you have inspired me greatly today~ with your diligence in Velna.”

  While Carlos looked at all of them, Eris felt his gaze linger on her for a bit longer.

  Carlos: “I understand that many things~ need to be done, especially with the loss of Dear Seraphine~... However~...”

  While becoming frustrated by Carlos’s inability to get to the point, Eris watched him motion to the villagers, most of them now homeless and grieving.

  Carlos: “Inspired~ by your heroic actions here, I’ve begun working with the City of Capella~ and the Holy Knights to set up a sort of… Refugee~ camp in the city… you see?”

  Petra was the only one who nodded. Eris was frozen, still staring at the still burning wreckages of homes. Aqua had her gaze cast towards the ground, while Caelia simply stood with her arms crossed.

  Carlos: “Since it is partly~ my design, it’s expected of me~ to assist… Of course~, I cannot do so myself as I am a very~ busy man… However, if any of my servants are willing to help~ with the refugees in the city~...?”

  Carlos, as usual, did not make demands of his maids. Instead, he formulated it as a request. Eris was familiar with that method of his now.

  Petra: “I’ll go.”

  Without hesitation, Petra spoke up. Eris’s heart skipped hearing her volunteer.

  Carlos: “Oh, Dear Petra! How lovely are you~? My gratitude…~”

  Caelia shot Petra a subtle glare, but she also raised her hand.

  Caelia: “I should go as well.”

  Eris: “I'll help too…”

  All of them volunteering except one, all eyes turned to Aqua.

  Aqua: “I’m not going.”

  Petra: “But Aqua, we might need a healer at the refugee camp…”

  Aqua: “There are healers in the city.”

  Petra: “——”

  Eris felt her anger at Aqua slowly return. Who was shutting themself off now? Who was drowning in self-pity now?

  As she bit her lip, Carlos shrugged.

  Carlos: “Ah, it’s unfortunate~, but I won't force Dear Aqua… She is correct~ that there are skilled water mages in the city who can help with any injuries~ one might have.”

  Petra: “That's good. If Petra doesn't want to go, then we shouldn't force her.”

  Eris closed her eyes, understanding their perspective. If she got angry here and started another argument with Aqua, it would not help anyone.

  Carlos: “Well then~, I’ll let the others know. Of course, Dear Aíma and Mirra won't be able to assist in the city~, so, you three will be my representatives~ there! Thank you, Dear Eris, Petra and Caelia!”

  Not long after volunteering for her new role, countless wagons began to arrive at Velna’s gate. The Holy Knights, as well as men Eris assumed were from the city, began to collect people. Trying to keep families together, they were loaded into wagons.

  Eitz: “My mom wants to travel with her new boyfriend, but I wanna go with you, Miss Eris!”

  Eris: “Ah? That’s fine, I suppose… But, are you sure you don't want to be with your mother?”

  Eitz: “No! Definitely not, he’s super mean!”

  Eris: “Oh… I’m sorry, Eitz.”

  Eitz: “It's no problem!”

  Holding hands with Petra, and now with her other joined by Eitz, Eris watched as the survivors loaded into wagons. There was a constant flow of them until all the villagers were evacuated. One would leave, and in its place, another would arrive instantly. The population of the Village wasn't massive, but it still took multiple hours to gather everyone. Most people were concerned with their luggage. Eris could sympathize with them. Since most homes were burned, she figured they would want to hold on to what little they had left.

  Alexander: “Oh, Miss Eris, Miss Petra! I’m just hysterical!”

  There were only a few dozen people left, and Alexander was one of them.

  Petra: “Have you still not found your wife?”

  Alexander: “I’m worried she might be dead!”

  Eris: “You said she had red hair, right? I thought I saw somebody like that get on a wagon…”

  Suddenly her shoulders were being gripped, and being shaken around, nausea flooded her stomach.

  Alexander: “You did?! You saw her?! Is she okay?!”

  Eris: “Alexander! Please, let go!”

  Released from his grip, Eris took a deep breath.

  Eris: “If it was her, then she didn't look injured. Maybe you'll find her in Capella?”

  Alexander: “Oh, Miss Eris, I hope so! Thank you very much!”

  Alexander finally rushed off to board one of the last wagons, which was significantly less packed than the first ones.

  Caelia: “We’re riding the next wagon.”

  Hearing Caelia’s cold voice, Eris instinctively squeezed Petra’s hand. She caught herself, though, before she could squeeze too hard like she did Eitz.

  Petra: “Okay, Caelia…”

  The last wagon was only boarded by a few people. Eris, Petra, Caelia, Eitz, a few villagers who looked to be a family, and a Holy Knight as a guard.

  Eitz: “I’m glad everyone is safe now.”

  Eris: “Not everyone…”

  As the wagon jostled down the winding road, the air above Velna was still clouded with smoke.

  Petra: “We did our best. If we weren't there, it would have been much worse, you know?”

  Eitz: “They said you’re a hero, Miss Eris!”

  Even Petra joined in with Eitz's praise, nodding in agreement with ‘hero’ and giggling softly.

  Petra: “I agree. Remember what I told you in the manor, Eris?”

  Petra addressed her a bit softer now, seeing the grim look on Eris’s face. Turning to face her emerald eyes, Eris nodded.

  Eris: “It’s hard to agree with being called a hero, though… I don't like it.”

  Eitz: “You don't like it? You don't want to be a hero?”

  For Eitz, that was his life goal. For Eris, it was an unworthy title that felt like heavy chains.

  Eris: “I don't think so…”

  Eitz: “Then what do you want to be, Miss Eris? Or… Do you want to be a maid forever?”

  Eris: “What do I want to be…?”

  Petra patted Eitz’s pink hair, but even she seemed to be a bit thoughtful of his words.

  How could she answer that? Eris only realized now that she had never thought about what she really wanted. What were her goals, her dreams? She didn't have any. Every day she woke up to experience what came next, but she rarely thought about what she hoped the day would be like. What she wanted to do. Why she wanted to do it. What was her goal?

  Looking at Petra’s emerald eyes as she wondered, she gave up on trying to figure it out. It was impossible to say what her goal was when she had none. She desired nothing other than the happiness of those she cared for. Was that really a goal? An identity?

  As scarlet dawn peaked over the misty horizon, the sun still hidden behind the rolling hills, Eris wondered how long it had been since she slept. The day had felt so very long.

  Lying her head down on Petra’s shoulder, the cool air that made her shiver seemed to disappear, and the anxiety of not having a purpose faded, and almost immediately, she fell asleep.

  *?*?*?*

  End of Arc I