19

  ***

  Five strange days have passed since my st meeting with the Lord Regent. The first three I had spent monitoring the young Lady Eytell. She… She’s odd… Despite living in a huge mansion, I have only ever seen seven servants there, not including her so-called teacher. Having heard about how demanding she is, you would expect her to have as many servants as possible at her beck and call. Yet, she didn’t. Furthermore, she barely interacted with them. Most of her activities, which did require others to do, she did herself. She bathed by herself and at times, she even made her own food.

  Although I was curious about her, I couldn’t spend all my time with her. Heading to our many hideouts, not just myself, but many other Shadows were perplexed as to what files we had on her. We seem to have investigated her before. We had documents regarding her daily routine and some that listed people she regurly interacted with. It seems that she has, rather had, a group of lower ranking nobles that she spent time with, including the Saint. Having checked in on them, we found no signs of those girls liking her. Although given how our memories were altered that much was obvious. Still, why were so many memories involving her changed? What is it about her that made someone, or something, want people to despise her?

  She has many enemies, but was that always the case? Also who is this “Aura” person? And why is there a strange chart with the names of the noble girls and markings next to them? So many mysteries… Just who is Evelyn?

  Evelyn

  ***

  “The Twins are coming, make it quick.” Raven said.

  “Got it.” I answered.

  Walking through a lighter crowd than usual, I made my way towards Charlotte who seemed to be distracted by the allure of a lone raven on a fence top. 38 had already seen me, but she has yet to inform her. As for the Twins, well, they're not yet in sight. Drawing near, Raven flew off to keep an eye on the twins and keep an eye out for 17, who accompanied them.

  “Lady Lottaway.” I called out as soon as I was near enough.

  “Ah!?” Charlotte flinched.

  That still hurts.

  “What a coincidence it is to see you out here.” I said, trying not to frighten her off with a smile.

  “Y-yes it is…” She said, cautiously looking around for her family guards.

  Unfortunately for her, she had 38 and previously decided that she alone was enough of a guard. How do I know that? Well, I have listening devices in her house, so it wasn’t that hard. Although I must admit that it is unfortunate that when the capital was fixed, all those devices that we were hiding in the Imperial Pace were lost. They weren’t that expensive to make, but getting in there to pnt them again is going to be challenging. My spying aside, I bet that she’s regretting not having someone visibly at her side to keep her safe from me. Not that I’m a threat to her.

  “If you aren’t busy do you mind if I can take a moment of your time?” I said more than asked.

  “If you’ll honor me…” She said shyly.

  Wow, she really doesn’t want to be near me. I was already expecting this, but it still hurts. Well whatever, this is for her own good.

  “Excellent.” I said. “There is a pce nearby that I pnned on visiting. You being with me will make this much easier.”

  “I-is that so…?” She asked cautiously.

  “Oh don’t be scared. I don’t bite.” I couldn’t help but smile at her.

  She flinched and took a step back, but I grabbed her hand. Now let’s get out of here before the Twins turn the corner.

  “Come on, let’s go.” I said, pulling her along.

  Aww, how cute. She’s trying to pull her hand away. Too bad! You’re not escaping me! With no choice but to follow, and with 38 close behind, I took her into an alley and away from the main street. The two became a little tense as our surroundings became a bit darker and dirtier. Although things getting darker was by design, and by magic, so that couldn’t be helped. This pce was worth it, and it was one I was gd had survived the dragon attack. Hopefully things go well…

  Charlotte

  ***

  Being pulled along though some dark alleys, I tried to break free from Lady Eytell’s grip, but she was much stronger than she looked. Desperately I looked around for any sort of help, but there was none to be found. I know that 38, that hidden guard from the Regents was with me, but I really wanted someone who I could actually see. Just for a little bit of hope. I know that if anything were to go wrong or I was dragged into danger I would be safe, but still. A reassuring look would be great right about now.

  “Um, where are we going?” I carefully asked.

  I’m not sure why she’s obsessed with me, but Lady Eytell really seemed determined to bring me somewhere.

  “A special shop.” She said, fshing me a fearsome smile.

  “Right…” I’m sure that I was already pale, so her frightening look didn’t help.

  Being dragged along, I lost track of how many twists and turns we made, but eventually we made it to… What is this pce?

  “Here we are.” Lady Eytell said.

  “Where exactly?” I couldn’t help but ask.

  “A special shop.” She repeated.

  “R-right…” I said.

  Before I could ready myself, Lady Eytell dragged me inside.

  “Hello, is anyone home?” She called out in a very loud and undignified way.

  She can speak like that!?

  “I can hear you, I ain't deaf!” Replied a deep, annoyed voice.

  From a back room, a rough looking man in a dirty white shirt appeared, looking somewhat dignified with neater than expected short brown hair. Seeing us, the man paused.

  “Ah, it’s you.” He nodded.

  “?” I looked at Lady Eytell. Do they know each other?

  “You know me?” Lady Eytell asked.

  So you don’t know him!? Are we in danger!?

  “Yeah I know you.” He said. “You’re that noble kid who would annoy Evelyn.”

  “You knew Evelyn?” She asked, surprised.

  “I did.” He nodded.

  “Did… did she have any family?” She asked.

  “None that I know of.” He shook his head.

  “I see…” She said sadly.

  I’m not sure what was going on, but I suppose they had a common acquaintance. From the sounds of it, she passed away recently. Likely in the dragon attack. Although I was curious, I didn’t want to ask in fear of upsetting either side.

  “So, what are you here for?” The man asked.

  “Well, my friend here is going to go out to fight some demons.” She said.

  “Reconsider.” He said.

  “She doesn’t have a choice.” She shrugged. “She’s being dragged out by certain pests who she can’t say no to.”

  “Is it-” He started.

  “It’s not me.” She said.

  “Well that’s unfortunate.” He said. “Come on. I got the good stuff in the back.”

  “Thanks for your help.” She said, pulling me along.

  This is starting to feel illegal… Unable to resist being pulled behind the counter and into a locked back room. Also, did she just refer to the Twin Regents as pests? Maybe I’m imagining it. Keeping quiet, I had no choice but to follow.

  In this back room, we found ourselves surrounded by tall shelves full of dangerous looking items, with only some of them being weapons. Why does she know of a pce like this?

  “So, what are you looking for?” The man said.

  “Protection equipment and charms are a good start.” She said. “Something light weight if possible.”

  “This shelf right here.” He patted a rickety looking shelf.

  “Thanks.” She said, turning her attention to it.

  Being very careful not to bring any attention to myself, I cautiously looked around. Some of these things were dented and had scratches on them. And a few also had the mark of the Imperial Army on them.

  “How did you get all of this stuff…?” I couldn't help but ask.

  “You’d be surprised what gets left behind when the army is fighting demons.” He said, following my gaze.

  Ah, I see. This is very illegal… Why does Lady Eytell know of this pce?

  “Um… is this-?” I started.

  “The less we know, the better.” Evelyn said, picking out a bracelet. “What’s this one?”

  “A mid range protection item.” He answered. “The enchantment is about half through but it can be recharged.”

  “Good enough.” She said, before turning to me. “Hand.”

  “!” Quickly I gave her my hand and she slipped on the bracelet.

  It was a somewhat scratched silver chain with a red gem on it. Although I couldn’t tell before, it had a faint magical aura to it. As I admired it, the two continued.

  “This one?” She asked.

  “It automatically creates a protective shield for five seconds, although you need to be still for it to work. The gem can be repced.” He said.

  “Good.” She said.

  I was forcibly turned around and my hair was tied up in a ponytail.

  “This one?” She asked.

  “It increases your speed although it causes the user to experience hunger faster and more often.” He said.

  That sounds like a curse.

  “Not bad.” She nodded.

  “Please don’t put those on me.” I couldn’t help but say.

  For a time, I was used like a dress up doll with many accessories tried on me, and things like those cursed shoes being put into a magical bag for ter. I’m not sure how long it was but eventually we found ourselves back at the front of the shop. Evelyn was handling the payment, which I didn’t even want to think about, as I fiddled with the bracelet I was given.

  Just why was she doing this? Doesn’t she hate me? Why go out of her way to buy me protective equipment? I know that she called me her friend, but wasn’t she joking? Gncing at her, I couldn’t help but feel just a little bit of complicated appreciation.

  Even though the Twin Regents forced me into their team with the other so-called Saints, they didn’t even bother telling me what I needed. Just that I needed to be prepared to fight demons. I was so concerned that I decided to run away and explore town for a bit. I heard that it was a good way to relieve stress. Now that I think about it, who told me that? All that came to mind was Evelyn, but I don’t remember having such a conversation. Evelyn? Since when did I call her that?

  “That settles that.” The rough looking man said. “Come back if you need anything else.”

  “Will do.” Evelyn nodded before turning to me. “Let’s go.”

  “Yes…” I was still hesitant to speak.

  Once more taking my hand, she led me out of the store. Once more, we were back in the dark alley. Why does this pce look so dark and sinister in the middle of the day? Not knowing my way out of here, I relied on Evelyn. Making our way out of there, I kept quiet, but Evelyn didn’t feel the need to do the same.

  “Back in the survival camp, you used a sword, right?” She asked.

  Y-yes.” I nodded.

  Although it feels so long ago. How long was it? A year? Not quite, but it was a bit over half a year. Okay, that's actually longer than I thought. Still, I remember waking up in the infirmary after Evelyn beat me up. I also do remember using a sword, but I don’t think I used it very well…

  “Is that one still any good?” She asked.

  “I think it should be fine.” I said.

  “Is that so?” She asked.

  “Yeah…” I nodded.

  Like that, she said nothing more. Eventually we managed to exit the alleyway and found ourselves back on the main street where she abducted me.

  “Here we are, safe and sound.” She said.

  “Thankfully.” I couldn’t help but say.

  “If you felt scared to wander in the streets by yourself, why not have a guard?” She asked. “You always got mad at me when I did the same.”

  “?” I don’t remember that. “Did I?”

  Looking at her, her face cramped up.

  “Ah, I must have been imagining things.” She said.

  She must be, since we haven’t really talked much outside of- Wait what did she say!?

  “Wait, you walk the streets without any guards!?” I was astonished.

  “Just forget about it!” She smiled at me.

  I don’t think I can! She’s a duchess! Why doesn’t she have any guards with her right now!? Why didn’t I notice this!?

  “Now listen.” She said sternly. “When you get home, make sure to charge your bracelet and get a spare gem for your hair tie. And make sure that they are fully charged before you even think about fighting any demons. Got it?”

  “Y-yes!” I couldn’t help but straighten my back.

  “Good.” She nodded satisfied. “Now if you excuse me, I have other business to attend to.”

  “Yes, thank you for your time!” I bowed at her.

  “Stop that.” She said. “We’re friends after all.”

  “R-right…” I said, although a bit hesitantly.

  Friends… For some reason, the thought doesn’t seem quite as absurd as it sounds. Could we really be- Ah, I should thank her before she leaves.

  “Um-” I started.

  “Lady Lottaway.” A familiar voice called out behind me.

  Turning I saw the Twin Regents waving at me with two pin clothes guards not too far behind them. Great, exactly what I wanted… Firstly let's properly thank Evelyn.

  “Thank-” Turning around I found that Evelyn had vanished. “you…”

  Where did she go? Looking around, I saw no signs of her. Maybe this is for the best. After all, Evelyn and the Twin Regents don’t seem to get along. I’ll have to thank her properly next time. Thinking that, I saw a familiar raven flying off. Do ravens get that big?

  Grayburne