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(Note: This story takes place immediately after Chapter 23)
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“Lady Ze,” Serena broke the silence. They’d been soaking in the bath for over ten minutes now, but since Ze stepped in while still in her full armor, few words had been shared between them. The large bath was more than big enough for ten or more people, which made it all the more awkward since it had fallen quiet. “You mentioned how you’ve been protecting the Royal family ever since you met Queen Celene. If you don’t mind me asking, what was Her Majesty like back then?” The noble paused for a moment as she listened to the question. Serena didn’t know why, but she could sense a smile forming on Ze’s lips.
“Well, firstly, she wasn’t the Queen back then. She was still the Princess,” Ze chuckled. “And if I had to describe her, I’d say she was similar to Irene. Always rushing headlong into trouble, seldom sitting still, and being quite the energetic soul. It made a certain someone want to pull her hair out.”
‘I can take a guess as to who,’ Serena thought. ‘Still, it’s hard to imagine that someone so ethereal like the Queen could ever be like Irene, it’s not like…Wait, they both do that disappearing act thing, and I bet the Queen could ignore the laws of physics like Irene can so…’
“But she also had the biggest heart out of anyone,” Ze continued, “she’s never allowed a good person to come to harm if she could help it. She’s always put others above herself. And she was wonderful with children, especially the less fortunate ones.”
“Less fortunate? She was helping worker’s kids?” Serena was confused.
“No, I mean…” Ze stopped. “I apologize. You’re too young to know what I’m talking about. Let’s just say the kingdom wasn’t always so wealthy or peaceful. And sickness, we’ve gotten so much better at dealing with diseases. Thank Lady Herme for her tireless work.”
“I see?” Serena was even more bewildered. ‘How bad were things back then? I’ve read about wars and sickness in history books before. We haven’t had a war in my lifetime (at least, I don’t think so). And the worst I’ve ever gotten sick was a cold, but weren’t there diseases they couldn’t cure?’
“Apologies, I’ve only made you more confused,” Ze shook her head. “Don’t worry. Lady Aré will likely educate you on our past wars while she mentors you. She has plenty of firsthand experience.”
“I gathered that,” Serena commented as she recalled the noble’s bedroom.
“It’s been so long since those days,” Ze muttered wistfully. “So much has changed, and so much hasn’t.”
‘It’s Aré and Aphros, isn’t it?’ Serena guessed.
“The joy of reflection, to know how far you have come,” Ze waxed poetically. “Now, if you don’t mind me asking, Serena. What was your past like?”
“Mine?” Serena was taken aback. “Nothing special, I was just a normal girl, honestly.”
“I’m sure you have your stories,” Ze chuckled.
“Well, there’s always Penelo,” Serena admitted. The maid and the noble continued their chatter, and the warm waters soaked away all the stress and anxieties of the day.
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Times of relaxation and rest are also times of reflection. Thinking back to what brought you to this point can make you appreciate where you are all the more, while also uncovering fondness for days past.
Until next time, Read, Comment and Enjoy.
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