Mistress Of The Evil Forest

-A 5: Something strange about the maid.

-A 5: Something strange about the maid.

''Mhm... yawn~...''

Ah... this pattern is no good. I'm lacking sleep again. This is what happens when you keep pushing your training deep into the night, I guess.

Should I go back to bed? But... I don't want to miss the morning jog. 

''...''

Whatever. I'll just sleep a bit after lunch.

So, despite my eyelids feeling rather heavy, I finish my grooming routine and leave the dorm. It is now May, meaning that the weather has gotten a bit too warm for comfort. It's hot, basically.

Still, I'd rather not get the other seasons because... I don't like school. I don't like studying, honestly. As of now, we've finished all of our courses and exams. Perhaps thanks to that, the academy now seems quite different, void of the sea of dejected students come and go in droves.

If anything, this is what I'd imagine an ordinary town looks like.

See, although I wouldn't mind learning to get stronger, I want some free time, too. When I don't have classes, I can still learn from Skylar at my own pace and rest appropriately, even if I've been overdoing it a bit lately.

But... recently, I've realized something. My motivation has changed. Completely.

Before, I was adamant about becoming the strongest to save my parents and my hometown from that prophesized demon. Even though I heard all about the demon's tricks, memories and emotions don't change easily. If I were to be honest, it was all a bit awkward whenever I encountered Aaron Apollo, the supposed brother of mine.

Instead, I've found myself wanting to catch up with my idol. I want to be like her, soaring through the sky whilst wielding unparalleled power that can split the Heavens and Earth.

Of course, the demon is still scary, and we'll still need to confront it in my next student year, but that's more... of a secondary thought now.

Am I crazy to think that we'll be safe regardless, thanks to Silaerob? It has been seemingly popular these days to subscribe to a conspiracy that explains her existence itself as the 'play' the demons want to see us doing. That's a fun one to joke around with, but I obviously don't think that's the case.

In the first place, there's no—hm?

''Aurora?''

''Oh, it's you.''

As I jog around the lake, a certain maid's silhouette appears. Up until now, she has been watching the water's surface intently, not answering until I call her the second time around.

Nevertheless, I end up exchanging some simple talks with her, and all seems fine... except for this uncanny feeling stirring my mind. Um... how should I say this? Is she more expressive than usual? Something is off about this, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

Oh, right! It's the same feeling as when I encountered her that night. We played volleyball together.

''What are you doing out here, Aurora?''

''Hm? Sightseeing, I suppose. It's not common to not be around people in this place. Sometimes, tranquilness helps.''

Well, that's kind of valid.

...Wait, why am I trying to confront her about this? It's needlessly unfriendly...

[Calm down, my child.]

Ah, Skylar... you're awake.

[Indeed.]

Recently, I feel Skylar has been instrumental in keeping me sane from all the stuff that is going on in the world—just like a gentle therapist. But Skylar... why can't you tell me what you think about this maid in particular?

[...]

Right. Her response is always a total silence—just like now. Doesn't she know that it only makes me more suspicious about the whole thing? Like how saying 'just keep on doing what you have to' only makes me want to look back at what has possibly happened and ponder.

It's a mystery, but I doubt she will answer me anyway.

For now, I'll just keep training. At least—

''Hey.''

''Nn?!''

''Are you perhaps free right now?''

All of a sudden, Aurora approaches me so closely that our noses almost touch. Seriously, when did she even get here...? But I have some training to do after this jog... hmm... I mean...

''I-I'm free. Why?''

''Great. We'll go to a café, then.''

Soon enough, I find myself being dragged away by this 'strange' maid, Aurora, even though I have many reasons not to comply. Something tells me I need to go with her, and even Skylar, who often yells at me for slacking off, stays silent throughout.

The more this is unfolded, the more it feels like a fever dream.

For whatever reason, Aurora takes me to the cat café. We sit in a corner of the store, surrounded by cats of all colors and sizes. No, wasn't she unpopular with these cats...? Did she secretly tame them all or something?

''A-Anyway, do you have something to tell me, Aurora?'' I clear my throat.

Sipping her coffee in a rather ladylike manner, the maid turns her sharp glance towards me for a second. ''Not really. It's been a while since the last time we met, so I just want to check up on you.''

''Huh? But we met yesterday... right?''

At my confused words, Aurora smiles... she gently smiles, and it's... bewitching. I can't believe I'm using this word, but it's the closest.

''Take a step back and relax.'' She calmly continues. ''You don't look too good.''

''Really...?''

''There is a point of diminishing return for everything—tell that to your trusty guardian. Send me my regards to her, too.''

''Um... who are you...?''

Ah. I blurted it out without thinking.

No, it's just... I guess the strangeness of her words and actions has grown my doubt so much. Should I apologize...? Still, looking at her face, she doesn't even seem to mind it.

''...Who knows.'' She arbitrary replies.

''...''

''...''

So, for the rest of our time together in the store, only the clacking of the cups and the purrings of the cats can be heard. It isn't awkward because I'm too occupied thinking about this... Aurora that I don't really pay attention to that.

But it's definitely strange. Everything's strange...