[Vol. 7] Chapter 121: The Consequences That Follow
Back then, Violet had no idea what kind of impact high-tier magic—spells above the eighth tier, which were supposedly reserved for the gods—would have on ordinary people. Without thinking too much, she had impulsively cast a tenth-tier spell, [Birth of Flowing Aurora], right in front of them, simply because it could fix their soul and ensure that the rescue was absolutely successful.
She hadn’t thought about it much afterward. After all, she had never interacted with those rescued people again, most of whom were just regular civilians. She certainly had no idea what happened to a certain maid named Mia…
But it was obvious now.
Mia never returned to Princess Menna's service. Instead, she somehow traveled all the way across the world to the Austre Empire in the east. Not only that, but she even went from being a pure human to a vampire, enrolling in Sainz Academy to continue her maid training, which led her here, today.
Violet stared at her, mind racing.
This girl had personally experienced the effects of a tenth-tier healing spell, and had seen exactly what Violet looked like when she cast it. Given everything Mia had said just now…
It was painfully obvious what kind of consequences that day had caused. Violet really, really wanted to go back in time and kick her past self for being so reckless.
“…So, Miss Selna is the same?” Violet asked hesitantly.
Selna nodded. "Yes, Lady Violet. You may not have noticed me, but I was also one of the helpless souls you saved with your miraculous light that day."
She lowered her gaze slightly, her voice soft but firm.
"I was an orphan, raised in Iris Orphanage. Before meeting you, I never believed in gods or religions. But that day, you were like a flawless beam of light shining into my dark world, bringing me warmth and peace I had never known…"
"From that moment on, I decided I would dedicate my life to repaying the salvation you gave me."
Selna took a deep breath. "To make myself even slightly worthy of your brilliance, I accepted Head Maid Yulia’s proposal and came to Sainz Academy with Mia to continue my training. With their help, we searched for you."
"I know I am just an ordinary mortal and have no right to follow you forever. But at least until you leave Sains, or until you no longer wish for our presence. Please allow me to serve you with what little strength I have."
Selna, usually an emotionless and reserved girl, had spoken at length without pause.
At this point, even someone as dense as Lenka could tell just how much she longed for this moment, and how deeply moved she was.
Violet, on the other hand… Was completely speechless.
So that's how it is…
At last, Violet finally understood the source of the unease she had been feeling all along.
No wonder Lucine Constantius had framed this whole situation as an invitation specifically for her, even though it was originally meant for Xiao Guang. It was clear now, Lucine had already studied Mia and Selna’s current mental state and had likely discovered that they had been affected by a certain level of informational contamination, or in simpler terms, brainwashing.
If Violet questioned them further, someone as experienced as Lucine, a veteran vampire, would probably be able to piece together the full story with ease.
In fact, that loli-looking but ancient vampire princess had most likely already deduced that it was Violet who had intervened at the Church of Truth headquarters, fending off the God of Paradox.
That would explain why Lucine was so certain that Violet was the guardian of the little dragon girl.
That old monster is as sharp as ever… Definitely not someone to take lightly.
Good thing Violet had asked a few extra questions. Otherwise, she would have missed out on some very important information.
…Well, whatever.
She had to admit, things had escalated to a point where it was undeniable that Mia and Selna’s current circumstances were closely tied to her own reckless actions back then. Her decision on that day might have completely altered the course of their entire lives.
Simply running away from it now would be irresponsible. Might as well keep them close for now and observe them for a while.
With that thought, Violet reached out and ruffled the hair of the golden-haired little dragon girl beside her. Then, she turned her head slightly to glance at the brown-haired dragonkin loli on the other side.
At this moment, she felt like a single mom with two kids.
"What do you two think?"
"Doesn't matter to me. Having some maids to handle the small stuff isn't bad."
Xiao Guang shook her head, not seeming to care too much about the matter.
Lenka, on the other hand, immediately clapped her hands excitedly and agreed, "I think so too! A home feels more lively with more people around! When I was little, my mom was always busy with work and didn't have time to come home, so the maids at home were the ones who kept me company every day!"
"Alright, if that's the case…"
The priestess lifted her gaze to the two vampire girls and, with a slightly more formal attitude than before, gave them a small nod.
"I’ll be in your care from now on, Mia, Selna."
The two girls exchanged a quick glance, their faces lighting up with joy. They immediately straightened their postures, lifted the hems of their skirts slightly, and gave a proper curtsy.
"Yes! It is our honor to serve you, Master."
…………………………………………
After that, with the help of the two maids, Violet and the two younger girls officially moved into the villa.
Yulia, who had brought them here, didn’t rush into making further arrangements. After having the staff settle their luggage, she quickly bid farewell to the priestess and left.
Since they had just arrived, it was only natural to leave some free time for them to settle in. Whether they wanted to rest at home or explore the area, Mia and Selna, both academy graduates, were there to assist them. That was one of the main reasons why they were assigned to stay by Violet's side.
As for Yulia herself, she still had to return to the First District to report to Academy Head Lucine and the board of directors. Violet’s Honorary Professor title, as well as the enrollment procedures for the two little dragon girls, were already in progress. Supposedly, Yulia would return tomorrow to discuss the matter with them in detail.
One by one, people gradually left.
Xiao Guang, who was really tired from dealing with the whole Church of Truth incident, soon followed Mia to her room to rest. Lenka tagged along as well, eager to explore their new home.
In no time, the living room became quiet, leaving only Violet and the two maids, who stood silently behind her, waiting for their new master’s instructions.
This was intentional.
Although the two seemed trustworthy for now, there were still some things Violet needed to clear up in advance.
"Selna, is it alright if I call you that?"
Sitting comfortably on the plush sofa, Violet turned her head and smiled at the composed maid, who gave off an emotionless, reserved aura. Without hesitation, Selna placed her hands neatly in front of her stomach and bowed slightly in a flawlessly formal manner.
"Of course. The moment a maid formally establishes a master-servant bond, she becomes her master's property. Moreover, you are my savior, it's just a form of address. Lady Violet may call me however you wish."
"Ha, you don’t have to be so stiff… Just sit down and talk. There are some things I’d like to discuss with you."
Violet gestured to the seat across the tea table. Selna immediately understood and stepped forward, but instead of sitting down, she remained standing, keeping her posture respectful and her tone unwavering as she explained.
"For a maid, sitting face-to-face with her master in conversation only happens in two situations: recruitment and dismissal. I deeply cherish this position, so, Lady Violet, I must ask for your understanding. I cannot comply with this request."
Noticing the subtle frustration and awkwardness on Violet’s face, the perceptive maid quickly adjusted to ease the mood. Aware of her master's thoughts, she forced a slight, somewhat uncharacteristic smile and attempted to smooth things over.
"If I may be so bold as to guess your thoughts, Lady Violet… One of the topics you wish to discuss is probably about mine and Mia’s current race, correct?"
"Oh?"
Sure enough, upon hearing that, Violet dropped the issue of status and formality, instead looking at Selna with a hint of surprise.
"Do you have so little confidence in your disguise? Or… was I just too obvious?"
Selna shook her head slightly.
"Understanding one’s master and anticipating their thoughts is a fundamental skill for any competent maid. I simply have faith in you, Lady Violet."
"You are far beyond what ordinary people can comprehend. If it’s you, Lady Violet, then you must have seen through us at first glance. Including our head maid, Yulia, and the fact that she is a vampire, correct?"