The house felt… quieter.
Akari stood in the entryway longer than necessary, her bag still slung over her shoulder. The familiar warmth of Lyra's presence was gone, replaced by a stillness that pressed lightly against her chest.
"…She really went back to the battlefield," Akari whispered.
The door closed gently behind her.
"Oh?" came a calm voice.
Akari turned to see Elen standing near the staircase, her long brown hair neatly tied back as usual, her posture composed. She had clearly been waiting.
"You're back earlier than expected," Elen said. "Where is Lady Lyra?"
Akari hesitated, then bowed politely.
"Lyra had to leave right away. The Adventurers' Guild asked for her help in pushing the demons back. She told me to come home first."
Elen's expression softened with understanding rather than surprise.
"I see. That explains the mana disturbance earlier." She sighed quietly. "The front must be worsening."
Akari nodded. "She said you would stay with me while she's gone."
Elen smiled faintly. "That is correct."
Akari shifted her weight, gripping the strap of her bag.
"…I'm worried about her."
"As you should be," Elen replied gently. "But Lady Lyra does not fall easily."
That earned a small smile from Akari.
"I know."
Elen gestured toward the sitting room. "Come. You must be tired from traveling."
That evening passed peacefully. Dinner was simple, but warm. Akari helped where she could, and Elen didn't stop her, only quietly corrected her movements when needed.
Later, as Akari lay in bed, she stared at the ceiling.
Lyra's fighting demons again…
Her hand pressed lightly against her chest, where that unfamiliar divine warmth rested.
"I won't just wait," she whispered. "Not anymore."
The Next Morning
Sunlight crept into the training yard.
Elen stood already prepared, dressed in her usual maid attire, though anyone who knew her well could tell it was reinforced for combat.
Akari stepped outside, her posture straighter than before.
"Good morning, Elen."
"Good morning," Elen replied. "You're up early."
Akari took a breath, then bowed deeply.
"Elen… I want to continue my training."
Elen blinked.
"I know Lyra said to take things slowly," Akari continued, her voice steady despite her nerves. "But I don't want to be helpless when she comes back. I want to be strong enough to stand beside her."
The morning breeze stirred Akari's hair as she lifted her head.
"I want to learn how to control my power. Properly."
For a moment, Elen simply studied her, calm eyes assessing not her mana, but her resolve.
Then she smiled.
"…Very well."
Akari's eyes widened. "R-really?"
Elen nodded. "Lady Lyra entrusted you to me. And more importantly."
She picked up a wooden practice sword and handed it to Akari.
"You have chosen to grow."
Akari accepted the sword carefully, its weight unfamiliar but comforting.
"We will start with fundamentals," Elen continued. "Stance. Breathing. Mana flow. You will not force your power. You will listen to it."
Akari nodded eagerly. "Yes!"
Elen took her position across from Akari, wooden blade raised.
"Training begins now," she said calmly. "And do not worry."
She smiled.
"By the time Lady Lyra returns… You will no longer be the girl she saved on the battlefield."
Akari tightened her grip on the sword.
I'll prove it.