Lycoris was grateful for the surprise her mother surreptitiously called her to, and she had been desperately wishing for her return, but with Athena in the picture once more, she found herself with a brand new complication: She wasn't any less worried about the possibility of nightmares. The most obvious solution to that was simply returning to her mother's bed like she had been…  But that meant her maid would find out instantly. And while Athena had seen Lycoris in all manner of compromising position—with and without her mother—the idea of her personal handmaiden finding out that she was sleeping together with her mother at the age of forty-six was mortifying.  It was probably mortifying by Vampiric standards for forty-six, too.

Plus, it was an issue that couldn't go on forever. There would, eventually, be a time that she physically couldn't sleep in Lilianna's bed any longer. Even if she had no real concept of how far in the future that would truly be.  Though that brought another thought to Lycoris's distracted mind, which is that she had no concept of the average life expectancy of a Vampire. She knew that she was a child by their standards, and that her mother was an adult, but when she thought of the difference between Lilianna and, say, Athena… They basically looked the same. Emma and Sera too, but there was no way they could all be the exact same age, surely. Cecily had mentioned her older sister's age, and she did look a fair bit younger than the obvious adults, but that didn't help Lycoris figure out when a Vampire was no longer a teenager. Or, the equivalent at least.

Her thoughts wandered to strange places while she laid wide-eyed in her bed. She'd chosen to attempt sleeping in her own room, but fear kept her from actually dozing off. She hadn't even had a nightmare yet! Unfortunately, Lycoris's mind and body were both fully tense and alert at the mere thought of having another one of those stress nightmares.  It was like an unpleasant return to her childhood. Her first childhood, perhaps. She wasn't really sure what to call this current situation, other than a protracted, eye-opening experience. At least her second chance at youth saw her surrounded by friends and family, instead of scavenging through alleys and visiting churches for alms.  Perhaps she should thank the Goddess for the opportunity.

"Or, would it be the Ancestors now? Whoever they are. Doubt they really had my back though… … …ugh, I wish I could fall asleep already!" She tossed and turned in her bed, to no avail. "This isn't working… maybe I should just face the light and tell Athena. Or, I could tell her to come by later in the day, and then wake up early and sneak back into my own room from Mama's and… No no no, that'd be dishonest! And I'd probably get caught…"

Unfortunately, she found no answers as she ran around in circles, trapped in her own web of thoughts.

＊　＊　＊

"…hhhh…"  "Oh dear, are you alright Your Highness?"

Lycoris stared forward blankly, her hair frazzled from rolling and tossing. She barely even registered Athena's presence when the maid knocked and entered the room, blinking blearily after her failed attempt at sleep. The room felt oddly warm, or cold—she couldn't tell. Her head felt filled with static fuzz.  Athena hurried to her side and crouched down, placing a hand on Lycoris's shoulder as a frown curled on her lips.

"I'm fine…"  "Are you sure, Your Highness? Pardon my language, but you look absolutely dreadful."  "I just… slept poorly."

Of course that was a blatant understatement, if not an outright lie.  And yet Athena closed her eyes and patiently shook her head, easily seeing through her as she spoke softly.

"Are you certain of that, Princess? P-Perhaps it's presumptive of me to say, but it appears that you were awake the entire night."  "I slept! I think, for a little maybe…"

Lycoris's own body betrayed her point as she struggled to stifle a yawn. Though, the sudden rush of air into her lung earned her a coughing fit as she doubled over and worried her maid further. Her maid leaned down beside her bed and soothingly rubbed her back.

"Perhaps it would be best to spend today catching up on sleep instead. Getting proper rest is important, and—"  "No!" Lycoris's heart rate spiked at the very suggestion. "I mean. Um, I can talk to her. Y-You don't need to say anything."  "Forgive me, but have I done something wrong, Your Highness?"  "I… It's… complicated."  "Did you have a nightmare?"

As she lanced straight into Lycoris's heart, causing the girl to flinch, the maid checked the sheets as a final crushing blow to the poor princess's ego. While they were still dry, the implication that she even could have wet the bed was too much for her poor heart to endure. Rather than drag this conversation on endlessly, the mentally frazzled and sleep-deprived girl broke down and heaved a weary sigh.

"Is it that obvious? …I didn't have any last night, but…"  "You did before, and couldn't sleep out of fear."  "I'm not sure what to do," whimpered the girl, her mouth moving faster than her brain, "I've been going to Mama's room to sleep with her but… that's…"  "Hmm? Did it stop working?"  "It's embarrassing! Isn't it?! I'm forty-six and I can't even sleep unless I'm in Mama's bed with her!!" Lycoris's shoulders heaved as she vented to her maid.  "Well… … …that is a little old to be sleeping together normally, yes, but this is a fairly extreme situation. Please do not admonish yourself too harshly."

Rather than lather her with platitudes, Athena gave a surprisingly serious and considerate answer. Perhaps she'd been affected just as much by her brush with mortality in Kranes. Or perhaps she was simply more cognizant of Lycoris's ignorance of Vampiric customs than before they left.  No matter what the case was, it was clear that Athena was being more than just sycophantically kind. Even if she was still holding Lycoris in place and giving her back a soothing rub, while keeping her from leaving the bed as she tried to wriggle her way out from beneath the sheets.

"…shouldn't we get started with my daily routine?"  "As your personal attendant, it is my belief that you should rest, instead. Her Majesty already informed me that there is nothing urgent to tackle today, but… suddenly, it makes much more sense why she seemed so concerned this morning, in spite of that."  "But I just got done saying why I couldn't sleep…"  "And that's exactly what I'm here to help with! I may not be your mother, but I've mastered one hundred and eight techniques for ensuring a tar—a fussy or anxious child sleeps peacefully!"

Lycoris stared incredulously at the woman beaming with pride. For some reason, she had the impression that what the maid learned was for submission, rather than soothing. She probably should've been worried what the contents of Athena's training for the Oxalis sisters really entailed, if she was so… espionage-oriented.  But much to the girl's surprise, Athena didn't deliver a knife-hand strike to the back of her neck, and instead simply laid her back down on her pillow and drew the covers up with a tender smile. She then stood up and put a finger to her chin thoughtfully.

"Please wait here Your Highness, I will be right back with a sleep aid that's sure to do the trick!"  "…It's not going to be anything weird, is it?"  "Ancestors no! I'm just going to brew a cup of herbal tea."  Lycoris blinked in surprise, then squinted, "With what sort of additives?" There always had to be a catch.  "Does blood count…? It would just be a little as a sweetener."  "You use blood as a…" Lycoris pinched the bridge of her nose. "Of course you would. Well, fine. Just no alcohol, or weird sleep drugs."  "I would never dare drug Your Highness! I'd sooner have my—"  "Okay, okay. I get it…"

Lycoris stared up at the ceiling, somehow even more exhausted by Athena's… Athena-ness than her own fatigue. At the same time, she was somewhat relieved that Athena understood her, and hoped that her maid would truly be able to find a solution.  Though even just her words of trust were enough to ease Lycoris's nerves, at least a little.

＊　＊　＊

Within one of the upper floor kitchens, two green-haired girls wearing identical maid outfits—one far smaller than the other—stood dutifully by as their senior maid carefully brewed a cup of tea.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.  It shouldn't have felt so important that they had to pay attention to exactly how many leaves she ground out or how much blood she measured out, but Athena had insisted they make mental notes of the exact details. Considering it was because Lycoris was feeling under the weather, and that Athena was busting out an "Ochros Family Recipe," Cecily could understand why Athena was treating it with such grave sincerity. Entrusting them with something like a family secret from one of the Seven honestly had her heart fluttering.  Plus, Cecily didn't want Her Highness to feel sick either. Especially because she had the lingering suspicion it might have been partially her fault. Lycoris had pushed herself quite hard during their time together in Kranes. Though Cecily wasn't sure if there had ever been an Aphtangloa that had fallen ill, she wasn't about to question the word of her new teacher. And Lycoris was the first of her kind, too.

"Little Cecily, fetch the measuring cup from that bottom cupboard."  "Yes Ma'am!"  "Vanessa, there should be a squeeze of flesh in the upper shelf of the refrigerator."  "Umm… Right! Here you are Ma'am."

Cecily wasn't sure what part of this was supposed to be training, but neither her nor her sister questioned it as they handed over the ingredients whenever Athena called out to them. She'd never boiled tea using actual leaves before, and had no idea the process was so involved or exacting, or would require such high-quality and fresh ingredients. It must have been astronomically expensive to keep the stores in the Imperial Palace stocked.  It only further solidified her resolve as it became clear just how brave of a face Lycoris had put on for her people. A girl nearly the exact same age as Cecily, and not a single word of complaint or tear shed over the quality of her treatment or the rations she was given despite the obvious disparity. It was almost as though she was like an Ancestor reborn.  The very thought of going from freshly squeezed and meticulously brewed scarlet tea to canned concentrate was enough to make Cecily blanch herself, and she'd never even had scarlet tea before! At least, not the same family recipe Lycoris was no doubt accustomed to.

She wanted to sample a little taste herself, but knew better than to sneak a sip. Even if there were leftovers, they were for Her Highness to decide what to do with!

"Now we let it steep for five minutes, in the meantime can I ask the two of you to assist in rinsing these plates off?"

Athena handed over a pair of rags to the maids-in-training, though rather than simply pawn the menial task off on them like Cecily would've expected from stories, she quickly muscled her way between them to do her part as well.  It was no wonder Lycoris cherished her maid so much.  The three of them worked silently as the scent of tea and pastries in the oven gradually filled the personal kitchen, until the last plate was set aside. A tray sat atop the counter elegantly arranged with snacks and steaming, aromatic tea, tempting Cecily's resolve briefly as she scooped up the dishrags and ferried them over to a laundry chute set in the wall.

"Once we finish here, is our presence still required for Her Highness? Or is there aught else we should be busying ourselves with?" asked Vanessa.  "Hmm… Honestly, the two of you are adroit enough that my tutelage seems ancillary at best for most of the work required. If you believe yourself capable, you may check the taskboard on floor 653 for work that needs doing."  "Understood, come along Cecily, let us not waste the Palace's time."  "Huh?" Cecily pouted. "But I wanted to make sure Lycoris is okay…"  "Don't lie, you wanted to try the tea too, didn't you?"  "That's far less important than Her Highness's health!"  "…That isn't a denial, Cecily."

As her sister tried to pull her away, Athena held out her hand and smiled widely.

"Ancestors! To think that a kindred spirit would be so equally concerned for Her Highness's wellbeing. It touches my heart! But, I assure you that she will be just fine." And she leaned in close, to whisper with a mischievous wink, "Don't worry, this recipe produces far more than just one cup, there'll be enough for us to sneak a little treat on the side."  "Oh. W-Wait, I meant it when I said I was more worried about Lycoris!"  "And a fine maid it will make of you yet! However, right now Her Highness needs rest more than anything else, and I think your presence would only excite her. Also, be careful of who you use Her Highness's name around. Even if you're friends, maintaining professional distance in public spaces is important," lightly chided Athena.  "Y-Yes, Ma'am."  "Very good, now be off with your sister, and I'll summon you when it's time for our afternoon break."

From what she had seen of the Ochros, Cecily was somewhat startled that she even offered herself a break. But at the same time, being spoken to by her in such familiar terms warmed the girl's heart. It seemed like everyone in Her Highness's immediate circle exuded overflowing charisma. Or, perhaps that was something that came naturally to the Seven.  Missing the mouthed "Thank you" from her older sister, Cecily nodded and turned around to accompany Vanessa without any more fuss. Even if she wanted to see Lycoris, she understood why Her Highness treasured Athena so terribly, and knew she could trust the maid to care for the Princess.  After all, she felt the same way about Vanessa.

＊　＊　＊

Alone in her room, Lycoris blearily blinked and stared up at the canopy of her bed, one hand clinging to the sheets and the other to her locket which she'd kept wrapped around her neck the whole night.

"I'm sorry Mizar, I know you're always here for me, but I still couldn't entrust you to keep my imagination at bay," she muttered breathlessly. "I guess there's some things only a mom can do after all… Even if you're like a big b—huh?"

Lycoris locked up on the spot, her face heating up as she realized what she was saying.

"N-No no what am I— Goddess, I'm tired. You'd be like a little brother to me, if anything! Although, that somehow feels disappointing to say. I mean, you're… er… well I guess we were just really close, but… um…"

Her heart suddenly accelerated, her chest thumping as she pursed her lips like she'd sucked on a lime. Writing it all off as a consequence of her sleep deprivation, she tried—and failed—to empty her mind of the train of thought.

Wh-What am I getting all flustered over?!

She couldn't even properly vocalize her feelings inside her own mind.  Thankfully, she was rescued from her self-inflicted mental agony by a knock at the door, and a sweetly aromatic scent wafting through the door.

"Your Highness, are you still up?" asked Athena.  "H-Huh? Yes, of course I am. Come in."

Her maid entered with a slight bow rather than a full one, as occupying her hands was a mythril tray laid out with small pastries and a personal tea set. She walked around, unfurled the legs from underneath the tray, and set it over Lycoris's lap.  She couldn't help but wryly smile at being handed a literal silver spoon. The lavishly decorated plates and gem-encrusted tablewear probably cost more than the annual budget for the Third Ray. …Or was it the Fourth?  How very, terribly far she had come from scrounging for leftover bread in the markets. Although she didn't really need to eat grains anymore. They may have been nothing more than empty carbs to her now, but the cookies still tasted better than anything she could recall from Dauwen.

Munching on one of the soft checker-patterned biscuits, Lycoris sniffed and warily eyed the sweet smelling tea.

"There's nothing strange about it, Your Highness. It's simply a mixture of chamomile, mint, honey… and obviously some fresh blood and a pinch of sugar. It will help you feel sleepy but isn't supposed to be a knock-out drug or anything like that."  "It smells nice, at least… I suppose if you went through all the effort, it'd be rude not to drink any. But how is it supposed to help with my nightmares?"  "It will relax your body. I promise you'll sleep soundly, and shall remain by your side the entire time you rest, Your Highness. If your rest ever appears troubled, I'll awaken you and offer comfort."  "Mm… I'd be happier if you didn't sound so clinical while explaining."  "My sincerest apologies!"

Lycoris picked up the cup and timidly supped the tea, the warmth and sweetness of the beverage punctuated by a subtle mintiness that left her sinuses feeling remarkably clear. Rather than offer her thoughts on the taste, she simply drank another mouthful and savored the lovely flavor.  She had never considered herself a tea drinker before, and didn't think she'd be able to appreciate anything about the drink, but it didn't seem to have all that much complexity to it to begin with. It was just a treacly treat that perfectly satisfied her sweet tooth.

"I'm glad you've taken a liking to it, Your Highness," Athena chuckled demurely as she fluffed Lycoris's pillows. "There's plenty left in the kettle, please enjoy as much as you'd like."  "It's good, but it'd be bad to overindulge before going back to sleep."

Lycoris set the cup back down and smiled at Athena. The tea proved to be quite calming for her nerves. After just a single cup, the tension seizing her muscles had abated, and her mind settled as she focused on the warmth in her abdomen and lingering flavor and aroma Athena's treats.  Seeing Athena stand beside her with the tray, Lycoris was struck with the sudden thought that this was the most maidly thing she had seen the maid do. Perhaps the thing that eased Lycoris's heart the most was knowing Athena was safely back where she rightfully belonged. Perhaps that alone would be enough to help her sleep calmly, like the last piece of a puzzle had finally slid back into place.  Lowering herself under the covers once more, Lycoris looked up toward Athena and asked in a timid, slightly flustered tone belying her exhaustion.

"Will you really stay by my side the entire time?"  "But of course, Your Highness. Such is my duty as your maidservant."  "…" Lycoris felt her cheeks warm up once more. "…You don't have to. I-If you get tired or bored, you can do something else."  Athena smiled calmly. "I'm well aware, Your Highness. There's no need to worry over me."  "… …Okay."

She closed her eyes, and let the tug of slumber gradually pull her away. But before she could fall asleep, Lycoris felt a warm hand gently come to rest over her brow, and heard a quiet whisper.

"Rest well, Lycoris."

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