A Day with Eily
“What the hell happened...?”
It was only after the situation had more or less settled that Varis finally showed his face again. He gasped in shock at the sight of the training grounds turned into a total wreck.
“Is everyone okay?”
He looked at the three battered girls with worried eyes.
“We're fine. It was a satisfying result, though.”
“We got a little banged up, but who cares? We got a chance to be alone with Arnold.”
“My body still aches all over~ But hey, I get to go on a date with Arnold!”
Despite their disheveled appearances, they were all smiling. Their expressions mixed ambition and delight, gazing dreamily into the distance with goofy grins that somehow filled me with unease.
“By the way, Varis, where'd you disappear to? You vanished so completely, it startled me.”
At my question, he rubbed the back of his neck with an awkward chuckle.
“Ah~ Just the bathroom...? It's nothing. Don't worry about it.”
He tried to brush it off like it was no big deal, but the atmosphere felt off. It even seemed like he was hiding something, coming across unnaturally evasive.
“Yeah?”
...Probably just my imagination?
“Anyway, what happened? Weren't you competing over me?”
“It looked too dangerous, so I stepped in to mediate. We settled on giving everyone a chance.”
In the end, there was no winner in this training session. If anything, it was a draw.
“Hmm, I see? Well, at least no one looks too serious... That's a relief.”
Varis glanced at the girls, who were exuding a shady aura as they smiled darkly.
“Alone with Master...”
“Perfect, my plan is flawless—”
“Hehe~”
“They all seem... really happy. Haha...”
Even to him, their vibe screamed suspicious—the shadows under their eyes were practically spreading. They were muttering to themselves, radiating an ominous energy. A bad feeling crept up my spine. Whatever demands they might make, I just hoped I could handle them.
We headed for the exit.
The agreed order was Eily, Melina, Elisha.
We'd go along with whatever days they wanted.
“Oof~”
It was a bright, sunny day.
“Eily, ready?”
In the midday streets of the Royal Capital, gentle sunlight wrapped around us. Eily was buzzing with excitement, as if today were some special occasion just for her. She spent most days by her master's side anyway, but having time alone like this, free and unrestricted, was rare.
“Yes, Master!”
Her heart brimmed with anticipation and tension. Eily nodded brightly, flashing a smile.
Today, she wasn't in her usual neat maid outfit but a soft pastel dress. It highlighted her innocent charm while keeping the modesty of a maid through its prim design.
“But... does my outfit look okay?”
A hint of anxiety laced her words. I nodded in response.
“It suits you perfectly. You look really pretty, Eily.”
I complimented her straightforwardly. At those words, her face lit up, her cheeks flushing red. She fidgeted with the hem of her skirt with her fingertips and murmured softly.
“If Master says so... I guess I have to try even harder.”
I gave a faint smile to the shyly whispering Eily. She seemed satisfied with her choice, her smile radiating happiness.
“It's the middle of the day, so there are a lot of people around.”
“I like this atmosphere, though! I just have to make sure I don't get separated from Master.”
We made our way to the heart of the Royal Capital. The streets bustled with people, but Eily placed her hand lightly on my arm, sticking close as if determined not to lose me. The gesture felt natural yet subtly conveyed her desire for protection.
“Master! There are so many pretty things! Is there a shop you like?”
We headed to the market first. Merchants had all sorts of goods on display, greeting customers. Eily's eyes sparkled as she browsed, but her gaze always returned to me, as if she wanted to share everything she saw.
“Master, what do you think of that accessory?”
Then Eily pointed to one stall. It seemed to sell various trinkets.
“This one?”
She was fixated on a particular piece: a silver pendant shaped like a cat.
“Yes! It's so cute!”
It was an actual accessory item from the original story, boosting the wearer's agility. Come to think of it, it would suit Eily perfectly, since speed was her weapon.
“You like it?”
I pointed at the pendant, noticing how her eyes had been gleaming at it.
“Uh... yes?”
She hesitated for a moment before nodding.
“It is nice. But... I thought it might suit Master better, so I asked.”
Reading her vibe, I bought the pendant without a second thought.
“Eh, Master...?”
And right there, I clasped it around her neck.
“Wait, hold on! I didn't say that because I wanted it—”
She looked genuinely flustered, as if it were too lavish a gift for her, a mix of unease and touched emotion in her eyes.
“It's fine. It's a present. It suits you.”
“Ah...?”
She touched the pendant with her fingers and looked up at me. Her eyes overflowed with gratitude and joy.
“Master putting it on me himself... It feels like a dream.”
Her lips curved into a blissful smile. Eily vowed to treasure this gift to her grave, pouring out her thanks.
“Thank you. I'll cherish this pendant from Master until the day I die!”
Her already faintly flushed cheeks turned fully red. She walked quietly, alternating glances between the pendant and me.
Good thing she likes it—
“This is the place. I've always wanted to enjoy tea and sweets at a cozy cafe like this.”
Our next stop was a small cafe nearby. Inside, it felt tranquil. We sat facing each other by the window.
“I'll have this.”
Eily pondered the menu for a while before ordering black tea and biscuits. I had a kid's palate and wasn't big on caffeine, so I went for something sweet and refreshing.
Maybe because it was quiet, the food came out quicker than expected. We savored our tea and treats in leisurely comfort.
“By the way, Master.”
Then Eily clasped her hands in front of her tea and looked at me. Her eyes held reverence and love.
“Thank you for making time despite being so busy.”
Suddenly thanking me, I shook my head.
“It's the time I promised, and you work hard every day. You deserve a day like this.”
Joy and relief washed over her face. But soon, with a hint of worry in her voice, she said,
“Master is so kind... I'm worried you'll get swept away by some other girl.”
Anxiety clearly clouded Eily's eyes. I couldn't find words for a moment. It was a bit off, but in a way, this was what I'd aimed for—acting differently from the original Arnold.
“You talk like I'm some kid.”
She slowly shook her head, quietly denying it. Her next words carried unease and hatred toward anyone but me.
“That's not it. But... pathetically, I couldn't just watch Master with someone else. I know it's selfish, but that's how much I adore you.”
Silence stretched on. I had no idea how to respond to her feelings. Honestly, with my future uncertain, accepting her heart felt impossible. I still clung to lingering attachments to my original world. If I could return and left love behind, it would scar us both for life. Like it or not, some things were beyond even our tangled relationship.
“Walking like this with Master makes me smile without even trying~”
Leaving the cafe, we headed to a park in the Royal Capital. Blossoming flowers and meticulously landscaped trees created a harmonious scene. Eily clung to my arm, joyfully taking in the sights.
“That flower looks familiar! Isn't it beautiful?”
Yet amid it all, her gaze always returned to me, as if I were her entire world.
“Shall we sit there for a bit?”
“Yes, sounds good.”
We settled on a bench to rest. Eily sat pressed right against me. With her hands neatly on her lap, she said,
“Master, spending time like this makes me so happy.”
She was like a puppy wagging its tail by its owner's side. Eily was extra affectionate today.
“Glad you're happy.”
Her eyes sparkled at that. But then she bowed her head with a troubled expression.
“But Master... am I still useful to you? Have I become a reliable maid who doesn't cause trouble like before?”
I gently brushed her hair to dispel her worries.
“You're doing great. Lately, you're so flawless it's impossible to find fault.”
Only then did she relax, beaming as she leaned her head on my shoulder. Under the midday sun enveloping us, she whispered softly,
“Master really is... my everything. Promise you won't abandon me.”
I nodded lightly and stroked her hair. But my heart felt heavy—probably from that cafe conversation.
“I've wanted to come here too! Alone with Master, definitely!”
Leaving the park, we went to the famous fountain in the north of the Royal Capital. A popular spot for couples, it was surrounded by street vendors and performers. Eily clasped her hands in front of the fountain, eyes sparkling.
“Master, it's so beautiful here!”
I nodded, surveying the area. The fountain sprayed glittering arcs in the sunlight, while couples brushed shoulders or chatted intimately nearby.
“Want to sit for a bit?”
Eily nodded eagerly and sat beside me. She listened to the water's murmur for a long while without speaking. Then, tentatively taking my hand, she said,
“Master... I hope times like this last forever. I'm only this happy by your side.”
Her voice was wistful and earnest, laced with hope for the future and anxiety over uncertainties.
“Hehe...”
She closed her eyes and rested her head on my shoulder. Water droplets scattered by the breeze touched us, but she just smiled quietly.
Finally, we headed to the hilltop garden near the Royal Palace. Overlooking the entire capital, it was especially stunning at sunset. We sat on a bench, watching the sun dip low.
“Master... I was so happy today.”
Eily turned to me with a gentle gaze. I smiled warmly back.
“Me too. Especially since you're satisfied—that puts my mind at ease.”
Blushing, she looked at me and leaned softly against my shoulder. Sunset light bathed her face, creating a serene, timeless scene.
And Eily murmured softly,
“Master... I've said similar things, but just once more at the end...”
“You'll stay by my side forever, right? I'm nothing without you.”
She hugged me tightly. In that moment, anyone would see us as lovers.
“Of course...”
But I could only give a short reply, words failing me. All I could do was hold her reassuringly.
“I'm truly... the happiest maid...”
She smiled quietly in my arms. Under the setting sun, our day came to a close.
Emotions too vast for words overflowed from Eily.