After exchanging greetings, Lily led Marina through the garden, explaining the significance of each building they walked past with enthusiasm.
"That is the Florence Clock Tower. It's a family heritage that has been built since the civil uprising." She pointed to a tall clock tower in the garden. The grand wooden design is especially eye-catching; it seemed that it was carved by a masterful carpenter.
"And.. right there! The statue of the current Supreme Five! I'm sure you've heard of them." Lily rushed towards the statues in the middle of the garden, each of which represents the Supreme Sages of Azrya, and the hope of all Aryans.
The Ordinance, Supreme Sage number #1, the Hand of His Majesty and the royal mage of Azrya's court. His statue stands tall, as the hand reaches for the sky, grasping our longing for salvation.
Lord Pandemonium, Supreme Sage number #2, the bloodthirsty warmonger of Azrya. His appearance promised an impending chaos. His statue stands upright, his staff pointing south — foretelling a secret message.
Treasurer, Supreme Sage number #3, alias Sir Alwin Augusta. The baron of Farland, an incompetent aristocrat and the founder of Azrya Grand Gallery. The arms of his statue spread widely, displaying his ego and prideful nature.
The Old Woman of the Mountain, Supreme Sage number #4. There's not much to say about her. The enigmatic woman was barely seen away from the peak of the mountain. Her statue was simply a posture of her standing, as her gaze fell to the ground.
And last, the Loner Witch, Supreme Sage number #5. The introverted sages who were seen as a prodigy, yet chose the eternal night of solidarity away from prying eyes. Her statue was holding a staff with both hands — clutching it tightly.
"They're the pride of this kingdom, with them on their side, no matter if it's the demon kin or the beast kin, we will always be protected."
She gazed into the sky, stretching her right arm upwards.
"The dome... It keeps us safe, and it gives us hope to keep on living. No matter how dark the sky may be."
Suddenly, she jumped a bit, as if realizing her optimism.
"Sorry... I must sound overly dramatic, old habits die hard, right?"
Marina smiled sheepishly, overwhelmed by Lily's enthusiasm for expressing her feelings. It seems she harbors deep gratitude towards the savior of the kingdom.
"I-it's fine. Really, I'm not bothered. But... I wanted to ask you about something."
Lily turned to face Marina.
"What is it?"
Marina clears her throat.
"The... Sages, who are they to you?"
Lily thought for a second, and she turned away from Marina to face the faceless statue of the Loner Witch.
"I see them as heroes, protectors, and the reason we can still live in harmony."
She bites her lips, choosing her next word carefully.
"But... Above all, I see her as my idol." She gazed up at the statue's face.
"You idolized her?"
Lily shook his head gently, turning to meet Marina's gaze again.
"No, not quite. I see her as a role model. The nameless witch who never says her name, yet many remember her. And I think... she's worth remembering in every Aryan's soul."
Marina looked away, and a blush crept down her neck. She hadn't expected others to think of her as more than a lonely witch in the woods.
"I-i see... Thank you for answering."
Marina tried to hide her face; she's torn between feeling proud and embarrassed.
"Well... we've been out here for a while. It's almost night, servants can't roam around the garden at this hour." Lily chuckled softly, taking Marina's hand in hers, intertwining their fingers while leading her inside.
"Come on, we don't want to get on Ms.Mary's bad side. She's really scary when she's mad." She winked at Marina in a teasing manner.
Once they're inside, Lily slowed down. In such noble housing, running is considered inelegant and impolite.
Marina, however, found herself in a very uncomfortable situation. The luxurious atmosphere is overwhelming. She's been to a palace, but she'll never get used to luxurious surroundings.
Lily, seeing Marina's vulnerability to her surroundings, grinned with mischief.
"Are you afraid, Miss Evergreen?" She asked with a teasing tone.
"N-no... It's just, I'm not used to this kind of job..." Marina admits.
Lily raised a brow. Her hand came to her chin, tapping lightly.
"Not used to? Hm... I wonder why Lord Alwin would recommend a novice maid to be His Grace's maid."
The question hangs in the air; it's her first day here, yet her identity is threatening to be exposed. She must do anything to save her identity.
"W-well, Sir Alwin and I were... old acquaintances. I don't have a job, so I asked him." She let out an awkward laugh, hoping her excuse would work.
"I see. No wonder he personally escorted you here. You must've been a very close acquaintance of his."
"Close... is a bit much..."
Lily chuckled at Marina's response.
"You're quite strange, you know? Many would be proud to be an acquaintance of Lord Alwin."
Marina's face turned skeptical. Proud? It's the last thing she would be around him. For someone who actually knows the true nature of the egoist mage, she certainly sees him as the opposite.
They continued to walk around the hall, and Marina started to feel at ease with Lily as company. Though Lily would occasionally tease her, given the chance.
After what felt like an endless walk around the hall. They finally came to a halt. In front of them is the person Marina was tasked to protect.
"That's him—" Lily exclaimed. The man in front of them is standing between two guards. The messy blonde hair is a stark contrast to his neat attire. The man turned to face Marina and Lily with piercing brown eyes that made her heart skip a bit. Could he be...
"—William Arc Florence."
—Penning a new chapter…