The morning sun over Fareday was particularly insistent, spilling gold across the cobblestones and waking the birds, who seemed to be chirping in a higher key than usual. In the center of the town square, the "Legends Booth" was already being reassembled.
However, today's start was missing its traditional opening act.
"Wait," Emilia paused, a roll of twine in her hand. She squinted toward the church doors. "Where's the rope? And why aren't we hunting for Gaius?".
Kirian followed her gaze and let out a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest. "Great heavens… could it be? Is that a reformed hero I see before me?".
Gaius was indeed standing in front of the church, leaning against the heavy oak doors with his arms crossed. He wasn't tied up, he wasn't running, and for once, he was actually waiting for them.
"I decided that being dragged through the dirt by my torso was a look I'd like to retire," Gaius muttered as they approached, his voice as flat and indifferent as ever. "Don't get used to it."
"He's evolving!" Kirian declared, pointing a finger to the sky. "Truly, the influence of a future legend is a powerful thing!".
As they began the familiar, chaotic process of propping up their crooked cardboard sign and draping the lavender-scented bedsheets over the crates, a group of townspeople approached. Usually, they came to ask for help with runaway pigs or heavy flour sacks, but today they were carrying things.
"We saw that… structure… you were working in yesterday," the baker said, gesturing toward the sagging bedsheets. "Thought you might need something that won't fly away if a pigeon sneezes. Consider it thanks for the help with the fruit caravan".
They handed over sturdy wooden planks, a roll of actual canvas, and even some colorful paint.
"Actual wood?" Emilia whispered, her eyes turning into gold coins. "Kirian, stop posing! We're upgrading to a fortress of commerce!".
Just as they were about to start hammering, the sound of rhythmic, steady footsteps caught their attention. Someone was approaching with a grace that felt entirely out of place in the dusty square.
The figure stepped into the light, revealing a girl in a crisp, black-and-white maid outfit. She had sharp, furry ears that twitched at the sound of the birds and a long, fluffy tail that swayed behind her with a life of its own.
"It's been quite a while, hasn't it?" she said, her voice carrying a mix of professional discipline and a hint of a tease.
"Diana?" Emilia blinked, dropping her charcoal stick.
"Diana!" Kirian's jaw hit the floor. His eyes immediately drifted toward the fluffy tail, his brain short-circuiting as he remembered his first crush. There truly was nothing better in his world than a girl with a tail—and, as he noted with a flush, she had certainly grown since she lived in the Zennon household.
Thwack.
Lili retracted her umbrella after a swift bop to the back of Kirian's head. "Stop it. Your face is doing that 'creepy hero' thing again".
Gaius stood back, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the newcomer. He didn't recognize her, but her presence was a stark contrast to the usual chaos of Fareday. He offered a polite, distant nod—the kind one gives to a stranger.
"Master Kirian, Lady Liliana, Miss Emilia," Diana said, performing a perfect, deep bow that showed she had taken her training in the capital very seriously. "I have completed my service at the capital and have been assigned as your personal maid once more. It seems my mother, Camila, thinks you three need a firmer hand than hers to keep you out of trouble".
"Training in the capital?" Emilia's eyes widened. She lunged forward, grabbing Diana's hands. "Forget the hand-holding! Tell me—what are the ladies wearing there? Do you have any accessories? Ribbons? Magic combs? We could sell them as 'Capital Exclusives' right here in Fareday!".
Diana chuckled, a small, genuine smile breaking through her serious facade. "Always thinking of the coins, Emilia. I did bring a few things, though I'm not sure they're for sale just yet."
She looked at the trio, her old friends, and then at the pile of cardboard and new wood. "It seems some things never change. You're still playing at being legends with bedsheets and dreams".
"We're not playing!" Kirian recovered, slicking back his hair. "We are the Quadrate Legends! And now, with a legendary maid by our side, our saga truly begins!".
Lili poked Diana's tail curiously with her umbrella. "Does the capital have better snacks?".
Diana patted Lili's head affectionately. "The best. And don't worry, I brought some for you too."
"Best maid ever," Lili whispered.