These little creatures were either made with her children’s image, or they were her children. She had reincarnated, why couldn’t they? But that would mean they died…
Arle shook her head, and decided to stop thinking about it for now. Maybe the little ones would be able to speak soon enough, and she’ll get some answers.
Well, seeing the little ones on her hands, Arle wondered if there was a specific reason why her mana took their forms.
Maybe, she missed them too much? She’s not ashamed to admit that. They are, and were her children, after all. How could she be embarrassed of who they’ve become?
The cat resembling Lyney glanced at Lucas with a nasty frown, his ears pulled apart to resemble horns, warning the magician not to get closer.
Without a word, Lucas stepped forward, making the cats hiss at him and pull their backs forward to appear bigger, and threatening.
“Stand back.”
Lucas huffed at how Arlecchino was suddenly talking like she had always been a talkative child. He did stand down and even sat on the couch, observing her while feeling the ache in his empty chest at how happy she seemed with them.
Arlecchino has never smiled at him, or laughed, which wasn’t normal according to his books on children. But her chubby cheeks were twitching as she looked at the small creatures. It seemed that she wanted to smile, but couldn’t.
Realizing that made the ache worse.
He watched the grey, male cat move closer to her and gently place a paw on her nose in greeting.
“… They’re quite interesting.”
Lucas shifted in his seat and crossed his arms.
“These little divine beasts aren’t afraid of me. They’re feisty, and protective of each other. Never separate, and they’re always present whenever I get close to you.”
He scoffed and rolled his eyes before speaking.
“They seem to believe I have ulterior motives against you.”
Which is true, but since the little ones are being influenced by Arlecchino’s beliefs, it means that Arle knows he has another reason for taking care of her.
Honestly, he should’ve known fooling her would’ve been impossible. With all of the things she’s been through, how could she not be suspicious?
Still, there’s got to be a way, and Lucas will find it. Those three are too unique for him not to experiment on.
As if sensing his thoughts, the cats hissed at him again. Well, gaining her trust starts with winning over the little ones.
At Lucas’s words about having ulterior motives, Arle looked at him with a single, raised brow that seemed to both mock him for believing she didn’t know, and question him by trying to say; ‘you don’t have them?’
Lucas scoffed out a laugh and moved down to sit on the ground in front of her. He got closer, watching how the cats didn’t hiss, but still moved their tails in thought. No doubt questioning his intentions.
“So? What do you think?”
Lucas was sure Arle could feel it, how the little ones burned her skin upon contact. How her pain was tolerable compared to before.
Her pain was less now, because they had been holding a great part of it. And yet, she didn’t flinch back from feeling what is surely lava on her bare hands. No, she seemed, relieved, and calm upon seeing them.
“…..”
Arle sat down and placed the little ones on the ground.
“Thank you.”
Is all her little voice said, before she started sharing her snacks with them. Lucas frowned while the little ones munched on some crackers.
“I didn’t realize you’d be such a child with them. Then again, I don’t mind it.”
She didn’t look bad, surrounded by small beings, and gently taking care of them. Oddly enough, the image seemed to fit her quite well.
Lucas reached to ruffle her head, only to get hissed at by the top hat cat. He sighed and brought his hand back.
“Arle, control them. Isn’t it sad to have your father unable to give you affection?”
She didn’t even glance at him, just focusing on eating with them. Lucas sighed and stood up.
“Arle, remember the homework I gave you? Of the spell?”
Clearly reluctantly, she raised her head to meet his gaze.
“All you have to do, is form the mana inside you into a sphere. After that, any other command you give it will be met. For example, a sleep bubble.”
Arlecchino’s frown lessened as she heard him.
“A genius like you is sure to figure it out. You have an entire week, seven days to figure this out. I’m sure you can do it.”
Her frown came back, Lucas smiled, satisfied as he showed her the bubble once more. He suddenly popped it, revealing a flower inside the chrystal clear bubble.
“Even this, is possible. I can’t wait to know what you’ll figure out. Arle.”
Before leaving, Lucas flicked the top hat off the biggest cat. Laughing at its hiss before leaving in a cloud of smoke. The three beasts immediately calmed down once he left. They slowly turned to Arlecchino without a hint of fear or hatred in their eyes.
She stared back at them without an expression.
“You three, what are your names?”
They tilted their heads at her in question. She didn’t receive an answer, so she pointed at each and named them.
“Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet. Those are your names now.”
The cats meowed, seemingly pleased while the penguin nodded softly. Her gaze softened before she placed more snacks before them.
“Eat, we have to explore some more.”
After a determined nod, the little ones got to filling their bellies while Arle prepared her plan.
Now that Lucas was gone, she wanted to check out the outside. By now, her side of the ruby palace has been investigated.
Yes, her side, apparently there’s another princess living along with her. For obvious reasons, the maids stayed on that princess side, serving her and only ever came over to steal whatever valuable was left here.
Lucas had seen the princess, and told Arle her competition for the empress throne was formidable. In his words-
“Her magic is good, we’ll have to see if she’s smart enough to use it.”
Arlecchino had stared at him, waiting for him to say more about the princess. But it seems he took her stare as something else. His grin grew before his hand landed on her head.
“Don’t worry, Arle, you’re my only daughter. The throne, and my magic knowledge will belong to you.”
Her only response was a slight frown as his hand started blending her hair colors together with a rough touch.
Speaking of, seeing her features so… Chubby and soft never failed to make her sigh. According to Lucas, she had the color palette of a wolf. Everyone else’s reactions told her that her eyes were cursed like before. So while she hasn’t been able to see her appearance, she’s sure she looks the same way as before.
White hair with a black undertone, obsidian eyes with a touch of red, and of course. The cursed ‘X’ for a pupil. With this appearance, her goal will be difficult, but not impossible.
She became a ‘father’ once before, she can do it again. Arlecchino blinked when something cold touched her hand, she looked down to see the small penguin with its gaze towards her.
Freminet…
“… Is, Lucas similar to what you wanted…?”
Someone who would not only protect and teach, but also try to be affectionate? Arlecchino always thought the rest sessions she gave them after missions, and the extra training was affectionate enough. But Lucas, has made her realize those children didn’t want strength or experience.
They wanted her, her attention, her affection. Not just her approval.
She raised her hand, and grabbed the penguin. Bringing it close to her face before she patted its head the same way Lucas did.
The penguin melted under her touch, she glanced down, and saw the other cats looking up at her with their tails swaying gently.
She placed the penguin down and patted each of them twice, seeing the way their expressions lit up and how they followed her hand to see if more pats came.
Arle hummed, and continued the patting. Now, she kind of understood why Lucas liked to mess her hair up. Seeing them so happy and full of expression, lightened her heart.
With a soft gaze, she stood up and wobbled outside. Two cats and a penguin walking behind her. With soft steps, Arlecchino speed walked down the dirty hall. She always wondered how she could withstand living in such a filthy palace. While Lucas would clean her room with magic, the outside halls would be left with dust.
Lucas didn’t clean the palace, saying it would be a waste of magic, and the filth would help her immune system.
Yes, he really should stop reading those baby books.
But, she can easily breathe right now. Almost like something is cleaning the air around her… Arle turned to the small cat with a ribbon on its tail. She stopped walking, and picked the cat up, feeling a gentle breeze come out of its teal ribbon. Arle continued walking while holding the cat.
Arle will soon return the favor.
‘Pi!’
Arle stopped when the penguin jumped for her attention. Its little feet tabbed the grounds surface before a line of ice covered the stone floors. Freminet jumped again and pointed at it. With a small ‘meow,’ Lynette jumped from Arle’s arms and looked at her expectantly.
Do they… Want her to use the ice as a slide? Well, it would make this easier…
With a gentle sigh, Arle sat down on the ice, her black onesie covered her entirely and protected her from the icy chill the ground immited. All the little ones jumped, Fremi on her lap, Lynette on her shoulder, and Lyney on her head.
The little Lynette cat aimed behind Arle with her tail, wind gathered right where her small, black nose was before the gust pushed Arle forward.
She slid across the ice with ever increasing speed. Arlecchino crossed her arms and looked ahead with a stern face. But her baby cheeks, and small stature didn’t give off the strong and cold aura she wanted to show.
Anyway, thanks to them, the journey was far smoother and less slow.
Arlecchino saw the neat wallpaper that suddenly appeared. She stopped Freminet from continuing the slide and got up. Walking until she reached a clear line where the dirty floor of her area, and the clean, polished surface of Athanasia’s part. The maids, really divided the ruby palace, huh?
Arle huffed, and looked down when she saw the small, grey tail waving around her face for attention. The cats meowed and tilted their heads at her.
She wasn’t sure if normal people could see them… Arle squatted down and patted their heads. Having to let go of Lyney’s head to stroke Fremi’s.
“You three, go hide.”
All three of them looked at her in horror.
“Listen to me, hide. I’ll call you if I need help. Unless I’m in danger, don’t show up.”
They frowned, staying still as the cats let their tails move between their legs and lowered their ears. Seeing them like this, was too familiar.
Arle patted them once more with no expression.
“Go on, I won’t say it again.”
With a low ‘meow,’ they ran back the way they came. Glancing back at her as they blended with the shadows. Arle stood up, and walked forward, passing the line dividing the palace. Once her feet touched the clean surface, it felt like something had left her and stayed behind on her side.
When she turned back, a faint maroon wall shined. Arle easily recognized Lucas’s magic, and touched it. What was the purpose of this wall? To alert Lucas of any intruders? Or if she had left the palace?
Whatever the reason, Arlecchino knew this wall of magic would be useful later on. She hasn’t practiced yet, but making a bubble should be easy…
Wait, is it similar to how her vision would work? Or is there another trick to it?
To start with, Arle closed her eyes, and
imagined the feeling of when she gained her vision. The bloodied corpse of her ‘mother’, the emptiness in her mind as she stared down at the watered blood, while the cold rain hit her head and shoulders.
With a sigh, Arle opened her eyes and saw a spark of a blood red flame appear. She stared at it long enough to make it grow, and take a circular shape. The new bubble floated up, a mixture of black and red that shined under the sun.
As always, the fire coursing through her veins grew with the usage. She inhaled shakily and frowned. Focusing on her breath while the bubbles ‘popped’ on its own. Well, she did half of the homework Lucas gave her. The command can wait for later. Passing out so far away from her room isn’t ideal.
Arle was so focused on the pain, she didn’t hear or sense the woman walking towards her.
“Who’s there?”
With a barely noticeable jolt, Arle turned back, seeing a maid with brown hair neatly tied up. Her baby blue eyes opened wide as she stopped a couple meters away with a hand obove her heart.
“That’s… Your highness?”
Now what? She hasn’t interacted with maids since the assassination attempt. But this maid was just standing there, and looking at her. The maid started walking forward until she reached Arlecchino. She slowly knelt down and smiled gently at her.
“What is your highness doing here? Where’s your maid?”
As annoying as Lucas was, Arle had to give him credit where it was due. He always made sure she was clean, and gave her a different outfit each day. When her hair grew enough, he even started styling it into ponytails.
Saying it was daughter father bonding. Ever since she started exploring, he changed her short sleeves for long ones in case she got hurt and to protect her skin from the dust.
She couldn’t escape the skirts, though. Even now, when she’s wearing pants, there’s a big, and puffy skirt along her waist. Also, her shoes were comfortable and worthy of whatever price Lucas would sell them for.
The point is, no one would be able to tell Arle doesn’t have a maid, or even a clean palace thanks to Lucas.
Since she’s quite chubby, her complexion is healthy, and her clothes are tailored and unique to her.
The maid looked behind Arle, only seeing the hall of the cursed princess and no one nearby. She looked down and smiled at her while moving closer.
“Excuse me, princess.”
Her hands went to grab Arle’s waist.
“No.”
She stopped and looked at the princess with wide eyes. Arle placed her hands on the ground, and used their support to slowly stand up.
“I’m fine.”
Despite what she said, the maid still reached out to support her in case she fell. Arle watched her smile, but it seemed a bit sadder now with a hint of proudness in her eyes.
“I see, the princess is very smart.”
The maid nodded to herself.
“Still, would you like a snack? I’m sure the other princess, your sister, would love to see you.”
Considering the princess is her age, one year old, Arlecchino highly doubted she even knew Arle existed. Meeting the princess wouldn’t be a bad idea, but…
Arlecchino looked at the maid, their eyes met, and she smiled warmly. Arle couldn’t see anything odd, or malicious in them. That’s why she shook her head.
“I have to go back.”
The shocked blink the maid made, caused Arle to frown. She quickly changed her words and tone, appearing more childish and cute.
“… Get home. I will. Home…?”
Is that enough to appear normal? The maid smiled with a chuckle, looking at her with even more endearment and… Something Lucas always showed in his eyes whenever he pinched her cheek. Fondness.
“Alright, princess. Do you need help to go back?”
Arle tried to remember how the younger kids in the House of Hearth acted. Finally, she spinned to face her part of the castle, back straight like a small soldier.
“No need. I know the way… I obviously know the way.”
She stepped forward, one hand moving along with her leg as she started walking away. But the maid followed her…
“… Don’t- no. No follow…”
“I’m sorry, princess, I just want to make sure you’re safe.”
She’s fine. But you’re not! Arle was sure this maid would be excluded among her peers if they saw her with the cursed princess. She wasn’t a kid. She didn’t need help for something so simple!
Arle stopped and turned to face her, looking up at her without an expression. Her gaze dark, the only sign of light, was the red ‘X’ inside her pupils.
“Stay. That’s an order from the imperial princess.”
The maid flinched, not only from her gaze, but also her words and serious tone. Arlecchino continued with an even harsher, and commanding tone.
“Do not follow me. You are not allowed to enter my side of the ruby palace. Also, do not speak of this encounter.”
Arlecchino lowered her head slightly to seem more dangerous.
“Understood?”
Lilian stood still, completely frozen as she observed the princess. At that moment, she was reminded of her mother. That cold, yet kind person that won his majesty’s trust, and affection along with lady Diana. There was a time when she was her maid, where the lady had used that same tone of voice that carried authority, and belonged to royalty.
“Lilian, do not be present for my daughter’s birth. That’s an order.”
She had never understood why she would order her that. But now, upon seeing a smaller version of her, Lilian realized why.
“… Princess, have you received a name? If so, may I hear it?”
The princess stared at her for a minute, before answering with a flat tone.
“Arlecchino.”
Lilian felt her heart be squeezed until it couldn’t escape the invisible grip.
“Arlecchino, de Alger Obelia…”
Lady, is the reason you gave birth alone, and dealt with everything all on your own, until you had no choice but to receive help due to his majesty’s intervention… Because you were hoping to escape with her…?
Lilian went down on her knees and gently grabbed Arlecchino’s hand. Her smile made Arle stop resisting.
“Princess, please don’t hesitate to come here. You will always be welcome in Princess Athanasia’s part of the palace.”
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