"Can you clean up this mess?" Jett asked as he peeked at the chunks of earth and splattered blood littering his Rose Garden.
"Of course, Master Jett." Mia bowed low before gently extending her hand, animating the entire garden.
The soil opened like a monstrous maw, devouring rotten flesh and spectral remnants with a wet, sucking sound. Waves of earth swept across the ground, as if sharks patrolled beneath, restoring order under Jett's curious gaze. The spectacle held him rapt, but his eyes kept drifting back to Mia, standing tall and composed, orchestrating it all with her outstretched palm.
"Will the Harbinger come here?" Jett asked.
"The chances are slim, Master Jett. The Harbinger hasn't assumed a single form in a long time. If it ever chose to adopt a sentient shape, it would unlikely abandon its invasive nature. It's safe to assume the Harbinger exists everywhere in countless guises, each acting independently. This particular fragment was too weak to reach its stronger counterparts and alert them to your location."
"I get that, but why do they operate independently?" Jett asked.
Mia smiled. "Because they are the opposite of the Warden, Master Jett. The Harbinger thrives on competition, revels in revolts and wars. It's unlikely any would cooperate unless one tamed the others."
"I see." Jett nodded, satisfied.
He reflected on the difference: the Warden—whom he envisioned as the one uniting all his maids—stood in stark contrast to the Harbinger. He had no intention of ostracizing any maid. He sought to forge bonds, fulfilling his role and repaying the Warden Mansion for choosing him.
"What about titles and levels?" Jett continued as Mia tended the garden. "It's strange that my titles don't have ranks."
"Titles and levels are interwoven, Master Jett," Mia explained. "Titles are ranked—common, rare, epic, legendary, even mythical—denoting their complexity and how many wield them. Only three may share a mythical title, up to five for legendary, and so on. When a title has no rank, it has reached its peak and can be held by only one."
"So you're the only one blessed by nature and the moon?" Jett asked.
Mia's gentle smile brightened. "Yes, Master Jett."
"You're incredible, Mia."
"You flatter me, Master Jett. As for levels, they rise with a title's rank and as one's mana pool expands—though that growth usually ties back to the title."
In the blink of an eye, Mia completed her work. Jett praised her again, then took her hand and led her toward the mansion. On the way home, Mia hummed softly at his side, pressing against his arm and nearly skipping with joy. Her mood uplifted him.
I must have nailed those compliments—she's so happy. I did it so naturally I can't recall exactly what I said. She makes me want to spoil her more, but I'm curious about the other maids, too.
If he'd lost his composure, he would've rushed to his bedroom to examine the other maids' portraits without regard for Mia's feelings. After all, his reward lay in expanding his ranks. Any maid drawn to Warden Mansion expected him to grow his collection.
No, they didn't come seeking love. It's politics and self‑interest, like an arranged marriage. I'm drawn to Mia, and I know she feels the same, but we're here for different reasons.
As they reached the mansion's grand doors, Jett said, "I'll take a quick bath and awaken the second maid."
Mia bowed. "Understood, Master Jett. Whomever you choose, I will fully cooperate to fulfill all your goals and desires. None of us will cause you discomfort."
Jett slid his fingers under Mia's chin, lifting her face, and he felt her breath hitch as her eyes fluttered open. "In my house, be true to your feelings and desires. Just as I want you more affectionate when we're alone, I want you genuine around the other maids. No pretenses—we keep business separate from private life at the mansion."
"Yes, Master Jett…" Mia whispered, her cheeks scarlet as she gazed at him. "May I join you in your bath?"
"Hmmm?" Jett tilted his head. "You don't think I'll let you stay dressed in your maid uniform? Get naked and jump in with me, Mia."
"YES! YES! YES!" Mia exclaimed, her excitement as vibrant as when she discovered her elven magic. She took Jett's hand and pulled him toward the mansion.
Their destination: the bath.
A cascade of water splashed as they entered, and waves caused by the plop-plop-plop of flesh meeting flesh lapped repeatedly at the pool's edge.
...
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