--POV: Saria--

It is still dark, even with the sky slowly beginning to brighten. This is the usual time for me to wake up, as a result I immediately begin my normal morning routine.

First I enter the small bathroom and wash my face, before picking up a towel to clean my horns and tail. Then, just as I am used to it, I make my hair. This time I will go with the pony-tail style, as that one is easy to make even for someone like me who possesses horns. Maybe I should make braids next time?

Anyhow, using darkness-magic to apply shade to my face like makeup, I then immediately infuse some mana into my skin to freshen it up. This is actually a little trick I learned from Arin... I mean the young master himself. He once said that every time he used martial arts and magic combined by infusing mana into his skin, he would afterwards look fresh and clean, giving it a healthy glow.

Thanks to that hint, I no longer need to take any makeup with me as my magic and mana can do the job.

Satisfied with my reflection, I immediately put on my clothes. Putting on the simple leather-shoes provided to me as well as my maid-dress with the frugal design, I then pick up the head-ware which resembles a Barrett like the ones soldiers wear.

As a personal-maid, this isn't enough. And just like I am used to, I place the usual daggers onto my tights where it is hidden by the long skirt. Within my shoes, I quickly test if the retractable poison-blade still works, before hiding it again and returning to a neural position.

On my elbow I also carefully place the two elemental-stones I use to strengthen my magic. Humans believe that one needs an external carrier for stones, but thanks to the research we keep doing within the dragon-mountains and the knowledge of Sir Illois, we can easily install such stones even in clothing and use them just as effectively.

Finishing my preparations, I leave my room and make my way towards Arin's chambers, preparing myself to wake him up. Normally I would first visit the kitchen and check if the food is ready, yet as a guest this obligation is no longer on me, but the local servants and subordinates.

Making my way past the countless windows installed in the walls, I quickly manage to reach little Arins bedroom. Once there, I first knock on the door, announcing my presence. Not feeling any of the presences inside react however, I then quietly open the door and enter.

Inside, I am greeted by an unexpected sight, resulting in a big grin forming on my face. There, lying on the bed I easily spot the young master as he is being embraced by young Sumi. His face is completely red and has a very delicate expression on.

On the other hand, Sumi couldn't display a more beautiful smile, her relaxed expression lighting up the whole room. I actually feel reluctant to even wake them up just yet, so I soundlessly move along the room and clean up whatever was lying around. I even found little Arins shoes, which appear to have been flung across the room.

I don't know what occurred here, but it appears that Arin woke up at one point. As a result, seeing the evidence around me, I slowly begin making a mental image to myself, allowing me to guess what exactly went down here.

If it truly is as I expect it, then I can only say that young master had bad.. no, very good luck. However, guessing from the young masters age and reaction to such topics, I believe he wasn't too thrilled when it occurred.

Anyway, having nothing more to do, I just pull up a chair and make myself comfortable, sitting still while watching the two sleeping treasures. It is funny actually, seeing little Arins body shudder every time young Sumi is breathing past his silver-white ears.

And guessing from the expression he is wearing, I believe he isn't used to dealing with such delicate situations.

All in all, I think this is just too adorable, watching the two sleep together like this. I personally had a dark past, having to watch over the young dragons on their live-journey whenever they entered complicated territory. I also saw many things I wish I could forget. Yet seeing Arin and Sumi like this, I feel like I can just forget everything and enjoy the moment.

Anyway, my former job aside, I truly enjoy my new one. I have to be thankful to miss Snowfall for introducing me to it. I actually thought this would be a hard or boring job when I first started it, but it changed rather quickly.

Anyway, watching Sumi sniffle due to Arins ears tickling her nose, I quickly corrected my bright smile and pose to appear more professional.

I really have to get rid of this bad habit of smiling so freely, what will the young master otherwise think of me...? Anyway, seeing her slowly open her eyes I return the chair to its original position and make my way over to her, standing by the bed in order to receive them.

It is officially part of my duties to wake them up, yet recalling the current situation this can be exempted.

Opening her eyes, Sumi first took a look around the room before she rested them on me, her gaze still hazy.

Yawning once which displayed her white teeth, she then greeted me with half-closed eyes.

“Yaawn... morning Miss Saria~” (Sumi)

With her voice trailing off towards the end, I only show a smile as I walk towards the windows and remove the curtains, allowing sunlight to enter the room.

“Good morning Sumi, I hope you slept well. You seem to be very relaxed.” (Saria)

I long stopped calling her young mistress when talking to her, as she is very uncomfortable with it. Though that doesn't mean that I will not refer to her as such when needed.

Meanwhile, with the sunlight flooding the place, Sumi reflexively closed her eyes as she adjusted herself, allowing me to move to the second window and repeat the process.

After she rubbed her eyes with her left arm, she then opened them, fully displaying the beautiful dark black irises she owns.

Looking towards her, I show a big smile to which she reacts the same way. It seems she hasn't yet fully realized, so I believe I can tease her for a bit.

“You seem strangely refreshed today Sumi, have you slept that well?” (Saria)

Asking a question to test the waters, I immediately got a reply that would allow me to exploit her a bit.

“Yes... it was very comfy...” (Sumi)

Listening to her bashful voice, I nearly feel bad for doing what I am about to do... but only nearly...

“You mean what you were holding onto was very comfortable? That is good to hear, as in the future you will probably be able to hold onto it more often.” (Saria)

Saying so, I redirected my gaze at little Arin still sleeping in her arms, his expression still strained and red.

Sumi followed my gaze and looked towards Arin with an interested expression, probably wanting to know what I mean by 'being able to hold it more often'.

Her expression once she realized what she was holding onto however is glorious. Her mouth open wide, her face crimson and her eyes showing slight panic.

I feel bad, but also good for doing this. Seeing the adorable reaction of Sumi who seems to forget I am here, I can't help but show a wide grin. It is fun to tease this little youngling, both hers and Arins reactions are always so innocent and cute... It seems that even Sir Geyser has trouble dealing with it, especially when Arin... young master asks questions that are pure in intent, but can easily be misunderstood.

Oh, I need to calm down... my heart is racing again...

Still holding onto that huge grin plastered on my face, I continue to watch Sumi as she struggles to regain her calm. I wish this would continue for a while and I could continue teasing her, but that can cause problems, so let's stop here.

Coughing once, I watch as Sumi nearly jumps in surprise, her tails shooting up in reaction. Her eyes warily watch me as her tails slowly fall back down, her face pouting with her ears falling flat onto her head, indicating that she must feel indignant.

But I just can't stop, those large cute eyes combined with her expression, her tails and ears... I wish I could just hug her.

Anyway, after clearing my throat again I help Sumi out of the bed, her expression still embarrassed with a hint of anger. Seems like I went a bit too far...

In the end however, she still let me help her remove her clothes and guide her to the bathroom. Once there, I left her in the care of the elven servants of the palace and returned to wake up little Arin.

It didn't take long, as only calling out to him once allowed his body to relax once more and his eyes to open.

He didn't show an exaggerated reaction, yet his face remained brightly lit in a crimson color the whole time. Feeling him staggering around, I hold his hands and help him undress, before placing a towel around him and guiding him towards the bathroom.

Guiding him there, I then help him wash his hair and fur, allowing me to have a short moment of bliss while enjoying the sensation. Afterwards I wash him down and let him enter the pool, before leaving the bathroom to prepare the required clothes.

It appears that Master Geyser is also coming to bathe, so I quickly notified him about Arins state, to which he just nodded his head. As a precaution, I also left Arins fresh clothes with him before I continue making my way towards the female section of the guest bathroom...

As a result, having finished my first morning duties, I then prepare a fresh set of clothes for young Sumi before I enter the bath. I think it is time for some girl-talk...

--Arin--

Hearing my name being called, I slowly feel my consciousness return. I am still groggy, so before I knew it, Saria helped me off the bed while holding me by my arms. The bed is empty, so I guess Sumi already woke up. But remembering what happened tonight, I once more feel my face heat up, embarrassment knocking on the back of my mind.

While my face slowly turned crimson, Saria helped me remove the clothes I was still wearing from yesterday, before she brought me a towel and guided me to the bath. I still feel embarrassed, so I hide my face and body using my tails. Actually, using small towels is close to impossible if one owns tails, so I mostly use the tails instead.

Once there, I am placed on a small stool where she begins to clean my hair and tails using a weird kind of shampoo. Rinsing me down once she was finished, she guided me to the bath itself, where I then slowly submerged myself, with only my nose and eyes remaining above the water.

Saria left shortly after, when instead Uncle Black entered the bath with big strides. He also washed his hair and afterwards used some kind of gel to smear on his horns and tail, making them glisten in the light. Curious about what he was doing, I speak up.

“Morning Uncle Black. I have a question, what kind of gel is this?” (Arin)

Pointing with my finger at the bottle he held moments ago, Uncle Black quickly realizes what I am talking about and smiles in my direction.

“Morning Arin. You seem to have slept well. Anyway, to answer your curiosity, this is actually polish, something like shampoo that is for scales instead of hair or fur, very useful for us dragons.” (Uncle Black)

I am thankful for the explanation, but this all-knowing smile Uncle Black has on really irks me. So, refusing to talk any longer, I once more submerge myself in the warm water, clearly feeling how it drifts past my skin and soaks my hair.

My hair is already very long, so it becomes heavy once it is wet, but to me that doesn't matter. Feeling refreshed, I once more surface, raising my face above the water.

Above me, more and more mist gathers, coloring the surroundings white. Still, my mind is elsewhere.

Looking down, I become fascinated by my legs, which both have strong muscles and are easy to move even under water... Maybe because of the dream I had, but feeling the strength in my legs...

*Drop... drop...

Feeling tears stream down my face, I quickly use my left arm to wipe them away, unwilling to let myself look weak. Sadly, that action only sprayed more water onto my face, causing me to whelp in surprise. During all that, Uncle Black already entered the bath, placing his hand on my head.

He didn't say anything, only smiled towards me before leaning back and submerging himself in the water. He probably noticed my actions, so I am glad for the simple comfort. Thinking that far, I just decided to be happy to have it, and be grateful for it. As a result, I quickly regain my vigor and submerged myself again as well.

Actually, Uncle Blacks Body is very toned, with muscles nearly bursting all around his body. On the other hand, my body sill looked rather fragile, with my muscles being visible, but not prominent.

Anyway, there was something I already saw more than once, but surprises me every time. All over Uncle Blacks body, I can see scars, many having different forms and sizes.

I also had some serious accidents already, which I regret, but none of them ever left a scar. As a result I feel weirded out every time I see Uncle Black's.

Still, after I had enough, I reemerge from the water and leave the pool, creating wet footprints as I walk on the marble floor, causing a small pit-pat sound to echo. I then quickly pick up my towel by tiptoeing to reach the holder and use it to dry my hair and tails.

Normally it would take a while, yet using wind magic as well as the warmth from fire-magic, it was done after a few minutes. I actually noticed recently that I can 'isolate' my hair, ears and tails when I want, allowing them to just shed water off instead of getting soaked, that is boring however.

“If you are looking for your fresh clothes, Saria left them to me, they are placed on the cabinet near the sink.” (Uncle Black)

Hearing Uncle Blacks voice, I immediately go to the mentioned cabinet to take a look. Placed there is a fresh set of underwear which I immediately put on, as well as a green shirt and a white jacket with long sleeves. The pants are also white, one that is also carefully made from something akin to solid cloth. The shoes that come with them are black leather-shoes my size, making it easy to wear.

If I now had a Barrett, then I would not be much different from a soldier in officials clothing. Looking at myself, I begin buttoning up the jacket before stepping out of the bathroom. Outside I am greeted by Saria who shows a huge smile once she sees me coming. She immediately approached me and straightened my clothes a bit.

I already wore those clothes several times, mostly on special occasions involving Uncle Black. I still had to yawn however, as somehow I still felt tired after the bath. Maybe the warm water was a bit too comfortable...?

Anyway, while waiting for Uncle Black to finish up and come out, Saria helped me comb my hair while wearing a big smile. Over time, the others appeared, such as Alice & Anna as well as Sumi who came from the bathroom. When Sumi and I met eyes however, both of us immediately turned away. I still feel embarrassed at what happened, so I just used one of my tails to hide my face.

Meanwhile, Anna continued to blab around, talking about how we missed a real light-show of magic made by the elves. She also got into very deep detail about how many animals and monsters made of magic appeared and the flowers decorating our path. I think she wants to make me jealous? Well, its working.

Feeling slightly vexed, I leave Sarias hold after she was finished and hop towards the window, wanting to know where we are.

I could already make a guess based on what was already talked about... yet, looking outside, I felt my eyes open wide...

What is this place...?

Outside I caught sight off a huge city stretching out from the tall building we are in, decorated with countless buildings that all had similar colors unlike the ones at the harbor. Beyond it however, I could spot a large crevice, even larger than the Abryssal-Canyon I saw before. Special was though that everywhere countless islands were floating around, with even the smallest ones being bigger than Uncle Blacks mansion in the dragon-mountains.

Astonished and shocked, I just let my mouth hang open wide while looking outside, only regaining myself when I hear Sarias voice coming from behind.

“We are currently within the Royal-Palace of the Elven-Island, and what you see before you is nothing else but the place where high-human greed overflowed for the first and last time.” (Saria)

Picking up on the dark hint in her voice, I turned towards Saria hoping for a clearer explanation, which she readily gives to me.

Once I heard it however... Who knew that this whole island actually floats directly above the first crack of this world...

Having been given enough mind-food for the early morning, I immediately sit down on a chair nearby and continue to wait. It didn't take long after for Uncle Black to show up, his clothes reminding myself of those special suits everyone wore in the agent-movies... what was it called again? Texo.. Tonix... Tuxedo... yes exactly, a Tuxedo.

Watching Uncle Black leave the bath with a satisfied smile on his face, I immediately greet him, which he answers by lifting me on his shoulder.

And like that, he nods towards the others as we make our way onward. Though I really hope we are going to eat breakfast soon. I am not really hungry... I just have a great appetite.

Walking past countless columns and windows decorating the walls, we quickly reach a large hall with a huge table in the middle. In front of the table however, we are greeted by a mass of people, all of them wearing colorful and fine clothing.

And like on command, the rows of people behind the five in front all bow, lifting their arms while pressing their palms together.

Unable to understand, I lower my head a little to ask Uncle Black about this, to which he answers that it is a greeting towards the Trees chosen ones.

I still don't understand, why do they even bow? Seeing them bow towards me makes me feel weird, making me wish they would raise their heads already.

Yet unlike the others, the five in front only make a small gesture before introducing themselves. Of the five of them I actually know one, and that is Sage Zaryph who continues to stand there in a long green robe with a flower design.

On the other hand, I have never seen the other four, so I carefully listened to their introduction. Though, one of them has a very weird and subtle smell on him... I think I know this smell...

Anyway, the introductions began with the person on the left, a middle-aged elf with a white long goatee and green, flicked back hair. His clothing is elegant, showing the symbol of the sun on his shoulders while small pendants seemingly drape down on the side of it. I believe that with the length of the robe that surpasses the Sages, one could even clean the floor with. I do keep my mouth shut however, as that fact could be insulting. Uncle Black made a whole lesson once about such things... I don't want to repeat it.

That aside, said person introduces himself as the Prime-minister Benz, the caretaker of the Elven-Island in the absence of an official King or Queen.

From there on, the three individuals whom I perceive to be the royalty introduce themselves.

“Hello chosen ones of the World Tree. My name is Invicta Naturae, First Princess of the Elven Royal Family. It is an honor to meet you.” (Muscle Head Princess?)

This should be the muscle-head Uncle Black warned me about, telling me that I should not react should she desire a duell or fight. She has deep brown hair reminding me of roots, with leaf-like dark-green eyes. Yet seeing her stand there all dignified in a large dress decorated with roses, I can't tell if she is truly as bad as Uncle Black told me she is. Though, I do feel a strong sense of nervousness and giddiness from her, so she must be unruly.

Actually, I noticed the reason shortly after, as beside her ear a tiny leaf was floating about, and strengthening my ears with mana, I could actually hear a silent whisper coming from it.

[I am warning you Invicta, try to even challenge one of the chosen ones and I will officially turn you into one of my shrine-maidens, and you perfectly know what that implies.]

I don't know whom the voice belongs to, yet it is strangely familiar. It sounds like a threat, yet seeing her holding back upon hearing it, I don't think I have space to complain. On the other hand, Uncle Blacks reaction is impressive, as both he and the others currently still bowing to us react confused towards the dignified and natural greeting the Princess gives us.

I guess their expectations were shattered.

Anyway, having finished her introduction, she glanced over to the other two standing there next to her. It begins with the taller one of the two, who's wearing a simple uniform decorated with the image of a sapling, while a thin metal chord hangs over his shoulder-piece. His short hair is light-blue and he has the same green eyes as the princess. Actually, his voice is deep and powerful, making it especially loud. All in all, he seemed relaxed and calm. Also, right behind him is a woman with the same exact scent on her as him... are they related?

“Hey there, my name is Fertilis Naturae, nice to meet you, chosen ones.” (Fertilis Naturae)

Holding one hand on his heart, he made a second bow. Afterwards his eyes become sharp as he stubbed the last person, which resulted in the latter jumping up a bit.

“Oh, sorry. I'm Auxerunt Naturae, nice to make your acquaintance.” (Auxerunt Naturae)

I don't really know how to describe him, as both his character and appearance suggest that he is hurried and unkempt. His clothing choice is also weird, as on sight it is not much different from just throwing a mantel over the casual clothing. He also looks tired, as under his deep-gray eyes, dark circles can be spotted, already resembling makeup. His bluish hair is also a mess, forcefully combed back, with a few even springing back up giving him a funny appearance as a whole.

I actually had to stifle a laugh when catching sight of him, even if his demeanor and clothing reeked of unwillingness to be here.

But I also have another reason to be interested in him, the reason being that I can actually catch a whiff of a very unique scent on him, one I am too familiar with... chocolate.

I don't know why he smells like chocolate, yet it is definitely there. I will have to ask him about it later.

Having finished introductions, everyone stands back up and walks to the side, with several people coming to greet us personally, including the royalty. As I am sitting on Uncle Black's shoulder, I am not drowning in the crowd and can easily overlook everyone, but having so many people gather around me makes me uncomfortable.

Uncle Black easily receives everyone and answers questions left and right, while others continue to just look at me from a bit of a distance. I can feel that Uncle Black is forcing himself a bit, yet I can't really do anything to help... Having an idea, I use my tails that are hanging down to press against Uncle Blacks back, making something similar to a massage I once saw on TV. Uncle Black is surprised at first, but after a moment he tapped my hand once in thanks before continuing with the talks.

They actually talked for a very long time about different topics of which most I couldn't really make sense of yet. So while they conversed, I distracted myself by inspecting the hall and its details. I actually first planned to go over to Sumi, Anna, Alice and Saria, though the crowd would probably block me off.

As a result, I could only watch as they were standing surrounded by their own crowd, even if it couldn't compare to ours in size.

Luckily, after another twenty minutes when I was already feeling drowsy again, the end of the meeting was announced and countless elven maids with large dishes entered the hall.

Many of the nobles took this as a signal to leave, making their way to the entrance, while others in higher positions took their respective seats at the table.

Uncle Black also let me down, placing me on a seat that had been heightened by using several cushions. Sumi is seated to the left of me, while Uncle Black is sitting to my right. Looking around, the table we sit at is large enough to accommodate at least fifty people, yet the whole table is filled with different kinds of food, many of which I have never seen before. It is like a great ocean made of countless kinds of food spreading out before me...

Swallowing my saliva, I ask Uncle Black if I can begin eating, to which he nodded with a wide grin. Getting confirmation, I don't wait long and dig in, enjoying every bite...

-Saria-

Looking at Arins relaxed face as he stuffed himself with food, I couldn't help but smile. Actually, during the welcome-ceremony I could see him nearly fall asleep, his head bobbing up and down from time to time as he was nodding off.

Well, seeing him regain some vigor by eating, I just remain at my position behind him. As a personal-maid, it is my duty to do so after all.

Anyway, all the others also begin to eat, their eyes every so often drawn to Arin. Some had peculiar lights reflected in their eyes, while others smiled just like me, also taken in by Arins cuteness.

Well, if it wasn't for the older Prince always bragging about how most of the fruits and vegetables here were farmed by him in a loud voice while hugging his wife, I believe that the gazes on Arin would have been more prominent.

Like that, half an hour passed, and Arin was finished eating. He then placed his utensils onto his plate as a signal that he was finished before sitting back, his eyes absentmindedly staring holes in the air.

Then it happened, his eyes slowly lost focus and his eyelids blinked more often, meaning he was nodding off again. And like that, a scene occurred that one wouldn't guess could happen within a royal palace.

Arin slowly lost focus and his head began dropping down, nearly hitting the table. Yet, as his head approached the table, I could hear gasps and shocks running through the others present, many of the elves even holding their breath as they stared wide-eyed.

And just before Arin hit the table, he suddenly regained himself and propped himself back up, resulting in a wave of relieved sighs. Shortly after however, Arin once more lost focus and dropped his head, the whole game beginning anew, with elves staring at him, worried he might hit his head if he completely passed out. I don't even know if any of the elves are even eating anymore, as everyone is continuously staring at Arin, their reactions changing every time he was about to completely fall asleep, some even in panic as he could get injured on impact.

In the end, what had to occur occurred, and Arin completely fell asleep. Yet before he could hit the table, I picked him up and held him in my arms, preparing to bring him back to bed.

Looking at Sir Geyser, he only nodded in my direction before continuing to taste the steak in front of him. I can't blame him, that steak is from a rare beast and a popular specialty, but he should become more aware of Arin even when he is eating.

Those thoughts aside, I prob the sleeping Arin in my arms up once more before stepping out of the hall, passing by several hallways as I enter Arins room once more. There, I take of his shoes and socks before removing the jacket, which would be uncomfortable to sleep with.

As a result, I really feel the urge to take out some of the clothes I still had with me and just put them on him. Sadly though, it is only fun when Arin is awake, as the teasing is one of the best parts. Still, seeing him innocently burrow his head in my shoulder while his ears and tails skip around , I could barely keep myself from squealing in delight. However, probably because he ate just now, I could feel him biting down on my shoulder, the pain slowly becoming apparent. Luckily he didn't put any strength into it, yet he easily bit through my clothes down on my skin.

I am little shocked as that cloth could even resist sword-slashes, yet as I begin to calmly stroke Arins hair, he released his bite and relaxed, his breathing evening out. Still, this bite, even without using much strength, could have easily injured a normal person. As a result, I am once more made aware of how much of a danger he actually is to himself and those around him, so I can only hope he never leaves the right path.

Still, even as he wasn't biting he continued to cling to my clothes, making it as if the previous situation never happened. I truly have to be careful around him, yet as his personal maid I shall never abandon him when he needs me.

In the end, after savoring the moment for a little longer, I lied him back into bed before pulling up the blanket and tucking him in, leaving him there as I made my way back to the door.

Looking back however, I spotted the figure of Miss Lumi sitting next to the bed all of a sudden, calmly holding one of Arins hands. She has a soft smile on her lips as she watches her Son, before nodding towards me in thanks. I believe at least it is in thanks...

Bowing respectfully towards her, I then leave the room and close the door. Afterwards I stand guard in front of the room, doing what I am supposed to;

Guarding the physical and mental health of the young Master, and assisting him in any way possible.