Amande had begun to heal.
With corruption exposed and justice swiftly administered under Liselotte's growing influence, there came space—space to breathe, rebuild, and strengthen the foundations of a new rule. In the inner courtyard of her estate, Liselotte Cretia stood beneath the morning sun, awaiting two trusted companions.
Jon and Sam arrived together, the former still bandaged across his missing eye, the latter now confident in both magic and spirit arts. Ren walked beside Sam, arms folded, giving Jon her usual indifferent glance.
As they approached, Liselotte gestured to a third figure standing quietly behind her.
The woman wore a pristine maid's attire with the bearing of someone born to nobility. She was tall, her posture straight, with sharp purple eyes that carried a calculating yet tranquil weight. Her golden braid fell past her waist.
Liselotte:
"Jon, Sam—allow me to introduce you to Aria Governess, daughter of the fallen House Governess of Beltrum. Her family stood against the nobles who abused their people. They paid dearly for it."
Aria bowed deeply, her blank expression unreadable yet respectful.
Aria:
"It is an honor to meet the Sword and the Mind of Lady Liselotte."
Jon raised a brow. "You've got the presence of a battle-hardened knight, not a head maid."
Aria's lip twitched in the barest hint of a smile. "I was trained in both. My father believed knowledge and blades must walk side by side."
Sam (curious):
"And what role will you play here?"
Liselotte:
"Aria will serve as my Head Attendant and the Supervisor of the Ricca Guild. She'll be my eyes and ears. And yours, when necessary."
Ren looked between them and muttered, "Another woman with piercing eyes and secrets... this will be fun."
---
Later that day, Aria joined Jon and Sam for a tour of the guildhall she would soon manage. Despite her refined demeanor, she displayed remarkable insight—pointing out weaknesses in defense, inefficient bookkeeping, and staff training flaws without hesitation.
Jon (impressed):
"You remind me of a younger Benjen... if he wore lace."
Aria (deadpan):
"And you remind me of the mercenaries who tried to storm my family's estate. Only, you seem to think before speaking."
Sam chuckled while Jon blinked, then grinned. He liked her.