[Seraphine's POV]
'The cold Abyss and this feeling of being unable to protect my master. What should I do? No one would accept me. Even if someone accepts me, I would surely be dead as soon as the Imperial family bastards caught up to me.' My thoughts were spiraling.
I was in disarray and devastated; my master, a benevolent prince, was ambushed and killed simply because he didn't want to take part in the brutal succession war. Even when he openly announced his exile from the empire, he was still hunted and murdered.
As his one and only battle maid, I was unable to protect him. Yet in the end he only wished me happiness and promised me to not take any burden about him, but master, how could a maid be happy without her master that she failed to protect?
While I was contemplating whether to kill myself or hide somewhere because the world was cruel to unowned things, and I had just become a thing with no master in this world. I didn't want to be subjected to inhumane, brutal treatment and slavery.
Out of nowhere, some glowing words appeared in front of me in a bluish-colored and golden-rimmed panel.
[Would you like a chance to save your life and serve as a maid to a different master?]
This startled me; I was taken aback. I looked around me frantically to see if I was found and if this was some magic or sorcery. But my senses didn't find anything.
I whispered, "Who is this?"
Even after waiting for some seconds, but no reply came, my mind started thinking of all possible scenarios.
I may not have been at the top of the power level, but I was powerful enough to be known as one of the most powerful battle maids, and I didn't come across anything like this.
The screen stayed the same, and I asked something different: "If I accept, what would happen to me?" This time the screen changed.
[Your Power level would be increased and you would be transported to where your master is present.]
Again, I felt like this was out of my bounds. I didn't understand how something like this happen, but at the same time, this also felt like a chance that might never appear again. This option, if real, was much better than the prospect of staying here.
I steeled my resolve and collected my tattered heart. If I get a chance to live again a dignified life, albeit under a new master, I would take it with both hands. This time I won't let my master die, at least not before me.
It doesn't matter what the conditions are; I would be his shield, his sword, and help my master accomplish whatever he desires.
I, Seraphine, promise under the heavens that I will not fail again. With these thoughts in my mind, I uttered the words, "I accept."
The surroundings near me were filled with some kind of light as my body floated slightly. I felt soothing and calmness all over my body as years of scars and pain in my body healed.
I felt my power increasing but also felt my consciousness slipping. The last thing that registered in my mind was that I suddenly vanished from my current position as I fell asleep.
Suddenly, I felt a slight tug at my consciousness as some new information appeared in my mind, things I had never known before. I also felt like my body was being remade; I still felt the same but also new at the same time.
The new information started unfolding; I was transferred to a world known as Aetherionis. This world has many species, some I knew, like Elves and Demons. However, the Terrakin and Beast-folk species were new to me.
This world had naturally forming Dungeons and Portals which are dangerous and can cause damage to many degrees, depending on the types of portal.
Now, the most important part was that my new master was Master Aiden. A 16-year-old, exiled from his wealthy family. The screen appeared again in front of me.
[Help Aiden by protecting him or whatever he wishes of you as his first summon. The system will give a chance to ascend further in power if you perform well.]
This time the panel was long and instructive. I almost felt like someone was ordering me, and this 'system' was the one responsible for my current condition.
If such a system was under my master. What could I even do? I left that thought immediately; I had a chance, and I would do whatever I can, if simply by helping him. I can gain even more power to serve my master; I will do just that.
As soon as my body fully materialized and I got full control of my body. I looked ahead, and what met my eyes were mesmerizing, beautiful, and almost divine eyes with a never-before-seen hexagonal shape.
I immediately bowed my head and got on one knee and spoke my first words to my new master, "Greetings, Master Aiden. I, Seraphine Vaelron, greet my master and request his permission to serve as his maid for the rest of my life."
"Huh?" his response came.
It occurred to me that I may have spoken too fast and that he didn't understand, but before I could say anything. He clarified and asked me about how I knew his name and something about myself. I realized my mistake, and I answered his question.
He even asked me to sit on a chair, in his equal. I felt like he was trying to humiliate me by asking a maid to sit equal to his master. I still followed his words and sat on the nearby chair.
However, the reason he gave for asking to sit in the chair almost made me feel like an idiot for judging someone I just met so harshly. As he was asking me some basic questions, I was answering his every question.
When he asked me about my previous life, before I could answer, all the painful memories suddenly surfaced. I staggered and couldn't even answer properly.
I almost expected him to become angry or even scold me for not answering properly.
However, instead of scolding me, he told me to take my time and tell him whenever I am ready. My respect and trust in Master Aiden increased a bit.
My eyes almost teared up hearing his words, 'Have I found myself a worthy master to follow again and a new chance at life?' A new thought rooted in my mind.
As we talked further, a sudden knock disturbed our conversation. I was about to get up to open it, but Master Aiden quickly got up from bed and spoke, "Let me see who this is. Wait for a moment."
He opened the door slightly and spoke, "Ah, Mrs. Sofia, I have an acquaintance with me currently. Is there news of any work or something else?"
"I was here to give you breakfast, boy," the innkeeper answered.
My brows flared up as I heard the woman addressing my master so casually, but I was new to the situation, so I didn't want to do something that may make Master Aiden dislike me.
"Okay, but can I have two servings? My friend here also didn't have any breakfast. You can add the payment when I come downstairs to pay. I would be leaving today." Master Aiden addressed.
"Okay, wait a moment. I bring both portions together," the innkeeper answered.
"Mrs. Sofia, if you could also bring one more chair, please, if possible. Only for breakfast." Master Aiden spoke.
"Okay," she answered and left.
"Master, you shouldn't have worried about me. It's okay, I am not hungry." I spoke as soon as Master Aiden sat down.
"It's okay. You are meeting me for the first time, and I couldn't let someone who wants to be my maid go hungry. Could I?" He answered with a smile on his face.
Soon, the innkeeper came with breakfast and a chair. The innkeeper looked at me before leaving, likely checking me out.
I didn't want to sit in equal while we were eating, but he insisted, so I followed his orders.
We both silently ate his meal. He looked like he was in some thought, so I didn't want to disturb him.
After we finished our portions, Master looked at me and said, "Before we go any further, I want to say something to you. I don't know why or from where you became my summon. I also don't know about your past life, and you also don't know much about me personally."
"However, I just want to share my goals and dreams with you. I always envisioned myself making a place where everyone can live equally. Where residents are not solely judged by their strength but also by how they contribute to the society."
"I was mostly powerless until now. However, luckily or by fate, recently I gained something that can help me fulfill my dreams and vision. I would like you to be part of this journey and help in any way you can."
After hearing the words of Master Aiden, I stood from my chair and bent my knee and bowed in front of him as I took my oath, "I, Seraphine Vaelron, promise under the watch of heavens that I will fulfill all my duties as my master's maid and help him achieve his goals. Would Master Aiden accept my service as a battle maid for the rest of my life?"
"I accept."