Side Story: Celestino Chooses a Gift

When I met Lucia again, I discovered she was a sweet, sunny, optimistic girl. There was nothing extravagant about her looks or behavior, and she had a warm, gentle air that made me relax when I was with her.

I wanted to get to know her as Celestino, not “the Dragonslayer,” so I only introduced myself with my nickname, Celes. I did wonder if even that would give me away, but I wanted her to call me by my name, not a made-up one. Lucia, with her innocent honesty, didn’t make the connection between “Celes” and Celestino Clementi, and just gave me the same warm smile that she had before.

Being with her seemed to wash away all my weariness. Unlike the noisy crowds of noble ladies in the palace who were drawn by my rank or looks, Lucia simply cared about me. Her kind words were like pure water soaking into my heart.

At first, she’d been carefully formal, due to my status as a knight. But I managed to ease her concerns, until we were close enough that when the weather was clear, we would spend our lunchtimes together. Not bad, if I do say so myself.

Apparently, her mother had died sometime after we met. Left without any other living relatives, Lucia had sold her childhood home to pay back the debts she’d incurred caring for her mother, and come to the castle to work as a laundrymaid.

“I’m so lucky! I mean, I managed to get a position as a live-in laundrymaid. And in the castle, no less! Isn’t that amazing?” Lucia laughed.

There wasn’t even a hint of shadow in her smile. She was honestly rejoicing in her good fortune, so much that to my eyes she practically glowed with it. Even though her mother had died, and she’d lost her old life in order to pay back her debts, Lucia never looked back. Would I have been able to smile like that, in her position? I doubted it.

“I just love these clear days. The laundry dries well, and I get to spend time with you, Sir Celes.”

I don’t think there’s a man in the world who wouldn’t fall in love if the person he was interested in said something so sweet to him.

Yes. I was in love with Lucia.

When I was with her, I could just be myself. Not “Captain Celestino Clementi,” but just “Celes.”

People were often misled by my flashy good looks. But on the inside, I was a regular, boring person, really. I didn’t have any great interests, or special talents. I was a regular knight from a family of commoners: good with a sword, handy with magic, strong, but no more than that.

Ever since I’d killed that dragon and gotten saddled with the title “Dragonslayer,” it had gotten even worse.

I’d gotten so tired of wearing the mask of someone who had it all together — as the commander of the Third Regiment, and as a knight who protected the kingdom and its people. People who treated me like a normal person, people like Lucia, were hard to come by.

The days when I hadn’t even cared if it was cloudy or clear were over. Now I was simply a fool in love, waiting impatiently for the sun to shine.

Then my happy bubble burst when Sir Agliardi pulled me aside one day.

Knight Commander Fernando Agliardi was the leader of all the knights of Banfield, and a man I deeply respected. The king and crown prince apparently both thought very highly of him as well, and frequently had him at their side.

“Captain Clementi, I imagine you’ve heard about the purification expedition?” he asked.

I had heard that not long ago, the five kingdoms and the mages of the Academy had worked together to summon the Sacred Maiden from another world. Until now, the maiden — Maria — had been cloistered in the Academy, learning about our world and training to control her purifying light.

“She’ll be setting out soon,” Commander Agliardi told me. “This is still confidential information, but it appears that you, I, Lord Reynard, and a mage from the Academy will be her primary escorts.”

“Me, sir?”

“Well, naturally the Dragonslayer is needed in the party. Both for your combat skills, and as a symbol.”

In that moment, the only thing that went through my head was, But then I won’t be able to see Lucia. I really had become a fool for love.

Commander Agliardi continued, “It appears they’re running into some problems choosing attendants for the Sacred Maiden, but the plan is to make the announcement in three days at the latest. We’ll set out half a month after that. Good?”

I could hardly say no. The world needed this purification. It was only a matter of time before monsters attacked the kingdom of Banfield directly. And if the monster in question were a dragon, I didn’t think that our still-recovering knights and the Academy would be able to hold out.

If I wanted a future with Lucia, then I had to fight for it.

When I realized I would be leaving Lucia, I thought of giving her a gift. But, I’d never given anything to a woman before. I couldn’t think of anything to give her. What would be appropriate? Jewelry or something?

As I mulled the problem over in the regimental office, someone behind me cried, “You don’t give jewelry to a woman you’re not actively courting!”

I jumped, wondering if I’d accidentally spoken out loud — but apparently the words weren’t directed at me.

“That’s what hand cream is for, my good fellow!” the speaker continued.

“Wait, hand cream? Not perfume?”

The conversation was between two members of my regiment. The fellow recommending the hand cream was Fedele Blitz, to a skeptical Jeremiah Ascari. They were both veterans of the regiment, who had participated in the dragon hunt a year ago.

“Lily Blitz’s hand creams are very popular with the ladies! Surely you know that, Jeremiah?”

“Oi, Fedele. I’m single, I don’t even have a girlfriend. How would I know what people think of a shop like that?”

“Ah, truly a tragic story. Poor thing.”

“What was that!?” Stung, Ascari started up out of his chair.

Blitz held up a hand to stop him. “Now then, ladies have preferences when it comes to jewelry and perfume! But with the hand cream, even if the scent isn’t perfect, they still have something practical to use. In other words, you won’t accidentally give her something she doesn’t like. You see my point?”

“How’s that different from perfume? They’re both smelly,” Ascari asked.

“But they’re not the same,” Blitz corrected. “A perfume should surround a person, to let them make a stronger impression, yes? A hand cream’s scent is much fainter. It’s meant to relax the person using it, to improve their mood, to smooth their skin. In short, it makes a lovely gift!”

He was right! Lucia was a laundrymaid. Given how hard her job was on her hands, hand cream would be the perfect gift for her.

Lily Blitz, was it? That’s right, Blitz is from a merchant family. They run that store. Still reviewing my knowledge of my subordinates in my head, I stealthily continued to eavesdrop on their conversation.

“And now, just for you... Ta-dah!” From seemingly nowhere, Blitz produced a small package neatly tied with a ribbon and showed it to Ascari. “Here we are, Lily Blitz’s prized, most popular item, hand cream! It’s a little pricey, though. Three small silvers!”

“...Is that the only scent it comes in?”

“No? This flower-scented type is the most popular, but there are also fruit-scented kinds...”

“Fruity is better.”

“Oh, come on! I figured you’d want this one, I didn’t bring any of the fruit type!” Blitz pleaded. “This kind is by far and away the most popular, and it’s hard to get. Do you have any idea how much trouble it was to get this one?”

“Then work on your sales pitch, you merchant!”

“I am a knight!”

Listening to Blitz’s words, I pictured Lucia. Flowers or fruit... Somehow, I thought flowers would suit Lucia better.

“Well then, when I ask her out, maybe we’ll swing by Lily Blitz,” Ascari said.

“Oh-ho, making a move, are we? It’s high time you showed some courage. Well, if you take my recommendation, she will certainly enjoy it. Although, if you visit the store, then you really should look at the cosmetics...”

“Oh come on, you pushy peddler!”

“It’s a cosmetics store! Those are our primary wares!”

“You are such a merchant...”

Sighing with disappointment, Blitz moved to return the package to his pocket.

“Blitz. If you don’t have any use for it, could I buy it?”

...Saying those words took every bit of courage in my body.

In my quarters in the bachelors’ dorm for the knights, I stared at the present I’d acquired, and fretted.

Once we left on the purification expedition, we would be gone for a long time. I couldn’t be sure that someone else wouldn’t notice Lucia during that time. If, say, one of the other survivors of the dragon-slaying expedition were to meet her, it was possible that they’d fall for her just as hard as I had. Given that, I really wanted to give her something to wear, something visible.

And...I wanted something of Lucia’s, to carry with me as a token. Men with wives or lovers would often tuck something from their ladies into their pockets whenever setting out on a monster hunt. I’d never really paid much attention before, but now I understood how they felt.

Something of Lucia’s... A handkerchief, maybe? No...if possible, I really wanted something a little more personal.

As I was thinking, my eyes fell on the ribbon tied around the package. Come to think of it, Lucia always had her hair tied back with a ribbon. If she were willing, borrowing that would be perfect.

But if I take her ribbon, her hair would get in her way. So I can give her a ribbon as well.

Decision made, I left my room.

Ultimately, I was able to get her to accept the gift. She very nearly turned it down, but overall, I thought it had gone very well indeed. And Lucia had even held my hands! I was so very lucky. Thank goodness I had put the effort in.

Her hands were much smaller than mine, with slender, delicate fingers. Yes, they were chapped enough that you could see the roughness, but that was because she worked hard. I found them far more beautiful than the prettily manicured, white hands of noble ladies. I suspect she had no idea how hard it was to let go.

I also succeeded in acquiring something of hers as a token for my journey: her hair ribbon, the same violet color that her eyes were when the sunlight caught them.

It was strange. When I put the ribbon into my pocket, somehow I felt as though Lucia herself was walking beside me. No wonder the other men wanted to carry something from their wives and lovers. Suddenly, I felt as though I truly understood where they were coming from.

Also, Lucia was so cute with her hair loose.

Normally, she wore it tied in a ponytail so that it wouldn’t get in the way as she worked. Seeing it fall loose from her usual ponytail with a soft, pleasant smell of soap... Well, to be honest, it was a little bit awkward. That was much too dangerous. I didn’t want her to do that in front of any other man. She was just too vulnerable like that.

And yes, I was the one who’d asked her to take her ribbon out in the first place, but still!

She’d also used the ribbon I’d wrapped around her gift in place of the ribbon that she’d given me. Even though I’d planned from the beginning for her to notice it, I’d been a little nervous when she picked up the ribbon of her own accord. But as I’d hoped, the ribbon looked adorable on her. I was so glad I’d drummed up the courage.

Reflecting on the happiness Lucia had given me, I found myself thinking, What do I do? I’m almost too happy. I feel like I’m going to pay for it in the future, somehow.

...Which led me to the present moment. Because apparently, my worries had been on target.

“I’m sick of this! I don’t want to see your faces anymore! Stay away from Ed and Celes, you!”

“But, Sacred Maiden, that wasn’t our intent at all! We just wanted to see if His Highness wished for a change of clothes, and if Sir Celestino would like the fraying in his uniform mended...”

“What, so I’m supposed to stay quiet while you go cozying up to them!? Oh, you’re all eyesores! We had an agreement! I save your world, and you make sure I live in comfort! I agreed to give up on going home and save you lot, so be grateful and stop making me uncomfortable!”

We’d completed the rituals praying for victory and set out for the Cristallo Sacro, but the purification expedition was already falling apart.

The culprits were the black-haired girl shrieking at the attendants, and, unfortunately, His Highness the crown prince.

Prince Edoardo was so infatuated with the Sacred Maiden, he humored her tantrums as charming willfulness. Not only did he humor her, he went out of his way to grant her whatever she wanted. Even now, Prince Edoardo was speaking with Commander Agliardi about something. Almost certainly, it was about the attendants. Poor things. They hadn’t actually done anything wrong.

Still. Did His Highness have a fondness for pushy women, then? Honestly, just watching her verbally lay into people was scary enough. Personally, I would never be able to handle her.

For His Highness to see the Sacred Maiden as charming, he had to be a truly tolerant person. I suppose that was our crown prince for you. Just to emphasize again, that was far beyond me.

So of course, once she’d railed at the attendants, the Sacred Maiden came straight to my side.

“Celes, why don’t you come over here? I’ll sew that for you. I might not look like it, but I’m very good at sewing.” She stared up through her lashes with large, glistening eyes, not a trace of her earlier menace to be seen. She looked sweet and charming, someone to be protected at all costs.

She clearly knew exactly what her weapons were, and wasn’t afraid to show them. I had to fight the urge to back away. I was out of my depth when it came to two-faced women like this.

“You are Prince Edoardo’s fiancée, my lady. It would be inappropriate for me to approach you. The fraying doesn’t concern me, so...”

“Oh, but I’m only a potential fiancée, you know? If our journey doesn’t succeed, I can’t marry Ed. But...”

Her slender hands clutched at my arm. Unlike Lucia’s, her fingers were smooth, as if they’d never worked in cold water. Her red lips curved in a sweet bow-like arch. With an expression that was a strange mix of innocence and seductiveness, she murmured in a low voice, so only I could hear, “I don’t know if I can be the crown princess. It’s scary. I’d rather have you, Celes, to stay by my side and protect me, you know...?”

I could feel Prince Edoardo’s stare burning into me from where he stood talking to the Commander.

Your highness, this is a misunderstanding! I already have my heart set on someone! Even if she doesn’t reciprocate!

As I thought. Too much happiness and the universe takes revenge.

I miss Lucia so much right now.

Lucia Worries About Celes

The day after I said goodbye to Sir Celes, the news that the Sacred Maiden would be setting out on her journey to purify the Cristallo Sacro reached the servants. Apparently, the Sacred Maiden would go forth in the company of the crown prince, Knight Commander Agliardi, the commander’s aide-de-camp, the Dragonslayer, and a fire mage from the Academy.

Of course, there were others besides them — a number of regular knights like Sir Celes, many soldiers, and attendants as well, so ultimately it was quite a large expedition.

In that case, they’re sure to make it home safely. I breathed a little sigh of relief. Please, please keep them safe. Let them not encounter any dragons. That’s all I ask.

Half a month later, the day of Sir Celes’s departure came at last.

The town that morning was filled with a festival atmosphere among all the people who had gathered to see off the expedition as the crown prince and the Sacred Maiden led the way out.

But, I had work to do, so I wasn’t able to see them off.

Clutching the laundry, I looked up at the brilliant, clear blue sky, picturing Sir Celes on the road.

I don’t care if he doesn’t become a great hero. Gods, please let me meet that gentle man again. Please let him come home safe, and unhurt.

Listening to the cheering voices that I could hear carried on the wind, I rested my hands for a moment and stared up into the blue sky, the same blue as Sir Celes’s eyes.

◆ ◆ ◆

It happened five days after the Sacred Maiden and her entourage departed.

It was raining that day. On rainy days, we used indoor washrooms and drying racks. Today we were washing the sheets, so everyone hiked up their skirts and stomped on the laundry to agitate it, chatting as we worked. Although Rossella, who generally didn’t say much, just listened to us with a smile, as usual.

“I do wish we could do these large things on sunny days, though!”

“It can’t be helped. It’s been raining for a while.”

“But they always end up musty. Ugh.”

“They do! Musty sheets are a laundrymaid’s shame! But if the sun is going to be shy, then there’s nothing we can do about it.”

The indoor drying rooms were quite spacious, but even so, there wasn’t enough room to hang all the sheets. We did our best to speed up the process by ironing them before they dried, but we still had to split the load and do multiple washings.

If I used Soap, it would be done quickly, but Chicca had decided that, outside of stains that we couldn’t get out any other way, it wouldn’t be good for us to depend on my magic. So we did the laundry the normal way.

“All right, girls, just a bit more now!” Chicca encouraged us. “Once these are hung we’ll have lunch.”

“Whew... Is it finally lunchtime?”

“I’ve gotten hungry,” I agreed.

“I wonder what the menu is today,” Joanne mused. “It’s a little chilly, so soup would be nice. Even if we’re working hard, it’s cold in here!”

At Chicca’s words, we all sped up. We wrung the water out of the cleaned sheets, passed the hissing iron over them, and draped them over the lines. If we’d been outside we wouldn’t have needed to bother with the iron... That was one of the disadvantages of drying indoors.

“Done at last!”

“At least using the iron warms you up a bit.”

“Even if it’s just a charcoal fire, having a source of heat makes everything feel warmer. I think I’ll be fine now even without the soup,” Joanne agreed, having apparently given up on her earlier preference. And certainly, with the charcoal fire and the steam rising up from the laundry, it was starting to get a little hot.

“I’ll get the window.”

“Oh, please do, Rossella!” Chicca agreed.

With Chicca’s permission, Rossella opened the window slightly, just enough to let a little air in without allowing blown-in rain to dampen the drying sheets.

“Well, now that that’s done, shall we go find something to eat?” Chicca suggested, and we all followed her to the servants’ dining hall.

Within the palace, there were a number of dining areas, meant for the officials, the knights, the attendants, the servants... Even though we all worked in the same place, we had different statuses, and that was reflected in the food. For example, who got to eat meat.

“Oh, it is soup today!”

“How about that, Joanne?”

“Oh, the wheat grains are even a little chewy, this is delicious!”

“It looks warm. Ah, and it smells wonderful. It’s true what they say — hard work makes the best spice!”

The menu for the day was a wheat and potato soup, along with tough black bread and a little bit of cheese. Once we’d picked up our lunch trays and found an empty table corner to sit at, we settled in and started eating.

“Say, did you hear?” a man sitting at the same table asked Chicca.

“Well, that was sudden. About what?” she asked.

I didn’t recognize him, but perhaps he was one of Chicca’s acquaintances, because they fell into conversation easily. Listening, I broke off pieces of my black bread and used them to help sop up the soup as I ate.

Then I heard something utterly unexpected.

“Seems that the folks who left with the Sacred Maiden have come back. Everyone but the Commander and his aide, the Academy mage, and the Dragonslayer.”

“What!?” I yelped.

Because, that meant Sir Celes had come back, right!? I’d resigned myself to him being gone for a whole year, so it was even more of a shock.

But, they only just left, so why...?

“Heh! I’m surprised you’re so surprised, miss!” the man said, shoulders shaking with laughter. Apparently, my reaction had been very funny.

I was still frozen with surprise. Chicca ignored me and continued the conversation. “Why would they do that?”

“Well...just between you and me, seems that the attendants were sent back by the Sacred Maiden, while the prince sent the men home.”

“Sending them back here makes no sense,” Chicca huffed. “What’s a small group like that supposed to do if they meet a dragon on the road or something?”

“How should I know? But according to a soldier friend of mine, the attendants were sent back because the Sacred Maiden threw an absolute fit complaining about them. Something about them making eyes at His Highness and the Dragonslayer or somesuch.”

“So the Sacred Maiden has a temper, has she? What about the knights and soldiers, then?”

“Well, the prince gave the orders, and he didn’t bother to explain himself. Still, I agree, it makes no sense,” the man said. “What’s the point of sending all your fighting forces back?”

“But why would Commander Agliardi accept that? Even if it were the prince’s orders, shouldn’t he have objected, as the head of the knights?”

“Who knows what goes through the heads of the high and mighty.” At the man’s words, he and Chicca both grimaced.

Also listening to the conversation, Jeanne and Joanne both turned to me eagerly.

“But this is wonderful for you, Lucia!”

“That’s right! Are you going to go see your friend now? Come to think of it, what was his name? You mentioned before that he was with the Third Regiment, but I don’t think we ever asked his name.”

Well, yes, to be honest I did want to go see him right away, but... I shook my head, cursing the weather. On rainy days, I couldn’t meet him no matter how much I wanted to.

“No, I won’t go today. It’s raining. Sir Celes and I agreed that we would only meet when the weather was good.”

At my answer, the twins’ eyes went wide.

“...Sir Celes?”

“His name is Sir Celes??”

And then...

“Everyone!”

Bernedetta dashed into the dining hall, her face deathly pale.

She did the laundry for the palace administrators. Being a fellow laundrymaid, sometimes she would come talk to those of us assigned to the knights, but for all her love of talking, she wasn’t the sort of person to run about shouting.

“What’s wrong?” someone near the entrance asked.

Bernedetta didn’t even try to hide her panting — she must have run all the way here. Even so, she replied in a voice that rang throughout the entire dining hall.

“Monsters... Monsters are coming towards Arldat!”