Settling In

"Young Miss, it is wonderful that you have finally awoken!" Jennifer exclaimed, her voice bright with joy as she and Opal followed closely behind Cynthia.

"Yes, it did take some time for the Psy Convergence to complete," Cynthia replied calmly, her tone betraying no trace of the monumental transformation she had undergone.

The trio made their way through the hallways, their footsteps echoing softly. As they neared Cynthia's chambers, Opal reached for the door handle, only to pause in shock when the door swung open on its own. Her gaze darted back to Cynthia, who appeared completely unfazed by the occurrence.

"Was that your doing, Young Miss?" Jennifer asked her expression a mix of awe and unease.

"It's a simple matter," Cynthia said dismissively. "Vesaran explained that I could achieve such tasks even without my Scepter."

"Oh, I see…" Opal murmured, though her astonishment lingered.

As they stepped inside Cynthia's bedchamber, both Opal and Jennifer froze mid-step. Their eyes widened in disbelief as they locked onto a figure floating serenely above the bed.

Without hesitation, Opal lunged at Cynthia, her hand crackling with energy as she attacked. "Who are you really?" she demanded.

Cynthia sidestepped the assault effortlessly, her body shimmering momentarily before reappearing across the room. "Opal, I advise you to stand down while I'm still inclined to be civil," Cynthia said, her voice calm but firm.

Jennifer, now wielding her twin sais, moved to flank Cynthia. Her stance was tense, ready to strike at the slightest provocation.

"I am Cynthia," the young woman explained, her voice steady. "And the figure you see floating above the bed is also me."

Jennifer's grip tightened on her weapons. "Then explain why are you outside your body?"

Cynthia sighed softly, raising her hand. The ornate Scepter appeared in her grasp in a burst of light. "I was conducting an experiment with Vesaran's guidance," she said. "It was meant to explore how best to manifest my vision something akin to creating a double."

Opal and Jennifer exchanged wary glances but remained on edge.

Cynthia's eyes narrowed as she continued, her tone hardening. "However, if you persist in this display of hostility, I will respond in kind."

Her Psy energy surged, radiating from her in waves. A translucent sphere formed at the tip of her Scepter, expanding rapidly outward. Both Opal and Jennifer instinctively braced themselves, but the sphere passed harmlessly over them, continuing to grow until it encompassed the entire estate.

"That will be enough," Cynthia said sharply. Her gaze locked onto Opal and Jennifer, her eyes now cold and devoid of emotion. The sheer intensity of her presence made both women flinch.

"Now," Cynthia said, her voice quieter but no less commanding, "you're both clearly exhausted. Let us correct this."

In an instant, Cynthia vanished, reappearing before Jennifer. With a gentle touch, Jennifer's body slackened, and she collapsed unconscious.

"Opal," Cynthia said, turning her piercing gaze to the stunned maid. "I expected better from you."

Opal instinctively stepped back, her confidence wavering under Cynthia's icy stare.

"I will overlook this once," Cynthia continued her voice softer but laced with warning. "The last thing I wish to do is eliminate the only memories I carried from home. Rest now, and when you wake, do not repeat this folly."

Before Opal could respond, Cynthia extended her hand, and Opal's body fell limp. With a wave of her Scepter, Cynthia lifted both unconscious maids into the air, their forms gently floating behind her as she left the room.

Four other maids, stationed nearby, immediately bowed when Cynthia approached.

"We greet the Master," one of them said reverently.

"Lead me to their quarters," Cynthia commanded, her tone leaving no room for question.

Without hesitation, they obeyed, guiding her to the maids' living quarters. There, Cynthia carefully placed Opal and Jennifer on their respective beds. She paused for a moment, observing their peaceful expressions, before turning to leave.

The door closed softly behind her, and Cynthia's footsteps echoed down the hallway as she moved purposefully, her presence now an undeniable force within the estate.

"Did Opal or Jennifer assign you any tasks?" Cynthia asked as she walked, her tone even and inquisitive.

The maids followed a step behind her, one answering promptly, "Yes, Young Miss. We will resume our tasks after ensuring you had no further need for us."

Cynthia's sharp gaze shifted to the maid with green hair. "I see. Well, since it appears this estate will be my permanent residence from now on, I may as well familiarize myself with its layout."

The maids bowed slightly as they led the way, their footsteps soft against the polished floors.

"By the way," Cynthia asked after a moment, her tone shifting to one of casual curiosity, "what are your names?"

The green-haired maid spoke first. "I am Bernadette."

"I'm Mavis," said the blonde-haired maid, her voice light and polite.

"I am Clementine," added the maid with cyan hair and a bronze complexion, her tone steady and confident.

"And I am Charlotte," finished the black-haired maid, her expression calm but respectful.

"It is an honor to serve a council member of Lumenoth," they said in unison, bowing slightly.

Cynthia paused, her piercing gaze flickering over each of them. "I see. Are any of you Mystics?"

"Yes, Master," Clementine answered promptly. "We are all Mystics."

Intrigued, Cynthia tilted her head slightly. "And which of the three paths do you follow?"

Charlotte stepped forward, her demeanor calm but assertive. "I am a Martial Artist specializing in Blade Arts, while Clementine specializes in Thread Arts."

Bernadette spoke next, her green hair swaying slightly as she gestured to herself. "I focus on Swift Movement and Piercing Arts."

"And I," Mavis added, her tone carrying a hint of pride, "am trained in Chain Sword Arts."

Cynthia considered this information for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "Interesting. A diverse array of talents among you."

As she continued walking, Cynthia's gaze lingered briefly on each of them, her mind turning over the possibilities their skills could offer. "Very well," she said at last. "You will all accompany me as I acquaint myself with the estate. Your abilities may prove useful in the future."

The maids exchanged quick glances, their expressions a mix of pride and anticipation, before responding in unison, "Yes, Young Miss."