Chapter 14 — The Wyvern Sisters and Our Lady of the Manor

Part 1 — Exile, Then Saving the Nation

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I was drilling Bill before breakfast when I spotted two familiar silhouettes in the distance. I waved; they noticed and broke into a steep dive.

A burst of wind hit, prompting Bill to yelp. When I opened my eyes, two faces I hadn’t seen in a couple months stood before me.

“Morning, you two.”

“It has been a while, Master,” Elza said.

“Morning, Master,” Liza huffed. “But really? Leaving the castle without even telling us? Rude much?”

“Don’t sulk, Liza. I’ll explain later. For now, forgive me.”

She pushed her fiery red hair back and snorted, golden eyes flashing.

“Fine. I’ll hear it later—not that I expect a decent excuse,” she muttered, cheeks reddening.

“Sorry, Elza. You’ll hear it too?”

The blue-haired sister folded her hands demurely at her waist. “Of course. But… why are you camping? And what is that pile of rubble?”

“Ask your boss,” I said, calling out, “Chloe!”

She strolled over, the very picture of a pampered young lady—assuming you didn’t know she was a legendary dragon.

“What is it? Ah, you arrived. This is our new base. Work hard,” she announced brightly.

Elza nodded dutifully. “Yes, my lord. Permission to speak?”

“Granted,” Chloe said smugly.

“What happened here? Were we attacked? Is everyone safe? Should we patrol?”

“That won’t be necessary. This is, ah…”

“She stepped on our house,” I said flatly, pointing at Chloe.

She winced. “Well… yes.”

Liza groaned. “My lord, you’re such a klutz. No wonder the eastern dragons call you ‘clumsy.’”

“Mind your tongue,” Elza chided. “In this situation we say, ‘that was careless.’”

Arguing semantics here was pointless.

Ellie, Meg, and Mimi brought over breakfast, and I made the introductions. “These are Liza and Elza, wyvern sisters. They serve Chloe and can take human form. Because Chloe shares her strength with me, they’re part of our crew. They’re reliable, so treat them well.”

Liza smirked, shoulders back, chest out. Bill audibly sighed.

Elza remained composed, almost fragile compared to her sister, though their figures left no doubt they were related.

“I’m Liza. I’ll usually be with the master or my lord. If you need me, holler.”

She flipped her hair again. Does she die if she doesn’t do that every sentence?

“I’m Elza,” the other said. “I’ll be nearby too. Pleased to meet you.”

“Liza’s swordwork is solid,” I told Bill. “Train with her.”

Liza leaned in, making Bill step back. “So you’re a swordsman? I’ll teach you. Just don’t call me weak compared to the master.”

“Your form’s good. Have some confidence,” I replied. “Elza specializes in magic. Meg, learn from her. She’s a top-tier caster.”

“That’s flattering,” Elza said, “but I won’t deny it. I’ll teach you.”

Having more sparring partners would help Bill grow, and Elza’s advanced spells—and even summoning—would push Meg ahead.

After breakfast I briefed the sisters on why I left the army. When I finished, both scowled.

“That’s disgusting,” Liza snapped. “You should be angrier.” 

“Agreed,” Elza said. “Such betrayal is unforgivable.”

“Thanks… but why are you clinging to me?” I asked as they pressed against me.

“Your fault for leaving us,” Liza said.

“I need my master fix,” Elza added.

Soft. Too soft.

“So when do we take care of her?” Liza asked. “Now?”

“Maybe during an ‘overseas visit’,” Elza mused.

“No assassinations,” I sighed. “Ever.”

They looked disappointed but nodded. At least the intent means they still have my back.

----- End of chapter -----