After the trial had concluded and verdict delivered, Isla was escorted out of the castle, her heart still racing from the intense experience. As she approached her home, anxiety threatened to overwhelm her, remembering the worried expressions her parents worn since her capture. Isla stepped into the humble abode, her parents burst into tearful relief, embracing their beloved daughter with fervor. Isla's face softened, her usual stoicism giving way to tender emotions as she wrapped her arms around her parents in return. The scene before Sylveria and Isao served as a poignant reminder of the family bond Isla had often lacked in their previous life. Here, in this world, she had stumbled upon a different kind of fulfillment - not in legendary prowess or magical abilities, but in the simple, pure love of a nurturing family. Watching Isla's gentle smile, her radiant joy, Sylveria felt a warmth spreading through her chest. The Princess knew that despite the challenges they faced, having each other would be the greatest armor they could possess in this strange, new reality.
As Sylveria explained the details of Isla's community service in the royal gardens, Lord Lavender stepped forward, offering Isla's weary parents a lifeline. "Lady and Lord Tanaka, I propose to secure you both positions at our family's estate, under my direct supervision. Your skills will be invaluable in managing our lands and overseeing the tenant farmers." Isao's face lit up with unbridled delight at the prospect, throwing her arms around her father in a joyful hug. "Daddy, thank you! This means Isla's Mommy and Daddy will be safe and happy, working together!" Behind his benevolent facade, Lord Lavender harbored a practical concern. By absorbing Isla's parents into his household, he effectively ensured their safety from any possible reprisals orchestrated by the duke or Bartolomeo. It was a calculated risk; one he believed necessary to safeguard his newfound allies.
The following morning, Isla awoke before dawn, her mind already racing with the tasks ahead. With practiced efficiency, she donned her maid attire and hastened to the castle gardens, eager to begin her community service. As she arrived, Isao soon joined her, both girls tasked with maintaining the lush greenery that surrounded the royal residence. "I can't believe I'm doing this." Isao muttered, watching Isla with a mix of amusement and awe. She struggled to comprehend why she and Isla, slated to become Silveria's personal guards, was also required to perform manual labor, she thought being Sylveria's personal guard will exempt them from doing the community service. In their previous life, Isla's existence had revolved solely around combat and destruction, her skills honed to a razor's edge. She had relied on her friends to navigate the complexities of everyday life, often stumbling through tasks with reckless abandon. The memory of slashing a mountain in haste still brought a wry smile to Isao's lips.
"You seem perplexed, Isao." Isla observed, her detached demeanor intact even as she expertly balanced a flowerpot during her busy chore. She darted between the lush hedges and vibrant blossoms, her movements efficient and calculated – a far cry from her impulsive, destructive ways in past lives. Meanwhile, Princess Sylveria watched the scene unfold with growing understanding, her features creasing into a contemplative grimace. She realized the source of Isao's astonishment lay not in Isla's warrior prowess, but rather in the commoner roots of her friend. Here, in this new reality, Isla's parents had shaped her, instilling the values and discipline needed for responsible citizenship. In contrast, the previous world had seen her reliance on companions for basic survival. Sylveria's mind whirled with the implications of Isla's domesticated upbringing, wondering what other facets of her multifaceted personality might yet emerge.
Isao trailed behind Isla's whirlwind of activity with wide, astonished eyes, struggling to reconcile the focused gardener before her with the unpredictable force of nature from their former lives. She turned to Sylveria, her voice a blend of marvel and playful jibing. "Sylvie, I've never seen Isla work so diligently before. I mean, she used to accidentally smash things left and right but now look at her – hauling those flowerpots around like a seasoned pro!"
"Yeah... I remember when she told us that she finally found someone who made her fall head over heels, love at first sight, someone who could actually stand up to her authority." Syleveria recounted, her features scrunching into an amusing grimace as she turned to Isao. "Mixarnt huh? During their initial meeting, Isla stared that boy down with an unnerving intensity, making him feel as though she had inflicted upon him countless, brutal sword cuts. I must admit, the idea of Isla expressing affection in such a... unconventional manner still catches me off guard." Meanwhile, Isla, lost in her own world, remained characteristically distant, her focus solely on completing her community service duties as quickly as possible so she could savor the anticipated afternoon treats.
Sylveria let out a soft giggle her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Isla's unique ways of showing affection can be quite... unsettling." she acknowledged, her voice dripping with amusement. "Remember when she 'gifted' me that rare rose, petal by gruesome petal, after she 'accidentally' slew the beast that guarded it?" Isao nodded, her own countenance a mix of embarrassment and indulgence. "Yeah, and then there was the time she 'punished' me for 'losing' her favorite toy sword by burying it in the backyard, saying she'd retrieve it once I proved myself worthy through grueling training sessions." Both girls laughed, the sound carrying across the garden as they reminisced about their friend's eccentricities. Meanwhile, Isla focused intently on her task, her expression unchanging as she worked towards her goal of securing those much-desired afternoon snacks.
At the end of the first day of community service, Isla suddenly raised her right arm toward Sylveria, placing her open palm close to the princess's face. Confusion marred Sylveria's features as she tried to decipher the meaning behind Isla's enigmatic gesture, which remained unchanged - her usual impassive mask still firmly in place. As Isla's fingers subtly clenched and released in a rhythmic pattern, it became clear she was attempting to communicate, albeit in an unconventional manner. "Pay? Community service..." Isla murmured, her voice flat and detached, yet with a hint of expectation.
Isao burst into laughter at the surreal scene, finding the unexpected display of interaction between Sylveria and Isla to be nothing short of comical. The princess, however, merely arched an eyebrow, intrigued by the development and eager to understand its significance. Sylveria blinked, momentarily taken aback by Isla's unexpected behavior. She had grown accustomed to the girl's quirky nature, but this peculiar request caught her off guard. Isao, on the other hand is just unable to contain her amusement at the situation.
"Looks like our little warrior needs to understand the concept of volunteering in public service." Isao chuckled, patting Isla's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll explain it to you. You get to contribute to the kingdom, and as a token of appreciation, you might receive some small rewards."
Sylveria smiled kindly, her expression easing as she placed a hand on Isla's arm. "Consider it a form of goodwill, Isla. No direct payment is expected. Though, who knows? Perhaps a thoughtful noble may gift you a sweet treat or two in recognition of your efforts." Isla's normally impenetrable exterior didn't flinch as she dropped her hand and let out a languid sigh, her chin sinking towards her chest. It seemed she had come to terms with the stark realization - there would be no financial reward for her laborious efforts in the community service project. A dismissive "Tsk... penniless Princess" escaped her lips, her words laced with biting sarcasm.
Princess Sylveria bristled at Isla's snide comment, her patience wearing thin. She launched into a verbal tirade, criticizing her companion's insolent behavior. Undeterred, Isla covered her ears, averting her gaze as she maintained her stoic demeanor, clearly unconcerned by the scolding. The comically exasperated duo, so accustomed to each other's antics, brought Isao to tears of mirth, her giggles echoing through the courtyard. Sylveria's annoyance reached a boiling point as Isla's biting remark kept swirling on her mind, it pierced through her patience. "How dare you speak to me that way, Isla Tanaka!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in indignation. "Community service is not about earning money; it's about giving back to the community and contributing to the greater good!"
Isla, seemingly unfazed by Sylveria's ire, continue to cover her ears with a nonchalant gesture, her gaze drifting away with an air of detachment. The comedic scene unfolding before Isao's eyes was reminiscent of the antics in their previous life - the same playful banter, the same stubborn personalities locked in verbal sparring matches. Isao, overcome with more mirth, continue to let out a fit of uncontrollable laughter, her giggles echoing through the garden. "Oh, these two, always the same!" she managed to gasp out between breaths, her eyes shining with amusement.
Undeterred by Sylveria's protests, Isla strode purposefully to the table, helping herself to a generously big slice of cake and pouring a steaming cup of tea. Sylveria hotfooted it after her, arms outstretched in mock outrage. "H-hey! I'm not done talking! Ah, but that's my cake! Don't eat it all, you ravenous beast!"
As Isao continued to dissolve into uncontrollable laughter at the spectacle, their playful repartee took on a life of its own, filling the room with a palpable energy. The King and 5th Queen Aira, Sylveria's mother, observed their daughter's joyful interaction with Isla and Isao from afar, a warm smile spreading across their face. In the presence of her two friends, Sylveria's usual stern, icy, logical façade, softened, allowing glimpses of the carefree child she once was. "I must admit, I'm pleased to see our daughter embracing her youthful side again." the queen remarked, her voice gentle with fondness. "Isla and Isao seem to bring out a new facet of Sylvie's personality, one we haven't seen in quite some time."
The King nodded in agreement, his eyes twinkling with delight. "Indeed, their bond is truly special. With the added companionship of friends like Isla and Isao, our family appears to be thriving."