Chapter 6

At that moment, few understood what had happened. It was because Iris had simply turned her body and swung her right arm, and it didn't seem like she had defended against the attack.

However, there were arrows on the ground, proving that an enemy archer was indeed present.

"---It's an ambush, take cover!"

One of the guards shouted, but only a few of the servants reacted in time. The sound of clashing swords from the forest finally made the servants realize the situation, causing chaos.

Clarissa, startled, approached Iris.

"What's going on?"

"It seems goblins are lurking in the depths of the forest."

"Goblins!?"

Clarissa's eyes were filled with fear. While classified as low-level enemies for adventurers, goblins are numerous and can cause significant damage, making them a source of terror for civilians.

"This area is near the border, where there are few people. They must have come out from the mountains or the forest."

"Don't be so calm! Let's get back to the carriage immediately!"

"Calm down. Didn't I say I would protect you?"

"You should be the one to be protected!"

She retorted sharply. Iris's combat skills were on par with any knight, and whether Clarissa understood this or not, her response as a model maid raised Iris's opinion of her even higher.

"It's fine. Calm down and listen carefully to the sounds around you."

"The sounds around us... Oh."

The sounds from the forest were of clashing swords, which only occur when there is an opponent to fight.

"Do you understand now?"

"Could it be... the knights are fighting?"

"Yes. Knights won't lose to goblins. It will be over soon. We just need to be cautious in case any stragglers try to escape..."

Just then, a goblin emerged from the direction Iris was looking. Already wounded and in tatters, the little creature bared its teeth at the sight of Iris. Clarissa screamed and tried to pull Iris away, but—

"It's fine."

Iris held Clarissa with one arm and stood her ground, staring at the approaching enemy. Just as the goblin was about to pounce, Prince Alvin rushed over and cut it down. Clarissa screamed at the sight of the goblin's blood splattering, but Iris didn't flinch, watching calmly.

"Are you both alright?"

"Yes, neither Clarissa nor I are hurt."

"...Good, I'm relieved."

The prince's worried expression turned to relief. It was a more genuine, age-appropriate look, unlike his usual composed demeanor.

(Brother... you can look like this too.)

Iris felt a bit off balance. However, the prince quickly regained his composure, wiped the blood from his sword, and sheathed it.

"Still, you did well to knock down the flying arrow."

"Yes, I just happened to see it."

"...If you see it, you can knock it down?"

Prince Alvin's lips formed a frown at Iris's attempt to pass it off as luck.

"Prince Alvin?"

"No, it's nothing. I'll go and keep watch. Iris, can I leave Clarissa to you?"

"Yes, of course."

"Thanks. And... thank you for protecting Clarissa."

"Oh, you're a better boss than I thought."

"Unnecessary praise."

Prince Alvin smiled and then gave instructions to the guards to resume their vigilance. After watching him go, Iris turned to Clarissa, who was still in a daze.

"Are you hurt?"

"Eh, ah... No, thanks to you, Iris."

"That's good. Let's get back to the carriage."

Iris urged, but Clarissa didn't move.

"...Clarissa?"

"A, ah, no... I'm sorry. My legs are shaking."

She collapsed weakly. It seemed she had lost all strength in her legs. If Iris hadn't helped, Clarissa would have been shot. In her previous life, Clarissa's disappearance was likely due to this. Even without knowing the details, it was understandable that she was terrified after seeing death up close.

"Excuse me for a moment."

"Eh—ah!?"

Clarissa let out an uncharacteristic scream. Iris had picked her up in a princess carry.

"A, Iris, what are you doing!?"

"I'm taking you to the carriage. Please bear with it for a moment."

"E, ah, yes... thank you."

Clarissa managed a stiff smile. It was clear she was putting on a brave face, and Iris carried her to the carriage. Gently placing her on a seat, Clarissa slumped down.

"...I'm sorry for the trouble."

"No, you tried to protect me as a maid even in an emergency. That was very commendable."

"...Thank you."

Clarissa blushed slightly and looked away. Then, regaining her composure, she quickly asked, "Is Prince Alvin alright?"

"There don't seem to be any enemies around, and he'll be fine."

"...No enemies? By the way, how did you notice the attack?"

"By the smell. Attacking from upwind, typical goblins."

Of course, it was sarcasm. However, since the forest was the only place upwind, it was hard to fault the goblins' judgment. Iris's standards were just too high. Seeing Clarissa's stunned expression, Iris cleared her throat.

"Anyway, about what you said earlier..."

"Earlier? Ah, I was rude! I'm sorry!"

Clarissa bowed hurriedly, remembering how she had spoken out of turn, telling Iris to resign if she wasn't fully committed.

"You don't need to apologize. It's natural to be wary of someone who suddenly appears. Besides, I was very pleased to learn that Princess Fiona is important to you."

"Pleased...?"

Iris was at a loss for words when asked. She couldn't say she was happy that her past self was cherished. Thinking quickly, she replied:

"Well... as a wise princess, I was concerned about how my counterpart was treated. So, I'm relieved."

"Could it be, Iris..."

Clarissa's eyes showed concern. Tilting her head in confusion, Iris decided to change the subject.

"Anyway, have you calmed down?"

"Ah... Yes, thanks to you, I've finally calmed down. ...I'm late, but thank you for saving me earlier."

Clarissa straightened up and bowed politely, looking like a proper maid. Considering she was a trusted maid of Prince Alvin, she could potentially become an enemy in the future, but Iris genuinely felt it was good to have helped her.

"Since we'll be working together from now on, there's no need to worry. Let's get along well, as we both care for Princess Fiona."

Smiling, Iris saw Clarissa momentarily freeze before responding, "Of course, I look forward to working with you for a long time."

(For a long time? Does she mean she won't resign as my mentor anytime soon?)

In any case, Iris continued the carriage journey smoothly and eventually arrived at the kingdom of Lemuria, where her past self had lived.