Chapter 14: Enter Mia, the Firecracker
It was a crisp morning in the Everhart estate, and Tiara was practicing her magic in the courtyard under Felix's watchful eye. Lily stood nearby, nervously wringing her hands as fireballs flew wildly past her head.
"My lady," Felix said, his tone as calm as ever despite the chaos, "perhaps you should focus on aiming away from your knight and maid?"
Tiara huffed. "Oh, come on, Felix. You're quick enough to dodge, aren't you?"
Lily shrieked as a stray spark nearly singed her skirt. "Quick or not, we'd rather not test that theory!"
Before Tiara could retort, a familiar voice rang out.
"Still setting things on fire, Tiara? You haven't changed a bit!"
Tiara turned, her annoyed expression melting into delight as a girl with silver hair and striking red eyes approached. Dressed in a stylish riding outfit, the girl carried herself with confidence, her steps practically bouncing with energy.
"Mia!" Tiara exclaimed, running to greet her.
Mia Laxium , daughter of the Marquise of Laxium and Tiara's childhood best friend, threw her arms around Tiara with a grin. "I've missed you! You have no idea how boring it is in Laxium without you around to wreak havoc."
"I don't wreak havoc," Tiara said with mock indignation.
Mia arched a brow. "The singed grass behind you says otherwise."
Felix and Lily exchanged amused glances as Tiara rolled her eyes. "You're as dramatic as ever."
"And you're as bossy as ever," Mia shot back, linking arms with Tiara. "But that's why we're perfect together."
---
As the two girls caught up, Mia's sharp gaze landed on Felix and Lily.
"Ah, so these are your new entourage?" Mia teased, giving them a once-over. "Very impressive. A knight with red hair and a maid with such delicate features-how did you manage to recruit such a pair?"
Tiara smirked. "Father assigned them to me. They're tolerable, I suppose."
Felix placed a hand over his chest dramatically. "Such high praise from my lady. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude."
Lily giggled, her cheeks pink. "Lady Tiara is quite lucky to have us."
Mia laughed. "Oh, I like them. You've done well, Tiara."
---
As the group moved to the gardens, another familiar face joined them.
"Is this a party, or am I just not invited to gatherings anymore?" Chris's voice interrupted the chatter.
Mia's eyes lit up. "Chris!" she exclaimed, darting toward him.
Chris blinked, startled as Mia hugged him. "Mia? What are you doing here?"
"I came to see Tiara, of course," Mia said, stepping back. "And now that I've seen you, I can confirm you're still as stiff as ever."
Chris chuckled. "And you're still as loud as ever."
Mia grinned. "It's called charm."
Tiara snorted. "You call it charm. I call it noise pollution."
Mia stuck her tongue out at Tiara. "Don't be jealous of my social skills, Tiara."
"Social skills? Is that what you call scaring people away with your energy?"
Chris leaned against a tree, clearly enjoying the banter. "This is almost as entertaining as watching you argue with me, Tiara."
Tiara shot him a glare. "Don't get used to it."
---
As the day wore on, the group's dynamic quickly settled into a chaotic rhythm. Mia bonded with Felix and Lily over Tiara's quirks, much to Tiara's dismay.
"She's bossy, but she means well," Mia said, patting Felix on the back.
Felix nodded sagely. "I've noticed. She hides her kindness well."
Tiara threw a bread roll at him. "I can hear you!"
Mia giggled, leaning closer to Lily. "And what about you? How's life as Tiara's maid?"
"Oh, it's an adventure," Lily said, her tone both affectionate and exasperated. "But I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Mia's grin widened. "You two are adorable. Maybe I'll recruit you to my side one day."
"Over my dead body," Tiara muttered, crossing her arms.
---
By the time the sun began to set, it was clear that Mia's presence had brought a new energy to the group.
"Promise you'll stay for a while?" Tiara asked as Mia prepared to leave for the evening.
"Of course," Mia said with a wink. "I can't leave you alone for too long, or who knows what kind of trouble you'll get into."
As Mia rode off, Chris leaned toward Tiara. "She's almost as annoying as you."
Tiara smirked. "Good. Now you'll have double the headaches."
Chris shook his head, laughing softly. "I'm starting to feel sorry for Felix and Lily."
"Don't," Felix said dryly. "We're used to it."
Lily giggled, and Tiara couldn't help but smile. Despite the chaos, she wouldn't trade her newfound family-and friends-for anything.
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