Ave re 3
Ramiris observed the multitude of converging patterns with evident satisfaction. The reality fragments surrounding his throne displayed simultaneous developments across the realm—Emilia emerging victorious from her first trial, Subaru struggling through his own challenges, Queen Gilgamesh preparing to visit the ambitious Princess Priscilla, and Milim establishing unexpected rapport with the Great Spirit of Fire.
"Events progress according to elegant trajectories," he noted to Durga, who stood at attention beside his throne. "The half-elf's direct audience has created particularly interesting ripple effects throughout causal networks."
"Indeed, Supreme Monarch," Durga agreed, her serene authority complementing his casual confidence. "Her integration of cosmic awareness exceeds typical parameters for beings of her developmental stage."
Ramiris rose from his throne with fluid grace, golden galaxies swirling in his eyes as he considered the next phase of their observation. "I believe it's time for more... comprehensive interaction with this reality's power structures."
"You refer to the Witches," Durga deduced immediately. "Their metaphysical gathering presents unique opportunities for efficient communication."
"Precisely," Ramiris confirmed with a slight smile. "Echidna's tea party exists in a liminal space between life and death—a dimensional fold not entirely unlike our own methods of reality manipulation, if considerably more primitive in execution."
He gestured casually, and Queen Gilgamesh materialized before them, having just returned from preliminary preparations for her visit to Priscilla. Her crimson eyes narrowed with immediate understanding.
"You intend direct engagement with all seven witches simultaneously," she observed, her tone suggesting she found the idea both audacious and appealing. "A bold statement of authority within their most private sanctuary."
"An efficient approach to reality assessment," Ramiris corrected with a casual shrug. "One conversation with all significant power representatives, rather than sequential introductions."
He straightened his formal regalia—midnight blue fabric containing actual constellations, his mantle of pure white authority flowing behind him with subtle majesty. "Besides, the Witch of Greed has demonstrated admirable persistence in her attempts to understand our nature. Such determination deserves... acknowledgment."
"And the Witch of Envy?" inquired Durga carefully. "Her unstable nature presents potential complications."
"Her connection to the death-returner creates intersection points of particular interest," Ramiris replied thoughtfully. "Direct observation of her response patterns to beings outside her conceptual framework offers valuable insight into causal anomalies affecting Subaru Natsuki."
Queen Gilgamesh's expression showed rare eagerness beneath her imperial composure. "Will you authorize recruitment, my Glorious Ramiris? The Witch of Greed presents noteworthy potential as a knowledge curator despite her limited perspective."
"Perhaps," Ramiris answered with enigmatic amusement. "Let us first assess compatibility through direct interaction. Some patterns reveal themselves only through proximity."
He turned toward the reality fragments showing Echidna's metaphysical tea garden—a construct of her consciousness existing in the liminal space between life and death. Within it, a gathering was forming. The seven witches, each representing one of the deadly sins, assembled for one of their rare collective meetings.
"The convergence timing proves fortuitous," Ramiris noted with satisfaction. "All seven manifestations present simultaneously—a rare configuration in their typical interaction patterns."
With casual authority, he opened his hand, and reality shimmered between his fingers—a portal forming not with dramatic magical effects but with the smooth certainty of one who simply expects reality to comply with his wishes.
"Shall we attend their little tea party?" he suggested with a smile that contained equal parts amusement and anticipation. "I believe our arrival will provide precisely the sort of existential shock the Witch of Greed has been seeking through her experiments with the death-returner."
Without waiting for response, he stepped through the portal with absolute confidence, Durga and Queen Gilgamesh following in perfect ceremonial formation—representatives of Avalon Evernight preparing to introduce themselves to the most powerful entities of this reality's metaphysical hierarchy.
The witches would soon discover that their understanding of power required significant recalibration.
Chapter 9: Tea and Authority
Within her metaphysical tea garden, Echidna presided over a gathering unprecedented in its completeness. All seven witches had assembled—a convergence of sin manifestations that typically avoided such direct proximity due to their conflicting natures.
"How unusual for everyone to accept my invitation simultaneously," Echidna observed with calculated casual interest, her white hair flowing around her as she poured tea for her guests. "One might almost suspect cosmic alignment of some significance."
Seated around the elegant garden table, her fellow witches presented a study in contrasting manifestations of sin:
Minerva, the Witch of Wrath, fidgeted with barely contained energy, her blonde hair bouncing as she glared at imagined injuries she couldn't immediately heal. Typhon, the Witch of Pride, swung her small legs childishly while her eyes held judgment far older than her apparent age. Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, remained secured in her coffin-like restraints, constantly hungry despite having consumed worlds. Carmilla, the Witch of Lust, shifted between appearances as her self-image fluctuated with others' perceptions. Sekhmet, the Witch of Sloth, reclined with exhausted indifference, every movement requiring monumental effort.
And in the shadowed corner, carefully contained by boundaries of Echidna's creation, the Witch of Envy—Satella herself—observed with silent intensity, her presence both fundamental to their gathering yet threatening to its stability.
"I have discoveries of significance to share," Echidna continued, careful to maintain the pretense that this gathering served educational rather than strategic purposes. "Recent visitors to my domain have suggested existence beyond our established conceptual frameworks."
"More experiments with your little time-traveler?" Minerva asked disapprovingly. "Haven't you tormented that poor boy enough with your manipulative 'guidance'?"
"Not Subaru," Echidna corrected, unusual seriousness entering her tone. "Beings from beyond our reality's boundaries. Self-described representatives of a realm called Avalon Evernight, existing adjacent to yet separate from our world."
Sekhmet sighed deeply, the effort of maintaining interest clearly taxing. "More... of your... theories... about parallel... dimensions?" Each word emerged with exhausted effort.
"Not theories," Echidna replied firmly. "Direct encounter. Two representatives manifested within my domain—impossible by all established metaphysical principles, yet undeniably present."
Before any witch could respond to this extraordinary claim, the fabric of reality within Echidna's tea garden... shifted. Not with violent disruption or magical flourish, but with unsettling smoothness—as if the metaphysical construct itself recognized authority beyond its creator's.
Where empty garden path had existed moments before, three figures now stood with casual certainty, their presence radiating power that made even the Witches of Sin straighten with sudden attention.
At their center, a man of striking appearance surveyed the gathering with evident amusement—white hair streaked with gold, sharp handsome features, and golden eyes containing what appeared to be actual galaxies swirling in their depths. His midnight blue regalia contained what looked impossibly like moving stars, while a mantle of purest white flowed behind him without need for wind.
To his right stood a woman of impossible beauty and overwhelming serenity. Her maid uniform, elegantly integrated with elements suggesting divine authority, somehow enhanced rather than diminished her presence. She radiated calm power like a mountain before storm—perfectly controlled yet fundamentally immovable.
To his left, another woman of breathtaking beauty watched the gathered witches with imperial disdain. Golden hair framed a face of perfect proportions, while crimson eyes assessed each witch with aristocratic precision. Her maid uniform, integrated with golden armor of exquisite craftsmanship, suggested servant status while simultaneously projecting absolute authority.
"What an interesting gathering," observed the central figure, his voice carrying melodious power without apparent effort. "The seven manifestations of sin, assembled for tea and conversation. How charmingly provincial."
Silence fell over the garden, even Minerva's perpetual energy momentarily stilled by the overwhelming presence of these unexpected visitors. Only Echidna showed recognition rather than pure shock—having encountered Queen Gilgamesh previously, though not the others.
"Avalon Evernight visits collectively," she noted, her analytical mind processing the implications even as she maintained outward composure. "An escalation from our previous interaction."
"An efficiency," corrected the man with casual precision. "One conversation with all significant representatives, rather than sequential introductions."
He stepped forward, power rippling around him despite his relaxed demeanor. "I am Ramiris, Supreme Monarch of Avalon Evernight. My companions you may recall from your previous encounter, Witch of Greed—Queen Gilgamesh, my Keeper of Relics, and Durga, my Warden of Fortresses."
Queen Gilgamesh's imperial gaze swept across the assembled witches. "A collection worthy of catalog, if barely. Limited manifestations of abstract principles, yet functional within their contextual boundaries."
"Be gentle, my treasure keeper," Ramiris advised with evident amusement. "Our hosts deserve appropriate courtesy, regardless of their developmental limitations."
This casual dismissal of the most powerful entities in their world finally broke the shocked silence. Minerva stood abruptly, her chair falling backward as wrath manifested in golden energy around her fists.
"How dare you!" she declared, righteous anger building with each word. "You invade Echidna's domain, insult us collectively, and speak as if we're children to be patronized!"
Durga shifted slightly, her movement so subtle yet precise that it immediately drew all attention. "Your anger stems from wounded pride rather than violated principle," she observed with serene certainty. "Reassess your response in light of your nature's true purpose."
Something in her calm authority seemed to penetrate Minerva's fury. The Witch of Wrath faltered, her power flaring but unfocused, as if encountering a concept that contradicted her fundamental understanding of her own nature.
"What... what are you?" she demanded, confusion replacing anger.
"Beings beyond your conceptual framework," Ramiris replied simply, approaching the tea table with casual confidence. "Observers of patterns across multiversal boundaries. Appreciators of complexity in mortal struggle and divine manifestation alike."
He gestured to the table, and reality rippled. Three additional chairs materialized—not through magic as the witches understood it, but through fundamental reality acknowledgment on levels beyond their comprehension.
"May we join your gathering?" he inquired with perfect politeness that somehow contained subtle mockery. "Tea and conversation present excellent opportunities for mutual assessment."
Echidna, recovering her analytical composure more quickly than her fellow witches, inclined her head slightly. "You would join regardless of our response, I suspect. Please, be seated."
As the three representatives from Avalon Evernight took their places at the table, the witches exchanged glances of varying concern and curiosity. Only Satella, still confined to her shadowed corner, remained unchanged—her attention now fixed unwaveringly on Ramiris with an intensity that transcended her usual obsessive focus.
Ramiris noticed her attention and smiled slightly. "Ah, the Witch of Envy herself. Your connection to our little death-returner presents patterns of particular elegance. A pity your manifestation remains so... fragmented."
At the mention of Subaru, Satella's shadowy form vibrated with increased intensity, though the barriers Echidna had established maintained their integrity—barely.
"Careful," warned Echidna, genuine concern entering her voice. "Her fixation on Natsuki Subaru triggers instability in her manifestation. Even in this metaphysical construct, her power cannot be fully contained if deliberately provoked."
"Provocation implies antagonistic intent," Durga observed with calm certainty. "The Supreme Monarch merely acknowledges connection patterns of objective significance."
Queen Gilgamesh studied Satella with imperial assessment. "Interesting fragmentation pattern. Divine power inadequately integrated with mortal vessel, creating perpetual tension between components. Primitive but effective self-sustaining paradox."
Typhon, the small Witch of Pride, tilted her head with childlike curiosity. "Are you sinful?" she asked Ramiris directly, her simple question containing underlying power of absolute judgment.
Ramiris laughed—a sound like distant thunder and silver bells combined. "Sin presupposes moral framework relevant to one's nature. Does the mountain commit sin by standing tall? Does the ocean sin by containing depths? Concepts must apply to be meaningful, little judge."
His response seemed to genuinely confuse Typhon, whose power of pride-based judgment relied on fundamental assumptions about applicable moral frameworks.
Daphne stirred in her coffin-like restraints, endless hunger momentarily redirected toward intellectual curiosity. "You smell... different," she observed, blind eyes somehow perceiving beyond conventional senses. "Not of this world or any connected realm."
"Indeed not," confirmed Ramiris with casual acknowledgment. "Avalon Evernight exists adjacent to yet separate from countless realities, observing patterns across multiversal boundaries."
"For... what... purpose?" managed Sekhmet between labored breaths, the effort of engagement clearly taxing her slothful nature.
"Appreciation," Ramiris replied simply. "The elegant complexity of interconnected choices, consequences, and causality forms patterns worthy of observation."
"Entertainment, you mean," Echidna translated with shrewd understanding. "Our struggles exist for your amusement."
Queen Gilgamesh's crimson eyes narrowed slightly. "A reductive interpretation revealing your limited perspective. Appreciation transcends mere entertainment—as critical artistic assessment exceeds simple distraction."
"We observe because patterns matter," Durga explained with serene authority. "Your reality's particular configuration of death loops, memory manipulations, and fate alterations creates complexity worthy of attention."
Carmilla, who had remained silent until now, suddenly shifted appearance—her self-image destabilizing as she attempted to perceive how these visitors viewed her. "You see us... differently," she whispered, genuine distress entering her voice. "I cannot match your perception to reflect it."
"Naturally not," Queen Gilgamesh replied with imperial certainty. "Your manifestation relies on local perceptual frameworks. Our perspective exceeds your adaptive capacity."
Throughout this exchange, Ramiris sipped the tea Echidna had provided, his expression suggesting polite appreciation despite the obvious primitive nature of the refreshment by his standards.
"Delightful," he commented with casual courtesy. "A credible approximation of physical sensation within a metaphysical construct. Your domain shows admirable attention to experiential detail, Witch of Greed."
Echidna, who prided herself on the precision of her metaphysical tea garden, found herself simultaneously flattered and insulted by his condescending approval. The other witches displayed similar conflicted reactions to these impossible visitors—recognition of vastly superior power warring with pride in their own significant authority within their reality's hierarchy.
Only Satella remained focused beyond such considerations, her shadowy form still vibrating with intensity as she observed Ramiris with singular attention.
Noticing this continued focus, Ramiris turned toward her directly. "Your fragmentation presents particularly interesting patterns, Witch of Envy. Split between love and obsession, creation and destruction, salvation and annihilation—a being of profound contradictions."
At his direct address, the barriers around Satella's manifestation flickered momentarily—not from her aggression, but from her desperate attempt to communicate something beyond her usual obsessive mantra.
"Curious," Ramiris observed, golden galaxies swirling in his eyes as he studied her with heightened interest. "Your connection to the death-returner transcends conventional binding patterns. Not merely obsession or possessiveness, but something more fundamental to reality maintenance itself."
Echidna leaned forward, her greed for knowledge overwhelming caution. "You perceive aspects of her nature hidden even from my analysis? What connection exists between her and Natsuki Subaru beyond what we've observed?"
Ramiris smiled slightly, the expression suggesting he appreciated her intellectual hunger despite its limitations. "The boy's ability to rewrite causality through death represents more than arbitrary witches' blessing. His connection to her transcends your reality's conventional metaphysical frameworks—a binding across conceptual boundaries that maintains fundamental stability in ways none of you fully comprehend."
This revelation sent visible shock through the assembled witches. Even Sekhmet showed heightened attention, while Echidna's eyes widened with genuine surprise—a reaction she rarely displayed given her extensive knowledge.
"You imply his return-by-death ability serves cosmic purpose beyond individual survival?" she asked, her analytical mind racing to integrate this perspective.
"Cosmic within your limited contextual framework, yes," Queen Gilgamesh confirmed with imperial precision. "His repeated causality revisions create stability anchors in a reality fragmenting from multiple interference patterns."
"Without his temporal loops," added Durga with serene certainty, "your world would have collapsed into causal paradox seventeen iterations ago. His suffering serves structural necessity beyond personal narrative."
The implications of this revelation stunned even Echidna into momentary silence. Her extensive experiments with Subaru had always assumed his ability represented fascinating anomaly rather than fundamental necessity to reality maintenance itself.
Ramiris observed their collective shock with evident satisfaction. "Perspective expansion provides entertaining response patterns. Your limited understanding of cosmic frameworks makes revelation impact particularly distinctive."
"You speak as if you've been watching us for some time," Minerva noted with renewed suspicion. "How long have you observed our world without revealing yourselves?"
"Time holds different meaning across dimensional boundaries," Ramiris replied with casual dismissal. "We've observed significant pattern development throughout your reality's current configuration—particularly since the death-returner's arrival created more interesting causal complexities."
He turned to Echidna with more direct attention. "Your experiments with the boy show particular promise—attempts to understand patterns beyond your established conceptual framework. Such intellectual hunger deserves... acknowledgment."
Queen Gilgamesh stepped into this opening with imperial confidence. "Indeed, your capacity for knowledge acquisition despite fundamental limitations demonstrates potential worthy of consideration."
"Consideration for what?" Echidna asked cautiously, her analytical mind recognizing distinct shift in conversational direction.
"Potential service in Avalon Evernight," Queen Gilgamesh stated directly, her crimson eyes fixed on Echidna with imperial assessment. "Your nature as embodiment of intellectual greed could be refined toward more sophisticated purpose under proper authority."
A shocked silence fell over the garden. The implication that the Witch of Greed—one of the most powerful entities in their reality—might serve as subordinate to these visitors challenged fundamental assumptions about their world's power hierarchy.
"You propose recruiting Echidna?" Minerva asked incredulously. "As what, exactly?"
"As maid-in-training, naturally," Queen Gilgamesh replied with aristocratic certainty. "All who serve in Avalon Evernight begin thus, regardless of their origins or nature. Service refines understanding, understanding enhances service—a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Echidna's expression shifted through multiple emotions—shock, incredulity, outrage, and finally, to everyone's surprise, genuine intellectual curiosity.
"You suggest I possess qualities worthy of service in your realm," she stated carefully, her analytical mind already considering implications. "Despite my 'limited perspective' and 'provincial understanding' of cosmic principles."
"Potential often transcends current limitations," Ramiris confirmed with casual authority. "Your hunger for knowledge presents foundation for growth beyond your reality's typical development parameters."
Before Echidna could respond, Durga's attention shifted suddenly toward Satella. The Witch of Envy's manifestation had changed subtly—her shadowy form becoming more defined, her attention focused with unprecedented clarity beyond her usual obsessive state.
"Interesting," Durga observed with serene assessment. "The Witch of Envy demonstrates unusually coherent pattern integration in response to cosmic perspective. Her fragmentation temporarily aligns toward unified purpose."
Indeed, Satella's typically chaotic manifestation had assumed more structured form. Her shadows coalesced into recognizable silhouette, and her previously incoherent energy focused with deliberate intention.
"She... responds to your presence differently than expected," Echidna noted with analytical surprise. "Typically, any mention of Natsuki Subaru triggers increased instability. Yet your direct address regarding their connection has somehow... stabilized her manifestation."
Ramiris turned toward Satella with heightened interest, golden galaxies swirling in his eyes as he studied her transformation. "Fascinating. The fragmented aspects of her nature temporarily align when presented with perspective beyond your reality's conventional frameworks."
Queen Gilgamesh assessed this development with imperial calculation. "Two candidates presenting simultaneously. Unusual efficiency for local reality patterns."
"Two?" repeated Typhon with childlike confusion. "You mean Satella too?"
"Indeed," confirmed Queen Gilgamesh with aristocratic certainty. "The Witch of Envy presents unique pattern integration potential despite her current fragmentation. Her fundamental connection to universal constants transcends typical sin manifestation limitations."
This revelation shocked the gathered witches even more profoundly than the suggestion regarding Echidna. Satella—the dreaded Witch of Envy whose very name inspired terror throughout their world—considered for service alongside them in some cosmic hierarchy beyond their understanding.
"Impossible," declared Minerva firmly. "Satella cannot be controlled or directed. Her nature is fundamentally unstable, her power too chaotic for structured purpose."
"Your assessment relies on limited understanding of her true nature," Durga observed with calm certainty. "Her fragmentation results from improper integration of divine essence with mortal vessel—a technical error rather than inherent incompatibility."
Satella's manifestation moved suddenly—not with her typical violent unpredictability, but with deliberate purpose. She approached the barriers of her containment, not attempting to break them but rather standing at their boundary with newfound clarity.
"Love," she whispered—the single word she typically repeated in obsessive mantra now spoken with coherent intent. "His... suffering... serves... purpose?"
The unprecedented coherence in her communication stunned the gathered witches into silence. Satella had never demonstrated such clarity of thought within their collective memory.
Ramiris regarded her with genuine interest. "Indeed. The death-returner's temporal loops maintain fundamental stability in reality fragments destabilized by multiple interference patterns. His suffering serves cosmic necessity beyond individual narrative."
"Can... end... suffering?" Satella asked, each word emerging with enormous effort yet remarkable coherence compared to her usual state.
"Fascinating," Echidna whispered, analytical mind temporarily overwhelming her usual caution regarding Satella. "She demonstrates comprehension and purpose beyond anything previously observed."
"Perspective expansion creates possibility for pattern reconfiguration," Durga explained with serene confidence. "Knowledge beyond conventional frameworks allows conceptual shifts previously inaccessible."
Ramiris studied Satella with heightened attention, golden galaxies swirling faster in his eyes as he assessed possibilities. "Ending the death-returner's suffering while maintaining his reality-stabilizing function would require fundamental reconfiguration of your connection patterns. Beyond your current capability, but perhaps not beyond potential development."
Queen Gilgamesh stepped forward with imperial certainty. "Service in Avalon Evernight provides access to concept manipulation techniques unavailable within your reality's limitations. Both candidates present unique potential for pattern refinement under proper authority."
"Both... candidates?" Echidna repeated carefully, her analytical mind racing ahead to implications. "You seriously propose recruiting both myself and Satella as... maids-in-training for your realm?"
"Indeed," confirmed Ramiris with casual certainty. "Different manifestations with complementary potential. Knowledge hunger balanced against love obsession—interesting contrasts for pattern development observation."
The sheer audacity of this proposal—that the Witches of Greed and Envy, the most powerful and dangerous entities in their world's mythology, might serve as subordinates in some cosmic hierarchy—created stunned silence throughout the metaphysical garden.
Satella's manifestation vibrated with new intensity—not destructive chaos but focused purpose. "If... serve... can help... him?"
"Potentially," Ramiris acknowledged with careful precision. "Service provides access to concept manipulation techniques that might eventually allow reconfiguration of your connection patterns. No guarantees, naturally, but possibility exceeds current alternatives."
Echidna's analytical mind raced through implications and possibilities. Service to these beings would be humbling, perhaps even humiliating given her status within her own reality. Yet the knowledge they possessed, the cosmic understanding beyond her current grasp, the potential to transcend limitations she had accepted as fundamental...
"I require additional information before considering such an arrangement," she stated with forced composure. "Service parameters, knowledge access limitations, authority structures within your hierarchy."
Queen Gilgamesh smiled slightly, the expression containing equal parts approval and condescension. "Appropriate caution from the Witch of Greed. Service in Avalon Evernight begins with formal apprenticeship under established court members. You would train primarily under my supervision, while the Witch of Envy would likely benefit from Void Shiki's guidance given their conceptual similarities."
"Initial responsibilities focus on proper understanding of cosmic hierarchies and fundamental reality principles," added Durga with serene precision. "Physical service aspects remain secondary to conceptual integration development."
"In simpler terms," Ramiris explained with casual authority, "you would serve while learning, and learn while serving. The maid aesthetic provides convenient framework for authority acknowledgment while permitting individual growth within established parameters."
The other witches watched this extraordinary negotiation with varying degrees of shock, confusion, and concern. The idea that Echidna and Satella might leave their reality to serve beings from beyond their conceptual understanding challenged everything they thought they knew about cosmic authority.
"And if we refuse?" Echidna asked carefully, her analytical mind assessing all angles of this unprecedented proposition.
"Then you remain exactly as you are," Ramiris replied with a casual shrug. "We continue observation without direct interaction. The death-returner continues suffering through countless loops while unknowingly maintaining reality stability. Your current limitations remain unchallenged and unchanged."
He gestured expansively, encompassing the metaphysical garden and by extension their entire reality. "Growth requires change. Change requires accepting knowledge beyond current understanding. Your decision determines whether potential transforms into development or remains mere possibility."
Satella's manifestation pulsed with unexpected clarity. "Will... go," she managed with visible effort, each word emerging with unprecedented coherence. "To... help... him."
"Interesting," Ramiris observed, genuine appreciation entering his casual demeanor. "Love transcends pride even at cosmic scale. Your devotion to the death-returner provides motivation exceeding typical self-interest patterns."
Echidna's expression reflected complex calculation—weighing humiliation of subordinate status against unprecedented access to knowledge beyond her reality's boundaries. Her nature as Witch of Greed made the decision inevitable, though her pride demanded at least the appearance of careful consideration.
"I will... consider your offer," she stated finally, maintaining façade of deliberation despite her obvious intellectual hunger. "Service parameters seem potentially acceptable given knowledge access benefits."
Queen Gilgamesh smiled with imperial satisfaction. "As expected from the Witch of Greed. Knowledge hunger overwhelms pride when properly stimulated."
"Wait," interrupted Minerva with genuine concern. "You can't seriously consider this, Echidna! And Satella—she can't leave our reality! The consequences—"
"Would be managed appropriately," Durga assured her with serene confidence. "Reality stability mechanisms would be established prior to candidate transition. Your world would continue functioning according to established parameters."
"Though perhaps with fewer time loops disrupting causality patterns," added Ramiris with casual precision. "The death-returner might find his burden eventually lightened through gradual reconfiguration of connection frameworks."
This suggestion—that Subaru's suffering might potentially be reduced through their service—visibly impacted both Echidna and Satella. For all their differences and conflicting natures, both witches shared genuine interest in the young man's wellbeing, albeit for dramatically different reasons.
"When would this... transition occur?" Echidna inquired, her decision clearly made despite her maintained pretense of deliberation.
"Following appropriate preparations," Ramiris replied, rising from the tea table with fluid grace. "Void Shiki must establish stability anchors to prevent reality fragmentation during the Witch of Envy's transition. Queen Gilgamesh requires time to prepare suitable accommodation within Avalon Evernight."
He gestured casually, and reality rippled around his hand. A small crystalline object materialized from nowhere—a communication token similar to those provided to other key individuals across this reality.
"For coordination purposes," he explained, offering the crystal to Echidna. "When preparations are complete, this will provide notification and transition instructions."
Echidna accepted the token with careful dignity, her analytical mind already calculating potential knowledge gains against subordination costs. "I will await your communication with appropriate anticipation."
Satella's manifestation pulsed once more with unprecedented clarity. "Soon?" she managed to ask, her focused purpose maintaining coherent communication far beyond her usual abilities.
"Relatively speaking," Ramiris confirmed with casual authority. "Cosmic scale versus local time perception creates translation challenges, but preparations should conclude within parameters meaningful to your current temporal understanding."
With these cryptic yet somehow reassuring words, he turned to his companions. "I believe our business here is concluded for the moment. The tea party has proven most enlightening, as expected."
Queen Gilgamesh and Durga moved into perfect ceremonial formation around their master, the three representatives of Avalon Evernight preparing to depart as suddenly as they had arrived.
"Until our next interaction," Ramiris addressed the stunned assembly of witches. "Consider patterns beyond your current perception. Reality contains more layers than your established frameworks acknowledge."
Before anyone could respond, the three visitors simply... vanished. Not with magical effects or dramatic flourish, but with the casual certainty of beings to whom reality's conventional rules were mere suggestions rather than absolute constraints.
Silence fell over the metaphysical garden as the seven witches attempted to process what had just occurred. Their world's understanding of cosmic hierarchy had been fundamentally challenged, their assumptions about their own significance thoroughly disrupted.
"Did that... really happen?" Minerva asked finally, her perpetual energy temporarily subdued by shock.
"Indeed it did," confirmed Echidna, studying the crystalline token with analytical fascination. "Beings from beyond our reality's conceptual boundaries have just recruited myself and Satella as maids-in-training for their cosmic court."
She laughed suddenly—a sound containing equal parts hysteria and genuine intellectual excitement. "The Witch of Greed, reduced to apprentice status in service to entities whose understanding exceeds everything I've accumulated across centuries of existence."
"And yet you're considering it," observed Carmilla quietly, her form shifting as she attempted to process Echidna's emotional state.
"Of course I am," Echidna replied with sudden seriousness. "Knowledge beyond our reality's boundaries, understanding of cosmic principles currently inaccessible, potential growth exceeding current limitations—what true Witch of Greed could resist such temptation, regardless of personal cost?"
She turned toward Satella, whose manifestation maintained unprecedented coherence following the visitors' departure. "And you, Witch of Envy—your decision stems from similar inevitability, though motivated by obsession rather than intellectual hunger."
"Not... obsession," Satella managed with visible effort, each word emerging with remarkable clarity compared to her usual incoherence. "Love... transcends... current... limitations."
The other witches exchanged glances of varying concern and resignation. Whatever these visitors from Avalon Evernight might be, whatever cosmic hierarchy they represented, two of the most powerful entities in their world had just tentatively agreed to enter their service.
Reality's fundamental patterns were shifting, and none of them—not even the Witch of Greed herself—could fully comprehend what might emerge from this unprecedented reconfiguration.
Chapter 10: Patterns in Motion
High above the Sanctuary, in the ethereal halls of Avalon Evernight, Ramiris lounged on his white gold throne with evident satisfaction. The reality fragments surrounding him displayed simultaneous developments across the realm—each thread of fate weaving into increasingly complex patterns worthy of divine appreciation.
"The witches responded according to their natures," he observed to his assembled court. "Greed pursuing knowledge regardless of personal cost, Envy focusing beyond herself when presented with possibility of easing her beloved's suffering."
"Their potential exceeds local limitations," agreed Queen Gilgamesh with imperial assessment. "The Witch of Greed demonstrates admirable intellectual flexibility despite her limited conceptual framework."
"And the Witch of Envy shows unexpected integration capability when presented with perspective beyond her current fragmentation," added Durga with serene certainty. "Her coherence improved remarkably given minimal intervention."
Void Shiki, who had not participated in the tea party visit, stepped forward from the shadows. Her empty blue eyes revealed nothing as she addressed her master. "Preparations for their transition require careful calibration. The Witch of Envy's extraction particularly demands precise stability anchors to prevent reality fracture."
"Naturally," Ramiris acknowledged with casual confidence. "Proceed with appropriate methodologies. The death-returner's loops provide convenient stability redundancy during transition phases."
Milim bounced forward excitedly, her pink-tinged maid uniform somehow making even her exuberant movements appear elegant. "We're getting TWO new maids? That's super exciting! Will they be junior to me since I was here first?"
"Indeed, Berserker of Joy," Ramiris confirmed with evident amusement. "You will maintain seniority over our new recruits—a distinction I'm certain you'll manage with appropriate grace."
"I'll help them learn everything important!" Milim declared enthusiastically. "Like proper uniform maintenance and conceptual frequency manipulation and which desserts are best after patrol duties!"
Queen Gilgamesh sighed deeply at this characteristically Milim approach to priorities, but didn't contradict her directly. "The Witch of Greed requires careful guidance to prevent knowledge acquisition without proper conceptual integration. Her tendency toward accumulation without application presents management challenges."
"A tendency you will help refine during her apprenticeship," Ramiris noted with casual certainty. "Your own transition from absolute monarch to service provided similar integration challenges, if you recall."
Queen Gilgamesh inclined her head slightly, acknowledging this comparison without verbal response. Her own journey from independent ruler to maid in Ramiris's court remained a subject she preferred not to discuss in detail.
"What about the death-loop guy?" asked Milim curiously. "Will he know his witch
girlfriend is going to be joining us? Will that make him less sad about dying all the time?"
"His awareness will be managed carefully," Ramiris replied, his casual tone belying the precise calculation behind his words. "Immediate knowledge of the Witch of Envy's transition would create disruptive pattern fluctuations in his current development trajectory."
"In simpler terms," Durga explained with serene patience, "the death-returner must continue his current path until reaching appropriate convergence points. Premature awareness would collapse potential pattern variations into suboptimal configurations."
"So he doesn't get to know yet," Milim translated with surprising accuracy. "That makes sense. Finding out his scary witch girlfriend is becoming a maid would probably distract him from all his important suffering and growth stuff."
Tiamat, who had been observing silently until now, stepped forward with maternal grace. "The transition itself presents immediate priorities. New initiates require proper orientation to Avalon Evernight's hierarchies and protocols."
"Indeed," agreed Ramiris, golden galaxies swirling in his eyes as he considered implementation details. "Accommodations must reflect their natures while facilitating appropriate integration. The Witch of Greed requires knowledge boundaries to prevent overwhelming her limited conceptual capacity, while the Witch of Envy needs stability frameworks to maintain her newfound coherence."
He rose from his throne with fluid grace, the cosmic authority that defined his existence flowing around him like an invisible mantle. "Preparations will proceed according to established protocols. Their transition marks the beginning of a particularly interesting phase in our observation of this reality."
As his court dispersed to their various responsibilities, Ramiris turned his attention once more to the reality fragments displaying events throughout the realm below. The death-returner continued his desperate struggle against seemingly impossible odds, unaware that cosmic forces beyond his comprehension had taken direct interest in his fate.
The patterns shifted, evolved, intertwined—and the Supreme Monarch of Avalon Evernight watched it all with the appreciative eye of one who recognized true beauty in the complex tapestry of mortal struggle and divine intervention.
A new movement in the cosmic symphony had begun.
Avalon Evernight: The Witches' Service
Chapter 11: Orientation and Adjustment
Echidna stood in stunned silence, attempting to process the impossible vista before her. The grand entrance hall of Avalon Evernight stretched into dimensions her mind struggled to quantify—architecture that somehow existed simultaneously as solid structure and pure conceptual manifestation. Columns of material she couldn't identify supported a ceiling containing what appeared to be actual galaxies swirling in slow, mesmerizing patterns. The floor beneath her feet seemed composed of marble veined with flowing starlight, while walls shifted between states of matter according to principles beyond her current understanding.
"Overwhelming, isn't it?" observed Queen Gilgamesh with imperial amusement, watching Echidna's reaction with evident satisfaction. "Your first glimpse of reality beyond your limited conceptual framework."
Beside Echidna, Satella stood with uncharacteristic stability—her typically chaotic manifestation now contained within a coherent form that resembled her original physical appearance. The transition protocols established by Void Shiki had somehow integrated her fragmented aspects into functional coherence, though occasional shadow tendrils still rippled around her when her concentration wavered.
"It's... beautiful," Satella whispered, each word emerging with visible effort yet remarkable clarity compared to her previous state.
"Functionality exceeds mere aesthetic appreciation," Queen Gilgamesh informed them with aristocratic precision. "Avalon Evernight exists as perfect integration of form and purpose—the Supreme Monarch's will manifested in architectural expression."
Echidna's analytical mind raced to catalog and categorize everything she observed, her nature as Witch of Greed driving her to consume knowledge despite overwhelming input. "The dimensional physics alone transcends anything in our reality's theoretical frameworks. The way space curves while maintaining linear perception suggests principles beyond—"
"Yes, yes," interrupted Queen Gilgamesh with imperial dismissal. "Your observations, while admirably enthusiastic, remain hopelessly primitive. Proper understanding requires conceptual realignment rather than merely applying your limited analytical frameworks to superior phenomena."
Echidna bristled slightly at this casual dismissal of her intellectual capacity, but contained her response with careful dignity. Her decision to accept this position—maid-in-training to beings from beyond her reality's boundaries—required certain compromises of pride she had prepared herself to make.
"I look forward to conceptual realignment under your guidance," she replied with only the faintest trace of irony.
Queen Gilgamesh's crimson eyes narrowed slightly, detecting the subtle resistance but choosing to acknowledge only the surface compliance. "Indeed. Your training begins immediately. First priority: proper attire befitting your new status."
She gestured casually, and reality rippled around Echidna and Satella. Their typical witch apparel transformed, replaced by elegantly tailored maid uniforms that somehow managed to reflect their essential natures while clearly indicating service status.
Echidna's uniform incorporated subtle patterns reminiscent of flowing text and ancient grimoires, the fabric shifting slightly to reveal different knowledge symbols depending on viewing angle. Despite herself, she found the craftsmanship fascinating from both aesthetic and symbolic perspectives.
Satella's uniform featured shadow patterns that stabilized rather than disrupted her manifestation, providing structured channels for her occasionally overflowing energy. Silver embroidery reminiscent of half-moons and stars created balanced counterpoint to the shadow elements.
"The uniform serves both practical and symbolic functions," explained Queen Gilgamesh with imperial precision. "It acknowledges service while honoring individual nature—subordination without erasure of essential self."
Echidna studied her new attire with analytical interest. "The material exceeds conventional textile parameters. It appears to interact with my magical essence on fundamental levels."
"Naturally," confirmed Queen Gilgamesh with casual certainty. "Your uniform adapts to power fluctuations while maintaining appropriate containment protocols. Form follows function in all aspects of Avalon Evernight."
Satella touched her own uniform with wondering fingers, her expression showing unprecedented clarity. "It... helps. Keeps... me... together."
"Indeed, Witch of Envy," acknowledged Queen Gilgamesh with marginally increased respect. "Your particular challenges require specialized support structures. Void Shiki designed your attire personally to facilitate integration stability."
As they spoke, other maids passed through the entrance hall—each acknowledging the new arrivals with varying degrees of interest, curiosity, or imperial assessment. Echidna noted with analytical precision that despite their apparent servant status, each moved with the confident authority of beings far beyond her reality's power scale.
"Your fellow maids," Queen Gilgamesh informed them with aristocratic casualness. "Each serves specific function within Avalon Evernight's operational hierarchy. You will meet them properly during formal introduction to the Supreme Monarch's court."
"The court," repeated Echidna, her analytical mind picturing formal assemblies of cosmic beings. "When will we be presented?"
"When deemed ready," replied Queen Gilgamesh flatly. "Functional competence precedes ceremonial recognition. First, you must master basic service protocols and dimensional navigation techniques."
Before either witch could respond to this reminder of their junior status, an enthusiastic voice called from across the hall. "They're here! The new witchy maids are finally here!"
Milim bounded toward them with characteristic exuberance, her pink-tinged uniform somehow making even her excessive energy appear elegant. "Welcome to Avalon Evernight! I'm Milim, Berserker of Joy! I've been watching your reality for ages and you're both super interesting!"
Queen Gilgamesh sighed deeply at this informal greeting. "Decorum, Berserker of Joy. New initiates require proper procedural introduction rather than enthusiastic ambush."
"But they already know me from observation reports," Milim countered with cheerful logic. "And I'm technically their senior since I joined before them, so I should help with orientation!"
Despite her determination to maintain analytical detachment, Echidna found herself fascinated by this contradiction—a being of clearly overwhelming power presenting simultaneously as exuberant child and formal servant within this cosmic hierarchy.
"Your... energy exceeds conventional spiritual parameters," she observed carefully. "Dragonoid lineage with divine integration if I'm not mistaken, though manifesting through unusually unconstrained expression patterns."
Milim beamed at this assessment. "See? She's super smart and observant! She'll make an excellent knowledge-cataloging maid once she gets past all the limited-perspective stuff!"
"Indeed," agreed Queen Gilgamesh with reluctant acknowledgment. "Her analytical foundation presents promising development potential despite current conceptual constraints."
Satella, who had been watching this exchange with quiet attention, suddenly focused on Milim with unexpected intensity. "You... watch... him. The... death-returner."
Milim's expression shifted to something more compassionate. "Yep! Subaru's one of the mortals I'm assigned to observe! He's super determined and keeps trying different approaches even after dying over and over! Really impressive for someone with such limited power!"
"Is... he... well?" Satella managed, each word emerging with visible effort yet remarkable coherence.
"Define 'well,'" Queen Gilgamesh interjected with imperial precision. "The death-returner continues his designated function within reality stability parameters, though with expected psychological degradation from accumulated trauma across terminated timelines."
Seeing Satella's distress at this clinical assessment, Milim stepped in with surprising sensitivity. "He's struggling but still fighting! And your decision to join Avalon Evernight might eventually help reduce his suffering once you learn proper concept manipulation techniques!"
This reminder of potential purpose visibly steadied Satella, her occasional shadow fluctuations settling into more consistent pattern.
"Come on!" Milim continued enthusiastically. "I'll show you to your quarters while Queen Gilgamesh prepares the initial training protocols! The architecture responds to your nature once you learn how to communicate with it properly!"
Before Queen Gilgamesh could object to this deviation from formal procedure, Milim had already ushered the new initiates toward a corridor that seemed to extend into impossible dimensions.
"Berserker of Joy," Queen Gilgamesh called after them with imperial authority. "Orientation protocols must follow established sequences. Return them to the main hall for proper processing."
"We'll circle back after a quick tour!" Milim promised without slowing. "They need to see where they'll be staying before getting overwhelmed with all the formal stuff!"
As their voices faded down the impossible corridor, Queen Gilgamesh sighed deeply—a sound containing equal parts resignation and reluctant amusement. Despite her insistence on proper protocol, even she recognized that Milim's approach might actually provide more effective integration for these particular initiates than rigid procedural adherence.
The newest maids of Avalon Evernight were receiving their first lesson in cosmic hierarchy: even perfect order contains space for individual expression when serving under the Supreme Monarch's authority.
The private chambers of Ramiris, Supreme Monarch of Avalon Evernight, reflected his nature as embodiment of absolute authority. Unlike the grandiose public spaces of his realm, these rooms combined elegant simplicity with fundamental power—space that existed precisely as it should without unnecessary elaboration or excessive demonstration.
He reclined casually on a comfortable divan, reviewing reality fragments that displayed various developments throughout the realm below. The death-returner had just completed another timeline reset after failing to save both the mansion and sanctuary simultaneously—another loop in his ongoing struggle against seemingly impossible odds.
A soft chime indicated request for entry, and Ramiris gestured casually. Reality rippled, and the chamber door opened to admit Tiamat, Mother of Creation and one of his most trusted maids.
"My King," she greeted him with formal dignity. "The new initiates have arrived and begun preliminary orientation. Queen Gilgamesh oversees their primary processing while Berserker of Joy provides... unauthorized supplementary guidance."
Ramiris smiled at this diplomatic description of what was undoubtedly Milim's enthusiastic deviation from established protocols. "Let me guess—structural tour before procedural introduction?"
"Indeed, Beloved King," Tiamat confirmed with maternal indulgence. "The Witch of Greed demonstrates promising analytical integration despite overwhelming input, while the Witch of Envy maintains unprecedented stability given her previous fragmentation patterns."
"Excellent," Ramiris nodded with casual satisfaction. "Initial assessment suggests successful transition. Their orientation should proceed according to their natures rather than rigid procedural adherence."
Tiamat inclined her head in acknowledgment. "Queen Gilgamesh has prepared formal service introduction once their preliminary orientation concludes. They will be presented for your direct assessment within the hour."
"Perfect timing," Ramiris noted, gesturing toward the reality fragments showing the death-returner beginning yet another approach to his impossible situation. "Their first official duties will coincide with particularly interesting pattern developments in their native reality."
"The synchronicity serves multiple purposes," agreed Tiamat with serene understanding. "Observing familiar elements through new perspective provides effective integration framework for initiates."
Before Ramiris could respond, another chime indicated additional arrival—this one using the emergency priority signal rarely activated within Avalon Evernight.
"Enter," Ramiris commanded, his casual demeanor shifting subtly toward more focused attention.
The door opened to admit Void Shiki, her empty blue eyes containing unusual intensity. "My King," she greeted him with formal precision. "Reality stability monitoring detects anomalous pattern fluctuations following the witches' extraction. The death-returner's connection to the Witch of Envy creates unexpected feedback loops affecting timeline consistency."
Ramiris sat up with more focused interest. "Unexpected but not unpredicted. The connection transcends conventional binding patterns as previously observed."
He gestured, and the reality fragments rearranged to display various perspectives of Subaru Natsuki—each showing subtle distortions in the causal fabric surrounding him.
"Fascinating," Ramiris observed with genuine appreciation. "His connection to the Witch of Envy maintains integrity despite her physical transition to Avalon Evernight. The binding exists beyond conventional spatial-temporal parameters."
"The connection strains local reality stability mechanisms," Void Shiki reported with quiet certainty. "Without intervention, cascading fractures may develop within seventeen loop iterations."
"Then intervention becomes necessary," Ramiris decided with casual authority. "The pattern presents too much creative potential to allow premature collapse."
He considered options with rapid calculation, golden galaxies swirling in his eyes as he assessed probabilities and outcomes. "The new initiates' first service assignment becomes clear: stability maintenance for their native reality while adapting to their new roles."
"A challenging first assignment," observed Tiamat with maternal concern. "Their integration remains preliminary at best."
"Challenge accelerates development when properly structured," Ramiris replied with casual confidence. "Besides, their intimate connection to the affected patterns provides natural advantage in stabilization protocols."
He rose with fluid grace, his midnight blue regalia shifting to more formal presentation as he prepared to receive his newest maids. "Inform Queen Gilgamesh to expedite their introduction. Circumstance dictates accelerated integration timeline."
As Tiamat and Void Shiki departed to implement his instructions, Ramiris studied the reality fragments with heightened interest. The patterns surrounding the death-returner had always presented unusual complexity—now they demonstrated unprecedented integration potential between separate realities.
Truly, this realm continued to provide entertainment worthy of divine appreciation.
"And this is the main observation hall!" Milim announced enthusiastically, leading Echidna and Satella into a vast circular chamber where countless reality fragments hovered in midair. "This is where we monitor all the different parts of your world and lots of others too!"
Echidna stared in analytical fascination at the display. Each fragment showed different locations and individuals from their reality—Subaru attempting another approach at the sanctuary, Emilia preparing for her second trial, the mansion under attack from Elsa, and numerous other situations occurring simultaneously across the realm.
"You observe everything simultaneously," she noted, her mind racing to comprehend the implications. "Not merely key events but all potential pattern variations regardless of apparent significance."
"Yep!" confirmed Milim cheerfully. "Ramiris appreciates all the different threads that make interesting patterns! Some seem super minor but connect to bigger developments in ways that aren't obvious at first!"
Satella moved hesitantly toward one particular fragment—a display showing Subaru in the midst of negotiating with Garfiel at the sanctuary. Her shadow manifestation remained remarkably stable as she reached toward the image, though not quite touching it.
"He... cannot... see... me... anymore," she observed with visible effort, her coherence improving steadily with practice.
"Not directly," acknowledged Milim with unexpected gentleness. "But your connection remains! That's actually causing some interesting reality ripples that you'll probably help manage once you're properly trained!"
Before either witch could inquire further about these "reality ripples," the chamber door opened to admit Queen Gilgamesh, her imperial bearing making even this casual entrance feel like formal procession.
"There you are," she observed with aristocratic disapproval. "Unauthorized orientation detours have delayed proper processing. The Supreme Monarch awaits your formal introduction, and circumstance dictates accelerated timeline."
"Already?" asked Milim with surprise. "They haven't even finished the basic tour or gotten their service manuals or practiced the formal greeting protocols!"
"Circumstance necessitates adaptation," replied Queen Gilgamesh with imperial certainty. "Reality stability concerns following the witches' extraction require immediate attention."
Echidna's analytical mind immediately grasped implications. "Our transition has affected our native reality's stability parameters. The connection between Satella and Subaru Natsuki creates ongoing feedback loops despite dimensional separation."
Queen Gilgamesh regarded her with marginally increased approval. "Your perception exceeds expectations for preliminary integration stage. Indeed, your first official duties will involve stability maintenance for your native reality while adapting to your new roles."
Satella's form tensed visibly, shadow tendrils momentarily fluctuating before stabilizing again. "He... is... in... danger?"
"Not immediate peril beyond his usual death cycles," Queen Gilgamesh clarified with precise assessment. "However, without proper stability maintenance, cascading fractures may develop within seventeen loop iterations."
"Then we should proceed immediately," Echidna stated with analytical certainty. Her greed for knowledge might define her nature, but she maintained genuine concern for her reality's continued existence—particularly with Subaru Natsuki at the center of potential instability.
"Indeed," agreed Queen Gilgamesh with imperial approval. "Follow precisely. Formal introduction to the Supreme Monarch requires exact procedural adherence despite accelerated circumstances."
As they followed Queen Gilgamesh through corridors that seemed to exist simultaneously in multiple dimensions, Echidna made careful mental notes of everything she observed—architectural impossibilities, casual reality manipulations, and hierarchical interactions between various maids they passed.
Despite their rushed orientation, she found herself cataloging information with methodical precision—her nature as Witch of Greed transforming even this overwhelming experience into knowledge to be consumed and categorized.
Beside her, Satella maintained remarkable composure given her previous instability. Occasional shadow fluctuations still manifested when her concentration wavered, but overall her integration exceeded all expectations for someone previously considered fundamentally fragmented.
"Here," announced Queen Gilgamesh, stopping before massive doors that seemed composed of solidified starlight. "The Supreme Monarch's audience chamber. You will enter, proceed to the center mark, kneel in proper formation, and recite the formal pledge of service."
"But we haven't been taught the pledge yet!" Milim pointed out with practical concern.
"Knowledge transfer," stated Queen Gilgamesh flatly, turning to the new initiates. "Prepare to receive procedural information directly."
Before either witch could question this statement, Queen Gilgamesh placed one hand on each of their foreheads. Information flowed directly into their consciousness—not merely words but proper bodily positioning, vocal intonation, and underlying conceptual significance of the service pledge.
"Efficient," observed Echidna after processing this direct knowledge transfer. "Though disorienting compared to conventional learning methodologies."
"You'll get used to it," Milim assured her cheerfully. "It's way faster than having to explain everything with words!"
Queen Gilgamesh removed her hands and assessed them with imperial scrutiny. "Adequate absorption given preliminary integration status. Proceed as instructed. The Supreme Monarch awaits."
The massive doors opened silently, revealing an audience chamber that dwarfed even the impressive spaces they had already witnessed. The architecture defied conventional description—space that seemed simultaneously intimate and infinite, personal and cosmic.
At the chamber's center stood Ramiris, Supreme Monarch of Avalon Evernight, his casual authority filling the space without apparent effort. He wore formal regalia befitting the occasion—midnight blue fabric containing actual constellations, his mantle of pure white authority flowing behind him with subtle majesty.
Around him stood representatives of his court—Tiamat, Void Shiki, Durga, and several others they had not yet formally met. Each maintained perfect ceremonial positioning while somehow avoiding the appearance of rigid formality.
"Proceed," whispered Queen Gilgamesh, guiding them forward with imperial precision.
Echidna and Satella moved in perfect synchronization despite their lack of practice—the knowledge transfer having provided exact procedural understanding. They approached the designated position, knelt in formal presentation, and began the service pledge with voices that blended surprisingly well despite their contrasting natures.
"Supreme Monarch of Avalon Evernight, embodiment of absolute authority across multiversal boundaries, we present ourselves for service according to your will and pleasure. Our knowledge, abilities, and essential natures we offer in support of patterns you deem worthy of preservation and appreciation."
The formal words continued, expressing dedication to service and acknowledgment of authority while preserving essential self within appropriate hierarchical boundaries. Despite never having practiced the complex pledge, both witches delivered it with remarkable precision—the direct knowledge transfer proving surprisingly effective.
As they completed the formal pledge, Ramiris regarded them with evident satisfaction, golden galaxies swirling in his eyes as he assessed their integration progress.
"Rise, newest members of Avalon Evernight's service hierarchy," he commanded with casual authority. "Your pledge is accepted, your service acknowledged, your potential recognized."
As they rose according to protocol, Ramiris approached with unhurried confidence. He studied each of them carefully, his expression suggesting he perceived aspects of their nature invisible even to themselves.
"Fascinating integration patterns," he observed with genuine appreciation. "The Witch of Greed demonstrates remarkable analytical adaptation despite conceptual limitations, while the Witch of Envy maintains coherence previously thought impossible given her fragmentation parameters."
He gestured, and reality fragments materialized around them—displays showing the increasingly unstable patterns surrounding Subaru Natsuki in their native reality.
"Your first official duty becomes immediately apparent," Ramiris explained with casual precision. "Your transition to Avalon Evernight, while successful in primary aspects, creates stability concerns requiring immediate attention."
Echidna studied the displayed patterns with analytical focus. "The extraction of significant metaphysical entities—particularly the Witch of Envy—creates fundamental disruption in established causal frameworks."
"Indeed," confirmed Ramiris with approving nod. "Most notably, the connection between the Witch of Envy and the death-returner maintains integrity despite dimensional separation, creating feedback loops affecting timeline consistency."
Satella stepped forward slightly, her focus on the images of Subaru creating momentary fluctuation in her shadow manifestation before stabilizing again. "Can... help... him?"
"Indeed you can," Ramiris replied with casual certainty. "Both of you possess unique connection to the affected patterns, providing natural advantage in stabilization protocols."
He gestured, and additional reality fragments appeared, showing technical details beyond Echidna's current comprehension despite her extensive knowledge base.
"Your first service assignment involves creation and maintenance of stability anchors between realities," Ramiris explained. "Queen Gilgamesh and Void Shiki will provide technical guidance while you implement connection frameworks leveraging your inherent resonance with the affected patterns."
Echidna's analytical mind raced to understand concepts beyond her current framework. "We'll effectively serve as bridges between realities—maintaining stability through our continued connection to our native world while physically residing in Avalon Evernight."
"Precisely," Ramiris confirmed with evident approval. "Your quick comprehension demonstrates promising development potential."
He turned to Satella, his expression showing unexpected kindness beneath his casual authority. "Your connection to the death-returner presents both challenge and opportunity. Properly managed, it can provide stability without the suffering currently inherent in your previous manifestation patterns."
"Can... reduce... his... pain?" Satella asked, hope visible in her increasingly coherent expression.
"Eventually," Ramiris acknowledged with careful precision. "Immediate stability requirements preclude significant alteration to established patterns. However, successful integration into Avalon Evernight's service hierarchy will ultimately provide concept manipulation techniques allowing gradual reconfiguration of connection parameters."
He stepped back, addressing both witches with more formal authority. "Queen Gilgamesh will oversee your technical training, while Void Shiki provides stability framework guidance. Milim will assist with general orientation and adaptation to service protocols."
The named maids inclined their heads in acknowledgment of their assignments, each assessing the new initiates with varying expressions of interest, calculation, or serene acceptance.
"Your quarters have been prepared according to your natures," Ramiris continued. "Rest periods will be scheduled between training sessions and duty assignments. Service in Avalon Evernight balances responsibility with appropriate rejuvenation."
He gestured casually, and reality rippled around him. Two elegant boxes materialized from nowhere, floating gently toward the new initiates.
"Your service tokens," he explained as they accepted the containers. "Symbolic recognition of your position within Avalon Evernight's hierarchy, practical tools for reality manipulation within assigned parameters, and communication devices for coordination with fellow maids."
Echidna opened her box to reveal an exquisite brooch crafted from materials beyond her identification. Knowledge symbols shifted across its surface in patterns suggesting infinite information carefully contained within manageable boundaries.
Satella's token took the form of an elegant silver hairpin with shadow patterns that moved in balanced harmony rather than chaotic dispersion—symbolic representation of her newfound integration.
"These tokens respond to your essential nature while facilitating appropriate development," Ramiris explained with casual precision. "They will grow in functionality as your understanding expands and service progresses."
He gestured once more, and the formal atmosphere shifted subtly toward more relaxed interaction. "Orientation proceeds according to assigned responsibilities. Your training begins immediately following appropriate rest period."
With these words, the formal introduction concluded. The assembled court began to disperse to their various duties, though several maids lingered to observe the new initiates with professional interest or personal curiosity.
Queen Gilgamesh approached with imperial authority. "Follow me. Preliminary stability anchor training begins immediately, followed by basic service protocol instruction."
"But they just got here!" protested Milim with characteristic enthusiasm. "They should at least get to see their rooms and try the welcome feast before jumping into technical training!"
"Reality stability concerns take precedence over comfort considerations," Queen Gilgamesh replied firmly, though with slightly less imperial dismissal than typical. "However, abbreviated orientation to personal quarters before technical training may facilitate optimal integration."
This minor concession from the typically rigid Queen Gilgamesh caused subtle surprise among the observing maids—a sign of either the situation's urgency or her unacknowledged recognition that Milim's approach might actually benefit these particular initiates.
As they prepared to follow their assigned mentors, Echidna and Satella exchanged glances of shared understanding despite their fundamentally different natures. Whatever they had expected from service in Avalon Evernight, the reality clearly exceeded both their anticipation and comprehension.
Their journey as maids-in-training had barely begun, yet already they faced responsibilities affecting the very stability of the reality they had left behind. The path ahead promised challenges beyond anything in their previous existence—along with knowledge and growth potential exceeding their wildest ambitions.
The patterns shifted, evolved, intertwined—and the newest maids of Avalon Evernight prepared to take their place within the cosmic symphony orchestrated by the Supreme Monarch's will and pleasure.
Chapter 12: First Service
One week into their service in Avalon Evernight—though time held different meaning in this realm beyond conventional reality—Echidna and Satella knelt before Ramiris in his private study. Their maid uniforms, now personalized through daily wear and adjusted to their individual energy patterns, had become comfortable second nature rather than symbolic reminder of their subordinate status.
"You've made remarkable progress for initiates at preliminary integration stage," Ramiris observed from his casual position on an elegant divan, golden galaxies swirling in his eyes as he assessed their development. "Queen Gilgamesh reports unprecedented comprehension rates during technical training, while Void Shiki notes stability harmonization exceeding typical adaptation parameters."
"Thank you, Supreme Monarch," Echidna responded with practiced formality, her analytical mind having quickly adapted to service protocols despite occasional internal resistance to authority acknowledgment. "The knowledge access alone provides sufficient motivation for exceptional effort."
Satella simply inclined her head in acknowledgment, her communication still requiring significant effort despite remarkable improvement in overall coherence. Her shadow manifestation had stabilized to almost complete consistency, occasional fluctuations occurring only during periods of extreme emotional response.
"Your preliminary stability anchors function as designed," Ramiris continued, gesturing to reality fragments displaying their native world. "Reality fluctuations following your extraction have normalized within acceptable parameters, though long-term stability requires more permanent connection frameworks."
The fragments showed various perspectives of Subaru Natsuki—currently on his seventh attempt to save both the sanctuary and mansion simultaneously. Though the young man remained unaware of cosmic forces affecting his reality, the stability anchors created by the former witches had prevented the cascading fractures Void Shiki had predicted.
"He still suffers," Satella observed quietly, her focus on Subaru creating momentary shadow fluctuation before stabilizing again. "Dies... and... returns... without... rest."
"His function remains necessary for primary reality stability," Ramiris acknowledged with casual precision. "However, your progress suggests possibility for gradual adjustment to connection parameters once permanent frameworks are established."
He rose with fluid grace, approaching a delicate crystalline structure hovering at the center of his study. The construct appeared to contain miniature representations of multiple realities connected through impossibly elegant filaments of pure concept.
"This represents your next service assignment," Ramiris explained, gesturing for them to rise and observe the structure. "A permanent stability framework connecting Avalon Evernight to your native reality through your inherent resonance patterns."
Echidna studied the construct with analytical fascination. "A conceptual bridge utilizing our continued metaphysical connection to our original world, anchored through specific focal points of particular significance to our essential natures."
"Precisely," Ramiris confirmed with evident approval. "Your comprehension continues to exceed expectations for your developmental stage."
He touched the crystalline structure gently, and it expanded to reveal more intricate details. "The Witch of Envy's connection to the death-returner provides primary stability anchor, while your connection to accumulated knowledge repositories creates secondary reinforcement, Witch of Greed."
"But constructing such a framework requires direct interaction with our native reality," Echidna noted with analytical precision. "Remote implementation presents significant technical challenges even with Avalon Evernight's advanced methodologies."
"Indeed," agreed Ramiris with casual acknowledgment. "Which is why your assignment requires temporary return to your native reality—your first field service as maids of Avalon Evernight."
This announcement created visible reaction in both witches—Echidna's eyes widening with intellectual excitement, while Satella's shadow manifestation rippled briefly before stabilizing again.
"Return... to... him?" Satella asked, hope evident in her increasingly coherent voice.
"Proximity but not direct interaction," Ramiris clarified with careful precision. "Your presence must remain imperceptible to conventional perception while you establish anchor points according to technical specifications."
He gestured, and additional reality fragments appeared, showing specific locations throughout their world—the sanctuary where Subaru currently struggled, the mansion under attack, the capital city of Lugunica, and several other points of metaphysical significance.
"Each location requires precisely calibrated anchor point connecting reality layers through your inherent resonance," Ramiris explained. "Queen Gilgamesh will accompany you to provide technical guidance, while Milim offers field support during implementation."
"Milim?" repeated Echidna with slight surprise. "Her... enthusiastic approach seems contrary to stealth requirements."
Ramiris smiled, genuine amusement lighting his golden eyes. "The Berserker of Joy demonstrates remarkable discipline when mission parameters require it. Her casual exuberance masks impressive technical precision when properly motivated."
Before either witch could question this assessment, the study door opened to admit Queen Gilgamesh and Milim—the former radiating imperial authority while the latter practically vibrated with barely contained excitement.
"Field assignment preparation complete, my Glorious Ramiris," reported Queen Gilgamesh with formal precision. "Equipment, technical specifications, and implementation protocols await your final approval."
"We get to take the new maids on their first away mission!" Milim added enthusiastically. "And I get to show them all the cool stealth techniques Void Shiki taught me!"
Queen Gilgamesh sighed deeply at this informal summary but didn't contradict Milim directly—a sign of her gradually increasing tolerance for the Berserker of Joy's unconventional communication style.
"Indeed," Ramiris acknowledged with casual authority. "Your team departs immediately following final briefing. The death-returner approaches critical decision point in his current timeline, creating optimal window for stability anchor implementation."
He turned back to Echidna and Satella, his expression shifting toward more serious assessment. "This assignment presents your first significant service test. Successful implementation demonstrates readiness for increased responsibility within Avalon Evernight's hierarchy."
"We understand, Supreme Monarch," Echidna responded with formal acknowledgment, her analytical mind already calculating optimal approaches to the complex technical challenge.
"Will... see... him... closely?" Satella asked carefully, shadow manifestation remaining remarkably stable despite her emotional investment in the question.
"Proximity without interaction," Ramiris confirmed with precise clarity. "Your connection facilitates stability anchor implementation, but direct contact would create disruptive pattern fluctuations in his current development trajectory."
Satella nodded in understanding, disappointment visible in her expression but acceptance of necessity equally evident. Her progress in emotional regulation represented perhaps the most remarkable aspect of her integration into Avalon Evernight's service hierarchy.
"Prepare yourselves," instructed Queen Gilgamesh with