Reborn As A Maid

Morning sunlight poured in Grand Royal Arena of Seraiya like liquid gold.

The huge arena, capable of hosting hundreds of thousands of people, became the heart of the whole continent. Colorful banners of dozens of kingdoms were fluttering above the old stone walls – their fabrics were waving in the warm wind like wings of eagles. The queues of the contestants led from the gates to the central city square.

Knights were polishing their armor.

Mages were quietly remembering incantations for their spells.

Martial arts were meditating near the trees.

Hunters were adjusting the strings of their bows.

The Greatest Fight Tournament had begun.

Jennie adjusted the strap of her travel bag as she was looking at the grandiose arena, her silver hair sparkling in the sunlight.

"...It’s even bigger than I remember."

Roxy’s eyes were sparkling with barely restrained excitement. "I’ve never seen anything like this!"

Snow was looking at the crowd and sighing dramatically, his ears hanging down. "I’ve counted at least three hundred people."

Jennie was smiling, her former nervousness was disappearing. "Only three hundred?"

"I’ve stopped counting after that."

Inside the registration hall, dozens of royal officials were working behind the long counters, scratching quills over the parchments with amazing speed. Huge crystal screens showed the numbers of the contestants in the glowing lettering, while the scribes were writing down the names from all kingdoms.

The trumpet was ringing through the whole arena, its bronze voice stopping thousands of conversations at once.

The crowd fell into silence.

Arthur Queens was stepping onto the raised platform near the competitors. Though wearing royal clothes, Arthur was moving as an experienced commander – his posture was firm, his look – steady.

With the help of the wind magic, his voice was carrying across the whole hall easily.

"Welcome. In the name of Her Majesty, Queen Lilia Kingheart, I welcome every warrior, who came to the Kingdom of Seraiya."

Polite applause was ringing in the arena as an acknowledgement of the hospitality of the queen.

Arthur continued his speech, his voice becoming more serious. "This tournament is held in order to celebrate courage, honor, and the strength, which defends others."

His look was sweeping over the sea of the contestants, meeting the looks of everybody.

"But remember: there can be no place in this arena for the strength, which isn’t accompanied by honor."

The contestants were listening carefully, their former excitement being substituted by the seriousness of his words.

Arthur raised his hand and the huge magical screen appeared behind him, the surface of which was shining with the elegant lettering.

"The rules are simple."

He gestured toward the screen and the first rule appeared there in the glowing letters.

"The tournament starts from the Preliminary Matches. Hundreds of contestants will participate in it. Only those, who will show their exceptional abilities, will move to the Main Tournament."

Murmuring was spreading through the crowd, the whispering about the strategy and the future events.

Arthur continued, his voice unshaken.

"First: killing is absolutely prohibited."

The hall fell into complete silence, as the weight of his words was settling upon the heads of the contestants.

"Every contestant, who will try to kill his opponent intentionally, will be disqualified and arrested by the laws of Seraiya."

Several mercenaries were exchanging uneasy glances, their former boldness fading.

Arthur’s face remained unchanged.

"Second: if a contestant is surrendering, the battle should be finished immediately. Further attacks are strictly forbidden."

He paused and said softly: "Honor the courage of your opponent."

Royal mage was stepping forward with her white robes waving slightly. She was bowing before Arthur politely and then addressed the crowd.

Arthur gestured toward her, his voice carrying across the whole hall.

"Third: our Royal Healing Corps will stay on duty during the whole tournament."

Behind him dozens of mages in the white robes were bowing simultaneously, their hands shining with the gentle restoring magic.

"Every contestant, who got any serious injuries, will be provided with the magical treatment immediately."

Relief was spreading across the hall, visible in the relaxing of the shoulders and tension in the faces of the contestants.

Arthur smiled slightly, and a little bit of warmth appeared in his eyes. "We need the worthy champions here, not the unnecessary deaths."

Many of the contestants were nodding respectfully, their former aggressiveness being toned down by the understanding.

Finally, Arthur turned to the crowd again, his voice becoming passionate.

"The strongest warriors, the most wise fighters and the most courageous ones will move to the Main Tournament."

The contestants were cheering in the excitement, filling the whole arena with the wave of sounds.

Excitement – and determination. It was reigning in the arena now.

And the registration had begun.

Contestants were coming forward one by one, their names sounding loudly in the hall.

Names. Kingdoms. Weapons. Styles of combat.

Everything was written down carefully, becoming the part of the tapestry of the tournament.

When it was Jennie’s turn, the young official was smiling politely to her, his quill was poised over the parchment. "Name?"

Jennie was answering quickly, her voice steady. "Raven."

The official was looking up, his eyes widening in recognition. "The White Sword Hunter?"

Jennie was nodding, her face calm.

Wave of whispers was spreading among the nearby contestants, their voices carrying across the hall.

"That’s her?"

"I’ve heard that she defeated the Demon General."

"I thought that she’ll be older."

The official was stamping her registration form with the royal seal, his hands trembling slightly. "Registration completed. Contestant number 217."

Jennie was accepting the badge with the polite smile, its silver surface glittering in the light. "Thank you."

While Snow was stepping forward confidently towards the registration counter, his head raised high and the tail swishing with the purpose.

The official was blinking, his quill freezing in the air. "...Can I help you?"

"Yes." Snow was nodding firmly. "I want to register."

The official was staring, his mouth opening and closing like the fish. "...Register?"

Snow was nodding proudly. "As a contestant."

The nearby contestants were falling into silence, their conversations dying in the middle. Dozens of eyes were turning to the white wolf, their looks full of disbelief and amusement.

The official was looking around desperately, trying to find someone to explain the situation.

"You are..." He was hesitating, trying to find the words. "...a wolf."

"Legendary wolf." Snow corrected him, his nose raising proudly.

The official was rubbing his forehead, his shoulders dropping. "I’m terribly sorry, but only people can compete."

Snow was gasping dramatically, his ears flatting down. "Species discrimination! I’ve fought demons! I’ve saved kingdoms! I’ve protected innocent villagers! I am obviously tournament material!"

Laughter was ringing in the registration hall, unrestrained and bright. Even the sternest officials were struggling not to laugh.

Arthur was looking over with the mild interest, his lips tugging into a smile.

The official was trying to remain professional, his voice becoming strained. "I understand, but we haven’t any wolf contestant category."

"Equal opportunity," repeated Snow, crossing his front paws and raising his head haughtily. "I demand my right. And I also demand lunch!"

Jennie concealed a smile behind her palm, shoulders shaking with stifled laughter.

Roxy collapsed with helpless giggles, crying with laughter.

Arthur descended from the podium after hearing their outbursts, approaching slowly with a faint smile playing on his lips.

"What’s going on here?" he asked.

The official instantly bent down in a bow, his voice anxious. "Lord Arthur, this wolf wants to enter the tournament!"

Snow looked at Arthur proudly and without the slightest trace of shyness.

"I hope that I’ve convinced you with my arguments?"

Arthur smiled kindly. "Unfortunately, our rules are immutable."

Snow’s ears fell down sorrowfully, and he lowered his tail. "Then my hopes..."

Arthur hesitated for a few moments and then a smile lit up his face. "But I think that the protector of our land deserves some recognition."

He said something quietly to the official, who disappeared for a few moments before returning with a shining badge with the crest of the kingdom—a wyvern, flying among the golden leaves.

"You are declared an Honorary Guardian of the Greatest Fight Tournament under orders from Lord Arthur," he announced, handing Snow the badge with a deep bow.

Snow’s ears shot up and he stared at it. "Really?"

Arthur smiled warmly. "It’s not a badge that will let you participate in the tournament. But with it you’ll be able to freely move around the competitors’ area."

Snow fastened the badge to the leather strap around his neck and proudly straightened his back. "Then I gladly accept this great responsibility!"

Roxy started laughing again with infectious joy, and Jennie smiled warmly. "It suits you perfectly."

Snow puffed up his chest. "Of course, it will!"

Arthur smiled politely and went back to his place, unaware that the contestant Raven, with silver hair, was his own long-lost daughter.

A mighty blast of a war horn resonated across the Grand Royal Arena.

It stopped thousands of conversations instantly, replacing them with tense expectation.

Contestants gathered in the immense stone arena, divided into dozens of sectors with magical barriers glowing like hot air.

Each arena hosted a preliminary fight at the same time, so hundreds of different battles unfolded at once on the stadium.

Over five hundred fighters were standing there with their weapons already ready for the battle.

Knights adjusted their armors and fixed their determined faces.

Mages uttered incantations with closed eyes and drew symbols with their glowing fingers.

Martial artists stretched calmly and confidently.

Hunters adjusted strings of their bows and looked around the competitors.

The tension in the air was palpable, almost alive with anticipation.

Arthur Queens stepped onto the royal podium overlooking all the arenas, his mere presence immediately drawing everyone’s attention.

Standing next to him were Lucas Queens, the commanders of the Royal Knights, and several high-ranking officials.

This group of power and authority intimidated even the most confident competitor.

Arthur raised one hand and everybody fell silent.

"Preliminary examination will commence."

Arthur’s voice was ringing throughout the stadium, carried by wind magic from the podium to every corner of the arena.

"Every arena hosts many contestants. There are no teams. Fight with honor."

He took a pause, and his eyes swept over all the assembled warriors.

"When there will be left only required number of competitors remaining standing, the battle immediately stops."

Arthur added, and his voice softened with honest concern. "Remember—it is not a battlefield. Yield when you can not fight."

Competitors responded with a loud shout that reverberated through the arena.

"Yes!"

Jennie stepped into Arena Number Twelve.

She brought no legendary weapon.

Excalibur, Leviathan, and Tempest were kept safe in a magical storage pouch, invisible and inactive for mortals.

Instead, she took an ordinary wooden practice sword from one of tournament’s officials, whose hands were holding it so often that it became very smooth.

The young official looked at her with bewilderment. "Do you really plan to use this?"

Jennie smiled and answered gently. "It will be enough."

Some contestants heard her and exchanged amused looks.

A heavily armored axeman roared with laughter and said. "This woman must be crazy!"

Other warriors exchanged a grin and shook heads. "Either she is fearless, or she is completely mad."

Jennie just stepped into the middle of the arena, moving confidently and without haste.

She was looking calmly ahead.

Around her stood nineteen other contestants, who were emanating confidence.

There was a heavily armored knight, whose shield was almost as tall as a man.

There was a spearman, with the deadly weapon in his hands.

There were two twin dagger assassins.

There was a battle-mage with his hands crackling with magical energy.

And several adventurers, who were preparing their weapons.

All of them thought that they would be the ones to advance.

One of them glanced at the wooden sword of Jennie and laughed mockingly. "Are you planning to surrender?"

Jennie shook her head. "No. I think I do not need anything else."

The comment irritated several competitors, whose pride was hurt with such confident words.

The axeman threw the massive weapon on his shoulder, his body bulging with the muscles. "I will throw you to the ground first!"

Jennie smiled again.

Above the arena lit up the crimson crystal, announcing the beginning of the battle.

BEGIN!

The moment the signal lit up—

Carnage started.

Explosions of magic shook the ground, causing shock waves to ripple throughout the arena. Steel weapons collided with steel weapons in the symphony of the violence. Archers started shooting at each other with furious speed, filling the air with whistling arrows.

The axeman immediately started running at Jennie roaring, hitting her with a massive weapon with all his might.

Jennie stepped aside quietly.

The axe hit the empty spot of the arena, throwing away pieces of rock.

Before he could recover—

Tap.

Her wooden sword lightly hit his wrist.

The blow seemed almost gentle, barely touching it.

But the giant cried out in surprise and involuntary opened his fingers, dropping his axe with a deafening thud.

Jennie made one rotation, moving gracefully.

Tap.

She tapped her wooden sword at his shoulder.

Immediately after, the referee raised the flag, his voice thundering in the arena.

"Contestant eliminated!"

The huge man was bewildered; his eyes opened with shock.

"What...? How?"

From different directions, two dagger users simultaneously approached, perfectly coordinating their movements.

Jennie closed her eyes calmly, taking only a few moments of preparation.

And then

She moved.

Just one step forward, turning slightly

The first dagger brushed against her body, grazing the skin.

Jennie lightly touched the assassin’s hand with her wooden sword, redirecting it to the other side.

Her partner stumbled, bumping into another one.

And when both were confused about what happened...

Tap. Tap.

Both received clear blows to the chest area.

"Double elimination!"

Everyone was surprised; amazed murmurs filled the arena.

Outside of the arena—

Lucas crossed his arms and lowered his eyes.

"Interesting."

Arthur kept looking into the arena, his focus on the silver-haired girl.

The girl didn’t spend any extra movements in vain. With each strike, she was ending the battle immediately. No extra power. No fancy tricks. Only perfectly executed moves based on years of practice.

Arthur frowned. "...That style."

Lucas turned to him, raising his eyebrow. "Did you notice it too?"

Arthur nodded, his eyes firmly fixed on the arena. "Yes, it seems... strangely familiar."

In Arena Twelve—

The other contestants were in shock; their initial confidence had faded.

The cheerful girl with wooden sword had already eliminated three opponents, without receiving a scratch.

"Attack together!" — screamed the battle mage.

Five contestants rushed, their weapons raised high.

Magical circles appeared under their feet; their sigils began glowing with arcane energy.

Fireballs appeared in the air; they heated all the space around.

Jennie exhaled quietly.

Everything around slowed down for her; every attack became predictable.

All years of experience as Sword King helped her.

She smoothly slid from every attack, as if being a stream of water; every move was precise, like dance of a ballet performer.

First move—one spear was knocked out from the opponent’s hand.

Second move—the fire spell disintegrated without touching her; the flames dissipated harmlessly.

Third move—the swordsman lost his balance, falling into his companion.

Fourth, fifth.

Five more perfect strikes.

In a matter of moments, five more contestants were laying outside the combat circle; their weapons scattered around the arena floor.

Referee’s voice rang again and again; his every cry sounded more surprised than previous one.

"Eliminated!"

"Eliminated!"

"Eliminated!"

The audience barely managed to follow his words; their cheering reached new level of excitement.

The arena became silent.

One contestant was still standing in the arena next to Jennie—one young knight, shaking with determination.

He raised his sword. "I... I won’t run."

Jennie smiled warmly, her eyes gentle. "I know."

The knight dashed at her, his movement honest and disciplined, reflecting countless hours of training.

Jennie recognized the style; it reminded her about young soldiers she was training in the past, those earnest faces with hope in them.

She didn’t try to overwhelm him; she just matched his pace.

Wood and steel collided.

Clang.

Once more.

Clang.

Once more.

Clang.

For almost a minute, they traded blows, having duel of respect.

The spectators were silent, holding breath.

Until finally—Jennie gently twisted her wrist.

The knight’s sword spun helplessly in the air, landing several meters away with gentle sound.

Jennie lowered her wooden sword, her face calm. "You’ve become strong."

The young man opened his eyes wide in surprise. "...Thank you."

He smiled and lowered his head in defeat. "I surrender."

The referee raised both flags, his voice ringing in the arena.

"Victory! Contestant Number 217—Raven, the White Sword Hunter!"

Applause exploded throughout the whole stadium, the wave of sounds shaking the arena walls.

On the royal platform, Lucas slowly exhaled, not removing his eyes from the arena.

"I’ve seen that swordsmanship before."

Arthur was silent for a few moments; his eyes were fixed on the silver-haired girl going out of the arena, thoughts rapidly circling in his head.

Every move. Every posture. Even mercy towards weaker opponents—

All these things awoke the long forgotten memories.

Arthur whispered almost automatically, his voice almost unheard.

"...Jen..."

Lucas looked at him in confusion, frowning. "JEN WHAT FATHER?"

Arthur shook his head, his face troubled.

But despite his own words, he felt that mysterious young woman known as Raven fought exactly as one girl he knew and couldn’t remember.

Below, Jennie politely returned wooden practice sword back to the official.

Her mood was light; she walked confidently.

But she didn’t know that in the hearts of Arthur and Lucas first sprouts of recognition already grew, or that her real identity would soon be revealed in an unforeseen moment.

Around her, the tournament was going on; cheering of the crowd filled the air with hope.

But in the shadow of the royal platform, Arthur Queens stood silently, looking at the silver-haired girl who disappeared in the crowd.

One question echoed in his mind, not wanting to fade away.

Who are you really?

The answer, he knew, would change everything.

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