Helena returned a bit later and fully supported the maid idea. She had a good laugh when she saw the book. Oh well, I had already agreed anyway. The next day Hatsumi got her license. She could now walk around on her own. Something she wanted to use for shopping.

  I stayed at the academy and started packing. Next year we would get new rooms on the second floor. That meant we were supposed to take everything with us during the break. Of course, I still had some of my undead here. I could simply put a few things with them. Not that I owned a lot anyway.

  Hatsumi did not go shopping alone. Helena went with her. Partially because she liked shopping and partially because we decided not to push our luck. Hatsumi was legally allowed to walk the streets, that did not mean nobody would attack her.

  After I finished packing most of my stuff I decided to read a bit. I picked a necromancy textbook, then I hesitated. Skadi did give me one of her books, maybe I should give it a try…

  I lost track of time and was startled when the door opened. Then I froze. Hatsumi was back, in a maid uniform.

  “I am back! What do you think?” She asked, then she twirled.

  “It looks good, doesn't it? Just a classic black dress with the white apron and some red ribbons. It really works with her hair and eyes.” Helena said.

  It did work, I had to admit. My hand touched my throat, where my collar used to be. I still had mixed feelings but she did seem happy. That was the important part.

  “We also bought other clothes!” Hatsumi said. “So I can dress differently, if we go hunting. But I want to stay a maid while we travel.”

  “It does look good on you…” I finally admitted. She grinned and curtsied.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Afterwards I helped Helena pack.

  The next day we left early in the morning. The carriage Helena had organized was big. It could seat six people in the back! Well, if they were reasonably in form and not too big. Maybe it was sized for four lazy nobles.

  The carriage was drawn by four horses. It was painted black and had a silver horse on the door. The cabin was fully enclosed and the benches inside looked rather soft.

  “Where did you get this? It must have been expensive.” I asked.

  Helena nodded. “It’s from one of the major coach companies, the silver stallions. I decided to splurge a bit! Something befitting the Dread Claws of Nyx!”

  “Meow!”

  I looked at Nyx, who was sitting on Chariot. The other cats were there as well. Oh, I had forgotten about Chariot!

  “Can we fit Chariot inside?” I wondered.

  “He can sit on the roof, together with the luggage.” Helena suggested.

  While we were talking, Skadi was helping the driver. He was on the roof and Skadi was handing him our bags.

  Hatsumi was returning from the stable with Coffee and Frank. My horse was surprisingly unconcerned about undead. Frank wore a chain shirt and an open helmet. His sword hung from his belt. He looked like a man-at-arms and would be our escort.

  Hatsumi saw Skadi loading the wagon and hurried over. She wore her maid uniform and tried to stop Skadi from working. I guess she took her role as servant seriously, although maids were not typically the ones who carried heavy bags.

  “How much does the driver know?” I asked.

  “He knows that we are students and will fight if anything happens. Still, I had to pay a bit extra since we only have one guard, officially.” Helena admitted. “Still cheaper than hiring guards though.” She added with a grin.

  “You have a bet going again, don’t you? About being ambushed?” I accused her.

  Her grin widened. “Do you want to bet on us not getting attacked again?”

  “We were not really ambushed the last time either!” I insisted.

  She patted me on the head. “Keep telling yourself that.”

  “Careful with that bag! It has alchemy stuff inside.” I heard Cassie say.

  “Oh no, the carriage is going to explode…” I said.

  “I am sure it’s fine…” Helena replied, sounding slightly uncertain.

  While we bantered they finished loading. The driver looked a bit confused when Hatsumi placed Chariot on the roof. A vampiric armadillo was certainly not a normal thing. In the end the man shrugged and accepted it.

  We boarded the carriage after making sure we had everything. The cats were with us and took the sixth seat. Frank mounted Coffee. As a tier two undead his riding skills were limited but it should be enough to follow a carriage.

  I looked at the dorms, again. The academy had been the first place in my life that felt like a home. Of course, I would return in a few weeks. Still, I felt a bit of sadness. I looked at my friends again. I suppose they were my real home. And we would certainly have some great adventures during the break!