I was standing pressed up against Archers back, holding onto his wrist tightly.

"What brings you here, Archer?" The scary lady asked.

"I've come to request something of you, General." 

Ah, so she was the general. She must've disguised this place to blend in with the human surroundings... 'I wish I could do that', I thought with a pout displayed on my face.

"State your request, please." Her formal way of speaking was fascinating! I'd have to try speak with Archer that way later.

"I request an addition to the knight training, general." ...Just like that!? He didn't even try to ease her into the idea or anything?!

"Who do you have in mind?" I felt Archer arm move to drag me from behind him. There was a very long silence

'Oh god!' I thought in panick. This general lady was even more scary up close! I could clearly see her eyes, they was just as red as her long hair, and her face had a few scars strung across it, yet the more I looked at her the less intimidating she got.

"No." Her voice was firm, like she wouldn't back down from her word anytime soon, all sense of safety was immediately ripped away, and I was left feeling vulnerable. "Absolutely not!"

"Ruth, please!" Archer pleaded.

"I thought it was going to be some strong built man, fit for the role! Not some weak boy!" Damn... I was expecting a reaction like this... But she could be a bit less harsh! I mean... I'm standing right here!

"He was standing right behind me! Why else would he be here!?" No matter how loud he yelled, it didn't seem to be out of anger... More like a... Childish frustration?

"Hmmm, I don't know," she stated sarcastically, "maybe you were finally going to tell me -YOUR COUSIN- about your mysterious lover." She huffed out.

The whole atmosphere of the room changed. Cousin!? I peered over at Archer with an alarmed expression, but he didn't meat my gaze 

"...Well, he- I mean... Technically he is?" I really wish I could punch him in the face! He's making everything worse!

"HE IS!?" She ran up to me and clasped my hands.

At this point, my brain was too fried for me to even care. I looked up into her blood red eyes, and instead of feeling threatened, I felt warmth and comfort. I only ever felt that from Archer, not even my parents made me feel this way... Was it a family thing?

Maybe this wasn't so bad after all?

"So," Archer said in a sweet tone, "Has your original answer changed at all, my dear cousin?"