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Chapter 7

Settling into my daily routine as the Gear Maiden, I found myself juggling the dual roles of spreading hope through anonymous messages and maintaining my business of crafting exquisite chaperone droids. Over the past year, a resurgence of spirit had emerged among the people of Redwood, their whispers of rebellion growing louder as Darius's oppressive regime faced mounting scrutiny. Yet, I remained vigilant, acutely aware that our struggle was far from over.

One evening, as I sifted through the latest orders, one particular request caught my eye. It was a custom order from Elaina Semper, the wife of General Darius. She wanted a chaperone droid for their daughter, Isa'bella, as a gift for her 14th birthday, coinciding with her debut gala two years from now. My heart pounded at the implications. Designing a droid for the daughter of the man who usurped my family's throne felt like navigating a tightrope over a chasm. Yet, the potential opportunity was too significant to ignore. If I could get close to Darius's family, perhaps I could gather intelligence on the inner workings of his regime.

"What do you think?" I asked Kael and Ageis, my brow furrowed with contemplation. "This could be a chance to learn more about Darius's plans, but it also puts me at great risk."

Kael's expression was pensive. "It's a dangerous move, but it could also be the opportunity you've been waiting for. If you create a droid that impresses them, it might give you access to their inner circle. You could gather valuable information."

Ageis added, "And you can design the droid with additional capabilities—perhaps even a way to relay information back to us. This could be a significant advantage."

I weighed their words carefully. The prospect of infiltrating Darius's household was both thrilling and terrifying. "Alright. I'll accept the order. But I need to be meticulous in my approach. I want Isa'bella's droid to be the best I've ever created."

With that decision made, I dove headfirst into the project. I began by studying the latest trends in chaperone droid design, focusing on what the elite families desired for their children. I envisioned a droid that would not only assist Isa'bella but also dazzle her guests at the gala, ensuring she would be the highlight of the event.

As I worked, I carefully designed the droid to have advanced social skills, making it charming, witty, and capable of engaging in conversation. I programmed it with a wealth of knowledge about social etiquette and the intricacies of high society, ensuring it would be the perfect companion for a debutante. More importantly, I embedded a discreet communication system within the droid—one that would allow it to relay information back to me without raising suspicion. If I could gather insights into Darius's plans and the political landscape, it would be invaluable for the resistance.

Months passed, and as the deadline for the prototype's delivery approached, I faced numerous challenges. Balancing my work on the chaperone droid with my ongoing efforts to inspire the people of Redwood through my messages was no easy feat. The political climate remained tense, and Darius's enforcers continued to crack down on dissenters, complicating my dual life.

Finally, the day came when I was ready to unveil the first iteration of the droid. Standing in my workshop, I examined the elegant figure before me. The droid was a stunning creation—crafted with intricate details, it bore a resemblance to Isa'bella, complete with customizable features that allowed for adjustments to match her preferences.

"Are you ready for this?" Kael asked, watching me with a mix of admiration and concern.

"I have to be," I replied, my voice steady. "This could be our chance to turn the tide. I'll deliver the droid myself. I need to see Darius and Elaina up close, to understand their plans better."

As I prepared for the delivery, a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursed through me. This was a pivotal moment in my journey, one that could change everything. I donned a disguise to conceal my identity, ensuring that no one would recognize me as the Gear Maiden—or as the lost princess of Redwood.

The day of the delivery arrived, and I found myself standing before the imposing gates of Darius's estate. My heart raced as I approached the grand entrance, the weight of my mission pressing down on me. With a deep breath, I rang the doorbell.

Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Elaina Semper, a woman of striking elegance. "Ah, you must be the Gear Maiden," she said, her voice warm yet laced with curiosity. "Please, come in."

I stepped inside, my senses overwhelmed by the opulence of the Semper estate. As I followed Elaina through the lavish halls, I couldn't help but feel a mix of disdain and determination. This was the home of the man who had stolen my family’s legacy, yet here I was, on the brink of reclaiming my power.

"May I present to you, my lady," I announced, unveiling the chaperone droid, "your daughter’s new companion, Eloise."

Elaina's eyes widened with delight as she examined the droid, her demeanor shifting from curiosity to genuine admiration. "It's beautiful! Isa'bella will be thrilled. She's been looking forward to her debut for so long."

"Eloise is designed to be the perfect companion," I explained, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. "She's equipped with everything needed to assist Isa'bella during her gala and beyond. However, keep in mind this is just the prototype, to help her get used to having a companion, and so I may learn how to better customize it for her. The completed droid will be delivered two days before her 14th birthday."

As Elaina interacted with the droid, I seized the opportunity to observe the dynamics within the Semper household. I noted the subtle tension in Elaina's demeanor, the way she glanced toward the door as if expecting someone. It was clear that Darius's rule cast a shadow even within his own home.

"Is Darius around?" I inquired casually, my heart pounding as I sought to gather more information.

"He's busy with... work," Elaina replied, her voice tinged with frustration. "He's become increasingly consumed by his efforts to root out dissent. It's exhausting." I sensed her weariness, recognizing the cracks in Darius's facade.

Perhaps there was more to the story than I had realized. As I engaged Elaina in conversation, I began to gather insights into the growing unrest in the upper classes, the fear that permeated even the Semper household.

The visit concluded with a promise from Elaina to have Isa'bella meet her new companion soon. As I left the estate, I felt a sense of accomplishment, but also the weight of the knowledge I had gained. The next two years would be crucial, and I knew the stakes had never been higher.

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