“Lady Atsuko, it is a pleasure to have made your acquaintance. My name is Ellaine Fiero Helvas, daughter of Count Helvas,” a young woman with blue hair similar to her father greeted me, curtsying with her green dress. “It would be an honor if we could learn about each other more after today.”
“I heard you like pastries from your mother, Lady Ellaine. Please tell me if today’s will be to your liking, and, if I acquire more, I would be delighted to accept your invitation,” I answered her with a smile, leaving when I will come ambiguous.
Jeez, not only the son but also the daughter wants to know me better. They might be nice people, but I’m already on the edge being inside their home.
Outside the supposed dining room, Ellaine, the daughter of Count and Countess Helvas, stood waiting for us. Her father introduced us and we both greeted each other for courtesy’s sake. Just like her brother, she was probably instructed by her parents to ask me if we could meet again. I had no evidence, but call it a rich girl’s intuition.
Once that was done, two butlers moved towards the door and opened it for us. Entering, my eyes immediately were enraptured by all the lights released by those manatech lamps and chandeliers, brightening the room so much it seemed like everything was sparkling and shining.
White light showed off the beauty of all the furniture, highlighting them like spotlights on a show stage. From the dark, engraving-filled wooden chairs to the massive paintings decorating the walls of the room; it seemed the word “cost” wasn’t even considered with how opulent this whole room was.
As one of the maids led me to my table position, I suddenly noticed the chair before me.
… This one looks different compared to the others.
My chair had openings beneath its armrests and backrest, wide and large enough to accommodate my tail. As it was uncomfortable to sit down with a tail, especially while I was wearing a dress, having somewhere to place my long limb meant I didn’t need to deal with the pain.
Seeing as how the spy Jecht, Colwyn, or even Barathan had met me before and were able to see how ridiculously long my tail was, it made me kinda happy they made appropriate preparations for me. Very thoughtful.
“This is a beautiful chair,” I mentioned as I sat down with Saori’s help.
“Barathan himself suggested it. I hope it is to your liking, Lady Atsuko,” Lord Helvas informed me. “We … rarely receive beastmen guests so I am not too acquainted with accommodating dragonewts.”
Understanding he was trying to be humble, I just smiled back. “It is perfect, thank you very much.”
The table was unexpectedly very small in comparison to the rest of the room. A bit of an outlier, really. While the carpet’s length fitted this table, it was clear they used to have a longer one inside, just from the size of the room. It was just logical, and in case you had to host a group of people, it would be for the best. They probably switched the table since we were only five people.
Count Helvas was seated at one end, as the head of the house, while I was seated on the other end, as the guest of honor. His family members sat to his sides, creating a clear seperation between us as two parties.
A few seconds after everyone sat down, Barathan and the head maid came in pushing serving trolleys, with two other maids and Tasianna following behind them. Each of them went to their respective masters and mistresses and began opening wooden boxes, releasing a myriad of pleasant scents similar to a field of flowers.
“Lady Hestia, which tea would you like to drink? I would recommend this one, as I believe it would fit your palette,” Tasianna informed me with a pleasant smile, perfectly fitting the image of a maid.
After we left Count Helvas’s study, the head maid had called Tasianna to follow her for dinner prep. The reason was to inform Tasianna about everything she could and had to do inside the mansion, telling her the schedule of the whole dinner. As my retainer, she had to do it.
If a noble brought their servants with them, the servants had to be responsible for serving their master. This was to ensure the servants could get a chance to taste the food for poison and to make the tea their master wanted. Nobody had told me this, but I guessed it from context alone. Incidentally, wouldn’t [Poison Resistance] be perfect for a servant? I kinda wanted to see Barathan’s status board if this was the case. He really seemed like the perfect servant.
After brewing my tea, both Saori and Tasianna moved outside the room. I made some small talk with Ellaine and her family before my two friends returned with dinner. After serving the dishes, Count Helvas dismissed all the butlers and maids, including Saori and Tasianna. We were about to talk business, so I guess he didn’t want anybody uninvolved witnessing it. Besides, a butler or maid could be called anytime with a bell.
[“Have fun, Saori. Stay cool, Tasianna. Don’t get caught,”] I wished my friends luck.
[“You will have it worse, Hestia. Enjoy the meal, it tasted alright when I taste-tested it,”] Saori said before leaving the room with Tasianna.
Now, I’m alone in the lion’s den …
“Let us enjoy the meal a bit before we speak. It would be an insult to both Krunal and Anuiqa if we didn’t,” Count Helvas stated, mentioning two subordinate gods of Zephira before beginning a prayer. “Oh Goddess, we thank you for this bounty today. For showing us the rightful path and for our meeting tonight …”
His family closed their eyes and stayed silent as Count Helvas spoke a dinnertime prayer. I too copied this action as I had to fit in. When I first met Lorena, she gave a prayer too before we ate. Not only the villagers but also the nobility were religious, huh? Obvious, but you know, confirmation was best.
While I was listening, I went through my head as I remembered the name “Anuiqa” somewhere. Tasianna’s theology lessons were currently my only source of knowledge on the gods of this world. The bible Colwyn gave me was only about Aurena, so it wasn’t too helpful. Without her help, I would never have known of somebody like Anuiqa.
Krunal was the God of Weather and Harvest while Anuiqa, I believe, was the Goddess of Festivals and Cooking. Both were subordinate gods of Zephira, the Goddess of Wind. Considering Zephira was also the Goddess of Celebrations and Travels, those two gods really fitted her.
After the prayer was done, it was finally time for me to try out the food. Saori told me nobles in medieval times used hard bread called trenchers as plates during these times, and I was preparing myself for it. However, against my expectations, what was served before me was the appetizer on a white clay plate.
Well, to be honest, my expectations were kinda destroyed the moment I entered the mansion. There were barely any candles; all light sources came from those manatech lamps and chandeliers decorating the whole place. If you removed the clear medieval setting, most people would think this was a 21st century, modern “medieval” mansion. I mean, the only candles I saw were inside this room and they were scented with herbs.
Anyway, while Colwyn wasn’t able to teach me how to dine like a noble, thankfully, my etiquette teacher had already taught me enough. Several utensils were placed before me, all of them were either spoons, forks, or knives. The only difference between each type were their forms and lengths.
As the appetizer was soup, using the soup spoon, the largest of the spoons, was the choice. Even for the bread, which was still warm, there was a butter knife to apply butter to it. You shouldn’t use the dining knife nor the salad knife; only and always use the butter knife. It ruins and distorts the final taste, after all.
There was also the annoying rule of having to break the bread in pieces before buttering it. You weren’t allowed to cut it in half and then put condiments and meat on it like a sandwich. Tear a piece off, apply butter on it, then you may eat it. Never skip a step.
Tedious as always, but a nice change of pace.
While I was enjoying myself, I kept it slow. Not only did I have to temper my strength to not accidentally break everything, but I was also keeping an eye at how the nobles were behaving. Seeing them follow the rules I had to learn ever since my childhood was a relief. I hated to admit it, but I was totally in my element. Like a prim and proper young lady, I was doing everything correctly.
… But that just made me crave for more. Without the sun around, hunger assaulted me like a ravenous beast. Every bite of bread and spoon of soup caused my mouth to fill with saliva, compelling me to continue eating and eating without stopping.
I wasn’t even thinking while I ate some bread, then picked up some salad with a fork, before holding up some soup. I was an efficient eating machine.
The slow nature of formal eating was a real bore. I wasn’t even allowed to eat everything, always having to leave a bit behind to show everybody I enjoyed it but that I wasn’t completely hungry.
After some time had passed without anybody speaking, simply enjoying their meal, the next course, the entrée, arrived. After it was served to us, wine was poured into our engraved silver goblets. Taking a sip, the weird, almost revolting, alcoholic taste caused my tongue to jerk back the moment a drop touched it. Once again, I honestly had to question how people could drink this kinda stuff. Nevertheless, I didn’t say it aloud.
The entrée itself was a beautiful piece of meat seeped in a red sauce, accompanied with a small bowl of fried rice. Weird, since this place reminded me of medieval Europe, but I guess their village produced rice.
The appetizer, the soup, was a complete failure in my opinion. Seasoned with only salt, it couldn’t even compare to anything Saori could make. Even the salad was only acceptable ‘cause I was hungry. The only thing good about the appetizer was the bread and salted butter. The bread was hard, yes, but the nuts inside it gave it a great texture.
On the other hand, the entrée was on a completely different level. The meat was cooked medium-rare and seasoned perfectly to accentuate the juicy goodness. With the piping-hot fried rice and the sweet-sour sauce, it kept me wanting for more. It was so delicious, I wanted to just devour it. It was so mouth-watering, I was looking more at my meal than the nobles at this point. I wanted, no, I needed more!
But I kept myself from going that far. As I nearly lost myself in my ravenous side, I suddenly realized there was music in the room. Where did they come from?! Were they here the whole time? Was I so engrossed in eating that I didn’t notice them?!
Looking towards the sounds, my eyes were introduced to the wonderful beauty of a small band. I wasn’t well-versed with old instruments since my parents instructed me in the piano and violin, so I wasn’t able to name every instrument. However, among the four women playing, two were playing banduras and one a zither. The last woman was—
Wait, that doesn’t sound like strings being plucked. Wait, isn’t that …!
“Lady Atsuko, is something the matter?” Ellaine suddenly asked, noticing me looking at the musicians.
Awakened from my trance, I turned around to see everybody at the table looking at me, having stopped moving their metal utensils. “I-I was just enjoying the music,” I forced myself to answer under the pressure of eight eyes.
“You were?” Ellaine asked while tilting her head, frowning her blue brows in confusion. “I did not think you were a lover of music, Lady Atsuko. You were pretty quiet during the appetizer.”
Urgh, true enough. Fucking sunfang dragon always being hungry. Now I’m hungry again from thinking about food!
Understanding what my feeding frenzy made me do, embarrassment caused me to hesitate with my excuse. At this point, I just revealed I was only interested in the food. I had to force something out.
“I was listening to it silently. It is embarrassing to say, but I was a bit nervous to speak out. I apologize, I couldn’t help myself to stare.”
Against all my expectations, everybody was nodding their heads with an understanding expression despite my lackluster attempt at an excuse. How did I get out of that?
Swinging her long blond hair around as she settled down her utensils, Countess Helvas began to speak in a calming tone, “Understandable, dear. Rank differences or not, you are still young and are alone in a foreign country’s noble house.”
Rank differences?
Before I could ask her what she meant, Count Helvas put down his utensils, wiped his mouth, and then added to his wife’s statement, “I planned to give you some time to calm down before we speak, however, maybe it would have been wiser for me to start the conversation myself. My apologies, Lady Atsuko.”
He gave a short nod, swaying his short blue hair before looking back at me. “Is there something we could help you with? To make you more comfortable?”
“It is alright,” I stated as I couldn’t think of something at the spot, but immediately thought of something as the music kept playing. “Actually, could I ask you to give me permission to play that instrument?”
Pointing at one of the women, I drew everybody’s attention towards what she was playing. A wooden instrument with strings attached to it being bowed with a musical bow, resembling my favorite instrument.
“You play, Lady Atsuko?” Jonathan, the son, spoke up with blond hair similar to his mother. “If that is the case then may I suggest we spice up this evening? A display of musical talents would definitely calm everybody down, no?”
“Oh, that would be wonderful!” Ellaine clapped her hands together, looking excited at the prospect. “Mother. Father. I would agree with Brother’s suggestion, especially if Lady Atsuko is asking for it. It would certainly brighten up this dinner.”
“I see no problem with the children’s wishes, dear. You too?” Countess Helvas smiled, although the question sounded rhetorical with how she was egging him. He could only accept. “Wonderful. Lady Atsuko, you wished for ‘Geigler,’ correct?”
She then rang the bell, calling the musician to deliver the instrument over to me. Receiving it, I thanked the musician and Countess Helvas for accommodating my wish. Once the instrument was in my hands, nostalgia quickly rushed through my fingers. The familiar feeling of the sleek wood, the firmness of the strings, the pegs to tune them. It was quite a bit larger than what I was used to; I think it would be called a viola on Earth.
However, I didn’t care. Violas were just larger versions. The deeper notes wouldn’t dissuade me. So what if it was called “Geigler” in this world? How important was a change of names, if I knew this was my so, so, so favorite. My mother’s preferred instrument—the violin.
“Lady Atsuko, what is your [Musician] level?” Ellaine suddenly asked.
I told them I had [Musician Lv. 4], which garnered me only confirming nods, suggesting level four was below average, maybe. Well, my level might be low, but I didn’t think my skill was. I have been practicing on my [Aerokinesis] violin since I learned how to construct one.
After playtesting the geigler so I could tune it to my liking, I then began playing a slow classical song to test out my skills first. I wanted to use [Aerokinesis] to imitate the sounds of a piano ‘cause I personally liked it in this sonata. Ludwig van Beethoven’s piano sonata no.14, also called the “Moonlight Sonata.”
Sure, the piano was better known to play it, but making covers of songs and sonatas was just normal for musicians. The 21st century just made it more prominent through the internet.
Ahhhhh, this is … this is just wonderful. How I missed you so much!
Music was my life; that fact has been true ever since I chose my dream to become an idol. Almost compelled by this chance to get my hand on a violin once I made sure I still had the skills, I didn’t stop just with the “Moonlight Sonata.” Highly energetic songs from anime or video games, either of them were fine with me. I just needed to play something to shake off this rust.
After finishing my fourth song, Count Helvas suddenly clapped his hands before I could start the fifth. “Bravo. Excellent. Are you sure you spoke the truth, Lady Atsuko? Those were not the skills of someone with only [Musician Lv. 4]. The way your arm moved and how you didn’t skip a beat as you transitioned from play to play is something only somebody with years of experience can produce. As wonderful as that was, we cannot have you hoard all the brilliance now, no? As the hosts, allow us to entertain you.”
Starting with Ellaine and ending with Count Helvas himself, all four members of house Helvas chose their personal instrument and played a piece. Fortunately for my ears, all of them were brilliant and educated musicians, able to play pieces I’d never heard before. Were all nobles given a musical education? Considering how refined they were, they sure were overpowered social beasts.
I especially liked the daughter’s performance, as she followed along the music with hums. It didn’t showcase her singing talent, but the ability to control your voice to follow the rhythm and beat. Whether she could keep it steady to perform was another question, but it did make me wish to hear her sing.
Once it calmed down, Count Helvas ordered the women to put the instruments in their spot and dismissed them from the room. We kept eating but it seemed like the discussion would start soon.
Staring into my eyes with a firm gaze, Count Helvas spoke clearly and regally, displaying the image of an experienced politician. “Now, aside from your wonderful music, I would also like to officially thank you for your assistance in subjugating those bandits. As the lord of this land, that duty should have fallen on me but I failed, I will admit. The village under my protection was razed and my subjects were killed and captured. A shameful display, especially when this land was given to me by one of the seven dukes of this kingdom. I do not know if you know much about our lands, but simply ask if you require information.”
He paused for a moment to look at his daughter, before returning his gaze back to me. “I have heard how you helped in the reconstruction of the village with your magic. Seeing as how much you have helped the progression, I will not doubt what a talented mage you are. As you are new to these lands, I would like to warn you not to do this too often, as you are trespassing into the vested interests of the earth mages in our employ. Are you affiliated with the mage guild in our country? While I am not too sure what they would do, if any, it probably would earn you some unwanted complaints here and there.”
Kuck! Wait, people pay earth mages to build houses?! Okay, now I really hope a bunch of earth mages aren’t just gonna show up in front of my house one day. They’ll probably complain my ears off.
“Now, I’ve also heard you aren’t calling yourself a clergywoman of the Church of Aurena. However, then how do you answer your ability to cast healing spells on the wounded the bandits captured and that massive [Prayer]? I heard you had two sermons and I was able to witness your magic circle even from my home today.”
They sounded like warnings, but at this point, it also sounded like he was interrogating me. Since he still had no idea who I was, maybe he was overstepping his boundaries a bit to pry info from me. I wasn’t sure how I should act on this.
With me staying silent, he continued, “You have also rejected compensation for the white grace. I do not know how the Church of Aurena in Loatryx handles church taxes, so I will not blame you for your ignorance. However, please be aware that the Church, or at least the priests, rely on the money they make from ‘donations.’ White graces, we call them. They could be … persuasive, when they complain. It would be trouble for you, but also for us, since we are hosting you. I hope you understand, Lady Atsuko.”
‘Persuasive?’ I-i don’t follow …
I wasn’t able to read between the lines, but I could hazard a guess with how he was phrasing his warning. Problems with the mage guild and the church, huh? Master recommended me to join the former, so maybe heeding Count Helvas’s warning would be the smartest choice.
However, honestly, was money really that important for everything? Even casting some magic? Jeez, were magic casters just service providers like builders and doctors in this world? I guess it made sense, since that was how this world developed around mana. It just felt a bit weird since I had to be wary of them, compared to when I was still free in the Belzac forest.
I really was ignorant of this world’s common sense. The confines of society might be nice, but it did restrict my freedom. I couldn’t even heal people to help them, without somehow angering the bloody clergy of the Goddess of Miracles!
Watching me contemplate on his words, Count Helvas only gave a sigh before returning to the subject at hand. “Anyway, proper reflection would be wise. As a noble, I have given you my warnings, so let us rid ourselves of that for now. Your reward; let us continue with that.”
Just as his tensed face began to soften, the tension inside the dining room mellowed out a bit. Count Helvas showed a small smile, looking more welcoming.
“You have helped me immensely. Defeating the bandits, returning the captives, returning the village’s winter rations, helping the reconstruction of the village with magic, granting white graces, and also holding two sermons to ease the suffering of my subjects. As Lord Andre Orlean Helvas, you may ask me of anything you wish, Lady Atsuko. Let us speak as nobles and I will grant whatever I can give.”
Anything, huh? Considering how meticulous he has been with information collection and how he is warning me, should I truly ask him about that request? I’ll only make myself suspicious … No, I must ask him.
“If that is the case, then I thank you very much, Count Helvas. I will make sure to not cause your family any more trouble,” I answered before taking a deep breath. “As you should have already heard, my companions and I have lost our IDs before we came into your domain. We have also heard your country is able to issue special IDs able to hide certain information. I know how this will sound, but would it be possible for you to do this for me? That would be my only request.”
His smile dropped, his wrinkles hidden behind his short beard. He leaned forward with his hands and squinted his eyes, now hiding his mouth. “Do you truly understand what you are asking for, Lady Atsuko?”
His tone sounded rhetorical but also inquisitive. What exactly was he trying to tell me?
“Through your behavior, education, and magical expertise I have no doubts you must have come from a distinguished family, however, you haven’t told me much about yourself. As a dragonewt, you come from Loatryx, no? Or maybe even Kargryx, the Empire of Dragons? Kargryx had never partaken in ambassadorship, but Loatryx had, for a while. Well, before the founding of Artorias, at least. Before that damnable war …
If he was talking about a war, then the only one I knew about was the “War for the Fairies.” The one where humans captured faefolk, a race of mana composed of individuals like fairies, and used them as fuel for mana batteries. Pretty horrific when I heard about it from Tasianna.
“I have nothing against you or your country of origin. If I could help, I would. But, these specialized IDs you are talking about are usually reserved for royalty or those rich enough to afford them. You are a foreigner who is asking the head of a noble house for a specialized ID to hide your profile. If you cause trouble, then my family and I will be responsible,” his gaze was firm, even showing a bit of hostility in them, as he told me the repercussions his decision could cause him. “I do wish to reward you, but only if it doesn’t severely cripple me. This request of yours is impossible to grant.”
So even after going through all of this, I never had a chance? Verdammt! There has to be a way for me to turn this around. We need those IDs! … Didn’t he mention those IDs were reserved for royalty?
“However …” I couldn’t finish my thought before he continued. “That is why we are negotiating. I have a proposal.”
Swallowing a nervous spit, I listened and hoped his offer wasn't too unfavorable. “Just as a warning, you will not be able to hide your status from me, your benefactor. Once you make the ID, I will know your status, I hope you know that. With that said, my proposal to you is to come with me to the capital.”
“The capital?” I uttered, having already accepted the fact he might learn about my profile. I would rather have a small number of people know it than everybody.
“Griffonpeak, that is the name of the Kingdom of Artorias’s capital, where our King and Queen rule over us nobles. Origdiviel Arashan, the god thanking festival is soon. That also means the winter fest at the capital—held by the royal family for all nobles and commoners. I wish you to come with me,” he stated, pausing to drink some wine. “Once the royal family knows about you, everything should be alright. Do not worry, we haven’t received a guest from Loatryx for a very long time, so I can guarantee you the royal family will want to treat you well. My family and I will leave in two days, now that our land has stabilized again, and we will stay there until the snow melts.”
… I see. That complicates things.
“I’m sorry but I cannot accept that, despite your goodwill,” I immediately answered, surprising not only Count Helvas but also his family. “I made a promise with the villagers to perform, well, a musical concert for them on New Year’s Eve. And promises are something important for me, something that I will not break if given the chance. This musical concert also has sentimental value for me. Could we possibly change the requirements to something else?”
“And what can you offer me?” he plainly stated, giving me no leeway. “Negotiations can only happen if you have something of value to me. My offer was simply out of courtesy as thanks for all your help, and with the royal family's assistance and agreement, there will be no repercussions for my house. So what can you offer me, Lady Atsuko?”
“You liked the mana threads, correct? I could offer you more. The IDs cost money, I can compensate you for them,” I meekly offered, grasping at straws for a way to overturn this whole situation.
He shook his head roughly, looking almost exhausted as he spoke, “Rejected. Your gift was wonderful, especially the lightning element is extremely expensive, but it isn’t worth possibly dooming my house. Lady Atsuko, I do not know you. You may either reveal what you are trying to hide or offer me something I cannot reject because money and goods will not.”
I stayed silent. There really was only one way for me to overturn this. A trump I could use at any time now to turn things into my favor. It was just that I didn't want to rely on it. Why must I tell people I was a princess to get things? Couldn’t I do anything myself, as Hestia? As a person, was my personal worth that low?
No, there had to be something. I just have to think! But, my whole plan relied on the pre-discussion phase here. Acting like a noble, using skills to charm and impress them, using music to sway them to my side. I thought it would work. He looked so amazed by everything. He even admitted to it!
What are my options? Think, Hestia! What else could I offer him? A ticket to the concert? Dumb idea, he would leave in two days so why should he stay here? My service? Definitely no, I didn’t want to become his employee or something. I valued my freedom.
Come on, think! Why can’t I think of anything?! Just one more step, just one more step! Verdammt, what would Saori say here?!
“I have one thing I would like from you.” Throwing me another lifesaver, a tiny bit of hope came back to me as I anxiously awaited his answer. “I would like to propose a trade. Two IDs for your yeast recipe.”
Huh?
“Huh?” I tilted my head.
Ignoring my surprise, he continued, “The Kingdom of Artorias, as you should know, has a very difficult relationship with the elves of Saelariel. The war has cut off all elven knowledge and products from entering our country through legal means. Precious goods, luxury products, and production information. Aside from a few political reasons, the Kingdom also wishes to reintroduce yeast and other products back to Artorias. This is precious, invaluable to the growth of my house and my country. I would gladly add additional requests if you were—”
… So that was another trump card, huh?
“No!” Controlling myself just enough to not break the table, I returned a glare filled with fake hostility at Count Helvas for even suggesting such an outrageous thing. This actually was a lifeline! “It seems you are of the impression that I am that desperate to give you something like yeast just like that? And here I thought you didn’t like the cake I made for you. Or, must I remind you how the War for the Faefolk even started? Who began it, Lord Helvas?”
It wasn’t intentional but I believe in my moment of exhilaration, upon finding something I could clung onto to make my situation stronger, [Draconic Aura] automatically activated as I tried to seem intimidating and imposing. Ellaine’s and Jonathan’s eyes widened up like terrified dogs, shivering in their chairs as they instinctively stood up. Countess Helvas looked at me with fear, but I could feel magic from underneath the table from her direction.
The only one who stood his ground was Count Helvas, although cold sweat was already pouring down his face like a stream. He was clutching his armrest so hard the sound of cracking wood could be heard. From the look of it, those two were the ones I should be wary of, if we ever got into a fight.
This might be a potshot, but from how Count Helvas reacted when he spoke about the war, it really seemed like Tasianna’s version of the “War for the Faefolk” was indeed correct. So the humans started it, forcing the elves to defeat them to rescue the faefolk. Yeast and other elven products, as such, stopped circulating in this kingdom. Why the elves had a monopoly on yeast was beyond my comprehension, but I could use this. I didn’t have to reveal I was a princess.
The fact I knew how to make yeast made me important here!
“Haha, very well, Lady Atsuko!” Anxiously forcing a wide smile, Count Helvas kept his eyes on me, defiantly going against the oppressing aura. “I apologize from the depths of my soul for what I just mentioned. As the Goddess is my witness, I swear to never, ever try to force you in a bad deal, again, Lady Atsuko. I humbly ask for your forgiveness.”
Taking a deep breath, I told myself to cool down, using this chance to disable [Draconic Aura] and eat up the rest of the entrée. It might seem weird, but I couldn’t believe I actually got this scary noble to speak like that to me. Damn! Wow! If I wasn’t eating, I probably would be jumping around like a weirdo right about now.
“I apologize for my outburst. I acted inelegantly, unfitting for a guest,” I answered with a firm glare once I wiped my mouth clean.
At that moment, butlers and maid stormed into the room but were immediately dismissed by Count Helvas with a thundering voice before slumping into his chair, drenched in sweat and heart racing like an escaped prey. “Haha, thank you very much, but I will not allow myself to be strong-armed. If you cannot offer me anything, I also cannot give you what you want.”
Urk! I wanted to spit out what I just ate! Despite that, he’s staying strong?! What kinda mental resilience does this guy have?!
“… It is alright, I understand. I’m not here to make enemies.” Seeing how even this didn’t work, I decided to just give up, feeling disappointed in myself for not doing this better. Jeez, I didn’t know how, but did I underestimate this too much?
“However, I will help you with your request.” Yet, before I stood up to leave, Count Helvas actually threw me another lifeline?!
Why?!
“You confusion is clear to see. The reason is that you did give me something I really wanted to know ever since the very beginning of our meeting. I know what your real rank is, Lady Atsuko. I might only hold the rank of ‘Count,’ a Magnoble. However, I have been honored to meet His Majesty, the King, whenever I can for his feasts. Every notable nobleman and noblewoman should know the ‘feeling’ of meeting a royal.”
My eyes widened as he mentioned that, realizing what his words were telling me. The one trump card I was trying to save up … how did I expose it? I kept everything hidden.
“…Oh,” I could only utter.
“I have been a terrible host, I do apologize from the depth of my soul, Lady Atsuko. When I was young, I also had a bit of a wanderlust, so I can understand as a former adventurer … So, yes, I pray our relationship hasn’t worsened too much.” The Count then started to smile again, opening his arms in a welcoming fashion. “You do not need to come with me to the capital, but if you wish, you may stay here. I will provide you with all the luxury you will need, including the privacy you rightfully deserve. I may only be a Count, but my house is quite wealthy. I will also provide you with the IDs you wish, in addition as an apology, I will also procure the latest model of party bracelets for your party and a few other gifts. You have my word, I swear this in the name of the God of Dragons and Oaths, Kargryxmor.”
… Guess I lost before I even came here today, huh? No, did I fuck something up on the way or missed something? Fuck …
“… Thank you,” I answered in a dejected manner, unable to feel happy. “This night has been very pleasant. I thank you for your offer to stay with you but I must bid you farewell for now. Lady Helvas. Lady Ellaine. I do hope you will enjoy the cake, I made it myself with the help of my retainers. It’s also my favorite fruit. Farewell.”
Standing up, nobody stopped me as I slowly walked to the door. Count Helvas rang the bell, causing the doors to open and I immediately left the dining hall without glancing back. Tasianna and Saori were waiting there, probably having felt my aura, and followed me outside where we left through the gates of the mansion on foot.
“… I presume it was a failure?” Saori asked once we were far away from the mansion.
“Nah, I got us our IDs and even some party bracelets,” I replied, looking down as I made sure my dress wouldn’t get dirtied from the ground. Saori and Tasianna worked so hard on it, turning me into a pretty acceptable young lady. I didn’t want to dirty it.
“Huh, is that so? Then why did you suddenly get-Woah!”
Without another thought, I turned around and embraced both of my friends. They were taller than me and I couldn’t fully wrap my arms around both of them but the warmth I was feeling made me forget that fact. It was so comfortable.
“You guys are the best. I will never let anybody get you guys,” I stated with conviction.
“Lady Hestia?!” Tasianna called out as I released both of them.
“Come on, guys. Let’s go home. Sleep and more yeast are waiting for us, ok~”
Master, Saori, and Tasianna were so right. This is what my defeatist attitude got me—Defeat in a social setting. No longer, I can’t keep acting like a kid.
In this place, unless I wanted to destroy everything and make everybody my enemy, I couldn’t rely on strength alone. I needed to up my social game, my influence, and my social acumen. A new way to become “strong.”
This sun won’t stay dim!
AbyssRaven Hestia's first step into the world of nobles and social society. A dragon would have blown them all away, an idol wouldn't. Well, at least Count Helvas knew when to stop being a noble and try to curry favor.
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“Lady Atsuko, it is a pleasure to have made your acquaintance. My name is Ellaine Fiero Helvas, daughter of Count Helvas,” a young woman with blue hair similar to her father greeted me, curtsying with her green dress. “It would be an honor if we could learn about each other more after today.”
“I heard you like pastries from your mother, Lady Ellaine. Please tell me if today’s will be to your liking, and, if I acquire more, I would be delighted to accept your invitation,” I answered her with a smile, leaving when I will come ambiguous.
Jeez, not only the son but also the daughter wants to know me better. They might be nice people, but I’m already on the edge being inside their home.
Outside the supposed dining room, Ellaine, the daughter of Count and Countess Helvas, stood waiting for us. Her father introduced us and we both greeted each other for courtesy’s sake. Just like her brother, she was probably instructed by her parents to ask me if we could meet again. I had no evidence, but call it a rich girl’s intuition.
Once that was done, two butlers moved towards the door and opened it for us. Entering, my eyes immediately were enraptured by all the lights released by those manatech lamps and chandeliers, brightening the room so much it seemed like everything was sparkling and shining.
White light showed off the beauty of all the furniture, highlighting them like spotlights on a show stage. From the dark, engraving-filled wooden chairs to the massive paintings decorating the walls of the room; it seemed the word “cost” wasn’t even considered with how opulent this whole room was.
As one of the maids led me to my table position, I suddenly noticed the chair before me.
… This one looks different compared to the others.
My chair had openings beneath its armrests and backrest, wide and large enough to accommodate my tail. As it was uncomfortable to sit down with a tail, especially while I was wearing a dress, having somewhere to place my long limb meant I didn’t need to deal with the pain.
Seeing as how the spy Jecht, Colwyn, or even Barathan had met me before and were able to see how ridiculously long my tail was, it made me kinda happy they made appropriate preparations for me. Very thoughtful.
“This is a beautiful chair,” I mentioned as I sat down with Saori’s help.
“Barathan himself suggested it. I hope it is to your liking, Lady Atsuko,” Lord Helvas informed me. “We … rarely receive beastmen guests so I am not too acquainted with accommodating dragonewts.”
Understanding he was trying to be humble, I just smiled back. “It is perfect, thank you very much.”
The table was unexpectedly very small in comparison to the rest of the room. A bit of an outlier, really. While the carpet’s length fitted this table, it was clear they used to have a longer one inside, just from the size of the room. It was just logical, and in case you had to host a group of people, it would be for the best. They probably switched the table since we were only five people.
Count Helvas was seated at one end, as the head of the house, while I was seated on the other end, as the guest of honor. His family members sat to his sides, creating a clear seperation between us as two parties.
A few seconds after everyone sat down, Barathan and the head maid came in pushing serving trolleys, with two other maids and Tasianna following behind them. Each of them went to their respective masters and mistresses and began opening wooden boxes, releasing a myriad of pleasant scents similar to a field of flowers.
“Lady Hestia, which tea would you like to drink? I would recommend this one, as I believe it would fit your palette,” Tasianna informed me with a pleasant smile, perfectly fitting the image of a maid.
After we left Count Helvas’s study, the head maid had called Tasianna to follow her for dinner prep. The reason was to inform Tasianna about everything she could and had to do inside the mansion, telling her the schedule of the whole dinner. As my retainer, she had to do it.
If a noble brought their servants with them, the servants had to be responsible for serving their master. This was to ensure the servants could get a chance to taste the food for poison and to make the tea their master wanted. Nobody had told me this, but I guessed it from context alone. Incidentally, wouldn’t [Poison Resistance] be perfect for a servant? I kinda wanted to see Barathan’s status board if this was the case. He really seemed like the perfect servant.
After brewing my tea, both Saori and Tasianna moved outside the room. I made some small talk with Ellaine and her family before my two friends returned with dinner. After serving the dishes, Count Helvas dismissed all the butlers and maids, including Saori and Tasianna. We were about to talk business, so I guess he didn’t want anybody uninvolved witnessing it. Besides, a butler or maid could be called anytime with a bell.
[“Have fun, Saori. Stay cool, Tasianna. Don’t get caught,”] I wished my friends luck.
[“You will have it worse, Hestia. Enjoy the meal, it tasted alright when I taste-tested it,”] Saori said before leaving the room with Tasianna.
Now, I’m alone in the lion’s den …
“Let us enjoy the meal a bit before we speak. It would be an insult to both Krunal and Anuiqa if we didn’t,” Count Helvas stated, mentioning two subordinate gods of Zephira before beginning a prayer. “Oh Goddess, we thank you for this bounty today. For showing us the rightful path and for our meeting tonight …”
His family closed their eyes and stayed silent as Count Helvas spoke a dinnertime prayer. I too copied this action as I had to fit in. When I first met Lorena, she gave a prayer too before we ate. Not only the villagers but also the nobility were religious, huh? Obvious, but you know, confirmation was best.
While I was listening, I went through my head as I remembered the name “Anuiqa” somewhere. Tasianna’s theology lessons were currently my only source of knowledge on the gods of this world. The bible Colwyn gave me was only about Aurena, so it wasn’t too helpful. Without her help, I would never have known of somebody like Anuiqa.
Krunal was the God of Weather and Harvest while Anuiqa, I believe, was the Goddess of Festivals and Cooking. Both were subordinate gods of Zephira, the Goddess of Wind. Considering Zephira was also the Goddess of Celebrations and Travels, those two gods really fitted her.
After the prayer was done, it was finally time for me to try out the food. Saori told me nobles in medieval times used hard bread called trenchers as plates during these times, and I was preparing myself for it. However, against my expectations, what was served before me was the appetizer on a white clay plate.
Well, to be honest, my expectations were kinda destroyed the moment I entered the mansion. There were barely any candles; all light sources came from those manatech lamps and chandeliers decorating the whole place. If you removed the clear medieval setting, most people would think this was a 21st century, modern “medieval” mansion. I mean, the only candles I saw were inside this room and they were scented with herbs.
Anyway, while Colwyn wasn’t able to teach me how to dine like a noble, thankfully, my etiquette teacher had already taught me enough. Several utensils were placed before me, all of them were either spoons, forks, or knives. The only difference between each type were their forms and lengths.
As the appetizer was soup, using the soup spoon, the largest of the spoons, was the choice. Even for the bread, which was still warm, there was a butter knife to apply butter to it. You shouldn’t use the dining knife nor the salad knife; only and always use the butter knife. It ruins and distorts the final taste, after all.
There was also the annoying rule of having to break the bread in pieces before buttering it. You weren’t allowed to cut it in half and then put condiments and meat on it like a sandwich. Tear a piece off, apply butter on it, then you may eat it. Never skip a step.
Tedious as always, but a nice change of pace.
While I was enjoying myself, I kept it slow. Not only did I have to temper my strength to not accidentally break everything, but I was also keeping an eye at how the nobles were behaving. Seeing them follow the rules I had to learn ever since my childhood was a relief. I hated to admit it, but I was totally in my element. Like a prim and proper young lady, I was doing everything correctly.
… But that just made me crave for more. Without the sun around, hunger assaulted me like a ravenous beast. Every bite of bread and spoon of soup caused my mouth to fill with saliva, compelling me to continue eating and eating without stopping.
I wasn’t even thinking while I ate some bread, then picked up some salad with a fork, before holding up some soup. I was an efficient eating machine.
The slow nature of formal eating was a real bore. I wasn’t even allowed to eat everything, always having to leave a bit behind to show everybody I enjoyed it but that I wasn’t completely hungry.
After some time had passed without anybody speaking, simply enjoying their meal, the next course, the entrée, arrived. After it was served to us, wine was poured into our engraved silver goblets. Taking a sip, the weird, almost revolting, alcoholic taste caused my tongue to jerk back the moment a drop touched it. Once again, I honestly had to question how people could drink this kinda stuff. Nevertheless, I didn’t say it aloud.
The entrée itself was a beautiful piece of meat seeped in a red sauce, accompanied with a small bowl of fried rice. Weird, since this place reminded me of medieval Europe, but I guess their village produced rice.
The appetizer, the soup, was a complete failure in my opinion. Seasoned with only salt, it couldn’t even compare to anything Saori could make. Even the salad was only acceptable ‘cause I was hungry. The only thing good about the appetizer was the bread and salted butter. The bread was hard, yes, but the nuts inside it gave it a great texture.
On the other hand, the entrée was on a completely different level. The meat was cooked medium-rare and seasoned perfectly to accentuate the juicy goodness. With the piping-hot fried rice and the sweet-sour sauce, it kept me wanting for more. It was so delicious, I wanted to just devour it. It was so mouth-watering, I was looking more at my meal than the nobles at this point. I wanted, no, I needed more!
But I kept myself from going that far. As I nearly lost myself in my ravenous side, I suddenly realized there was music in the room. Where did they come from?! Were they here the whole time? Was I so engrossed in eating that I didn’t notice them?!
Looking towards the sounds, my eyes were introduced to the wonderful beauty of a small band. I wasn’t well-versed with old instruments since my parents instructed me in the piano and violin, so I wasn’t able to name every instrument. However, among the four women playing, two were playing banduras and one a zither. The last woman was—
Wait, that doesn’t sound like strings being plucked. Wait, isn’t that …!
“Lady Atsuko, is something the matter?” Ellaine suddenly asked, noticing me looking at the musicians.
Awakened from my trance, I turned around to see everybody at the table looking at me, having stopped moving their metal utensils. “I-I was just enjoying the music,” I forced myself to answer under the pressure of eight eyes.
“You were?” Ellaine asked while tilting her head, frowning her blue brows in confusion. “I did not think you were a lover of music, Lady Atsuko. You were pretty quiet during the appetizer.”
Urgh, true enough. Fucking sunfang dragon always being hungry. Now I’m hungry again from thinking about food!
Understanding what my feeding frenzy made me do, embarrassment caused me to hesitate with my excuse. At this point, I just revealed I was only interested in the food. I had to force something out.
“I was listening to it silently. It is embarrassing to say, but I was a bit nervous to speak out. I apologize, I couldn’t help myself to stare.”
Against all my expectations, everybody was nodding their heads with an understanding expression despite my lackluster attempt at an excuse. How did I get out of that?
Swinging her long blond hair around as she settled down her utensils, Countess Helvas began to speak in a calming tone, “Understandable, dear. Rank differences or not, you are still young and are alone in a foreign country’s noble house.”
Rank differences?
Before I could ask her what she meant, Count Helvas put down his utensils, wiped his mouth, and then added to his wife’s statement, “I planned to give you some time to calm down before we speak, however, maybe it would have been wiser for me to start the conversation myself. My apologies, Lady Atsuko.”
He gave a short nod, swaying his short blue hair before looking back at me. “Is there something we could help you with? To make you more comfortable?”
“It is alright,” I stated as I couldn’t think of something at the spot, but immediately thought of something as the music kept playing. “Actually, could I ask you to give me permission to play that instrument?”
Pointing at one of the women, I drew everybody’s attention towards what she was playing. A wooden instrument with strings attached to it being bowed with a musical bow, resembling my favorite instrument.
“You play, Lady Atsuko?” Jonathan, the son, spoke up with blond hair similar to his mother. “If that is the case then may I suggest we spice up this evening? A display of musical talents would definitely calm everybody down, no?”
“Oh, that would be wonderful!” Ellaine clapped her hands together, looking excited at the prospect. “Mother. Father. I would agree with Brother’s suggestion, especially if Lady Atsuko is asking for it. It would certainly brighten up this dinner.”
“I see no problem with the children’s wishes, dear. You too?” Countess Helvas smiled, although the question sounded rhetorical with how she was egging him. He could only accept. “Wonderful. Lady Atsuko, you wished for ‘Geigler,’ correct?”
She then rang the bell, calling the musician to deliver the instrument over to me. Receiving it, I thanked the musician and Countess Helvas for accommodating my wish. Once the instrument was in my hands, nostalgia quickly rushed through my fingers. The familiar feeling of the sleek wood, the firmness of the strings, the pegs to tune them. It was quite a bit larger than what I was used to; I think it would be called a viola on Earth.
However, I didn’t care. Violas were just larger versions. The deeper notes wouldn’t dissuade me. So what if it was called “Geigler” in this world? How important was a change of names, if I knew this was my so, so, so favorite. My mother’s preferred instrument—the violin.
“Lady Atsuko, what is your [Musician] level?” Ellaine suddenly asked.
I told them I had [Musician Lv. 4], which garnered me only confirming nods, suggesting level four was below average, maybe. Well, my level might be low, but I didn’t think my skill was. I have been practicing on my [Aerokinesis] violin since I learned how to construct one.
After playtesting the geigler so I could tune it to my liking, I then began playing a slow classical song to test out my skills first. I wanted to use [Aerokinesis] to imitate the sounds of a piano ‘cause I personally liked it in this sonata. Ludwig van Beethoven’s piano sonata no.14, also called the “Moonlight Sonata.”
Sure, the piano was better known to play it, but making covers of songs and sonatas was just normal for musicians. The 21st century just made it more prominent through the internet.
Ahhhhh, this is … this is just wonderful. How I missed you so much!
Music was my life; that fact has been true ever since I chose my dream to become an idol. Almost compelled by this chance to get my hand on a violin once I made sure I still had the skills, I didn’t stop just with the “Moonlight Sonata.” Highly energetic songs from anime or video games, either of them were fine with me. I just needed to play something to shake off this rust.
After finishing my fourth song, Count Helvas suddenly clapped his hands before I could start the fifth. “Bravo. Excellent. Are you sure you spoke the truth, Lady Atsuko? Those were not the skills of someone with only [Musician Lv. 4]. The way your arm moved and how you didn’t skip a beat as you transitioned from play to play is something only somebody with years of experience can produce. As wonderful as that was, we cannot have you hoard all the brilliance now, no? As the hosts, allow us to entertain you.”
Starting with Ellaine and ending with Count Helvas himself, all four members of house Helvas chose their personal instrument and played a piece. Fortunately for my ears, all of them were brilliant and educated musicians, able to play pieces I’d never heard before. Were all nobles given a musical education? Considering how refined they were, they sure were overpowered social beasts.
I especially liked the daughter’s performance, as she followed along the music with hums. It didn’t showcase her singing talent, but the ability to control your voice to follow the rhythm and beat. Whether she could keep it steady to perform was another question, but it did make me wish to hear her sing.
Once it calmed down, Count Helvas ordered the women to put the instruments in their spot and dismissed them from the room. We kept eating but it seemed like the discussion would start soon.
Staring into my eyes with a firm gaze, Count Helvas spoke clearly and regally, displaying the image of an experienced politician. “Now, aside from your wonderful music, I would also like to officially thank you for your assistance in subjugating those bandits. As the lord of this land, that duty should have fallen on me but I failed, I will admit. The village under my protection was razed and my subjects were killed and captured. A shameful display, especially when this land was given to me by one of the seven dukes of this kingdom. I do not know if you know much about our lands, but simply ask if you require information.”
He paused for a moment to look at his daughter, before returning his gaze back to me. “I have heard how you helped in the reconstruction of the village with your magic. Seeing as how much you have helped the progression, I will not doubt what a talented mage you are. As you are new to these lands, I would like to warn you not to do this too often, as you are trespassing into the vested interests of the earth mages in our employ. Are you affiliated with the mage guild in our country? While I am not too sure what they would do, if any, it probably would earn you some unwanted complaints here and there.”
Kuck! Wait, people pay earth mages to build houses?! Okay, now I really hope a bunch of earth mages aren’t just gonna show up in front of my house one day. They’ll probably complain my ears off.
“Now, I’ve also heard you aren’t calling yourself a clergywoman of the Church of Aurena. However, then how do you answer your ability to cast healing spells on the wounded the bandits captured and that massive [Prayer]? I heard you had two sermons and I was able to witness your magic circle even from my home today.”
They sounded like warnings, but at this point, it also sounded like he was interrogating me. Since he still had no idea who I was, maybe he was overstepping his boundaries a bit to pry info from me. I wasn’t sure how I should act on this.
With me staying silent, he continued, “You have also rejected compensation for the white grace. I do not know how the Church of Aurena in Loatryx handles church taxes, so I will not blame you for your ignorance. However, please be aware that the Church, or at least the priests, rely on the money they make from ‘donations.’ White graces, we call them. They could be … persuasive, when they complain. It would be trouble for you, but also for us, since we are hosting you. I hope you understand, Lady Atsuko.”
‘Persuasive?’ I-i don’t follow …
I wasn’t able to read between the lines, but I could hazard a guess with how he was phrasing his warning. Problems with the mage guild and the church, huh? Master recommended me to join the former, so maybe heeding Count Helvas’s warning would be the smartest choice.
However, honestly, was money really that important for everything? Even casting some magic? Jeez, were magic casters just service providers like builders and doctors in this world? I guess it made sense, since that was how this world developed around mana. It just felt a bit weird since I had to be wary of them, compared to when I was still free in the Belzac forest.
I really was ignorant of this world’s common sense. The confines of society might be nice, but it did restrict my freedom. I couldn’t even heal people to help them, without somehow angering the bloody clergy of the Goddess of Miracles!
Watching me contemplate on his words, Count Helvas only gave a sigh before returning to the subject at hand. “Anyway, proper reflection would be wise. As a noble, I have given you my warnings, so let us rid ourselves of that for now. Your reward; let us continue with that.”
Just as his tensed face began to soften, the tension inside the dining room mellowed out a bit. Count Helvas showed a small smile, looking more welcoming.
“You have helped me immensely. Defeating the bandits, returning the captives, returning the village’s winter rations, helping the reconstruction of the village with magic, granting white graces, and also holding two sermons to ease the suffering of my subjects. As Lord Andre Orlean Helvas, you may ask me of anything you wish, Lady Atsuko. Let us speak as nobles and I will grant whatever I can give.”
Anything, huh? Considering how meticulous he has been with information collection and how he is warning me, should I truly ask him about that request? I’ll only make myself suspicious … No, I must ask him.
“If that is the case, then I thank you very much, Count Helvas. I will make sure to not cause your family any more trouble,” I answered before taking a deep breath. “As you should have already heard, my companions and I have lost our IDs before we came into your domain. We have also heard your country is able to issue special IDs able to hide certain information. I know how this will sound, but would it be possible for you to do this for me? That would be my only request.”
His smile dropped, his wrinkles hidden behind his short beard. He leaned forward with his hands and squinted his eyes, now hiding his mouth. “Do you truly understand what you are asking for, Lady Atsuko?”
His tone sounded rhetorical but also inquisitive. What exactly was he trying to tell me?
“Through your behavior, education, and magical expertise I have no doubts you must have come from a distinguished family, however, you haven’t told me much about yourself. As a dragonewt, you come from Loatryx, no? Or maybe even Kargryx, the Empire of Dragons? Kargryx had never partaken in ambassadorship, but Loatryx had, for a while. Well, before the founding of Artorias, at least. Before that damnable war …
If he was talking about a war, then the only one I knew about was the “War for the Fairies.” The one where humans captured faefolk, a race of mana composed of individuals like fairies, and used them as fuel for mana batteries. Pretty horrific when I heard about it from Tasianna.
“I have nothing against you or your country of origin. If I could help, I would. But, these specialized IDs you are talking about are usually reserved for royalty or those rich enough to afford them. You are a foreigner who is asking the head of a noble house for a specialized ID to hide your profile. If you cause trouble, then my family and I will be responsible,” his gaze was firm, even showing a bit of hostility in them, as he told me the repercussions his decision could cause him. “I do wish to reward you, but only if it doesn’t severely cripple me. This request of yours is impossible to grant.”
So even after going through all of this, I never had a chance? Verdammt! There has to be a way for me to turn this around. We need those IDs! … Didn’t he mention those IDs were reserved for royalty?
“However …” I couldn’t finish my thought before he continued. “That is why we are negotiating. I have a proposal.”
Swallowing a nervous spit, I listened and hoped his offer wasn't too unfavorable. “Just as a warning, you will not be able to hide your status from me, your benefactor. Once you make the ID, I will know your status, I hope you know that. With that said, my proposal to you is to come with me to the capital.”
“The capital?” I uttered, having already accepted the fact he might learn about my profile. I would rather have a small number of people know it than everybody.
“Griffonpeak, that is the name of the Kingdom of Artorias’s capital, where our King and Queen rule over us nobles. Origdiviel Arashan, the god thanking festival is soon. That also means the winter fest at the capital—held by the royal family for all nobles and commoners. I wish you to come with me,” he stated, pausing to drink some wine. “Once the royal family knows about you, everything should be alright. Do not worry, we haven’t received a guest from Loatryx for a very long time, so I can guarantee you the royal family will want to treat you well. My family and I will leave in two days, now that our land has stabilized again, and we will stay there until the snow melts.”
… I see. That complicates things.
“I’m sorry but I cannot accept that, despite your goodwill,” I immediately answered, surprising not only Count Helvas but also his family. “I made a promise with the villagers to perform, well, a musical concert for them on New Year’s Eve. And promises are something important for me, something that I will not break if given the chance. This musical concert also has sentimental value for me. Could we possibly change the requirements to something else?”
“And what can you offer me?” he plainly stated, giving me no leeway. “Negotiations can only happen if you have something of value to me. My offer was simply out of courtesy as thanks for all your help, and with the royal family's assistance and agreement, there will be no repercussions for my house. So what can you offer me, Lady Atsuko?”
“You liked the mana threads, correct? I could offer you more. The IDs cost money, I can compensate you for them,” I meekly offered, grasping at straws for a way to overturn this whole situation.
He shook his head roughly, looking almost exhausted as he spoke, “Rejected. Your gift was wonderful, especially the lightning element is extremely expensive, but it isn’t worth possibly dooming my house. Lady Atsuko, I do not know you. You may either reveal what you are trying to hide or offer me something I cannot reject because money and goods will not.”
I stayed silent. There really was only one way for me to overturn this. A trump I could use at any time now to turn things into my favor. It was just that I didn't want to rely on it. Why must I tell people I was a princess to get things? Couldn’t I do anything myself, as Hestia? As a person, was my personal worth that low?
No, there had to be something. I just have to think! But, my whole plan relied on the pre-discussion phase here. Acting like a noble, using skills to charm and impress them, using music to sway them to my side. I thought it would work. He looked so amazed by everything. He even admitted to it!
What are my options? Think, Hestia! What else could I offer him? A ticket to the concert? Dumb idea, he would leave in two days so why should he stay here? My service? Definitely no, I didn’t want to become his employee or something. I valued my freedom.
Come on, think! Why can’t I think of anything?! Just one more step, just one more step! Verdammt, what would Saori say here?!
“I have one thing I would like from you.” Throwing me another lifesaver, a tiny bit of hope came back to me as I anxiously awaited his answer. “I would like to propose a trade. Two IDs for your yeast recipe.”
Huh?
“Huh?” I tilted my head.
Ignoring my surprise, he continued, “The Kingdom of Artorias, as you should know, has a very difficult relationship with the elves of Saelariel. The war has cut off all elven knowledge and products from entering our country through legal means. Precious goods, luxury products, and production information. Aside from a few political reasons, the Kingdom also wishes to reintroduce yeast and other products back to Artorias. This is precious, invaluable to the growth of my house and my country. I would gladly add additional requests if you were—”
… So that was another trump card, huh?
“No!” Controlling myself just enough to not break the table, I returned a glare filled with fake hostility at Count Helvas for even suggesting such an outrageous thing. This actually was a lifeline! “It seems you are of the impression that I am that desperate to give you something like yeast just like that? And here I thought you didn’t like the cake I made for you. Or, must I remind you how the War for the Faefolk even started? Who began it, Lord Helvas?”
It wasn’t intentional but I believe in my moment of exhilaration, upon finding something I could clung onto to make my situation stronger, [Draconic Aura] automatically activated as I tried to seem intimidating and imposing. Ellaine’s and Jonathan’s eyes widened up like terrified dogs, shivering in their chairs as they instinctively stood up. Countess Helvas looked at me with fear, but I could feel magic from underneath the table from her direction.
The only one who stood his ground was Count Helvas, although cold sweat was already pouring down his face like a stream. He was clutching his armrest so hard the sound of cracking wood could be heard. From the look of it, those two were the ones I should be wary of, if we ever got into a fight.
This might be a potshot, but from how Count Helvas reacted when he spoke about the war, it really seemed like Tasianna’s version of the “War for the Faefolk” was indeed correct. So the humans started it, forcing the elves to defeat them to rescue the faefolk. Yeast and other elven products, as such, stopped circulating in this kingdom. Why the elves had a monopoly on yeast was beyond my comprehension, but I could use this. I didn’t have to reveal I was a princess.
The fact I knew how to make yeast made me important here!
“Haha, very well, Lady Atsuko!” Anxiously forcing a wide smile, Count Helvas kept his eyes on me, defiantly going against the oppressing aura. “I apologize from the depths of my soul for what I just mentioned. As the Goddess is my witness, I swear to never, ever try to force you in a bad deal, again, Lady Atsuko. I humbly ask for your forgiveness.”
Taking a deep breath, I told myself to cool down, using this chance to disable [Draconic Aura] and eat up the rest of the entrée. It might seem weird, but I couldn’t believe I actually got this scary noble to speak like that to me. Damn! Wow! If I wasn’t eating, I probably would be jumping around like a weirdo right about now.
“I apologize for my outburst. I acted inelegantly, unfitting for a guest,” I answered with a firm glare once I wiped my mouth clean.
At that moment, butlers and maid stormed into the room but were immediately dismissed by Count Helvas with a thundering voice before slumping into his chair, drenched in sweat and heart racing like an escaped prey. “Haha, thank you very much, but I will not allow myself to be strong-armed. If you cannot offer me anything, I also cannot give you what you want.”
Urk! I wanted to spit out what I just ate! Despite that, he’s staying strong?! What kinda mental resilience does this guy have?!
“… It is alright, I understand. I’m not here to make enemies.” Seeing how even this didn’t work, I decided to just give up, feeling disappointed in myself for not doing this better. Jeez, I didn’t know how, but did I underestimate this too much?
“However, I will help you with your request.” Yet, before I stood up to leave, Count Helvas actually threw me another lifeline?!
Why?!
“You confusion is clear to see. The reason is that you did give me something I really wanted to know ever since the very beginning of our meeting. I know what your real rank is, Lady Atsuko. I might only hold the rank of ‘Count,’ a Magnoble. However, I have been honored to meet His Majesty, the King, whenever I can for his feasts. Every notable nobleman and noblewoman should know the ‘feeling’ of meeting a royal.”
My eyes widened as he mentioned that, realizing what his words were telling me. The one trump card I was trying to save up … how did I expose it? I kept everything hidden.
“…Oh,” I could only utter.
“I have been a terrible host, I do apologize from the depth of my soul, Lady Atsuko. When I was young, I also had a bit of a wanderlust, so I can understand as a former adventurer … So, yes, I pray our relationship hasn’t worsened too much.” The Count then started to smile again, opening his arms in a welcoming fashion. “You do not need to come with me to the capital, but if you wish, you may stay here. I will provide you with all the luxury you will need, including the privacy you rightfully deserve. I may only be a Count, but my house is quite wealthy. I will also provide you with the IDs you wish, in addition as an apology, I will also procure the latest model of party bracelets for your party and a few other gifts. You have my word, I swear this in the name of the God of Dragons and Oaths, Kargryxmor.”
… Guess I lost before I even came here today, huh? No, did I fuck something up on the way or missed something? Fuck …
“… Thank you,” I answered in a dejected manner, unable to feel happy. “This night has been very pleasant. I thank you for your offer to stay with you but I must bid you farewell for now. Lady Helvas. Lady Ellaine. I do hope you will enjoy the cake, I made it myself with the help of my retainers. It’s also my favorite fruit. Farewell.”
Standing up, nobody stopped me as I slowly walked to the door. Count Helvas rang the bell, causing the doors to open and I immediately left the dining hall without glancing back. Tasianna and Saori were waiting there, probably having felt my aura, and followed me outside where we left through the gates of the mansion on foot.
“… I presume it was a failure?” Saori asked once we were far away from the mansion.
“Nah, I got us our IDs and even some party bracelets,” I replied, looking down as I made sure my dress wouldn’t get dirtied from the ground. Saori and Tasianna worked so hard on it, turning me into a pretty acceptable young lady. I didn’t want to dirty it.
“Huh, is that so? Then why did you suddenly get-Woah!”
Without another thought, I turned around and embraced both of my friends. They were taller than me and I couldn’t fully wrap my arms around both of them but the warmth I was feeling made me forget that fact. It was so comfortable.
“You guys are the best. I will never let anybody get you guys,” I stated with conviction.
“Lady Hestia?!” Tasianna called out as I released both of them.
“Come on, guys. Let’s go home. Sleep and more yeast are waiting for us, ok~”
Master, Saori, and Tasianna were so right. This is what my defeatist attitude got me—Defeat in a social setting. No longer, I can’t keep acting like a kid.
In this place, unless I wanted to destroy everything and make everybody my enemy, I couldn’t rely on strength alone. I needed to up my social game, my influence, and my social acumen. A new way to become “strong.”
This sun won’t stay dim!
AbyssRaven Hestia's first step into the world of nobles and social society. A dragon would have blown them all away, an idol wouldn't. Well, at least Count Helvas knew when to stop being a noble and try to curry favor.
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