Once everyone's positions were chosen, and the plan was set out, Grasso dismissed the group. As everyone was leaving, Ritzy signaled for Junger that it's time to leave.
Grasso noticed that Ritzy was leaving so he walked in front of him and placed his hand or Ritzy's shoulder.
"Young lord Reds, it's nice to finally meet you. How was your trip here? I hope it wasn't too troublesome".
Ritzy,
"The trip was fine, many beasts attacked us so we had plenty of fresh meat to eat during our travels. We also had a great harvest of fur so if you wouldn't mind taking some off our hands, I would happily give you the best furs we got as a gift for you".
Grasso,
"What a mighty fine young man, offering your senior some nice furs. I would be happy to take them but, could you fulfill one request of mine?
Ritzy,
"If I'm able, I will gladly do so".
Grasso,
"Since we are currently at war, could you perhaps donate some of the regular furs to me? There was sadly a hiccup that happened when I traveled here. You see, the blankets and pillows I originally had was damaged on the way here, could you perhaps give them to me so I can replace the damaged material? With the war right now, it's hard to come by miscellaneous things".
Ritzy,
"I- I see no problem with this, but I do not have much of the regular fur".
Grasso,
"I will be happy with whatever amount you're able to provide".
Ritzy,
"That is relieving to hear".
Skira saw his father and Ritzy having a conversation so he joined in to see what they were talking about and as well formally introduce himself.
"It's nice to finally see the fourth son Ritzy of the Reds family. Let me introduce myself, I am the first son of the Cinghaile family, Skira".
Ritzy,
"It is nice as well to formally meet you".
Skira,
"Likewise".
"Father, when is my new mana converter gonna arrive? I'm finally skilled enough to use high amounts of basic earth magic so the mana converter you gave me when I started my magic training will become useless halfway through the battle tomorrow. I need a special rank mana converter before the battle tomorrow at least ".
Skira's mind,
'Beat that you damn Reds' family child. I'm in my late twenties and I can already pull a great amount of mana from basic converters and create massive spells. Bow down to my greatness'.
Grasso,
"Calm down my child, the converter will arrive here tomorrow with our family mage. For now, let's talk with your vice-captain Ritzy. I'm sure it would be nice to have a pleasant dinner while you to learn more about each other, and also, I would like to see what particular strategy you will have during the battle. Like how are you gonna defend the machines, who are placed where, and much more".
Skira,
"Fine then, let's walk to the dinner so we can have a pleasant meal".
"Maids!".
After Skira yelled the word maid, two maids came into the room and bowed.
Maid 1,
"How may we be at service?".
Skira,
"Tell the cook to prepare a meal for my father, Reds' representative, and I. We will be dinning shortly".
The maids then said in unison as they bowed,
"It will be done".
The maids then left quickly speed walking as if there was something urgent. When they weren't facing Skira or Grasso, Ritzy noticed a scared expression on their faces and his mana presence revealed that their hearts were beating weirdly fast.
Grasso,
"Let's head to the dining room".
Ritzy,
"After you".
...
At the dinner table was Ritzy, Grasso, and Skira waiting for their food as they talked. Around each of the nobles, was a personal guard.
Grasso,
"Soo Ritzy, how has the family been? I haven't seen your father for more than a year now I believe".
Ritzy,
"My father has been fine, doing what great leaders must do and more".
Grasso,
"That is good, but I want to ask you something if it isn't too personal. What is your blessing exactly? Do you get powerful magic, maybe great skill in a certain trade, or what is it exactly? Since I don't really recollect anyone with the Creator blessing, I'm a bit curious about what the blessing does".
Ritzy,
"I'm not sure but it's most possible that my blessing doesn't grant great skill in anything particular. There's no specialized skill or trade".
Grasso and Skira,
"Huh".
Grasso,
"What do you mean?!? Are you trying to make fun of me!?!".
Grasso's mind,
'Shit, I thought I could get info on him to use against him. Who knew he had his guard up!'.
Ritzy,
"My blessing does give me something, just let me explain!".
Grasso's mind,
'It doesn't make him powerful but it still does something? What could it be?'
'That doesn't matter now. It seems he is dumb enough to tell me what his strength is. He doesn't know that I can task him to do the opposite of what he excels at so I can embarrass him. That by knowing his weakness and embarrassing him, his family reputation will fall and make my family look more admirable to the king'.
'This plan is flawless, everyone knows that blessed people are horrible in anything else besides their blessing, especially if it's their blessing's weakness or opposite'.
Grasso,
"You are showing great disrespect in not telling me what your blessing makes you excel in, but since your a fellow noble, I let you explain".
Ritzy,
"To be exact, I do not have a great affinity for one thing. Unlike other blessings, my blessing doesn't have a certain focus. Instead, it seems it unlocks the potential to do everything".
Grasso and Skira,
"What!!".
Skira,
"What do you mean that you can do everything?"
Ritzy,
"I don't know if I can do everything, I just haven't done something I can't do or eventually learn".
Grasso's mind,
'Shit, it seems like he has no weakness. Wait! Just because he can do everything, it doesn't mean he can do it well. A man who can do it all, but never master anything, this is great'.
Skira had the same thought process as Grasso in where it's most likely that Ritzy isn't great at anything.
Grasso then gave a fake welcoming smile,
"That seems like a fine blessing to have. This means that your skills will provide great benefits to the war. I hope I can see you do some great things on the battlefield. Well, since you have such versatile skills. I will depend on you to do your part and more".
Ritzy's mind,
'That's a fake smile if I ever have seen one, I'm guessing that he is planning something devious behind my back. I better make sure to try to be as immune as possible to any problems that could arise'.
'I should hide behind his son. That way if he wants me to do anything dangerous, I'll make it so that his son looks like the one who best fits the job and I'll lose all responsibility in doing the dangerous task. Maybe I should take the flattery approach. Since Skira is trying to impress me, I should praise him to the point where it seems like he is the best of the best. That way, I can have him think I'm his friend and as well hide behind him'.
Ritzy,
"I thank you for these wonderful compliments, but it's undeserved. I will be able to do one good thing here and there but as your judgment before. Your son is the best. I humbly and pridefully agree with your decision for Skira being captain".
"He is an exemplary role model that I wish to learn from, and one day work as partners. After all, he is already such a great magician, that his equipment can't even keep up with him".
Skira started to feel prideful and arrogant.
"I couldn't have said it better myself, but do not worry little Ritzy. I'll make sure to teach you the things you need to know so you can become a great leader like me. I will take responsibility for you and make sure to lead you down the path of greatness by my side. With my teaching, and by being by my side. One day, you'll be as great as me".
Ritzy started grinning but quickly gave a slight bow on the seat to hide his grin.
"Thank you for such encouraging words and trust in my potential".
Skira's mind,
'Ahh, sometimes I surprise myself on how kind I am'.
Grasso's mind,
"Son of a *****, why would you say such idiotic things Skira! It's fine that you'll teach him or help him from time to time but don't say you'll be responsible for him. We need to defame him and ruin him. That can't happen if you are taking responsibility. Now all we can do is damage control and do everything in our power to have him not fail. Let's just hope that at least one of the many things he's capable of is at least useful'.
'Master of None, but able to do everything. More like weakling at everything'.