TANIA
*chirp* *chirp*
I woke up with a headache.
'What happened?'
Arghh~ I massaged my head. I look out the window only to find it's early in the morning. I sat up on the bed and felt my back pain. I felt like I was laying down for days to be hurt like this.
Haa…
'…That's right, I passed out that night and I killed someone. It's a life… it's alive, even if it's a vampire, it won't change the fact that I took a life. In human perspective I was a savior, but how about the vampire race? I'm their enemy, and there's no telling if they'll hunt me or not… I don't want to kill again…'
"HA! There's no use stressing over it! Pull yourself together Tania! If they haunt me then I'll face them! She was out of control, and if I hadn't killed her then my knight would die that exact moment! It was self defense, alright? Let's breathe and think positive!" I slapped both my cheeks and strengthened my resolve.
'I'm not who I am if I don't fight back! This time, I'll survive.
Then I start singing 'I will survive' though I don't know the whole lyrics, I replaced it with humming. I already said Tania's voice is good but it's still below the standard so sometimes her voice cracks and misses some lines. Can't help it even though I, who was originally quite a good singer in my previous life, couldn't make someone not cut out to be a great singer.
"At first I was afraid, I was petrified.
I kept thinking I could never live without you by my side.
But then I spent so many nights, just thinking how you'd done me wrong.
I grew strong. I learned how to get along~"
I stood up and exercised a little, it's early so maybe I'll go and jog to strengthen this body with exercise. I changed into a training attire… It looks like these clothes aren't used yet, and it's a little tight but I can manage.
*humming*
"I will survive!
As long as I know how to love
I know I'll be alive.
I've got all my life to live.
I've got all my love to give.
I will survive.
I will survive. Hey yeah~"
I went to the training ground to find several knights training early in the morning. They greeted me with a puzzled look on their face, looking at me from head to toe- they seemed not very used to me visiting this part of the house. I started my jog on the basketball court sized training ground, running for 20 laps nonstop.
*dingg!*
+
♤Character Status♤
Name: Tania Roa Cavelier
Age: 17
Gender: Female
Title:
Job:
Family: Cavelier Family
Status:
Level: 18
Next Lvl.: 55.89%
⌸• Stats •⌸
Health: 64/64
Agility: 10
Stamina: 45/85
Intelligence: 66
Magic: -959
Wisdom: 44
Power: 25
Luck: 17
----
Authority gauge: 13%
Fame Points: -100 ⟫ -50 (+50)
Gem Points: 23
Money: 6778 G : 5864 S : 396 C
(Gold : Silver : Copper)
+
"Wew… this body's stamina is not that great, only my willpower drove me to finish those laps." I murmured.
Efren offered me a cup of water and I took it. I took out several stamina potions and drank them straight.
"Milady, it is unusual to see you exercising in here, lady, is there a certain occasion you need to prepare to make your body stronger?" He asked and I frowned. My eyebrow automatically raised up in confusion.
Is there a need for a reason to make one's body strong aside from being strong and healthy?
"None." I simply answered. "I just want to be strong. Strong enough that I don't need anyone risking their lives to protect me and where I can fight freely."
Efren's expression softened and worried, but I ignored it. I returned him the cup and picked up a wooden sword from the weapon shelf. I'll ask the Marquess to arrange me a trainer from the palace, I'm expecting that the palace has the one I'm looking for, after all it is the domain of every excellent knight when it comes to swordsmanship.
I ordered the Cavelier family's commander of knights, Treso Ahne to teach me the basics of swordplay. Every technique he has taught me, I only got it in one try.
I didn't know that… the Tania in this book who was considered an annoying villain who plots ladies who got close to Prince Megastar and will die in this story because of stupidity… turned out to be a genius in swordsmanship. Treso who taught me, was crying in jealousy and happiness, and showered me with praises. Finishing all the techniques that he taught me in just a day, I felt like a monster in an embarrassing way.
-*-
Over dinner.
"Marquess, I need you to arrange for me… the Prince's personal trainer as my trainer in swordplay for a month." I seriously stated, it was more like an order than a request.
Myrtello Ginape Therense. The first Prince's swordplay teacher, he was one of the King's vassals and companions back in the past. He was originally a commoner soldier without a backing from any noble, but his techniques and experience were above and out of anyone's league. The only one who noticed him was the King himself during the First Grand War between Cartania and the Orc Lord. According to Prince Polestar's backstory from the book, he himself chose Myrtello as his teacher when he was a kid in order to beat someone from his childhood rival who was a genius, about the same age as him at that time.
'…Childhood rival? I wonder who it was since that genius kid wasn't even mentioned again throughout the book.'
All three of them choked and hurriedly drank water. Marquess and Keaton looked at each other knowingly but did not say anything. From the look of Marquess Trastius I knew he would refuse, but before he uttered a word… I wanted to be respectful to him just a bit, and I could see a hint of worry in his eyes… but I wouldn't learn if I keep being like this.
"I won't repeat it again. Anyway, regarding the cancellation of my engagement, how is it going?" I focused my attention on the steak I was cutting
Again. There was silence, I caught them looking at each other like they're talking in telepathy.
*sigh*
Really? Are they really father and son? Why does it feel like they're more like twins who are connected to each other? I subconsciously rolled my eyes, then I looked at Vega who was having a hard time cutting her steaks, so I exchanged our plates, I haven't eaten it yet so it's clean. I skillfully cut the steak on my plate and I looked at Marquess but I saw him with a serious expression while watching me cut the meat.
'…? What's with him?'
"About that… I talked to Prince Megastar after you left breakfast a week ago. He said he won't do it again, and asked me to convince you not to cancel it." After hearing what he said, I dropped my fork and knife.
Huh…?
"…What?" I asked in surprise
"He asked me to--"
"Not that. Week? Isn't it just yesterday?" I asked in a frown
Wait… I've been out for a week?! Why hadn't anyone told me?! I was asleep again for that long. Is it even normal? The first time was when I came here, this was the second time.
"You must've not known, but after you came home unconscious, you are out for a week. The physician said you must be in great shock so we let you rest." Marquess explained.
Ah. Right, shock. The first time was because of the accident either from the plane crash or the stairs. The second time was probably because of killing a Vampire or because of my germophobia… It's normal, I really panic.
"Okay." I casually said. "But why do you side with that Prince so much? Convince me not to cancel it? You can't, because I don't have any reason to marry him. If you force me again, I'll think that you want to use me as a bargaining chip for power, even so, I still won't marry him." I firmly uttered.
"Tania, that's too much!" Keaton yelled, again with this brat! He looked annoyed because I said such disrespectful words to the Marquess but it's the truth. I wanted to be respectful to him like I said, but if he's like this… Does he really deserve respect?
"I'm just stating the facts. And another word of disrespect from you Keaton, do you think I will stay still and let you do it repeatedly because you think I won't punch?" I darted at him with a glare, "Yell at me again and I'll let you taste hell."
He pressed his lips and avoided my gaze, unable to say anything. Sorry for being this bossy, I'm just letting you all see the different side of me and I'm starting to express my opinions, whereas the original Tania couldn't. It's hard for me to adjust too, you know… We ate together like a family does, but it doesn't feel like a family at all.
Silence ate us as we ate our dinner, I know that what I'd said hurts them and I also know they knew their own mistakes that's why they did not refute. I finished first and left the dining area.
-----
I woke up earlier than usual and changed into my training attire. I need to work out this stamina of mine, because I get easily tired after 15 laps, so my goal for today is 40 laps.
On my way to the training ground, I met Fristo. He is well clothed and good looking. If you look at him carefully, especially his green glowing eyes, it's more appealing. Lora will not be around me these days because I assigned her to train Fristo the basic etiquette of a noble. He needs to prepare for the upcoming engagement party.
"Fristo, do your best alright? I'm counting on you." I said and patted his head, before leaving.
Now, speaking of parties… Vega's birthday is coming. Actually, the time we visited Nathalie was earlier than the actual party, Vega's birthday was just an excuse for me to prevent the tragedy at that time. Now that it's around the corner, Vega started to send out invitations to the ladies from other noble families, especially to Nathalie as a guest of honor.
What should I give Vega as a present? Girls her age usually like dresses, but we just bought several dresses for her and Nathalie. I still need to think about it…
I reached the training ground and started jogging for ten laps. When I completed it, I ran again for 40 laps, giving my all until my breath became fuzzy. I did not stop, instead I jogged in place to maintain my breathing, and started again, until I finished all 40 laps.
*dingg!*
+
♤Notice!♤
Your 'Stamina' increased by 10.
Your 'Agility' increased by 5.
Your 'Health' increased by 1.
Your 'Power' increased by 5.
Fame Points increased by 10.
User's Authority increased by 2.
+
"Wow… System is generous, but why would the fame increase…?" I scanned my gaze in my surrounding and there the fame points came from, the knights' eye was on me, watching me train as if watching a movie… what's so interesting about training-
'…It's embarrassing…'
Instead of continuing my training, I walked to the corner for a water break. It's now 4 am in the morning and the breeze is a bit cold, winter season is about to come too.
*sigh*
'It's been a month and a half since I came here… Time really went so fast. Now that I think about it, Lora told me earthquakes have been occurring since the past week I'm out. It must be because of it. From the book, just before the main story started, dungeon outbreaks are appearing within this continent. And one of these dungeons will occur in Cartania, and was the first appearance of some members of the 10 Legendary Heroes.'
When I rested enough, I picked up the wooden sword and performed the techniques Commander Treso has taught me. I easily got it and repeated it over and over again for half an hour. I placed down the wooden sword and picked up the steel sword this time even without the Marquess' permission. Well, it's a lot heavier than the wooden one… Let's try the techniques with this one.
*swing* *swing*
*slash* *slash*
*dingg!*
*dingg!*
*dingg!*
+
♤Notice!♤
You leveled up!
All stats increased by 5 (except Health and Wisdom).
1 stamina potion is rewarded.
+
♤Notice!♤
You leveled up!
All stats increased by 5 (except Health and Wisdom).
1 stamina potion is rewarded.
+
♤Notice!♤
You leveled up!
All stats increased by 5 (except Health and Wisdom).
1 stamina potion is rewarded.
+
Whoa! Haha… It's getting a lot easier to level up hah… I drank 2 stamina potions to replenish my energy and continue what I was doing. I'm already Level 21, I'll catch up in no time, after all, it's around this time that the story is about to unfold. Almost there.
I repeated it for another half an hour, 'Til the knights one by one appeared to train. They were surprised to see me earlier than them and praised my fighting spirit.
*dingg!*
*dingg!*
+
♤Notice!♤
You leveled up!
All stats increased by 5 (except Health and Wisdom).
1 stamina potion is rewarded.
+
♤Notice!♤
You leveled up!
All stats increased by 5 (except Health and Wisdom).
1 stamina potion is rewarded.
+
Level 23! I dropped the steel sword and untied the cloth on my hands… It was covered with blisters. It hurts.
*hiss*
"Milady, your hands-- It's only natural. Here, let me apply the cream, it's quite effective." Drio led me on the benches and applied cream ointment.
He was careful not to hurt me, even though I didn't say anything, I only wince or hiss if the pain is unbearable, like his blisters.
"Hey, did you know… several palace knights were tasked to raid the dungeon, I think Lord Cavelier will also send some from us to comply with the order."
"Yeah. But aren't those adventures who went yesterday haven't come back yet? What if high-level demons are in there?"
"Coward. Are you not a knight?"
"So it really did appear…" I mumbled while looking at the couple of knights in the back corner of the training ground
"Ahh. Yes. There was a dungeon that appeared 2 days ago in the Florania Kingdom. They asked for assistance from other countries, such as Menalia, Barboa, including ours. House Renascente, House Vilgerda, House Reginleif and the Second Prince Megastar were sent there to assist." Drio said as if reporting to me the latest news. "Some houses were intrigued to participate too, but there's a message from the Temple of Gallahan to be alert on our own kingdom."
'Temple of Gallahan. Gallahan means Knowledge in Westerners Tongue, but the God's name is Zeroes, the God of Knowledge. He sometimes acts as an Oracle to give warnings, and sometimes gives messages to individuals. Since it's from his temple, that means the message is authentic. He gave a warning about the dungeon appearing three weeks later.'
But the problem is…
"When is their predicted time of return from Florania?" I asked. Something changed. According to the book, Megastar and Viscount Renascente are included in the raid on Dabe Village here in Cartania. So how come they're in Florania?
"Hmm… It'll take approximately four days of travel to Florenia, since it's been two days since they left, two days remaining then the raid should last one or two weeks, depending on the dungeons difficulty, then four days travel back here, that should be at least 13-20 days from now."
'…They won't be here in time, even if they did, they'll be too exhausted to prepare for another raid. Did I cause some major reaction from the past days? Is it because I prevented Nathalie's tragedy or was it because I asked Megastar to cancel the engagement?'
"Do you think the Marquess will participate in this raid too as backup?" I was serious as I looked at him. Drio was one of my three escort knights, so he must be confused when I act like this, which was strange from his point of view.
"It's just speculation, given that young master Keaton and the Second Prince are close. It might be." He answered as he rubbed his chin when he thought about that fact.
'…Shit. The dungeon in Dabe Village shouldn't be belittled. After all, it was the dungeon known as Drea Dearby's Dungeon, wherein the 1,000 soldiers and 300 Adventurers died trying to conquer it. Later known as The 4D Tragedy, Dark Drea Dearby Deathbed.'
Minus the 200 soldiers of Viscount Renascente and 300 knights of the Second Prince Megastar… If House Cavelier happens to join Florenia with 300 soldiers… that means 700 people left to raid Dabe Village. Since about 500 out of 1,500 people survived that tragedy.
'700 people? Fuck. That isn't enough. I need to at least stop Marquess Trastius somehow from sending backup to Florenia.'
But before anything, what is a dungeon if you're asking. Well, Dungeons are anomalies appearing once in a blue moon, it was full of treasures and magic items from ancient times but the challenge is that dungeons are highly guarded by monsters and traps. You must be careful or one wrong move, your life will end. So why would the King order the raid? First reason is the treasure it holds, and second, to prevent civilians/people from risking their lives to the unknown, because some dungeon tries to seduce anyone to enter it and die.
'That's why I couldn't just brush away the topic regarding this very Dungeon that screams danger.'