Tatiana's perspective
Part 1 Noon (Duke William's Manor)
The journey led us to the quaint town of Silverhill, where the grandeur of Duke William's manor awaited us. Reginald, the butler, escorted us to the study, a room adorned with books and papers, where we were to meet Master Edmund, the son of the duke.
"Master Edmund, your awaited guest has arrived," Reginald announced with a bow, interrupting the man engrossed in a tower of documents.
Master Edmund's attention remained captured by his work, his focus so intense that our presence went unnoticed.
"Master Edmund!" Reginald interjected with a tone of authority, prompting him to startle, causing the stack of papers to cascade into disarray.
Lumina, my ever-watchful companion, fluttered her wings uneasily, sensing the sudden disruption.
"Haah… Let's relocate to a more suitable space for our conversation," Reginald suggested, offering to guide us to the other room.
Inside the elegant salon room, I found myself seated across from Sir Edmund, feeling a surge of assurance with Lily standing steadfastly behind me.
"I must extend my sincerest apologies for the tumultuous scene you've been privy to, Your Highness," Edmund spoke with genuine remorse, his tired countenance revealing the burden he carried.
The son of the duke appeared weary, the shadows under his eyes narrating the tales of sleepless nights and the responsibilities that rested upon his shoulders. His silver locks gleamed in the soft illumination of the room, an attribute that set him apart.
"Nice to make your acquaintance, Sir Edmund. I regret any inconvenience that our presence might have inadvertently caused during your tasks," I responded, offering him a reassuring smile that conveyed my understanding and sympathy.
"I implore your forgiveness for my ineptitude in matters of royal interaction. Should my behavior have been disrespectful in any manner, I beseech you to pardon my lack of familiarity," his admission was heartfelt, a testament to his desire for open candor.
His sincerity resonated with me, a quality that I appreciated.
"Ah, but you're not alone in this sentiment. I'm hardly fond of formalities myself," I chuckled lightly, infusing a hint of humor into our exchange.
My laughter was not just a reflection of my upbringing but also a testament to my general disposition, one that leaned more towards casual interactions rather than rigid protocol.
The subtle creak of a tray bearing a tea set broke the pause in our dialogue, as Nathalia, the maid we'd previously encountered, served us with poise and grace. I couldn't help but notice the intricate details of the delicate tea set she skillfully handled.
"Thank you, Nathalia," Edmund expressed his gratitude with a respectful nod, while Nathalia herself returned the sentiment with a modest smile that spoke of her own satisfaction.
Though I received no verbal acknowledgment, I nodded in appreciation, a gesture of acknowledgment for her thoughtfulness.
"Shall we now focus on the matter at hand? We extend our gratitude for the generous hospitality that we've received for the duration of our stay in your town," I interjected, offering a slight bow as I sipped from the cup of tea before me, expressing my gratitude for their warm welcome.
"It is my belief that offering accommodations befitting your stature is the least I can do, especially in light of the events that transpired in the forest. My father, Duke William, would certainly wish to convey his gratitude as well," he replied, his words carrying the weight of an unspoken connection between us.
The incident he referred to was one that had drawn our attention and involvement, leading to a sense of responsibility that seemed to echo throughout his words.
"My own sentiments align with yours, and I acknowledge that our arrival may have inconvenienced your routine," I responded, genuine concern reflected in my gaze as I regarded him with empathy.
"Considering the unfortunate turn of events in the aftermath of the forest incident, our town has witnessed an exodus of its inhabitants, exacerbating the issues we already faced," he confessed, his gaze dropping momentarily as he revealed the complex challenges his town grappled with.
As I listened to his words, the scattered piles of papers around us took on new significance, symbolizing the weight of the responsibilities he carried.
"With my father's health taking a downturn, the mantle of his duties has fallen on me," he continued, his expression reflecting a mixture of determination and trepidation, revealing the burdens he had embraced.
In those moments, I was tempted to offer our assistance, a desire that stemmed from my compassionate nature. Yet, I knew that Blanc, my unwavering leader, would not endorse such a course of action. It was a reminder that my personal feelings had to be weighed against the greater good.
In response to my unspoken thoughts, Edmund added, "While I am eager to accept aid, I must acknowledge that Blanc would not endorse such a proposal. Her vigilance to protect our group's integrity is a testament to her leadership."
A mix of emotions coursed through me—my willingness to help tempered by the understanding that our group's dynamics had to be maintained.
"Ah, before I forget, allow me to extend my gratitude for your intervention outside the manor earlier. Your assistance was invaluable, and I genuinely appreciate your timely intervention," Edmund spoke with sincerity, though beneath his gratitude, I sensed an undercurrent of a deeper sentiment.
"It was but a natural response on my part," I replied, masking my reluctance to relive the experience.
"Truly, your actions have significance, as they resonated with a part of me that struggles to assert itself. I must also convey my gratitude for another reason," he added, his words laden with gratitude that extended beyond the immediate context.
"In essence, it is second nature for me to react in such situations," I offered a modest response, downplaying the true extent of my reluctance.
"It is not solely due to circumstances that I feel indebted. Rather, it is because of my inability to stand up for myself, an aspect that burdens me," Edmund confessed, revealing a vulnerability that had previously been hidden.
His trembling hand betrayed his inner fears, an internal battle that he wrestled with.
"Your candor is appreciated, and I want to assure you that with time, solutions will emerge. We are all dedicated to supporting each other, and I hold genuine belief in our collective strength," I reassured him, eager to offer a glimmer of hope amidst the challenges he faced.
"Your Highness…" His eyes seemed to light up with a newfound optimism, a spark that held the promise of better days ahead.
"In the meantime, let's delve into the details of our stay," I suggested, steering the conversation toward the practicalities that needed addressing.
Our discussions continued, each topic uncovering new layers of insight into the complexities Edmund managed.
"Thank you for engaging in this dialogue, and for sharing your concerns with us," I concluded our conversation, a sense of connection forming between us as the weight of his responsibilities became more apparent.
Part 2 Afternoon (Duke William's Manor)
With our business concluded, we bid our farewells and returned to the guest manor. The journey back was marked by the collapse of a few dilapidated buildings, a haunting reminder of past conflicts, reminiscent of a world I had left behind.
"Is there something troubling you, Lady Tatiana?" Lily inquired, her voice laced with concern as she observed my introspection.
"The state of this town troubles me. It seems to be suffering, much like the world I remember," I confessed, my worry reflecting the unsettling familiarity of the scene before me.
"It's in your nature to worry, Lady Tatiana. Perhaps discussing your concerns with Lady Blanc could provide further insights into our next steps," Lily suggested, offering a reassuring smile that reminded me of her unwavering support.
Lily's suggestion struck a chord within me, reminding me of the wisdom of seeking guidance from our leader, Blanc.
"Lily?" I questioned as we navigated the streets, taken aback by her sudden shift in attention.
"State your intent," Lily commanded with a watchful eye, her gaze fixed on a particular spot ahead.
"Urgh…" A voice emerged from the crowd, and to my astonishment, it was none other than Miss Nathalia.
"Miss Nathalia? What brings you here?" I voiced my surprise, curious about her presence.
"It's not like I like you or anything, but… thank you!" She blurted out her gratitude before hurrying away, her actions a perplexing mix of tsundere demeanor and sincere sentiment.
"What just happened?" I mused aloud, puzzled by the unexpected encounter.
"It appears to be a maiden's heart being put to the test," Lily explained, her knowledge of the situation hinting at a deeper understanding.
"Kyu?" Lumina chimed in, echoing my confusion.
As we finally reached the guest manor, its grandeur standing as a testament to the nobility, I couldn't help but marvel at the opulence before me, a setting that seemed to encapsulate the grandeur of a bygone era.
"This way to your room, Lady Tatiana," Lily guided, leading me through the opulent interior of the manor.
I marveled at Lily's familiarity with the manor's layout, her confidence evident in the way she navigated its corridors and halls.
Upon entering my designated master bedroom, I was greeted by Lumina's joyful fluttering as she landed on the soft bed, her delight evident in her energetic movements.
"That's not fair, Lumina! Oh, such a luxurious bed. I'm almost tempted to surrender to slumber right now," I teased playfully, my words cut short as I noticed something behind me.
Creak. The sound of a chair being pushed back broke the comfortable silence. It was Blanc, her face inscrutable.
"…Tatiana, go to the study room one hour from now," she instructed, a hesitation in her voice as she uttered my name.
"Ah… alright," I acquiesced, intrigued by the enigma of our upcoming interaction.
Blanc's intentions remained veiled, leaving me to ponder the purpose of our impending meeting.
With a firm knock, I signaled my entrance.
"Enter," Blanc's voice invited, and I stepped into the room to find her clad in her bedrobe, her aura commanding as ever.
"Lady Blanc, may I appeal for clemency?" I inquired, a note of concern lacing my words.
"Good, you're already prepared for this," Blanc noted, her gaze appraising me with an unreadable expression.
I glanced down at my nightgown, puzzled by her assertion. Was there something I was missing?
"Though, I must admit, I have no interest whatsoever in that child's body of yours, so spare me any untoward thoughts," Blanc's sigh carried an air of finality, a dismissal of any assumptions.
"Are you sure? Then, who might you be interested in?" I posed the question, my curiosity piqued by her preferences.
"Hmm… someone older, more mature, and possessing a strength that matches or surpasses mine," Blanc answered, offering a glimpse into her ideals.
An awkward silence lingered between us, her candid admission leaving a distinct impression.
"Why on earth did I even bring this up all of a sudden?" Blanc's confusion was palpable, as though even she struggled to comprehend her own musings.
Even in her own eyes, her sentiments appeared perplexing. While I had garnered that she preferred someone older, the specifics seemed to elude her.
"In any case, remove your robe," Blanc's request shifted the focus of our conversation.
"Wait, I thought you weren't interested?" I questioned, surprised by her sudden change in demeanor.
"Only the robe," Blanc clarified, her tone devoid of hesitation.
Caught in my thoughts, I hesitated to comply, my mind churning with uncertainties.
"What's that?" I gestured toward the magical stone she held, curiosity getting the better of me.
"This is a magical stone Sakuya bestowed upon me. It amplifies the power of magical devices that require a source of magic," Blanc explained, her voice imbued with a sense of authority.
"So, it's like a power supply, and when connected…" Blanc demonstrated, the magical device glowing with newfound vigor.
"This device analyzes the magical attributes and types present within the individual using it," Blanc elaborated, her explanation shedding light on the purpose of the stone.
"Would you assist me in wearing it?" I struggled to reach the clasp behind my neck, a tinge of vulnerability coloring my request.
"Ugh… Must I?" Blanc's reluctant tone carried a hint of annoyance.
"Didn't you mention that you practiced magic in your previous world?" Blanc inquired, her skepticism apparent as she probed my background.
"Yes, I did practice, though my mastery was limited at best. I struggled to grasp the elemental magics during my training," I admitted, a twinge of nostalgia accompanying the memory.
"Done. Your magic aligns with the holy attribute, similar to Lumina's," Blanc confirmed, her tone asserting my newfound magical affinity.
"Holy magic? I've never encountered such a concept in my previous world. I wasn't proficient in any of the elemental magics during my training," I shared, astonished by the revelation.
"Indeed? That's intriguing. It's possible that this world has bestowed the holy attribute upon you," Blanc speculated, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected discovery.
"What about you, Blanc? What kind of magic do you possess?" I inquired, intrigued by the extent of her abilities.
"I no longer possess magic," Blanc stated, her tone matter-of-fact.
"What do you mean? Let's test it," I proposed, eager to explore her magical capabilities.
With a resigned sigh, Blanc consented, allowing me to secure the magical stone around her neck. As I brushed aside her short hair, I glimpsed a mysterious symbol etched on the back of her neck.
"…" Blanc's silence spoke volumes, an indication of emotions she wrestled with.
"Here we go," I announced, securing the stone in place, its glow radiating with an intense light before abruptly shattering.
"Huh? What's happening?" I exclaimed, taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.
"I lost my connection to magic long ago. During my childhood, it was forcibly extracted from me," Blanc revealed, her tone heavy with a mixture of resignation and sorrow.
"Blanc…" I struggled to comprehend the weight of her confession, the magnitude of her sacrifice evident in her words.
Lily entered the room, her presence a welcome interruption that shifted our focus.
"Pardon my intrusion. I couldn't help but notice the intriguing display," Lily greeted us, her demeanor one of curiosity.
As the night progressed, we delved into the practicalities of my medical assessment, sizing, and body measurements. It was a thorough examination, one that seemed to seek a deeper understanding of my physical attributes.
The night embraced us with its darkness, Lumina's light dimming as slumber claimed her. The whispers of concern lingered, woven into the fabric of our interactions, reminding me of the intricate tapestry that was our journey.
Chapter 31 End